Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 278: Discussing Coal Mining, the Emperor Farts a Lot

Li Shimin smiled broadly, looking at Lord Qin and General Cheng and said, "I'm talking about coal. I've already ordered the purchase of a coal mine near Chang'an, and have also assigned Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao to be in charge of coal production."

"Not just Chang'an. I'm thinking of other places where coal mines can be mined, processed, and sold. For example, in counties and border areas, soldiers can be involved. In addition to the monthly salary I give to the soldiers, each soldier who mines and processes coal will receive an additional one guan of cash per day."

"The cost of coal production is covered by the state treasury, and the income from coal sales goes back into the national treasury. As for me, I've also invested in a coal mine in Chang'an, and the future returns are quite substantial. Once the coal industry flourishes, the people of our Tang Dynasty will no longer have to worry about heating in winter. Isn't that a good thing?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin's eyes lit up, and he stroked his beard and praised, "Your Majesty is wise! If this coal is mined, it will truly be a great benefit to the country and the people. I, Old Cheng, fully support it. But, Your Majesty, are there any particular requirements for how this coal should be mined and sold?"

Li Shimin nodded slightly and continued, "Of course there are some things to pay attention to. Mining must focus on safety, equip miners with suitable tools, and improve ventilation conditions underground."

"In terms of sales, in addition to normal sales, I also plan to give away coal stoves and coal briquettes for free to those poor families with only elderly people or children at home, so that they can spend the winter safely."

Changsun Wuji stepped forward, his face full of approval. He bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, this is truly a brilliant move! If the coal industry can flourish in the Tang Dynasty, it will be a great boon to both the country and the people."

"It will not only protect the people from the bitter cold of winter, but also bring in revenue to the national treasury, and demonstrate Your Majesty's compassion for the people. This is truly a brilliant plan that achieves multiple goals at once. I, your humble servant, think it is excellent."

Changsun Wuji twirled his beard, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Majesty, although it's a good idea to have the soldiers participate in the coal mining, I think the daily reward of one guan of cash still needs to be considered."

"Soldiers shoulder the heavy responsibility of defending our country. If they are deployed en masse to the coal mines, border defense and public security may be compromised. Furthermore, if the rewards are too high, treasury expenditures will increase significantly, potentially leading to strains in the allocation of funds and grain from other areas. I, your Majesty, suggest a small-scale trial first, based on the effectiveness and impact, before making a final decision. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Li Shimin frowned slightly, his expression stern, and he said in a firm tone, "I have already made the decision on this matter. There is no need to discuss it further. I understand your concerns, but the development of the coal industry is of vital importance to our Tang Dynasty. The soldiers' participation will not only help the development of the coal industry, but the daily reward of one string of coins is also a reward for their hard work."

"Besides, I will properly arrange many matters such as border defense, and will never neglect one for the other. My dear ministers, you only need to act according to my will." After saying this, he swept his eyes majestically around everyone in the court.

Seeing this, Changsun Wuji knew that Li Shimin had made up his mind, so he quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Now that you have made this decision, I will fully cooperate and urge all parties to properly implement this matter, ensuring that this coal industry can develop smoothly in our Tang Dynasty and benefit the people of the world as soon as possible."

Other ministers also echoed the order. In the court, everyone was ready to act according to the order and start promoting matters related to the coal industry.

Li Shimin raised his hand slightly and said in a clear voice, "Since that's the case, let's adjourn the court today. My dear ministers, each of you should fulfill your duties and arrange the coal industry-related affairs as soon as possible. Do not disappoint me. I await good news."

After saying that, he stood up first and walked to the back of the hall.

The ministers saluted one after another and then left the court one by one, each with their own thoughts, ready to implement this matter concerning Datang Coal Industry.

Li Shimin dismissed the court and went straight to Empress Changsun's bedroom.

As soon as he entered the palace, Empress Zhangsun saw him coming and stood up to greet him. She bowed and said softly, "Your Majesty, why are you leaving court so early today? Is there something going on at court?"

Li Shimin smiled slightly as he took Empress Changsun's hand and sat down beside the couch with her. He said, "What we discussed in court today is a great matter. I have already made arrangements. From now on, the people of the Tang Dynasty will no longer have to worry about keeping warm in winter. I am very happy."

Empress Changsun's face was filled with curiosity, her beautiful eyes full of confusion. She asked, "Oh? What is so wonderful? Your Majesty, please tell me quickly."

Li Shimin smiled and said to Empress Zhangsun, "Empress, today's story begins with the Yuyu family. They proposed this idea of ​​mining coal, and when I heard it, I thought it was brilliant."

"Think about it, if this coal could be mined extensively throughout the Tang Dynasty and made into coal briquettes and blocks, the people could use them to keep warm in the winter. In the future, the people of the Tang Dynasty wouldn't have to endure the cold in the winter, and every household would be warm and cozy. That would be a great thing, wouldn't it?"

Empress Changsun smiled and nodded, "Your Majesty, please have some snacks heated up."

Li Shimin waved his hand and said, "No, I just ate on the way back from Zuixianlou."

Empress Changsun nodded slightly and said with a smile, "So that's how it is. The snacks at Zuixianlou have always been exquisite and delicious. I believe Your Majesty enjoyed them very much. But on the way back, I'm afraid the snacks have gone cold. If Your Majesty wants to eat some now, I can ask someone to heat them up quickly. Eating cold food all the time is not good for your health." As she spoke, she was about to call the palace maid to prepare them.

Li Shimin quickly waved his hand and said, "Queen, don't worry. I'm really full and not hungry yet. Let's talk about it later. Right now, I just want to talk to you about this coal industry. There are many arrangements involved in the future that need to be carefully considered."

Empress Zhangsun covered her face and said: "Alright, the emperor farts a lot"

Li Shimin was stunned at first, then his face became a little embarrassed. He coughed a few times and said, "Ahem, I must have been too hasty in eating the snacks at Zuixianlou. I have a little bloating. I am sorry to have embarrassed the Queen."

After saying that, he unconsciously moved his body, trying to diffuse the slightly awkward atmosphere.

Empress Changsun covered her lips with her hands and smiled, scolding: "Your Majesty should be more careful. No matter how delicious the snacks are, don't eat them whole. Be careful not to hurt your body." Although there was a hint of blame in her words, she was full of concern.

"Hahaha, yes, yes, I'll go back to the palace to deal with some matters first." After saying that, Li Shimin was about to get up, but unexpectedly, a turbid air in his stomach became uncontrollable.

A soft "puff" sound was heard, and his face instantly became extremely embarrassed. A trace of shyness flashed in his eyes, and he glanced at Empress Changsun.

Seeing her half-smile, the emperor hurried away, quickening his pace, leaving behind only a slightly flustered back.

Upon seeing this, Empress Changsun was both angry and amused. She quickly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, why are you doing this? Since you have stomach discomfort, you can just rest here with me. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? What if something happens to you on the way?" As she spoke, she ordered the palace maids to prepare some tea to help digestion and relieve gas.

Li Shimin waved his hands, suppressing the anger, and said as he walked out: "It's okay, it's okay, I'll go back to the palace to rest. Queen, don't worry, I'm leaving first."

After she finished speaking, she quickened her pace and headed towards her bedroom. She could hear some unpleasant noises faintly behind her, which made Empress Changsun shake her head helplessly again.