"Since it's a girls' party, I won't go. It wouldn't be nice to show up without warning."
After hearing what happened, Li Xiang quickly refused. Although the social atmosphere in the Tang Dynasty was relatively open, the two were engaged after all. As a man, Li Xiang didn't care. The other party could say whatever they wanted. We can't say he was shameless, but at least his skin was thicker than a city wall.
But Miss Cheng is different. She is still waiting to be married. If she meets her fiancé at this time, there will be a lot of gossip. What's more, they can meet whenever they want after they get married. Why rush into it?
"Are you worried about something?"
Changsun Pingting was also a smart person. When she saw Li Xiang frowning, she immediately understood what was going on. He must have encountered a problem, but the relationship between the two was not that close yet. Although they were allies, she couldn't ask what the matter was. She also had to see whether Li Xiang was willing to tell her.
"It's okay to tell my aunt, but I don't know whether I should increase my own strength or increase the strength of the Tang Dynasty in this situation."
Li Xiang did not explain his words too clearly. If he had met Changsun Wuji, he would have definitely changed the subject. But it was different when he met Changsun Pingting. Changsun Wuji had a different relationship with Li Shimin. Even if she had already boarded Li Xiang's chariot, she would still stand on Li Shimin's side. After a hundred years of Li Shimin's death, perhaps Changsun Wuji would assist Li Xiang, but Changsun Pingting and Changsun Chong were young and had already boarded Li Xiang's chariot. There was nothing to estimate.
Changsun Pingting smiled and immediately knew what Li Xiang was worried about. When the Tang Dynasty first rose to power, Li Xiang and Li Shimin were one family. The two of them treated each other as equals and only wanted to make the entire Tang Dynasty prosperous. But now that there have been certain results, Li Shimin feels that Li Xiang is somewhat difficult to control, so he suppresses Li Xiang in all aspects. Now Li Xiang should have a good opportunity in his hands, but he doesn't know what to choose for a moment.
"I can't advise you on this matter."
Changsun Pingting did not say anything, which was also within Li Xiang's expectations. After all, Changsun Pingting represented the entire Changsun family. Once the news reached Li Shimin's ears, it might bring certain disasters to the family.
The following time was filled with silence. Li Xiang wanted to listen to Changsun Pingting's opinion. Although Li Xiang also wanted to take all the benefits into his own hands, if he lost this opportunity, it might give the Five Surnames and Seven Families another chance to rise. If anything went wrong in the future, Li Xiang's plan would be ruined.
"Since you won't come with me, then go back and have a good rest. I have something to say to you: only when the Tang Dynasty is well can you be well, but even if you are well, the Tang Dynasty may not be well."
After Changsun Pingting finished speaking, the carriage left the East Palace. Li Xiang pondered over these two sentences and knew what to do.
Changsun Pingting was right. Although Li Shimin was dealing with Li Xiang, it had to be said that the interests of the two were the same. If Li Xiang had taken a detour on this matter, perhaps Li Xiang would have gained huge benefits, but he would have lost the opportunity to strike the Five Surnames and Seven Families. In the short term, Li Xiang was good, but in the long run, Li Xiang lost a lot.
"Enter the palace."
With Changsun Pingting's advice, Li Xiang knew what to do, so he did not return to the East Palace and asked Qian Ping to pass the sign. At this time, Li Shimin should not have rested yet.
The Eastern Palace is also within the imperial palace, but it is in the outer circle. If you want to see Li Shimin, it is basically the same as other ministers.
Li Xiang didn't want to come so early, but since he already knew what to do, there was no need to go home and hesitate. Telling Li Shimin about this matter earlier would also allow it to be finalized earlier. After all, the profits involved were too huge. Even a time traveler like Li Xiang wanted to take this wealth for himself.
If it was for the sake of the Tang Dynasty, Li Xiang would push a large amount of high-quality salt into the society according to the original plan, leaving other major families with no chance of survival, and their prices would be cut in half. But if it was for himself, Li Xiang would use these salt permits to negotiate conditions with the major families, either you buy it at a high price, or I will make sure you die, just like threatening the Cui family, to let them know how powerful he is.
But in the end, Li Xiang still chose to do it for the Tang Dynasty. Just as Changsun Pingting said, only when the Tang Dynasty is doing well can he be better. Money doesn’t matter to him. He may not have that much now, but he will definitely have it in the future. But if you lose this opportunity, can you guarantee that you will have such a good opportunity in the future?
According to the deductions of several ministers before, after this incident, the strength of all the major families will decline a lot. For example, the Taiyuan Wang family will see a decline of at least 90%, and it is very likely to become a third-rate family. Even if other families are not so powerful, a decline of 30% is certain. It is rare for a large family that has existed for hundreds of years to lose so much.
"How did you do that? Did the Cui family just listen to you?"
After Li Shimin saw the salt permit from the Cui family, he was a little bit unbelieving in his heart. The Cui family was known as the number one family in the world, so how could they cooperate with others at will? Even if Li Shimin went to negotiate himself, he was afraid that this matter would not be able to be negotiated.
"Please forgive me, Grandfather. Some things are hard to explain, but I have given everything I have."
Li Xiang said this deliberately in order to make Li Shimin relax a little. Li Shimin certainly knew that for the Cui family to cooperate, there must be big gains. If the gains were not big enough, they would never break with the other major families.
Upon learning that Li Xiang had paid a huge price, Li Shimin looked sad, but he was very happy in his heart. His grandson had paid a huge price, and other major families would also face huge losses. The only ones who benefited were him and the Cui family. Although he did not want the Cui family to profit, under the current circumstances, this should be the best result.
"Don't be too sad. I can see your efforts in this matter. If you encounter any problems in the future, I will take care of it for you."
Li Shimin's words were light and perhaps he felt that they had no weight, but now he didn't know what reward to give Li Xiang. After all, some people have them, and some people have them too. What can you give him?