Chapter 59 Welcoming the New
Year "This cotton gown is really warm to wear! Chengqian, tell me the truth, how many cotton clothes can you make with the silk in your hand?" Li Er asked while taking off his cotton gown. Although
the father and son have similar body shapes, there is still some difference. This cotton gown is a little ill-fitting on Li Er.
"Your son has collected most of the silk in the capital and brought it into the East Palace, but can only make a few cotton clothes. I have asked the Internal Affairs Bureau to make a cotton gown for your father." "
The rest will be made into one each for the two children, the Crown Princess, and Concubine Xiao Liangdi. There will be no more."
"If I had more silk in my hand, I would have asked the Internal Affairs Bureau to make a cotton coat for Zhinu and Lizhi each." Li Chengqian said.
This is mainly because the people of the Tang Dynasty did not value cotton, and not all the dignitaries in Chang'an liked cotton, so the amount of cotton was naturally small.
After listening to Li Chengqian's words, Li Er was very moved. Li Chengqian was able to think about his father and brothers. Isn't this what he, Li Er, has always been looking forward to!
Between father and son, the father can be kind and the son can be filial! Between brothers, the brothers can be friendly and the younger brothers can be respectful! This is the greatest comfort to his father.
"Father! Silk has such an effect, why not promote its planting in the Tang Dynasty, and when winter comes, the whole Tang Dynasty can wear cotton clothes." Li Chengqian said.
"Your idea is very good! But how is the growth of this silk? What is the cost? Do you know all these?" Li Er asked.
Li Er was worried whether the cost of cotton would be too high and whether the growth cycle would be as long as that of the kapok tree.
These are the problems that Li Er is worried about. If the cost of cotton is too high and the growth cycle is long, it is impossible to plant it on a large scale throughout the Tang Dynasty.
With the current economic strength of the Tang Dynasty, it is simply impossible to bear such a heavy cost.
"I have figured this out! Cotton is an annual herb with a large output and low cost. There is no need to worry about the cost at all." Li Chengqian said.
Li Er's eyes lit up. If this is the case, it would not be difficult to plant it throughout the country. He could issue an edict to each state and county to plant cotton.
With cotton clothes, even if it is cold in winter, as long as it is not several tens of degrees, relying on the physique of the soldiers, plus cotton clothes.
The soldiers of the Tang Dynasty would be able to overcome the difficulty of not being able to fight in winter. Just imagine, when the enemy is shivering in the cold wind, the army of the Tang Dynasty is still full of vigor.
That is such a shocking thing. At that time, the enemy will be timid and dare not confront the army of the Tang Dynasty.
"Don't worry about growing silk! I will issue an edict to let all the states and counties of the Tang Dynasty grow some silk." Li Er said.
In terms of cotton, Li Er is more concerned than Li Chengqian. Li Er is the most imperialist leader, and sometimes he looks at things more long-term than Li Chengqian.
"Father, this silk should be regarded as an important material of the Tang Dynasty. It must be firmly controlled by the court, and the aristocratic families must not be allowed to get involved." Li Chengqian advised Li Er.
In this way, the court has another way to check and balance the aristocratic families.
As for the craftsmanship of cotton extraction, even if Li Chengqian didn't say it, someone would always think of a way. After all, there are many smart people in this world.
Li Chengqian believes that it won't be long before there will be cotton-spinning groups among the people, and merchants who see business opportunities will take the opportunity to make a profit.
If cotton can be firmly controlled by the court, it will not only prevent merchants from making profits, but also prevent aristocratic families from making profits.
For Li Chengqian, this is a means to strengthen the power of the court and prevent aristocratic families from becoming bigger. It is impossible for Li Er not to agree to such a beneficial thing.
"Let's put this matter aside for now! I will discuss your ideas with the ministers, you don't have to worry about anything!" Li Er said.
Li Er saw the twists and turns here more clearly and farther than Li Chengqian!
Whether the court will control cotton in the end is not decided by one person.
"Father, why is this?" Li Chengqian asked in confusion.
He didn't understand what Li Er was thinking.
"Don't always focus on these things. You are the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, and you are also someone else's husband and father!"
"When you have time, you should pay more attention to the crown princess and her son. Think about how loving your mother and I were when she was still alive!" Li Er said.
"Your son will remember your father's teachings!" Li Chengqian said.
"It's not just about remembering! It's more about taking action! How many times have you visited Concubine Xiao during the time she's been in your East Palace? Don't ignore her." Li Er didn't want to say more about the cotton matter, so he had to change the subject.
Now it was time for His Majesty Li Er to educate his son, and Li Chengqian had no choice but to listen attentively!
His Majesty Li Er taught the Crown Prince for an hour, and then let Li Chengqian leave as he was still not satisfied.
His Majesty Li Er originally planned to keep him for dinner to enhance the relationship between father and son, but after just an hour of admonitions!
How could Crown Prince Li Chengqian dare to stay for dinner? Who knew if his father would give him another chance to have dinner and give him another lecture.
It was still best to run away, so Li Chengqian ran back to the East Palace as if he was escaping.
As for those memorials impeaching him, Li Chengqian didn't take them seriously at all. After Li Er knew the benefits of cotton, how could he allow these people to do whatever they wanted?
The prince is worried about the country and the people! He is not a toy that can make him lose his ambition.
As expected!
After Li Chengqian went back, it wasn't long before the news came that His Majesty Li Er reprimanded these censors. He scolded these censors who reported things without knowing the truth. He
also fined them one year's salary, which was used as one of the expenses for planting cotton.
At the same time, His Majesty Li Er quickly issued an edict to the prefectures and counties of the Tang Dynasty through the three provinces to plant cotton.
At the same time, His Majesty Li Er also called Zhangsun Wuji and others to the Liangyi Hall to discuss whether cotton should be controlled by the court.
But after much discussion, there was still no result.
These had nothing to do with Li Chengqian. The New Year was coming and Li Chengqian was busy decorating the East Palace to welcome the New Year.
Li Chengqian was very busy now and had no time to inquire about anything related to this.
The East Palace hung up big red lanterns and new peach charms on the doorposts.
"My dear! Look at these!" Wang Quan led two eunuchs and pushed a cart of fireworks and firecrackers to Li Chengqian and said.
"That's enough! You must watch carefully, and don't let it get any flames." Li Chengqian repeatedly urged.
"Don't worry, my lord! I know what to do!" Wang Quan said, leading the eunuchs to push the cart away.
Li Chengqian saw that he was no longer needed here, so he turned back to his study to write a congratulatory message. During the New Year's Day meeting, he would present a New Year's Day congratulatory message and gifts to Li Erjin.