Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Three birds with one stone, killing a family and a family!

Soon, Xiao Ran also grasped the situation.

“It’s indeed a bit excessive, these aristocratic families taking advantage of the situation!” Xiao Ran remarked.

“Is there a solution?” Li Lizhi looked at Xiao Ran expectantly.

“Of course, there’s a way. Since the aristocratic families are willing to lend, let His Majesty borrow as much as possible. Borrow as much as you can,” Xiao Ran replied with a smile.

“That won’t work. It’s an endless loop, isn’t it?” Li Lizhi frowned.

“After borrowing, we won’t repay with money; instead, we’ll borrow charcoal. When it’s time to repay, it will be in the form of charcoal,” Xiao Ran explained.

“What about interest?” Li Lizhi asked.

“Follow the aristocratic families’ suggestion of nine out of ten. If the repayment isn’t made within a month, compound interest accumulates. It’s acceptable,” Xiao Ran elaborated.

“This way, we can use this opportunity to profit from the aristocratic families!” Xiao Ran continued.

“How?” Li Lizhi still didn’t understand.

“Have His Majesty borrow and sell the charcoal directly to the aristocratic families when received,” Xiao Ran explained.

“But why would they buy it back? They lent it in the first place,” Li Lizhi questioned.

“They have to buy it!” Xiao Ran asserted.

Li Lizhi pondered but still didn’t grasp it. “Why?”

“They must buy it back when His Majesty sells it slightly cheaper than the aristocratic families. To inflate the price, they’ll have to buy it back. Otherwise, the price will drop,” Xiao Ran clarified.

“The people sent by the emperor must be reliable, making it worry-free!”

“That’s right, killing two birds with one stone is not enough; we want to kill three birds with one stone!”

“Is there anything else?”

“Changan City surely has many refugees, right?”

Li Lizhi nodded, “Many, and the number is increasing.”

“Too many refugees gathering is a huge risk. If not handled properly, it might lead to riots.”

Li Lizhi nodded, “That’s right!”

“So, we want to use employment as relief, simultaneously solving some refugee issues. Does this count as killing three birds with one stone?”

Li Lizhi nodded hastily, admiring Xiao Ran.

Li Lizhi hadn’t considered this issue before.

“That’s a good idea! This also eases some pressure on the court.”

Xiao Ran nodded, “The wages can be lower, take care of food and lodging, and recruit as many refugees as possible.”

“I understand!” Li Lizhi said with a smile.

Li Lizhi couldn’t wait to inform Li Shimin.

“It’s too late, let’s discuss it tomorrow!”

“No, I must tell him. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep!” Li Lizhi’s attitude was firm!