NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42: Li Shimin’s Suggestion!
Li Shimin was aware that the quality of thermal underwear was exceptional and initially believed it would be scarce and precious, only to be surprised by the abundance.
Empress Zhangsun shared the sentiment. After a meal, she changed Li Shimin into thermal underwear in the side hall.
“How does it feel, Your Majesty?” Queen Zhangsun inquired.
“The sensation is excellent, and the warmth is truly remarkable!” Li Shimin praised.
“It’s a fantastic product.”
Li Shimin reflected, “If all our soldiers could wear this in the Tang Dynasty, it would reduce many winter troubles.”
Empress Zhangsun nodded, acknowledging the practical challenge. Despite being affordable at two taels of silver per set, supply and demand were the real issues.
“If you were to sell it for twenty-five taels of silver, would you be willing?” Queen Zhangsun asked.
“Twenty-five taels? Even fifty taels, I wouldn’t want to sell!” Li Shimin expressed his satisfaction.
Empress Zhangsun smiled, “If the common people could afford it, many lives could be saved in winter.”
Li Shimin agreed, “Now we can only rely on Li Zhi and that mysterious expert.”
Li Shimin realized that after doing everything he could, he had to leave the rest to fate.
“Li Zhi mentioned selling thermal underwear in the Tang Dynasty, and I suggested a price of twenty-five taels of silver,” Queen Zhangsun explained.
“That makes sense! Looking at the current situation, ordinary people can’t afford it, so we’ll have to sell it to wealthy families. Even fifty taels seem reasonable for such a good product,” Li Shimin concluded.
Queen Zhangsun added, “The cost is only two hundred and fifty cents.”
“So cheap?” Li Shimin was surprised by the low cost.
Li Shimin emphasized, “Even if the cost is low, it shouldn’t be cheap for the wealthy. This excellent product should not be easily obtained, even with money. I think selling it for fifty taels of silver is good.”
Li Shimin saw an opportunity to benefit from the wealthy families. “The chance to fleece the wealthy families shouldn’t be missed. The expert behind Li Lizhi won’t be from an aristocratic family. As long as it’s not cheap, I’m happy,” Li Shimin declared.
“Li Zhi mentioned selling thermal underwear for gold, with Li Lizhi getting 20% profit and us getting 10%,” Queen Zhangsun explained.
“So the Royal Family gets 30%? Then it must be sold more expensively. If Li Zhi is unwilling, I’ll take it for twenty-five taels of silver, no matter how much,” Li Shimin declared confidently.
Li Shimin believed he could sell it for fifty taels of silver.
“Let’s discuss it with Li Zhi. It depends on the expert’s willingness,” Queen Zhangsun suggested.
Li Shimin acknowledged the potential benefits for the royal family.
“I don’t know what it takes to meet this expert!” Li Shimin expressed curiosity about the person behind Li Lizhi.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty, you’ll meet the expert sooner or later in Tang Dynasty,” Queen Zhangsun assured.
“True!”
“Your Majesty, do you have time later? Let’s visit Father Emperor!”
Thinking about Li Yuan and Li Shimin, silence fell upon him. The father-son relationship was strained, but Empress Zhangsun played a crucial role in mediating and improving it. Otherwise, it would have been worse.
“Not long after the last incident, I won’t go to avoid making everyone unhappy. Empress, you can go instead. There have been many matters in Changan City recently, and I am occupied with state affairs and cannot spare the time,” Empress Zhangsun nodded.
In Hongyi Palace, Li Yuan drank wine with a troubled expression while Zhang Jieyu gently pinched his leg. Empress Zhangsun entered Hongyi Palace. Seeing Empress Zhangsun, Li Yuan remained expressionless. Despite occasional visits, he didn’t resent her.
Empress Zhangsun excelled in all aspects, but Li Yuan disliked her most as she was Li Shimin’s empress. Zhang Jieyu, on the other hand, displayed a hint of disdain, stuck with the powerless Li Yuan, thanks to Li Shimin. He harbored extreme hatred for Li Shimin. Naturally, Empress Zhangsun had little favor.
“Greetings, Father!” Empress Zhangsun saluted.
Li Yuan nodded, “Did Erlang not come?”
“Father, due to the recent cold weather in Changan City and many people freezing to death, His Majesty is busy with state affairs and cannot spare the time. Please forgive him.”
“Hmm,” Li Yuan still felt somewhat discontent.
Empress Zhangsun, with a smile, said, “Father, this is a rare item purchased by His Majesty. It has excellent warming effects. I ordered my concubines to bring it to you.”
“Oh?” Li Yuan felt a bit better.
Zhang Jieyu handed the thermal underwear to Li Yuan, who, initially disappointed, realized its exceptional quality.
Li Yuan understood it was a valuable gift, his face brightening, “Erlang cares!”
His tone softened, appreciating the thoughtful gesture. Empress Zhangsun bowed slightly and left. Zhang Jieyu, disdainful, commented on the seemingly ordinary clothing.
Li Yuan, satisfied, acknowledged its value. Zhang Jieyu, realizing its quality, fell silent.
“It’s truly a good thing!” Li Yuan exclaimed.
Though his relationship with Li Shimin wasn’t perfect, the thoughtful gesture brought him joy. Zhang Jieyu, acknowledging its worth, remained silent.
“Try it on!” Li Yuan suggested, eager to experience its warming effect.