As the prime minister of the current dynasty, Fang Xuanling certainly knew why His Majesty Li Er reacted like this.
Since Li Er ascended the throne, there have been either natural disasters or wars.
Although the Tang Empire was famous, life in the court was tight.
At the beginning of the founding of the country, even the queen of the dynasty had to wear patched clothes.
Although the court has gradually become more relaxed in the past two years due to Yang Fan's glass business, there are actually many places to spend money.
The country is so big, and if these revenues are shared, the increased revenue will not be enough.
In addition, His Majesty Li Er has been preparing materials and armaments for the eastern expedition to Goguryeo.
It can be said that His Majesty Li Er lived in a very tight situation.
Nowadays, Yang Fan has four ice cubes as big as a basin in a room, which is simply too luxurious.
You should know that in ancient times, Tibetan ice was stored from the previous winter and was not taken out until the next year's intense heat.
It is foreseeable that such a huge project as ice storage will cause huge losses.
Therefore, only the imperial court or powerful officials have the ability to store ice.
This also made the ice extremely expensive the following year.
Therefore, only wealthy people from aristocratic families can afford luxury items like ice cubes.
Although His Majesty Li Er is the emperor, the court also reserves ice every year, but the expenditure and volume are huge!
Not only do they have to provide for the royal palace of Nuoda, but they also have to give rewards to some ministers from time to time to win people's hearts.
Therefore, it has entered June, and Guanzhong is experiencing drought again this year, and the scorching weather has come earlier than before.
Even so, His Majesty Li Er did not dare to take out the stored ice cubes for use easily.
Now I saw Yang Fan's huge ice cubes placed randomly like garbage.
Moreover, Yang Fan was so awesome that he could use his craftsmen at will. Of course His Majesty Li Er was jealous.
Changsun Chong saw that His Majesty Li Er was so angry that he quickly added insult to injury: "Tsk, tsk, tsk, Wannian County Lord is really good at it. The heat in the ironmaking workshop is unbearable. Someone came to ask for a few pieces of ice, but you refused to give it. It turns out you are greedy." Leave it to yourself to enjoy.”
After hearing Chang Sun Chong's words, His Majesty Li Er's face turned even darker.
Seeing that the emperor was about to lose his temper, Fang Xuanling smiled bitterly and said quickly: "The Duke of Wannian County is young and ignorant, and it is understandable that he likes to enjoy himself. Considering that he has just made great achievements, your majesty, please give him a lighter sentence."
Fang Xuanling thought that Yang Fan had bought the ice cubes with money from the Firearms Supervision Bureau, so he could only mention Yang Fan's contribution and hoped that the emperor would be lenient.
Seeing everyone staring at him like a heinous person, Yang Fan looked depressed and whispered softly: "This ice is not expensive, is it necessary? Besides, I spent my own money to get the ice. What do I want to do?" Use it however you want, what does it have to do with you?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone was dumbfounded.
Of course, the focus of everyone's attention is not what Yang Fan said next.
Because everyone heard Yang Fan say that ice is not expensive, they simply ignored the rest.
Everyone stared at Yang Fan like a fool. Changsun Wuji even cried out: "That's nonsense. Do you know how much such a big piece of ice costs?"
The reason why I am so excited.
That's because in Chang'an City, in the scorching summer, a piece of ice the size of a washbasin costs dozens or hundreds of cents.
You know, the price of food at this time was only more than 100 yuan per stone.
A piece of ice is enough to buy a family of four several months of rations.
Yang Fan said it’s not expensive?
Of course Changsun Wuji wanted to expose Yang Fan's hypocrisy.
However, Changsun Chong didn't think so.
During the expedition to Tibet, Yang Fan also took out ice cubes.
At that time, Chang Sun Chong thought Yang Fan had bought it at a high price.
Now that Yang Fan said it was very cheap, he suddenly thought of something.
It seems that Yang Fan must have mastered the method of making ice.
Thinking of this, Changsun Chong asked hurriedly: "You know how to make ice. How do you make this ice?"
"Business secrets, no comment!" Yang Fan held his tongue.
Do you really think you are the emperor? If you ask me, do I have to answer?
Besides, even if he is the emperor, we can ignore him.
His Majesty Li Er was stunned for a moment, glanced at Yang Fan suspiciously, frowned and asked, "How much do these ice cubes cost?"
The emperor had spoken, and of course Yang Fan did not dare not to say it. He could only hesitate and say: "The cost of making ice is probably... estimated... only 1 penny?"
When it came to the specific price, Yang Fan really couldn't tell, so he had to make up a price at random.
He made all the ice himself and the cost was not high.
His Majesty Li Er's eyes lit up: "How is this ice made?" He also asked what Changsun Chong had just said.
"Your Majesty, didn't the minister say that there are no commercial secrets?" Yang Fan said angrily.
Seeing Yang Fan's lack of energy, His Majesty Li Er became more and more angry for some reason, and he raised his foot to kick him again.
Yang Fan had already paid attention to his movements. As soon as he raised his feet, Yang Fan jumped like a rabbit and jumped to the door.
It means 'if you kick me, I won't accompany you'.
His Majesty Li Er is so angry in his heart!
Thunder, rain, and dew are all your grace.
This kid actually dared to hide, he was so bold!
Of course, what made His Majesty Li Er most angry was not that Yang Fan dared to run away.
But he was angry at Yang Fan for not offering the ice earlier.
As an emperor, Li held the world in his hands and was rich all over the world.
When using ice to relieve the heat in the inner garden of the Forbidden Palace, I had to repeatedly ask the concubines to save their time.
Even though this year is extremely hot, the day of using ice has to be put off again and again, for fear that the ice storage will not be enough.
But who knew that Yang Fan could buy a large piece of ice for just one copper coin.
Even if the entire palace was filled with ice, it would only cost a few dollars a day!
Look at Yang Fan, a small room filled with ice cubes in all four corners.
This refreshing and cool feeling is so refreshing!
This is life!
Think about yourself again. As an emperor, it is so embarrassing to hold on to the rope when using ice.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and His Majesty Li Er became a little angry.
But the emperor is the emperor, and being thick-skinned is the most basic thing.
I saw His Majesty Li Er with a gloomy face and shouted: "Why are you running? I won't eat you. Could it be that I will still be greedy for your little ice-making method? Ahem... In this way, from now on Finally, you cover all the summer ice in the palace!"
Yang Fan chuckled, patted his chest and said boldly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, this matter will be left to Wei Chen. Just ask someone to send you a list of how much ice the palace needs. Wei Chen guarantees that the ice for the palace will be supplied in time this year. "
Yang Fan didn't feel distressed at all.
Saltpeter can be used to make ice. Saltpeter can be used repeatedly. You can make as much ice as you want. The cost is not expensive.
Besides, there are so many noble families in Chang'an City, so it's easy to use some wool from them to subsidize it.
What's more, we still need help from this emperor!
Seeing that Yang Fan was so happy, His Majesty Li Er nodded happily.
This kid always looks like he's not stingy, but he really doesn't let up at critical moments.
Fang Xuanling’s eyes twitched!
This emperor is so shameless. If he really competes with Yang Fan, he is indeed a son-in-law.
However, His Majesty Li Er was so conceited that he did not hear the trap Yang Fan said.
This guy only promised to supply ice for free for one year. Don’t you, the emperor, have to pay for it in the future?
Once you get used to free money, you will inevitably be extravagant and wasteful in the future.
Once you spend money to buy it, the number of royal palaces in Nuo Da will be astronomical. See if those censors don't hate you to death.
Especially Wei Zheng, that old troll, can spit in your face...
However, Fang Xuanling was also very envious. Being thick-skinned really had its benefits, and it would be a free year.
Who doesn’t want to stay cool during the hot summer?
But generals like Cheng Yaojin and Li Ji didn't have so many scruples. They shamelessly asked Yang Fan to provide them with ice cubes for free.
As the elders of the two brothers, if Yang Fan dared to go against the grain, he had to agree with a wry smile.
Of course, Yang Fan will not forget Fang Xuanling.
It’s okay to raise one sheep. It’s also good to raise two sheep. Just be generous!
Besides, compared with Li Er, the amount they need is just a drop in the bucket.
What's more, you can set up an ice-selling shop in the future, and these are potential big customers.
There will be many places to spend money in the future, and mosquitoes are still meat, not to mention such a hugely profitable industry!
After getting an advantage, His Majesty Li Er was in a good mood. After praising Yang Fan, he smiled and prepared to get up and leave.
How could Yang Fan make him wish.
If the emperor leaves now, wouldn't his attentiveness be in vain?
Thinking of this, Yang Fan quickly stood up and said in a hoarse voice: "Your Majesty, wait a minute, please make the decision for me!"
Everyone who was just about to leave was stunned by Yang Fan's voice.
You, Yang Fan, actually have the time to ask others to make the decision?
His Majesty Li Er stopped, frowned and asked, "What trouble have you caused again?"
This question made Yang Fan very depressed.
What do you mean I got into trouble again?
It's obvious that others are the first to find trouble every time, okay?
Although he was worried, Yang Fan still opened his mouth to explain: "Your Majesty, you also know that the bet between me and Changsun Chong, please tell me whether this bet can be regarded as a win for Wei Chen."
Hearing that this was the case, His Majesty Li Er nodded his head in disbelief, and then secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He was really afraid that Yang Fan would cause trouble again and it would not end well.
In the past few days, His Majesty Li Er, besides being afraid that Yang Fan would lose the bet, was always on tenterhooks.
After all, the glass business is his cornucopia, and of course he is afraid that the glass craftsmanship will be exposed.
In addition, the civil and military officials in both the central and the Manchu dynasties were arguing endlessly about the disposition of the Cui family in Qinghe. He was having a headache!
Seeing His Majesty Li Er nodding, Yang Fan continued: "In that case, please bear witness for me. I'm afraid someone might cheat."
Hearing such naked words, everyone invariably turned their attention to Changsun Chong, who had a dull look on his face.
Even His Majesty Li Er is like this.
Then everyone understood instantly that Yang Fan must be implying that Changsun Chong might cheat.
However, everyone didn't have any sympathy. Instead, they just watched the show.
Whoever asked Changsun to make a bet with him would have to admit it if he lost.
Besides, Changsun Chong had made a bet that if he wanted Yang Fan's glaze manufacturing technology, he would have to bear the corresponding consequences.
As expected, Changsun Chong was extremely angry at Yang Fan's dismissal of people.
In his opinion, his eldest grandson's family controlled half of the iron ore business in Datang and would waste Yang Fan's "little bit" of iron ore.
But Changsun Wuji didn't think so. Yang Fan was as cunning as a fox, and countless people had suffered losses at his hands.
If it was just iron ore to build two ships, he would definitely not go to war so aggressively. There must be something they couldn't think of.
Just as he was about to persuade his son, Changsun Chong, not to be reckless, before he could speak, Changsun Chong blurted out proudly: "Our Changsun family doesn't have many other things, but we have a lot of iron ore. It's just the iron ore needed to build two ships." Ore, you can just ask someone to come and take it away tomorrow."
"Young Master Changsun is really grand, I really admire him!" Yang Fan chuckled and smiled.
Suddenly, Yang Fan changed his tone and said seriously: "Although I also believe in the credibility of the Changsun family, as the saying goes, it is better to be a villain first and then a gentleman than to be a gentleman first and then a villain, so I asked Your Majesty to be a witness."
hehe!
Changsun Chong smiled contemptuously, but looked at His Majesty Li Er.
It seems to be saying, look, this guy is so unreasonable.
His Majesty Li Er was calm, with no expression on his face, showing no emotion or anger. He asked calmly: "Since Changsun Chong is willing to admit defeat, I also know your bet very well. How much iron ore is needed to build a sea ship?" Stone? Guess the number, I think Zhao Guogong will not default on his debt."
Yang Fan was not overjoyed, but asked Changsun Wuji: "Does Duke Zhao agree with what your Majesty said?"
Seeing everyone's eyes turning towards him, Changsun Wuji could only bite the bullet and said: "Ahem, it's good to have His Majesty as a notary. The county man will tell you the specific number first, and I can let the servants know when I get back." Get ready, if it's not enough, please wait a little longer!"
Changsun Wuji was indeed an old fox and did not keep his words to death.
But Changsun Chong was dissatisfied with Changsun Wuji's caution. He ignored Changsun Wuji's warning and said arrogantly: "Father, it's just iron ore to build two ships, why bother?"
After saying that, he turned around and asked: "Yang Fan, how much iron ore do you want, just tell me?"
"The eldest son, Changsun, is very grand. He is indeed a talented leader of the younger generation in Chang'an City. I admire him!" Yang Fan complimented.
Soon, his tone changed and he continued: "The sea-going ship I built is quite special. It is almost entirely made of steel. It takes about two million kilograms of iron to build a sea-going ship."
"If iron ore is used to smelt so much iron, the iron ore required for one sea-going ship is about 20,000,000 kilograms, and two ships would be 40,000,000 kilograms. After all, a fight with your colleagues is considered a friendship for you. Price, alas, this person is just soft-hearted..."
Everyone was dumbfounded by Yang Fan's asking price, thinking they were hallucinating.
40,000 kilograms of iron ore...
What are you thinking about?
Even if you sell Zhao Guogong's mansion, you won't be able to get so much iron ore.
Besides, doesn’t this kid know Datang’s annual iron ore output?
This much iron ore is the total output of the entire Datang for several years!
Besides, a ship made entirely of steel?
They have never heard that iron sinks when it is put into water.
Building ships with steel is a lie!
In their opinion, it is strange that a ship made entirely of iron can sail on the sea.
Everyone thinks that Yang Fan is deliberately making things difficult for Changsun Chong, and it depends on how the Changsun family responds!
Hearing this, Changsun Chong couldn't bear it and said angrily: "Yang Fan, why don't you go and grab it? Do you think you can take as much as you want? We had agreed at the beginning that I would have someone go and check. !”
Yang Fan disagreed and smiled contemptuously: "If you don't believe it, of course you can ask someone to check it. It's best to ask His Majesty to send someone to go with him. In addition, what I want to say is that robbery not only violates the laws of the Tang Dynasty, but it also doesn't happen so quickly."
His Majesty Li Er covered his face with his hands, deeply ashamed of Yang Fan's shamelessness.
In his opinion, Yang Fan was obviously looking for trouble.
But the way Yang Fan spoke with certainty did not seem like he was lying!
So he confirmed without giving up: "Does it really take so much iron ore to build a ship?"
Yang Fan's face became solemn and he said seriously: "Your Majesty, what Weichen said is absolutely true. Each ship needs millions of kilograms of fine iron. A ship of Weichen costs 20 million kilograms." The amount of iron ore is already the minimum amount."
After hearing this, His Majesty Li Er was in a dilemma!
On one side is the uncle, on the other side is the rising star.
For a moment, His Majesty Li Er didn't know how to make a decision.
It would be simply unrealistic and impossible for the Changsun family to come up with so much iron ore.
Even if the Changsun family controls more than half of the iron ore transactions in the Tang Dynasty, the total output for the year is still there!
This is really giving His Majesty Li Er a headache!
I just said that Yang Fan knew how to measure things, but he didn't know that he would be faced with this problem in the blink of an eye.
In desperation, His Majesty Li Er could only look at Changsun Wuji.
The meaning is obvious, I don't care anymore, you can handle matters between you.
Even though Changsun Wuji was as cunning as a fox, he was still in a state of confusion at this time.
However, he had no doubt about the data Yang Fan said.
If it is fake, it is easy to wear!
When Changsun Chong told him about the bet, Changsun Wuji felt a little strange.
You must know that those aristocratic families once paid millions of dollars to purchase colored glaze craftsmanship, but Yang Fan refused without hesitation.
When making a bet with Chang Sun Chong, Yang Fan only wanted iron materials to build two ships.
It turns out that the pit Yang Fan buried is here!
I was initially blinded by the temptation of glass craftsmanship, but it seems I was careless!
However, this bet has already spread throughout Chang'an. If his eldest grandson's family reneges, they will not be able to establish a foothold in Chang'an City in the future.
Changsun Wuji glared at Changsun Chong, his incompetent son, sighed slightly, and saluted Yang Fan: "The county prince is really good at it, I admire him, but there is so much iron ore that my Changsun family can't do anything about." , do you think I can deduct some of it, or give you a portion every year?"
As the uncle of the country, the Duke of a country, and one of the leaders of the civil servants of the dynasty.
Changsun Wuji's attitude can be said to be very low-key.
However, Yang Fan didn't intend to just let it go!
Since you want to cause trouble for yourself, you must bear the corresponding consequences.
But Yang Fan also knew that it was impossible for the Zhao Guogong Mansion to produce so much iron ore.
After all, ancient mines were mined manually, and transportation was extremely inconvenient. It can be said that the efficiency was extremely low.
This is why ironware was so expensive in ancient times.
Of course Yang Fan refused to ask him to postpone the payment.
If the limelight is over and his eldest grandson's family wants to default on the debt, Yang Fan will be helpless.
We can't kill them all, right?
This is also the reason why Yang Fan asked His Majesty Li Er to stay.
After pondering for a moment, Yang Fan said in a pretentious tone: "What Mr. Zhao Guo said, I shouldn't be ignorant, but if I reduce or postpone the bet, wouldn't it show that the eldest son's family has no integrity? I really don't dare to insult the eldest grandson's family." Reputation!”
"But now that Mr. Zhao Guo has spoken, I have to give you face. So, I have thought of two plans. What do you think?"
"Option one, how much iron ore does the Changsun family have, transport it to me, and make up the rest in silver."
"Option two is to exchange things for things. I only need to choose two mines from the Changsun family's existing mines."
With such shameless words, everyone really wanted to spit on Yang Fan.
Since you are giving face to Changsun Wuji, why are you still refusing to let him go?
This guy is so bad!
Changsun Chong was immediately furious: "Yang Fan, don't bully others too much. If you want my family's mine, I will never agree to it even if I die."
Yang Fan ignored Changsun Chong's grievances at all.
After all, Changsun Wuji is the one who can make the decision.
Looking at Yang Fan, Changsun Wuji realized at this moment that the iron mine was what Yang Fan wanted!
The step-by-step calculation is so meticulous!
But he doesn’t want to think about it either!
When Chang Sun Chong plotted Yang Fan's glass business, didn't he also snoop on other people's things?
Those who kill will always be killed. This is the same principle.
In desperation, Changsun Wuji could only agree to exchange the iron mines.
After all, if he doesn't agree, he can't afford to lose face!
Having achieved his goal, Yang Fan naturally stopped pestering him.
The reason for asking for iron ore.
In addition to Junyangfang really needing iron ore, it was also because Yang Fan felt a crisis.
A huge thousand-year-old family like the Cui family of Qinghe was wiped out by His Majesty Li Er in a matter of seconds.
In the final analysis, it is because these people do not have enough weapons to protect themselves.
Of course Yang Fan would not allow this to happen to him.
As the saying goes, be prepared and be prepared.
Yang Fan wants to arm his fiefdom to the teeth. If the day comes when he has no choice, at least he won't let mermaids do it.
Seeing the Changsun and his son running away in embarrassment, everyone once again felt Yang Fan's terror.
Changsun Wuji is famous for his calculations, but he would fall into Yang Fan's hands again. This kid is really terrible.
If Yang Fan is allowed to grow up, who can control him?
Everyone was worried, fearing that they might offend this devilish figure.
Fang Xuanling, Cheng Yaojin and others laughed heartily.
Changsun Wuji, relying on his status, always made trouble for them from time to time in the past, and he had long disliked this guy.
Of course they were happy to see Changsun Wuji shriveled up.
Su Dingfang's eyes on the side became even firmer.
Yang Fan once said that he wanted to give his eldest grandson some color.
Unexpectedly, it didn't take long before Changsun Chong was embarrassed.
Several mines were lost this time, which was enough to cause pain for their grandson family for a while!
His Majesty Li Er smiled bitterly.
Yang Fan is indeed a very unreasonable guy, but he really can't find any serious faults.
After all, it is someone else who provokes first every time.
Soon, his attention was attracted by the steel ship he just mentioned.
In his opinion, how could a ship made of steel not sink?
As a result, the emperor became a curious baby, telling a hundred thousand whys!
Overwhelmed, Yang Fan could only find excuses to leave.
