Prince Zhongwu's Mansion, in the main hall.
Empress Changsun came to negotiate peace with the Li family on behalf of the royal family, and the two parties exchanged their terms very simply.
The royal family lowered their dignity and borrowed money from the Li family, and Li Ziye's intention was very obvious. He wanted to use 10 million taels of silver to buy the status of an imperial merchant.
Both sides are engaged in a game, each with its own agenda.
When the royal family seeks peace, it is impossible for them to bow their heads in humility like ordinary people do. The dignity of the royal family does not allow it.
The royal family borrowing money from the Li family has already given both parties a step up.
From the perspective of the royal family, the Li family can completely bargain. If there is no 10 million taels, just five million taels or two million taels. Anyway, this is just a reason for peace talks.
However, what even Empress Changsun didn't expect was that the third son of the Li family not only did not counter-offer a tael of silver, but also raised the steps of both parties to the sky.
Royal merchant.
This is not just a name, the interests involved are complex, and the products sold are very important to the national economy and people's livelihood.
The Li family, before they have obtained the status of imperial merchants, are already extremely wealthy, and their influence has spread to every corner of the great merchants. Once the Li family obtains the status of imperial merchants, it will become even more powerful and unstoppable.
"Professor Li."
After a brief thought, Queen Changsun came back to her senses and said seriously, "I cannot decide on this request of yours. I need to go back to the palace to report to Your Majesty and let Your Majesty make a decision."
"Not urgent."
While sitting at the table, Li Ziye put down the tea cup in his hand and responded, "Your Majesty can consider this matter slowly. Our Li family is not in a hurry."
When making peace, no one stipulates that there will be an immediate result, and at worst, we will do something in the meantime.
The royal family attacked the Li family time and time again, and they were almost on the verge of breaking up. It was not fun for him to make peace so easily.
"Nan Qiao."
After the business was finished, Empress Changsun winked at her sister and signaled that all the unimportant people in the hall should go down.
"Um."
Grandson Nanqiao understood this and immediately sent out the servants waiting in the hall.
Seeing this situation, Yu Qingxuan took the initiative to get up and leave.
"Qingxuan."
Li Ziye called out and shook his head slightly, indicating that there was no need to go out.
Yu Qingxuan paused, a touch of emotion flashed deep in his eyes, and he knelt down again.
On the main seat, Queen Changsun was slightly surprised when she saw this.
This Yu Qingxuan had just joined the Li family not long ago, and Li Jiaoxi actually trusted her so much.
However, although she had doubts in her heart, Queen Changsun didn't say much.
Matters concerning the Li family are decided by the Li family, and outsiders have no right to participate.
"Professor Li."
After all the servants left, Queen Changsun looked at the young people sitting down and said seriously, "I know that Professor Li is proficient in the art of war. There are no outsiders here. I want to hear Professor Li's views on the current situation."
"Queen, the Martial Kings should have analyzed the matters on the battlefield very clearly."
When Li Ziye heard the Queen's inquiry, he said calmly, "The martial kings of our Dashang are all handsome men who are good at conquering and fighting. There will be no mistakes in their judgment of the situation. The only question is whether the court will adopt it." The opinions of several Martial Kings."
Empress Changsun heard the meaning of the words in front of her, her eyes narrowed slightly, and asked, "What does Li Jiaoxi mean, the cities around the capital should not increase the number of troops in the capital?"
"I think it shouldn't be."
Li Ziye responded, "Seventy thousand forbidden troops are enough. The capital's defenses are far from comparable to Qingzhou's. And with King Donglin, King Wu who is the best at defensive warfare in the world, sitting on the guard, the capital is absolutely foolproof."
At this point, Li Ziye paused, changed the subject, and continued, "His Royal Highness Eleven has not yet gone on an expedition, which makes me puzzled."
Empress Changsun frowned and said, "Perhaps Your Majesty wants to keep Mu Qing's card and play it at the critical moment."
"maybe."
Li Ziye smiled faintly and said nothing more.
The era of the four kings fighting for the heir is over, and Mu Bai becomes the final winner, only half a step away from becoming the crown prince. If Mu Qing makes great achievements at this time, the situation may be more interesting.
The battle for the throne has gone from four kings fighting for the right to the throne, to three pillars, and now to one family being the only one. Mu Qing's existence is actually very embarrassing.
Over the years, because of the unclear situation of the battle for the throne, Mu Qing has been working hard to fight for power. Even today, if he doesn't want to fight anymore, those behind him probably won't either.
Presumably, Emperor Shang also saw this situation and deliberately suppressed Mu Qing and refused to let him go on the expedition.
It seems that in the eyes of the old fox, Emperor Shang, Mu Bai's ascension to the crown prince's position is a sure thing. If Mu Qing is cultivated again, it will be difficult to achieve the purpose of checks and balances, and it will only increase trouble.
The heart of an emperor changes when he really wants to.
On the main seat, Queen Changsun looked at the young man in front of her. For some reason, she felt that the distance between them was gradually getting farther and farther.
Perhaps, after the fall of common enemies like the First Prince and the Third Prince, the honeymoon period of cooperation between the two parties has come to an end.
Next, the conflict between the Li family and the royal family will officially come to the fore.
In the main hall, the atmosphere gradually became quiet, and there was a gap in our hearts, so we could no longer walk together as before.
After that, the conversation in the hall became meaningless. Both parties were people in high positions, and each one spoke more beautifully than the other.
About half an hour later, the banquet ended, and Li Ziye left the banquet, taking Yu Qingxuan with him.
"elder sister."
In the main hall, the eldest grandson Nanqiao looked at the two people's retreating figures and said solemnly, "This Professor Li has changed a lot."
"It's not that he has changed, but that everyone's position has begun to change."
On the main seat, Empress Changsun shook her head slightly and responded, "Before, we had a common opponent, so we could cooperate happily, but today's situation is different from before. In addition, the conflict between the royal family and the Li family It's getting more and more intense, and we can't completely stay out of it. Once the two sides completely break up, it's impossible for the Changsun family to side with the Li family. Teacher Li knows this better than anyone else."
"Young Master."
Outside Prince Zhongwu's Mansion, Li Ziye and Yu Qingxuan walked out together. Yu Qingxuan looked at the young man in front of him, opened his mouth, and finally couldn't help but said, "We have an alliance with the Queen. Even if the situation has changed now, Maintaining this friendship should be of great benefit to us."
"Friendship must be maintained by interests. This is an eternal truth."
Li Ziye said calmly, "The Changsun family is on the same page as the royal family and can never really stand on the side of the Li family."
"Is it impossible to maintain it even if I try my best?" Yu Qingxuan asked with concern.
"unnecessary!"
Li Ziye responded and immediately walked forward.
The Li family will not bend their knees to anyone.
