Li Shi Min felt very aggrieved, but he had no other choice. After all, the biggest problem now was still the aristocratic families.
If he lost to Li Ke, he could still live. The country was still in Li Tang's hands, but if he lost to the aristocratic families, it would be hard to say who the world belonged to.
After returning to Taiji Palace, Li Shimin immediately issued an edict to cancel the supply rights of the aristocratic families 'salt, iron, and tea.
Immediately after, he sent people to secretly find Li Jing, Li Ji, and Yuchi Gong, explaining Li Ke's wishes.
"You are the people I trust the most. I hope you understand that I am your emperor. As for the King of Shu, you should know what to do.”
Li Shiming's words were very clear. He wanted the three of them to be in Cao's camp, but their hearts were in Han. On the surface, they agreed to cooperate with Li Ke, but in fact, they were still on Li Shiming's side.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. We will never change our minds until we die.”
Li Jing, Li Ji, and Yuchi Gong bowed together to express their loyalty.
"Go, the King of Shu will be looking for you soon.”
Li Shi Min smiled in satisfaction and sent the three away.
"Li Ke, zhen's good son, you still underestimate your father.”
"The Emperor of the Great Tang is still Us!”
"The three of them are still my subjects!”
……
Indeed, Li Ke quickly sent someone to send a message to Li Jing and the other two, asking them to enter the King Shu Residence to discuss something.
Now that the King of Shu, Li Ke, had an extremely high reputation, no one would reject his invitation. Soon, Li Jing and the other two arrived at the King of Shu's Residence.
"Greetings, King of Shu."
Li Jing and the other two bowed.
Although they were dukes, Li Ke was the King of Shu, and his title was higher than theirs.
More importantly, Li Ke's reputation was now high, and he was stronger than them. They did not dare to not bow.
"Don't be so polite. Sit down and talk."
Li Ke smiled and gestured for the three of them to sit down.
He could feel the nervousness of the three of them.
"Don't be nervous. I know my father must have looked for you before you came.”
Li Ke said with a smile.
"Now you know why I've asked you to come.”
"I also know that my father wants you to be loyal to the Imperial Court and him while working with me, and to distinguish between friend and foe, right?”
Li Jing and the other two smiled bitterly and were speechless.
Was the King of Shu really only eleven years old?
He was clearly still a child, but he was the founder of science. Not only had he invented so many good things, but he was also good at discovering people's hearts. In front of him, there was no need to keep secrets from a dead person.
"King of Shu, I, Old Hei, am not afraid to speak the truth.”
Yuchi Gong said directly.
"I admire your abilities, King of Shu. I also feel that you will have great achievements in the future. That's why I'm willing to let my son become your disciple.”
"However, I have risked my life with Your Majesty to help Your Majesty ascend to the throne. I am loyal to Your Majesty and will definitely not be tempted by some money.”
Yuchi Gong was a straightforward person. He didn't want to cheat others and directly said his thoughts. Even if Li Ke gave up on giving him benefits because of this, it didn't matter.
Li Jing and Li Ji didn't say anything, but their eyes and expressions showed that they were still on Li Shiming's side.
"You're thinking too much, Duke of E."
Li Ke said with a smile.
"This Prince is looking for you to cooperate. It's for a win-win situation and to deal with the aristocratic families 'punishment of the Imperial Court.”
"It's not like I want you to choose between me and Father.”
Li Jing, Li Ji, and Yuchi Gong were all stunned. Wasn't this their goal?
In the eyes of the courtiers, especially Li Jing, Li Ji, and the other big shots of the court, the struggle between Li Shi Min and Li Ke was very obvious. Therefore, even Li Shi Min felt that Li Ke was trying to rope in Li Jing and the others for his own use.
But now, it seemed that they were all wrong.
"That's right, I want to rope you in.”
Li Ke admitted generously and explained.
"I'm not ordering you or enticing you with benefits. I'm giving you a choice.”
"Let's not talk about others. Duke of E, ever since the incident at the Black Tortoise Sect, Imperial Father has reprimanded you many times.”
"General Li Ji of the United Kingdom, father has begun to control your military power and even your troops.”
"Duke Wei."
Li Ke looked at Li Jing and said with a smile.
"You're not my father's close relative to begin with. Because of your previous battle achievements, you're deeply feared and you're living a cautious life, aren't you?”
Li Jing, Li Jing, and Yuchi Gong were all hit on the sore spot by Li Ke and were momentarily speechless.
Li Ke was right. Although they were the victors, they received good treatment, but they did not receive enough benefits or even trust.
If he really trusted them, Li Shiming wouldn't have asked the three of them to confirm if they would side with Li Ke.
"I don't need your loyalty. We're only talking about benefits now.”
Li Ke said seriously.
"Each of you will pay 10,000 strings of money to set up a factory, which is also a large workshop. This king will be responsible for providing the technology, salt production, iron smelting, and tea frying.”
"We'll split the profits 50 - 50. If necessary, I can give you more benefits. Your sons will also be recommended to the Imperial Court as officials and become the pillars of the Imperial Court.”
"What do you think?"
Li Ke's conditions were too tempting.
Salt, iron, and tea were all profitable. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been controlled by the aristocratic families all year round just because of the huge profits.
Ten thousand strings of money for each person was practically free.
With money, they could expand their troops and stabilize their strength. With money, they could grow into a mature aristocratic family. At that time, even Emperor Li Shimin would not be able to easily touch them.
Moreover, Li Ke was now the head of Hongwen Dojo. It was certain that he would recommend students to become officials in the imperial court. Moreover, with his status as a Great Grandmaster, his recommendations were accurate.
This was really too tempting.
"What do we need to do?"
Li Jing asked. Li Ji and Yuchi Gong also looked at Li Ke cautiously, waiting for his answer.
Of course, there were high risks as well.
They weren't stupid enough to believe that a pie would fall from the sky.
Li Ke smiled, knowing that the three of them had fallen into a trap.
Although it seemed like a huge reward, these three men were the War Gods of the Great Tang, the War Gods, and the bravest generals of the Great Tang. With these three on his side, the military would be able to get what they wanted.
"Very simple."
Li Ke said with a smile.
"After I ascend the throne, assist me wholeheartedly and stabilize the military!”
Li Jing and the other two's hearts skipped a beat. They exchanged glances and nodded slowly.
"Deal!"
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