NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49: Three birds with one stone, killing a family and a family!
Soon, Xiao Ran also grasped the situation.
“It’s indeed a bit excessive, these aristocratic families taking advantage of the situation!” Xiao Ran remarked.
“Is there a solution?” Li Lizhi looked at Xiao Ran expectantly.
“Of course, there’s a way. Since the aristocratic families are willing to lend, let His Majesty borrow as much as possible. Borrow as much as you can,” Xiao Ran replied with a smile.
“That won’t work. It’s an endless loop, isn’t it?” Li Lizhi frowned.
“After borrowing, we won’t repay with money; instead, we’ll borrow charcoal. When it’s time to repay, it will be in the form of charcoal,” Xiao Ran explained.
“What about interest?” Li Lizhi asked.
“Follow the aristocratic families’ suggestion of nine out of ten. If the repayment isn’t made within a month, compound interest accumulates. It’s acceptable,” Xiao Ran elaborated.
“This way, we can use this opportunity to profit from the aristocratic families!” Xiao Ran continued.
“How?” Li Lizhi still didn’t understand.
“Have His Majesty borrow and sell the charcoal directly to the aristocratic families when received,” Xiao Ran explained.
“But why would they buy it back? They lent it in the first place,” Li Lizhi questioned.
“They have to buy it!” Xiao Ran asserted.
Li Lizhi pondered but still didn’t grasp it. “Why?”
“They must buy it back when His Majesty sells it slightly cheaper than the aristocratic families. To inflate the price, they’ll have to buy it back. Otherwise, the price will drop,” Xiao Ran clarified.
Li Lizhi nodded, “I understand that part. But what’s the benefit of exchanging charcoal for money?”
“Next, we can wait for the charcoal prices to plummet,” Xiao Ran replied.
Li Lizhi’s eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, “I get it! Our coal enters the market, providing an alternative to charcoal and lowering its price. When it’s low enough, we spend money to buy it back and repay the aristocratic families with interest!”
“Exactly, that’s the idea!” Xiao Ran affirmed.
“Will they fall for it?” Li Lizhi expressed concern.
The powerful families are not easily deceived. Tang Dynasty will be burdened with a massive debt if things go wrong.
“Our goal needs to be kept confidential so that aristocrats won’t anticipate it, giving us an advantage. When they are unaware, opportunities naturally arise.”
“No one would have expected Xiao Ran to discover an alternative to charcoal, with a significant quantity and quality comparable to charcoal.”
“The cost-effectiveness is even higher than charcoal.”
“People from aristocratic families are intelligent but wouldn’t consider such matters.”
“The use of coal technology is a strategic move in the current Tang Dynasty.”
“To be honest, it’s a bit of taking advantage.”
“The more Li Lizhi thought about it, the more excited she became. ‘The key is to ensure a sufficient amount of coal enters Changan City.'”
“That’s right! Yujiagou has an exposed coal mine, making extraction simple, as you’ve seen during the coal washing process.”
Li Lizhi nodded, “Kill two birds with one stone! Ask Father to send someone to help dig coal!”
“No, no, no! It’s not necessary!” Xiao Ran quickly waved his hands.
“The people sent by the emperor must be reliable, making it worry-free!”
“That’s right, killing two birds with one stone is not enough; we want to kill three birds with one stone!”
“Is there anything else?”
“Changan City surely has many refugees, right?”
Li Lizhi nodded, “Many, and the number is increasing.”
“Too many refugees gathering is a huge risk. If not handled properly, it might lead to riots.”
Li Lizhi nodded, “That’s right!”
“So, we want to use employment as relief, simultaneously solving some refugee issues. Does this count as killing three birds with one stone?”
Li Lizhi nodded hastily, admiring Xiao Ran.
Li Lizhi hadn’t considered this issue before.
“That’s a good idea! This also eases some pressure on the court.”
Xiao Ran nodded, “The wages can be lower, take care of food and lodging, and recruit as many refugees as possible.”
“I understand!” Li Lizhi said with a smile.
Li Lizhi couldn’t wait to inform Li Shimin.
“It’s too late, let’s discuss it tomorrow!”
“No, I must tell him. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep!” Li Lizhi’s attitude was firm!