Tang Dongfeng analyzed rationally.
Ye Muyu gently shook her head, "Iâm not planning to earn silver from this."
"Ah? Lady, you mean, just like reducing the price of fabric, to also reduce the price of medicinal herbs?" Tang Dongfeng was not a fool. Upon hearing Ye Muyu say this, he immediately understood her meaning.
For a moment, he was somewhat moved.
However, he still honestly said, "Lady, your idea is good, but medicinal herbs are generally controlled by a few people. These noble families may not be willing to see the prices of herbs reduced."
"Regarding the weaving machine, it was an order from the imperial court that spread across the entire Great Chu, leading to some cheaper fabrics indeed moving in a positive direction."
"But when it comes to medicinal herbs..."
"I understand what you mean." Ye Muyu looked at him and smiled, "Shopkeeper Tang, tell me, did the emergence of cheaper fabrics in various places happen because of the orders from the imperial court or something else?"
"Lady, you mean, actually, the quick promotion of weaving machines was not only due to the imperial courtâs orders but also because of competition among shops?" Tang Dongfeng did not refute Ye Muyuâs words.
On a previous trip afar, he deeply realized that most of the economy was controlled by noble families.
Of course, itâs not to say that other small households are unable to survive.
Itâs just that with a hundred taels of silver, only five or six taels are controlled by small households.
The noble families, having taken ninety-something taels, naturally ignore these petty profits, allowing them to develop freely.
"Shopkeeper Tang, I know what you want to say, and youâre right. These shops started offering cheaper coarse cloth and cotton first because of the promotion of weaving machines. Ordinary farming households can buy weaving machines, make them by hand, so why would they need to buy?"
"They can even sell these fabrics to the shops."
"This batch of cheap cloth was first brought out to sell by the small clothing stores wanting to survive."
"Other larger stores, even if they look down on these small profits, would not refuse them, especially with the control of the imperial court, which they might even actively cooperate."
"Though local control isnât strict, the disparity isnât too great. No noble family dares to blatantly raise prices without risking confiscation for evidence."
"One must know, itâs now the Great Chu under Emperor Xuanming." Ye Muyu put down her teacup, smiling at him with satisfaction.
Tang Dongfengâs eyes brightened, "I understand the meaning of Lady."
"I was overthinking, itâs true. Even if they were bold, they canât control the prices of all shops. On the contrary, they choose to retreat, and the market will gradually adapt."
"As long as the Emperor isnât incompetent, the situation will improve. Itâs not a familyâs ability that can control it, unless during wartime."
Tang Dongfengâs initially worried heart slightly eased. In a way, it was due to the persecution by noble families that he harbored shadows in his heart, having much resentment towards those loftily noble families.
But Ye Muyuâs words reminded him that an imperial court wouldnât easily be controlled by a noble family, and even seemingly powerless common folks, easily oppressed, constitute the cornerstone of the entire court.
Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn a state.
If a large-scale public anger is incited, itâs definitely not something a noble family can control.
"So, rest assured, our power may seem small, but who knows if one day it might grow into a giant stone?" Ye Muyu never underestimated the power of any strength.