"Indeed, my parents often taught when I was young. ’Everything is inferior, only studying is high.’ Study well, and one day, you can beco an official and et the True Dragon Emperor."
"Oh? Your parents wanted you to study well just to et ?"
The Emperor was utterly amused by Gu Chengyu and couldn’t help but beco more interested.
Actually, Gu Chengyu thought he might have gone overboard with the flattery, but since the Emperor seed to enjoy it, what could be done?
"My family is rely that of farrs, and my parents have limited knowledge. Yet even with such limited knowledge, they often talked at ho, saying that under your rule, Emperor, ordinary households, while not rich, at least do not lack food and drink. The taxes aren’t heavy either, and the people are certainly very grateful to you."
Gu Chengyu thought he might rival those infamous ancient traitors, for he truly was shaless enough.
"Your parents certainly have a clear mind."
At that mont, the Emperor was quite satisfied and no longer concerned about Gu Chengyu’s previous mistakes.
Gu Chengyu was laying the groundwork for his request. It wasn’t a huge matter, and if he could please the Emperor, this small matter might be granted.
"However, don’t think you can evade punishnt just by deflecting the subject."
Though the Emperor’s mood had improved, he wasn’t soone who could be easily fooled by Gu Chengyu’s few words.
"I, knowing my errors, dare not seek your forgiveness, Emperor. Please punish !" Gu Chengyu said with a bitter expression.
No matter how it ended, the Emperor’s dignity was indeed compromised during the morning audience.
Even though those Ministers often argued against the Emperor, it was just that Gu Chengyu was a lesser official. Moreover, today’s situation was different, especially since the Emperor had other plans in mind.
The Emperor coldly snorted, "It’s up to your performance. I want you to co up with the regulations for the salt permit. If I’m satisfied, I’ll rember it for now; if not, don’t bla for being rciless."
Gu Chengyu imdiately felt relieved; this ant he was being let off this ti. He already had ideas regarding the salt permit and was sure they would satisfy the Emperor.
"Rember, I can promote you, and I can also strip you of your official’s hat."
The Emperor knew Gu Chengyu had ambitions, but that didn’t hinder him from using him. If it were soone without ambition, the Emperor would look down on them, as those people are usually ineffective.
Soone like Gu Chengyu, if used well, could save the Emperor a lot of effort. However, Gu Chengyu’s talents were a double-edged sword, and there was a fear that his ambitions might soday grow too big to control.
Therefore, the Emperor needed to give him a reminder periodically, and Xia Qing could not be too weak. Let Gu Chengyu encounter so setbacks often to ensure peace of mind for himself.
Of course, not now, since Gu Chengyu’s wings hadn’t fully grown; without the Emperor’s backing, he couldn’t contend with Xia Qing.
Gu Chengyu understood that this was a warning from the Emperor, and clearly, the Emperor was aware of his little sches. However, he wasn’t afraid, since he wasn’t close to any of the Princes and still considered himself a Pure Minister.
But he had been too conspicuous recently, so he needed to lay low for a while. After all, the compilations of records were about to start, and he should keep his behavior in check.
Besides, he would be visiting his relatives soon, which would take about two months round trip. By the ti he returned to the Capital, his previous lilight would surely have been forgotten.
"I thank the Emperor for his rcy. I will certainly do my utmost in the future to relieve you of your concerns!"
The Emperor nodded, believing that after this event, Gu Chengyu would weigh his actions more carefully in the future.
"Do you have any thoughts regarding the salt permit? Salt tax is the most important tax for our court, so the Emperor couldn’t ignore it."
De’an hesitated, knowing it was about ti for the Emperor’s lunch. Another long discussion might be tiring for the Emperor, who didn’t have much of an appetite during breakfast.
However, he knew the significance of the salt tax, so he dared not interrupt, and could only worry in silence.
"Emperor! The salt permit is quite similar to the tea permit, with a similar process. However, I have a few suggestions on how salt rchants can obtain salt permits."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor sat upright.
"Oh? Do tell!"
"Emperor, is it the court that dispatches provisions to the border?" Gu Chengyu pondered briefly and suddenly inquired about the border provisions.
The Emperor was a bit puzzled, uncertain why Gu Chengyu brought this up, but it hit a sore spot for the Emperor.
"Naturally, it’s dispatched by the court! The states near the border have insufficient provisions, and the tax grain each year is not enough to et even 40% of the soldiers’ needs. Thus, it must rely on the court appropriating tax grain from other states."
This was another headache for the Emperor—every year, the manpower spent on this, not to ntion the provisions consud by the escorts and officials en route.
Gu Chengyu nodded; this was without war. Otherwise, the soldiers at the border would require more provisions. Jiangnan is a primary granary, and if provisions run short, it would still need to either purchase or requisition from Jiangnan.
However, Jiangnan is quite far from the border, requiring many to escort provisions there. At least a journey of two to three months was needed, and those escorts would also need food and drink, leading to significant losses.
"Emperor, what if we hand over the escort of provisions to those salt rchants? Would it not save the court much worry? The losses involved wouldn’t be the court’s burden either."
The Emperor suddenly understood; yes! If a salt permit were issued, these salt rchants, in their quest to obtain the permits, would naturally be willing to escort provisions to the border.
"Tell more!" It wasn’t as simple as it seed; would those salt rchants agree? He needed to see what brilliant idea Gu Chengyu had.
"Emperor! Regarding the escorting of provisions, I believe it could be left entirely to the salt rchants’ volition, providing only so subsidies to those opting to escort."
This was an idea Gu Chengyu had thought of last night, originally intending to bring it up later.
After all, he had already been promoted, and ntioning this wouldn’t bring him tangible benefits.
However, if he couldn’t satisfy the Emperor today, his days ahead wouldn’t be easy. Besides, he had other plans in mind.
The Emperor frowned and raised his doubts, "How can you ensure that those salt rchants will be willing to escort? If they refuse, what then for the court?"
Gu Chengyu smiled, "Emperor, this is rely a proposal. Salt permits can be divided into long permits and short permits; the long permit can be sold outside the region, short permits within it. A long permit could last a year, while a short one is only a season. rchants who purchase long permits could escort provisions to the border, allowing their salt to be sold there."
"These rchants won’t suffer losses; if there’s interest, flexibility in weight and Silver Coin can be considered. While the border lacks living essentials, they do have plenty of fur and dicine. Even without opening the markets, the resources within Dayan’s borders are extrely abundant. rchants could exchange or purchase such goods to sell to other states."
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