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“It’s definitely profitable! The aristocratic families are raking in money! The most lucrative trade in the world is salt. Whoever controls salt can make a fortune,” Li Lizhi explained.

Having some knowledge, Xiao Ran realized that Li Shimin couldn’t do much about these people now.

“Isn’t salt controlled by the court?” Xiao Ran recalled that salt and iron were usually under imperial control.

Li Lizhi clarified, “Salt and iron are divided into public and private. Following the Sui system, the Salt and Iron Envoys control most salt wells in other states. In Changan City, about eighty to ninety percent of salt is privately controlled by aristocratic families, and the limited public salt is supplied to the army.”

Surprised, Xiao Ran understood why salt prices skyrocketed and why it was in the hands of aristocrats.

“Even with private salt, the tax must be hefty, right? Salt is incredibly profitable!”

“True, but here in Changan City, under the Emperor’s control, those who manage salt are either aristocrats or high-ranking officials. If they want to evade taxes, how would the Salt and Iron Envoys dare to confront them? The income from salt near Changan City hardly reaches the national treasury.”

Xiao Ran was shocked to realize his father-in-law’s predicament.

“The revenue from salt and iron is extraordinary for the court. So, if there’s an issue with salt and iron, isn’t that a matter for the Emperor and the ministers?”

“Understanding the reasoning, but cleaning up the salt trade means taking from the powerful. Many of them are the heroes of the Xuanwumen Incident. It’s not easy for the Emperor to act now.”

Xiao Ran realized that even Li Shimin had many constraints.

Thinking about it, with the Tang Dynasty in its early days, the power of aristocratic families was still formidable. Disturbing their interests now could lead to disloyalty.

“Understood!”

“You want the land in Yujiagou probably because of the coal and salt mines, but those are worthless!”

“Of course, I can’t help it! These things can’t be explained in a short time. I’ll explain it to you later. It’s time for dinner.”

“What are we having?” Li Lizhi forgot her worries when food was mentioned.

“If you still want to try the fish soup, it’s ready…”

…

Empress Zhangsun has somewhat recovered, and with a slight increase in temperature today, she decided to go out for a walk and check on the children. The most important task was to deliver thermal underwear. After others had completed their deliveries, only Li Chengqian, Li Shimin, and Li Yuan remained. Upon entering the Prince’s Mansion, the servants promptly bow in respect.

Empress Zhangsun nodded and entered the Prince’s Mansion with confident steps. Hearing her arrival, Li Chengqian quickly limped out.

Seeing Li Chengqian’s condition, Empress Zhangsun felt uneasy, as both of them worried about the impact of his leg issue on the future crown prince.

“My son, I have met my mother!” Li Chengqian is genuinely happy to see the improved health of Empress Zhangsun.

“Chengqian, get up!” She responded.

“Mother, how is your health?” Li Chengqian asked with concern.

“It’s much better. I’m so bored staying in Lizheng Hall every day. Come out for a walk!” Empress Zhangsun invited.

“Mother, it’s cold. If you’re afraid of the cold, you must still be careful,” Li Chengqian advised.

Empress Zhangsun agreed, and a maid handed her the thermal underwear. “Li Lizhi gave this to you. I’ve been wearing it, and it provides excellent warmth! This winter is too cold. Put it on later…”

“What is this?” Li Chengqian examined it, appreciating the feel of the fabric.

“I don’t know the specific origin,” Empress Zhangsun admitted.

Li Chengqian nodded, “Thank you, Queen Mother!”

“I won’t disturb your studies. Remember to wear it later..,” Empress Zhangsun said as she took her leave.