Chapter 1235: Knock, Knock
Chapter 408: Wang Teng Emerges from the DepthsChapter 1235: Knocking
Hearing this, a hint of a smile finally appeared on Li Chen's face. He nodded and said, "Not bad, you did a good job. It seems like I didn't misjudge you."
Zheng Baorong was very sensible and quickly gave the most credit to Li Chen, raising his hand and saying, "I have only done what I should have done. Everything is thanks to Your Highness's wisdom and bravery that we have achieved today. Your Highness is the one who deserves all the credit."
"Fine." I can't even compete with you for credit, Li Chen waved his hand and said.
"How is the second harvest of sweet potatoes being utilized now" Li Chen asked again.
Zheng Bao Rong replied, “Most of what our court grows is distributed as benefits to officials at all levels. Some is also kept for research.”
"Some time ago, Minister Xu of the Ministry of Household Affairs proposed that the ministry should purchase this portion of sweet potatoes. However, your humble servant did not dare to make a decision on his own and was planning to report it to Your Highness."
Li Chen pondered for a moment and said, "Has Xu Changqing ever said why the Ministry of Revenue wants to acquire this portion of sweet potatoes"
Zheng Bao Rong let out a wry smile and said, “It’s because the national treasury is truly empty. Most of these sweet potatoes were grown by the imperial court itself, and only a small portion was planted by farmers in the second harvest. Therefore, if the Ministry of Revenue buys them, the price will be very low. It seems that Lord Xu's intention is to distribute this part of the sweet potatoes as welfare to officials to offset a portion of their salaries.”
Salary not enough, sweet potatoes to make up for it
Li Chen has to admit, he's impressed by Xu Changqing's small-minded personality.
"Even if the national treasury were completely bankrupt, it wouldn't be worth wasting time and effort on such a small amount of silver."
"For this matter, you should go to the Liu family in Beijing and communicate with them. Use their channels to sell sweet potatoes on the market."
"How to sell, how much to price it at, and to which regions to sell, these are all up to you to decide."
“My only purpose is to use this opportunity, through market means, to test the people’s reaction to sweet potatoes. With the previous reputation, the people should not resist too much. As long as the price is low enough, there will always be some who try it. As long as they experience its benefits, then someone will accept it.”
"Word of mouth spread rapidly, and as a result, promoting the project in its later stages became much easier."
After hearing Li Chen's arrangements, Zheng Baorong got up and said: "Your Highness is wise, I will go do it right away... As for Mr. Xu, has the humble minister replied"
"Got it," replied Li Chen.
He was about to send Zheng Baorong on an errand, but a document he saw in his hand made him call back Zheng Baorong who had already retreated to the door.
"Have a look at this."
"Hand this scroll to Zheng Baorong," Li Chen said, giving it to the eunuch.
Zheng Baorong took the edict in both hands and looked at it carefully.
"Your Highness, please have some tea." At this time, Wan Jiaojiao brewed a pot of tea and sent it to Li Chen's hand.
Li Chen blew on the tea leaves and took a sip.
Then Li Chen looked up at Zheng Bao-rong. He had finished reading the contents of the imperial edict and was now frowning, a wry smile on his face.
"Your Highness, this young Master Xu lacks experience and appears somewhat immature."
The methods used to handle the problem were too extreme and harsh, causing a backlash that ultimately led to other ministers impeaching him. It's understandable given the circumstances.
This memorial was presented by a censor.
Since Xu Junlou took office as the Chief Magistrate of the capital, he has been committing all sorts of injustices and unlawful acts. He is a corrupt official who needs to be removed from his position immediately!Chapter 700: Difficult Government Affairs