"This old minister also believes that comrce is one of the foundations of a nation, as essential as the people’s livelihood and land. Since this is the case, it should be managed separately by an independent yan, which would surely make things clearer." Elder Zhong, with his advanced age, stroked his beard and spoke slowly, without haste or harshness, yet his reasoning was sound.
"This..." The person who had spoken against it realized that their objection was misplaced, making it even harder to counter.
Other officials from the cabinet stepped forward to support Elder Zhong: "Your Majesty, this minister also believes that establishing a Departnt of Comrce and Construction has more advantages than disadvantages. Now that we have the official newspaper, we only need to announce to the people of the world that henceforth all comrce will be managed by this departnt. By simply creating a separate position in the yan, it can be managed independently, avoiding complicated and difficult-to-handle issues."
"Indeed, the reason for dividing into the Six Ministries before was to manage various affairs separately. Each departnt is independent yet complentary, preventing chaos."
"Previously, when the comrcial sector of Great Chu was undeveloped, rging it with the Ministry of Revenue was acceptable. But now with the opening of mariti trade, one can imagine how many detailed managent tasks require separate handling. The establishnt of a distinct Departnt of Comrce and Construction is imperative."
"Your Majesty, this minister also believes it is imperative to establish a separate Departnt of Comrce and Construction. After all, if comrce is left unrestrained, we would indeed beco a land of Local Emperors scattered everywhere. Once fully developed, it would be even harder to control. Only by setting rules from the start can we avoid shaking the foundation of Great Chu." At this ti, Chu Heng also stood up, expressing his views with neither humility nor arrogance.
Minister Qi and Xiang City remained unmoved.
Xiang City remained unmoved mainly because he managed the Ministry of War, which had little to do with comrce. Furthermore, he did not know Minister Qi’s intentions and was contemplating how to dissuade the Emperor from this idea.
Unfortunately, he could not co up with a thod and could only watch helplessly as the situation tilted toward Emperor Xuanming.
He was secretly anxious.
So noble officials also started to argue.
Especially when Chu Heng ntioned ’Local Emperors,’ wasn’t he referring to these noble families?
These people, unable to stay in the capital, would return to their hotowns and wield absolute control, achieved through economic power.
After all, they controlled vast lands, shops, and connections.
With a little maneuvering, they could easily subjugate the locals.
If they relented now, the imperial court would undoubtedly promote more people to share their power, and they’re not foolish.
The debate in the Imperial Court was unending.
Minister Qi’s eyes flickered. Watching other noble officials’ anxiety, he found opportunities for benefit.
The reason was simple.
The Qi family sought not the influence of their old hotown or a state governnt office but influence over all of Great Chu.
From the looks of the Emperor, grand actions were likely forthcoming.
These officials probably couldn’t stop it. According to Emperor Xuanming’s intentions, there might be more business opportunities in the future, allowing him to earn more silver.
He could do this without resorting to corruption, a more stable path than before.
For now, the most urgent matter is securing his position. Even if he can’t get his people into the Departnt of Comrce and Construction, he must ensure that those who do enter aren’t from rival factions. He would prefer these be the Emperor’s people, fair and impartial so that he can gradually formulate his plans.
Of course, if he could place his people in the Departnt of Comrce and Construction, it would be even better.
Minister Qi squinted his eyes slightly.
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