Royal Road
Chapter 37
Chapter 37: Discovers a coal mine and sends a salt mine!
Xiao Ran nodded, “This approach should be fine, but the condition is getting His Majesty to agree to something.”
“What’s that?” Li Lizhi asked quickly.
Xiao Ran presented a prepared map, saying, “Changle, recognize this!”
Li Lizhi looked at it and said, “This is the map of Changan City, more detailed than the ones I’ve seen before. What’s the issue?”
Xiao Ran pointed to Yujiagou, “Give me a piece of land here, and I promise the supply of heating materials in Changan City won’t be tight anymore.”
“Really?” Li Lizhi examined the map, saying, “Yujiagou isn’t far from Changan City. I know it, and it’s practically deserted around. It’s the most desolate place nearby.”
“This place is close to Changan City. Why is it deserted?” Xiao Ran was puzzled.
“It’s useless because of the salt mines here. Crops don’t grow, so no one goes there!” Li Lizhi explained.
What a waste! Salt is no different from a gold mine in this feudal society! In this era, obtaining salt is limited to seawater and brine methods. Mineral salt, containing nitrate and phosphorus, known as poisonous salt, can be deadly if consumed. It’s something nobody cares about, just like coal. Initially a good thing, but with limited technology in this era, people don’t know how to use it. For Xiao Ran, this is not much different from a gold mine!
Getting a coal mine and adding a salt mine, Xiao Ran suddenly wanted to buy a whole street near the community. No choice… with this strength!
In the current Dang Dynasty, whether seawater or brine salt production, efficiency is low, and most produced salt is coarse and blue, with a bad taste. Xiao Ran couldn’t be happier.
Buy one, get one free!
Li Lizhi didn’t understand, so she asked, “Xiao Ran, why are you laughing? What’s making you so happy?”
“Changle, who owns this piece of land now?” Xiao Ran pointed to the map and said, “If we acquire this land, we could make a fortune. While I can’t guarantee the treasury, the expenses for the palace, especially for the empress, won’t be a concern anymore.”
Li Lizhi pondered and replied, “I don’t know for sure. I overheard my father mentioning it once. It seemed like a reward for the Wang family, but they refused, which angered my father.”
“And now? Whose is it?” Xiao Ran inquired eagerly.
“I don’t know… I guess it’s still my father’s,” Li Lizhi replied after some thought.
“Changle, think of a way. I want this piece of land,” Xiao Ran insisted.
Li Lizhi was pleased to find an opportunity to repay Xiao Ran. “I’ll talk to my mother and father. I can try to get it if it’s still with my father.”
Xiao Ran found it somewhat absurd, “Such a large piece – will His Majesty give it?”
“My land in the east of the city is much better. The land near Yujiagou in the west isn’t desirable. If possible, I can exchange the eastern land for you,” Li Lizhi suggested.
“Don’t! The east of the city has good land. Aren’t you at a loss?” Xiao Ran expressed concern.
Li Lizhi was indifferent, “It doesn’t matter. I don’t mind.”
Thinking about settling her debt to Xiao Ran, Li Lizhi felt relieved. Otherwise, she felt indebted to him. Though aware that Xiao Ran would benefit greatly, Li Lizhi wasn’t envious.
Li Lizhi understood that the land was useless in others’ hands. If Xiao Ran could turn it into something valuable, it would contribute to the Dang Dynasty.
Li Lizhi still had a favorable opinion of Xiao Ran. Giving him an advantage was better than benefiting someone else.
“I’ll split the earnings with you,” Xiao Ran silently added, thinking she would be his in the future.
“Just don’t let the old man take it!” Xiao Ran thought, concerned about losing it to the treasury.
“Is it very profitable?” Li Lizhi wondered, not expecting significant earnings.