Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

"I wonder what the difference is? I hope you can enlighten me, Lord Tang." Li Chengqian did not understand.

"Your Highness, the difference is significant. Just as we, your humble servants, follow Your Majesty without hesitation, even at the cost of our lives, we are willing to do so."

Those people outside are just making money along with Prince Ji.

Before that, they had no dealings with Prince Ji, and even now they don't interact often. They obeyed Prince Ji because His Highness had brought them benefits.

They just said they were willing to share wealth and honor with Prince Ji, but we, the old ministers who have followed Your Majesty, are equally willing to share hardships with Your Majesty.

Since Prince Ji could not bring them any benefit, these people dispersed.

Tang Jian solemnly explained to Li Chengqian.

Tang Jian acted this way because all seven of his sons were away on official business. If His Highness the Crown Prince misunderstood, wouldn't that jeopardize their futures?

After listening, Li Chengqian began to discern the truth or falsehood in Tang Jian's words.

Judging from the enthusiastic attitude of the people outside, it doesn't seem like they're doing it for profit as Tang Jian said.

He had heard about these spoiled brats before, and because of Li Shen, their personalities had changed drastically, and they had become more ambitious.

Could this also be because Li Shen gave him a benefit?

At this moment, Li Shimin, who was standing to the side, spoke up:

“Brilliant! I’m showing you how the Tenth Prince just acted in a hypocritical manner.”

"Huh?" Li Chengqian was surprised. Shouldn't they be learning benevolence and righteousness? Why are they learning hypocrisy instead?

Besides, he couldn't sense anything fake in Li Shen's words. If the investment failed, shouldn't apologizing to everyone be considered a sign of kindness and righteousness?

Regardless, Li Shen is still a prince.

"You don't actually think that the Tenth Prince was really remorseful just now, do you?" Li Shimin picked up his wine cup and took a sip.

"Could it be fake? But I don't think it's fake."

"That's hard to say. It's hard to tell what's true and what's false; you have to figure it out for yourself. Investment failures are indeed disappointing."

But how could the tenth brother willingly admit defeat?

Li Shimin didn't explain too clearly. He glanced at Tang Jian, knowing that there were some things he couldn't say more about.

He just felt there was something strange about this matter.

Just then, someone outside asked a question:

"Your Highness, may I ask how you know the ship sank to the bottom of the sea? Could it be that someone survived?"

It's unclear where it sank, or whether it can be salvaged.

With spice prices soaring these days, even if the spices are harvested, dried, and sold as substandard goods, some losses can be recouped.

Hmm? Li Shimin immediately sensed something was amiss upon hearing the question. How could anyone be questioning him at this time?

The person asking the question clearly had some doubts.

Li Shen replied:

"Gentlemen, to be honest, this is also my guess, because other merchants managed to escape and they said that the sea god was angry at sea."

According to the schedule, the fleet should have returned long ago, but there is still no news of them.

Based on the accounts of other merchants, I concluded that they had perished at sea.

However, there is another possibility.

Li Shen paused here, looked around, and then slowly said:

"Perhaps they encountered a pirate crew, having heard that a vicious pirate crew was entrenched in the southern seas, specializing in robbing passing ships."

Many merchants from our Great Tang Dynasty and ships traveling to and from the Western Regions have been robbed.

There are even rumors that they commit murder, robbery, and other heinous crimes.

If our fleet were to encounter these pirates, we would likely meet with dire consequences.

"What? There's actually such a thing?"

"I have also heard that there is indeed a group of pirates causing havoc in the South China Sea."

"They are incredibly audacious! They even dare to intercept merchant ships of our Great Tang Dynasty. Aren't they afraid that our army will march south?"

After Li Shen finished speaking, a murmur of discussion immediately broke out below.

Each of them spoke with righteous indignation, hating evil as if it were their enemy, and wished they could personally lead a team to wipe out these pirates.

"Please be patient, everyone. I have already sent people south to investigate. If it has indeed been plundered by pirates, they will definitely come to my Great Tang to sell it."

Only with the blessings of our Great Tang Dynasty can it fetch a good price.

If anyone is selling them, I will definitely investigate thoroughly and report to the court so that the navy can be dispatched to suppress them.

"Hmph, daring to steal my things, I'll throw them all into the sea to feed the fish!"

Li Shen gave a final cold snort, his face filled with murderous intent. It was common knowledge that since Prince Ji rose to power, he had always been the one bullying others, never suffering a loss himself.

If those pirates really did rob Prince Ji, Prince Ji could indeed ask the imperial court to send out the navy to wipe out the pirates.

After catching his breath, Li Shen spoke again, changing the subject:

"However, my Great Tang has many ports, and I'm afraid I can't investigate them all by myself."

You should all discuss this amongst yourselves. Those of you with port businesses, please also help inquire about it.

The ports near Guangzhou will be under the jurisdiction of my Prince Ji's residence. Does anyone have any objections?

“My family owns a shop in Quanzhou. I’ll arrange for someone to keep an eye on this as soon as I get back.” Someone responded immediately.

"My family is in charge of Dengzhou Port."

“My family also owns a shop in Fuzhou.”

Immediately, many playboys stood up and offered to help keep an eye on the matter.

Li Shen raised his hand to calm everyone down, then laughed twice.

"Haha, very good. I am very pleased that we are so united. I believe that as long as we work together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish."

It is said that man proposes, God disposes, but I believe that three parts are ordained by fate and seven parts depend on hard work. Ultimately, we must rely on ourselves.

If we can capture these despicable pirates, the wealth they've amassed over the years will be more than enough to make up for our losses.

Therefore, everyone should keep busy and send people to stake out various ports. If it really is what they claim, they will definitely be eager to take action.

If spices are stored for too long, their quality will deteriorate, and their price will decrease accordingly.

Therefore, the next few months must be the time for them to ship their products.

Everyone, please pay close attention! Cheers to our money!

Li Shen raised his wine glass.

"Cheers!" The playboys also raised their glasses and drank with Li Shenyi.

"Alright, let the banquet begin. Everyone, please enjoy yourselves."

After Li Shen finished speaking, he turned and returned to the private room. The playboys also drank their own drinks, knowing that Prince Ji still needed to accompany His Majesty.

Li Shen returned to his seat in the private room and took a bite of food.

Suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable, I immediately looked up to check. There I was, someone staring straight at me.

His eyes were deep, as if he could see right through him.

"Father...why are you looking at me like that?" Li Shen asked somewhat guiltily.

"Something's wrong with you," Li Shimin said, withdrawing his gaze and looking puzzled.

"Hmm? Is something wrong with my son?" Li Shen was taken aback. He thought to himself, "Could it be that my father has sensed something? That shouldn't be the case."

“Tenth Brother, something’s wrong with you.” Li Chengqian suddenly said this.

(I'm living such a fulfilling life right now, I don't even have time to poop.)