Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 621 - 457 Collapse Money

The Emperor has already made up his mind, seeing that Gu Chengyu has been instructed to present this matter at the morning court sessions, it was not meant for discussion among them. Instead, Gu Chengyu was to inform them on how to implement it.

At this moment, he must not voice any objections, otherwise, the Emperor would likely be displeased. Moreover, the Emperor’s decision is unlikely to change, so he might as well be sensible about it.

As the Grand Secretary, he receives substantial tributes. However, he hardly regards those coming from tea farmers.

Xia Qing acknowledges that Gu Chengyu is indeed talented, but he remains too young. Furthermore, his official rank is merely a Secondary Sixth Rank, which is the disadvantage Gu Chengyu faces.

Upon hearing these words, Gu Chengyu couldn’t help but secretly curse Xia Qing for being a true old fox, possessing a face thick enough to endure.

Indeed, the Emperor’s expression had softened a bit, satisfied with Xia Qing’s understanding. Once the Grand Secretary agrees, the matter of the tea tax will face fewer hurdles.

Gu Chengyu hesitated for a moment but decided to make an effort nonetheless. After all, mutual trade is beneficial to the court, he just wishes to contribute positively. If it is truly unfeasible, then he has no choice but to give it up.

After all, one’s capabilities are limited, and Jiang Mingyuan, having just become a Capital Official, lacks ample connections. Even speaking a few words in his defense is considered commendable.

"Prime Minister, this iterates back to what I previously mentioned. As long as Da Xing enjoys sufficient benefits initially, they will naturally be contented. By the time they recognize the situation, we would also have gained considerable advantage; thus, we do not incur losses."

"If they later refuse to ally, the mutual trade can be dispensed! However, this is merely a humble opinion I contemplated last night. If the Emperor and all the lords find it impractical, it may just be that I have overlooked the broader picture."

Gu Chengyu also acknowledges that his notion remains imperfect. Nevertheless, refining it is certainly not a task achievable overnight. Furthermore, worldly affairs are in constant flux, being unfamiliar with the border matters restricts his insights to previous similar documents, thus possibly confronting significant difficulties when implemented. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

For instance, troop deployment, soldiers’ combat prowess, generals’ strategies, these are vital elements for establishing the mutual trade.

Dai Yuanji’s words are not without merit, upon reflection, Gu Chengyu realizes he might have oversimplified it.

"No! Father Emperor, I believe the mutual trade proposal by Gu Xiu is worth an attempt. We, as the Dayan, are such a grand nation, are we truly afraid of their small country? Besides, opening mutual trade offers numerous benefits, at the very least, it would contribute to the National Treasury through taxation."

The Eldest Prince contemplated briefly before continuing: "The points raised earlier by Gu Xiu indeed hold reasoning, but solely relying on these is inadequate. Yet, these must be resolved progressively during implementation, complete considerations are inconceivable to achieve at once. This matter, in my opinion, necessitates dispatching officials to the border to formulate detailed plans. Today at court, debates will yield no definitive outcome."

Gu Chengyu was indeed somewhat surprised, unaware that the Eldest Prince would agree with his viewpoint. In fact, he found the officials to be overly cautious, fearing unnecessary risks from both directions, thus how would Dayan prosper?

It seems the Eldest Prince certainly possesses fervor, lacking no ambition, suitable for territorial expansion, but not for maintaining stability.

The Emperor, too, found that the points raised by Gu Chengyu resolved several crucial challenges. His interest is piqued, claiming indifference is impossible.

Now, being merely aged, had it been in his younger days, hesitation wouldn’t have been so prevalent. He sighed, resigning to old age, longing for maintenance rather than the former vigor.

He glanced at the Eldest Prince, finding him the most akin among the four princes. It’s a pity, however, that the eldest is born of a concubine...

The Second Prince clenched his fist, ultimately refraining from speaking.

"The tea and horse exchange matter is temporarily shelved, I will personally send people to investigate the border. But regarding the tea tax, does anyone have any objections?"

Seeing the Emperor’s inclination, the courtiers dared not dampen his enthusiasm. After all, mutual trade cannot be realized through mere discussion, the officials sent to the border must return for deliberation before the Emperor could proceed with planning.

Dai Yuanji glanced at the Emperor, hesitating. Not until the Emperor mentioned the tea tax did he fall back in line. Doesn’t he understand the Emperor’s temperament? Once decided, even if opposed by the courtiers, the Emperor will not concede, why should he bear being the villain further?

He cast a deep look at Gu Chengyu, noting the Emperor’s high regard for him. Yet, Gu Chengyu’s thoughts are akin to a sieve, uncertain whether it’s prosperity or misfortune for Dayan.

Other officials naturally dare not voice objections; since the Prime Minister agrees, opposition would be futile.

However, at that moment, Gu Chengyu spoke again.

"Your Majesty, earlier I mentioned wanting to supplement a few points, and I have yet to finish speaking."

Xia Qing couldn’t help but snort coldly, the Emperor had already consented to the tea tax matter. Gu Chengyu truly knows no bounds, daring to speak up in front of the Emperor.

"Oh? Then, Gu Aiqing, please continue." The Emperor’s face softened due to Gu Chengyu’s previous explanation that the thoughts originated from the preceding night.

The Emperor naturally wanted to listen to Gu Chengyu’s further points, as they are beneficial to the implementation of the tea tax, are they not?

Gu Chengyu raised his head, sneakily glancing, observing the Emperor’s expression wasn’t as stern as before, finally feeling relieved.

"Your Majesty, I believe if the government could establish warehouses along must-pass routes with large tea fields. Any passing tea merchant could store their tea in government warehouses, alleviating concerns over the safety of both tea and personnel."

The Emperor nodded, finding this method brilliant, considering it as compensation for tea merchants.

"Your Majesty, but constructing warehouses demands significant expenditure!" At this point, Shen Shikang, who had been hiding, finally spoke, opening with a lament of insufficient silver.

Hearing this, the Emperor was vexed, promptly about to erupt in anger.

Ministry of Revenue officials fails to devise methods of frugality, solely lamenting poverty, how could the Emperor remain unprovoked?

"Your Majesty, naturally these expenses are covered by the merchants. If merchants wish to store in government’s warehouses, they must incur corresponding silver proportionate to the tea’s tonnage, termed as ’collapse money’. Although I haven’t calculated precisely, it’s not expounded further. But it feels plausible to reduce the annual land tax slightly for tea farmers."

"According to Gu Xiu’s proposal, wouldn’t the merchants take the hardest hit? Tea farmers’ annual land tax is substantial, how does it differ from the tea tax?"

The Third Prince, displeased with Gu Chengyu for obstructing his profit route, however, must concede Gu Chengyu is talented and appears considerate of the people.

"Responding to His Highness, it’s merely partial exemption, compensating tea farmers somewhat. Being overly strict might deter them from cultivating tea further."