Chapter 193:

Chapter 193:

Inside the imperial palace, Li Er gazed at Changle in disbelief.Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com

“Did Su Li truly say that?” he asked, his expression reflecting a mix of surprise and disbelief.

The situation was indeed a tragic one. Since the establishment of the steel factory in the princess’s residence, the iron production business, which was once under the control of the imperial family, had plummeted. Even within the Great Tang, being a royal enterprise didn’t exempt one from the laws of the market.

The craftsmanship of the imperial family’s ironworks paled compared to that of the princess’s steel factory, both in production and quality. In such a situation, who would opt for products made by the imperial family?

Li Er couldn’t compel various government departments and the public to do business with the royal family. For instance, when it came to the military, they could access much sturdier and sharper weapons, so why stick to outdated products? It was vital to note that the Princess’s steel factory operated legitimately, openly selling its high-quality goods to anyone with the means to purchase them. If the military failed to keep up with modern equipment, they risked becoming a laughingstock with weaponry of lower quality than civilians.

Moreover, if these advanced steel products started circulating more widely, it could lead to even more severe consequences. Su Li didn’t actively control the outflow of advanced technology from the steel factory. Skilled workers who learned techniques from the factory were being poached by wealthy families, prominent clans, or influential merchants at high salaries. Su Li turned a blind eye to this phenomenon.

While those people could freely attract talent from the princess’s steel factory without restraint, Li Er couldn’t do the same. The current Li Er was no longer the person who boldly requested good things from Su Li. In the past, they had a close relationship as father-in-law and son-in-law, with no secrets between their families. Today, however, things had changed beyond recognition. Li Er deeply understood that what he had done before was too extreme.

Over the past few years, Li Er’s attitude towards Su Li had completely transformed. He went from suspicion to fear, then reluctantly accepted his fate and finally realized the reality. Su Li’s power was immense, so even an emperor like Li Er could only compromise before him. Li Er had come to terms with this, but the divide had already formed, and restoring their relationship to what it used to be was unrealistic.

Even though he knew that the princess’s steel factory didn’t restrict the outflow of technology and that anyone with intent could access those techniques, Li Er deliberately refrained from taking any action. He hadn’t dispatched anyone to the steel factory to steal techniques despite it being quite simple for him to do so. Despite the impact of the steel factory on the royal family’s income, Li Er hadn’t implemented any measures to restrict the adoption of new steel-making techniques.

Changle gently held her father’s hand to stop him from rushing to provide for her. “Father, it’s not necessary,” she said with a hint of a sigh.

Li Er was shocked but pretended to be angry, saying, “Even if you and Su Li don’t fancy those items, they could be used for Su Che’s amusement when you return. You are preventing me from sending a few novel items to my own grandson?” He watched Changle’s expression carefully, fearing that she might be displeased.

Changle felt a bit stifled. Initially, Li Er had become wary of her husband, and their relationship had grown distant. Yet, when she thought about it more closely, nothing significant happened between them these past years. There had never been any substantial conflict. Why had her relationship with her father changed like this?

Changle no longer objected, and Li Er appeared excited. He took out the list of tributes from foreign nations, drew circles around the items using a brush, and called an attendant.

“Go, send all these items to the princess’s residence,” Li Er ordered.

Then, he turned to Changle, his face showing a hint of embarrassment. “The expansion of the Great Tang’s territories happened too quickly. Governing the land and keeping the people safe all require support from the court. I’m also struggling to make ends meet, and the treasury isn’t exactly overflowing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t only be giving you these items.”

After Changle left, the tension and uneasiness vanished from Li Er’s face. He muttered, “The princess’s residence isn’t short of money, and these rare items I’m offering are more precious than wealth. I suppose... Su Li should be satisfied with this?”

He was treating what Changle had said as a business proposition.