Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 619 - 455: Talking Tactics on Paper

"Master, in the initial implementation, it may encounter resistance from those tea merchants, but within a few days, they will cease their protests! Tea is a highly profitable business, and those merchants naturally understand how to weigh their options. An arm cannot twist a leg."

Gu Chengyu sneered inwardly. Watching and making connections for resistance would also be futile.

It won’t take long before they accept reality. The government has ways to make them submit, and wasting a day is like wasting silver, and the tea merchants are not foolish.

However, his sneer was not about whether the tea merchants would riot.

Rather, these officials, when they were collecting salt tax and poll tax, didn’t they enforce it vigorously?

In the end, isn’t it because their interests have been infringed upon?

Their opposition is not for the tea merchants or tea farmers, it’s for their own selfish interests.

Li Wei chuckled, "Even though Gu Xiu has been in the bureaucracy for only a few months, he understands well the oppression methods of those in authority."

Gu Chengyu listened without changing his expression, secretly cursing Li Wei for his shamelessness.

"I only meant to say there is no need to worry that the tea merchants will stop trading tea! As for oppression, I do not know what you mean. Isn’t this done to enhance the National Treasury?"

Gu Chengyu glanced at Li Wei from the corner of his eye, noticing the Standard Third Rank official uniform.

He then looked at Xia Qing, turned his gaze away, and continued, "May I ask, Master! If we do not implement the tea tax, how is the National Treasury to be replenished? The court’s arrears to border troops is something I have already heard about. How can soldiers defending the border do so on an empty stomach? Failing to pay them will only lead to a decline in military morale, and should any ill-intentioned individuals take advantage of this to incite a riot, wouldn’t it present Da Xing with an opportunity?"

"Most of those who lose their profits from the tea tax are wealthy merchants. Having them lose a little profit, without breaking the backbone, can contribute to paying the border troops—why not? Besides, the tea merchants aren’t without any benefits; at the very least, their lives are protected."

Gu Chengyu rendered Li Wei speechless. If Li Wei were to criticize Gu Chengyu’s proposal, the Emperor might ask him for an alternative method, which would be akin to shooting himself in the foot.

Besides, regarding the issue of paying border troops, all courtiers know the Emperor is deeply worried about it, and Li Wei wouldn’t dare provoke the tiger.

"To report to the Emperor, I have a few more points to add."

Gu Chengyu hadn’t written all of this in his memorial; if he had covered everything, the Emperor wouldn’t summon him, and what use would it be waiting outside the hall?

The Emperor had been watching the argument, and since Gu Chengyu hadn’t lost the battle, he was disinclined to intervene.

After all, regarding the implementation of the tea tax, he already had an idea in mind.

Seeing Gu Chengyu had more to add, how could he refuse to listen?

Jiang Mingyuan never expected Gu Chengyu came for this matter; what the entire court’s officials couldn’t achieve, Gu Chengyu managed to do.

He could see the Emperor’s inclination—he was decidedly interested, possibly wanting to implement it immediately.

Didn’t you notice those old foxes were all silent? Even Xia Qing was quiet, appearing as if he were asleep.

"Your Majesty, we have a shortage of horses, while Da Xing has well-fed, sturdy horses, and more of them. Shall we open a market at the border? Tea can be used in exchange for horses or other goods from Da Xing, which can be called a tea and horse exchange!"

This time, Gu Chengyu wasn’t merely bringing up the tea tax issue but a significant matter of inter-country trade.

His suggestion immediately faced strong opposition from Minister of War Dai Yuanji and other officials.

"Your Majesty! No! Previously, when we tried to open trade, the Daxing people, fierce and belligerent, brought chaos to the border. When our merchants went to the border, those opportunists took advantage and seized by force. During that period, our merchants suffered great losses."

Dai Yuanji’s words echoed what other courtiers were about to say.

The Daxing people are inherently treacherous; they prefer taking by force rather than spending silver, and this has become their habit, making this matter utterly unfeasible.

It wouldn’t contribute to the stability of the border but instead pose significant risks.

The Emperor waved his hand, inclined to hear if Gu Chengyu had any unique insights—hoping he wouldn’t disappoint him.

Gu Chengyu had anticipated these concerns—it’s not possible everyone in Da Xing behaves that way.

The previous robbery incidents were driven by a lack of clothing and food. Opening trade would resolve these issues.

Indeed, opportunistic barbarians who seek advantages without spending silver are in no short supply.

But Gu Chengyu was surprised by the Minister of War’s previous remarks.

The soldiers guarding the border amount to hundreds of thousands, reaching as many as 500,000 at times.

Even if the soldiers and generals are deployed across different regions, facing scattered, small groups from Da Xing would make them seem ineffective, wouldn’t it?

Isn’t it true that Dayan’s numerous soldiers can’t even handle those scattered Daxing people? Isn’t it the case that those causing trouble aren’t soldiers, just ordinary folk from Da Xing?

How is he to respond? Is he to critique these soldiers as incompetent, unable to handle even Daxing citizens?

Regarding border strategy and soldiers’ competence, he doesn’t know much. Therefore, he must find another way.

"Your Majesty! I suggest demarcating a specific area at the border for trade, relocating surrounding residents, deploying strong troops to guard and tightly control, which should prevent potential issues."

Upon hearing this, Dai Yuanji sneered.

"Gu Xiu has never been to the border; everything he says is theoretical. Let me ask you, with such measures, why would Da Xing’s people and merchants trust us? Would they entrust their lives and fortunes to us?"

Gu Chengyu pondered briefly; Dai Yuanji was right. Our people may fear Da Xing’s robbery, but would Da Xing’s people feel assured with us?

"Then let Da Xing allocate some troops to jointly manage the area with Dayan. The two nations can sign an agreement to cooperate and oversee together."

Before Gu Chengyu could finish, Dai Yuanji interjected.

He swung his robe, snorted, and exclaimed, "Nonsense! If both sides station troops, how could there ever be peace at the border?"

Even the Emperor frowned. Gu Chengyu, after all, is a scholar, weak and less knowledgeable about border affairs. He cleared his throat, planning to halt the discussion.

But nonetheless, the implementation of the tea tax is inevitable.

"Master! If Da Xing gains no benefits, their government will naturally disrupt and act wantonly. But if their government receives enough benefits, why would they continue to cause trouble?"

Hearing this, the officials present fell into contemplation. Even the previously agitated Dai Yuanji calmed down; they were all thoughtful individuals, well-fit for their positions.