Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 629 - 465 Salt Permit

"Indeed, my parents often taught me when I was young. ’Everything is inferior, only studying is high.’ Study well, and one day, you can become an official and meet the True Dragon Emperor."

"Oh? Your parents wanted you to study well just to meet me?"

The Emperor was utterly amused by Gu Chengyu and couldn’t help but become more interested.

Actually, Gu Chengyu thought he might have gone overboard with the flattery, but since the Emperor seemed to enjoy it, what could be done?

"My family is merely that of farmers, and my parents have limited knowledge. Yet even with such limited knowledge, they often talked at home, saying that under your rule, Emperor, ordinary households, while not rich, at least do not lack food and drink. The taxes aren’t heavy either, and the people are certainly very grateful to you."

Gu Chengyu thought he might rival those infamous ancient traitors, for he truly was shameless enough.

"Your parents certainly have a clear mind."

At that moment, the Emperor was quite satisfied and no longer concerned about Gu Chengyu’s previous mistakes.

Gu Chengyu was laying the groundwork for his request. It wasn’t a huge matter, and if he could please the Emperor, this small matter might be granted.

"However, don’t think you can evade punishment just by deflecting the subject." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Though the Emperor’s mood had improved, he wasn’t someone who could be easily fooled by Gu Chengyu’s few words.

"I, knowing my errors, dare not seek your forgiveness, Emperor. Please punish me!" Gu Chengyu said with a bitter expression.

No matter how it ended, the Emperor’s dignity was indeed compromised during the morning audience.

Even though those Ministers often argued against the Emperor, it was just that Gu Chengyu was a lesser official. Moreover, today’s situation was different, especially since the Emperor had other plans in mind.

The Emperor coldly snorted, "It’s up to your performance. I want you to come up with the regulations for the salt permit. If I’m satisfied, I’ll remember it for now; if not, don’t blame me for being merciless."

Gu Chengyu immediately felt relieved; this meant he was being let off this time. He already had ideas regarding the salt permit and was sure they would satisfy the Emperor.

"Remember, I can promote you, and I can also strip you of your official’s hat."

The Emperor knew Gu Chengyu had ambitions, but that didn’t hinder him from using him. If it were someone without ambition, the Emperor would look down on them, as those people are usually ineffective.

Someone like Gu Chengyu, if used well, could save the Emperor a lot of effort. However, Gu Chengyu’s talents were a double-edged sword, and there was a fear that his ambitions might someday grow too big to control.

Therefore, the Emperor needed to give him a reminder periodically, and Xia Qing could not be too weak. Let Gu Chengyu encounter some setbacks often to ensure peace of mind for himself.

Of course, not now, since Gu Chengyu’s wings hadn’t fully grown; without the Emperor’s backing, he couldn’t contend with Xia Qing.

Gu Chengyu understood that this was a warning from the Emperor, and clearly, the Emperor was aware of his little schemes. However, he wasn’t afraid, since he wasn’t close to any of the Princes and still considered himself a Pure Minister.

But he had been too conspicuous recently, so he needed to lay low for a while. After all, the compilations of records were about to start, and he should keep his behavior in check.

Besides, he would be visiting his relatives soon, which would take about two months round trip. By the time he returned to the Capital, his previous limelight would surely have been forgotten.

"I thank the Emperor for his mercy. I will certainly do my utmost in the future to relieve you of your concerns!"

The Emperor nodded, believing that after this event, Gu Chengyu would weigh his actions more carefully in the future.

"Do you have any thoughts regarding the salt permit? Salt tax is the most important tax for our court, so the Emperor couldn’t ignore it."

De’an hesitated, knowing it was about time for the Emperor’s lunch. Another long discussion might be tiring for the Emperor, who didn’t have much of an appetite during breakfast.

However, he knew the significance of the salt tax, so he dared not interrupt, and could only worry in silence.

"Emperor! The salt permit is quite similar to the tea permit, with a similar process. However, I have a few suggestions on how salt merchants can obtain salt permits."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor sat upright.

"Oh? Do tell!"

"Emperor, is it the court that dispatches provisions to the border?" Gu Chengyu pondered briefly and suddenly inquired about the border provisions.

The Emperor was a bit puzzled, uncertain why Gu Chengyu brought this up, but it hit a sore spot for the Emperor.

"Naturally, it’s dispatched by the court! The states near the border have insufficient provisions, and the tax grain each year is not enough to meet even 40% of the soldiers’ needs. Thus, it must rely on the court appropriating tax grain from other states."

This was another headache for the Emperor—every year, the manpower spent on this, not to mention the provisions consumed by the escorts and officials en route.

Gu Chengyu nodded; this was without war. Otherwise, the soldiers at the border would require more provisions. Jiangnan is a primary granary, and if provisions run short, it would still need to either purchase or requisition from Jiangnan.

However, Jiangnan is quite far from the border, requiring many to escort provisions there. At least a journey of two to three months was needed, and those escorts would also need food and drink, leading to significant losses.

"Emperor, what if we hand over the escort of provisions to those salt merchants? Would it not save the court much worry? The losses involved wouldn’t be the court’s burden either."

The Emperor suddenly understood; yes! If a salt permit were issued, these salt merchants, in their quest to obtain the permits, would naturally be willing to escort provisions to the border.

"Tell me more!" It wasn’t as simple as it seemed; would those salt merchants agree? He needed to see what brilliant idea Gu Chengyu had.

"Emperor! Regarding the escorting of provisions, I believe it could be left entirely to the salt merchants’ volition, providing only some subsidies to those opting to escort."

This was an idea Gu Chengyu had thought of last night, originally intending to bring it up later.

After all, he had already been promoted, and mentioning this wouldn’t bring him tangible benefits.

However, if he couldn’t satisfy the Emperor today, his days ahead wouldn’t be easy. Besides, he had other plans in mind.

The Emperor frowned and raised his doubts, "How can you ensure that those salt merchants will be willing to escort? If they refuse, what then for the court?"

Gu Chengyu smiled, "Emperor, this is merely a proposal. Salt permits can be divided into long permits and short permits; the long permit can be sold outside the region, short permits within it. A long permit could last a year, while a short one is only a season. Merchants who purchase long permits could escort provisions to the border, allowing their salt to be sold there."

"These merchants won’t suffer losses; if there’s interest, flexibility in weight and Silver Coin can be considered. While the border lacks living essentials, they do have plenty of fur and medicine. Even without opening the markets, the resources within Dayan’s borders are extremely abundant. Merchants could exchange or purchase such goods to sell to other states."