Gu Chengyu spoke, and the Emperor began to realize the depth of his suggestion. He pondered silently, admitting that Gu Chengyu’s words held reason.
Without benefits, the salt rchants would surely be unwilling to take such risks. The journey to the border was perilous, not to ntion selling near the State would be far better for these salt rchants. Why bother with unnecessary trouble?
Thus, Gu Chengyu’s proposal to slightly loosen restrictions on tonnage and Silver Coin surely would tempt the salt rchants.
Moreover, they could also transport goods to the States near the border, sell them, and take back exquisite furs and dicines, profiting greatly upon returning.
As for the losses along the way, they are negligible in front of the salt permit. Salt trade is highly profitable, and these major salt rchants know how to make choices.
This ti, the Emperor was truly satisfied, realizing that Gu Chengyu indeed had hidden reserves. Had he not laid a trap for Gu Chengyu today, Gu Chengyu might not have been willing to reveal all these suggestions.
"As you say, the court need only provide provisions, and those salt rchants, for the salt permit, will escort the provisions to the border."
Gu Chengyu suddenly smiled, shaking his head.
Seeing the Emperor’s puzzled expression, he continued, "Emperor, your servant has one more doubt, boldly requesting the Emperor to resolve it."
"Speak!" The Emperor took a sip of tea, pondering what new idea Gu Chengyu might have in mind.
"Emperor, dare I ask if the grain collected by the court each year is sufficient to be sent to the border?"
Gu Chengyu had already checked the related historical records; since the ti of Emperor Jia Ren, the court’s grain supply to the border had been sowhat strained.
It’s not that grain couldn’t be collected, but the States too far from the Capital found it too troubleso to send grain there, thus the court allowed these States to convert grain entirely into Silver Coin, or partially.
As such, the grain collected by the court decreased.
The grain collected by the court wasn’t solely sent to the border; a large portion was converted into Silver Coin, otherwise, how could the National Treasury have so much Silver?
Grain must also be reserved for unforeseen disasters; hence, when grain collected is insufficient, it must be gathered from States with abundant production.
Gu Chengyu believed this situation was not different from the ti of Emperor Jia Ren, since the tax laws hadn’t been reford.
The Emperor shook his head, "According to the annual salt tax, the collected grain is naturally sufficient. It’s just that so States are far from the Capital, and if grain is submitted, the financial cost is considerable, so it’s converted into Silver."
"But, this leads to less grain being collected. Every year, the provisions needed at the border are insufficient, prompting so to be gathered from other states."
The Emperor was sowhat vexed about the provisions consud at the border; with so many soldiers stationed there, at tis there were as many as half a million. Moreover, Dayan’s army was not just limited to this; there were deploynts in other regions. The annual consumption of provisions was considerable.
The Emperor naturally harbored deep resentnt towards Da Xing, who constantly eyed them covetously. However, Da Xing had brave warriors with reckless resolve, making Dayan helpless against them at the mont.
Gu Chengyu confird his ideas, regained his composure, and continued, "If provisions were gathered from States in Jiangnan and sent to the border, the cost would be significant. Your servant wishes to find another path to minimize the court’s expenses."
The Emperor looked at Gu Chengyu and seeing him deep in thought, did not interrupt.
After a few monts, Gu Chengyu thoroughly contemplated his thoughts and continued, "If the salt rchants were allowed to purchase provisions and deliver them to the border themselves, the court wouldn’t need to worry."
"The salt rchants themselves possess many fields and need not purchase much. They can convert grain into Silver and exchange it for a salt permit, delivering it themselves to the border. The court rely needs to manage the quantities of salt and provisions, saving much trouble."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor couldn’t help but nod. This solution was indeed clever, saving the court ti and effort while benefiting the rchants—a win-win situation!
"It seems the matter of salt permits cannot be delayed. The salt tax definitely needs reform. Quickly draft a detailed proposal, as I believe the salt permit should precede the tea permit in implentation."
The Emperor pondered for a mont, knowing the salt tax had been in place for many years, making reform feasible. The tea tax, however, was unprecedented, and its sudden implentation would surely face opposition.
The Emperor didn’t wish to wait any longer and felt decisive action was needed. Once the salt permit was introduced, launching the tea permit would be simpler.
"Your servant obeys!"
Gu Chengyu solved yet another vexing issue for the Emperor, naturally improving the Emperor’s mood.
Glancing at the Emperor, Gu Chengyu did not take his leave, pondering how to open the floor with a request.
"Emperor, it’s already the hour for lunch." De An interjected promptly as they concluded their discussion.
"Oh? Has another half an hour passed unnoticed? Gu Aiqing, if there’s nothing more to add, you may take leave! I’m weary too."
The Emperor indeed felt fatigued, unable to resist dozing while seated, feeling tired at that mont.
Gu Chengyu quickly knelt down, though hesitating sowhat, "Emperor! Your servant has one more request, hoping the Emperor will grant it."
The Emperor was sowhat astonished; Gu Chengyu, having already been promoted, had quite a day in the spotlight. What could he be asking for?
He pondered briefly, rembering the tea tax proposed by Gu Chengyu; perhaps Gu Chengyu intended to seek further benefits within it?
The Emperor’s expression darkened; he wanted to see what Gu Chengyu would say.
Seeing the Emperor’s displeased expression, Gu Chengyu inwardly cursed the Emperor’s suspicion and stinginess, surely suspecting him of harboring ulterior motives.
"Emperor, since your servant has been promoted to Standard Sixth Rank, I wish to seek a privilege from the Emperor, requesting honor for my mother."
Gu Chengyu knelt down, awaiting the Emperor’s approval. Earlier, he had spoken favorably of his parents before the Emperor, and if the Emperor wished not to make things difficult for him, this small request would surely not be denied.
This ti, the Emperor was indeed surprised, not expecting Gu Chengyu to request this.
"You indeed have filial piety, worthy of the parents who raised you."
The Emperor was quite pleased with Gu Chengyu’s filial devotion; among all virtues, piety ranked first. Naturally, he wouldn’t reject Gu Chengyu’s request.
Ultimately, it’s a minor matter. Even if Gu Chengyu’s mother were granted the title of Anren, the annual stipend wouldn’t be much. The Emperor wouldn’t be so stingy.
"I approve! Once the Ministry of Personnel’s promotion docunt arrives, I will have Hanlin Academy draft the decree!"
It was also due to Gu Chengyu’s proposal that day which greatly satisfied the Emperor; otherwise, Gu Chengyu wouldn’t have been able to make this request. If the Emperor had been angry, raising this matter would have been truly tactless.
"Your servant thanks the Emperor for his grand grace! May the Emperor live ten thousand years!" Even a composed person like Gu Chengyu couldn’t hide his joy on his face at the mont.
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