The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

What can the Feng family gain?

This is a rather delicate issue. If it were someone else, they would probably have to try their best to suppress it, or even use threats or empty promises to offer some dispensable benefits.

After all, the most important aspect of opening up the canal transport between the Central Plains and Lingnan was not actually the economic benefits.

Rather, it's at the political level.

Previously, without the Grand Canal, the Tang Dynasty's rule over Lingnan was symbolic, and it could not actually control the region.

In other words, the Feng family never considered rebellion and always regarded themselves as subjects, which ensured their symbolic rule.

Otherwise, if someone else had taken over such a large area as Lingnan, they could have easily become a country of their own and a hegemon that no one could ignore.

This is why, when someone from the Feng family became a prefect, the imperial court could only stamp the document to confirm it; the appointment and removal of many officials were not under the court's jurisdiction.

That's why the Lingnan officials slandered the Feng family back then; the Feng family's status in Lingnan was simply too high.

Secondly, even if the Feng family had no intention of rebelling, the imperial court would hardly collect any taxes from Lingnan, as the Feng family kept the money for their own use.

Furthermore, the imperial court could not mobilize the military power controlled by the Feng family.

But now... the situation has changed dramatically.

Once the canal was opened up, it meant that a stable passage was available.

Officials, soldiers, and merchants could easily enter Lingnan, and the systems, culture, and technology of the Central Plains could be quickly introduced to Lingnan.

The imperial court could also immediately implement financial control over Lingnan, establish an official system, and truly achieve actual rule, incorporating it into the territory of the Tang Dynasty.

This is more important than any other benefit.

Li Shimin's initial decision to send troops to Lingnan was not necessarily entirely due to false accusations by Lingnan officials.

Therefore, under these circumstances, the Feng family's voluntary opening of the passage signifies their acceptance of the imperial court's rule.

To a certain extent, the imperial court could completely discard its useful tools after they had served their purpose.

However, the best approach would definitely be to offer some small, perfunctory benefits.

Discarding a donkey after it has served its purpose is absolutely unacceptable unless absolutely necessary, or you'll be condemned to death.

The reason why Feng Qiao'er asked this question was rather clever was because the person sitting in front of her was none other than her future husband.

They are a family.

Based on her understanding of Chen Huai'an, she knew very well that he would not treat them unfairly, otherwise he would not have agreed to so many conditions.

Chen Huai'an pondered for a moment and said, "The Feng family's situation is rather special. To say something you may not like to hear, you must never touch things like taxes."

"Otherwise it would be very dangerous."

After saying that, Chen Huai'an noticed a slight change in the expression of the Feng siblings, and then changed the subject: "Of course, the imperial court would not mistreat the Feng family either."

"Next, the focus of salt production will gradually shift to Lingnan. As I mentioned before, in addition to the share of foreign trade, I will divide the canal transport into four sections, one of which will be managed by you."

"At the same time, since your Feng family is involved in the canal transport business, your taxes will be reduced accordingly. This alone will be enough for you to make a fortune."

"And one more..." Chen Huai'an pointed to the teacup beside him, "I will entrust the entire tea business to your Feng family from now on."

"Tea is also a valuable commodity, especially after my improvements, you should understand its value."

Feng Zhidai breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile appeared in Feng Qiao'er's eyes. She knew very well that what they were talking about at the moment was only a preliminary agreement.

Rather than saying Chen Huai'an was talking to her, it would be more accurate to say he was having her relay the terms to Feng Ang so that Feng Ang could be mentally prepared.

After all, they actually had no say in the matter, but Chen Huai'an could.

As for the tea, that was Chen Huai'an's personal care for them.

Unlike Feng Zhidai, Feng Qiao'er was quite politically astute.

The Feng family is already quite fortunate to have received these terms; they will certainly earn more than before.

This is also the most suitable condition under safe circumstances.

"The importance of tea goes without saying." Feng Qiao'er's lips parted slightly. "However... if our Feng family were to do it, we could only expand in Lingnan first, and sell it to other regions through Haikou at the same time."

"We don't have as many channels in the Central Plains as the prominent families in the Central Plains."

"It's alright." Chen Huai'an took a sip of tea. "Don't you have some connections with the Wang family of Taiyuan? If you join forces, this matter won't be a big problem."

Feng Qiao'er suddenly realized and nodded to indicate that she understood.

Having achieved his initial goal, Chen Huai'an didn't continue discussing these matters. Instead, he asked a question: "Do you know... why the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families have been able to maintain their lineage for so many years?"

The Feng siblings looked at each other, not daring to underestimate this problem.

After a moment's thought, Feng Qiao'er replied, "It's because of cooperation."

"That's right, they just cooperate." Chen Huai'an leaned back in his chair, his tone enigmatic. "They don't care who's in power; they just cooperate with those in power."

"Therefore, for many years, dynasties have been established and overthrown, but they have always stood firm."

"However, now, their long-standing heritage, substantial wealth, and unparalleled prestige have gradually fostered arrogance in them, and this is their greatest sin!"

"Even without me, someone will definitely appear and destroy them with their own hands."

The Feng siblings remained silent, pondering the meaning behind Chen Huai'an's words.

This is likely a hint to them.

Feng Zhidai then spoke up: "My father, and my ancestors, probably thought the same way, so he never considered going against it."

"That's right." Chen Huai'an exclaimed, "That's what makes Feng Bo so clever. He never thought of rebelling; he always thought of cooperating with His Majesty."

"Because only in this way can the Feng family line continue."

Feng Qiao'er raised a question: "Then why do you say that even without you, the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families would certainly perish?"

Where does their arrogance lie? Is it their refusal to cooperate?

"You're half right," Chen Huai'an said calmly. "Besides their lack of cooperation, more importantly, they have already posed a serious threat."

"It not only threatens imperial power, but also the people!"

"What about the common people?" Feng Qiao'er asked, confused. "You mean, land consolidation?"

"Yes and no," Chen Huai'an explained patiently. "Besides land consolidation, think about it: for so many years, powerful families have controlled the upward mobility channels. Ninety-nine percent of the people in the world have never had a chance to rise above their circumstances, right?"

"People like me, even if they pass the imperial examinations, will still be suppressed if they are unwilling to submit to powerful families."

"If this situation continues, people will gradually realize that it is much easier to break into Chang'an than to pass the imperial examination."

"What do you think will happen at this time?"

The Feng siblings felt a pang of anxiety.

The statement that it was much easier to conquer Chang'an than to pass the imperial examinations instantly made them understand why Chen Huai'an had said that the aristocratic families were doomed.

"..."