Yan Shiyue paused, "For example, a while ago, Qilang Balang sold flying bird chess in the name of the Ministry of Commerce. My first reaction was that this would have a bad impact on the business of the Ministry of Commerce in the future, because reputation is also an intangible asset; but my brother would first consider the prestige of the court, the law, and the people; if you let an educator see it, his first reaction would be that Qilang Balang did not do things properly and did not know the importance of things; if you let a scholar see it, he would think that this thing is a strange skill and not the right way, and so on!"
She looked at him and said, "So, do you understand what I mean? Everyone has their own strengths, habits, and ways of thinking. They have their own perspectives on things. I don't think you are suitable for the Ministry of Commerce. When Fourth Brother wanted to come, I also refused. I don't think Fourth Brother is suitable for the Ministry of Commerce either."
Her expression was serious. "But you and Fourth Brother are different. Although you have been influenced by him since childhood and are both good at politics and controlling people's hearts, Fourth Brother is actually a doer. He is very alert in observing things, but you are smart mainly in people. You are popular, which is a great ability."
The fifth prince felt a burning sensation on his face.
But strangely, I didn't feel embarrassed, but rather, there was some kind of inexplicable emotion floating around.
She saw it clearly, but when she said it, it was very natural, without any malice, or even good intentions... For so long, he had never felt such pure and natural emotions from anyone except his mother.
Yan Shiyue continued: "So I think you shouldn't think about going to the Ministry of Commerce or any other department. You should use what you are good at to do things."
The Fifth Prince knew that she had no ill intentions, so he asked her seriously: "But, it is not that I can do whatever I want, and it is not that I can do whatever I know."
Yan Shiyue spread his hands: "I know, but you are in the Ministry of Rites now, so think about it from the perspective of the Ministry of Rites. Do you think there is anything you can do now?"
The fifth prince was at a loss.
...
...
Yan Shiyue continued to remind him: "Think about it carefully. Ever since we got the Shenwei Cannon, haven't people from neighboring countries been coming here all the time? Now that we are trading with Mobei, don't people come here from time to time? Yes, we have firearms and we are powerful, so the Ministry of Rites follows the old rules and receives them casually. But have you ever thought that there is actually a lot of room for improvement here?"
She was thinking of the Lifanyuan, which was actually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in later generations.
She said, "Diplomatic affairs cannot be ignored! Learning from the barbarians to control them is the best strategy! Even if we are stronger than them, do they really have no merits? Confucius said that among three people, there must be one who can be my teacher! How can we get their good stuff? If we send our people over, we can control them step by step, including religion, language, trade... There are so many things to consider here!"
As she spoke, the fifth prince's eyes slowly lit up.
Yes, she is right, there is actually a lot to be done here!
It seems ordinary, but when you really look into it, it is very important!
And after you succeed, you will become more and more important, dealing with neighboring countries, which can show your ability, and if you do well, you will be extremely popular! And once you get this position, you will become irreplaceable and indispensable!
The fifth prince stood up and bowed to the ground: "Thank you, Yue'er. I will go back and think about it carefully."
He got up and left, completely forgetting about his wife.
When Yan Shiyue went over, Xie Meiwan was having a lot of fun with Xiao Jiaozi, and they were running so hard that sweat was coming out of their foreheads.
Yan Shiyue asked someone to sew a few balls for them. The outside was made of colorful strips of cloth and the inside was filled with cotton and a strut. It was neither light nor heavy. The two little ones have been keen on playing with it recently and are laughing with their mouths open.
When she went over, Xie Meiwan stood up and asked, "Prime Minister, where is our Fifth Master?"
Yan Shiyue smiled and said, "Let's go. I'll give you to me."
Xie Meiwan smiled and said, "That's great! Then I won't leave!"
Yan Shiyue also played with the two for a while, and then went to look at the four smaller ones.
At this moment, the four little ones weighed more than ten pounds each, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, and they really looked exactly like Huo Qijing. Not only was he curious about it, but anyone who saw it would also find it adorable to see four identical children lying side by side, babbling.
Xie Meiwan was taught by the nanny to hold the baby's neck carefully and hug him.
Yan Shiyue finished feeding her and then brought her out. The two of them did not go into the house, but strolled in the yard.
Yan Shiyue said to her: "The emperor doesn't allow you to come to the Ministry of Commerce, do you understand?"
"I understand," Xie Meiwan nodded and said, "Our master told me. Lord Prime Minister, is there anything you want me to do?"
Yan Shiyue said: "Yes."
She said, "There are rich people everywhere in this world, and there are businesses to do. We are in the capital, and as a royal family, what do you think is our greatest intangible asset?"
Xie Meiwan thought for a moment and said, "It must be the status of a royal family! If we talk about business," she looked at her face and said in a low voice, "The word 'imperial' is the most valuable?"
Perhaps seeing that she wasn't angry, she continued, "No matter what it is, if it's mentioned as something used by the emperor or made by the emperor, it will be more valuable and easier to sell."
Yan Shiyue smiled and nodded.
So, everyone should do their own thing, and it’s easier to talk to people who have the same thinking as you.
She said, "My idea is this. Some things cannot be done in the name of the Ministry of Commerce, because if it is too official, it will be suspected of competing with the people for profits. But firstly, as you said, the imperial characters are very valuable. Secondly, some things do have good prospects. It would be a pity to give up. So my idea is that you find a way to contact some women in the capital to see if anyone wants to invest. Then we can use this money to do business and share dividends every month."
These terms are explained in trade common sense. Xie Meiwan understood them as soon as she heard them and nodded repeatedly.
Yan Shiyue said: "For this business, we only allow women to participate. Our Ministry of Commerce will not intervene, but I will try to persuade the Queen Mother and the Empress to invest. I will also invest publicly and can also take up some position and provide appropriate information and other assistance..."
"Remember, there are a few key points here. First, no one is allowed to check the money invested by others except the emperor, me, and you. Second, everything has risks, so this business is not a sure win, don't force it. Third, investing means waiting for the money to be divided, not everyone can participate in the decision-making..."
Yan Shiyue explained in detail, and then added: "So what you need to do is to build a good relationship with these people. You will be responsible for all future contacts, coordination, etc. I am just a name, you can use it as a signboard, and use it to scare people when necessary. Anyway, I am impatient to deal with these women."
Xie Meiwan's eyes sparkled: "I understand, I understand!"
Yan Shiyue said: "After you go back, write a plan for me to see. In addition, you need to recruit soldiers and horses. If you need money, I can give it to you."
Xie Meiwan continued to nod: "I know, I know!"
She said, "Why don't I write it now?"
"Okay." Yan Shiyue asked someone to take her to the study.
In the evening, the fifth prince finally remembered and sent someone to pick her up, but she refused directly: "She is mine now!"
The Fifth Prince heard this reply: "..."
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