Licheng is undergoing a large-scale infrastructure construction. It was originally the most inconspicuous of the many cities in the Tang Dynasty. Unfortunately, Li Ke, the time traveler, managed to prosper.
Building bridges and building roads required money and people, and there was still some time before the harvest. So a large number of farmers came in to earn a bit of wages, and they also had to eat, drink and sleep in the city, so Licheng began to prosper.
The most important thing is that they received funds from Qizhou merchants. They raised a total of 20 million taels of silver for the King of Shu. With the back taxes paid, there was an endless amount of gold and silver in the King of Shu's palace.
"Your Majesty, everything has been verified correctly, please check it!"
Quan Wanji handed over the account book with both hands, looking more submissive. He had heard before that the King of Shu was going to build a brothel and invited local businessmen in Qizhou. He thought it was the style of a playboy, but he didn't expect that there would be a big turn. .
He was sent to investigate the local taxation, and he found out everything was accurate. Now that a large amount of money has poured into the palace, and the people have received real benefits, they are somewhat respectful.
"Well, I can rest assured that you can do things. There are still many things waiting for us to do next!"
Li Ke took a sip of tea. The tea really didn't taste good. Not to mention it tasted bad, but it really didn't taste good at all. How happy it would be to drink Feizhai Happy Water.
He is now a prince and a thorn in Changsun Wuji's side, so he can only keep a low profile. As long as he does not return to the court, he can naturally avoid being hunted down.
"Your Highness, now that Qizhou merchants have given money, shouldn't Qiuyue Pavilion be withdrawn? Immoral women will only make men linger, and I hope to close it!"
Quan Wanji is very conservative and not as tolerant as the Chang'an people.
"Wow, they are just giving massage services at Qiuyue Pavilion now. There is nothing messy. Keeping them will be of great use."
"Don't you like women? I remember Mr. Quan is not married, right?"
Li Ke deliberately teased Quan Wanji. It was really difficult for a man who was too monotonous and boring to attract women of this era, and Qiuyue Pavilion was of great use to him, so he must find a way to stay.
There are a total of 15 million taels of silver to be paid back, which are all due to the imperial court and the treasury. The remaining 20 million taels of silver are used by Qizhou for infrastructure construction, so naturally they cannot be careless.
"I'm going to Qiuyue Pavilion now, do you want to come with me?"
"I'd better take stock of the treasury first!"
Quan Wanji thought that Li Ke was addicted to wine and sex, but he was just nostalgic for the brothel, so he would not cause any harm.
Gu Shiniang is the madam of Qiuyue Pavilion, so she naturally lives in the best and largest room there. She can live comfortably without having to please others. Now that the King of Shu has provided protection, she feels that her life is very good.
Singing happy songs until someone pushed the door in.
"I'm in a good mood. How did you do what I asked you to do?"
Li Ke glared at Gu Shiniang for a moment. There was no shortage of women in Qiuyue Pavilion who could sing. She seemed to be able to do just that, but she had to do what she told her to do.
"Your Majesty, wait a moment, the girl will do a little makeup, it will be quick!"
It turns out that women are born with a love for beauty, and she would feel uncomfortable even without makeup, but Gu Shiniang forgot that the person in front of her was Li Ke, the King of Shu.
Bang~, she heard the sound of the table being slapped, she didn't dare to go into the room, and knelt down in front of Li Ke.
Wow, she has a pretty good figure. Is there any... inside?
"Have you forgotten what I told you? Don't forget that this is not for you to spend your old age, so don't take anything..."
Li Ke couldn't control himself anymore with an overly charming woman sitting on his lap.
"Your Majesty, the slave family naturally knows, but I was too busy last night and forgot to pay attention. Don't be angry!"
Some people in this profession have skills that can make men show mercy. Gu Shiniang has been hanging out in Liuxiang, a brothel, for many years.
Thump, thump...
His heart couldn't stop beating wildly, but his rationality helped Li Ke defeat his animal nature. He raised his leg to make the woman faint. He raised his leg to suppress it, and managed to keep his mind calm.
"If you find out anything, tell me immediately. Don't let me ask any more questions!"
His tone was more stern, and his eyes glanced elsewhere. It was a lie to say he was calm. As long as Li Ke got the clues, he could leave quickly. There was blood and heat here.
Gu Shiniang bowed to apologize, feeling very uncomfortable in her heart. Could it be that her conditions were not attractive enough, or was she really too old? !
"A couple has arrived, and there are people accompanying them who are inquiring about the king?"
Li Ke listened to Gu Shiniang's description. They were an older couple who came from Chang'an. He didn't know whether they were enemies or friends. They left the palace just to protect themselves. Could it be that Changsun Wuji sent someone to monitor him? .
He knew very well how Li Ke was killed by Changsun Wuji in history. Anyway, he did not dare to relax at all, so he asked people to search for information about the mysterious visitor in Licheng.
I just found out that the middle-aged couple also had the surname Li, and then I never saw them again.
It was just a little late. Li Shimin and Queen Changsun who were in Qiuyue Pavilion had already left the city. Fang Xuanling, who stayed in the city to inquire, also joined them and truthfully reported what the King of Shu had done.
"It seems there is some movement. Without the help of the court or the treasury, I got enough money from the merchants to repair the official roads and bridges! What is that slimy thing?"
Li Shimin is no longer proud. Naturally, he has bad memory as he gets older.
"Cement, that's called cement!"
Empress Changsun also whispered in her ear that the old couple was very harmonious, and fortunately everyone around them ate this bowl of royal dog food.
"Your Majesty, Queen, there are too many places that need to be repaired in the Tang Dynasty. Now that such useful cement is produced locally in Qizhou, why not purchase it in the name of the imperial court!"
Fang Xuanling was a little cautious, mainly because he wanted to see Li Shimin's attitude towards the King of Shu. Cement was a good excuse, and the emperor fell into deep thought.
Should cement be purchased in large quantities? If so, would it make people think that it was bending the law for personal gain? Li Shimin now attaches great importance to his reputation and must be reasonable and legitimate in everything.
The carriages and horses gradually moved away from the boundaries of Qizhou and headed towards Chang'an City.
And Li Ke is definitely not the only one who can snoop for information. Changsun Wuji also sent many people undercover in Licheng. Now that he knows what his apparent nephew has done, he is very worried.
If Qizhou is managed well, the emperor may still be hesitant about opposing the crown prince. Such a big change must not occur. The silver taels paid from Qizhou merchants can be regarded as Li Ke's achievements in governing the state and county.
After thinking about it, Changsun Wuji was still nitpicking. The taxes that were about to be sent might be able to do something about it.
