hsntnovel Chapter 2693 Let's try something a little tougher.
Chapter 2693 Let's try something a little tougher.
Li Shimin always cared about the people and loved them like his own children, proposing that water can carry a boat but also capsize it.
So when Li Shimin carefully recalled Li Shen's method of selling bonds and converting them into gold, he realized that...
He thought of the ordinary merchants who trusted Li Shen; they were also his people.
It doesn't matter if the nobles lose some money, nor does it matter if the imperial relatives lose some money, and the more the aristocratic families lose, the better.
But those merchants were innocent; they were doing legitimate business under Li Shen's supervision and earning clean money.
It is unreasonable and contrary to moral principles to believe Li Shen and be responsible for his debts.
Li Shen was taken aback. He hadn't expected his father to think of this. Why hadn't he said this before?
In his previous actions, merchants had always been injured, but Li Shen had no choice but to deal with the powerful clans and gentry.
A play cannot only have a main character; it also needs supporting characters. Even the most beautiful flowers need green leaves to complement them in order to be perfect and realistic.
Li Shen never felt guilty because he felt it was inevitable and an inevitable trend.
Even now, after his father said that, Li Shen was speechless.
“Well… what Father said is right. If we do that, some merchants will indeed be implicated, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Just as Aye said, if these merchants don't buy, then even the aristocratic families will likely have to stand by and watch.
Li Shen had no choice but to admit it.
"So you're saying you're using these innocent merchants and common people as bait? Tenth Brother, you've gone a bit too far. Don't you want to throw away the reputation you've worked so hard to build among the merchants?"
Li Shimin frowned upon hearing this; he hadn't expected Li Shen to be so direct.
"Father, those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles. One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand. If you're not ruthless, you can't stand firm... Oh my god."
Before Li Shen could finish speaking, Li Shimin kicked him away, sending him crashing headfirst into the carriage door and making him fall flat on his face.
I almost knocked out my front teeth.
"You worthless wretch, who taught you to treat the people this way?" Li Shimin glared angrily at Li Shen.
“This isn’t about…” Li Shen rubbed his forehead, looking somewhat aggrieved.
"Hmm?" Li Shimin's eyes widened, and Li Shen immediately shut up.
In fact, Li Shen wanted to say, "Isn't this what I learned from you?" If anyone could truly understand and apply these words to their fullest extent, it would be none other than Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, standing right in front of him.
My father is truly a man of great things; everyone else is trivial and can be killed.
The saying "One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand" is even more fitting for my own father, who spent half his life fighting and killing countless people.
When it comes to ruthlessness, no one can compare to his own father. Li Shen even felt it was a miracle that his grandfather was still alive.
If it weren't for his father's desire to prove him wrong, Li Shen probably wouldn't have seen his grandfather.
"It's ridiculous that he's now saying he's heartless," Li Shen thought to himself.
"Hmph, do you feel a little wronged? Let me tell you, these words are perfectly acceptable in chaotic times."
But now our Great Tang Dynasty is at peace and the people are healthy. How is your behavior any different from oppressing the people?
Do you intend to force the people to revolt?
Looking at Li Shen, who was rubbing his head, Li Shimin said with a stern face.
"Father's teachings are correct, I was wrong." Li Shen reluctantly admitted his mistake. Wasn't he also trying to help the royal family deal with the powerful clans?
Seeing Li Shen's expression, Li Shimin reprimanded him again:
"I see you still don't know you're wrong. Have you forgotten what I told you? You represent the royal family among the common people."
Your good reputation means the royal family's good reputation. You can deal with powerful families and nobles, but it has nothing to do with ordinary people.
But never target ordinary people. What might be just the cost of a meal for you could bankrupt an ordinary person and destroy their family.
Tenth Brother, you're not the same person you were ten years ago; you're incomparable. Now, every move you make has far-reaching consequences.
From now on, you must live up to the name I gave you. Be extremely cautious and prudent, and do not act recklessly. Do you understand?
"Was my name given to me by my father?" Li Shen suddenly asked curiously.
Li Shimin, enraged, picked up the cup in his hand, ready to smash it, but realizing it was a bit expensive, he put it down and simply cursed:
"You scoundrel, if I didn't name you, who else could?"
"That's not necessarily true. I heard that my elder brother's name was given to him by his grandfather. It means to inherit the imperial cause and rule the world."
Li Shen said in a low voice.
Li Shimin frowned; he truly couldn't refute this. Li Chengqian was born in the Chengqian Palace, hence the late emperor named him Chengqian.
This was also because Li Chengqian was his first son and the eldest son of the legitimate wife, which is why the late emperor liked him so much.
He usually named sons like Li Shen, who were born out of wedlock.
"Enough with the nonsense. Do you remember what I just said? Although your method is good, I don't recommend you use it."
"Unless you can avoid involving ordinary people." Li Shimin glared at Li Shen.
"Womanly compassion," Li Shen muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?" Li Shimin said angrily.
"Oh, my son said he would submit and obey Father in everything. But we haven't reached that point yet, and there's no need to sell government bonds."
If we really do get that kind of land, I'll come up with a good solution that satisfies both father and son.
Li Shen quickly bowed.
"Now it seems you have no better options than to repay the bank loan slowly and never reveal the loan to anyone else."
"The only way for you to protect yourself now is in this way." Li Shimin looked at Li Shen with disdain.
It seems this guy has run out of ideas; his suggestions are nothing special, just tricks he's used before.
What's this about gold-backed debt? It's just another trick of buying low and selling high.
"Father, isn't that underestimating me too much? If that time really comes, I will definitely come up with a brilliant plan."
Li Shen said stubbornly.
"Oh? Then tell me, let me hear what brilliant plan you have?" Li Shimin looked at Li Shen provocatively.
Li Shenyi gritted his teeth and made a fierce move:
“Father, I do have another plan. If I sell bonds, the powerful families and nobles will definitely buy them.”
Then spread rumors that Prince Ji's private funds are for illicit purposes, and that my elder brother will impeach me at the appropriate time.
They said they were secretly training troops and knew their equipment, planning to rebel after the autumn harvest.
The Emperor showed suspicion. Four million strings of cash was no small sum; it was enough to expand his power and recruit soldiers. Under pressure from the rumors, the Emperor ordered a thorough investigation.
"If I discover that the aristocratic families are using the purchase of bonds to fund my rebellion, then my father can punish whomever he wants—strip them of their titles, confiscate their property, and exterminate their entire clan."
Li Shen has gone mad.
"And what about you? Do you want to die?" Li Shimin asked in a gloomy tone.