After the early court session ended, civil and military officials gradually walked out of the Tai Chi Palace in groups of threes and fives, whispering among themselves, as today’s session was truly explosive.
"Minister Zhong, a new eatery has opened on East Street. Let’s go try it out. I’ve heard their Qing Zhu wine is exceptionally sweet and llow." Zhong Chengsong, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, was called out.
Zhong Chengsong halted his steps, smiling, "Why trouble Lord Shen with the expense? That’s quite embarrassing."
Shen Qing, the Vice Minister of Rites, stood silent: "..."
This old rascal, he claims it even without being invited, truly earning the nickna Zhong Kookoo.
Shen Qing smiled and said, "It’s just a couple of drinks, what’s the expense? Please."
A couple of plates of peanuts and sliced boiled beef should do. Though the Eat First eatery is indeed expensive, their food is truly delicious.
Eat First eatery.
Shen Qing specifically picked a quiet corner to sit, ordered a plate of peanuts, a plate of sliced boiled beef, a pot of wine, and, under Zhong Chengsong’s resentful gaze, ordered the waiter’s special recomndation for today: braised goose feet.
Feeling the pain in the pocket.
When the dishes arrived, Shen Qing personally poured wine for Zhong Chengsong.
"Co, my lord, please?"
Zhong Chengsong picked up the cup, took a small sip, the clear and llow wine slipped down his throat, stunning him.
"Good wine." He also picked up a couple of peanuts, exclaid: "These peanuts are also sweet and fragrant, seem to have a hint of garlic flavor."
"Indeed, the five-spice peanuts here are especially marinated, making them excellent snacks with wine." Shen Qing picked up a piece of beef and explained with a smile about the eatery.
Having been open for less than half a month, the prices are exceptionally high, yet it is crowded every day, and the main dishes change daily, selling out completely, truly fresh.
Zhong Chengsong glanced around, noticing it wasn’t even lunchti yet, and a few tables were already occupied, indeed different.
Shen Qing lowered his voice and said, "My lord, what do you think about the proposal in today’s early court session?"
Zhong Chengsong feigned ignorance, "There were so many submissions today, which one are you referring to?"
Shen Qing scoffed, "It’s the one suggesting reopening the tea-horse trade market."
During today’s early court, the Deputy Magistrate of Datong in Shanxi submitted a request to reopen the tea-horse trade market with the Mongolian steppes, sparking significant debate.
Opponents believe that reopening the tea-horse market undoubtedly opens an easy path for Mongolian spies to infiltrate. The previous dynasty allowed such trading, enabling spies to mingle, causing severe breaches in frontier defense and significant losses to cities. Moreover, trading tea, salt, grains, oil, and iron could nurture the overall strength of the Mongolians, which would be detrintal.
Supporters, however, argue that our dynasty is currently recuperating, with high-quality warhorses being scarce. Expanding the economy by opening the trading markets to exchange tea and salt for steppe horses and gemstones will foster friendship and outweigh the disadvantages.
In summary, today’s early court session had various opinions, with considerable controversy.
"What’s there to mull over? The Ministry of Revenue lacks funds. Reopening the tea-horse trade can increase the collection of various business taxes. Naturally, I support it."
Shen Qing: "The Ministry of Revenue lacks money? At present, there is no war..."
"How does it not lack money? Places like Shandong, the two lakes, and the Yangtze River region suffer from droughts and floods every year. Don’t they need allocations for disaster relief? Even without a war, the Ministry of War needs to pay soldiers’ salaries and update equipnt. Oh, and there are financial supports for various localities..." Zhong Chengsong took another bite of the beef, chewing heartily, and said, "Such a vast nation, all reaching for us here, where is the money from? So, old Shen, the Ministry of Revenue is poor, it really lacks money."
Hmm, this beef is also quite good, have another bite.
Shen Qing watched him put the last piece of beef in his mouth: "... At least leave a piece."
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