Tang Dynasty, I can lead troops through ancient and modern times

Chapter 268 Another Distribution of Benefits

Li Chengqian seemed like a sword hanging over the heads of the aristocratic families, which could fall at any time and bring unpredictable consequences to the families.

At this moment, upon learning that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was going to summon them, the representatives of the noble families were filled with anxiety and uneasiness. They didn't know what fate awaited them.

But they also understood that this summons could not be avoided, and they could only face it head-on and look for a glimmer of hope in this ever-changing situation.

The next morning, representatives of the aristocratic families gathered outside the East Palace gate with mixed feelings.

They waited quietly, their hearts filled with anxiety and anticipation.

However, as time passed, Li Chengqian still did not allow them to meet him.

What was Li Chengqian doing at this time?

It turned out that he was discussing the distribution of benefits with Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others. The establishment of shipyards in Jiangnan, Fujian and Guangdong was a major move involving many stakeholders.

They discussed in detail the types of goods each family dealt in, as well as the proportion of each family's shares.

This not only concerns the interests of the aristocratic families, but also the court's control and development of maritime trade.

Li Chengqian knew very well that in order to successfully promote the great maritime trade, it was necessary to balance the interests of all parties.

Although the aristocratic families were in conflict with the imperial court in some aspects, they also possessed enormous wealth and resources.

Through reasonable distribution of benefits, the enthusiasm of the families can be mobilized to contribute to the prosperity of maritime trade.

Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others also understood the key.

Relying on their rich political experience and wisdom, they worked with Li Chengqian to analyze various situations, weigh the pros and cons, and strive to work out a fair and reasonable benefit distribution plan.

The representatives of the noble families who were waiting outside the East Palace had no idea that such an important discussion was taking place inside.

They became increasingly anxious, constantly speculating about the Crown Prince's intentions and the fate he would soon face.

They don't know whether what awaits them is a harsh rebuke or a cooperation proposal full of opportunities.

As time went by, their anxiety gradually increased, as if they were in a fog of unknown.

In the East Palace, Zhang Sun Wuji made a summary speech: "Your Highness, that's about it. If you find anything missing in the future, we will add it!"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "Okay, but the Guanlong clan represented by my uncle is very far away from the eastern coast. Do you really not need to favor you in policy?"

There was a hint of concern in his eyes, and he was also testing Changsun Wuji's position.

Zhang Sun Wuji bowed and said, "Your Highness, I am first a minister of the court, and secondly a representative of the Guanlong family. I am clear about this."

His answer was firm and decisive, demonstrating his responsibility and loyalty as an important official in the court.

But Li Chengqian did not think that Changsun Wuji had no selfish motives.

As one of the policy makers, it is inevitable to have some say in the policy making process.

But Li Chengqian didn't care about these gains and losses. As long as the court controlled the violent institutions, no matter how much you eat now, you will have to spit it out in the future.

Li Chengqian nodded with a gratified expression, "Uncle, it is righteous, then let those representatives of the noble families come to see you!"

Following his order, the gate of the East Palace slowly opened, and the representatives of the aristocratic families stepped into the place that would determine their fate with trepidation.

They didn't know what outcome would be waiting for them, but they also understood that this was an important opportunity for them to have a dialogue with the court.

When the representatives of the noble families entered the East Palace, they saw Li Chengqian sitting in the main seat, with Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others sitting on both sides.

Everyone was nervous and the atmosphere was a little tense.

After a moment of silence, Li Chengqian spoke first: "Everyone, I believe you all know why I asked you to come here today.

I don’t care about the land tax, but this issue of ocean trade…”

Having said that, Li Chengqian paused and looked at the reactions of the people below.

The representatives of the noble families had different expressions. Some of them frowned slightly, as if they were thinking about the strategy for discussing the distribution of shares with Zhangsun Wuji later.

Some have expressionless faces, making it difficult to guess what they are thinking.

Li Chengqian was secretly calculating in his mind. He knew that these representatives of the aristocratic families would not be easily satisfied with the existing distribution of interests, but he also had to find a balance between the court and the aristocratic families.

The matter of share distribution was handed over to Changsun Wuji this time. It was not only a test for Changsun Wuji, but also to let the aristocratic families understand that the court had clear plans and dominance in the matter of maritime trade.

His eyes slowly swept over the crowd, observing the subtle changes in their expressions.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the East Palace was solemn and full of unknowns.

Li Chengqian knew that the distribution of interests in maritime trade was just the beginning, and there would be many challenges in the future waiting for the court and the aristocratic families to face together.

As the crown prince, he must always keep a clear head and plan the best path for the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian continued, "Since you have suffered losses in the issue of the land tax, the court intends to promote maritime trade, and your families will naturally have a share in it."

A representative of a noble family bowed and said, "Your Highness, we are willing to serve the court, but I don't know how the benefits will be distributed specifically."

Zhang Sun Wuji frowned slightly and said, "Maritime trade has both risks and opportunities. The imperial court has to bear the risks and organize manpower and material resources, so it is natural that it will take the lion's share.

Aristocratic families can participate and obtain corresponding shares according to their own financial strength and resources. "

Another representative of the noble family said hurriedly: "Master Changsun, our noble family has also made many contributions, this share..."

Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and said, "Don't worry, everyone. This allocation of shares has been carefully considered.

Shipyards were established in Jiangnan, Fujian, and Guangdong, and families could choose where to participate based on their own circumstances.

As for shares, the imperial court held 60% and the aristocratic families held 40%.

These 40% shares will be allocated according to the investment and contribution of each family. "

The representatives of the noble families looked at each other in bewilderment, and one said, "Your Highness, this 40% stake is really too little. Our noble families have made a huge investment, and the risk is not small."

Li Chengqian smiled faintly and said: "Everyone, maritime trade has just started, and the court needs to control the overall situation.

And if there are more opportunities in the future, we will naturally consider the contribution of the family and adjust the share appropriately.

Now, it is about jointly developing maritime trade and achieving win-win results.”

Although the representatives of the noble families were dissatisfied, they also knew that they could not fall out with the court at this time, so they had to say, "Since this is the case, we will accept it.

But I hope the court will keep its promise and not forget us when there are benefits in the future."

Li Chengqian nodded and said, "Of course.

Then let’s talk about the specific arrangements of the major shipyards.”