If it was a trivial matter between relatives, Cheng Luan might have said a few words casually, but now it was related to military and national affairs, and there were some things that he could not just casually interrupt. If he said something wrong, people outside would accuse him of interfering in state affairs, and he would not be able to clear himself of the blame then.
"Your Highness, don't be angry. He is the late son of the Emperor, and he is good at speaking. He is very respected by the Emperor. You must have hit a wall, right?"
Seeing her man panting, Cheng Luan understood what was going on. According to Li Xiang's temper, if something like this happened, he would not waste a second and would immediately go to Prince Song's Mansion to find someone to see how this bastard did his job.
Li Xiang developed his career in the army, so naturally he attached great importance to the interests of the army. In the war with the Arabs, he could not obtain a large amount of gold and silver treasures, mainly because he did not attack their wealthy places. Then these people were the most precious wealth. If tens of thousands of people were taken to Chang'an City as slaves and all of them were sold, it would not be a small number. You, a guy, actually dared to interfere with such trade. Don't you think you have lived too long?
"I was just about to call this guy in for a talk, but he ended up running off to Daming Palace. The retired emperor is old now, and I heard he's been feeling a bit unwell these past few days. If I were to lead the army to capture him, I'm afraid this birthday celebration wouldn't even take place. However, I've already had someone waiting at the gate of Daming Palace. If this guy dares to come back, I'll bring him here for questioning."
Li Xiang said angrily that this guy must have heard the news from somewhere else, so he ran to the retired emperor early in the morning. He also knew that although Chang'an City was very big now, if there was anyone who could protect him, it could only be the retired emperor. If he wanted to seek a glimmer of hope somewhere else, there would be no chance with Li Xiang, the living devil. Even Li Shimin's Golden Palace might not be able to protect him. It was really that the thing he played was too big.
Fortunately, the discovery was made early, and the slaves from the northwest had just started their journey. If they had reached Chang'an, they would have been crammed into such a small area. If something went wrong, who would have been held responsible? This was the capital of the Tang Dynasty, and if there had been any disturbance, it would have easily shaken the foundation of the country.
"Your Highness, think carefully. This incident is so bizarre. Although the King of Song is greedy for money, he is also very timid. Could he also be tricked? If tens of thousands of slaves from the northwest were transported here, plus the existing 20,000, these people would definitely not be able to survive. If chaos breaks out, the garrison in Chang'an City will naturally be able to suppress it. However, if all the troops are transferred to the slave camps, some places will be empty."
While Cheng Luan was pouring water for Li Xiang, Li Xiang narrowed his eyes as he speculated about this matter. On the way back, he also felt that something was wrong and wanted to call King Song over. He did not want to convict him, but wanted to understand the whole thing, which big businessmen were involved, and whether these big businessmen had any relationship with those nobles. But who knew that this guy was scared to death and ran directly to the Daming Palace, which was indeed a place that could protect him.
"You and I were thinking the same thing. I originally wanted to have a good talk with this guy, but he turned out to be such a coward. After all, they are my grandfather's generation. Aside from Han Wang Li Yuanchang, I haven't touched any of them. But if this guy doesn't give me a proper explanation, I will confront him even if I go to the Golden Palace tomorrow."
According to the rules of the Tang Dynasty, there is a court meeting every three days. Tomorrow is the morning court. If this guy goes to court, Li Xiang will definitely ask him about it. Of course, this guy may not go to court because he is afraid.
"Let's take some remedial measures first. There are plenty of merchants in Chang'an City now. You can come with thirty or I can come with fifty. We can buy all these slaves quickly. It will take more than a month to get them from the northwest. If we really can't sell them, we still have so many farms. We can buy them. Let's move these people from the original camp first."
Cheng Luan is now more rational. Li Xiang was furious and did not think of taking the time to make amends. After listening to what his wife said, Li Xiang did not care about other people present and hugged his wife in his arms, which made him blush.
Qian Ping took his men to do the work. Chang'an City had merchants from all over the country, and they were most fond of this kind of free laborers. Let alone 20,000 people, even if another zero was added, it could be handled in a month.
In the early years, no one was interested in these people. After all, they were very strong. Once they arrived at their own farm, if they really didn't want to work, they might even harm their owner's life. At that time, it was not a matter of saving money, and it was very likely that your entire family's lives would be lost.
But later the imperial court published some guides for the use of slaves, and these people knew what to do. After returning, they would be starved for ten days. Of course, it did not mean that they would be given nothing, but only one steamed bun a day to ensure that these people would not starve to death. On the eleventh day, they would be pulled out to work.
After finishing their work every day, they could only have two or three steamed buns. Their whole bodies were in an extremely weak state, but they were still able to complete their daily work. The prisoners of war, who were originally very strong, did not have much strength at this time. It was impossible to expect them to pick up swords and guns to resist.
What's more, those who can afford slaves all have their own guards at home. If you dare to resist, those sticks and whips will beat you so hard that you will doubt your life.
The news about the King of Song spread throughout the capital that night. Li Shimin also heard about it. He was so angry that he went to the Daming Palace. As a result, the eunuchs around Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan, knocked Li Shimin to the ground at the door.
No matter what, the emperor was not allowed to enter. Li Shimin believed in governing the world with benevolence and filial piety. He couldn't just force his way into his father's palace.
