"How is it? It won't leave any scars, right?"
Seeing the imperial physician treating Li Xiang, Li Shimin said nervously that the imperial physician was also an old man in the palace. Except for Empress Zhangsun, he had never seen Li Shimin so worried about others, so he was extra careful when applying the medicine on his hands.
"To reply to the Emperor, this injury is indeed serious..."
After hearing this, Li Xiang knew that modern doctors are the same as ancient doctors. No matter how serious your injury is, they have to exaggerate it. Otherwise, how can they show their ability?
"However, Your Highness is still young, so he should be able to recover on his own. Furthermore, my ointment is an heirloom from my ancestors. The swelling will subside in just five days, and after ten days, it will be barely noticeable. After half a month, it will be back to normal without leaving any scars."
This old doctor was also a potential official, and he praised both Li Xiang and himself.
"Even so, you must take good care of him these days. Don't worry about other palace matters for now. Be sure to change his dressing regularly. If he recovers after fifteen days, I will reward him."
Li Shimin heaved a sigh of relief after hearing this. Li Xiang was now a strong contender for the crown prince. If he had a scar on his face, it would be inconvenient for him to face the people of the country in the future.
"Please put the dinner here. The eldest grandson of the emperor and I will share it."
It was almost time for dinner, and Li Shimin still had something to talk to Li Xiang about, so he let Li Xiang have his meal in the Qinzheng Hall.
Although the food the emperor eats in this era is the best in the country, Li Xiang still finds it a little difficult to swallow due to the lack of various seasonings. He has not rested since his rebirth. When he has time, he must exchange all the seasonings. This food is really tasteless.
"Do you know why I didn't attack Tuyuhun?"
It is customary to not talk or sleep while eating, but since Li Shimin started talking, Li Xiang had to continue.
"My grandson speculates that this is because the Eastern Expedition to Goguryeo was extremely costly, and the national treasury is empty, leaving no funds for the military."
When Li Xiang answered, he knew that, just as Li Chengqian had expected, this matter would have to be settled with money.
If it was a small amount of money, Li Shimin would definitely not bother with his grandson, but it was 700 strings of cash a day, 20,000 strings of cash a month, and hundreds of thousands of strings of cash a year, which was equivalent to the tax revenue of two medium-sized prefectures.
What's more, according to the information Li Shimin obtained, this is only an initial stage. If it develops in the future, it is still unknown how much profit it will make. He cannot help but want it.
"The annual revenue of the national treasury is 12 million strings of cash. Do you know how much is left now?"
Li Shimin sighed helplessly. Although the Tang Dynasty seemed to be thriving, a huge amount of military expenditure had already been spent on the eastern expedition to Goguryeo. That was to say, it was fine at this moment. If something went wrong, the Tang Dynasty would not even be able to come up with the money.
"Two million strings of cash."
Seeing Li Xiang shaking his head, Li Shimin said helplessly that Li Xiang had known for a long time that the treasury was empty at this time, but he did not expect it to be so empty, with only two million strings of cash left.
"My grandson recently developed a brand of liquor that's quite profitable, but I've already given 15% of the shares to my uncle. I still have 85% left, and I'm willing to donate it all to my grandfather."
Li Xiang said this very sincerely, but he was also heartbroken in his heart. He had finally come up with something that could make money. This was a huge cash flow. If he had to pay it all in, he would have to start all over again. However, there were many things unlocked this time, so if Li Xiang wanted to make money, it would still be easy.
"You caused this yourself. How can I interfere? Besides, you are not at fault in this matter."
Even Li Shimin, a political veteran, felt a little hot on his face at the thought of seizing his grandson's property.
"If that's the case, then why don't you fine me one million strings of cash, and have me pay two hundred thousand strings of cash annually, using my shares in the liquor business as collateral? I'm sure they won't be able to say anything else."
After hearing what Li Xiang said, Li Shimin felt really relieved. Even if he was fined, it would be at most one year's salary. However, Li Xiang actually volunteered to be fined one million strings of cash. This showed Li Xiang's selflessness and that he really did not think about his own personal gain. However, it was difficult for Li Shimin to do so now.
He only makes 250,000 strings of cash a year. Besides Changsun Wuji's income, he gave all the rest to you. Wouldn't that mean he's been working in vain? If the people of the world knew about this, how could this grandfather still have any shame?
"That's one way, but you don't need that much. You only need to pay 100,000 strings of cash every year. I won't let you spend this money in vain. I will personally write the words 'Da Tang Tian Niang' for you."
Li Shimin gave a 50% discount. Even if it was 100,000 strings of cash per year, it would be a lot of help to the court. Moreover, Li Xiang did nothing wrong in this matter, and he could still come up with so much money to settle the matter. This grandson has indeed grown up.
Li Xiang felt that it was not a loss. It was only 100,000 strings of cash a year. It might be an astronomical figure for others, but for him, it was just enough money to make a living. The most important thing was that he could not only get through this difficult time, but also flatter Li Shimin.
With these four words written by Li Shimin himself, everyone understood. Although no shares were given to Li Shimin, everyone knew that the emperor must have a share in it. Even if the Cui family of Qinghe wanted to make a move, they would have to think twice. One hundred thousand strings of cash a year is equivalent to paying protection money, and it is paid to the most powerful person in the Tang Dynasty.
"deliver an imperial order."
After dinner, Li Shimin had just wiped his mouth when he uttered these two words, and four eunuchs holding pens came over immediately.
Orally reciting the imperial edict in front of others has always been the exclusive privilege of important officials in the court. Letting his grandson listen to it here was the first time in history. Li Xiang also knelt obediently beside him.
"Prince Li Xiang mishandled affairs and deserves a severe punishment. However, considering his young age, he is fined one million strings of silver, payable over ten years, and the secret recipe of the Great Tang Heavenly Brewing is used as collateral..."
"Foreign minister Zat'elk has offended the dignity of the Tang Dynasty by assaulting an imperial official without cause. He is ordered to remain in seclusion for thirty days and is not allowed to leave. All guards involved in the brawl will be executed."
Upon hearing this, Li Xiang became even more certain of Li Shimin's intentions. He had long considered launching a military campaign against Tuyuhun, but simply lacked the funds. After Li Shimin killed these guards, the two sides would likely break off relations. As for the marriage? Forget it.
