Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

Li Jingheng was the eldest son of Li Daozong and also the heir apparent of the Prince of Hejian.

Today, he brought his younger brother Li Jingren, Li Xiaogong's second son Li Hui, and his third son Li Chongzhen to come ahead of time to see if there was anything they could help with.

In the past, they were always led by Li Chongyi.

This time, it was because Li Chengqian was also present, and Li Chongyi was Li Chengqian's bodyguard commander, so he could not leave his post without permission.

"Yes, you're very kind." Li Shen naturally understood what they meant by helping.

They wanted to see if they had any suggestions at the profit-sharing meeting and whether they needed anyone to agree with them.

Li Shen had done this kind of thing countless times before.

"Hehe, Your Highness is too kind. This is what we should do," Li Jingheng said with a bow and a smile.

In fact, Li Shen couldn't tell the difference between them and his relatives, especially his cousins. He gave each and every one of them corresponding benefits.

Take the profit-sharing issue, for example. Li Hui and Li Chongzhen were the ones who joined later. If it were anyone else, they would never have been agreed to it.

Those 120-odd spoiled brats wouldn't agree to have two more people sharing their wealth.

However, Li Shen directly used his own share of the profits to cover this, which did not affect theirs, so no one complained.

These members of the imperial clan were also well-educated and knew how to be grateful; otherwise, Li Shencai would not have done so.

"Don't worry, today is just a simple profit-sharing event. Everyone has worked hard for this all year, and it's important for them to see the results."

As for other ideas... I haven't thought of them yet.

Li Shen pondered for a moment and shook his head. He couldn't figure out how to swindle money from these people. He had already used up almost all the methods. Could he possibly use the "pig butchering scam" again?

But these people are all his brothers, his beloved relatives and friends.

"Huiju, how is your father's health?"

At this moment, Li Shimin asked, "Huiju is Li Hui's courtesy name."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My father took some time to recuperate and is now doing well."

Since Li Xiaogong had his appendicitis surgery, his health had deteriorated significantly, so Li Shimin gave him the position of Minister of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, a relatively leisurely position.

Among the royal family, the only capable commander was Li Xiaogong; Li Daozong was merely a general.

But now Li Xiaogong is old and in poor health, and no longer manages military affairs.

"Yes, it's been a while since I've seen your father. When you have some free time, have him come to the palace to have tea with me."

Li Shimin nodded, and he stopped attending court for a long time.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Li Hui replied.

"And Chengfan, I heard he's also feeling unwell. Let him rest for a while longer," Li Shimin said, looking at Li Jingheng.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. My father is currently recuperating." Li Jingheng quickly stood up and bowed.

Li Chengqian then laughed and said:

“Father, I have transferred you to the position of Minister of Ceremonies, so that it will be easier for you to take care of your health.”

"Yes, very good. Xiaogong and Chengfan have risked their lives for the Li Tang dynasty. Now that they are old, they should enjoy their retirement."

"Have some time to have tea and chat with me," Li Shimin said with some emotion.

Li Xiaogong was seven years older than him and was already in his sixties, while Li Daozong was two years younger and was almost fifty.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Li Jingheng and Li Hui bowed.

"Huiju, I intend to transfer you to the position of Imperial Wardrobe Master next year. Be prepared."

Li Chengqian spoke to Li Hui.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Li Hui immediately expressed his gratitude. He was originally a bodyguard of the Crown Prince, and was now a court attendant of the Crown Prince. He was about to be promoted to Imperial Attendant, and was already a close minister of the Crown Prince.

As long as the crown prince ascends the throne, his future will be limitless.

Li Shimin nodded slightly, quite satisfied. This Li Hui was quite talented, good at handling political affairs, and a great help to the Crown Prince.

"By the way, I wonder how much the dividends were today?"

Li Shimin took a sip of tea and then asked.

Li Shen thought for a while:

"Reporting to Father, it seems to be more than five million strings of cash, but I don't remember the exact amount."

"Over five million strings of cash? That much? And this is just half a year's income?" Li Shimin was shocked. He had originally thought it was a small matter, but he hadn't expected it to cause such a stir.

When Li Shen told him that the dividends would amount to several million, he was honestly skeptical. Now it seems that his son is indeed worthy of the name.

"Alas, if I had known this would happen, it would have been brilliant. We should have let the imperial court handle this matter."

Li Shimin sighed and looked at Li Chengqian.

"Hehe, Father is absolutely right. If I had known it was this profitable, it would have been better to have the imperial court handle it."

Li Chengqian looked at Li Shen and answered with a smile.

“Father, this won’t do. How can the imperial court compete with the people for profit? Besides, it doesn’t sound good for the imperial court to do such things.”

Li Shen immediately retorted, almost losing his temper.

Good heavens, is my dad planning to kick me while I'm down, or is he just trying to reap the benefits?

"Hmph? Competing with the people for profit? Tell me, which people have I competed with for profit? Is it you, you troublemaker?"

Li Shimin snorted. He didn't really want to take it for himself; he was just saying it on purpose for Li Shen to hear.

He also knew that only Li Shen could make money doing this; if the imperial court were to do it, it probably wouldn't be able to earn as much.

However, it took only half a year to earn just over five million yuan, which is quite an achievement.

“Father, even a troublemaker is still a citizen. We have a contract for this matter. If this gets out, it won’t be good for the court.”

Li Shencai will not compromise.

"Reporting to Your Highness, the young masters of the Cheng family have arrived." At this moment, Shi Tou reported again from outside the door.

"Take them to the usual spot and let them handle the hospitality," Li Shen instructed.

"Your Highness, let's go and receive them." Li Jingheng stood up. They felt very uncomfortable with His Majesty and the Crown Prince present.

"Okay, you can go ahead." Li Shen nodded in agreement.

"Tenth Brother, these people will probably get a lot of money this time, right?" Li Chengqian asked after everyone had left.

"What are you worried about, brother?" Li Shen asked in return.

“It’s not that I’m worried about anything, it’s just…” Li Chengqian stammered.

But Li Shen understood what he meant.

"Is your eldest brother afraid of creating a few more powerful families? Don't worry, those powerful families have been built up over hundreds or thousands of years."

These people are nothing but a bunch of spoiled brats; it's not that easy for them to make a name for themselves.

If it were that simple, the world would be filled with aristocratic families.

"They are just some wealthy men," Li Shen said, offering words of comfort, and he said the same thing to Li Shimin.

Having money doesn't guarantee success. The formation of aristocratic families is extremely difficult, requiring the efforts of several generations to lay the foundation.

It took generations of accumulation to form.

During this period, you must ensure that the family fortune does not decline for these generations.

People say that wealth doesn't last three generations; it's not easy to pass it down for hundreds of years.

Li Shen's biggest fear was that this matter would lead to another suppression of the Shang dynasty, which would render all his years of efforts futile.

(I've heard that horse meat hot pot is delicious in the South, is that true?)