The promulgation of commercial law

Although the statutes Li Zhi mentioned were already quite comprehensive, much of their content still required modification according to actual circumstances.

During this process, Li Zhi also gained a deeper understanding of the current political and economic situation of the Great Tang. Meanwhile, as the revision of commercial law had to be integrated with the Tang Code, Li Zhi had the opportunity to become acquainted with these laws as well. From time to time, he would voice his own opinions regarding certain articles of the Tang Code.

What he had not expected was that these offhand remarks would once again propel him to new heights.

Unbeknownst to Li Zhi, the court officials of the Great Tang had been driven nearly mad over the past couple of days. At first, when word spread that the three Chancellors had actually recommended the Prince of Jin to participate in the revision of commercial law, fierce opposition arose. Yet, once it was confirmed that the proposer of this law was indeed Li Zhi, shock quickly replaced their resistance.

Over the following two days, Li Zhi went on to propose several improvements to the Tang Code, which caused the entire court to become restless. Private discussions and speculations abounded. Lower-ranking officials suspected that His Majesty and the three Chancellors were working together to promote the Prince of Jin, interpreting this as a sign of imperial dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince.

Those with a bit of influence quietly used their networks to investigate Li Zhi’s performance in drafting the laws, ultimately discovering that he possessed genuine talent. Even so, they were merely somewhat surprised. The highest-ranking officials, however, found themselves both astonished and conflicted, marveling at Li Zhi’s intelligence while debating whether to seek an alliance with him.

What truly drove them to the brink of madness was this: when the revision of the commercial law was completed, Fang Xuanling directly proposed in the morning court that the Prince of Jin should continue to participate in amending the Tang Code. More importantly, most of the officials privy to the situation actually agreed!

In that instant, the court was thrown into utter chaos.

Everyone could see that His Highness the Prince of Jin was on the verge of soaring to unprecedented heights. His brilliance now even overshadowed that of the current Crown Prince, Li Chengqian. Many officials who had previously chosen sides were now beginning to regret their decisions.

Some whose resolve was less firm even began to contemplate changing their allegiance.

Li Zhi’s sudden rise had stirred the winds of change within the Great Tang court. Meanwhile, the furniture industry in Chang’an entered a period of unprecedented prosperity and growth. In just a few short days, a multitude of new imitation-style furnishings appeared throughout the city.

During this time, Pei Mingli not only quietly dealt with the previously sold furniture in secret, but had also started personally visiting high-end clients to recommend his pieces. Though he had not yet had the opportunity to meet Li Zhi, their cooperation was seamless. Almost as soon as Li Zhi’s reputation began to soar, Pei Mingli launched an intensive marketing campaign.

As he visited clients, he tirelessly promoted the high-end image of the “Linde” brand. In a matter of days, this brand became the sole luxury choice recognized by all elite customers in Chang’an. Yet, while many people purchased “Linde” furniture, only a select few realized that only their pieces were the genuine articles.

At this moment, these fortunate few were eagerly awaiting the surprise that Pei Mingli had promised. According to him, when the surprise was finally revealed, all those who had obtained authentic “Linde” furniture would see their social standing rise dramatically.

Li Tai, meanwhile, was in low spirits these past few days. He had heard about Li Zhi’s accomplishments from his new tutor, Wang Gui, which filled him with an intense sense of urgency. No longer needing any encouragement, he threw himself into his studies with relentless effort. He set himself a goal: within two years, he too would organize and compile a classic text.

That day, his steward Dou Xin arrived before him, face alight with excitement, and announced, “Your Highness, our furniture has been selling rapidly these past days—over a hundred sets have already been ordered!”

At these words, the gloom on Li Tai’s face immediately vanished. He asked joyfully, “How did it suddenly become so popular?”

Dou Xin replied, “The name ‘Linde’ has now become the object of pursuit throughout all of Chang’an. All high-end clients are competing to acquire it.” At this, he could not help but display a trace of pride. “I have already spread the word that only furniture produced by the Imperial Workshop is worthy of this name.”

Li Tai frowned and asked, “Isn’t Pei Mingli, who manages the workshop for Zhinu, always insisting that the name belongs exclusively to his family?”

Dou Xin replied indifferently, “Your Highness and His Highness the Prince of Jin are both of imperial blood. Besides, outsiders cannot distinguish the difference—there is no harm in us using the name as well.”

Li Tai frowned further at this and hesitated. “Zhinu persuaded Father Emperor to introduce a commercial law, which will take effect in a few days. I fear there may be an ulterior motive behind this.”

Dou Xin responded, “There is no need for concern, Your Highness. How much insight could the young Prince of Jin truly possess? Surely His Majesty is merely indulging him out of affection.”

Still uneasy, Li Tai cautioned Dou Xin, “That boy is exceedingly clever—under no circumstances should you drop your guard.”

Dou Xin replied, “This servant will heed Your Highness’s instruction.”

Li Tai continued, “Hasten the production of the ordered furniture; do not allow any delays in delivery.”

Dou Xin reassured him, “I have already hired a dozen skilled craftsmen. By working day and night, we will certainly meet the deadlines.”

Li Tai nodded. “Then I am reassured. Unless there is urgent business, do not disturb me in the coming days.” With that, he picked up the book on his desk and said, “I must devote myself to my studies and strive to produce a work worthy of lasting fame.”

Just as Li Tai had foreseen, the commercial law of the Great Tang was soon promulgated.

This new law covered methods of commodity transactions, consumer rights, quality requirements, property rights, trademark regulations, and penalties for violations. The most eye-catching provision encouraged merchants to apply for exclusive trademarks for their products—including words, patterns, colors, numbers, and so on. Imitation or misuse of already registered trademarks for similar products was strictly prohibited, with violators fined twenty percent of the total value of goods sold. All fines were to be paid to the merchant whose rights had been infringed.

Merchants who had previously been mass-producing imitations under the “Linde” name immediately ceased all such promotions upon seeing this law. While this regulation only curtailed their means of advertising, it did not directly affect their ability to produce imitations, so they were not overly concerned.

However, another article—regarding patents for the products themselves—promptly brought all carpenter workshops in the market to a halt. It was clearly stipulated: for all similar products, unless authorized, no merchant may imitate the specifications, designs, or any other patented elements of a registered brand.