"When I entered the palace, the Emperor was not surprised. I suppose it wonât be long before the matter regarding the maritime merchants gets exposed."
"We just need to wait patiently for now, and first bring Lilâ Jin back to the capital."
"Hmm, I understand."
The sea trade, I suppose Emperor Xuanming is already aware of the immense profits involved, and he certainly wonât let go of such a lucrative opportunity.
But the other ministers in court will also feel the same way. By then, with interests divided, anything could happen.
Ye Muyu doesnât want Chu Heng to wade into these murky waters.
Chu Heng held her waist, pulling her into his embrace, and said, "Donât worry, Iâve already submitted a memorial to the Emperor, with many suggestions written on it. So, how to proceed specifically depends on the Xuanming Imperial City. I definitely canât withstand the targeting of so many people alone, and if the Emperor wishes to keep the seafaring ships under his control, he will inevitably need the full support of the cabinet ministers. By then, I wonât stand out so much in the middle, nor be targeted."
"Are you sure the Emperor wonât expose you if he fails?" Ye Muyu holds little trust in the Emperor, as the saying goes, emperors prize power and rarely show warmth.
The only thing Emperor Xuanming is better at than the previous Emperor is employing talented people.
But who knows when the other party might change, just like before, being used as Emperor Xuanmingâs sword would be too unwise.
"He wonât bear to, and besides, Iâm betting the noble families canât compete with the Emperor."
"Nowadays, the Emperor holds military power in his hands. After the death of King of Huainan, most military power was gathered by Emperor Xuanming. Moreover, the Emperorâs private treasury also has silver, coupled with recent reforms, which have won the peopleâs hearts. Naturally, the noble families arenât a match so easily."
"Unless..."
"Unless someone conspires with the noble families to rebel." Ye Muyu continued his thought: "However, even to rebel, there must be a reason. After all, right now, Great Chu can be said to be at its peak, without favorable timing, geographical advantage, and popular support, even the Qi familyâs Grand Secretary Qi wouldnât dare to act rashly."
"So, you see, I wonât be that busy in the future, and itâs quite safe too."
Ye Muyu rubbed her nose, feeling quite pleased, murmuring, "Thatâs more like it. You should take care of the family more, or else by the time youâre done being busy, weâll be old. Look at those ministers now, theyâre all in their seventies and eighties and still donât want to retire."
The thought that Chu Heng might be busy with government affairs all his life, leaving them no leisurely time together, instantly darkened her expression.
Chu Heng also felt a bit dazed, for the first time realizing he was too busy, wasting his life, and there were many things he hadnât done. Indeed, if it came to the end of life, he might feel a great sense of regret.
"Rest assured, when I reach fifty, Iâll retire from office and accompany you properly." Chu Heng kissed her hand and promised.
Ye Muyu counted on her fingers, nodding with reluctant satisfaction: "Alright, but thatâs at least twenty years from now, I guess Iâll just have to wait."
"Thank you," Chu Heng said, somewhat moved.
Ye Muyu raised her eyebrows: "Youâve promised, so if you regret it, be careful, Iâll take care of you then."
Chu Heng naturally coaxed her, indicating that he would certainly keep his word.
As expected, things went just as the two of them anticipated.
Half a month later.
The sea ships returned to Great Chu, bringing back immensely profitable gold and silver jewelry, fabrics, and tea leaves sold at sky-high prices. Furthermore, items like soap and candles, everyday goods, were even more profitable, given their low production cost compared to fabrics and tea leaves, which were inherently pricier to produce.
And on Emperor Xuanmingâs desk, the accounts from the tax silver of that first shipment of gold and silver brought back by the merchant ships were also received.