A single transaction brought in over ten million strings of cash. What about ten years, twenty years?
The entire Great Song Dynasty had an insatiable demand for spices. In times of peace, it wasn't just the wealthy officials and their families who wanted to add cloves and nutmeg to their meat when eating; even ordinary citizens did!
If the imperial court could monopolize this trade, how much revenue would the court generate in a year!
"While that's what's being said, if this matter were brought before the court, I'm afraid those officials would still..."
"Brought before the court? What's the need to bring such a trivial matter to court?"
Hearing Liang Shicheng's words, the Emperor immediately interjected.
"What is Your Majesty's intention?"
"He only wants a few artisans, doesn't he? Find someone to go down there, select a few decent ones from among the master craftsmen, and assign them to his command."
"Your Majesty is wise, your servant understands!"
Upon hearing this, Liang Shicheng's face immediately showed a knowing smile.
If this matter were openly discussed in court, the officials would certainly disagree.
After all, once these things were established, it would not be easy to dismantle them.
During Fang La's rebellion, the rebels were equipped with weapons that had been obsolete for decades. They caused a great commotion, but if iron mines were truly expanded in Quanzhou and armories were established in Mingzhou, and if someone were to rebel in the future, it would not be as easy to quell the unrest as it was this time!
However, if, as the Emperor suggested, a few offenders were simply chosen from among the master craftsmen and banished, then it would be entirely different.
There wouldn't even be a need to involve the Ministry of Justice. A mere word from him, a discreet arrangement, and the matter could be handled without anyone knowing.
"Then the mining and expansion..."
"This young man's recent actions have greatly pleased me. I should indeed reward him. How about this: I grant him the title of Commissioner for the Two Zhejiang and Fujian Circuits. The Mingzhou and Quanzhou naval forces are already under his command. I will also grant him the authority to act on his own discretion. If those bandits are uncooperative, he is permitted to use the naval forces to suppress them!"
"This reward might be acceptable to a few of the Chancellors, but the Censorate might not make it easy..."
Liang Shicheng was not worried about the Chancellors. Cai Jing was already in a precarious position. If not for the Emperor's sentimentality, he would have been kicked out of Bianliang by now.
However, the situation with the Censorate was a bit troublesome. Those fellows were notoriously stubborn. If they were truly unyielding, this matter might very well be scuttled by them.
"I will say this: whoever can accomplish this matter will receive the same treatment!"
"Understood!"
Having served by Zhao Ji's side for so long, Liang Shicheng understood perfectly when to advance and when to retreat. Seeing that his objectives had all been met, he immediately responded.
"Very well, you shall first inform Chancellor Cai of my intentions!"
"Understood!"
"By the way, also tell Chancellor Cai that the reason I recalled Yu Shen was simply because I missed him..."
"Understood!"
Only after walking out of the Fu Ning Hall did Liang Shicheng let out a long sigh of relief.
Having served His Majesty for so many years, he understood the Emperor's thoughts better than anyone.
By having him explicitly mention Yu Shen's matter at this time, Zhao Ji was not only trying to intimidate Cai Jing but also to appease him.
Zhao Ji was becoming increasingly adept at the art of the carrot and the stick.
The message he wanted to convey was clear: if Cai Jing behaved, he could remain in his position for a while longer. But if he proved disobedient, Yu Shen could replace him at any moment!
As for the remaining Chancellors, the Emperor had not mentioned them, and Liang Shicheng did not pay them much mind.
Zhang Bangchang, that sycophant, had directly defected to Zhao Zhen, and Fan Zheng Guo was originally part of Zhao Zhen's core support base.
Regardless of the relationship between Han Mo and Zhao Zhen, at least outwardly, Han Mo appeared to be Zhao Zhen's man.
And Zhao Zhen was still waiting for Han Mo to raise the necessary funds for his departure. Under these circumstances, neither Fan Zheng Guo nor Zhang Bangchang would have any reason to oppose Han Mo's promotion.
Liang Shicheng himself had not expected that what he had initially thought to be a difficult matter was actually on the verge of being accomplished!
People say it's easier to get things done if you have connections in court. But this young man, with his own abilities alone, even without connections, the Emperor would likely not allow anyone to touch him!
Judging by the Emperor's demeanor today, Liang Shicheng understood that anyone who wished to move against Han Mo would first have to get past the Emperor.
Did he have to make a choice between the Crown Prince and Prince Xin so soon?
Upon thinking of this, Liang Shicheng, who had been in good spirits moments before, suddenly felt a heaviness descend upon him.
He had invested a considerable amount in the Crown Prince, but alas, those around the Crown Prince did not show gratitude!
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"Master, are we really going to do this? This is no small sum!"
In the thatched cottage in the back garden of the Shenxiao Palace, looking at the long list provided by Lin Ling Su, Liu Jingping, Lin Ling Su's second disciple, asked with some reluctance.
"Alright, I've thought about this for a long time. Follow my instructions. After selling off these houses and land, you will take these things south. Hand over this wealth to Lord Han Mo and tell him this is the Shenxiao Sect's investment in him. I do not ask about the whereabouts of this wealth; I only ask that it provides a foundation for our descendants to survive and thrive."
After giving Liu Jingping one last look, Lin Ling Su closed his eyes.
"Master, if you do this, won't you be handing over more than half of our assets to an outsider for nothing!"
Despite Lin Ling Su's firm resolve, Liu Jingping still felt a sense of unfairness.
"You, your perspective is still not as broad as your junior disciple's. Don't always focus on money. You cannot take these things with you when you are born, nor when you die! These were originally rewards from the Emperor. If they remain in your hands, at best you can use them as collateral. But look at the fate of those monks, don't you understand?"
Ever since his deep conversation with Han Mo last time, Lin Ling Su seemed to have suddenly awakened. Recently, he had been quite enlightened on the matter of letting go.