Chapter 340 Petition, Ancestral Instructions!

"Good question!"

Wei Shuyu nodded: "That depends on the merchant's business acumen..."

"The price they bought from the farmers was definitely not seven coins, but most likely six, or even five coins."

"For example, if you have a lot of grain, the price he pays for it might be a little higher."

"On the contrary, it may be lower."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Everyone understands this.

Merchants make their money from the price difference.

"So the question is, how do they make money?"

Wei Shuyu said with a smile, "Don't forget, everyone, it takes a year for new grain to turn into old grain."

"In that year, they've already recouped their investment..."

"There's one more thing."

"When new grain becomes old grain, they don't lose all their money; they just sell it at the price of old grain."

"Alright."

"There are too many intricacies involved in how merchants conduct business, so I won't go into detail."

"I ask you all, is this policy acceptable?"

The people whispered among themselves.

I strongly agree with this policy.

"If the farmers made money and the merchants made money, then who actually lost money?" someone asked.

"Of course, it's the people who buy the new grain."

Wei Shuyu shook his head: "You can sell with peace of mind. Merchants are always short of grain, and they will definitely find a way to sell it. You don't need to worry about that."

Despite saying that, Wei Shuyu secretly despised him.

In ancient times, grain was extremely easy to sell.

What traitors, national traitors...

A merchant can make a fortune by simply reselling the item.

Take Liu Shuyi, who rebelled in Jiangnan, as an example.

Give him as much food as you want, and he'll sell everything he owns to buy it for you.

"Gentlemen, food is only one aspect of it."

"What I really want to tell everyone is the significance of the Ministry of Commerce!"

"It is to improve your living standards!"

"A range of daily necessities such as coarse grains, coarse cloth, and coarse salt..."

"The Ministry of Commerce will also strictly control its prices!"

Everyone's spirits lifted.

If the prices of these things stabilize.

Their standard of living would definitely be raised to a whole new level!

Everyone couldn't help but feel a little excited.

"It's getting late..."

"I will not go into detail about the many benefits of the Ministry of Commerce."

"You will all discover this gradually in the future!"

With that, Wei Shuyu bowed respectfully...

"Here, in my capacity as the head of the Ministry of Commerce, I make a petition to you all!"

"Effective today, our Ministry of Commerce will officially be stationed in Chang'an."

"I hope everyone will supervise and guide us..."

"If there are any shortcomings, please feel free to offer your opinions to the Ministry of Commerce!"

Upon seeing this, the people waved their hands repeatedly...

He quickly remembered that Wei Shuyu was an official, and hurriedly bowed in return.

A dark mass of people moving in unison.

The scene was truly breathtaking.

Wei Zheng shook his head helplessly.

If the son has done this, how can the father not support him?

"Fellow villagers."

Wei Zheng exclaimed, "My son is young, and it is already extremely difficult for him to initiate a policy of promoting commerce!"

"If there is anything I have done poorly, please forgive me!"

“Yesterday my son was framed by a villain, but fortunately you all gave him time to defend himself.”

"I thank you all here."

After he finished speaking, Wei Zheng also bowed solemnly.

Upon seeing this, the people returned the greeting once more.

“Minister Wei, you mustn’t say that. We were foolish and fell into the trap of treacherous people, almost harming you, Physician Wei…”

Many people looked ashamed.

If it weren't for Wei Zheng vouching for it with his own reputation...

They might force Wei Shuyu to his death because of this, and the consequences are terrifying to even think about.

"You did nothing wrong!"

Wei Zheng said with a cold expression, "An official should stand up for the people!"

"I only hope that from now on, you will all keep a closer eye on my son."

"so……"

"He will not be corrupted by officialdom."

"Only then can he bring benefits to more people..."

"Regardless of how others become officials."

"I, Wei Zheng, earnestly request that you all keep a close eye on my son and never let him go astray!"

Swish.

Wei Zheng bowed again.

The people were truly moved.

Such is the behavior of officials.

Why worry about having a bad life!

Just as everyone was sighing, a haggard-looking man stepped out from the crowd.

He walked straight up to the crowd and clasped his hands in greeting to the Wei family father and son.

"Greetings, Your Excellencies!"

"I'm a rough man, I don't know anything."

"My father and mother starved to death during the locust plague a few years ago."

"They gave the last of their food to my child!"

"I also wish to ask for your permission..."

"When the next natural disaster strikes, please don't let my family starve to death!"

Wei Shuyu remained silent.

It seems like just a simple requirement.

But in practice, it's incredibly difficult!

If he agrees today, he will have an extra responsibility on his shoulders.

The man was perhaps referring to his own experience...

But to Wei Shuyu, these words represented the people of the entire world!

"I...will try my best!"

Wei Shuyu's answer was reluctant.

He couldn't guarantee it.

This goal is too ambitious for him to achieve.

"well."

A sigh reached my ears.

It turned out to be Wei Zheng's sigh.

"Young man..."

Wei Zheng replied frankly, "We may not be able to agree to this."

Everyone's expression changed drastically.

They never expected Wei Zheng to say that.

"Yeah?"

The man's face showed disappointment, but he still respectfully clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Just as he turned to leave, Wei Zheng's voice rang out again...

"It's not that we don't agree to your request."

"It's because our capabilities are limited, and we may not be able to achieve the kind of prosperous era you described!"

"but……"

Wei Zheng suddenly straightened his chest, his eyes were firm and bright, and he exuded an indomitable spirit.

His resounding voice echoed in everyone's ears...

"But I can swear an oath here..."

"In this life, I will dedicate myself to advocating for the people, even at the cost of my life!"

"If I die, I still have my son, Shuyu!"

"And their children and grandchildren!"

"I, Wei Zheng, hereby establish the ancestral precepts..."

"All members of the Wei family who enter officialdom must take it upon themselves to protect the people!"

"Anyone who fails to do so will be expelled from the Wei family!"

Have ancestral precepts been established?

Everyone gasped in shock.

Wei Zheng's speech represented much more than just a single sentence.

They made vows and ancestral precepts before the world.

This agreement must be kept!

If you don't uphold your principles, being disgraced and ruined is the least of your worries.

If the king dislikes you, the people despise you, and your relatives are ashamed, you will become truly universally hated!

"father……"

Wei Shuyu was utterly speechless.

It's fine if you bring me along.

My son and grandson are not even a couple yet, and you've already got your eye on them?

This is simply...

Isn't that a bit too much?