Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 620 - 456 - Tea and Horse Exchange

"Whether it’s traders from our dynasty or from Daxing, anyone wanting to sell goods at the border must pay taxes. A small portion of this should be given to Daxing. Once they taste the benefits, even if barbarians want to cause trouble, their government may not allow it."

The Second Prince, hearing this, couldn’t help but think of another issue.

"If Daxing gains benefits and gradually prospers, how will we, the Dayan, respond when Daxing becomes strong? They are ambitious; with Silver Coins and weapons, their ambitions will swell, and by then, it will be uncontrollable."

Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but glance at the Second Prince and realized the Second Prince wasn’t as honest as he seemed on the surface.

The issues he raised were all very pointed, indicating genuine concern for Dayan.

"This is my second proposal: in trading with Daxing, we must not use Gold or Copper Coins, everything should be through bartering!"

The courtiers, upon hearing this, all had sudden realizations.

Jiang Mingyuan greatly agreed with the proposed trade, believing it could cater to mutual needs, stabilize the border, and increase the court’s taxes.

Therefore, he stepped forward from the right, intending to support Gu Chengyu.

"To report to the Emperor, I also have something to say."

The Emperor was considering the proposal Gu Chengyu just made, thinking that opening trade might not be infeasible.

Jiang Mingyuan having something to say, he naturally needed to hear the courtier’s opinions.

"Jiang Aiqing, do you have any objections? Let’s hear them."

Hearing it was Jiang Mingyuan, Gu Chengyu was slightly surprised.

He hadn’t had the chance to speak with Jiang Mingyuan before, and he took an extra glance at the Second-rank Official’s seat, noticing Hu Maoshen was absent, possibly taking a rest today.

"Your Majesty! I have no objections to this matter and consider it very feasible. Opening up trade offers many benefits, with many merchants trading at the border every year, not just increasing taxes but also greatly aiding border stability."

"Mr. Zhang! You previously had some private association with Gu Xiu, and I’m naturally aware of this. However, this matter isn’t just about personal relations; it concerns our dynasty’s rise or fall!"

Dai Yuanji was very pessimistic about the trade, considering it too risky and inadvisable.

Jiang Mingyuan was about to speak when the Third Prince interrupted. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Father, it cannot be denied that opening trade indeed has benefits. But, who can ensure that the soldiers won’t slip up? Once they slip up, the barbarians will profit." The Third Prince agreed.

He also shared Dai Yuanji’s view, and not implementing a tea tax would benefit him more.

The Emperor hesitated, pondering for a moment, and suddenly asked, "Gu Aiqing, what do you say?"

"To report to the Emperor, the barter system I mentioned earlier is very beneficial for our Dayan."

Gu Chengyu paused, then continued, "As is known, the barbarians have greater demand for tea than our Dayan Dynasty. Tea can detoxify and cure illnesses, help digest fats. Daxing, with its predominantly meat-based diet and lack of vegetables, naturally needs tea to neutralize fats, making it a living necessity for them."

"And we, Dayan, can exchange cloth, tea, medicines, salt, and grains for Daxing’s horses, leather, gold, and herbs like cordyceps and fritillary, achieving mutual benefits. In general, as long as merchants are willing to barter at the border, they will surely earn fortunes."

Zhang Shuo, hearing this, couldn’t hold back. The benefits were indeed great, but such wealth also carried equal risks.

Moreover, today Gu Chengyu’s limelight was extreme. His teacher wasn’t wrong; this young man was truly arrogant.

"Gu Xiu, learning from paper is ultimately shallow. Everything you think, as Mr. Dai said, is like talking strategy on paper. As subjects, we should prioritize the court’s greater good."

"Mr. Zhang, please allow me to finish what I said earlier." Gu Chengyu realized Zhang Shuo somewhat targeted him, being Xia Qing’s disciple, it wasn’t surprising for him to step out.

Zhang Shuo intended to say something further, but upon seeing the Emperor looking at him with a slightly somber face, he didn’t dare speak.

"We, Dayan, strictly control iron, copper, Gold, and Silver, preventing these from flowing into Daxing. But we can accept Daxing’s Gold and Silver unrestrictedly. Daxing can only exchange for basic goods related to clothing and food; resources like iron and copper become scarce, yet these are the main weapon materials."

"Even if Daxing refuses to let go of Gold and Silver, or doesn’t plan to release them, it won’t matter. As long as we don’t accept Daxing’s Gold and Silver, even if they pile it into mountains, they can’t buy weapons. Over time, with scarce weapons, will they still attack us?"

After Gu Chengyu finished, the officials started whispering among themselves.

The court was abuzz, and even Xia Qing gave Gu Chengyu a deep look.

Though there were still difficulties, it couldn’t be denied that Gu Chengyu’s tea tax proposal preceded the entire idea of a tea and horse exchange.

Moreover, he had already devised countermeasures for potential challenges.

The Emperor squinted at Gu Chengyu.

Such a significant matter, yet Gu Chengyu didn’t mention it in his memorial, was he withholding from him?

"Your Majesty, this official has a question for Gu Xiu to clarify."

Xia Qing finally spoke, intensifying the discussion in the court.

The Emperor frowned and scanned the officials until they calmed down before speaking.

"Xia Aiqing, go ahead and ask him. As the Chief Minister, you need to oversee this."

Upon hearing this, Xia Qing felt pleased. It seemed the Emperor valued him, granting him face.

Hearing this, Gu Chengyu felt a weight in his heart. Did the Emperor have opinions about his secrecy?

But these points were only refined last night.

The Emperor had given too little time before for him to think of anything else.

He couldn’t help but sigh; being around the throne was like being around a tiger, he needed to offer some explanation afterward.

Receiving the Emperor’s approval, Xia Qing took the chance.

"Gu Xiu, according to you, are the Daxing people fools? They might be blinded by benefits initially, but won’t they realize over time? I think you’ve oversimplified. Nonetheless, your numerous suggestions are commendable."

Xia Qing smiled, first dismissing Gu Chengyu’s trade plans, then praised him to avoid others accusing him of fussing over a minor official.

After addressing Gu Chengyu, Xia Qing turned to the Emperor, "Your Majesty! I also find Gu Xiu’s proposed tea tax feasible, but the trade issue needs your careful consideration!"