Wen Zhengqing jumped up excitedly and asked Wen Xuexuan in surprise, "Is what you said true? His Majesty really intends to hand over the refined salt business to me?"

Wen Xuexuan gave a positive answer, which made Wen Zhengqing so excited that he almost fainted.

He knew that he had used his connections to ask the Mu family to help him send his daughter to the palace, and he had his own agenda behind this. He longed to gain the favor and position of His Majesty Chu Fan, but he never expected that His Majesty would be willing to hand over the refined salt business to him.

You have to understand that the Mu and Changsun families, both of which have received His Majesty's favors in recent times, are both prominent families with deep roots, while he himself is just a censor skilled in rhetoric, speaking in court. He couldn't help but wonder if he was truly worthy of His Majesty's trust. Moreover, shouldn't the Ministry of Revenue be responsible for the sale of such a vital national commodity as refined salt?

Wen Xuexuan continued, "Your Majesty personally led us to extract crystal clear refined salt from the toxic mineral salt. His Majesty also instructed me to explain the method of making refined salt to you in detail so that you, father, can understand the cost of making refined salt and make your plan more perfect."

Wen Xuexuan explained the entire process in detail, starting with screening out toxic mineral salts and how to purify, dissolve, filter, and crystallize them step by step to ultimately obtain pure refined salt. She also emphasized the safety measures that must be taken during the refining process to ensure that workers are not harmed by toxic substances.

By the time Wen Xuexuan had finished explaining in detail how to extract refined salt from rock salt, she looked exhausted. Her voice had grown hoarse, but her face was filled with satisfaction and pride. She knew she had not only fulfilled His Majesty's instructions but also provided crucial information for her father's plans.

Wen Xuexuan ignored Wen Zhengqing and the old woman, who were still in shock, and bowed before leaving the room. Her steps were heavy, but her back appeared resolute and composed.

She knew her mission was complete, and the next step was up to her father and the old woman. She believed that with this information, her father's plan would be more complete, and the cost of producing refined salt would be more accurately controlled.

Even though she was adopted by Wen Zhengqing, she was originally from the Wen family. If Wen Zhengqing could gain more benefits in the court, it would be a good thing for the family.

Moreover, in this world, parents of adopted children will treat them as their own children. After all, they are all members of the same family.

After regaining her composure, the old woman solemnly addressed Wen Zhengqing, "I never expected His Majesty Chu Fan's method for producing refined salt to be so simple, practical, and inexpensive. His Majesty personally entrusted this task to you because he values ​​your integrity and your indifference to wealth. Therefore, this salt will not be sold at a high price. However, this also means harming the interests of many. I worry that this may incur hostility from others."

Wen Zhengqing was deeply moved. He bowed deeply and said to the old woman, "Mother, I will keep your words in mind. I know this is a heavy responsibility and a severe test. Since Your Majesty trusts me so much, I will do my best to live up to your expectations."

Wen Zhengqing's tone was firm, his eyes gleaming with determination. He understood that this wasn't just a business deal; it was a responsibility to the nation and its people. He knew the production and sale of refined salt would directly impact the nation's economy and livelihoods, so he had to proceed with caution, ensuring that every step served the nation's interests.

He continued respectfully to the old woman, "Mother, you are absolutely right. I will do my utmost to ensure that the production and sale of refined salt does not bring injustice to anyone. I will work closely with the Ministry of Revenue to develop a reasonable sales strategy to ensure that the price of refined salt meets the country's financial needs without overburdening the people."

The old woman nodded, a hint of approval in her eyes. She knew Wen Zhengqing was a responsible man, and his words reassured her. She whispered, "Zhengqing, you are my proudest son. I believe you can handle this. But you must be careful. The struggles at court are complex, and you must remain vigilant at all times."

Wen Zhengqing nodded in agreement. He was well aware of the intensity and potential risks of court struggles. However, he also clearly realized that the court today was no longer what it once was. A single test from His Majesty had cost those disloyal nobles and ministers their power and status, and some even their lives.

Although there are still power struggles in the court, these struggles have turned into competitions that are beneficial to the development of the Wei State. Everyone is trying their best to show themselves, eager to gain the favor and reward of His Majesty.

In his proposed plan, Wen Zhengqing placed particular emphasis on collaboration with the Mu and Changsun families. He understood that these two families held crucial positions within the imperial court, and maintaining good relations with them was crucial for the smooth progress of the refined salt business. Furthermore, the patriarchs of both families held military power, and Wen Zhengqing's daughter had a close relationship with their daughters. As long as his proposed plan benefited the prosperity of Wei, they would support it.

Furthermore, Wen Zhengqing proposed in his proposal that refined salt be sold at a lower price domestically and exported at a higher price. After all, the refined salt sold by the Gan Kingdom was expensive, yet it still had a market. Wen Zhengqing firmly believed that the refined salt they produced would be of comparable quality to that sold by the Gan Kingdom and would undoubtedly command a high price.

Wen Zhengqing decided to hand over the profits from the sale of refined salt to the Ministry of Revenue, which would help alleviate the Ministry's financial pressure. At the same time, the national treasury would also receive funds to promote the development of the Wei State.

It was already late at night after he finished writing the memorial, and Wen Zhengqing was still sitting in his study, sighing.

During the period of food shortage in Wei, many profiteers left for other countries, resulting in only a few salt merchants in Wei. During this period, Wei was actually facing a serious salt shortage.

At this moment, His Majesty proposed a simple and practical method for making salt, as if he were in the palace, fully aware of everything. His Majesty always provided the best solutions to the problems that his ministers considered difficult, which made people admire his wisdom and foresight.

Wen Zhengqing knew that His Majesty's ability to navigate these various challenges with such composure stemmed not only from his extraordinary intelligence but also from his deep affection for his country and its people. The State of Wei was destined to prosper under His Majesty's leadership.

When Chu Fan read Wen Zhengqing's memorial the next day and discovered that Wen Zhengqing proposed collaborating with the Mu and Changsun families to produce and sell refined salt, he was extremely delighted. After all, the alliance between civil and military officials meant that the day of his overthrow as emperor might not be far away.