Chapter 63: The dispute over the Shangshu!
As an official, Liu Zhenghui naturally would not consider other people's feelings. Sun Ruicai also knew that he had to cooperate with Xiao Yan at this time.
After all, it was Xiao Yan who provided me with the method of making refined salt, although he had not yet told me the specific process.
However, through the preparations over the past few days, we can see from the various equipment that the production of refined salt is actually not difficult.
But I don't know the exact steps.
"Sir, my Sun family was able to stand firm after the Li and Cui families fell one after another. Besides the grace from Your Highness, it was also out of blood!"
"My Sun family has the courage to do anything. If the imperial court really doesn't give my Sun family a way out, then the method of making refined salt will go to hell with my Sun family!"
"Of course, maybe you don't care about our life or death. After all, coarse salt can be sold, right?"
Liu Zhenghui was speechless when he heard this, because everyone knew that refined salt was more valuable than coarse salt.
"Okay, Lord Liu, the court will not intervene in this matter. We just need to wait and reap the benefits. I think in terms of business talent, I still think the Sun family is more suitable than the court."
"What you need to do now is to issue a license for the Sun family to operate refined salt!"
"Remember, it's the government that buys private salt. This is not just a matter of private salt . You have to understand!"
Xiao Yan was reminding Liu Zhenghui that Sun Ruicai was bought and sold with his permission. This was also an indirect reminder to Liu Zhenghui that Sun Ruicai was his man.
"Your Highness, since the founding of our Great Zhou, selling illegal salt has been a capital crime!"
"Aren't you roasting me on the fire?"
Xiao Yan smiled and said, "Why? With me here, how can this fire burn your head?"
"We didn't have it before, but we do now, and we are the only one. Anyone else selling illegal salt is still subject to death!"
"You have to remember that the Sun family is making money for the court. Whether it's taxes or the money they earn, it all belongs to our Great Zhou!"
"Don't you complain about being poor to me every day? Why are you hesitant now that I've found a way for you to make money?"
Liu Zhenghui felt very uncomfortable, and now he had no choice but to agree.
"Your Highness, doesn't this require a court discussion?"
"If this matter is known by other adults, it will inevitably cause trouble again!"
Xiao Yan naturally knew who this "other" was referring to.
"Why do you care about what others think? Remember, the surname of this Zhou is Xiao!"
As soon as these words were spoken, sweat broke out on Liu Zhenghui's forehead.
This is a reminder to Liu Zhenghui not to forget who his master is!
"Yes, Your Highness. I obey your command!"
In fact, judging from the current situation, although Hu Zhenghe has greater power, this does not mean that he can completely suppress Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan is not the kind of person who would compromise when encountering problems, but he really dares to confront them head-on.
"In short, I hope the Ministry of Revenue will open all channels for the Sun family to travel smoothly. Do you understand?"
"If you encounter a problem you can't solve, just bring it to me. I have plenty of solutions!"
Xiao Yan's move completely refreshed Liu Zhenghui's perception of him.
After all, no matter what the matter was before, Xiao Yan would still bring it to the court to discuss it, but now even this step is skipped.
As for why this was the case, Liu Zhenghui roughly understood that if this matter were discussed in the court, Hu Zhenghe would definitely strongly oppose it.
Previously, the Li and Cui families were actually lackeys of Hu Zhenghe's faction, and a lot of Hu Zhenghe's gray income came from them.
Now that the Li and Cui families have been destroyed, it has simply cut off the financial resources of Hu Zhenghe's group.
If the Sun family were pushed to the front now, they would naturally oppose it with all their might.
This will instead make Hu Zhenghe and others keep a close eye on the Sun family. If the Sun family makes the slightest mistake, they will face a catastrophic disaster.
Why not make a fortune quietly while they know nothing? By the time they know, your path will have been paved.
It was too late for them to contain it.
"I understand!"
"I will definitely cooperate with Patriarch Sun!"
Sun Ruicai also quickly saluted Liu Zhenghui. With such great support, there would naturally be tremendous pressure.
Although this was done for Xiao Yan, the Sun family did not gain nothing.
If the refined salt route can be spread across the country, the Sun family's position as the richest family in the country will be firmly established.
"Take this and look at it when you get back. Don't open it now!"
Xiao Yan directly handed Sun Ruicai a sealed letter. From Xiao Yan's expression, one could tell that this was definitely the method of making refined salt.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Xiao Yan nodded and said, "Okay, just follow Lord Liu to the Ministry of Revenue to get a permit. Without this permit, you can't do anything."
"yes!"
After the two men left, Xiao Yan began to worry, because he knew that as soon as the refined salt started to be sold, it would be targeted by others.
Especially those from Hu Zhenghe's lineage, they would naturally not miss this opportunity to make a fortune.
So Xiao Yan had to think about how to deal with Hu Zhenghe's next move.
The next day, the court.
"Your Highness, the water conservancy system in the disaster-stricken areas in the north has basically been built. It only needs to be completed under the supervision of some local officials."
"Your servant Wan Tongfu is returning to the capital to report!"
As soon as the court session began, Wan Tongfu stood up.
Xiao Yan looked at the person in front of him and felt quite emotional.
"Master Wan, you have worked so hard. You have become darker and thinner. I guess the construction of this project was not so smooth, right?"
Wan Tongfu was deeply moved when he heard this.
"Your Highness, this water conservancy project itself is a job that requires traveling through mountains and rivers, and this is as it should be."
"Now the disaster-stricken areas in the north will no longer have to worry about the weather. It is my duty to solve this problem once and for all!"
"This is all thanks to your Highness. Without your support, this project would not have been built. The people in the disaster area will all remember your Highness' kindness!"
Xiao Yan nodded. Wan Tongfu could talk now after going out for a while. He was a straightforward person before.
"That's great!"
"Wan Tongfu, listen to my orders!"
Wan Tongfu didn't understand what Xiao Yan was going to do, so he quickly bowed and said, "I accept your order!"
"Minister of Works Wan Tongfu presided over the construction of the northern water conservancy project and comforted the victims during the construction. This is an unprecedented achievement!"
"A reward of 1,000 taels of silver, five pieces of brocade, and 300 mu of arable land."
"He will also be appointed Minister of Works!"
Not only the officials were confused, but Wan Tongfu was also confused. The reward was too generous.
When Wan Tongfu was about to express his gratitude, Hu Zhenghe stood up.
"Your Highness, I object!"
"Master Wan has certainly done a great job in providing disaster relief, and it is only right that he should be rewarded with farmland and silver, but is the position of Shangshu not considered enough?"
"If we confer the title of Shangshu simply because Lord Wan presided over the construction of the northern water conservancy project, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public!"
