"We can't go on like this. We must find a way to deal with it." The head of the Zhao family said in a deep voice, with a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
However, despite their anger and anxiety, they could not think of any good solution for the moment.
The books sold at Mingda Bookstore are of high quality and low price and have gained wide popularity.
Moreover, the little princess's good deeds were praised by the emperor and supported by the people.
It was no longer possible for them to attack Mingda Bookstore directly.
The aristocratic families began to feel uneasy. They realized that if they did not act decisively, their social status would be in jeopardy.
"We can't let her continue like this." A family head said in a deep voice, "We must take action, otherwise our position will be in jeopardy."
"But what can we do?" another family head asked with a frown. "Mingda Bookstore's books are of high quality and low price. We simply can't compete with them."
The meeting room fell silent. These aristocratic families, usually high and mighty, were now in dire straits.
"Perhaps, we can find a solution from the source." A cold voice broke the silence. It was the head of the Li family, with a cunning light flashing in his eyes.
Everyone looked at him, waiting for his next words.
"The paper and books at Mingda Bookstore still require materials to make.
If we can control the supply of these materials, then they won't be able to continue mass production." The Li family head said slowly.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes lit up.
Indeed, if they could cut off Mingda Bookstore's production materials at the source, then the bookstore would naturally not be able to continue operating.
"No!" The Wang family head shook his head. "According to our intelligence, they mainly use cheap wood, grass, and bamboo that can be found everywhere to make paper."
“These materials are scattered all over the mountains and we have no control over their sources,” he explained.
"Then what do you say we should do?" The Li family head said with a hint of distress, "We can't have another big fight?"
He sighed and continued, "This Li Erlang is different from the former Emperor Yang of Sui. He is both smart and cautious, and has a strong military force.
Recently, armor has been mass-produced, apparently in preparation for possible conflicts.
Even if we had this intention, I'm afraid it would be difficult to overthrow the current Tang Dynasty!"
"Patriarch Li is absolutely right," one of the patriarchs mused, "We really can't act rashly. We need a more comprehensive plan."
"Then what should we do?" another family head asked anxiously, "Are we just going to watch Mingda Bookstore continue to grow while we do nothing?"
"Of course not." The Zhao family patriarch said, "Although we can't attack Mingda Bookstore directly, we can start from other aspects."
“The availability of cheap books will certainly make it possible for those from poorer families to buy books.
But the teachers and the channels for entering the court as officials are still in our hands."
A sly glint flashed in the Zhao family's eyes, and he continued slowly, "Perhaps we can start from here."
Upon hearing this, the other family heads immediately became alert and turned their eyes to the Zhao family head, waiting for his next words.
“Even if those children from poor families have books, it is difficult for them to become talented if they don’t have anyone to teach them.
The private schools and academies we have are the necessary places for them to go on their path to education.”
The Zhao family head continued, "We can raise the admission threshold and increase the tuition fee to discourage those children from poor families from applying."
“At the same time, we can also use our influence in the court to interfere in the selection of officials.
Make sure that those children from humble backgrounds who benefit from Mingda Book House find it difficult to enter the officialdom."
As the Zhao family patriarch finished speaking, the conference room fell into silence.
Although this plan is insidious and cunning, it must be admitted that this method is indeed the biggest counterattack against Li Shimin's actions.
Moreover, compared to directly attacking Mingda Bookstore, this plan is more covert and difficult to detect.
"This is a brilliant plan!" a family head exclaimed, "This way, even if those children from poor families have books, it will be difficult for them to become talented people or officials.
Even if his Mingda Bookstore is opened all over the country, what does it matter? In Chang'an, Jinyang and other places, of course his Mingda Bookstore can be opened without any obstruction.
But once it opens in our area, I wonder who would dare to go to Mingda Bookstore to buy books and paper? ! ! "
"That's absolutely right!" Another family head echoed, "As long as we join forces, Mingda Bookstore will be unable to move forward in these places.
Moreover, we can also take this opportunity to strengthen the influence of our academies and private schools across the country and attract more students."
“Not only that,” the Zhao family patriarch added, “we can also secretly spread the news that the contents of the books in Mingda Book House are incorrect and mislead students.
This way, even if someone wants to buy, they may hesitate because they are worried that the content is not true.”
"Great idea!" A family head clapped his hands in approval, "We can also purchase paper books from Mingda Bookstore at a low price, and then sell them to those students at a high price.
In this way, we not only save a lot of money on papermaking and book writing, but we can also let Mingda Bookstore do the work for us!"
The family heads became more and more excited as they spoke, as if they had already witnessed the decline of Mingda Book House.
However, they did not realize what an epoch-making torrent was coming.
"However, we still need to proceed with caution," the Li family head warned. "After all, Mingda Bookstore has the royal family's support. We can't confront them too blatantly."
"Master Li is right," the Wang family's master agreed. "We must ensure a thorough plan and leave no trace. Otherwise, if we are discovered, we will face huge risks."
“Don’t worry,” the Zhao family patriarch said confidently, “I will personally arrange this matter and ensure that nothing goes wrong.
We will not only make it impossible for Mingda Bookstore to gain a foothold in these places, but also let those who support Mingda Bookstore see what the consequences will be if they oppose us! "
The meeting room was filled with conspiracy and calculation. These aristocratic families would resort to any means to protect their own interests.
Just as the aristocratic families were plotting and scheming, the little princess finally made a breakthrough in her attempt to replicate the radio in the Tang Dynasty.
This technology, which seems ordinary in modern times, is no different from magical magic in this era.
"Success! Finally succeeded!" Tianxiang shouted excitedly in a newly built workshop in Ziyun Valley.
In her hands she held a wooden box inlaid with some copper parts.
It is these seemingly inconspicuous objects that make up the magical device that can receive sounds from far away - the radio.
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