"What are you trying to do? Do you think Great Chu has no capable people, and you need to offer these slanderous words?"
"Forgive , Your Majesty, this commoner knows his guilt." Third Master Zhou knelt down and kowtowed, not refuting a single word, his attitude fully humble and sincere throughout the city.
"Indeed, you are guilty, but I think of your youth and ignorance, and I’m willing to give you a chance to make ands." Emperor Xuanming said.
Third Master Zhou remained kneeling, "Thank you, Your Majesty, this commoner will exert all efforts."
"First, tell if the thod written here was conceived by you or if soone guided you." Emperor Xuanming began discussing with him the matter of mariti trade, which Third Master Zhou had written about in his morial.
In the past, Great Chu lacked technology, and even if they opened the seas, they couldn’t travel far. Naturally, sea trade was nothing more than a notion. Now, it’s entirely different. Regarding sea trade, Emperor Xuanming had to be cautious. With so much silver, if not managed, it’s likely that mariti rchants would quickly beco wealthy while the national treasury remained empty, leaving the Emperor himself short on silver.
Third Master Zhou felt confident inside but displayed a look of fortune on his face, earnestly speaking about mariti trade, from conditions overseas to how mariti rchants earned silver, and how imported goods were sold, among nurous details he spoke for a full hour before finishing.
After listening, Emperor Xuanming looked at Third Master Zhou several tis, "Not bad. I have always appointed based on rit. Your talents, even as a rchant, could be a waste. You might as well enter the Jiangnan Comrce and Shipbuilding Departnt to manage customs tax silver."
Even though Third Master Zhou had already guessed that Emperor Xuanming might use his ideas, he couldn’t help but feel excited when it was actually said, his face glowing as he promptly knelt down to give thanks.
Once Third Master Zhou left the palace, news of his appointnt had already spread.
The Zhou Family’s temporary residence in the capital beca a bustling place where guests flocked like clouds. Whether it was forr business associates or capital officials, those with high status sent servants to offer congratulations, while those with lower status even personally visited.
Now, everyone could see that the Ministry of Industry Office was an imperial confidant, and Third Master Zhou, who originally had no official title, was suddenly bestowed an official position, akin to Chu Jin being granted nobility earlier.
Moreover, Third Master Zhou was overseeing mariti tax silver, which from its duties alone, was known to be a lucrative position.
It’s worth noting that previously, several officials in the capital had their eyes on this position.
Who would have thought that eventually, it was awarded to an unknown rchant.
Not only did this slap them in the face, but Emperor Xuanming’s sowhat arbitrary reputation also spread.
"Third Master, I didn’t expect you to be so capable, able to enter the palace and et the Emperor, and not be disliked, granted such a good position, I’m envious." Chu Jin, carrying a gift, ca to visit.
Although he and Third Master Zhou didn’t go out to sea together, they had encountered each other later and maintained so acquaintance, especially during the ti in Jiangnan before going to sea, Chu Jin naturally welcod interactions with him.
Third Master Zhou smiled, "Young Brother Chu is also quite good. If you can figure out what that Western clock is really about, it would truly be a matter that benefits the country and people."
"Oh, don’t say that, it’s really tough." Chu Jin casually found a seat, sat down, and poured himself so tea.
This caused the servant who was entertaining guests outside and entered to find Third Master Zhou to lower his eyes in embarrassnt.
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