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

Just as everyone was pondering, Li Shen spoke up to offer a reminder.

The large ships of the Tang Dynasty were all multi-story ships, generally used as warships.

Given their status and position, it wouldn't be difficult to obtain them.

Li Shende reminded them that the ship could not go to the deep sea and could only operate in the shallow sea.

"Thank you for informing us, Prince Ji. We understand now," the group quickly replied.

In fact, Li Shen also had his own selfish motives. The Tang Dynasty's naval power was still somewhat weak, and he hoped that these people could start a shipbuilding boom.

Only by building more ships can we continuously develop and improve them by having merchants experiment with their shortcomings at sea.

Li Shen plans to bring forward the Age of Exploration, but this time the Age of Exploration will be started by the people of the Tang Dynasty.

With his abilities, he could not lead the world, but he could serve as a pioneer; the outcome would depend on future generations.

Children and grandchildren have their own destinies; I've already set a good example for them.

Li Shen is not a saint. He always considers himself first, then others, and only changes his surroundings when he has the power to do so.

"Uncles and elders, I wonder if any of you have any ideas about cooperating with me?" Li Shen asked with a smile.

"Is His Highness Prince Ji also referring to the spice business?" Li Xiaogong inquired.

"That's right, it's the spice business. I can offer a higher price for the spices you acquire, so you'll only make a profit. What do you think?"

Li Shen nodded.

"This... I'll think about it."

"I'll go back and think about it."

Everyone gave Li Shen perfunctory answers, and Li Shen never expected them to agree.

Because what he's saying is unrealistic. Why would someone who's already acquired the company sell it to you, while you sell it to someone else at a higher price?

Why don't they just sell it at a higher price instead of letting you make a profit from the difference?

Given the current market conditions, as long as it's for sale, there will definitely be a flood of people coming to buy it; there's no worry about it not selling.

Li Shen nodded, not disappointed.

"Very well, if you wish to cooperate, please feel free to come to my Prince Ji's residence."

Having achieved his goal, Li Shen said no more and began to eat. The ingredients for today's meal were all sponsored by the Ji Prince's Mansion and were quite valuable.

Of course, there were nothing particularly expensive; they were mostly meat and ordinary seafood.

"Your Highness Prince Ji, His Majesty requests your presence."

Just then, Wang De came to Li Shen's side and whispered something to him.

"Um... I'm full, I'm leaving now." Li Shen quickly got up and was about to escape.

Wang De grabbed Li Shen:

"Your Highness Prince Ji, is His Majesty still waiting?"

Li Shen struggled for a moment, but couldn't break free. The old bastard's hand gripped Li Shen's arm firmly like a vise.

Li Shen was frustrated. He could not beat Li Chengqian, who had practiced martial arts since childhood. How could he not even beat an old eunuch in his fifties?

Is he too strong, or am I too weak? Should I cut myself to learn some kind of divine skill?

"Alright, alright, let's go then." Li Shen reluctantly nodded in agreement; he really didn't want to face his father.

The emperor must be angry now that I presented him with a gift. Is he going to teach me a lesson?

Li Shen was led by Wang De to Li Shimin's table, which was quite large. The Crown Prince and Li Tai were also there, along with the heads of the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

"Greetings, Father." Upon approaching, Li Shen bowed.

"Where have you been?" Li Shimin put down his wine cup and asked with a frown.

"Go have your meal, son. It's at that table over there," Li Shen said, turning around and pointing.

"Hmph, what, are you so unwilling to dine with me at this table?"

Li Shimin glanced at it and snorted. He had just seen Li Shen chatting and laughing at that table, constantly toasting others, and had also heard Li Shen's loud laughter.

This made Li Shimin very uncomfortable; his own son was actually going off and having so much fun with someone else.

"Of course not. I went over there because there were too many people at this table. I was also afraid of disturbing Father's serious conversation with the gentlemen."

Li Shen quickly shook his head. However, in his heart, he had already given a positive answer.

Li Shimin didn't speak, but simply waved his hand. Wang De immediately had someone bring over chairs, chopsticks, and wine cups.

It was placed right next to Li Shimin, pushing Li Chengqian to second place.

"Please sit down," Li Shimin gestured.

"Huh? This...this isn't a good idea, is it?" Li Shen glanced at Li Chengqian.

The first seat on the emperor's left is the most prestigious seat; besides the crown prince, who else would dare to sit there?

The first seat on the right belongs to Changsun Wuji, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

"Hehe, tenth brother, please sit down and keep Father company for a while."

Li Chengqian smiled and pulled Li Shen to a seat, clearly not caring at all.

He wasn't stupid; it was obvious that his father, the emperor, wanted to speak with Li Shen, and it had nothing to do with any other status.

After Li Shen sat down, he sat upright, looking down at his nose, then at his mouth, and asking himself what was on his mind.

"Tenth Brother, everyone here is your elder. You will need their help in the future. Let's raise a glass."

Li Shimin suddenly spoke, which surprised everyone.

Li Shen was also surprised. What was going on? Shouldn't this kind of plot happen to the Crown Prince?

The others were also wondering what His Majesty meant by those words. Did he have designs on a different heir?

Or should we ask them to take good care of Prince Ji in the future and not make things difficult for him?

"Yes."

Li Shen picked up his wine glass, stood up, bowed to everyone, and then drank it all in one gulp.

"What? Is that all? Can't you speak properly?" Li Shimin scolded Li Shen for his rudeness.

In fact, Li Shen was still pondering his father's intentions, and coupled with his current nervousness, he didn't really know what to say for the moment.

I stood up again, picked up my glass, but my mind was still a mess.

"This... oh. I mean... um... that..."

"Tenth brother, say it already!" Li Chengqian urged from the side, seeing Li Shen's expression.

"Well... eat and drink well." Li Shen said and sat down.

"Is that all?" Li Shimin asked, frowning.

"Oh, everyone, have a good meal and drink well." Li Shen stood up again and nodded to everyone.

This infuriated Li Shimin. He was usually so eloquent, even able to talk his way out of a dead person, but he had made such a fool of himself on this occasion.

Unable to resist, Li Shimin kicked Li Shen from below.

"Ouch!" Li Shen cried out in pain.

Everyone witnessed this action and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that Prince Ji was indeed incredibly kind and deeply loved by His Majesty.

Such a scene of fatherly love and filial piety can probably only be seen in Prince Ji.

His Majesty is very strict with his other sons, even the Crown Prince. The other princes also have great respect for His Majesty.

Only Prince Ji dared to be so presumptuous in front of His Majesty.

"Hehe, Your Majesty, it's truly rare to find Prince Ji who is so unconventional," Changsun Wuji said with a smile.

(Two heads are better than one. Sometimes your comments really give me a lot of inspiration. There are many details that I can't think of on my own, but you help me supplement and remind me.)

Thank you.