Hidden in the court

The things that the Crown Prince proposed on his first day as regent caused quite a stir in the court. The trade measure was passed unanimously. However, the ministers in the court were divided into radicals and conservatives.

The conservatives immediately began to organize the people to prepare for trade, preparing to extort more money from Liang Wu in preparation for the subsequent war.

The radical faction, led by some military commanders, suggested going to war directly. In their words, "Our army is strong and the people are united. Why not just take it down and make it our territory like we did with Chang'an?"

However, Xihe Longyao had no time to pay attention to these people as he was currently explaining things to Xihe Huchen.

"You have eight thousand soldiers now?"

Hearing this, Xihe Huchen replied proudly, "Twelve thousand."

Xihe Longyao asked again, "What about the configuration?"

"They are all heavily armored cavalry, with complete horse armor and horseshoes."

"One man and two horses?"

Xihe Huchen held his head high and said, "One man, two horses!"

"Reduce the number of personnel to 5,000. The remaining 5,000 will be organized into a new infantry army. Pick out the uncastrated horses and drive them to the Tianshan pasture. The remaining 2,000 will be sent to the border to inspect and maintain trade."

"No, I've worked diligently for three years and only got these few soldiers!"

Xihe Huchen was anxious, and he shouted. He knew that it was useless and a waste of resources to keep so many cavalrymen if there was no war. He just felt reluctant to give up these soldiers.

"Be obedient, let those soldiers go, and I will return you ten thousand in two years."

"Really?"

"Of course it's true. When have I ever lied to you? There's one more thing I need you to do. How many troops do you have now?"

"More than two hundred thousand."

"We're laying off 150,000 people, and the war hasn't even started yet. Why are we keeping so many soldiers here? Arrange them to go home and farm. You can make the specific arrangements. I have only one requirement: they must be able to come back when we have to go to the battlefield."

"I understand. Show your weakness to the enemy!"

"Go ahead, and call Xin Yunian from the Honglu Temple."

……

Honglu Temple

A middle-aged man with a square face and a rather silly smile stood respectfully beside Xihe Huchen.

"I wonder what the Second Prince wants from me?"

"His Royal Highness has summoned you to the palace. This is probably a good thing. Lord Xin, it looks like you are going to take the next step."

"Oh, what are you saying, Second Prince? Haven't you been relying on the imperial court all these years?"

"Lord Xin, there is no need to be so modest. If you did not have extraordinary talents, the court would not have valued you."

At this time, Xin Yu was only 40 years old, and he was already the Junior Minister of the Honglu Temple. To be able to reach this position, it means that he must have ability. If he could take the next step and become the Grand Honglu, he would be one of the Nine Ministers, which most people would not dare to think about.

……

In the year of Xin Yu, he arrived at the palace and met Xihe and Long Yao.

"Lord Xin, I'll be frank. This morning the court decided to trade with Liangwu. I need you to go on a diplomatic mission to Liangwu."

"I will not refuse even if I die!"

"Okay, no matter what method you use, make them agree to trade. If Liang Wu doesn't summon you, you stay one more day until they agree. I have only one request. Our bottom line is a tariff of 20%, but it cannot be higher than 10%."

Xin Yunian was confused. Isn't this just leaving money unearned? No more than 10% of the tax rate? You know, even a 10% tax rate is relatively low.

Just as he was about to say something, he was stopped by Xihe Longyao, "Just go ahead and do it. To be honest, it may not be safe for you to go this time. After meeting Emperor Liang Wu, immediately go find Prince Ji Mingshang of Jin. He can protect you."

Xin Yunian nodded and took note of it secretly.

After settling the work, Xihe and Longyao began to paint a big picture skillfully.

"Is the Minister of the Honglu Temple Wang Bing already old?"

Xin Yunian immediately perked up when he heard this, "Your Highness, Mr. Wang is nearly 70 years old this year, which is considered a long life."

"I remember that he was already the Grand Herald before I left, and he was indeed at the age where he should retire."

Xin Yunian was bending down and lowering his head at this moment, not daring to look up at all, for fear that someone would see his face distorted by a smile.

"Go."

Xin Yunian withdrew, and Xihe Longyao wrote two letters, one to Ji Mingshang and one to the Suo family.

Just yesterday, Xihe Longyao received a letter from Ji Mingshang, and Xie An and Suo Wei were about to get married. He prepared a big gift for this little brother.

Is he called the richest man in the world for nothing? It is most appropriate for him to be the leader of the trade between the North and Liangwu.

……

Two days later

Liang Wujing City

"Dad, there's a letter from Master Zhao Yao. He said the North will trade with Liang Wu, and the tariff won't be higher than 10%. He asked us to make preparations early, and also said that he could open a shop in Chang'an City."

After listening to Xie An's words, Suo Wanjin became uneasy. "If that's true, this is a great opportunity. What else does the letter say?"

"We are told to prepare secretly, and when the envoys from the northern border arrive in Beijing in a few days, we will spread the news that the two countries are going to trade."

Suo Wanjin understood that there is no free lunch in the world, and he had to help.

"Xiao An, prepare a batch of goods right now. Also send... no, you go to Chang'an in person to see how many suitable shops there are. Once trade is confirmed, take over all of them and open for business as soon as possible."

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements and leave tomorrow."