You could say it was a candid discourse.
"This time going to Jiangnan, I found that todayâs ships are more robust than before. In previous years, commercial ships going to sea often couldnât go very far, with a high casualty rate, generally only one in ten surviving. But now, it can increase to three or four out of ten."
"It is even said that this summer, some merchant ships have gone to farther countries, but whether they can return, we will have to wait until April or May next year to know."
"These merchant fleets have brought back a lot of information and sold Great Chuâs textiles, tea leaves, and other goods even further. I believe in the near future, a stable maritime route can be established." Minister Qi recounted the situations encountered by these maritime merchants.
Everything seemed perfectly fine.
However, Chu Heng sensed his deeper intention from his very first sentence; he was advocating for opening the seas.
Indeed, opening the seas is a beneficial matter.
Perhaps it was also because Minister Qiâs direct line gained a lot of benefits this time that they wish to continue this business.
It must be known that this overseas trade business is truly profitable, far beyond everyoneâs imagination.
However, as it has not yet reached its booming period, Minister Qi can still keep it hidden.
The crowd did not realize the extraordinary profits within this business, otherwise, these officials would not be so quiet; they listened and then simply listened.
Minister Qiâs thoughts were not wrong.
Seizing the opportunity could only be very advantageous for him; as long as it succeeds, he might be able to take a big share.
But unfortunately.
With Chu Heng present, he could only fantasize.
"It seems that opening the seas is indeed beneficial to our Great Chu." An official voiced.
The military generals roughly sensed something too: "That is to say, although itâs dangerous, the profits are high; maybe our military campsâ pay can increase in the future."
"General Gao, donât look for me regarding this, but rather Minister Chen. After all, silver is needed everywhere; itâs not something a few sea shipsâ cargoes could solve." An official beside Minister Qi directly refuted this remark. They werenât foolish; if maritime trade taxes increase in the future, the silver theyâve invested wouldnât yield much profit.
At this moment, Emperor Xuanming, after hearing the officialsâ discussions below, spoke: "Minister Zhang, do you have anything to add?"
"The content of my investigation this time differs from that of Great Minister Qi, so there are still some things unknown to everyone." Zhang Zhi, with an appearance of being âsimple,â began to speak.
Minister Qiâs beard twitched slightly, feeling uneasy, but no matter how uneasy, he couldnât stop Zhang Zhi from speaking now.
Zhang Zhi spoke confidently: "This time heading to Jiangnan, I gained a lot; the profits from maritime shipping were substantial. However, quite unexpectedly, this time there were only minor issues with taxation, which I have fully submitted. This matter was greatly facilitated by Minister Qiâs efforts to persuade those maritime merchants."
Zhang Zhi slowly started to recount the tax amounts paid by the maritime merchants. Such matters were impossible to conceal; only minor officials without connections perhaps heard vague ideas but didnât know the exact figures.
Upon learning that a medium-sized sea ship could earn tens of thousands, up to two hundred thousand taels of silver, it instantly caused a storm of astonishment in everyoneâs hearts.
"Hearing Minister Zhang speak like this, the amount seems incorrect; the tax revenue is obviously lacking." An official directly raised a doubt.
This person belonged to the Imperial Loyalist Faction, naturally not fearing to offend Minister Qi and the Ministry of Revenue.
Moreover, smart people could tell that now Zhang Zhi speaking about this matter on the Imperial Court was certainly at the Emperorâs behest, just support is all that is needed, no need for so much hesitation.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhi quickly kneeled to explain.