Chapter 335: Advantages and Disadvantages
Shangguan Jin entered the palace the following afternoon.
There was a court assembly in the morning, so Emperor Xiao Wu must have been very busy, as he also had to review memorials and meet with some important officials to discuss state affairs.
When I have time, it will definitely be after noon.
In the afternoon, Shangguan Jin tidied herself up a bit and then went to the palace with the waist token given to her by Emperor Xiaowu.
It's very convenient for her to enter the palace now, because everyone knows that the current imperial family respects her, their aunt, the most.
Just as Shangguan Jin entered the palace of the current Empress, Huangfu Ruoxi, before she had even had a couple of sips of tea, Emperor Xiao Wu arrived.
"Hu Zhouquan said you had entered the palace, so I came over immediately."
Aunt, is there something you need today? If it's nothing serious, you can just send someone to deliver a message.
"It's cold now, Aunt should take care to keep warm." Emperor Xiao Wu smiled and helped Shangguan Jin sit down in a chair.
Shangguan Jin was speechless.
She's only in her early forties, not yet in the state of being old and frail...
Every time she saw Emperor Xiao Jing, he was so respectful, which made her feel quite embarrassed.
"There really is something! Yesterday, people came from the north."
Shen Zhong from our household brought back two people.
"The official document presented by Changsheng Gong was escorted by people and traveled on the official road. Your Majesty, guess who it is?" Shangguan Jin looked at Emperor Xiao Wu.
Emperor Xiao Wu was taken aback.
So formal? The fact that Chang Sheng Gong is taking this so seriously means he must be someone important! They even sent someone to escort him?
Emperor Xiao Wu immediately thought of a memorial submitted by Duke Changsheng a month ago.
The text above mentions that the young prince of the border town really wants to visit Da Yu...
"That young prince of the border city and... his adoptive father?" Emperor Xiaowu guessed immediately.
Shangguan Jin nodded.
"The two of them followed Shen Zhong into our residence last night."
I had someone arrange for me to stay in the west courtyard near the side gate.
Shen Zhong told me that the young prince's adoptive father used to be the chief strategist of the war prince.
After the death of Prince Zhan, it was this strategist who helped the young prince rise to power.
"That Mr. Du is very influential in the border town; the young prince there listens to him in everything," Shangguan Jin said.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiaowu hurriedly asked.
"Mr. Du? He seems to be from the Central Plains!"
"Yes, he used to be from the Central Plains. I heard that his wife and children lost their lives in the great flood in Jiangnan, leaving him all alone."
He also injured his face in an accident.
He later made a living as a merchant in a border town.
Later, she met the war prince Aqige, and then she followed Aqige.
"How about Your Majesty has someone investigate Mr. Du's background again?" Shangguan Jin said deliberately.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiaowu quickly shook his head.
"No need! He's been in the border city all these years and has seen it become prosperous. He must be capable."
Aunt, what brings them here?
"In the dead of winter, we can't exactly say we've come here for sightseeing!" Emperor Xiao Wu laughed.
Shangguan Jin didn't say much, but simply conveyed the meaning of Shen Huaichen and Burilege.
They simply wanted to establish a business relationship between the two sides through official channels.
Instead of the past, when both sides were comprised of itinerant merchants.
With so many itinerant merchants, it's difficult to manage them.
If official trade channels could be established, things would be more regulated, and we wouldn't have to worry about unscrupulous merchants; the scale of trade would definitely increase as well.
Emperor Xiao Wu remained silent for a long time after hearing Shangguan Jin's words.
He originally thought the people from the border town had come to seek help.
The Northern Hu court is currently in chaos. Although the young emperor has ascended the throne, there are still many who are dissatisfied with him.
The old prince and his family in the border town died at the hands of the Northern Hu imperial court.
It's understandable that the young prince who stayed behind would want revenge.
When he heard Shangguan Jin say that the two people had come to the capital on business, he initially thought that the young prince wanted to borrow troops to conquer the Northern Hu imperial court!
result......
That young prince actually pulled his adoptive father along and said, "Emperor of Dayu, let's do some business..."
Interesting!
"Trading merchants...go through official channels?"
"Aunt, do you think this is feasible?" Emperor Xiao Wu asked.
Just as Shangguan Jin was about to speak, Emperor Xiao Wu added two more sentences.
“Aunt, I want to hear your thoughts. This is a family matter, not a political one, so please don’t refuse.”
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Jin's mind immediately began to work.
Official involvement has both advantages and disadvantages!
"Well, since it's unavoidable for merchants to travel around, it's definitely better for the government to take the lead."
There are still risks involved in traveling and trading privately.
Because of the high profits, it's inevitable that unscrupulous merchants will appear, and at that time, it will damage more than just the reputation of Dayu.
It might even damage Chongqing's tax revenue!
However, if the government takes the lead, it can easily lead people to think that commerce is favored over agriculture.
At that time... So, the key here is to find the right balance.
Your Majesty, you should discuss this matter with your court officials.
If normal official channels are opened, Chongqing's tax revenue will definitely increase.
"With increased tax revenue, the national treasury will be full, and then we can do more things," Shangguan Jin reminded her.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xiao Wu immediately shook his head.
“Aunt! I can tell you right now what those courtiers will say.”
It's nothing more than competing with the people for profit, and what's this talk about developing commerce that would lead to the neglect of agriculture in Chongqing?
Some people even say that this is shaking the foundation of Chongqing.
"They'd be a fool to agree!"
Shangguan Jin thought about it and realized that it made sense.
Then those old ministers will put on a tearful farewell show in court and clamor to see the late emperor...
"Does Your Majesty intend to strike first, just like sending Jun'er to Suzhou?" Shangguan Jin asked.
Emperor Xiao Wu nodded.
Suddenly, Emperor Xiao Wu seemed to have thought of something.
"Aunt, is Cousin Ming at home today?"
"Yes! He's either at home or strolling around the streets of the capital, never getting bored."
"What? Does His Majesty have something to ask him?" Shangguan Jin asked.
Emperor Xiao Wu smiled and nodded.
"My cousin Ming is always thinking about doing business and making money."
Isn't this his chance?
Aunt, when you get back, please tell your cousin Ming that it's a bit late today and it's not appropriate for him to go to the palace.
Tomorrow after noon, have him come to the palace immediately. I will be waiting for him in the Hall of Diligent Governance.
Didn't he always say that he had nothing to do at the Ministry of Revenue and was so bored that he wanted to play dice with people?
Now his troubles have begun, haven't they?
Shangguan Jin thought about it and agreed.
That second son reeks of money; he'll definitely love this job.
Hmm, I'll give this second son a good talking-to when I get home tonight...
Perhaps the responsibility for opening up official border trade will fall on the shoulders of the second son!
"Okay! I'll talk to him when I get back!"
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