Chapter 2313: 2310: Department of Commerce and Construction
Chapter 2313: Chapter 2310: Department of Commerce and Construction
Continuing to plead for others: “Emperor, when reforming the sea vessels initially, most people truly did not want to get involved due to the lack of taels of silver. That’s why the officials of Jiangnan called upon their own families for support. Otherwise, even if the seas were opened now, the sea vessels wouldn’t go far, let alone expand business to bring wealth to Great Chu.”
“Oh, so you’re suggesting that I misunderstood? Then, where did the valuable items collected at their residences come from?”
“Should I show Minister Qi the evidence?”
Minister Qi was shocked and turned pale, kneeling on the ground, no longer daring to plead for the Jiangnan officials.
Emperor Xuanming snorted coldly: “Since the Governor of Jiangnan has been negligent, he shall step down while retaining his position. Any officials involved, those colluding with merchants, will be demoted by one rank.”
“Starting today, establish the Department of Commerce and Construction to manage all commercial affairs of Great Chu. From this day, begin formulating detailed commercial laws in a separate volume, and the related matters are to be discussed jointly by the cabinet and the Department of Commerce and Construction.”
Minister Qi, after hearing these words, was drenched in sweat. It was now clear to him that Emperor Xuanming was using this as a pretext to start reforms in all of Great Chu, beginning with Jiangnan.
Initially, commercial affairs were under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Revenue, with no dedicated department for management, making it easy for loopholes to exist.
Now, with the establishment of a separate Ministry of Industry Office, henceforth it would exist independently of the Six Ministries.
Future commercial-related official duties would be something he could no longer easily meddle in; it might not be as easy to exploit loopholes.
But Minister Qi now dared not speak up.
No matter what, it was evident Emperor Xuanming had come prepared. Having already been reprimanded, speaking up now would only attract more trouble onto himself.
He believed that even without his interference, surely someone foolish would step forward.
Sure enough.
Upon hearing this, some officials from noble families were displeased.
Proceeding as planned would make transferring their family wealth difficult, and hearing Emperor Xuanming’s intention, reforms are imminent, likely preventing them from profiting.
“Emperor, this cannot be; commercial laws are stable now, making changes would unsettle the foundations of Great Chu.”
“Indeed, Emperor, Chu Law is deeply ingrained; if changed without cause, wouldn’t it further erode trust in the laws?”
“Emperor, this matter requires careful consideration, or else it may lead to significant unrest.”
“Indeed, Emperor…” Over ten officials followed, kneeling, urging the Emperor to think twice.
Emperor Xuanming looked at these officials below, coldly humphing within, having already ruled them out from consideration for the Department of Commerce and Construction. Unfortunately, these officials had their heads turned by days of prosperity, only concerned with their own small patches of land, forgetting that gains often come with losses.
Being so short-sighted, naturally, they wouldn’t catch Emperor Xuanming’s eye.
Thus, their political careers may well be at their end.
“Elder Zhong, what do you think?” Emperor Xuanming completely ignored these officials, his mood seeming somewhat good.
Elder Zhong quivered as he stood up, and after paying his respects, straightened his back and said unhurriedly: “Ladies and gentlemen, hear me out first.”
“You all believe that establishing the Department of Commerce and Construction is a drastic move, don’t you?”
“Indeed, Minister Zhong, although those in commerce are considered lower status, commerce is still the foundation of the nation, and cannot be easily shaken. Complementing each other is the best solution.”
“Official Lu, this confuses me even more, considering you should be supporting the establishment of the Department of Commerce and Construction.”