"Qinghe Fang Clan, two hundred thousand stones."
Fang Xuanling's words instantly silenced the Longevity Palace.
Those who could donate 100,000 dans of grain could basically be considered a third-rate family. Those who could donate 200,000 dans of grain could basically be considered a second-rate family.
Thus, 200,000 dans of grain could be used to differentiate third-rate families from second-rate families.
200,000 dans of food was enough to feed 50,000 soldiers for two years. A private army that could almost allow a family to recruit 50,000 people was definitely not a small number.
The Temple of Immortals became quiet, and many small families sighed.
At this moment, Fang Xuanling reminded his son, Fang Yizhi,""Son, the Fang family in the world all come from Qinghe.”
"However, the Qing River Fang Clan only produced a few ministers and assistant ministers in the past hundreds of years. It was only until I became the prime minister of a country that you must remember to inherit the glory of this family.”
"I will remember Father's teachings.”Fang Yi Zhi's eyes were filled with determination as he fought for the clan.
At this moment, another voice resounded throughout the hall.
" Pei Clan of the Eastern River, two hundred thousand stones."
The old voice came from Pei Ju. He had discussed with Pei Ju that the Pei family in the east of the river would still keep a low profile. In any case, they could not compete with the first-rank aristocratic families, so why should they donate so much food to the imperial court for nothing?
200,000 dans of food was enough.
However, the others were very surprised that Pei Ju only donated 200,000 stones.
Another series of voices sounded.
"Du Clan of Jingzhao, 200,000 stones."
" Jingzhao's Wei Clan, 200,000 stones."
" The Liu family of the Eastern River, two hundred thousand stones."
" Xue Clan of the Eastern River, two hundred thousand stones."
Among them, the Du family and the Wei family of Jingzhao are the most famous.
These two families were big families in Guanzhong and had great influence in Guanzhong. They were not only family friends but also generations of marriage.
Among them, the most famous were Du Gao, Du Ruhui, Du Yan, Wei Ting, and Concubine Wei.
Du Gao was the Sui Dynasty's Yellow Family Assistant Minister, the same generation as Pei Ju, and was also a figure of the same generation as Prime Minister Du Ruhui's grandfather.
Du Gao said to Du Ruhui," The Du family of Jingzhao has a deep relationship with the Wei family, Liu family, and Xue family. This time, as long as we donate the same amount of food, we won't tarnish the family's reputation and become enemies with the other families. We won't let the court benefit for nothing either.”
"Grandfather is right." Du Ruhui learned a little more.
However, Li Shimin, who was on the throne, was somewhat dissatisfied. He did not achieve his goal.
He hoped that the aristocratic families would kill each other for the sake of ranking and fight for wealth without reason.
However, the Du, Wei, Liu, and Xue families had existed for hundreds of years and had long inherited the wisdom of managing their families.
......
"Yuanjing, what should we do? None of these families are willing.”
Li Shi Min lowered his voice and asked Li Yuan Jing.
Obviously, he had already regarded Li Yuanjing as the mastermind behind this banquet.
"Imperial Brother, don't panic." Li Yuanjing rolled his eyes.”
As expected!
Of course, there were also families who wanted to compete and suppress each other. The banquet entered its climax.
" Hongnong Yang Clan, three hundred thousand stones."
"The Zheng family of Xingyang, 320,000 dan.”
"Hongnong Yang Family, 330,000 stones.”
"Fan Yang Lu family, 350,000 stones.”
"Qinghe Cui Clan, 370,000 stones.”
......
After a round of bidding, the various aristocratic families were all jealous. It was as if they had gone crazy.
Instantly, Li Shi Min's heart started to pound.
Li Yuanjing smiled faintly." Imperial Brother, this time, the imperial court will have millions of stones of grain. How will you reward my younger brother?"”
"Since you want to be a virtuous king, I'll give you the title of virtuous king." Li Shi Min said solemnly.”
Li Yuanjing nodded in agreement and continued to watch the fight at the banquet.
On the other side.
Behind the Zhangsun Clan's seats.
Zhangsun Wuji endured for a long time and did not bid.
He hoped to make the final decision and suppress everyone because he wanted to maintain the prestige of the Zhangsun Clan.
His uncle, Zhangsun Shunde, looked at Zheng Fengchi who was seated in the distance and frowned.""Assistant Minister, will the richest man in the Great Tang, Zheng Fengchi, be involved in this matter?”
"Of course not. He's just a merchant.”Zhangsun Wuji was very sure.
He saw that the highest bid had already reached 400,000 stones.
Zhangsun Wuji stood up and said heroically,
"Zhangsun Clan, 500,000 dans!"
Whoosh!
Everyone was in an uproar and whispered among themselves.
Yang Gongren, the representative of the Yang family of Hongnong, scolded Zhangsun Wuji for his ambition.
However, the Hongnong Yang family's number of 390,000 was already the limit.
The Lu family of Fanyang, the Zheng family of Xingyang, the Wang family of Taiyuan, and the Cui family of Qinghe all fell silent. Obviously, they could not compare to the Zhangsun family in terms of numbers.
Only the Cui family of Boling remained.
"550,000 dan!"
Cui Min Gan stood up and said indifferently as if these grains were nothing to the Cui family.
In an instant, Zhangsun Wuji was speechless. After discussing with Zhangsun Shunde, Zhangsun Cao, and the other elders, he gritted his teeth and said,
"Six hundred thousand stones."
Everyone was shocked.
This was the rhythm of a mad fight.
Li Yuanjing wanted to clap his hands and cheer.
When dogs fight each other, the people will benefit in the end.
"630,000 dan."
Cui Min Gan's heart was also bleeding. The Imperial Court had taken advantage of him, but if he donated five to six hundred thousand stones, he would only get the title of a second-rank aristocratic family. It was simply a loss.
Zhangsun Wuji thought so too.
This time, according to the rules of the banquet, as long as you shout this number, it means that your family wants to donate this much.
The Temple of Immortals quieted down, which meant that the Zhangsun Clan was in second place.
Zhangsun Wuji admitted defeat.
Li Shi Min's expression was clearly unfriendly. He wanted his relatives to become a first-rank aristocratic family. This way, Empress Zhangsun and Zhangsun Wuji's status would be raised.
Now that the Cui Clan of Boling had taken over the First Rank Aristocratic Family, it would increase the influence of the aristocratic family.
"Who else wants to donate food?"
Li Shi Min suddenly stood up and looked around the hall, hoping that someone would continue to bid.
The hall was silent for a long time.
Cui Min 'gan and Cui Qiong smiled brightly.
Just as Li Shiming was about to announce that the Cui family of Boling had donated the most food, a tender voice sounded.
"Imperial Brother, I seem to have seen a person. This person is the richest man in the Great Tang, Zheng Fengchi. If he donates food, the disaster in the east of the river will definitely be alleviated.”
"Mr. Zheng, your family fortune is immeasurable. You definitely won't be so stingy, right?”
Li Yuanjing, who had eaten his fill, finally stood up and became the center of attention.
Swoosh!
Numerous gazes landed on him. King Zhao left his seat and walked towards the seat near the palace door.
The seats near the palace gate were either third-rate families or low-status merchant families.
"Bastard!"
Cui Mingan cursed in his heart. He saw Zheng Fengchi's expression change. This was an enemy.
Cui Qiong was so angry that his chest exploded." This kid must have a grudge against our Cui family!!!”
Li Yuanjing walked to Zheng Fengchi's seat and led him to the center of the hall.
Although the merchant families were invited by the imperial court, their status was low, and they did not dare to donate more than the first-rate families.
Scholars, farmers, businessmen, and merchants were inferior, and merchants did not dare to overstep their boundaries.
Logically speaking, the merchant did not participate in the evaluation of the entry ticket of the aristocratic family. It was only that Li Yuanjing helped Zheng Fengchi to forcefully introduce the emperor.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Zheng Fengchi saluted Li Shimin.
Li Yuanjing looked around. He was about to start his real performance. He said,
"Mr. Zheng, just donate for the people of Hedong. Whoever advised you to donate less would be making an enemy of the world.”
These words blocked the mouths of Cui Mingan and the other aristocratic families.
"Yes."
Li Shi Min was unwilling to let a first-rank aristocratic family fall into the hands of the Cui family of Boling, so he immediately agreed.
Seeing how familiar the King of Zhao was with the richest man in the Great Tang, he knew that the King of Zhao was up to something.
Li Yuanjing patted the Tang Empire's richest man on the shoulder."It's your turn to perform."
Zheng Fengchi shouted out a number that shocked everyone.
"Seven hundred thousand stones!"
This was a number that the Cui Clan of Boling could not hope to reach.
Even though the Cui family of Boling had been passed down for nearly a thousand years and had countless assets, it was impossible for them to donate so much food.
Third Uncle Cui trembled and covered his mouth with his hand. After coughing, he realized that there was black blood on his hand.
King Zhao was a bastard!
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