Chapter 117: Offering Counsel at the Palace (Part Two)

As soon as Li Yi spoke, Li Er’s small eyes immediately grew wary.

“What are you up to? Huh? You’re not going to ask me for money, are you?”

Li Er glared at Li Yi like a thief on guard, making Li Yi feel quite uncomfortable.

“Alright then, Uncle Li! Tell me, as a low-ranking official with no real power, what money could I possibly ask from you? I’m here today to offer you a suggestion!”

Hearing this, Li Er’s gaze softened. “Go on.”

“Uncle Li, I’ve come bearing a phrase for you: If you want to grow rich, first build roads!”

“Want to grow rich, first build roads?” Li Er pondered for a moment, then a gleam of insight flashed in his eyes. “You’re always full of surprises. Though simple, that phrase makes a lot of sense! So, you’re suggesting I use the funds to build roads?”

“Exactly!”

Li Er thought for a moment, then stood up. “Ah, Yi boy, how I wish I could build roads! Good roads mean a thriving economy, and I could strengthen control over the region. But is it so easy to build roads? Not to mention the huge expense, roads don’t last forever—they deteriorate. Besides, manpower and resources are hard to come by!”

“Your Majesty, rest assured! I wouldn’t make blind suggestions. Today I’ve brought you a gift, something you’ll find indispensable!”

“You’re just full of exaggerations. Get to the point!”

“Heh, Uncle Li, the gift is tied to Juechen. Have someone bring it in.”

Li Er, skeptical but curious, ordered his men to fetch Li Yi’s item while he mulled over the idea of road construction. Clearly, he valued the idea but hadn’t yet figured out how to implement it.

Soon, several guards carried in a slab of limestone. Li Er approached and immediately scowled.

“You brat, this is your gift? A chunk of stone? Who are you trying to fool? I wonder if your backside is itching again lately!”

Li Yi smiled wryly. “Uncle Li, I haven’t even explained yet, and you’re ready to scold me. At least give me a chance to defend myself!”

“Hmph!” Li Er glared, stroking his beard. “Speak then! I demand a perfect reason!”

Li Yi chuckled. “Uncle Li, try testing the hardness of this stone first.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll see when you try it. Rest assured, I wouldn’t tease anyone but you. Besides, you know I never joke when it comes to serious matters.”

Li Er nodded suspiciously, then retrieved a bayonet. Li Yi immediately recognized it as a counterfeit modeled after Li Yexu’s.

Li Er raised the bayonet and struck the slab forcefully. With a loud bang, the shock numbed his hand. “This is one tough stone!”

Li Yi approached, smiling. “Uncle Li, imagine using this stone for paving roads!”

“Hmm? Paving roads with this stone? While durable, where would you find so many? Stone roads aren’t flat either, and the cost would be enormous.”

“Uncle Li, listen. This is limestone slab, made from lime powder mixed with water and stone, stirred and dried. Because it’s produced from powdered lime, the shape and thickness can be customized. The raw material is abundant and cheap!”

Li Er stared in amazement. “You’re serious? This lime is really that miraculous?”

Li Yi shrugged. “You saw the slab’s toughness. Besides, I wouldn’t dare lie to you! This lime was developed over a long period by the finest craftsmen in Chang’an.”

“Show me the lime!”

Li Yi shrugged innocently. “In the rush, I forgot to bring it.”

“What?” Li Er froze, then grabbed a book to throw at Li Yi in frustration. Too infuriating!

“Calm down, Uncle Li! Road building isn’t done in a day. Now you know the lime’s value, you can draft a plan. For the lime itself, send someone to summon Tie Yan from my residence. He led its development—you’ll get all your answers then.”

Li Er agreed. “You’ve done well this time, boy! Now, tell me your second matter.”

Seeing Li Er in good spirits, Li Yi seized the chance. “Uncle Li, I heard you’ll be awarding me a mansion after I’m made a count. So, about my...”

Li Yi winked wildly. Seeing his antics, Li Er almost kicked him. How could a founding county count behave so foolishly?

“Enough with the winks. Your mansion is already prepared, in Weinan. Go see for yourself, boy. Don’t say I don’t take care of you—I built it on the scale of a marquis’s estate!”

“Really? Oh, thank you, Uncle Li! Well then, I have just one last thing!”

“Still something else? You’re quite troublesome. Spit it out!”

Li Yi hesitated but finally blurted out, “Um, I want to ask for leave.”

Now a fourth-rank official, Li Yi was required to attend court every morning, so he needed to request leave for anything else.

“What? Leave? Didn’t you just take three days off? Want more? Should I revoke your position so you can take leave every day?”

“Uncle Li, I wouldn’t if I didn’t have to. The business alliance, charity work, and managing the Xiao Xiang Pavilion all need my attention. Most importantly, the training of those nine soldiers is at a critical stage. I want to take leave to handle all of this at once!”

“Hmm? If that’s the case, I might grant it. How long do you need?”

Li Yi thought for a moment. “One month.”

“Fine! One month. But when you return, I want to see results!”

“Uncle Li, rest assured. In one month, I’ll have Chang’an blooming everywhere!”

“Ha ha! Good. I look forward to your success! And those nine soldiers stay with me. No giving any away. If even one is missing, I’ll hold you accountable!”

Li Yi understood immediately. No wonder no one had been asking him for soldiers lately—they’d come to bother Li Er instead!

“Uncle Li, don’t worry. None of those nine soldiers will go anywhere.”

“Ha ha! I believe you!”