"What do you all think of Minister Chuās statement?"
Elder Zhong was the first to stand up: "I believe what Lord Chu said is very correct. Salt merchants should indeed be more strictly regulated, otherwise, we wouldnāt see such rampant illegal salt trading. If this can reduce medicinal pricing, it would be a blessing for the commoners and the Great Chu alike. The people would live more prosperously, which aligns with the principles of a flourishing era."
Elder Zhongās words made the officials who initially thought Chu Heng was merely trying to curry favor with Emperor Xuanming realize just how clever Chu Hengās move was. He not only flattered Emperor Xuanming but also aligned his actions with Elder Zhongās preferences, ensuring support from others.
Minister Qi chuckled silently, moved his fingers slightly, prompting an official to stand up with a dissenting opinion.
"Your Majesty, I believe this matter still requires discussion. The majority of the medicinal herbs are actually controlled by noble families. Suddenly adjusting prices would directly touch these peopleās interests, which might not be easy," one official stated.
"Magistrate Zhang, you are mistaken. Precisely because medicinal pricing affects the survival of commoners, it should not be controlled by a small group but by the imperial court. Although this rule comes rather suddenly, it doesnāt disrupt everyoneās interests and naturally should be promoted."
The Deng Family was evidently gearing up for a contest with the Qi family.
Actively echoing Elder Zhongās words.
Soon, the opposing voices subsided. Minister Qi did not speak, but several officials associated with him angrily flicked their robes.
Emperor Xuanming observed all of this, rubbed his forehead, and said, "In that case, let the Ministry of Revenue handle this matter. Elder Zhong, please stay back. Court dismissed."
After court, Chu Heng walked out.
He had just taken two steps when Grand Tutor Deng caught up with him.
"Minister Chu truly is an official who cares about the country and its people. Congratulations on achieving your aim. As soon as you proposed your idea, I knew it would pass. Didnāt I come out early to support you?" Grand Tutor Deng evaluated him openly, almost directly telling him that he supported him in court, so shouldnāt he acknowledge the favor?
Chu Heng was well aware of Grand Tutor Dengās unreserved intention to seek benefits. Without a hint of surprise on his face, he cupped his hands and said, "Itās all for the sake of the people. You have a kind heart, Grand Tutor."
Grand Tutor Deng felt internally exasperated, as he didnāt want a "good person" card; he wanted Chu Heng to state his stance clearly!
"Minister Chu, are you free today? Deshang Tower has some new dishes recently. May I invite you for a meal?" Grand Tutor Deng said directly, especially as he caught sight of Minister Qi approaching from the corner of his eye.
Chu Heng pretended to ponder: "Speaking of Deshang Tower, I think I havenāt gone there..."
Minister Qi walked over and the first sentence he heard made him instantly vigilant. He interjected and smiled at Grand Tutor Deng: "Grand Tutor, you seem to be in a good mood?"
"How about inviting me along? Iāve been missing the roast duck at Deshang Tower too. Oh, by the way, Grand Tutor, interesting that you suddenly decided on this move today. Iāve heard your esteemed residence once helped facilitate connections for the Salt Merchants of Jiangnan in obtaining Salt Certificates?"
Grand Tutor Dengās face darkened, and he retorted unceremoniously: "Minister Qi, those words were yours. I was merely repaying a favor and trying it out, unlike Great Minister Qi, who has made quite a profit from Salt Certificates over the years, no?"
"Minister Deng, please donāt speak carelessly!"
Grand Tutor Dengās words almost placed the matter in the open, all but directly accusing Minister Qi of corruption through this means.