"Since it is the request of you gentlemen, I shall grant it!"

In the end, Liu Hong agreed to Chen Fan and others' request. His original intention in bringing these things out today was to put them in official control.

"Your Majesty is wise!!"

Everyone was overjoyed and praised the emperor's wisdom, since these items were consumables and a long-term, stable source of income that could greatly increase the national treasury's revenue.

With more money, the government can focus on more things, and those in power can achieve greater political success, thus gaining more benefits. This is a win-win situation for both the country and individuals.

Liu Hong smiled and then said, "However, in the sale and operation of these things, besides the court and the royal family, I think we should also allocate a certain share, which should be distributed by merchants designated by the court. Only in this way can we truly share with the people. What do you all think?"

Hu Guang spoke up, saying, "Your Majesty's method is excellent. In this way, it can greatly prevent some people from reaching into the court out of greed!"

Chen Fan nodded in agreement. "Situ is right! After all, these things are extremely profitable, and it's inevitable that many people who have lost their minds will do anything. For the sake of future stability, it's alright to share some of the profits!"

The others nodded in agreement. From the previous trade, the curved plow, the business in the Western Regions, and the coal business, they could see that this young emperor was a person with extremely long-term vision who did not seek immediate gains.

Moreover, even if the court and the emperor are powerful, it is almost impossible to control all those highly profitable things, and they may even become a source of chaos.

In conclusion, monopolies are undesirable. Whether by the government or private sector, only diversified operations can maintain market stability to the greatest extent and avoid causing the greatest losses to the government and the people.

Then Liu Hong looked at Cao Song and Yuan Feng and said with a smile, "Then this matter will be handled by the Minister of Works and the Minister of Agriculture. We will still use the previous auction method! We will sell the operating rights for salt, tea, and wine to them!"

"Your subject obeys!"

Cao Song and Yuan Feng readily accepted the order; they were already quite adept at this kind of task.

After a detailed discussion, the group decided to entrust the task of the student assessment to Situ Huguang.

"Grand Herald, have the arrangements been made for the envoy from Gaochang?"

After everything was settled, Liu Hong turned his attention to Yang Ci, preparing to reveal his plans for the Western Regions to the assembled ministers.

Yang Ci replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have arranged for the highest level of hospitality!"

"Hmm, did the envoy from Gaochang make any requests?"

"She simply hopes to meet His Majesty as soon as possible and then present the letter of state from Gaochang!"

Liu Hong nodded. "Alright! Then arrange for her to have an audience with the emperor at tomorrow's court assembly!"

"promise!"

"May I ask Your Majesty, what brings this envoy from Gaochang Kingdom here?"

Chen Fan and the others also looked at Liu Hong with curiosity. In their minds, Gaochang was just a small country in the Western Regions, which could be dealt with by any minister. It shouldn't be enough to make the emperor pay so much attention to it.

"The situation in Gaochang is somewhat complicated. I intend to use Gaochang as the center to bring the Western Regions back under the jurisdiction of the Han Dynasty!"

Liu Hong then shared part of his plan with everyone present, but as for incorporating it into the Han Dynasty's territory, that would have to be done gradually.

Li Ying spoke first, saying, "Now that our Great Han Dynasty is stable internally, it is indeed time to take charge of the Western Regions!"

The others did not raise any objections. For hundreds of years, the Han Dynasty had always regarded the Western Regions as its own backyard. When it was too busy to care for them, the Western Regions could be allowed to cause trouble. But as long as the country was stable, the Western Regions had to be under the control of the Han Dynasty. This was the mindset that everyone had held for many years.

However, everyone unanimously adopted a conservative attitude towards sending troops, not because they couldn't afford it, but because sending troops at present would not bring any benefits to the Han Dynasty.

The mindset of everyone present has changed. Under Liu Hong's influence, Chen Fan and others have changed from only caring about appearances to caring about both appearances and substance.

In other words, a battle that offers no benefit should not be fought, provided it does not violate fundamental principles.

Therefore, the discussion shifted from promoting Hanwei at the beginning to how to obtain more benefits.

Watching the lively discussion, Liu Hong smiled unconsciously and let out a soft breath. After so much effort, people's thoughts and perspectives were finally beginning to shift under his guidance.

With a huge weight lifted from his heart, Liu Hong felt a sense of relief wash over him.

"My Great Han will only get better and better!"

As he whispered to himself, Liu Hong felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, his vision blurred, and he saw double images of everyone. The sounds of their discussion grew increasingly indistinct, and he began to sway as he sat there.

"Your Majesty, I thought something was wrong with Gaochang... Your Majesty, what's wrong...?"

Just as Chen Fan was about to offer his opinion, he immediately noticed Liu Hong's unusual behavior.

"I... am fine..."

Liu Hong shook his head slightly, enduring his discomfort, and gripped the table tightly with both hands, trying to stand up to clear his head. Seeing this, Song Dian, who was serving him, quickly stepped forward to support Liu Hong.

Just as Song Dian was supporting him, Liu Hong felt his legs go weak, then everything went black, and he slumped backward.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!