Volume Three: The Turmoil at Xuanwu Gate Chapter 111: Li Shimin’s Response

Li Shimin summoned his two strategists, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, along with Zhangsun Wuji, who happened to be at the residence, and asked Mingyu to repeat the advice he had just given.

Mingyu restated his idea: to win over and bribe officials in various provinces, prefectures, and counties across the realm, uniting them to stand in opposition against the Guanlong noble clans that supported the Crown Prince.

Upon hearing this, Du Ruhui nodded repeatedly, full of praise. "This plan is brilliant!" he exclaimed. "Not only can we avoid the Crown Prince's direct aggression, but it will also lead him to lower his guard against us. Meanwhile, we can secretly develop and strengthen our influence. It truly kills three birds with one stone!"

Stroking his beard, Fang Xuanling added, "Indeed, Mingyu and I share the same mind. Since we lack the upper hand here in the capital, we can perfectly well develop our influence in Luoyang, Jinyang, and Chengdu. By uniting the forces of various provinces and prefectures, we can gather sand into a tower; we will not necessarily lose to the Crown Prince. As for your upcoming mission to pacify the regions of Henan and Hebei and quell the banditry, your title as Grand Commandant of Luoyang Prefecture serves our purpose perfectly. And then there is the Dugu family, who sent a man named Dugu Kai to offer us goodwill. This is a good sign. It shows that these noble clans are divided in their loyalties and are not irrevocably tied to the Crown Prince. They only side with him because he is currently powerful and we are weak, making his ascension the most profitable outcome for them. We can take this opportunity to win over and divide some of the less-regarded collateral branches of the Guanlong clans. By promising them prominent titles and great wealth, even if they cannot be fully used by us, they can serve as valuable hidden agents."

"However," Fang Xuanling said, his expression turning grave as he considered a new concern, "if Your Highness goes abroad to develop our strength, we will be left without a leader. Here in Chang'an, the Crown Prince’s suppression will likely follow one after another. I fear our days here will not be easy."

Li Shimin bowed his head in thought for a while before saying, "Tell our people in Chang'an to keep as low a profile as possible and not give the Crown Prince any leverage. It is fine to abandon some non-essential positions; our priority is to preserve our strength. I will return within a year at most, perhaps only a few months. By then, the momentum will be in our favor, and we will at least not be so passive in the political landscape of the court."

Seeing that Li Shimin had set the tone, the two strategists began to devise specific plans. One analyzed that the Vice Prefect of Luoyang was a former official of the Sui Dynasty who had always been grateful to the Prince for hiring him regardless of his past, making him the easiest to win over. Another mentioned that the Secretary of Luoyang was an old acquaintance and would surely defect if he received a letter.

The two men discussed and listed names on paper. They were truly the pillars of Li Shimin’s strategy, future chancellors and ministers of eternal renown, possessing remarkable memories. They knew the origins, factional ties, personalities, and preferences of officials in prefectures thousands of miles away as if they were their own.

Comparing the final list, eight or nine out of ten could likely be swayed. Li Shimin was exhilarated; he read the list three times, confirming it repeatedly, before carefully tucking it into his robes. The men in the room were all joyful, as these names formed an inseparable web of influence. If even half of them turned toward the Prince of Qin, it would be enough to stand against the Crown Prince.

Only Zhangsun Wuji sat with a dark expression, silent since entering, lost in his own thoughts.

Li Shimin asked, "Wuji, why the long face? Do you have a different opinion?"

Zhangsun Wuji sighed deeply. "The plan of Master Fang and Master Du is naturally brilliant; I could never conceive of a better one. However, they have overlooked the most critical issue!"

Fang and Du were startled and hurriedly pressed him for an explanation. As strategists, they had to be thorough, for any oversight could lead to total defeat.

Zhangsun Wuji smiled bitterly. "It is not the fault of the two masters; the plan is excellent. It is simply that one does not plan when not in the position to do so. They are unaware that the Prince of Qin’s treasury simply cannot support such a grand endeavor."

He held up his hand and began counting off the expenses. "I manage the Prince’s external expenditures. While our estate has many farms and lands, and the Emperor grants us rewards from time to time, our income is not limitless. The Prince’s usual generosity in rewarding his generals and meritorious soldiers is an astonishing expense. If we go out now with the intent to bribe and win over local officials, we cannot be stingy; we must offer heavy rewards to secure their hearts. Yet, we cannot produce that much liquid cash at once unless we sell off some of our assets..."

The meaning was clear: the Prince of Qin’s estate had many fixed assets, but lacked sufficient ready cash. The joy on the faces of Li Shimin and the others vanished. Fang and Du fell into a heavy, silent sigh. They were masters of strategy and grand planning, but when it came to making money, they were completely at a loss.

Mingyu asked curiously, "Uncle Zhangsun, you mean we don’t have enough cash, right? But where do the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qi get the money to buy hearts? Could they be selling offices or taking bribes?"

Zhangsun Wuji smiled bitterly. "The Crown Prince would naturally not do such things, but you must not forget the support of the Guanlong noble clans behind him. With the wealth accumulated by these clans over hundreds of years, a small contribution from each is enough to rival the wealth of a nation. As for the Prince of Qi... relying on the Emperor's favor, he has always been tyrannical and overbearing, seizing land and property. In Guanzhong alone, he possesses thousands of hectares of fertile fields. It is said he has gathered many followers to help him hoard wealth—thugs, merchants, anyone who can make money, he does not let pass."

Mingyu thought of the Evil Tiger Gang and realized that even human trafficking was among their methods. With such ruthless means, it was no wonder the Prince of Qi was wealthy. It seemed that in any era, one could do nothing without money. Even in future generations, didn't presidential candidates have the backing of great families and financial groups? Without money, how could one win votes, buy influence, or dig up dirt on opponents, all under the euphemism of "political contributions"?

The room fell silent. After a long while, Li Shimin gritted his teeth. "Regardless, this must be done. As for the money, we will take it one step at a time. If necessary, I will secretly sell some of the estates the Emperor has bestowed upon me! I have no path of retreat; if I lose, my life itself is in jeopardy. What use would these worldly possessions be to me then?"

With the plan decided, Li Shimin waved his hand, and the others withdrew, leaving only him and Mingyu.

Watching Li Shimin, Mingyu suddenly smiled. This was exactly what he needed. He had recently come into some money and was looking for a way to start a business. Since his second uncle was short on funds, why not invite him to invest? With the prestigious name of the Prince of Qin as a backer, how could he fail to bring in wealth? If he could just figure out glassmaking, he would be rolling in money.

He wanted to speak, but hesitated. He wasn't entirely sure if the glass would succeed. It was better not to say anything; if he failed, the disappointment would be greater. If he boasted and failed, it would be a small matter to be mocked, but if he hindered Li Shimin’s grand plans, his own life might be at stake. He would take it one step at a time, and if he succeeded, it would be a pleasant surprise for them.

Seeing Li Shimin about to head off to rest, Mingyu hurried over. "Uncle, I have some money here. If you need it, please take it!"

Li Shimin looked at him, assuming he meant the two hundred gold pieces Li Yuanji had given him. It wasn't much, but it moved him. He patted Mingyu’s shoulder. "Mingyu, I appreciate the thought. Those two hundred strings of cash aren't even enough to fill their teeth. Keep it for your own expenses."

Mingyu grinned. "Uncle, I don't want to just sit around and exhaust my resources. I intend to start a business to earn some money. But I am short on manpower and unfamiliar with Chang'an. Why don't you invest in it, and we can get rich together?"

Li Shimin was stunned. "Business? What business could you possibly do? Is your monthly allowance not enough?"

Mingyu smiled. "It's enough, but who complains about having too much money? I have to stand on my own two feet eventually. I’ve already planned it—I’m going to open a restaurant. People must eat, so there will always be business."

Li Shimin recalled the Beggar’s Chicken Mingyu had made at Hulao Pass—tender, fragrant, and delicious. Perhaps, with those culinary skills, a restaurant wouldn't fail. But he didn't pay it much mind, thinking it was just a child’s whim.

He laughed. "Very well. You have your two hundred gold pieces; I will add three hundred strings of cash to make it five hundred! I will have Wang De assist you; if you need anything done, just tell him."

Mingyu’s expression became serious. "It would be better if Manager Wang just assists me. There are some things that outsiders shouldn't know. As for the money, I have about two hundred strings of illicit funds seized from the Evil Tiger Gang. Together, that's four or five hundred strings—enough for now. Since you are in need of money, keep yours. Let's invest under the name of the Prince of Qin's estate. But favors are favors, and accounts are accounts. When we make money, we split it fifty-fifty!"

Li Shimin was amused by his seriousness, and his gloomy mood lightened. "Even if I need money, three or five hundred strings won't solve my problems! Very well, it is settled. Wang De!"

The head eunuch, Wang De, was waiting outside and hurried in. Li Shimin ordered him to withdraw three hundred strings of cash for Mingyu and instructed him to follow Mingyu’s orders.

Once arranged, Li Shimin, exhausted from a sleepless night, stretched and winked at Mingyu. "Boy! Work hard! I look forward to our fifty-fifty split! Hahahaha!" With a hearty laugh, he went off to rest.