The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 312

Seeing the Minister's anger, the Ministry of Rites officials dared not speak for a moment. Before it was time to leave work, Tang Jian had already changed into civilian clothes, left the yamen, and directly took a carriage to Hongwen Academy.

Upon seeing the masked man before him, who resembled an assassin, Xu Tian immediately said, "Lord Tang."

The man burst into laughter, then stepped aside and said, "I've come to present a gift to Master Xu." He then opened a box containing a luminous pearl.

Xu Tian's eyes lit up immediately, and he said, "I didn't expect Lord Tang's family to have such a good thing."

Tang Jian was speechless; he hadn't expected Xu Tian to be such a money-loving person.

Xu Tian just smiled and said, "Lord Tang, who in this world doesn't love money? I wonder what brings you here today? Let me make it clear that I don't accept rewards without merit."

As he spoke, he pushed the luminous pearl forward.

Tang Jian became anxious when he saw that the man refused to accept the luminous pearl.

"It's like this, Master Xu. I've come to see you because we two families want to get rich together. You previously mentioned the chain of academies to the Emperor."

Even I think this is a really good job. I have houses in various places. If you are willing to use my houses, then the funds allocated by the Emperor will be split 70/30 between you and me.

Moreover, if this chain of academies has a large number of students, then the students' stationery and writing implements will definitely be purchased in large quantities. If Master Xu monopolizes these things, then you can make money all by yourself. As long as you are willing to share this business with me, I guarantee that I can give you 100,000 taels of gold every year.

Two years from now, I will repay you this money at three times the market price.

Xu Tian, ​​standing to the side, said, "If the Emperor finds out, given our friendship, I will certainly be safe, and you, Lord Tang, will gain a reputation for integrity. Lord Tang, are you perhaps seeking a promotion and asking the Emperor for an official position?"

Tang Jian was taken aback at first, then nodded. He just wanted to make money, but he didn't expect Xu Tian to see things so clearly. He then pushed the luminous pearl forward.

"This bead is enough for Brother Xu to live on for a lifetime. This is just a small gift, but if it could enable our descendants to become high-ranking officials and have endless food and drink, then life would be truly fulfilling. What do you think, Brother Xu?"

"I never expected that they would do business with me like this. These ancient officials are really ruthless!" Xu Tian slammed his fist on the table in anger and said, "When I told the Emperor that I wanted to open a chain of bookstores, it was for the benefit of the people and to cultivate talents for the country. You're doing business with me now."

If it's about making money in business, that's one thing, but now that the Minister of Rites, Jing, wants a share of the pie, Xu Tian naturally refuses. He didn't expect to be rejected so thoroughly. Tang Jian casually picked up the luminous pearl and left angrily.

The next morning, when Li Er went to court, he saw Tang Jian, the Minister of Rites, standing among the court officials with a dark expression. He then said, "Minister Tang, do you have a memorial to present?"

Tang Jian stood up, changed his expression, and said, "Your Majesty, the western region is currently facing difficulties in development and lacks educational resources. Grand Tutor Xu is a role model for students across the land and a great Confucian scholar of our time. I hereby request that Prince Rui go to the west to establish an academy."

Xu Tian felt a surge of resentment. The conditions in the west were poor, and even building an academy would cost a lot of money. Moreover, the transportation was inconvenient, and it would take many years to complete the academy, let alone a chain of academies.

"I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree."

When Li Shimin saw someone disobeying him, he immediately became furious.

"Xu Tian, ​​you are merely one of my subjects! A subject must know that if the ruler commands the subject to die, the subject has no choice but to die."

Xu Tian was surprised by Li Er's strong reaction and felt somewhat helpless. He could only say, "Your subject obeys the decree."