Chapter 210: If one plan fails, another plan will be born. The pilot project of the trade bank will cause a wave of trouble.

The ministers carefully checked the account books and discussed in low voices, and some began to agree with Chu Shizhao’s statement.

However, the second prince Chu Shiren suddenly sneered: “Fourth brother, what you said is very reasonable.”

“But is there any hidden purpose behind this peace talk? Are you trying to use this opportunity to build up your own power?”

Chu Shizhao looked solemn and looked directly at Chu Shiren: “Second brother, your words are really chilling.”

“I, Chu Shizhao, have devoted my life to the Great Zhou. Since I was ordered to go to the border, I have worked hard day and night just to end the war as soon as possible and let the people live and work in peace.”

“This peace negotiation has gone through numerous difficulties and dangers, and I have never had the slightest thought of seeking personal gain.”

He glanced at everyone and said, “Second brother, while I was doing my best for border affairs, many rumors that were not conducive to peace talks were spread in the capital. I wonder if it has anything to do with you, second brother?”

“What is the intention behind Second Brother’s behavior?”

Chu Shiren’s face flushed: “Fourth brother, please don’t spit blood! I am just concerned about the court affairs, and I am worried that your actions will bring hidden dangers to the Great Zhou.”

“Hidden danger?”

Chu Shizhao sneered: “If my second brother really cares about the affairs of the court, why didn’t he provide any substantial support during my peace talks with the grassland tribes, but instead spread rumors behind my back in an attempt to destroy this hard-won peace opportunity?”

“Is this how you care about the court?”

When the ministers heard this, they began to whisper to each other.

At this time, the third prince Chu Shiyu came late and said, “You two, we are all brothers, please don’t hurt the harmony.”

“It’s just that this peace talk concerns the reputation of the imperial court. I think the details should still be discussed in the court.”

“You two princes are arguing in public. How can you be so disrespectful?”

At this moment, Chu Shiyu’s tone was like that of a superior educating his subordinates.

Looking at the other party’s dignified expression, Chu Shizhao couldn’t help but sneer in his heart.

This idiot, it’s been so long, but he still hasn’t woken up from his dream of becoming the prince.

There is nothing wrong with this horoscope, and I am not afraid of being laughed at by others.

In that case, there is no need for me to continue pampering this idiot.

“What Third Brother said seems to make sense, but if we think about this matter in the long run, I’m afraid it will send a signal to the grassland tribe that we lack sincerity.”

“The peace talks have just been concluded and preparations for various matters have just begun. If we waver at this moment, all previous efforts will be wasted and the border may be plunged into war again.”

“By that time, I wonder who among you present here will be able to take on this responsibility?”

As soon as these words were spoken, Chu Shiyu’s previous arrogance disappeared in an instant.

After thinking for a while, he said, “Fourth brother, I was just giving you my suggestion.”

“After all, this negotiation involves many aspects and we need to ensure everything goes well.”

Seeing that the other party was scared.

Chu Shizhao then spoke softly in a cold tone: “I understand Third Brother’s caution, but I have made all the preparations.”

“In terms of the management of the trade market, a special regulatory agency will be set up, which will be in charge of capable ministers in the court to ensure fair and just transactions. In terms of dealing with emergencies, detailed plans have been drawn up with border generals, and sufficient supplies and troops have been reserved to deal with any possible problems.”

After hearing Chu Shizhao’s words, many of the ministers showed admiration.

at this time.

The Prime Minister, who had remained silent from beginning to end, suddenly stood up…

“Your Highness, although I agree that peace talks are beneficial to the country and the people, the division of trade taxes in this peace agreement seems to be too biased towards the grassland tribes.”

The Prime Minister spoke slowly, looking around at everyone.

“In my opinion, although the grassland tribes are in trouble now, our Great Zhou has invested a lot in them. Dividing the taxes in this way may affect the income of the court in the future. This is one reason.”

“Secondly, the agreement stipulates the quantity and time of material supply to the grassland tribes, but there are no clear and strict standards for quality.”

“If they pass off inferior goods as good ones in the future, how will our Great Zhou respond?”

“Also, although both parties are jointly responsible for the security of the trade market, the specific division of responsibilities is not clear.”

“Once a problem occurs, it is very likely that people will blame each other, which is extremely detrimental to the stable development of trade.”

The Prime Minister’s series of questions made the atmosphere, which had been slightly relaxed, become tense again.

Seeing that the people around him looked like they were ready to accuse someone.

At this moment, Chu Shizhao, who had been prepared, waved to the prime minister calmly.

“To be honest, I have already thought of a solution to the problem raised by the Prime Minister.”

“First, regarding the division of taxes, in my opinion, the main reason why those grassland tribes would risk making enemies with our Great Zhou at this time is because they themselves are in the midst of a drought.”

“Just imagine, if we are still haggling over taxes at this time, we will not only fail to convince them to withdraw their troops, but may even cause more intense conflicts. Who knows, we may even end up being branded as bullies!”

“On the other hand, if we extend a helping hand to them at this time, resolving the war is only secondary. The most important thing is to be able to establish long-term trade relations with them.”

“As long as we have this common interest, I believe that even if they intend to invade our Great Zhou border in the future, they will not act rashly for the sake of this interest.”

“Compared to this, how should we choose a small amount of tax? I’m sure you know how to choose even if I don’t tell you, Prime Minister?!”

“Another thing is that as our trade with the grassland tribes continues, the scale of this trade will continue to expand in the future.”

“Even if the tax rate I set is much lower than the general situation, if you carefully calculate, the overall tax revenue it will eventually bring is definitely considerable.”

Having said that, Chu Shizhao immediately looked up at the prime minister and the officials around him who had been so self-righteous before.

Seeing that everyone was silent at the moment, he continued to speak.

“My Lords, this peace talk may seem like our Great Zhou is resolving the war by making concessions, which is a bit embarrassing.”

“In fact, this move has made those grassland tribes that were originally ready to make a move feel the broad-mindedness and sincerity of our Great Zhou.”

“This will not only allow these guys to participate in trade more actively, but will also be of great significance to the further expansion of our Great Zhou territory in the future.”

“As for the quality issues that the Prime Minister was worried about, I already have corresponding countermeasures.”

“Earlier, when I was negotiating with the other party, I had already reached an agreement with General Dawa of the grassland.

“If they pass off inferior goods as good ones in future trade, they will be liable for double compensation.”

“In order to put an end to this phenomenon, after the trade cooperation is reached, I will set up a special quality inspection agency to strictly control the quality of materials.”

Speaking of it.

Chu Shizhao first looked back meaningfully at the second prince Chu Shiren and the third prince Chu Shiyu who had already hidden in the crowd, and then he looked at the prime minister again.

“Prime Minister, the reason why this prince did this is entirely for the prosperity and stability of the Great Zhou.”

“Now, some people are holding on to some seemingly problematic points. Is it really just to improve the agreement? Or is there another purpose for picking on the problems?”

“In my opinion, instead of making things difficult for me, Prime Minister and the other gentlemen should investigate whether there is any ulterior motive behind this!”

As soon as these words came out, the crowd, who were originally furious, immediately started discussing in a low voice. “What the Fourth Prince said seems to make sense…”

“Is there really someone behind this?”

The court officials present were whispering to each other, with different expressions on their faces.

Soon, some ministers who had originally unanimously opposed Chu Shizhao began to support Chu Shizhao.

“After your highness’s explanation, I feel that your highness is the most thoughtful.

“In this case, we are judging others by our own standards!”

“Yes, if things can really proceed as His Majesty the Fourth Prince said, this peace talk is indeed worth a try.”

Soon, voices of support came one after another from the crowd.

Although many people supported Chu Shizhao’s decision to negotiate.

However, some of these people remained silent.

Although they also felt that Chu Shizhao’s peace talk plan was promising, after serving in the court for so many years, they all had their own little tricks in mind.

Even though Chu Shizhao said all these grandiose things, in the Great Zhou, there is only one person who can really make the decision on this matter.

Emperor Yongjin!
If the emperor does not agree, no matter how good the plan is, it will ultimately be just empty talk.

So, after some consideration, these conservative guys decided to wait and see.

“Fourth Prince, this matter is of great importance. I think we need to consider it further. We should report everything to Your Majesty before making a final decision.”

An old man with half white hair and beard spoke in a deep voice.

Seeing that all the court officials whom he had finally summoned to question him had softened their attitude, he

At this time, Chu Shiren and Chu Shiyu, who were hiding in the crowd and still thinking of taking advantage of the opportunity to attack, suddenly felt a lot of pressure.

Chu Shiren’s face was gloomy, and he was secretly angry in his heart, but he had no place to vent.

Chu Shiyu bit his lips tightly, his eyes revealing unwillingness.

At this moment, although they wanted to refute, they lacked substantial evidence and did not know how to start.

Just as the two of them were thinking about what to do next.

At this time, a eunuch dressed as a palace maid came hurriedly to deliver the imperial edict.

At this moment, Emperor Yongjin, who learned that Chu Shizhao had returned to Beijing, sent someone to summon Chu Shizhao to the palace for a private meeting.

“Your Highness, Prince of Jin, His Majesty has learned that you have returned to the capital, so he has sent this old servant to come and invite you to the Imperial Study to see him.”

Hearing this, Chu Shizhao felt that he had almost said everything he wanted to say, so he stopped entangled with these guys and immediately turned around and followed the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict towards the direction of the palace.

……

In the imperial study room.

Chu Shizhao looked at Emperor Yongjin sitting on the dragon throne and immediately bowed.

“My son, I will meet my father.”

“Get up.”

Emperor Yongjin waved his hand gently with a smile on his face.

“I asked you to come here today not to blame you, but to hear what you really think!”

“Don’t worry, there is no Prince Zhou or the emperor in the imperial study today, only father and son!”

“Say whatever you think!”

Upon hearing this, Chu Shizhao stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, “Father, I am sincerely negotiating with the grassland tribes for the long-term development of the Great Zhou.”

“There are constant wars on the borders now, and the people are suffering. If we can achieve peace through negotiations, it will be a hundred benefits for our Great Zhou without any harm.”

“Moreover, through trade, we can promote the economic development of our Great Zhou and enhance our national strength.”

“I am fully aware that there may be risks involved, but I have made preparations to deal with them and will not let you down.”

Sitting on the dragon throne, Emperor Yongjin nodded slightly.

“I know you are devoted to the Great Zhou, but the hearts of people in this court are complicated.”

“Although your peace talks this time have achieved results, they have also caused a lot of controversy.”

“I want to know how you plan to deal with these disputes and ensure that the peace talks proceed smoothly?”

Chu Shizhao pondered for a moment and said, “Father, I will continue to communicate with the ministers and explain to them in detail the benefits of peace talks and measures to deal with risks. At the same time, I will speed up the promotion of trade pilot projects and use practical results to prove the correctness of the peace talks.”

“Moreover, I will pay more attention to the situation in the court. For those who attempt to disrupt the peace talks, I will collect evidence and make sure they are not able to escape.”

Emperor Yongjin looked at Chu Shizhao, his eyes revealing a trace of relief: “I feel relieved that you can think this way.”

“However, you must also remember that you should not rush into anything and should proceed step by step.”

“I will remember your teachings!”

Chu Shizhao bowed again.

“By the way, I heard that you reached a lot of consensus with General Xi Dawa during the peace talks. What do you think of this Xi Dawa?” Emperor Yongjin suddenly asked.

Chu Shizhao thought for a moment and replied: “Father, General Dawa is a man of courage and strategy. He has a high prestige among the grassland tribes and attaches great importance to the development of the tribe.”

“During this negotiation, I can feel that he is also sincere in cooperating with our Great Zhou, but he has some considerations in terms of interests. But this is also human nature. Through reasonable negotiation, I have reached a consensus with him.”

“Well, that’s very good!”

“The peace talks with the grassland tribes are of great importance. You must be cautious. If you can handle this matter well, it will be a great help to the stability and development of our Great Zhou.”

Emperor Yongjin nodded with satisfaction.

“I understand, and I will do my best,” said Chu Shizhao.

“Okay, you go back first.”

“Prepare for the trade pilot project well and report any developments to me promptly.”

Emperor Yongjin waved his hand.

Chu Shizhao bowed again and left the palace.

……

After returning home, Chu Shizhao immediately called Hengyi to discuss the specific details of the trade pilot.

“Your Highness, the situation in the court has been temporarily stabilized, but we cannot let our guard down.”

(End of this chapter)