Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

After Li Shimin returned to the palace, he immediately ordered someone to summon Zhangsun Wuji into the palace.

But a moment later, Zhangsun Wuji hurried over, saw Li Shimin, and after bowing, asked, "Your Majesty, why did you call me here so urgently?"

Li Shimin smiled and asked Zhangsun Wuji to stand up, then said: "I discovered an interesting business among the people today."

"I have already invested in it, and now I want to sell you 10% of my shares for 5,000 taels."

Zhangsun Wuji was slightly startled, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, "Your Majesty, what does this mean? Why do you think I would get involved in this private business?"

Li Shimin laughed heartily. "Wuji, you are my loyal minister and someone I trust. I know you have a keen eye. This business may seem like a private one, but it actually has enormous potential."

The emperor pointed to a small cloth bag beside him and said, "These items have never been seen before among the common people. I have personally experienced them today and am amazed. The mirror reflects so clearly, the soap is not only clean but also fragrant, and the perfume and shampoo are even more unique. In Chang'an, from high-ranking officials to ordinary people, everyone is interested in these things."

Zhangsun Wuji pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I do not doubt your judgment, but five thousand taels is not a small sum, and I have no experience in business."

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "Wuji, you don't have to worry. Let me tell you in detail. There is the Yuyu family of Zuixianlou who are responsible for the production, and their craftsmanship is superb."

"There are also Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao. You know these two people. They are both young and promising. I hold 40% of the shares, and they each hold 10%. Now I am giving this 10% to you. You only need to pay the money, and someone will be responsible for the subsequent management."

Changsun Wuji asked again, "Your Majesty, where is the store located? Is the person running it reliable?"

Li Shimin replied, "The shop is located next to Zuixianlou. It is a very busy place with a large flow of people. And with my participation, I will not let this business go astray."

Changsun Wuji began to think. He knew Li Shimin was not an impulsive person. Since His Majesty was so optimistic about this business, perhaps there was indeed hope. "Your Majesty, if this business is profitable, how will the profits be distributed?"

Li Shimin smiled and said, "Of course, the shares will be divided according to the shares. You will get 10%, and if there is a profit in the future, you will get 10%. I believe that this business will pay back the investment within a few months, and the profits will be endless in the future."

Zhang Sun Wuji bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I trust your judgment and am willing to purchase this ten percent stake."

Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction. "Well, Wuji, you really didn't disappoint me. If this business succeeds, it will not only bring wealth, but also add a touch of brilliance to the commerce of our Tang Dynasty. The wisdom of the people is endless, and these novel things can make people's lives better, which is also what I am happy to see."

Changsun Wuji also smiled. "Your Majesty cares deeply about the world, and even considers the people in business matters. I will certainly support you, and I hope that this business will flourish as Your Majesty has promised."

Li Shimin stood up and said, "I believe that with our participation, these mirrors, soaps, and other items will surely set off a craze in Chang'an and become popular items."

After saying that, the two looked at each other and laughed.

Changsun Wuji returned to the mansion and went straight to the study, still muttering to himself, his brows sometimes furrowed, sometimes relaxed, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

His wife and servants were curious to see him like this.

The lady tiptoed into the study and asked gently, "Master, it's so late, what are you mumbling about? Is there something troubling you?"

The servant also echoed: "Yes, Master, you have always been steady, what happened today?"

Zhangsun Wuji raised his head, saw his wife and servants, and frowned slightly. "Today, His Majesty came to me and told me about a business deal involving some novelties, including exquisite mirrors, exotic soaps, perfumes, and shampoos. His Majesty wants me to invest 10% and offer 5,000 taels."

When the lady heard this, her eyes widened. "Five thousand taels? That's not a small sum, sir. Is this business really that good?"

The servant was also shocked and said, "Master, this kind of business among the people is always risky. We must be cautious."

Changsun Wuji sat down and said slowly, "His Majesty told me personally that he had seen these things among the people today and was very impressed by them. His Majesty also said that these items are extremely exquisite and will surely be very popular in Chang'an City."

"The mirror, inlaid with gemstones, is exquisitely crafted and reflects clearly. The soaps come in a variety of charming scents and are unique in shape. The perfumes and shampoos are even more unique, all carefully crafted."

The lady said with some concern, "Master, although His Majesty is optimistic, business matters are very fickle. We don't know if the people who make these things are reliable. What if the quality is inconsistent or the supply is insufficient? What will we do then?"

Zhangsun Wuji nodded. "Madam, you have a point. However, His Majesty said that the people who make it are from the people living near Zuixianlou. They have superb craftsmanship, and they are already preparing to expand and recruit helpers to ensure supply."

"Besides, Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao are also involved in this business. These two young men are smart and capable. With them around, we can feel more at ease."

The servant asked, "Master, what about the shop? Where is it located? Location is important."

Changsun Wuji replied, "The shop is right next to Zuixianlou. It's a busy place with a lot of people and customers. The one who runs the shop is someone chosen by Your Majesty, his name is Su Wen. He's said to be very experienced and reliable."

The lady was still a little worried: "Master, this is five thousand taels of silver after all. What if..."

Changsun Wuji interrupted her, "Madam, I know you're worried, and so am I. But His Majesty's involvement is a form of security in itself. His Majesty doesn't make decisions lightly. If he values ​​this business so much, he must have his reasons."

"Furthermore, if this business is successful, we will not only gain profits, but also have a deeper connection with His Majesty, which will also be beneficial to our family."

The servant thought for a moment and said, "Master, can we go and take a look at those items first? See if they are really as good as Your Majesty said."

Changsun Wuji's eyes lit up. "That's a good suggestion. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to buy some. Only by seeing it with our own eyes can we be more confident."

The lady also nodded. "Very well, sir. We can't just listen to His Majesty's description. We have to know the situation ourselves."

Changsun Wuji stood up and paced around the study. "No matter what, this matter needs to be treated with caution. If it's true, five thousand taels of silver is worth it."

Late at night, Changsun Wuji was still thinking about this business in his study: "Forget it, let's rest first."