Huang Chang was shocked.
In this room, Bai Ruolan is Zhao Muyun's wife, Zhao Wen is Zhao Muyun's second uncle, Shi Yong is Zhao Muyun's confidant, and only he himself looks like an outsider.
If the news that Zhao Muyun was planning to recruit heavy cavalry got out, he would definitely be the first suspect!
"Sir, I will keep this matter to myself." Huang Chang expressed his opinion hurriedly.
"Haha, I believe in you, Master Huang! Let's not talk about the heavy cavalry for now, let's talk about this!"
Zhao Muyun held up a finger-sized cigarette rolled in paper. "This thing will not only ensure that my seven prefectures have a worry-free source of military funds, but also that industries like fine salt and coal mining are nothing compared to it."
He briefly recounted the discovery of tobacco and how Zhang Qiang and his colleagues cultivated it, emphasizing its rarity and potential enormous value.
Huang Chang twirled his beard, lost in thought. "Your Excellency is saying that if this thing is dried, shredded, rolled into a tube, and then inhaled, it can invigorate the mind? It's similar to tea, but stronger? If it can become popular among the rich and powerful, as Zhang Qiang said..."
"More than refreshing!"
Zhao Muyun's eyes were sharp. "After long journeys, night shifts, and fierce battles, soldiers in the army, if they have this substance to relieve fatigue and boost their spirits, it will also benefit their combat effectiveness. The key is that this substance is currently extremely rare in Dayin. If we can find a source and make a unique and easy-to-carry and inhalable substance..."
He didn't finish his words, but his meaning was very clear - monopoly, huge profits!
Bai Ruolan's eyes lit up instantly.
As the helmsman of the Bai family's business empire, she had a keener sense of business opportunities than anyone else. "Exclusively made? My husband means not just selling the leaves, but also... processing them?"
"good!"
Zhao Muyun nodded. "Selling the leaves directly would have limited value and would be easily imitated. I cut them into very fine pieces and rolled them with fine tissue paper into thin tubes the thickness of a little finger, making them easy to carry, use, and light. I call these 'rolled cigarettes'!"
"cigarette……"
Bai Ruolan chewed on the word, her mind rapidly calculating the cost, process, and market. "Paper... My Bai family has a paper mill in Shuozhou, which can produce extremely thin and tough special rolling paper. Cutting... requires special tools. Rolling... requires skilled female workers. The key lies in the planting, harvesting, drying, and fermentation process of this 'golden silk grass'! If the quality is inconsistent, it will be difficult to succeed."
She immediately hit the key point.
"What my niece-in-law said is absolutely right!"
Zhao Wen now understood his nephew's ambition, and excitement crossed his elegant face. "This is a move that benefits the country, the army, and the people! If successful, it will not only replenish military funds, but also open up a new livelihood for the people under our rule! This matter must be handled swiftly!"
Zhao Muyun looked at Huang Chang and said, "Sir Huang, you are well versed in farming and industrial engineering. I order you to take full responsibility for this matter immediately: First, block any news of the 'golden silk grass' in Wohugang and secretly send reliable personnel to protect that slope. Second, secretly recruit experienced farmers at a high price to explore the most suitable methods for planting, harvesting, and drying the grass, especially how to remove its excessive 'heat' to make it taste mellower. Third, find or trial-produce shredding equipment and rolling paper. General Bai will be responsible for providing the necessary funds!"
"As for Zhang Qiang and his group, I hope you'll make good use of them. They were the ones who grew the golden silk leaves in Wohugang, and they were the first to use them!"
"I understand. I will follow your instructions and get this done!"
Huang Chang bowed solemnly. He also knew very well what this would mean to the current finances of the Commandant's Office if it succeeded.
"Don't let Master Pei know about this for now. I'll tell him after it's done."
Then, Zhao Muyun mentioned it casually.
Huang Chang looked solemn.
He understood that Zhao Muyun was hinting that he had to make a choice between Pei Lun and Zhao Muyun.
If Huang Chang was still thinking about Pei Lun, then he would not be able to get involved in the matter of golden grass.
Even Zhao Muyun would kill him to silence him.
Because, if what we are discussing now gets out, it will cause a huge storm.
"From now on, Huang Chang will follow your orders, sir. As for Sir Pei, I am only dealing with him on official business." Huang Chang stated his position without hesitation.
"Haha, Lord Pei was also your old superior before, so you still have to respect him where respect is due!"
Zhao Muyun was very satisfied with Huang Chang's answer.
Everyone is selfish; that's human nature.
Zhao Muyun would also secretly observe Huang Chang's statement. He would not eat for nothing if he did not collect the money at night.
Zhao Muyun is still very confident in his control over his subordinates.
So far, no one has shown any disloyalty.
"I understand!"
Huang Chang understood what he meant.
"Little Shitou, take Mr. Huang with you to meet Zhang Qiang and the others now! The sooner we get to the golden grass, the better!" Zhao Muyun called Shi Yong over.
"Yes, sir!"
........
After Shi Yong and Huang Chang left, only Zhao Muyun, Bai Ruolan and Zhao Wen were left in the room.
It can be said that they are all family members.
"Xiao Yun, why did you give such an important matter to Huang Chang? Although he said he had surrendered to you, he was Pei Lun's aide after all!" Zhao Wen asked.
"Uncle, look at the people I have now. The military is already loyal to me, so there's no problem. But in terms of government affairs, I'm still seriously short of people, and I must absorb new forces."
Zhao Muyun had already noticed Zhao Wen's doubts.
"Second Uncle, Ruolan, you are all my family. Serving you in the Xiaowei Mansion is just a temporary measure. Prefects and county magistrates must pass the imperial examination and register with the Ministry of Personnel before they can take up their posts."
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