Chapter 23 Super Rice
"Just imagine, countless elite soldiers and generals are trapped in that desolate Mobei!"

"If there's not enough food, we won't even have anywhere to cry..."

Li Shimin shook his head as he spoke, looking lucky.

Xu Luo listened, but he didn't show any excitement. He had expected this result. After all, he was well versed in history, and the story of the Weishui Alliance was clearly written in books.

At that time, Li Shimin killed a white horse with one sword on the Weishui Bridge and signed an alliance with Jie Li and Tuli. Although it was a shame for the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin's decisiveness bought a chance for development and eventually led to the demise of the Eastern Turks.

However, Xu Luo wondered in his heart, has his intervention caused history to deviate from its original trajectory? There would be no military siege in Mobei, and no White Horse Alliance...

"Hey, Xu Luo, I've known you for so long, but I've never asked you who your master is?" Li Shimin suddenly changed the subject, his eyes full of admiration.

"You are so capable at such a young age. You will surely become a great man in the future. Have you ever thought about coming to the court to realize your ambitions?"

In fact, before this, Li Shimin had been thinking about how to bring Xu Luo, this pearl, into the court. This guy was not only a first-class fortune-teller, but also had a unique overall perspective, which was enough to make the old men in the court reflect on themselves.

In addition, the good advice on governing the country brought back by Empress Zhangsun was read by Li Shimin every day and became his treasure. If such talents were not utilized, wouldn't it be a waste of natural resources?
While Li Shimin was still immersed in his own thoughts, Xu Luo waved his hand and said disapprovingly: "Master? Ha, I am my own teacher, self-taught, understand?

As for being an official, I have no power to do so! "He scratched his head, looking distressed, "I am a person who gets weak at the sight of an exam, and I still have to deal with the imperial examination, so forget it!"

He pointed to his stall and said, "Nowadays, I can tell fortunes for people and make a good living."

Hearing what he said, Li Shimin could not help but frown slightly: "Sir, you are very talented. If you enter the court as an official, you will definitely achieve great things!" He paused, "If you are interested, I can still say a few words in the court. How about I help you to build some connections?"

"Someone?" Xu Luo couldn't help laughing when he heard this, "Old Li, we have known each other for quite some time. You have acquaintances in the court, but what important people can you know?
Even if I were really allowed to be an official, at best I would be a small county magistrate! "

At this time, Empress Changsun smiled softly, with a sly look in her eyes. She leaned forward, her chest trembling slightly with her laughter, and her lips parted slightly: "Xu Luo, the affairs of the officialdom are not just the trivial matters of your fortune-telling stall. Sometimes, opportunities come in a flash, so don't miss them easily."

There seemed to be an irresistible temptation in her words, which made people fall into deep thought.

"Hmph, what's the point of being an official? I have no freedom, and the power is not enough. I feel so suffocated. I think it's better to be more free!" Xu Luo shook his head with an indifferent look.

Li Shimin couldn't help but frown when he heard this. He looked at Xu Luo with a piercing look. He thought to himself, this guy is really short-sighted. If even I can't see your talent and don't give you a high position, who else in the world will recognize your talent?

But he did not express his opinion immediately, thinking, well, I might as well take this opportunity to observe Xu Luo more and see how capable he is.

If you really have the talent to govern the country and keep it safe, I will definitely put you in this position even if you refuse.

Li Shimin nodded slightly and said no more. At this time, Xu Luo smiled and looked at Li Shimin, jokingly saying, "Old Li, don't you have anything to say to me?"

"Huh?" Li Shimin was stunned and looked at him in confusion. "Don't pretend, your wife has come to test me!" Xu Luo looked proud.

"She also asked me whether the current emperor is a good emperor. Haha, isn't it true that a woman is only concerned about trivial matters at home?" Xu Luo's words stunned Li Shimin for a moment.

For a moment, Li Shimin was a little confused, but soon he suddenly realized.

It turned out that the "daughter-in-law" that Xu Luo mentioned was actually Empress Changsun! His face changed slightly, and he was about to speak, but before he could say anything.

Xu Luo waved his hands with a sly smile on his face: "Old Li, we men should speak frankly. If you have any questions, just ask directly. I know I will definitely not hide anything. Why should I let my sister-in-law do it for you!"

"Oh, by the way!" He deliberately dragged out his voice, "I still remember the little girl who came with you last time!"

When Li Shimin heard this, his face instantly turned red like a cooked crab.

He was so anxious. This was not something he arranged. He could not clear himself of the blame even if he jumped into the Yellow River.

Li Junxian, who was standing next to him, widened his eyes. He saw that Li Shimin was not angry at all despite Xu Luo's teasing. Instead, he smiled awkwardly.

Li Junxian thought to himself, Xu Luo is really bold. Even Wei Zheng might not dare to speak to the emperor like this. If this were to get out, wouldn't people be shocked?

Xu Luo looked at Li Shimin's embarrassed expression and couldn't help but laugh: "Actually, I really hope you come over more often, even just to chat, so that I don't get bored here!"

Li Shimin was also somewhat surprised when he heard this. "You are so good at fortune-telling, how can you still be bored?"

Xu Luo shook his head and joked with a smug look on his face: "I am so delicate and tender, how can I look like those old fortune tellers? You have a good eye and you chose me.

Come to think of it, I have to thank you for your unique aesthetic taste! "Before he finished speaking, his eyes rolled and the topic suddenly changed.

"Hey, Lao Li, how's your business going?"

He asked curiously. Li Shimin was stunned. He had always told Xu Luo that he was a businessman, but he never revealed what he did specifically. When Xu Luo asked him this question, he was a little at a loss.

Seeing this, Xu Luo waved his hand and said indifferently: "Alright, alright, I won't ask you any more questions.

I have a business here, I wonder if you are interested? "Li Shimin was curious when he heard it, and asked hurriedly: "Oh? What business? Tell me quickly."

Xu Luo looked around and confirmed that no one was paying attention, then he approached Li Shimin and whispered, "What I want to say is - buy rice." Li Shimin was stunned and didn't understand. Xu Luo continued mysteriously, "Keep your voice down. I'm telling you, there will be a natural disaster in the Tang Dynasty soon, and the price of rice will definitely soar. Use your connections and start stockpiling rice now, the more the better."

He paused, a sly look flashing in his eyes, "I've calculated that in a month, a disaster will come and the city will be in chaos. Food will be the most precious thing."
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(End of this chapter)