The excitement and joy of the emperor's birthday banquet had not yet faded from the hearts of the crowd, and a new day quietly arrived with the morning bell in the capital.
The atmosphere in the Hall of Supreme Harmony was solemn and dignified. The atmosphere of the morning court was completely different from the festive birthday banquet of yesterday.
The ministers, dressed in court robes and with solemn expressions, stood in line in the hall, waiting for the arrival of Emperor Nan Qingtian.
Following the cry of "The Emperor has arrived", Nan Qingtian walked up to the dragon throne with steady steps, and glanced at the people in the palace with a majestic gaze, "My dear ministers, please stand up."
The sound echoed in the empty hall.
Everyone stood up, and Prime Minister Wang Tiancheng stepped out first, saying, "Your Majesty, at the birthday banquet yesterday, envoys from various countries expressed their strong desire to trade with the DPRK. This is related to the development of the country. I think we should discuss a countermeasure as soon as possible."
Nan Qingtian nodded slightly, his expression calm: "That's exactly what I meant.
My dear ministers, please feel free to speak out what you think about trade. ”
As soon as he finished speaking, the Minister of Finance Zhao Zhongliang stepped forward, holding a thick account book in his hand, and said, "Your Majesty, I think that trade has more benefits than disadvantages for your dynasty.
Judging from the accounts, Korean silk, porcelain, tea and other products were extremely popular in the United States. If trade could be expanded, tax revenue would increase significantly and fill the national treasury.
However, the details of trade must be carefully formulated.
For example, if the tariff is too high, it may cause dissatisfaction in other countries and affect trade; if it is too low, it may damage national interests.
I suggest that different tariffs be set for different goods.
For goods such as silk and porcelain, which are unique to Korea and urgently needed by the country, tariffs can be appropriately increased;
For ordinary daily necessities, the tariffs may be slightly lower. ”
As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers began to whisper to each other.
At this time, Li Chongyi, the Minister of Rites, stood up with a dignified manner and a calm tone:
"Your Majesty, trade is not only an economic matter, but also a diplomatic matter.
I believe that when discussing the details of trade, the cultural customs and diplomatic relations of various countries must be taken into consideration.
To trade with the Kingdom of Loulan in the Western Regions, a special trade market could be set up on the border, which would not only facilitate management but also promote cultural exchanges.
Loulan attaches great importance to jade culture, so we might as well introduce more jade-related transactions in trade to cater to their interests.
As for trading with the Xiongnu Kingdom in the north, they make a living as nomads and may be interested in the farming techniques and tools of the Central Plains. We can export such items appropriately to enhance the friendship between the two countries. ”
As soon as Li Chongyi finished speaking, the Minister of War Zhou Wu strode out, with a burly figure and a loud voice: "Your Majesty, although trade is good, border security must not be ignored.
Although the Xiongnu wanted to trade, they were fierce by nature and there were often small gangs of bandits on the border.
I suggest that we add more beacon towers along the trade routes and strengthen patrol forces so that we can issue early warnings in case of any abnormal situation.
At the same time, elite soldiers were selected to form a caravan guard to ensure the safety of the caravan. ”
At this time, the Minister of Personnel Chen Hong, who had been silent all this time, slowly spoke: "Your Majesty, I think that trade requires a large number of people who are familiar with trade and diplomacy.
Although the current court officials have their own strengths, they lack experience in trade affairs.
I suggest that we offer a trade course at the National Academy, select young and promising students for training, and prepare for future trade matters.
At the same time, businessmen with business experience were selected from various places to participate in the preparation of trade affairs and provide practical experience and suggestions. ”
Everyone expressed their opinions and the atmosphere was lively. Nan Qingtian leaned back on the dragon throne, listening carefully to the speeches of every minister, nodding slightly from time to time.
After the ministers' discussion paused, 놛 slowly said: "Everything you say makes sense.
When it comes to trade, we must take into account not only economic considerations, but also diplomacy and security. ”
At this time, a young imperial censor stood up, looking a little nervous, but still summoned up the courage to say: "Your Majesty, I have something to say.
Although trade can bring wealth, it may also bring some disadvantages.
For example, the influx of a large amount of foreign goods may impact some traditional domestic industries.
I have heard that in recent years, some textile workshops in the south have been experiencing a slow business due to the impact of cheap blankets from the Western Regions.
If the scale of trade expands, similar situations are likely to increase.
I suggest that while we encourage trade, we should also take measures to protect domestic industries. ”
Nan Qingtian frowned slightly and cast his eyes towards the ministers on the other side: "What this censor said makes sense.
What good suggestions do you have for this, my dear ministers? ”
Prime Minister Wang Tiancheng pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I think we can provide support to some industries in the country that have been hit hard.
For example, technical support can be provided to textile workshops in the south to help them improve their technology, enhance product quality and strengthen their competitiveness.
At the same time, we encourage them to develop new products to meet market demands at different levels. ”
The Minister of Revenue Zhao Zhongliang also added: "I agree with what the Prime Minister said.
In addition, it can also be regulated through tax policies.
Appropriate tax reductions and exemptions will be given to industries that are urgently needed to develop domestically; tariffs on imported goods will be adjusted based on their impact on domestic industries. ”
Just as the ministers were discussing heatedly, a eunuch hurried into the hall and whispered a few words in Nan Qingtian's ear.
Nan Qingtian nodded slightly, then said to the ministers: "The envoy from Loulan in the Western Regions wants to see you, I think it's for trade.
Xuan and others entered the hall. ”
After a while, the envoys from the Loulan Kingdom in the Western Regions walked into the hall led by the eunuch.
The envoy bowed respectfully to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, Loulan attaches great importance to trade with your country.
After returning home, the king of the Kingdom of Kok immediately prepared the goods and waited for the trade agreement to be reached before starting the trade.
Our country hopes to introduce your advanced silk, textile technology and porcelain making technology in trade. Our country is willing to exchange precious jade and fine spices. ”
Nan Qingtian smiled and said, "I see your country's sincerity.
The Kingdom of 놖 is also actively preparing for trade.
However, the transfer of technology is a matter of great importance and requires careful consideration.
I will order the ministers of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Culture to discuss in detail with your envoys and seek the possibility of cooperation on the premise of ensuring the interests of both parties. ”
The envoy of Loulan bowed again to express his gratitude.
Afterwards, the envoy of the Xiongnu Kingdom in the north also came to the palace to ask for an audience and said, "Your Majesty, the Xiongnu caravan is waiting at the border.
China hopes that after the opening of trade, China's merchants will be allowed to trade with mainland China in Shenzhen, which will expand the scale of trade and benefit the people of both countries. ”
After hearing this, Nan Qingtian looked at the ministers and asked, "What do you think about this, my dear ministers?"
Minister of War Zhou Wu immediately said, "Your Majesty, I think this matter requires caution.
Although the Xiongnu merchants' deep inland travel promoted trade, it also posed a security risk.
I suggest that we first set up a large-scale trade market at the border, and then gradually relax the restrictions after both sides have established sufficient trust. ”
His ministers also nodded in agreement.
Nan Qingtian said to the Xiongnu envoy: "I am aware of your proposal.
However, in the early stages of trade, for the sake of security and stability for both sides, trade was still conducted at the border.
When the time is right, we will consider expanding the scope of trade. ”
Although the Xiongnu envoys were somewhat disappointed, they still expressed understanding and acceptance.
The morning court continued with busy and fulfilling discussions, with ministers engaging in in-depth discussions on all aspects of trade, from the formulation of trade rules to the cultivation of officials;
From ensuring border security to protecting domestic industries.
Every issue is related to the future development of the country, and every decision needs to be carefully weighed.
As time passed, the light in the hall gradually changed.
The sunlight shines through the tall windows, onto the ministers' court robes, casting a solemn glow.
Nan Qingtian looked at the heated discussion in front of him, with both expectations for the country's future development and a deep sense of responsibility in his heart.
I know that once trade is opened, it will have a far-reaching impact on the South. This is not only an economic change, but also an important opportunity for the country to prosper.
Finally, after the ministers reached a series of preliminary consensus, Nan Qingtian slowly said: "In this morning's court, the ministers had an in-depth discussion on the issue of trade and put forward many valuable suggestions.
Matters of trade are related to the rise and fall of a country. I will seriously consider everyone's opinions and formulate a detailed trade plan as soon as possible.
After the court was adjourned, the prime minister, the minister of revenue, the minister of rites, the minister of war, and the minister of personnel stayed to discuss the details further. ”
The ministers bowed and left.
Walking out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the ministers were still communicating in low voices, full of expectations and confidence in the future trade.
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, lost in thought, knowing that this was only the beginning of the trade route, and there would be more challenges and opportunities waiting for the Southland in the future.
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