Back to the Song Dynasty: The Rise of an Empire

If the Tang Empire won, it would say to its opponents: "You damn well behave yourself in the future, or be careful that I wipe out your entire clan. Pay tribute obediently every year!"

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Chapter 615 The Excited Zhao Huan

If Tang Ke had proposed earlier that mining be brought under the control of the imperial court, there would certainly have been opposition from some officials.

The mining industry spread to private trading companies, and the biggest beneficiary was the Han family of Youzhou.

Almost half of the iron and coal mines in Yanyun and Hedong were in the hands of the Han family.

The imperial court purchased countless iron and coal mines from the Han family every year.

Han Lixian made a fortune.

With his wealth, Han Lixian naturally had extensive connections in Tokyo's official circles.

But ever since Zhao Shen tricked them and they were implicated in the collusion with the Han family in the capital, the Han family in Youzhou has gone from being a coveted prize to a hot potato, and no one dares to mess with them anymore.

Therefore, when Tang Ke raised this point, almost no ministers stood up to oppose it.

If anyone objects, they could easily be used as a pretext to claim that it has a close connection with the Han family of Youzhou.

Let them take it back; it just means that the kickbacks for some local officials will be reduced significantly.

It's not worth offending Tang Ke, who enjoys great prestige in the court, nor is it worth getting involved with the Han family of Youzhou.

Zhao Huan asked, "What is your opinion, Grand Chancellor?"

Yu Yunwen said, "I think what Prime Minister Tang said is absolutely right. The court is building railways on a large scale, and the demand for iron ore will only increase in the future."

"Alright, this matter will be approved by the State Affairs Hall."

"yes!"

"What about opening up private schools?"

Zhao Huan's gaze shifted to Shi Xun, who stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this is feasible."

Shi Xun continued, "Not only that, I believe that each prefecture should have its own official gazette. The official gazette of the Song Dynasty alone cannot meet the people's needs for understanding the government's new policies."

Zhao Huan nodded and said, "That makes sense. You can take charge of this matter and assign tasks to officials in various prefectures and counties."

"yes!"

Zhao Huan continued, "Ding Qiu!"

"Your subject is here!"

"The system of hereditary privilege has been completely abolished. Anyone who still thinks of relying on their fathers to become an official in the court will have their head taken by me. Remember that."

Ding Qiu, adopting a businesslike demeanor, replied: "I will keep this in mind and investigate it thoroughly without delay!"

"Liu Yanzong!"

"Your subject is present."

"You have assisted Minister Ding. I intend to thoroughly investigate the lingering effects of imperial favor next year!"

Liu Yanzong said loudly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will definitely catch all the fish that have escaped the net."

Some officials were already feeling uneasy, thinking that they must send several boxes of money to Liu Yanzong's residence.

Subsequently, state officials from various regions also raised a number of questions.

Zhao Huan remained silent, and Yu Yunwen presided over the proceedings. When it was time for the emperor to speak, Zhao Huan simply nodded.

At noon, a sumptuous feast was served at the council meeting.

The afternoon was spent discussing politics for half a day before it finally ended.

The officials were exhausted, and the emperor did not invite them to a banquet.

In the evening, some officials strolled around Tokyo, while others began visiting each other's homes.

Some also attended banquets hosted by businessmen.

Tokyo, a city dominated by power and money.

That night, the threshold of the Liao Prince's mansion was almost worn down by the crowds.

Officials from various prefectures all visited the Liao King's residence.

Of course, some people went to visit the Prince Kang's residence, but the Prince Kang's residence closed its doors and did not see anyone.

Zhao Gou sat at home, leisurely drinking tea. When he learned that many officials had gone to the Liao Prince's residence, he couldn't help but sigh: "My nephew is really too stupid. Not to mention during the grand court assembly, even at ordinary times when so many officials come to visit, he shouldn't have received them all."

Such a foolish nephew will never become emperor.

But it will definitely help me to confront Yu Yunwen.

After the political discussion ended, Zhao Huan felt much more relaxed.

In the following days of grand court assemblies, the emperor was basically no longer involved.

Officials held meetings in the Hall of State Affairs, the Privy Council, the Military Governor's Office, and the Three Departments.

The discussion here concerns next year's tasks and how to implement them.

And the methods by which the central government assesses local officials.

Zhao Huan, on the other hand, was able to enjoy some peace and quiet.

The snow continued to fall, the snowflakes landing silently on the ground.

Zhao Huan, dressed in ordinary attire, left the palace in a carriage.

Before long, he appeared at Huaxing Trading Company.

Ye Chong came out to greet him: "Master Zhao."

"Ye Chong, you've done a great job with the supermarkets. Now we're opening five more supermarkets in Tokyo City."

"Five stores?" Ye Chong asked doubtfully. "I was planning to open twenty more."

"Don't take too big a step at once. There is still a lot of room for improvement in the layout of the supermarket and the back-end supply chain."

"Alright, I'll do as you say, Master Zhao. We'll open five houses first."

How many businesses has Huaxing Investment invested in this year?

Ye Chong took out a document with records and handed it to Zhao Huan: "We made a total of five investments. As you said, Mr. Zhao, we only invest in students who have no background."

Zhao Huan nodded: "What about the bicycles? How's the construction going?"

"We have already built 100 vehicles, and they will be put into sale after the New Year. The store has been prepared."

Zhao Huan was very satisfied with Ye Chong, who had been meticulously completing the tasks assigned to him over the years.

Ye Chong does indeed have excellent business acumen.

Unlike those quick-witted people, Ye Chong is methodical, serious, and thorough in his work.

Such people will be slow to achieve great things if they don't have money.

But when you meet Zhao Huan, all you need to do is work diligently and conscientiously.

Therefore, Huaxing Trading Company has developed very well in every aspect in recent years, and has become the number one trading company in the Song Dynasty.

"Someone will introduce you to Li Gang. Li Gang will ask you to purchase a batch of looms. Give all your current stock to Li Gang."

Ye Chong was slightly taken aback and asked, "Lord Zhao, is the Li Gang you mentioned the same Li Xianggong who was in charge of the Liaodong Prefecture?"

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