Chapter 131: Golden Tripod Bar!

"What are orphanages and nursing homes?" Li Er inquired.

"Orphanages and nursing homes, as the names suggest, are places to provide free care for orphans and the elderly. This is the primary mission of the Charitable Foundation. What the Tang Dynasty lacks most right now is population. If we can solve the problem of the widowed, the lonely, and the orphaned, we will gain a significant amount of labor! Especially the orphans—if they are cultivated well, they will be a massive treasure!"

A sharp glint flashed in Li Er's eyes. Fang Xuanling wore a grave expression, and Changsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Li Jing, and Cheng Yaojin were equally serious.

After a short while, Li Er said slowly, "Boy Yi, this is a brilliant idea, well worth pursuing. It seems this charity of yours can truly solve many problems. Are you managing this personally?"

Li Yi shook his head. "No, the current president of the Charitable Foundation is Changle. I only provide her with ideas and suggestions; I leave the rest to her."

Li Er frowned. "Nonsense! Handing such a significant matter to a woman? How can that be? You brat, do you have no idea how important this is?"

Changsun Wuji echoed, "Indeed, nephew, this is truly a bit reckless!"

Li Yi, however, disagreed. "How is it reckless? Changle being the president of the foundation was something you all agreed to initially. 'Trust those you employ, and employ those you trust.' Or did you intend for Changle to be merely a figurehead president?"

Li Er glared. "Isn't she? I agreed to let her be the president because her status was suitable, and because I didn't realize back then that the foundation could have such a profound impact. Now that I know, how could I possibly agree? Nursing homes and orphanages are matters of state; how can they be left to a woman?"

This was the first time Li Yi and Li Er had experienced such a significant disagreement. It was because the work Li Yi was doing had begun to touch the fringes of national politics. While orphanages and nursing homes might seem small, from a long-term perspective, they were a tremendous prize. The funds were raised by the foundation, but the goodwill and gratitude of the people went to the president. Once some of these people grew up and became successful, wouldn't they look to the president as their savior? Li Er was not against Changle doing this, nor was he afraid she couldn't handle it—especially with Li Yi there to guide her—but he had to answer to his other ministers.

Li Yi understood this, but he had to fight for Changle's authority, not just for personal reasons, but because he didn't want anyone else handling it. Once charity intersected with politics, it would inevitably become corrupted.

The atmosphere grew tense. Fortunately, Fang Xuanling and Li Jing were men of insight.

Fang Xuanling said, "Your Majesty, this matter has too many implications. Shall we return to the palace to discuss it further?"

Li Jing quickly pulled Li Yi aside. "Your Majesty, Yi'er is young and doesn't understand the complexities. I apologize on his behalf."

Li Er helped Li Jing up. "Yaoshi, what are you doing? I don't blame the boy; his intentions are good. But this matter does require deliberation. How about this: I will give you one last day off tomorrow to rest and tie up loose ends. The day after tomorrow, follow Yaoshi to court, and we will discuss it then."

Li Yi realized he had no choice. "I obey, Your Majesty." He paused and added, "Uncle Li, shall we continue?"

Li Er's expression shifted, and he became spirited again. "Of course! Where to next?"

Li Yi was taken aback by how quickly Li Er changed his mood. "There is only the Golden Tripod Bar left. Let's go there."

"Good! Let's go!"

...

The Golden Tripod Bar was located just across from the Golden Tripod Restaurant, only a few dozen meters away. Its exterior was similar to the restaurant, though the walls were adorned with colorful ink paintings, giving it a wilder look.

As Li Er and his entourage entered, they felt as though they had stepped into another world. The room was dimly lit, the windows were covered, and dozens of thick candles hung from the ceiling. Li Yi estimated each could burn for a full day and night. The light was enough for basic recognition. The bar felt like a large square, supported by only a few pillars. In the center was a circular bar with swivel chairs, which Tie Yan and his workers had spent ten days perfecting. Customers could go there for drinks. Around the bar were dozens of tables of various sizes, allowing guests to mingle and toast one another, creating many opportunities for socializing.

Li Yi looked around at the people in traditional robes moving through the bar. For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to the modern era. But the most exciting part was the low stage in the east, where a band was performing. A man was singing into something resembling the megaphone Li Yi had used that morning, playing a guitar while accompanied by drummers, singing soulfully: "All these years, alone through wind and rain, through tears and mistakes, still remembering what I hold onto..."

"This... this..." As Li Er watched and listened, he felt a sudden heat rising within him. Cheng Yaojin was even more overwhelmed, his eyes wide; had Li Er not been present, he would have rushed to the stage.

On the way, Li Yi had explained the rules, so Li Er ordered everyone to disperse. He headed straight for the counter, where a beautiful waitress stood. He tossed down a handful of copper coins, exchanged them for a seat, and chatted familiarly with her. He made her laugh repeatedly, leaving Li Yi impressed—he was a master of charm!

Li Yi looked around and saw everyone had settled in. The four generals were playing cards, while Fang Xuanling's group sat near the stage, quietly listening to the music.

Li Yi walked to the bar and ordered a drink. They served not only grain liquor but also wine, fruit wine, and mixed drinks—concoctions of fruit, egg whites, and sugar, all in the experimental stage.

After paying, Li Yi went to a secluded corner where Qin Huaiyu, Li Xuan, and Li Chongyi were sitting.

"How are the earnings?" Li Yi asked as he sat down.

Li Xuan said excitedly, "Brother Yi, this bar is amazing! I was hooked the moment I walked in. I think I love this place!"

Li Chongyi added, "Indeed, it's a great place to pass the time."

Li Yi smiled. "Glad you like it. Just remember to pay!"

Qin Huaiyu replied, "Don't worry, we remember everything you emphasized! We aren't short on money now either. Seeing the revenue from just one day, I know our Business Alliance has hit the jackpot!"

Li Yi asked, "Any trouble?"

Li Xuan replied dismissively, "Of course there was. Some guys claimed our liquor was fake, but I handled it."

"You didn't use force, did you?"

"How could I? We are Confucian merchants now; we believe in winning people over with virtue!"

"Hahaha! I believe in you. Carry on. Oh, and Uncle Li is here—keep an eye on things."

"Don't worry, Brother Yi! Everything is arranged!"

...

Li Er and his group played until evening, leaving only when Li Yi finally called them out.

As Li Er stepped out, he laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Brat, this bar is excellent! And the restaurant and the mall—all excellent! You have truly opened my eyes today!"

Li Yi grinned. "Uncle Li, that's secondary. Do you know how much the Business Alliance earned today?"

"How much?" Li Er asked curiously.

"Nearly eight hundred strings of cash!" Li Yi said.

Everyone was shocked. Eight hundred strings! If that held steady, that was twenty-four thousand a month. A five percent share meant twelve hundred strings per month for each aristocratic family involved—an astronomical profit.

Li Yi explained, "It's opening day, so there was a discount. Once things stabilize, we should see about a thousand strings a day."

Li Er's mouth hung open. "Incredible! It seems there is plenty of money among the wealthy."

"Uncle Li, most of this money comes from the noble families. Since they have it to spend, we take it. Our business thrives, we invest, and the wealth flows from our hands into those of the common people. Combined with the efforts of the court and the Charitable Foundation, it creates a virtuous cycle. To put it bluntly, it's robbing the rich to help the poor!"

Li Er laughed loudly. "Hahaha! A wonderful 'robbing the rich to help the poor.' You haven't disappointed me!"

Li Yi smiled modestly. Li Er looked at him with great satisfaction. The others saw the look in Li Er's eyes and knew Li Yi's status had risen another level. They felt no jealousy; Li Yi was a master of human relations, sharing such a massive cake with them.

After a final, extravagant meal at the Golden Tripod Restaurant, they went their separate ways. That day, a massive golden tripod had officially landed on the soil of the Tang Dynasty—a day destined to be recorded in the annals of history.