Don't be a prince

With Lin Qi taking the lead, all the shopkeepers agreed together, eager to know the content of the cooperation.

Li Chengqian stretched out his hand and pressed it falsely, motioning Lin Qi to sit down, and waited until the merchants shut up before continuing: "As for the way to make money, I still have some in my hands, so I called you all here. You also know that being a prince alone , You can’t do business, so you can only buy shares with your ideas, and you are the ones who actually operate. No matter how much money you make with your ideas, you only need [-]% of the profit, just like the general. What do you think?"

40.00% of the net profit, this would be a money-grabbing behavior in future generations, but in Datang, these businessmen have no objection.Their low status has weakened their right to speak. In their view, working with the crown prince is just paying [-]% of the shares, which is not too little.

Seeing that no one objected, Li Chengqian took out the list and read: "Zhao Yongsheng, Li Dahai, you two come out."

Zhao Yongsheng, who had limited legs and feet, and Li Dahai, another chubby businessman, stood up and saluted respectfully.

He took out two drawings from the desk and asked Fang Sheng to hand them over.

The drawing describes how to increase the alcohol concentration of sake by distillation.With Fang Shengzai, Li Chengqian learned that the wine culture of the Tang Dynasty was extremely backward.As for the beer-like wine he drank last night, it turned out to be samara, which was paid tribute from Persia and known as the king of wine.And the ordinary yellow fermented rice wine of Datang, the alcohol content is not very high.

It’s no wonder that so many testers claim that they can’t get drunk after a thousand cups of beer. Just the small cups they drink in, a thousand cups of beer, as long as they go to the toilet a few more times, they really can’t get drunk.

Salamander, which is nearly [-] degrees, is already the king of wines. As long as high-alcohol wine is produced by distillation, all wines will be swept into the garbage.

Those who can be favored by Fang Sheng are all big shopkeepers, and literacy is the minimum.Zhao Yongsheng and Li Dahai thought about it after reading it, and found that this method is really feasible, not to mention that it is not difficult, such a spicy spirit, as long as it is released, it can instantly become popular.Not to mention the internal sales of Datang, once the foreign trade is opened, the wine in this altar will be exchanged for a large sum of money!

The two looked at each other, and Zhao Yongsheng bowed and asked: "Your Highness, although your method is simple, the grassroots also think it can be successful, but why did you give the prescription to me?"

For such a good thing, the less the better, Zhao Yongsheng didn't understand, his Yongsheng Winery was already the number one in Chang'an, why did the crown prince bring Li Dahai with him?Although their wine shop's wine is also good, but it is of two grades with Yongsheng Winery!

Li Chengqian replied: "There is a reason for entrusting it to you two. Zhao Yongsheng, I know that your wine has been a time-honored brand since the Sui Dynasty. I entrusted you with the recipe to sell it internally. And Li Dahai is in charge of selling to the outside world. Naturally, the wine sold to us Datang people must be refined. If something goes wrong, Zhao Yongsheng will personally hold you accountable! As for the outside world, just deal with it as you like. Li Dahai, I heard that you have a caravan traveling from Turks under your command. With this background, it will be much easier for you to develop foreign trade. The two of you are a pair of internal and external, and there will be no conflict of interest."

After listening to the prince's words, Zhao Yongsheng and Li Dahai looked at each other and smiled kindly at the same time.One inside and one outside is good, so that there will be no conflict of interests between the two wineries, and it would be great for everyone to make money together!

Folding the drawing carefully and stuffing it into his bosom, Li Dahai bowed and said, "Then, your Highness, it's not too late. Caomin will go to the wine shop and try to make wine."

Li Chengqian nodded and asked the guards to send the two of them out.

After finishing the two, Li Chengqian looked at the list and continued to read: "Lin Qi, Feng Youcai, Zhang Lie, you three come out."

Finally waiting for their names, the three stood up excitedly.A kind of high-grade wine that can abuse the salamander, its benefits are probably beyond what gold and silver can describe.Zhao Yongsheng and Li Dahai left with smiles, which made them full of confidence in the prince.

Taking out a letter of introduction and handing it to the three of them, Li Chengqian said, "Fang Sheng told Gu that the three of you are all well-known timber merchants. Presumably, there must be no shortage of carpenters in your family?"

Lin Qi bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness, Caomin has a woodware store in Chang'an, and there are three woodware stores in his hometown."

Li Chengqian nodded and said: "This letter of introduction is for Yan Liben, the general supervisor and young supervisor. He will send three craftsmen who are familiar with making wheelchairs, spring beds and other wooden wares, so that the craftsmen in your family can also learn how to make them. Wooden wares are no better than others. During transportation, as long as it encounters rain, the tenon will swell and crack. Therefore, it is the best choice to make and sell now. You have more than one store under your name, how many can you open outside Datang Chang'an? Don’t care about branch stores, it’s up to you to open as many as possible. How about it?”

Lin Qi and the three were immediately overjoyed. In fact, they had long been envious of the popularity of the store under Jiang Zuojian's name. Now that they have been authorized by the crown prince, although they have to leave Chang'an to sell it, it can be seen that they can make a lot of money.

The three left with the same salute, neither Zhao Yongsheng nor Lin Qi made a contract.In fact, except for the house deed and slave deed, Datang seldom made contracts.Three cups of turmoil, the five mountains are light.Even if it is a verbal promise, the Tang people will stick to it.For businessmen who value integrity the most, integrity is more precious than their wealth and life.

After sending the five people away, Li Chengqian took out the list again: "Gu came to see Ang, huh? Got it! Fu Chengshuang, you are the biggest butcher in Chang'an? But you are going to be disappointed, Gu didn't guide you to do business, but To have a long-term cooperation with you..."

"Wu Dabao, who sells vegetables? Don't worry, I want to cooperate with you for a long time, and I also want to show you how to make a fortune. Do you know Wen Tangjian? Don't you? Then I will simply say that I want to teach you how to make money even in winter." The way to grow vegetables...."

Following Li Chengqian's roll call, the merchants who were called all left contentedly.

This time they came to the East Palace, the worst of them all got the prince's long-term order of 2000 people.Even if they are leaders in various industries, they cannot ignore such a large order.

After the merchants had left, Mr. Li came out from behind the flowers pushing a wheelchair.

On his lap, there is a wrapped guqin.

Asking Fang Sheng to hand over the guqin to Li Chengqian, Li Gang snorted and said, "I am willing to admit defeat, but I have agreed that when your high-quality wine is brewed, I will be the first to taste it!"

With Li Gang's knowledge, how can he not know how much profit Li Chengqian's high wine will make.He is not someone who can't afford to lose, so he simply admits defeat.

The old gentleman who lost the guqin was not unhappy at all. Instead, he pushed the wheelchair close to Li Chengqian and said, "You'd better go to the court meeting tomorrow. The old man found you a very good teacher, and you can meet him at the court meeting." .”

Chapter 55 Dumplings

"Excellent teacher?" Li Chengqian blinked.

Those who can be rated very well by Li Gang are probably not simple characters.

But yeah....

Li Chengqian was very afraid that that guy would be some kind of stubborn Confucian, with his mind full of ancient books and impersonal.To be honest, he really can't get along with such a person.

Like the old gentleman, although he is old-fashioned in his treatment of knowledge, he is never pedantic when getting along with him, and even occasionally does bad things with his students.For such a person who is both a teacher and a friend, Li Chengqian has nothing but respect besides respect.

Li Gang patted the armrest of the wheelchair: "Who it is, you will know when the court meeting is held. In addition, boy, the old man advises you that money is the root of disaster. Even if you are a prince, don't accumulate too much wealth. Yes When it’s time, it’s a good choice to spend all the money.”

Seeing the old man's earnest expression, although he didn't understand what it meant, Li Chengqian nodded obediently.

Although he is close to thirty years old, in this era of Tang Dynasty, he is not much better than a seven-year-old child, no matter how he behaves or anything else.An old man like Li Gang has experienced too much, and every word and deed must have its reason.

Seeing Li Chengqian nodding, Li Gang smiled, pushed the wheelchair and left.

Unlike teaching other people, when teaching Li Chengqian, Li Chengqian is more willing to give some advice, and the rest depends on his own understanding.Young people are just an age group that can tolerate making mistakes. In many cases, the truths that are realized after suffering a loss are more unforgettable.

After sending Li Gang away, Li Chengqian lay lazily behind the table, thinking hard about what the old man meant.

Don't worry about the military camp for the time being, with Yu Tai here, there will be no problems.

There is no need to meddle in the affairs of the merchants. The prince of the Tang Dynasty summoned the merchants. This matter is enough for the officials to impeach.The contact with them in the future can only be done through Fang Sheng.

Li Chengqian, who took out spirits, wheelchairs, greenhouse vegetables and other technologies as shares, made up his mind to only be a money collector.

After so much hustle and struggle, it feels so good to be lying on the ground doing nothing.

As for thinking about the meaning of the old man's words, Li Chengqian had long forgotten it in a corner.You don't need to move your body, and you don't need to think about it. It's unreasonable for such a salted fish to be embraced by courtiers and loved by parents!

I have decided that I should not think about making progress in the future, and I can't do stupid things like being a hero to stop the enemy alone in the future.

It is best to eat, drink and have fun more, and from now on give courtiers, emperors and queens the impression of "continuous small mistakes".

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian immediately shouted: "Elder Sun Baoqing!"

The elder Sun Baoqing who had been waiting on the side came over.

Standing up straight, Li Chengqian asked: "How much money do we have in the East Palace?"

When it came to this question, Changsun Baoqing felt distressed for a while: "Your Highness, some time ago, the general prisoner sent six carriages of copper coins. Before the officer could count them, you sent everyone to the barracks. Excuse me. The officials are talking too much, and the products that will be used as prisons are sold in Chang'an, almost all of which are sold with one hammer, so we may not have such a large share in the future. If you spend so much, the officials are afraid that His Majesty will blame you."

Although the eldest grandson Baoqing is just a guest of the prince and has no rank, he is the serious steward of the East Palace.As for Prince Zhan Shi, although he was officially in charge of the Eastern Palace, he was actually an honorary official position granted to courtiers, just like Prince You Shuzi and Prince Shaobao.

Patting Changsun Baoqing's shoulder, Li Chengqian couldn't laugh or cry and said, "It's only how much money, I feel so sorry for you. You were away just now, do you know that Gu has found a new source of income for Donggong. Although you are willing to count money, But it doesn't take long before you get bored."

Changsun Baoqing looked at Li Chengqian suspiciously, with an expression of disbelief.Tired of counting money?In his opinion, it is impossible for anyone to get bored with such an exciting job as counting money, even if it is counting money for others!

Looking at Changsun Baoqing's readable facial expression, Li Chengqian knew that this guy didn't believe it.

Believe it or not.

Holding the eldest grandson Baoqing's shoulders and letting him get closer to him, Li Chengqian asked in a low voice: "Baoqing, I ask you alone, which place in the palace is in charge of recruiting maids?"

The eldest grandson Baoqing is actually very reliable: "Your Highness, there is no specific place for recruiting court ladies. Generally, the eunuchs in the palace are ordered to go out to serve as flower and bird envoys, and to select small officials and good women from common people's families. Why do you ask this? "

Li Chengqian chuckled: "Don't you think we have too many old eunuchs in the East Palace? There are no beautiful maids to reconcile, and those who don't know think we are a den of eunuchs. I think it's better for us to have more court ladies in the East Palace."

Hearing Li Chengqian's words, Changsun Baoqing suddenly lost his soul.

With a trembling mouth, he immediately shook his head again and again: "No, Your Highness, it is His Majesty and the Empress who ordered not to transfer maids to the Eastern Palace. Who dares to disobey their wishes? Besides, since the Empress ordered to reduce the palace expenses, there have been no flowers and birds. If you want a court lady, you can only go to another place."

"That's it."

Li Chengqian was a little discouraged.

Originally, I was thinking of resisting this matter and messing with the guy next door.

In desperation, Li Chengqian could only ask Liu Si to cut some leeks and go to the kitchen to let the cook make dumplings.

Although the way of eating dumplings has appeared in the Eastern Han Dynasty, this kind of food is more inclined to medicinal purposes.Common people, including Xungui, prefer to eat wontons.

Dumplings made with leeks and eggs are easy to affect the taste due to too much soup. If you make dumplings with wontons, you may not be able to eat them.So after Li Chengqian gave a demonstration, the cooks of the East Palace also knew how to make dumplings.

After politely sending Li Chengqian away, the chef of the East Palace looked desperate.

He was originally the most famous chef in Chang'an Restaurant, and he was appointed to serve in the Imperial Dining Room after passing the test. The prince was young, so he was able to enter the East Palace as an errand.In the imperial dining room circle, being able to sneak into the East Palace as an errand before the prince's marriage is a beautiful job.

But he never expected that His Highness the Crown Prince would be a bit difficult to serve.There was something wrong with eating, so he went directly to the kitchen to teach him.Although he was slapped in the face, he couldn't tell the pain.It's really because, even he is very convinced by the food His Royal Highness has figured out.

"Bag!"

After sending the prince away, the cook could only grit his teeth and continue making dumplings.

Two brushes are not enough for those who can enter the imperial dining room through layers of selection.

The dumplings made by Li Chengqian still have a tendency to reveal the filling, but the ones made by the cook are not only beautiful, but also very strong.At least it is impossible to reveal stuffing.

In the evening, the two masters and apprentices got together again and silently tasted the leek and egg dumplings.

Chapter 56 Feng Deyi

After finishing the small bowl, Li Gang greedily glanced at Li Chengqian's big bowl, sighed, and could only drink the dumpling soup.

Li Chengqian, who ate dumplings with vinegar, naturally noticed the old man's expression, and could only say: "Don't look at me like that, it's not that I don't want to give it to you, it's because eating too much leeks is really bad for your health. Do you think How did you get the nickname of Heartbroken Grass? You are old, and your spleen and stomach must be weak, how dare you eat too much, if you eat it badly, your butt will definitely bloom."

Unknowingly, Li Gang was also led by Li Chengqian to abandon the ancient motto of "Don't talk when you eat and don't talk when you sleep".

After drinking the dumpling soup, Li Gang snorted coldly and said, "As long as you say what you say, it makes sense. Tell me, why do you want to get rid of this old man? Didn't you say that the leeks in the garden are not long enough, and it will take a long time before you can eat them?" ? I hurriedly made dumplings to flatter this old man tonight, so I must have something to ask for!"

Li Chengqian didn't feel embarrassed at all when his thoughts were exposed.

With half a dumpling in between, Li Chengqian chuckled and said, "I didn't expect you to see that this disciple really wants to ask you for something. Can you go to the court meeting tomorrow? This is the first time for this disciple to go to court. feel a little scared."

Li Gang hated the iron and said: "I thought it was something embarrassing, so I was afraid of going to court? Didn't that righteous officer teach you all kinds of etiquette? As long as the etiquette is right, what are you afraid of? It's just going to court Just cringe, how will you control the court when you become emperor in the future?

Besides, the old man has been away from the court for so many years, and when he comes to the court again, what do you ask others to think?Don't follow, go by yourself! "

Putting half a dumpling in his mouth, Li Chengqian offered the highest price without hesitation: "The leeks in the garden can still be eaten for another meal. The boy also knows a way to eat leeks and eggs. Although you are old The teeth are not good, but the noodles are softer and can still be eaten."

After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian looked at the old gentleman expectantly.

Li Gang frowned, but chose to compromise: "It's not a gentleman to threaten people with things!"

Although the old man said so, Li Chengqian knew that the old man still agreed.

With such a big backer to accompany him, Li Chengqian finally had the confidence to face the court tomorrow.

You don't need to think about it, you can sleep soundly.

In the early morning of the next day, without needing to wake up, a series of old eunuchs came over to wait for Li Chengqian to wash and change clothes before going out to get on the bus.

Throughout the whole process, it was enough for Li Chengqian to remain in a daze, and he didn't have to worry about it at all.

The reason why I got in the car was because of the old man.

Although it is not far from the East Palace to Chengtianmen, it is really slow to use a wheelchair.

Halfway through the time of Yinshi, it was still daylight, but hard-working civil and military officials were already waiting outside the gate of Chengtian.

If they are in good spirits, they gather together in groups of three or four to chat, and the most frequent topic is nothing more than the Turkic border violation the day before.

Those who are not in good spirits still sleep in the carriage.No one knew who was in one of the black carriages, but the sound of snoring could not cover the sound of horseshoes and wheels.

After getting out of the carriage, Li Chengqian rubbed his sore buttocks, and said to Li Gang who poked his head out of the carriage: "A few days ago, my disciple wanted to complain about this broken carriage. If the journey was longer, the food would be thrown out. Get off Draw pictures for the disciples, and ask the general to do more work."

With the help of Yu Tai, he got out of the carriage and sat in the wheelchair. Li Gang pointed to the shock-absorbing part of the wheelchair and said, "This is what you are talking about? This spiral wire can indeed reduce the bumps. This kind of carriage is finished. , I guess you kid will make a lot of money again."

Regarding Li Chengqian's ability to absorb money, Li Gang really has nothing to say.What seems to be extremely fresh and high-end, turns out to be just knowledge extracted from life experience by a bright child.In contrast, craftsmen who have not known how to adapt for many years have to get under the carriage in shame.

After sitting in the wheelchair, Li Gang let Li Chengqian push him towards Chengtian Gate.

The officials I met along the way were always surprised when they recognized Li Chengqian's clothes.

When they saw Li Gang in the wheelchair, they all stepped aside respectfully and saluted.

With Li Gang's qualifications, no matter which official he is, he should be only a head short when he sees him.

However, there are always exceptions to everything in the world.

At the front of the team were Fang Xuanling and the others.

Apart from Fang Xuanling, the other two are not young, the oldest one already has gray hair.

Seeing Li Gang, Fang Xuanling and the younger one saluted together: "Fang Qiao (Xiao Yu), I met Mr. Li."

Li Gang nodded, and then greeted the gray-haired old man: "De Yi, don't come here without any problems!"

"Deyi?"

Li Chengqian, who was behind the wheelchair, thought of the identity of this person after searching his stomach.

Feng Deyi, this is an idiot whose brilliance was completely overshadowed by Fang Mou's decision, but failed to make waves in history as a prime minister.