The Idle Man of Zhenguan Intercepts Wu Zetian at the Start

Just then, Dongyao brought in a large plate of already sliced ​​roasted lamb leg. The golden-brown pieces of meat were sizzling with hot oil, and the fennel sprinkled on top was soaked in oil. The small particles added a touch of texture to the roasted meat, and a unique aroma wafted up, making one's mouth water.

Changsun Dan picked up the wine jar and poured several bowls of wine. The aromas of plum blossoms, wine, meat, and tea mingled with the murmuring river, creating a unique and delightful feeling.

Li Er couldn't help but pick up his wine bowl and take a big gulp, staring at Changsun Dan, waiting for his answer.

Changsun Dan knew he couldn't hide it from him, so he honestly replied:

"Anguo could make millions in the Tang Dynasty in a year with Poli, so I told him about the manufacturing process of Poli. An Shicheng was worried that if the technology was leaked, Anguo would lose a cash cow. After weighing the pros and cons, he had no choice but to compromise."

Li Er asked in surprise:

"Perhaps you truly understand how this crystallizer is made?"

Changsun Dan smiled sheepishly:

"Our Tang Dynasty artisans know how to make glass, but they usually use sand and fire it at high temperatures, which not only produces more impurities but also makes it more fragile. The only difference between glass and glazed glass is the material and the firing temperature."

"Even if the production cost of polio is low, it is still much higher than that of earthenware. At present, it is not very useful to the people, and I have no intention of taking away his business for the time being."

Li Er nodded slightly, but was secretly shocked. Just how much skill did this kid have? He picked up a piece of mutton with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth, and was once again amazed by Xu Daniu's cooking skills.

This mutton not only melts in your mouth, but its saltiness is also just right, and you can't taste the sourness of the salt at all. Back when Xu Daniu was a cook in the Prince of Qin's mansion, the food he made was just barely edible! How could the change be so great!

After Empress Zhangsun and Wang Youde tried it, they were both astonished. Not to mention that the roasted meat in the plum garden was far superior to that in the palace, even the pure saltiness was something they had never tasted before.

Although Dongyao is usually quiet, she was a little smug at this moment:

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, this method of roasting meat was created by the young master. If Your Highness likes it, we can give this method to the imperial chefs in the palace, so that we can make it whenever you want to eat it."

Li Shimin had the same idea, but as an emperor, he couldn't just ask Changsun Dan for everything. It was perfect that Dongyao took the initiative to ask, and it was worth Guanyinbi's usual kindness to them. He picked up another piece of mutton and put it in his mouth. The crispy, tender, and smooth texture was simply irresistible!

Seeing that Erlang had a hearty appetite, Empress Zhangsun smiled and replied:

"That would be wonderful. I never imagined that Dan'er had such a deep understanding of food. Auntie will shamelessly ask for this secret recipe."

Changsun Dan seemed to suddenly remember something. He got up and picked up a ceramic jar from the shelf. There was a piece of paper under the jar. Changsun Dan smiled and picked it up together, presenting it to Li Er:

"Your Majesty, I originally intended to present this to the palace on a chosen day, but since you are here, I will take it back with me."

Li Shimin noticed that the paper was identical to the drawings on his desk, but this lad had kept it separately, which showed its value. Intrigued, he laughed heartily.

"I'd like to see what's so special about the things that young Dan has collected on his own!"

Li Shimin took the hemp paper, and the more he read, the more excited he became. After about several dozen breaths, he handed the hemp paper to Guanyinbi and opened the ceramic jar with trembling hands.

The jar was filled with uniform, snow-white granules. Li Er, disregarding his imperial image, reached out and grabbed a handful of the granules, then pinched some with his fingers and stuffed them all into his mouth.

Empress Zhangsun's face lit up with extreme joy, and she handed the hemp paper to Wang Youde:

"Wang Dahuan, you should take a look. If Dan'er's method succeeds, I don't think any court official will dare to impeach him..."

After tasting the small particles, Li Shimin suddenly stood up and asked in surprise:

"Young man, can your salt-making method really turn this poisonous salt into this edible fine salt?"

Changsun Dan nodded hastily:

"Indeed, this salt of mine was refined from poisoned salt. Everyone in Plum Garden has been eating this kind of salt. His Majesty could tell as soon as it was refined."

Li Shimin, his face beaming with joy, picked up his wine bowl, took a large gulp, and laughed heartily:

"Salt was expensive in the Tang Dynasty because there were too few non-toxic salt mines, and the salt was also bitter and astringent. If this method can be implemented—allowing all the people to have access to good salt—your contribution will be even greater than enabling all the people to go to school!"

Changsun Dan replied respectfully:

"Food is the most important thing for the people, and only Your Majesty can ensure that all the people in the world can eat good salt. If the price of salt drops by another 30%, not only will the salt tax increase, but it will also be able to be exported to other countries in large quantities to replenish the national treasury. The people of the world will be even more grateful for Your Majesty's grace."

Li Shimin sighed:

"The high price of salt is due to two main reasons: firstly, the edible salt mines are unevenly distributed, resulting in high transportation costs; secondly, the output is low, and mining is difficult. I am also often worried that the people cannot afford salt, which leads to edema and an inability to work, thus making them poorer and poorer."

"I don't need your reminder, kid. If this method succeeds, I will definitely lower the price of salt. If the official granaries can supply large quantities of refined salt at low prices, there will be no room for smuggled salt to survive."

Wang Youde carefully tucked the piece of hemp paper into his sleeve, his face revealing his excitement:

"If it weren't for Your Majesty's decision, the county magistrate would have died at the hands of Wei Guan's wicked servant that day. How could the people of the Tang Dynasty have the blessing of fine salt? There is a divine will in the dark. First there is a wise ruler like Your Majesty, and then there is a capable minister like the county magistrate. May Heaven bless the Tang Dynasty. This old servant congratulates Your Majesty on your great fortune and Your Majesty on your great fortune."

Changsun Dan was startled:

"So the man in blue who saved me that night was His Majesty's man..."

Li Shimin smiled but remained silent, while Empress Zhangsun looked anxious.

"This Wei family is far too audacious. Dan'er has no grudge against them. Since Wang Dahuan has evidence, why doesn't Erlang punish Wei Guan...?"

Chun Chan and Dong Yao's expressions turned cold. Although they had known about this beforehand, they were still terrified after hearing it. The name Wei Guan was deeply engraved in their hearts.

Wang Youde shook his head:

"When the wicked servant committed the murder, it was the magistrate who killed first, and Wei Guan was not present; even when Wei Guan later besieged the magistrate, it was the magistrate who first left a blood-written curse on the Wei family ancestral hall..."

Changsun Dan felt a chill run down his spine. He had thought no one knew about the murder, but it seemed that the man in blue had been following him ever since he entered the sand dune tomb. Li Er had never mentioned it, but Wang Dahuan suddenly brought it up... which made it seem like his merit and his crime were offset against each other.

Wang Youde's expression remained calm, but he sighed slightly inwardly. However, upon hearing his words, not only Empress Zhangsun, but also Chun Chan and Dong Yao stared wide-eyed. The young master had killed someone?!

Although Empress Zhangsun knew that the Second Prince had no intention of punishing Dan'er, she still couldn't believe that Dan'er could kill the wicked servant of the Wei family, and her voice trembled slightly as she spoke:

"Dan'er...but...but that wicked servant tried to kill you first..."

Changsun Dan was still in shock:

"They killed Mu Dajiang's wife right in front of me, and then tried to take Bao'er away... In desperation, I hit one of the villains with a hoe..."