Chapter Seven: Collusion with Foreign Tribes

Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the investigation of the Hundred Riders, Li Shimin and Cheng Yaojin strolled around the city

Little did they know, upon hearing these words, the leading middle-aged Loulan man looked at Li Shimin with a gaze as if he were looking at a fool: "Our trade with Lord Luo is not for silver!"

At this moment, at the entrance of the Nabuzhuang, a group of individuals dressed in peculiar attire and wearing felt hats are transporting numerous boxes

The city of Huaizhou is indeed very lively, with new houses on both sides, and there are not a single beggar in sight

Li Shimin did not speak, but his heart was profoundly shaken

He no longer wishes to continue watching; the evidence is conclusive, and Luo Tong has no way to deny it

Yes, yes, I want to buy ice silk to make it myself, and I also want to buy some silk stockings to sell!" Li Shimin nodded quickly

Ke Luo raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and said, "Do you not know that these matters require authorization from the adults' residence? What are you doing here?"

What should I do if I cannot win

Li Shimin glanced at the situation in the arena, then cast a sidelong look at the swords and sabers worn at the waists of Luo Yi and others. After assessing the strength of both sides in his mind, he felt that his side could not win this fight

This time, Li Shimin witnessed it with his own eyes

However, if this matter is not thoroughly investigated, how can he find peace of mind

No wonder this group of Loulan people only gave the ice silkworm silk to Luotong; it turns out it was for salt

Upon hearing that it was only a matter of exchanging salt, Li Shimin's expression immediately changed dramatically

At the moment when Li Shimin was deep in thought, the commander of the Hundred Riders came to report: "Your Majesty, it has been discovered that Luo Tong is in possession of the ice silkworm silk from the Kingdom of Loulan. This matter is known by everyone in the city, and today is the day when the Kingdom of Loulan sends the ice silkworm silk here"

Are these all successes under the governance of Luotong

Having finished speaking, a group of people set off towards the city outskirts

Thinking of this, Li Shimin approached the group of Loulan people and said: "How much silver did you sell this ice silkworm silk to Luotong for? I will pay double, no, triple the price!"

This fellow, for the sake of money, actually colluded with the Loulan people to jointly earn the wealth of the Tang Dynasty

Luo Yiwen then showed a look of sudden realization: "So this is your true intention!"

But now, Luo Tong is actually engaged in salt trading with this group of Loulan people

How bold you are, Luo Tong, to dare to reach for the salt. If I had not come, I would not have known that you were doing such things in Huai Prefecture

Unless ... ... Luotong privately sells off!

"My lord, what has happened to you?" Cheng Yaojin hurriedly caught up.

In a valley located five miles outside of Huaizhou City, there stands a fabric shop covering an area of one hundred acres, accessible only by a single main road.

This time, let me eradicate this malignant tumor of yours

If Luo Tong were colluding with other countries, how could he have governed Huaizhou to such a state

Then, a hint of playful amusement appeared at the corner of Luo Yi's mouth as he said, "If you have the ability, go ahead and ask."

Of course, it should be in a formal style

Let us go and find Luo Tong, and bring him back to Chang'an for trial!" Li Shimin snorted coldly, turned his horse around, and was about to leave

Your Majesty, you see that these houses are all newly built

Li Shimin observed Luo Yiyi's earnest demeanor, narrowing his eyes; he truly did not believe in this nonsense

These two fellows wouldn't have been dissatisfied after paying last night without having the three courtesans serve them, which is why they brought people here to cause trouble

Li Shimin deliberately set a trap for the Loulan people

After speaking, Li Shimin seemed to feel it was insufficient and pointed to the Loulan people's carts, saying: "I mean all the ice silkworm silk will be purchased at three times the price"

This time he came to Huai Prefecture with expectations for Luotong, and even hoped to take Luotong to the capital to care for him

Regardless of what is said, first stabilize Luo Yi and avoid any conflict; otherwise, it is truly possible that he will not be able to leave this valley today

Outside the city

Li Shimin's gaze turned cold as he shot a fierce glare at the vast Luo residence, then he turned and left

Li Shimin is very angry

Li Shimin's expression darkened upon hearing this: "Have you found out where the cloth shop is?"

But now, Luo Tong has surprisingly established a connection with the Western Regions!

If not for money, then for what purpose

Luo Yimei furrowed his brow and decisively commanded: "Stop them!"

Salt has always been controlled by the authorities, and it is impossible for Luo Tong to possess any salt

Investigate immediately the relationship between Luotong and the Western Regions, and be sure to clarify which dynasty in the Western Regions has a close relationship with Luotong

No! Luo Yi shook his head in refusal: "The rules cannot be broken, and we do not have the authority to sell to you."

With a single command from Li Shimin, the Hundred Riders immediately sprang into action

The middle-aged Loulan man let out a cold laugh: "If you do not believe, you can follow us to the salt mine later. After we unload these ice silks, we will set off."

Li Shimin's eyes lit up: "Good!"

Luotong must have offered significant benefits in his transactions with these individuals; otherwise, it would not be possible for the other party to sell him all the ice silkworm silk.

Li Shimin wore a grim expression: "Did you not hear that that rascal Luo Tong has colluded with the Western Regions?"

Luo squinted his eyes and said: "Shouldn't it be me asking you? What are you doing here?"

This ... ... could there be other hidden motives? One cannot simply say that his business dealings with the Western Regions imply collusion with foreign tribes, can one? Cheng Yaojin racked his brains to come up with an excuse for Luo Tong.

Luo Yiyi wore a vigilant expression

Resolutely determined, Li Shimin's gaze turned cold: "It is impossible; no one in the Tang Dynasty dares to sell private salt. You clearly do not want to sell the ice silkworm silk to me, do you?"

Let us go and take a look; I want to personally see if he is betraying the interests of our great Tang to please the Kingdom of Loulan

Your Majesty, look, there are actually no beggars in this Huizhou City

As soon as the words were spoken, seventeen individuals burst out from the cloth shop, precisely the Yan Yun Eighteen Riders. The group displayed their lightness skills, resembling a great roc spreading its wings, and in an instant, they blocked the path in front of Li Shimin and the others, obstructing their way.

Li Shimin remained silent

In the distance, Li Shimin, accompanied by Cheng Yaojin and a hundred cavalrymen, watched this scene, his expression darkening completely.

Then shall I buy from them, is that acceptable?" Li Shimin suddenly pointed at the group of Loulan people.

Your Majesty, the streets of Huizhou City are quite lively, aren't they

At this moment, Li Shimin began to doubt his previous thoughts

Li Shimin was taken aback

If it is merely about embezzlement and amassing wealth, that is a trivial matter. However, if it involves colluding with foreign nations to disrupt the market of one's own country, Li Shimin will never agree to it

Li Shimin chuckled and said: "There are too many people from the Luo family. I got up a bit late and was worried that I wouldn't be able to get my turn, so I came directly to the fabric shop here, intending to buy some ice silk and silk stockings to take back."

Due to geographical reasons, there is indeed no salt in the Loulan region; all the salt is sold from the Tang Dynasty, which is also one of the sources of income for the Tang Dynasty

Your Majesty, why did you leave so suddenly? Do you not wish to enter and take a look at the Luo residence?

Cheng Yaojin was taken aback

Isn't it just some ice silk? Can't he buy it at a high price?

Such a situation could not possibly occur in any city; even in Chang'an, it is impossible for a library to ensure that every house is new, let alone that there is not a single beggar present

In fact, he does not quite believe that Luo Tong colluded with the Western Regions, and he also does not wish to punish Luo Tong for his crimes

Li Shimin took a deep breath and put on a smile: "You are Luo Yi, right? In fact, we are here to seek cooperation with your esteemed family."

Hmm? What is that person from last night doing here?

Indeed, they are the people of Loulan

However, Luo Cheng is his sworn brother, and Luo Tong is his nephew; he cannot stand by and watch as Li Shimin takes down Luo Tong

Seemingly aware of Li Shimin's confusion, the middle-aged man from Loulan chuckled lightly and said, "We only exchange our ice silkworm silk for Lord Luo's salt"

If it is truly discovered that Luo Tong is privately mining salt, then an additional charge will be added.

It would be one thing to get involved, but why make it known to the whole world? Is this not forcing me to kill you

This undermines the foundation of the nation and shakes the finances of the Tang Dynasty

However, just as the words fell, Luo Yi, who had just emerged from the fabric shop in the distance, discovered the presence of Li Shimin and others

Cheng Yaojin, fearing that Li Shimin would punish Luo Tong, praised everything he saw along the way with great enthusiasm

Cheng Yaojin's expression changed; he knew that Li Shimin despised collusion with foreign tribes the most

"Cooperation?" Luo Yi glanced at Li Shimin and asked, "Do you want to buy ice silk and silk stockings?"

Cheng Yaojin's expression changed as he rode forward to block Li Shimin, staring at the Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun and said, "What do you intend to do?"

The death penalty is more than sufficient