Papa's face immediately became serious: "Why?"
Fang Zheng shook his head and smiled bitterly: "It is the national policy to emphasize agriculture and suppress commerce! The status of merchants has always been low. Wouldn't opening up trade routes undermine the national policy?"
"Besides, our country is rich in resources and has everything. Why is there any need for trade?"
"It's good for the two countries to be brothers, but trade will not be achieved overnight, unless Your Majesty overcomes all objections!"
Paba frowned and said, "Although Jingguo is strong, as far as I know, supplies such as horses and sheepskins are in short supply. Can the court officials turn a blind eye to this?"
"Of course not, but in their opinion, this is just a small gain, and no one will lose their integrity for a small gain!"
"It has been less than three years since the war in Dajing ended, and the emphasis on agriculture has been deeply rooted in people's hearts. Now is the time to promote agriculture and consolidate the foundation of the country!"
"The transportation cost of the caravan to the border is huge, and the imperial court is unwilling to bear this loss."
"Besides, Master, you should know that the southern part of our Great Jing is the truly wealthy place. If the materials are to be transported to the northern Rong border for trading, it will take at least several months!"
"Merchants have a low status, and this idea is even more deeply rooted in the minds of customs officials."
"Those people all regard increasing the number of classes as their greatest achievement, and regard strictness as their style. They plan everything down to the last detail, not sparing a cent!"
"Every time a merchant passes a checkpoint, he will be stripped of his skin. Have you ever counted how many checkpoints there are to pass?"
Speaking of this, Fang Zheng's heart was filled with tears.
It is not easy for people from the county to do business outside. It costs a lot of money to pass through each checkpoint.
He used threats, inducements, and every possible means.
Without saying too much, it took a lot of effort for merchants to produce counterfeit products in bulk...
"Although I have thought that this journey might not be smooth, it is not as detailed as you thought." Paba nodded from time to time. What Fang Zheng said was indeed reasonable, and he already understood it, but he did not expect the obstacles to be so great.
"But...Master Fang, why do you think this is a good thing?"
"Alas! I grew up in a merchant family, so I naturally know more about merchant matters."
As he spoke, Fang Zheng showed a look of grief and indignation: "To be honest! My ideas have always been at odds with those of the court officials!"
"Plus, I can't hold back my words, and I've always been disliked by others. You'll know after a while."
"Many people throw mud at me every day, saying that I'm a flatterer, sweet-talker, and outspoken, but they don't realize that they are the same kind of people!"
"If it weren't for the wisdom of our emperor, I don't know where I would have been banished to."
"The officialdom is really dark! I met you today and I feel like we are old friends. I have something to say!"
Paba just smiled and said nothing.
From Chen Hong's reaction to him in the morning, he could sense that Fang Zhengyi was not liked by others.
Moreover, his performance has been quite direct since we met each other. The most important thing is that when he said "Our emperor is wise", he felt it was particularly sincere!
It seems that what Fang Zhengyi said is almost true. This should be the case.
This person is available!
"Master Fang, as you wish..."
"Don't call me Lord Fang, call me Brother Fang! We are naked now, why are you still being so formal?" Fang Zheng took the opportunity to strike.
Papa coughed awkwardly twice: "Brother Fang, what do you think we should do?"
Fang Zheng's expression turned serious. "Master, our previous conversation is known to everyone in the court. I'm afraid it would be inappropriate to discuss it in detail. Besides, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is here."
Pa Ba glanced at Li Yuanzhao and saw that he, Lufa and the other two were still looking at Chilie and pointing at him. He whispered, "Brother Fang, don't you think of me as a friend? The law should not be passed on to others. The conversation between you and me will not be leaked!"
Fang Zheng thought for a moment and said through gritted teeth, "Okay! Since you said so, it's okay for me to tell you! But you must keep it a secret!"
Papa was delighted: "Sure!"
"If you discuss this matter with His Majesty and the court officials in a few days, the biggest resistance will come from the court officials, but the final decision will definitely be made by His Majesty."
"So, all you have to do is convince His Majesty!"
"It's not enough to just talk about trade. We need to at least hold more talks and add more conditions."
"My suggestion is that you finally talk to His Majesty about building a border town for the two countries to trade, and each country will send officials to guard it."
"The two countries have agreed that border trade must be jointly stamped and issued with special trade permits to prevent merchants from being blocked at the checkpoints."
"In the end, Master, all you need is to show enough sincerity. The amount of tax is the key."
Papa looked at Fang Zhengyi suspiciously and said, "Is it that simple?"
"Of course not!"
"The influence of court officials on His Majesty's will is of utmost importance. What you need to do is to get close to the people around His Majesty first to have a chance of success!"
"Who is this person?"
Fang Zheng showed a mysterious smile and said, "This man is your Majesty's personal eunuch, Guo Tianyang! He has been with your Majesty since he was a child. He has great experience and his words carry great weight."
"There is another person, who is the Prime Minister of the current dynasty, the Prince's tutor and the Grand Secretary of the Jinshen Pavilion."
Paba was immediately delighted, thinking that today's trip was not in vain!
"Then how can we establish a relationship with these two? Brother Fang, do you have any ideas?"
Fang Zheng coughed twice and said, "Ahem! I'm not afraid of you laughing at me. Although I don't have a good relationship with my colleagues, I have a good relationship with Eunuch Guo. I can find a way to talk to him for you."
"What about Lord Li?"
"He's my uncle! We're all real relatives, keep a low profile and don't let anyone know about this!"
Hiss! Paba took a breath of cold air.
So that's how it is, the key is here! No wonder such an honest man can survive in the officialdom. With this background, no one can afford to offend him unless he is looking for trouble!
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