Chapter Thirty-Two: Luring the Fish to the Hook

"This problem has truly been weighing on me."

Zhang Fu leaned back against his chair upon hearing this, unable to help but vent, "Prince Yi'an also wants a hand in this business, but his appetite is far too large, and the Emperor’s Uncle does not agree."

"So, even though we have sent him vast amounts of gold, he still sends people every day to demand payment for the fodder! It is truly vexing."

"Which is to say, time waits for no man."

Seeing this, Li Chengche seized the opportunity and pressed on, "Just sell these horses quickly. Once they are sold, does it really matter whether we have the merchant's permit or not?"

At these words, Zhang Fu sat up straight, his entire demeanor suddenly sharpening.

"Indeed, Your Highness is right."

He quickly raised his wine cup and said, "Your words have enlightened me. I will discuss this with the Emperor’s Uncle as soon as I return, but..."

"Speak your mind. Since we are in partnership, there is no need for reservations."

Li Chengche understood his intent immediately.

"It is like this."

Zhang Fu drained his cup, then poured another, continuing, "The Emperor’s Uncle has staked everything on this; all our capital has been used to purchase the horses, Your Highness..."

"I understand what you mean."

Li Chengche smiled nonchalantly and asked, "Tell me, if I were to take a share, how much capital would I need to put up?"

"Your Highness is truly straightforward!"

Zhang Fu, who had been wondering how to broach the subject, felt relieved. "The Emperor’s Uncle has invested twenty thousand in gold and one hundred and ten thousand in silver."

"That much?"

Li Chengche was slightly surprised to hear these figures; he had not expected the old man to have such deep pockets. However, for him, he would agree to any amount. After all, he intended to pull off a "wolf-hunting with empty hands" scheme—he had no intention of spending a single copper.

"Here is the thing: I cannot produce that much all at once."

He stroked his chin, feigning deep thought for a moment, and said, "The current batch of glassware I have is with Manager Su. Once she sells these items, I will produce the funds. How does that sound?"

"That is perfectly fine, of course."

Zhang Fu breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had completed a major task, and laughed, "Everything will depend on Your Highness then."

"Oh, it should be a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Li Chengche raised his wine cup and laughed, "How about this: once the horses arrive, I will take responsibility for connecting you with some buyers. What do you think?"

"That would be the best possible outcome."

Zhang Fu immediately straightened up, beaming with joy, "Your Highness, this is a pleasant surprise! If you can provide buyers, it will save us the trouble of searching for them ourselves."

***

"Oh, it is only right!"

Li Chengche was secretly overjoyed; after all, he was the buyer behind the scenes, sitting right here.

"Many thanks, Your Highness."

Zhang Fu immediately picked up the wine pot, "Let us drink until we fall tonight."

Having resolved the major burden on his mind, he felt refreshed. They drank until the sky turned dark, and Li Chengche departed with a swaying gait.

Just as he returned to the Eastern Palace, he saw Qin Gou'er running toward him, looking flustered.

"The Crown Prince asks for your presence immediately."

He said with a panicked expression, "It seems quite urgent."

"I understand."

Li Chengche walked unsteadily toward the Crown Prince’s bedchamber. Regardless, even if Li Jiancheng had not summoned him, he would have sought him out, as he still had favors to ask of this convenient father of his.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the bedchamber, he saw Li Jiancheng standing with a livid expression, clutching a letter that seemed to have incensed him.

"Father, did you call for me?"

Li Chengche did not care about such things; he stepped inside and bowed.

"You finally know how to return? What time do you think it is?"

Li Jiancheng listened to this, tucked the letter into his sleeve, and said coldly, "I heard from Chengdao that you have been at the Cuihua Pavilion lately?"

"I have."

Li Chengche had no fondness for that gossiping younger brother of his. However, he did not wish to argue, as it was truly meaningless.

"You were unmarried before, but things are different now."

Li Jiancheng sat down and waved his hand, signaling him to take a seat, "You should at least be mindful of your reputation."

"I understand, Father."

Li Chengche was secretly surprised; since when had this father of his become so polite? He did not dwell on it and sat down.

"Chengche, I heard you have been making quite a lot of silver lately?"

As expected, as soon as he sat down, Li Jiancheng raised an eyebrow, "That brewing technology and the glassware must have brought you significant income, right?"

"Father, that is indeed the case."

Li Chengche sneered inwardly. As the saying goes, if one offers a gift without cause, they are either a traitor or a thief. This information certainly did not come from Cui Yingying, and Su Qingyue would not have volunteered it. It was highly likely that the Prince of Qin’s estate had spies here.

"Your grandfather is preparing to go to the summer retreat, and I intend to renovate the palace in Yijun County."

Li Jiancheng picked up a teacup and handed it over, "Do you think you could contribute some funds from your side?"

"Father, I am afraid that is not possible."

Li Chengche took the teacup but placed it directly on the table before speaking.

"And why is that?"

Li Jiancheng’s face darkened instantly, and he snorted coldly, "This is not merely a family matter for the Li family; it is a national affair for the entire Tang Dynasty. As a descendant of the Li family and a subject of the Great Tang, should you not be contributing?"

"With all due respect, Father."

Li Chengche sat up straight, his gaze firm, "I believe you, more than anyone, are aware that my wedding is only a few months away."

"The Consort has explicitly told me that we likely do not have the funds for the wedding banquet. I wish to save this money for the wedding—surely that is not a problem?"

"After all, I am your son and the eldest grandson of the Tang. If this wedding is held too shabbily, I fear it will invite ridicule."

His words were logical and well-founded, leaving no room for argument.

[Ding—Detected that the host has "refused to provide funds and is unwilling to share the burden," reward: 20 points.]

Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, the system notification echoed in his mind.

"This works too?"

Li Chengche was delighted; he had not expected such a pleasant surprise. It couldn't be better.

"Chengche, I think you have misunderstood."

Li Jiancheng frowned upon hearing this. As a father, being refused by his son in such a manner was a blow to his pride. Furthermore, he had tacitly approved of the marriage arrangements at the time. To be honest, he had never truly held this eldest son in high regard. Yet, he now found himself in a position where he had to beg for his help.