Li Xiang looked at Li Zhi speechlessly. He really didn't know what was going on in this kind of person's head. Everyone was offering suggestions for this matter. Even if they didn't have any ideas, everyone was very anxious. But people like you are always trying to tear down walls. It is really the greatest misfortune for the Tang Dynasty to have a prince like you.
"General, the court can actually contract out this area."
When Li Xiang said this, everyone present was surprised. No one understood what contracting out meant. However, based on their understanding of Li Xiang, the ideas this guy came up with were very novel and could bring certain benefits to the court.
"Tell me in detail."
Qin Qiong was obviously also interested, as he had never heard of such a statement before.
Although no one present knew what Li Xiang meant, everyone understood one thing, that is, the land outside the city was very important. If we could make use of it and manage it well, if Tuyuhun wanted to cause trouble in the future, this would be our strategic depth, and they would not be able to send troops to Liangzhou City at any time, which would threaten the security of the Tang Dynasty's border defense.
"General, the imperial court is short of war horses now because we lack places to raise them. If we want to use this place as a horse farm for the imperial court, we can invite a group of powerful people from all over the country. They only need to pay a portion of the money to the imperial court every year, and then this piece of grassland will belong to them. Of course, they will be responsible for the safety of this grassland and for gathering information about Tuyuhun for us. When Tuyuhun dispatches a large army, the imperial court will provide them with protection, but they will have to be responsible for any minor conflicts themselves. This way, we can provide the imperial court with a large number of war horses, increase annual income, and help the imperial court keep an eye on Tuyuhun."
Li Xiang's statement was rather complicated. Many people did not understand it at the beginning. Li Xiang explained it several times before everyone understood. That was to rent this land to the major families and let them train their own soldiers. The expenses of these private soldiers would be borne by themselves, and they would have to pay a portion of military horses and money to the court every year. As for the excess part, that would be your family's income.
"That's a good suggestion. If the imperial court really allows this, our Cheng family will definitely want a piece of it. Military horses are not cheap."
Cheng Yaojin was engaged in business in his daily life and soon saw the business opportunity. It has not yet appeared in the territory of the Tang Dynasty, but if it continues to develop steadily, the situation of too many people and too little land will soon emerge. If this piece of land can be obtained, it will definitely generate immeasurable income in the future.
"It sounds promising, but what if this place becomes a country within a country? The imperial court won't be able to control it. Not only will it be unable to protect the southwestern barrier for the imperial court, but it will become too powerful to control. That would be troublesome."
Qin Qiong said with some concern. He knew all about the major powerful families. They submitted to the court on the surface, but they all had their own ambitions. They might not be able to show them in the territory of the Tang Dynasty, but it was difficult for them to show their ambitions in this place where the emperor was far away.
"I've also thought of this. We can set up an official agency in Liangzhou City to strictly inspect the number of troops they have. We can also periodically rotate the inspectors to prevent them from bribing officials. We can also rotate the pastures they own to prevent them from becoming too powerful locally."
After Li Xiang said this, everyone gave him a thumbs up in their hearts. This guy was very good at calculating people's hearts. According to the method he proposed, each household could only make a fortune on the grassland. If they wanted to establish a private kingdom here, it was basically impossible.
"If we manage it properly and hand it over to my men to auction off the treasure, I estimate that the proceeds from the auction of the grassland alone will be enough to cover our military expenses. Starting next year, they will be able to provide us with military horses and military funds. Perhaps we can also provide some expenses for our troops in Liangzhou City."
Li Xiang had been thinking about this plan for a long time, but someone had to propose it. He couldn't just tell the emperor himself. If he did it himself, it would seem a bit too much. After all, Li Xiang would definitely be the biggest beneficiary of this matter.
He had already sent people to survey the area. There were many places with abundant grass and water on the grassland. He would definitely turn it into a royal ranch. Then he and Li Shimin would make it five times the size. If other big families had any ideas, could they compete with the emperor for the benefits?
"This matter is of great importance, and we don't need to make a final decision for now. I will write a memorial immediately. Please write down all the details and send it to Chang'an with my memorial. Let your grandfather make the final decision."
General Qin Qiong hesitated for a moment. This was the best solution at the moment. Otherwise, all expenses would be borne by the court. According to the court's current financial capabilities, it simply could not afford it. Now, not only did they not have to spend the money, but they could also make a profit every year. If the emperor had any problem with his mind, he would definitely approve this plan.
"Add one more clause to the memorial: we, the soldiers accompanying the army on the expedition, should have the right of first choice."
After most people had left, Cheng Yaojin said this from the side, and General Qin Qiong nodded with a smile. Qin Qiong was not good at business, but he thought there was nothing wrong with adding this item. It could improve the living conditions of the brothers in the army, so why not do it?
Li Xiang would not interfere with these people's private actions. He had already investigated the grassland thoroughly. This piece of land was not small. It was 300 miles south of Liangzhou City and at least 1,200 miles long from east to west. Now one mile is 500 meters. It was nearly 100,000 square kilometers of land. It was impossible for us to hold all of it in our own hands. It must be divided into pieces. When the time comes, everyone will work together to fight against Tuyuhun.
After the meeting, Li Zhi didn't stay for too long. He also felt that there was a huge profit hidden in it. He had to write a letter back to Chang'an quickly. No matter how much money was needed to purchase it, he had to pool the money with Li Tai. They didn't have Li Xiang's ability to make a fortune every day. Maybe they would have to sell some of their property...