Ning Xuan paused in stroking his beard. How could this man's words contain such a sense of reason?
It's clever that it doesn't make him uncomfortable.
"Then, in your opinion, how can I meet more extraordinary people like you?"
“The ancient sage kings feared that they would not hear their own faults, so many spoke frankly,” Ye Panjiu replied with an ancient saying.
The gist is that wise rulers in ancient times were very afraid of not hearing their own mistakes, so there were many people who dared to speak frankly and offer advice.
Ning Xuan smiled, "Su Yan said the same thing to me back then. It seems I have improved a lot over the years."
Otherwise, how could I have seen Ye Panjiu's letters?
Ye Panjiu sincerely said, "Your Majesty is enlightened, a blessing to the Great Liang."
Ning Xuan was pleased with these words, but thinking of the account book, he waved his hand and said, "The Wang family's troubles have dragged on for a long time, all because of my faults. Once the Wang family's case is investigated, I will issue an edict of self-reproach."
Emperors are most particular about the art of balancing power, but under this art of balancing power, the suffering that the royal family brings to the people is indeed partly due to their own faults.
Ye Panjiu didn't say anything; in her opinion, it was time to leave.
Ning Xuan didn't feel bad and continued to ask, "In the matter of the curved plow and the Wang family incident, you were a great contributor in both the reward and commendation ceremonies. What kind of reward do you want?"
Sheng Ping was also a little curious; she couldn't figure out what Ye Panjiu wanted.
"I dare to ask that the Jiang family of Yangzhou possess their property and be granted the privileges of an imperial merchant," Ye Panjiu said, revealing her pre-existing plan.
Speaking out for the people was one aspect, but her desire for the Grand Canal was also genuine.
She wanted to see more distant places, promote the technology of Daliang, and also think about the convenience of her own life.
What's the point of making a lot of money if not to improve the quality of life?
Now that she is in Daliang, if she wants to live a better life, she needs electricity and transportation other than oxen and horses, so she has to push everything forward herself.
Thinking about it, it's not tiring at all; on the contrary, I feel quite excited.
If Daliang had patent protection, she could bring blessings to future generations.
Sheng Ping and Ning Xuan exchanged a glance, both of them looking somewhat surprised.
“Sister Panjiu, you may not know, but the Jiang residence has been burned to ashes. Before Jiang Le’an died, he left behind very little silver, only a thousand taels of silver, and nearly a thousand ships, including three large ships,” Sheng Ping explained to her.
Ye Panjiu pondered for a moment, "Then I will ask for another thousand taels of gold."
A thousand taels of silver would probably not be enough to support this massive maritime business; a thousand taels of gold would be necessary.
Initial funding must be secured; otherwise, things will be very difficult later on.
Ning Xuan put his hands behind his back and said, "You're not being polite at all. How about I bestow another marriage upon you and Su Yan?"
Before Ye Panjiu could answer, Sheng Ping couldn't sit still any longer. "Father, you mustn't. I have many thoughts after hearing what Sister Panjiu said. Marriage in Daliang has many drawbacks for women. I will correct these problems at their root before I propose a marriage."
Ning Xuan hadn't heard Sheng Ping speak in a coquettish tone to him for a long time, so he couldn't help but reach out and pat her head. "Father is getting old, I'll listen to you."
Once Su Yan recovers, he wants to step down.
I didn't sleep at all yesterday, so I feel particularly bad today. I'm exhausted, and when I see the documents on the table, I feel angry and annoyed.
Sheng Ping smiled and said, "Thank you, Father."
She then looked at Ye Panjiu and asked, "Sister Panjiu, what kind of 'royal merchant' are you talking about?"
Ye Panjiu held up two fingers, "One is braised food, and the other is goods from overseas. Any rare treasures will be presented to the palace."
Let's see how she develops this technology so rapidly without going overseas, so that Daliang can really broaden its horizons.
Ning Xuan, always generous, waved his hand and said, "I grant it!"
He also wanted to see how much influence this man's dream could have on the Great Liang.
Ye Panjiu then suggested leaving the palace, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I wish to visit Prime Minister Su in the capital region."
Sheng Ping was somewhat dissatisfied, but then she had a sudden idea. "Sister Pan Jiu, I haven't seen Prime Minister Su yet either, so let me take you there?"
Ye Panjiu naturally couldn't refuse, so she could only thank him, "Thank you, Your Highness."
As long as I can leave the palace, that's fine.
In the Great Liang Dynasty, where imperial power reigned supreme, entering the palace meant the end of one's freedom.
How is this any different from going to jail?
Sheng Ping helped Ye Panjiu onto the palanquin, and after leaving the palace, they boarded a carriage.
Only then did Ye Panjiu relax a little.
Sheng Ping thoughtfully rolled up the carriage curtain. "Sister Pan Jiu, this is your first time in the capital. What do you think of this city?"
The carriage moved forward slowly and steadily.
At the foot of the palace were residences of high-ranking officials and nobles, exuding extreme luxury and extravagance.
"The capital city is very beautiful."
She had already seen three or four other buildings like the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in Shuzhou, which had only one entrance with white jade steps.
She was astonished by the wealth.
Sheng Ping raised his hand and pointed to her, "This is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He has beautiful handwriting, but his family life is not peaceful. There are signs that he favors his wife over his wife, and his concubine's daughter is treated better than his legitimate daughter."
"This is the youngest son of Grand Secretary Jiang. He has been quite unconventional since childhood. Grand Secretary Jiang once lamented in the Hanlin Academy that his family was unfortunate to have such a scourge. This year, however, he secretly joined the army without telling his family and even achieved minor military merits on the border."
"This is the carriage of the eldest daughter of the Shen family. It is said that she is the pre-arranged wife of the Third Prince."
"..."
Ye Panjiu listened intently. There were so many officials in the capital; you could run into one every few steps.
Sheng Ping clearly knew everything about these officials, both high and low, and could even tell them a thing or two about their private affairs.
Suddenly, the carriage was bumped.
Ye Panjiu was jolted forward, but Sheng Ping reacted quickly and caught her.
But she still couldn't help but strain her arms and legs, and the pain made her take a few deep breaths.
Aches and pains are the most agonizing, but even the slightest movement brings a strange, intense ache.
As the car was being jostled, a sharp, piercing voice came from outside.
"Such a shabby carriage, yet it dares to cut me off! It deserves to be hit!"
"What's going on?" Sheng Ping asked sternly.
The coachman quickly replied, "Your Highness, the carriage in front deliberately bumped into us and rushed ahead."
Sheng Ping said coldly, "Jia Yi, go and invite the person in the carriage."
Ye Panjiu immediately understood that this was clearly the daughter of some powerful and wealthy person who had bumped into Shengping because the carriage frame was too plain.
That's a bit thoughtless. This is the capital city; there are bound to be some low-key powerful figures here.
The carriage stopped on the spot.
Sheng Ping asked with concern, "Sister Pan Jiu, are you alright? I'm sorry you were frightened. I'll modify this frame later."
Ye Panjiu smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine, no need to change. It's better to keep a low profile."
Especially for someone like Sheng Ping, who holds a high position, safety is absolutely the top priority.
A moment later, a noblewoman with flushed cheeks walked to the carriage and gracefully curtsied, "Greetings, Your Highness!"
Her tone was very excited. She never expected to be summoned by Sheng Ping, who was now the most dazzling figure in the social circle.
Those women who entered the Imperial Academy were summoned by Sheng Ping and showered with countless gifts. Even if these gifts were to be used as dowry in the future, they would still make their mothers-in-law think twice.
This is a testimonial about someone who had dealings with Sheng Ping!
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