I am Li Shen and Li Shimin, the free kings of the Tang Dynasty

Li Shimin nodded.

"You're right, there are many people in the salt and iron business, but due to profit or production volume, the prices are not low."

This is an important source of wealth.

Most of the wealth of the Duke of Zhao's mansion came from the steel industry, while they did not deal much in the salt business.

As you know, because of your mother, I handed over half of the production of weapons and equipment to the Duke of Zhao's mansion.

In recent years, the imperial court has become wealthy and has begun to gradually replace the equipment of the border troops and the imperial guards. The Duke of Zhao's mansion has made a considerable amount of money.

"But what does this have to do with my tenth brother having salt and iron? Is Father saying that my tenth brother snatched this business?"

Li Chengqian was still puzzled.

Li Shimin nodded again:

"That's right, he's afraid that the tenth brother will snatch this business away."

Or perhaps he feared that the tenth prince would seize control of the entire Tang Dynasty's salt and iron business.

"That's impossible. Salt and iron production is limited. Even if Tenth Brother has salt and iron in his hands, he can only occupy a certain share."

But how can we seize the salt and iron business across the country?

Moreover, Father also said that because of Mother's connection, even if it's a bit more expensive, it should still be done by the Duke of Zhao.

Li Chengqian immediately shook his head in rejection. The national supply of salt and iron was enormous; weapons and equipment were only part of it. People's knives, farm tools, and other implements all required iron.

The imperial court only regulated, not banned.

"What if the price difference is too large?" Li Shimin asked with a smile.

"Please enlighten me, Father." Li Chengqian bowed and asked for guidance.

"The tenth prince has a lot of salt and iron. Moreover, the quality of the salt and iron is better than that of the Duke of Zhao's mansion."

If the tenth prince's iron were put into the imperial court, and the prices differed greatly, the court officials would also choose to use the tenth prince's steel.

You should know that the tenth prince has the guts to do so, even at the cost of losing money, and the Changsun family will definitely suffer a great loss in the end.

Changsun Wuji could not afford such a loss.

Li Shimin explained. Li Shen had already told Li Shimin about this matter; Li Shen had privately seized several large open-pit iron mines in Liaodong Province.

This rebellious son, fearing exposure, even transported the finished product to a coastal area to hide it, thinking that others wouldn't know.

Li Shimin found out immediately.

"Tenth brother, is what Father said true?" Li Chengqian asked Li Shen.

"Well... I guess so, it's just a little bit too much." Li Shen made a small gesture.

"How much salt and iron do you have?" Li Chengqian asked quickly.

"Hmm... there wasn't much steel; it was all transported to Japan to build cities. The remaining pig iron should be enough to make weapons for over 100,000 people."

However, these pig iron minions still have a use; they are intended to be used to build other things.

After hesitating for a moment, Li Shen spoke cautiously.

Liaodong Circuit, later known as the Iron and Steel Capital, is home to the world's largest iron ore mine, with its total iron ore reserves accounting for a quarter of the country's total.

Li Shen had secretly taken possession of some very easy-to-mine iron ore deposits, which he estimated he could mine for a hundred years without finishing them.

"Are there really that many?" Li Chengqian was extremely shocked. The amount of weapons stored could be enough to build a force of over 100,000 people.

How could Li Shen have so much iron?

Li Shen nodded repeatedly:

"Brother, that place is of vital importance to the nation, with iron ore everywhere. I hope you can take it seriously."

Don't just send anyone to guard it; if it falls into enemy hands, the consequences will be dire.

War requires money, but money is needed to buy weapons, equipment, and food, and Liaodong Road has both.

They are completely self-sufficient, and organizing an army of hundreds of thousands is not a problem at all.

He was also reminding Li Chengqian of the importance of Liaodong.

Li Chengqian fell into deep thought. He had never imagined that Liaodong Circuit was so important, and he did not doubt Li Shen's words.

Li Shen has a very discerning eye, and the events of the past few years have proven this.

Since Li Shen said that place is important, it must have very high value.

Even Li Shimin, who was standing to the side, narrowed his eyes.

The main reason for attacking Goguryeo was to demonstrate the strength of the Tang Dynasty and to surpass Emperor Yang of Sui.

After all, Emperor Yang of Sui led a million-strong army to attack Goguryeo three times without success, while he himself defeated more than a thousand people, a great achievement.

As for Goguryeo, it was a frigid place where winter lasted for four or five months each year. Li Shimin didn't think there was anything good about that place; it was just a barbarian land.

Now it seems that's not the case.

"Tenth Prince, do you think Liaodong Circuit is very important?" Li Shimin asked solemnly.

Li Shen nodded solemnly in agreement:

"Father, Liaodong Circuit is very important. Not only are there many iron mines there, but we can also smelt iron to manufacture weapons and equipment."

Moreover, the land is fertile and rich in resources. Although it is not a place where crops are harvested twice a year, it is located on a plain, and there is a lot of land that can be cultivated.

It is enough to feed hundreds of thousands of people.

If it were occupied by someone else, it would be entirely possible for them to secretly develop and build an army.

Many famous people have come from that place.

"Gao Ming, who is currently guarding Liaodong Circuit?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin inquired about Li Chengqian's situation.

"Yes, Father, it is General Wei Zhe," Li Chengqian replied hastily. This Wei Zhe was one of the generals who had followed him to attack Goguryeo.

“Brilliant! Since the Tenth Prince thinks that place is important, after the New Year, you should discuss with the court officials the establishment of the Andong Protectorate.”

"We stationed 50,000 troops there to guard against a Goguryeo counterattack, and also to deal with the Mohe, Khitan, and other tribes."

Li Shimin acted decisively and immediately issued the order.

"Yes, I obey." Li Chengqian quickly stood up and bowed.

"Um... Brother, when the time comes, don't mention that there's an iron mine there. We shouldn't flaunt our wealth; we can't let the aristocratic families know."

Li Shen raised his hand and whispered his instructions.

He didn't want to share it with anyone else; it was best if he were the only one mining there.

"Haha, don't worry, I won't tell. But since that's the case, shouldn't you share some steel with the imperial court?"

Li Chengqian laughed heartily.

"Hmph, daydreaming." Li Shen snorted coldly and turned his head away. Even his own father hadn't said anything about dividing the spoils, and you, a mere prince, dare to ask? Who gave you the guts?

"Tenth brother, that's not right. You've illegally possessed those mineral resources; they're not recorded in the imperial court's records."

I'll share the mining battle with you, and I won't hold you responsible. You're still not willing?

"Imagine what would happen if I, your brother, said in court that there were many iron mines in Liaodong?"

Li Chengqian began to reason with him.

"Is Big Brother threatening Little Brother?" Li Shen turned his head and calmly looked into Li Chengqian's eyes.

"Hehe, there's no threat at all. I just want my tenth brother to give me some charity. You know the court is in a difficult situation right now."

Li Chengqian chuckled.

"This is absolutely impossible," Li Shen said firmly.

"Aren't you afraid I'll tell others? If they tell others, they'll be very willing to share some with the imperial court," Li Chengqian threatened.

Li Shen glanced at Li Chengqian with his eyelids and said disdainfully:

“I heard that Secretary Su Dan is going to be promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, but I think he is not qualified.”

(My procrastination has gotten worse again, what should I do?)