Hidden in the court

More than ten days later

Xin Yunian, who was sent from the northern border as an envoy to Liang Wu, arrived in the capital. Unfortunately, when he stated that he came for trade, he was left aside by Nangong Lin.

Nangong Lin doesn't want to trade, but you just said you want to trade and I have to agree. Don't I want to save face? Now leaving the envoys from the North aside is also part of the negotiation.

Just as the delegation arrived in the capital, the news that the two countries were going to trade spread like wildfire and quickly spread in the capital and even the entire Liangwu business community.

At this time, Nangong Lin was discussing this matter with civil and military officials. According to his rank, Su Mengyang could not attend the court meeting, but Nangong Lin granted him permission. He stood at the end of the line to attend the meeting.

In addition, Su Mengyang also saw an "acquaintance". At the front of the team, an old man with white hair and beard was sitting on a chair, and his position was the same as Prime Minister Luo Wei. However, Luo Wei could only stand, but he could sit and discuss matters. This person was the old general Hu Qiangguang.

It seems that the old general's status is even more transcendent than he thought, Su Mengyang thought secretly in his heart.

"I heard that Xihe Longyao took control of the regent power as soon as he returned to the northern border, but can you guess what he did? He actually disbanded a large number of troops and set up a border post. Now he has sent people to discuss trade. What do you think, my dear ministers?"

As the first among the officials, Luo Wei put forward his own opinion: "Your Majesty, I think the North has evil ambitions and we must guard against them. As the only great enemy of our dynasty, the North is always thinking about conquering our dynasty. How can they be kind enough to trade with us?"

"Your Majesty, this makes sense, but today I want to ask you about your views on trade."

Nangong Lin did not comment on what Luo Wei said, but he did not want to talk about this issue today. Compared with external threats, the combination of the prime minister and the prince was obviously a greater threat to him.

After evading Luo Wei, Nangong Lin suddenly noticed Su Mengyang in the corner, so he asked, "Does Lord Su have any opinion?"

Su Mengyang didn't expect Nangong Lin to ask him to answer directly, but seeing everyone's eyes on him, he couldn't refuse. Thinking back to the days when Zhao Yao was like a big brother next door, Su Mengyang felt that he was a good person. So he said:

"Regarding the issue of trade, I believe that trade is beneficial to the country and the people, and this is inevitably a gesture of goodwill from the North to our dynasty. If the two dynasties can establish good relations, wouldn't the country be peaceful and the people safe?"

As soon as the words fell, a round figure stepped out, accompanied by a sharp voice:

"I think what Su Zhuangyuan said is very true. Perhaps the Northern Territory Crown Prince is grateful for Your Majesty's kindness and is willing to facilitate this matter."

If Ji Mingshang was present, he would definitely say, "Damn eunuch." Because of Ji Mingshang's introduction, Su Mengyang also knew that this was Han Gui, and guessed that Han Gui wanted to win him over. This statement flattered himself and the emperor at the same time.

You know what, even though this flattery is a bit deliberate, people just love to hear it.

"Ahem, Jia Qian, what do you want to say?" Nangong Lin coughed twice and asked Jia Qian. After all, it was about trade, so he had to ask the Ministry of Revenue.

"Your Majesty, according to our dynasty's tax revenue, commercial taxes account for a large proportion. Trade can not only improve people's livelihood but also enrich the national treasury. It is a policy that kills two birds with one stone and benefits the people. However, the power of trade should not be delegated. Only by holding it in the hands of the court can we avoid mistakes."

When everyone heard this turn, they knew that the words before this could be regarded as nonsense, and the second sentence touched their hearts.

Liangwu is different from the North. Officials are not allowed to do business, which to a certain extent curbs the abuse of power for personal gain. Although most of them do it secretly, they are naturally not comparable to the big merchants in terms of scale, and the little money they earn is also a long-term stream. But if you really have power after the trade, there will be too much room for operation. Apart from other things, how many false accounts can be made here, and won’t these merchants bribe me? Doing business by yourself is equivalent to making money from the people, while trading directly takes money from the treasury. This is the difference.

Just like the saying goes, "I never want to take money from poor people."

Thinking of this, everyone had a smile on their face.

"Do all of you think so?"

"I second the proposal."

At this time, these people really had a tacit understanding and spoke in unison. Nangong Lin naturally knew what they were thinking, as long as he could get the job done.

If there is still someone here who doesn’t understand, Su Mengyang is the only one left.

"Minister of Rites Tang Tu, listen to my order. I order you to be responsible for receiving the northern delegation and handling the negotiations. You must ensure smooth trade and the interests of our dynasty."

"I accept the decree."

Outside the palace, Xin Yunian was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. Before coming out, Xihe Longyao told him that there might be danger and asked him to find Ji Mingshang. But now Ji Mingshang was nowhere to be found.

"This... is really terrible!" Xin Yunian paced back and forth in the room, looking anxious, and ordered his subordinates: "Write a letter immediately and send a pigeon back to the northern border to ask for instructions from His Highness."

At this time, someone came from outside to report, "Your Excellency, the Minister of Rites Shi Li wants to see you."

"I'm busy. I won't see you."

Just after he finished speaking, he suddenly realized, "No, see, see, please come in."

He stopped, adjusted his sleeves, straightened his hat, straightened his back, cleared his throat, and then slowly said, "Let's go and meet the guests."

Xin Yunian met Shi Li, the Minister of Rites, and said, "Minister Shi, long time no see."

"Lord Xin is here on a mission to my court. I was not able to entertain you well a few days ago. Please move to the Ministry of Rites. I have arranged a banquet for you. We will discuss matters right after dinner."

"Well, the food is ready to eat. I have come to know your dynasty from all the way here. The landscape is unique and the people are prosperous. I would like to visit it for a few more days. There is no rush to discuss matters. No rush."

Shi Li was stunned, not knowing what Xin Yunian was up to. He thought he was trying to save face for being left out these past few days, so he politely replied, "Lord Xin, do you have this taste? Then come in."

"please."

Xin Yunian has been in the business for so many years, so of course he would not be defeated by such a small trick. His idea is simple: delay it for one day.

Xin Yunian lived in fear every day that followed. He had to test the food for poison before serving it, and even had to go to the toilet in groups.

On the fourth day, Xin Yunian just woke up and saw a familiar white figure.

"My dove, you are back!"

I couldn't wait to take down the letter, only to see a few words on it: "Don't panic, the person who assassinated you has been dealt with."

Looking at the handwriting again, it was so sloppy that it didn't seem to be written by the crown prince, but rather the second prince.

Seeing what was said in the letter, Xin Yunian felt relieved and more confident.

"Come here, meet with Minister Shi to discuss matters."

Shi Li had been waiting for this day for a long time. These past two days were too difficult. The news of trade was spreading like wildfire. The merchants united to put pressure on the court, and the court put pressure on him. But Xin Yunian was shrinking like a turtle these days and refused to talk about business. He had never suffered such humiliation since he became the minister.