Chapter 2308: Chapter 2305: Step by Step

"You must know, Jiangnan is King Qi’s fiefdom. I have no personal concerns with King Qi, but Minister Qi might not be a virtuous person; he may covet power. If we can control someone like Minister Qi, it’s not that significant a matter since we still have the means to balance him. But if future positions fall into King Qi’s hands, Jiangnan would truly become the Qi family’s nest. Moreover, with the opening of the sea, what accompanies it are pirates. Once they form, the coastal areas will be chaotic." Ye Muyu directly suggested to Chu Heng, regarding the Wokou Pirates, which historically, have been notoriously severe.

If not properly managed, no matter how prosperous Great Chu becomes, it can’t withstand decay.

Chu Heng tapped his fingers on the table. This was not the first time Ye Muyu had told him about this.

Chu Heng did not doubt. Before his death in his previous life, Great Chu’s finances were just beginning to strengthen, brought about by opening sea routes.

However, such matters are not easily finalized.

Chu Heng thought about how Emperor Xuanming intended to establish a separate yamen.

But there’s no rush.

Everything needs to proceed step by step.

Currently, the imperial court promoting the alphabet has already disrupted the benefits of those noble families.

If we act recklessly now, Great Chu, no matter how strong, can’t endure such turmoil.

However, opening sea trade is an affair where everyone can see the benefits.

After all, no matter how powerful the Qi family is, with competitors, it’s impossible for them to monopolize the entire Jiangnan market.

More people engaging in this business can benefit the commoners, and Great Chu can achieve stability.

Chu Heng contemplated, patting Ye Muyu’s hand reassuringly to calm her nerves.

Ye Muyu, hearing this, indeed settled down, no longer worrying about anything.

Great Chu, for now, seems very stable as long as the rebellious officials under Minister Qi are dealt with.

Taking advantage of the current stability, Ye Muyu decided not to overthink.

After all, the most dangerous times have yet to arrive.

The struggle for power is always the most tumultuous.

Moreover, Chu Heng seemed to have a plan, and she had great trust in him.

"Hmm, you’ve given me an idea. It seems my next book can be about maritime trade," Ye Muyu said, rubbing her chin.

"However, the peak of returning ships is probably around April or May next year. By then, you must pay more attention to drafting customs laws, or else smuggling will cause instability."

"Yes, I understand." Chu Heng actually had many investigations into the situation of sea ships returning after opening the sea. Surely, Zhang Zhi would also inform Emperor Xuanming of the situation this time.

As for Minister Qi... Chu Heng planned to remain unchanged in response to changes.

The next morning.

Zhang Zhi entered the palace.

Emperor Xuanming even offered him a seat.

Zhang Zhi naturally dared not take it and waited dutifully for Emperor Xuanming to finish reading the memorial.

The memorial clearly explained the incidents Zhang Zhi encountered on his trip to Jiangnan and some of the investigation’s findings.

The most eye-catching points were the few small families that had risen with the returned sea ships.

They were all tea merchants, cloth merchants.

Of course, it also contained evidence of officials having close ties with these merchants.

After reading, Emperor Xuanming’s eyes darkened slightly.

"How did Minister Zhang get injured?" Emperor Xuanming put down the memorial and asked.

Zhang Zhibai stood up with a pale face and saluted, speaking in a somewhat dazed tone: "My Lord, I was injured by a mad horse while out inquiring about the people’s livelihood. The horse was subdued at the time, and I was not seriously injured."

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