Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 277: The elderly spend the winter for free, while the soldiers go to dig coal

Cheng Chumo cleared his throat and continued, "Once the coal briquettes and coal stoves are ready, the emperor will arrange for someone to sell them."

"The Emperor, with the utmost care for the nation, has issued a special decree: for families without a working population, such as those with only a few-year-old child and an elderly person, or even families with only one elderly person, coal stoves and briquettes will be provided free of charge, so that these lonely and weak people can also safely survive the winter."

Qin Huaidao nodded slightly and added, "This is the Emperor's compassion for the people. We must fully cooperate to ensure that these benefits are accurately delivered to those who need them. Everyone knows that the prosperous Tang Dynasty should put the people first. The Emperor's grace will be like the warm sun, shining on all directions."

After hearing this, the workers were all moved and began to talk about it: "Your Majesty is wise! Now those poor families finally have someone to rely on."

"We have to work harder to get the coal ready soon so we can help those people as soon as possible."

Inside Zuixianlou, Yuyu said with sparkling eyes, "Mom, we have to do something for those poor families."

Xiaoyu smiled and nodded. "My son has such a kind heart. Mother is very pleased. When the coal stoves and coal briquettes start to be distributed, we at Zuixianlou can make some hot porridge to warm the elderly and children who go to the coal mine to collect coal."

Li Hao echoed, "That's right. Not only that, we can also prepare some old cotton-padded clothes and quilts. If there are people who are thinly dressed, they can also have something to keep warm."

Ah Cai couldn't help but interject, "I can help take care of the younger ones and keep them from freezing in the cold wind."

Ah Fu scratched his head and said, "I'm strong, leave the moving to me."

Chef Mi patted his chest and said, "I'll make some more dry food for them to take back home."

Xiao Yu thought for a moment and said seriously, "Your Majesty, I, Cheng Chumo, Qin Huaidao, and others will handle matters near Chang'an and will do our utmost to advance them. However, Your Majesty can arrange for special personnel to mine, manufacture, and sell coal in other places."

"For example, soldiers from other counties and border areas can be involved. Soldiers are disciplined and strong, making them perfect for this kind of work. Your Majesty already grants soldiers a monthly stipend. If soldiers participate in coal mining and processing, in addition to the monthly stipend, each person will be given an additional one kan of cash per day."

"This will not only motivate the soldiers to work diligently, but will also accelerate the development of the coal industry throughout the Tang Dynasty, allowing all the people of the Tang Dynasty to enjoy this benefit as soon as possible. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval. "Xiaoyu, this is a very good suggestion. I will immediately issue an order to arrange the deployment of manpower and material resources from all regions. We must ensure that this coal industry is successfully implemented throughout the Tang Dynasty."

"Having soldiers on the border ensures security and promotes development, achieving multiple goals at once. Once coal becomes prevalent across the country, the power of our Tang Dynasty will soar to new heights."

Yuyu blinked her bright eyes and said excitedly, "Your Majesty, if the soldiers go to mine and make coal, can we build more warm sheds on the border? That way, the soldiers can get better warmth and rest during the winter."

Li Shimin couldn't help but laugh heartily when he heard what Yuyu said. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Great, great! Although Miss Yuyu is young, she is very thoughtful."

"This greenhouse method is truly ingenious, protecting the soldiers from the bitter cold."

Xiao Yu bowed slightly and said to Li Shimin, "Your Majesty, regarding the coal production in other places, it is more appropriate for the national treasury to cover the cost of coal production. This will ensure that the initial mining and production can proceed smoothly."

"After the coal is sold, the proceeds will go into the national treasury to enrich the state. And the money Your Majesty invested in our coal mine in Chang'an can be put into the Emperor's private treasury. This will keep the two separate and the accounts clear. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said, "Xiaoyu's move is quite fair. Let's proceed accordingly. A clear distinction between public and private matters will facilitate the orderly progress of all matters. The prosperity of the coal industry is something that I and the Tang Dynasty both place high hopes on, and we cannot afford to let anything go wrong."

Li Hao approached steadily, his expression respectful, and said, "Your Majesty, we have reconsidered this matter. While this coal mine has considerable potential, the initial investment and risks should not be underestimated. Therefore, I would like to adjust the shareholding amount. Those who hold 40% of the shares will pay 1,000 taels of silver, and those who hold 10% will pay 200 taels of silver. This arrangement will reduce the pressure on all parties and will be more conducive to flexible capital turnover to meet unexpected needs. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Li Shimin raised his eyebrows slightly, thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Haha, never mind. Since you have concerns, this adjustment is fine. I also hope that this matter will go smoothly and benefit all parties. Let's do it this way."

He stood up and turned around. "Upon my return to the palace, I will immediately discuss all matters concerning the coal industry with the ministers. We will make all arrangements as soon as possible so that this initiative, which benefits the people, can be smoothly implemented."

Yuyu smiled and turned around, ordering the kitchen to prepare some delicious snacks and hot soup. "Your Majesty, you must bring some warm food to warm yourself up when traveling in this cold winter. Once I have someone prepare it, it won't be too late for Your Majesty to set off."

After a while, the attendants brought in steaming hot snacks and soup. Yu Yu personally presented them to Li Shimin and said, "Your Majesty, this is what I have carefully prepared. I wish Your Majesty a smooth journey and that we can reach a good solution soon."

Li Shimin took the hot food handed to him by Yuyu, and felt the hot steam on his face, which dispelled some of the chill. He smiled and said, "Huha, this must be eaten while it's hot to warm the body."

"Miss Yuyu, I am truly grateful for this kind gesture. I will return to the palace and discuss this matter with the ministers as soon as possible, so that this coal can benefit the people of the Tang Dynasty as soon as possible."

After saying this, he ate some snacks while walking towards the palace surrounded by his attendants, his back revealing a hint of urgency.

Li Shimin hurried back to the palace and went straight to the court.

After he stepped into the court and stood still, perhaps because he walked in a hurry, or perhaps because the snacks prepared by Yu Yu were quite filling, he couldn't help but burp.

The sound seemed quite abrupt in the solemn and dignified court. The ministers were stunned at first, and no one dared to speak, but glanced at the emperor.

Li Shimin blushed slightly and coughed lightly, trying to hide his embarrassment. He then regained his dignity and said in a clear voice, "My dear ministers, I have summoned you here today because I have something important to discuss with you."

Upon hearing Li Shimin's words, Cheng Yaojin stepped forward and asked in a hoarse voice, "Your Majesty, what is the matter? You seem so anxious, but please tell me. I, Cheng Yaojin, will certainly help Your Majesty solve any problems he may have."

After saying that, he opened his big eyes like copper bells and looked at Li Shimin with curiosity and concern.

Seeing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but burst into laughter. His laughter echoed in the court, making the originally solemn atmosphere suddenly relaxed a lot.

He glanced at the ministers, his face full of smiles as he said, "Hahaha, my dear ministers, don't be nervous. This is indeed good news. Today, I have found a way to keep the people of the Tang Dynasty warm during the winter while also enriching the national treasury. Today, I will discuss this with you and make it a reality."