hsntnovel Chapter 2677 The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King
Chapter 2677 The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King
Li Shen only often heard in videos that Iwami Silver Mine had so much silver, with extremely large reserves.
But he really didn't know where it was.
Li Shen wanted to dig up this silver to replenish the financial system of the Tang Dynasty.
The adoption of paper and pen was slow and risky; he was not the emperor, and the entire Tang Dynasty was not under his control.
All he can do is gradually replace the guidance. Now that he has deposit certificates and flying money, the next step is anonymous deposit certificates or flying money.
There are definitely some drawbacks to this, such as the risk of being picked up by someone else or being robbed.
But reforms inevitably involve some bumps and setbacks.
Even in the cash-based era, you can still lose money and get robbed.
Paper money must be backed by national credit and guaranteed by resources, and gold and silver are essential factors to ensure the stability of paper money.
"Your Highness, when shall we take action against Japan?" Wang Xuance asked.
Li Shen shook his head and replied:
"That's not necessarily true. The situation has changed. After the Tang Dynasty Never Sleeps City is completed, the plan is to make money first."
Secondly, we'll use the same old method: let them create chaos.
Didn't Di Renjie say that their court wanted to take back power? Then we'll secretly support the local powerful clans and lords.
I have already discussed this matter with His Majesty. His Majesty will send us a batch of weapons. Your Majesty, you can use our own merchant ships to transport them to Japan.
"Have the powerful local lords near Di Renjie contact them and sell it to them at a high price—a very high price. We will only take 40% of the profits, and His Majesty will take 60%."
"Yes, I will certainly handle this matter well." Wang Hongfu quickly stood up, bowed, and accepted the order. He knew it was finally his turn.
"Another thing is, Lao Wang, could you send someone to ask Jin Chunqiu how the soybeans planted in Baekje are doing this year?"
Can our soybean oil plan be implemented? I've been waiting for two years.
If Silla can't handle this matter properly, then I can handle it myself, and then I'll make sure they prepare to repay the money quickly."
Li Shen was spouting nonsense in the palace, and somehow managed to create a business opportunity.
But since we've already signed a contract, they won't believe me if I say I'm just making things up.
"Your Highness, I have heard about this matter. Baekje did indeed cultivate some soybeans, and Silla traded grain for soybeans with Baekje."
But I haven't heard from Silla that they want to trade soybeans with us, and I don't know what Silla's intentions are.
Wang Hongfu heard about it and reported on it. He had also been following this matter closely.
"Silla trades grain for soybeans? They're starving to death, and they're giving away grain? Are they crazy?"
Li Shen laughed. Silla had to buy its grain from the Tang Dynasty, and now they were actually exchanging it for soybeans. Wasn't that aiding the enemy?
"I don't know the specific reason either, but I heard about it from a merchant from Baekje."
Wang Hongfu explained.
"Merchants from Baekje? There are merchants from Baekje coming here?" Li Shen frowned.
"Your Highness, rest assured, the imperial court has issued an order prohibiting the private sale of grain to people of other countries, and there are also inspections at the ports."
"Once discovered, all will be confiscated, and they will also be forced to perform labor." Wang Xuance understood what Li Shen was thinking.
Prince Ji's grain plan was always successful, but only if no one could transport the grain there.
"That's good. If you spot them, immediately send a message to the Straw Hats so they can intercept them near the coast."
I'll show them who the true master of the seas is—I'm going to be the Pirate King!
Watching Prince Ji fantasize, no one said a word. Why would a prince give up his rightful place to become the Pirate King? Nobody knows who's gone mad.
"Old Wang, you must take this matter seriously. In a few days, the palace will send over 300,000 strings of cash, and His Majesty and I will each take 50% of the profits."
The contract has already been signed. When the time comes, you can move a few boxes of copper coins together with this 300,000.
The contract states that I cannot simply use His Majesty's 300,000 taels to make money; our Prince Ji's residence must also contribute.
Li Shen remembered the contract he had signed and immediately had Shi Tou bring it to Wang Hongfu.
Wang Hongfu unfolded it and looked at it once.
"Your Highness, how much should we offer? Three hundred thousand strings of cash, too?"
"Am I crazy? Why would I need 300,000 strings of cash to do this oil pressing business?" Li Shen retorted angrily.
"Then...how much should we give? Please advise, Your Highness Prince Ji," Wang Hongfu asked somewhat nervously.
He knew that strengthening cooperation wouldn't be so strange.
"Didn't I already say that you should move a few boxes of copper coins over there?"
Is Wang Hongfu getting old and has hearing problems? Li Shen felt that he had explained himself clearly enough.
Wang Hongfu understood a little bit this time.
"Yes, I will arrange it."
His main problem was that he didn't know how many boxes he should take. Two boxes or nine boxes were both just a few boxes, but the difference was huge.
"Mingli, I also have a task for you." Li Shen looked at Pei Mingli.
"Please give your orders, Your Highness." Pei Mingli was respectful and polite, with a hint of joy on his face.
He wasn't afraid of Prince Ji assigning him many tasks; he would be disappointed if he wasn't assigned anything at all, as that would prove he wasn't valued.
In fact, Li Shen had considered this point, which is why he assigned him some tasks.
"Mingli, today I discussed a business deal with the King of Bohai and the King of Longxi. I have them purchase spices for my Prince Ji's residence."
Mingli, you choose the best location for them in the industrial park, and find two assistants and a manager.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey." Pei Mingli accepted the order.
This was not difficult for him.
"Your Highness, is the spice plan about to be implemented?" Wang Hongfu asked excitedly, as preparations had been underway for over a year.
Prince Ji always had something to do that delayed the matter.
"Yes, it's time to start, but we must proceed step by step and not be as eager for quick success as we have in the past."
These people are now very cautious; they dare not act at the slightest sign of trouble.
There are countless eyes watching us; we mustn't let them see through our disguise.
Li Shen nodded in agreement, but he cautioned that it was becoming increasingly difficult to swindle money these days.
Everyone was watching his every move; if anything seemed amiss in the market, someone would flee.
Li Shen had to tell them to be careful, lest any escape.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint you." Wang Hongfu was quite excited; he loved this feeling of being in control.
"Well, the first step is for you to have people spread rumors that spices are not scarce and will be transported from the Western Regions in the near future."
News of the triumphant return of the Western Expeditionary Army also spread, and with the land routes to the Western Regions now open, travel between the two places by land would be possible in the future, bringing even more spices.
This will give us an opportunity to lower the price of spices.
This is exactly what Li Shen just told Li Fengci and Li Boyi.
"Your Highness, if the price of spices drops, won't we earn less?" Wang Hongfu asked, somewhat puzzled.