Chapter 418: Be More Selfish
Hua Zhi solemnly kowtowed to her grandfather in gratitude. When she raised her head again, Zhu Bowen was pleased to see her aura had calmed. Unbeknownst to her, his old wife had probably also noticed the fiery temper their granddaughter had been carrying.
Resuming her seat, Hua Zhi addressed the most crucial matter. "Grandfather, could you tell me how much salt tax revenue is collected annually?"
"Between five hundred fifty thousand and seven hundred thousand taels."
"Would you believe that a single major salt merchant earns more than that in a year?"
"I do, but there's nothing to be done." Zhu Bowen shook his head with a sigh. "Every dynasty has banned illegal salt, yet none have succeeded in eradicating it. When the court is weak, it even falls under the control of salt merchants. Our Great Qing has attempted reforms as well, but they ultimately came to nothing. Zhi Er, the reach of salt extends far beyond your imagination. A single misstep could bring fatal consequences. Don't act impulsively—we'll find another way."
"I have a new method of salt production."
Zhu Bowen was taken aback. A new method?
"It's several times more efficient than boiling salt."
Several times more efficient?!
"Where established interest groups exist, we'll create a new one. For the sake of profit, they will inevitably strive to protect it."
Watching his granddaughter present one compelling argument after another, Zhu Bowen began to feel that this endeavor might actually succeed. He steadied his racing heart and asked, "But how can you be sure this new interest group won't become the very entity you sought to eliminate once they amass immense profits?"
Hua Zhi lowered her head and smiled faintly. "Official salt must naturally be managed by the government. There will be no salt merchants."
Zhu Bowen frowned. "That would be difficult to achieve."
"Not necessarily." Hua Zhi walked behind the desk, spread out a large uncut sheet of paper, poured a little water into the inkstone, and leisurely ground the ink. Holding back her sleeve, she picked up a brush and began writing as she spoke. "Establish the salt tax as The Seventh Division, dedicated solely to salt affairs. Set up bureaus in various regions, with offices under them. Calculate how many officials would be needed to build this framework. Compared to the diluted profits from sharing, I believe they would prefer to insert more of their own people. And a division needs personnel to function. Once the framework is in place, we inform them that The Seventh Division will have no appointed head but will be directly managed by the Emperor. What do you think?"
Zhu Bowen could no longer remain seated. His heart burned with excitement as he looked at the clearly structured diagram on the paper. He wasn't thinking about inserting his own people, but with his years of experience in officialdom, he understood clearly that compared to profit, the prospect of securing one's position was far more appealing. With a stable position, what couldn't one achieve? If the Emperor truly approved this, illegal salt could be eradicated!
Yet he was no impulsive youth. He clearly saw the advantages but was even more aware of the drawbacks.
Hua Zhi watched her pacing grandfather without urging him. In truth, she was also contemplating how to better balance all parties and prevent the situation from escalating beyond control. Once this new interest chain formed, the first step would be to leverage their power to dismantle the massive group of old salt merchants. Let the two factions fight like dogs—they were bound to expose something. She would simply watch from the sidelines.When the time is right to confiscate the salt merchants' properties, the national treasury will receive a massive influx of funds. Once the salt tax system is properly established, the annual revenue from salt taxes will be quite substantial. She remembered that in ancient times, salt taxes could account for half of the national treasury's total income. Although she had lowered the prices and might not reach that level, the reduced prices would lead to increased consumption. Since common people could afford it, they would naturally use more than before. Moreover, this was a monopoly business—the only one in the entire country. If calculated properly, the revenue might not necessarily be less.
Old Master Zhu finally calmed down. After sitting and drinking a full cup of tea in one go, he asked, "What role do you intend to play in this matter?"
"Naturally, I'll remain behind the scenes. You needn't worry that I'd want a share of the profits. If I wanted to make money, I have plenty of methods. This kind of money—I don't want it."
"This old man has underestimated you."
"You're worried I might get entangled in it. I understand." Hua Zhi sat back down in the seat below her grandfather, her expression obedient. If not for the gravity of their discussion, Zhu Bowen would have truly believed she was just a well-behaved child.
Just as he was about to speak, the steward reported from outside, "Respected Old Master, a Mr. Lu who claims to be the Hua family's martial tutor requests an audience."
Zhu Bowen looked at his granddaughter. "Is it him?"
A smile touched Hua Zhi's eyes as she nodded in confirmation.
"Invite him to the study."
During the wait, the two didn't discuss the salt matter further. The old master teased, "It seems your grandmother can start preparing the dowry."
"As long as the Emperor lives, it will never be possible."
Zhu Bowen's smile faded. "If you accomplish this, it would be an immense achievement. The Emperor should agree."
"Such a large-scale project would be fortunate to be completed in three to five years." Hua Zhi smiled faintly. If the emperor didn't die within three to five years, then perhaps seven or eight. This achievement wouldn't be recorded in the history books under this emperor's reign. Moreover, if it were completed while he was still alive, she might be the one to die.
"You're already seventeen. How can you delay for so long? Zhi Er, you've always had your own ideas. In this matter, be a little selfish—nothing is more important than your own happiness."
Hua Zhi's smile became much more genuine. "Yes, Zhi Er will remember."
Zhu Bowen didn't press further about why it was impossible as long as the Emperor lived. Since he intended to use her, wouldn't giving her a royal identity be more convenient? Following Zhi Er's reasoning, the Emperor must detest her intensely. Indeed, if he had even a shred of regard for her, he wouldn't force such a heavy burden upon her.
He sighed inwardly. The Hua family had been loyal for generations, yet they ended up with such a outcome. If that old man Hua knew that the Emperor's punishment wasn't enough and that Zhi Er still had to bear this tremendous task, would he remain loyal?
Footsteps sounded outside, and soon Gu Yanxi's voice carried in, "Youngster Yanxi requests an audience with Old Master Zhu."
Setting aside his thoughts, Zhu Bowen raised his voice, "Please enter."
The steward opened the door and invited Gu Yanxi inside, then quickly went to the side room to prepare tea.
"Greetings, Old Master Zhu." Gu Yanxi bowed with the respect of a junior.
The Zhu family men were all tall. Old Master Zhu stood out like a crane among chickens when he stood with the civil officials during court assemblies. Yet, he still seemed slightly shorter before this man. Then again, if Emperor Taizu hadn't possessed a strong physique, he couldn't have survived those dark times. His descendants naturally wouldn't be short.Now that he knew his identity, Zhu Bowen didn't pretend to be confused and returned the salute, saying, "This old minister pays his respects to you, sir."
Gu Yanxi supported him with both hands. "Here, I am merely a junior paying a visit. There is no distinction of superior and subordinate between us. There's no need for such formality."
Zhu Bowen looked at his granddaughter. Hua Zhi had long since stood up as well and now gave a slight nod.
"Very well, this old man won't stand on ceremony then."
After host and guest took their seats, the housekeeper served a fresh round of tea before withdrawing again, closing the door and standing guard outside.
Hua Zhi looked at Yanxi. "Did you come here for something?"
Gu Yanxi's visit at this time was indeed for a matter, and no small one at that. But since it had already happened, there was no use in rushing. So he simply set it aside and shook his head, saying, "I came to hear your arrangements for the matter, so I can coordinate on my end."
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