There is a kind of scholar

Chapter 821
Seeing this, the Queen ignored Su Xian's vacation and looked sideways at Nangong Wan'er, who was standing by, and ordered: "Send someone to invite Su Aiqing."

"According to the order!"

Nangong Wan'er quickly exited the imperial study room.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she left, a young eunuch came in and said to the queen: "Your Majesty, the lieutenant has asked to see Tang Ju, the governor of Henan Prefecture."

"Su Aiqing is here?" The Queen was overjoyed. It was like she was sleeping on the pillow. She waved her hand and ordered: "Bring Su Aiqing to the imperial study room quickly."

"The slaves obey!"

The little eunuch bowed and exited.

Princess Lanling, Yan Dashan, and Liu Shizhong looked very expectant. Su Xian's arrival was like a savior to them.

Qian Zhongshu's face was not very good-looking, but he could only suppress the proposal of "abolishing the Longwu Army" and wait and see what happened.

……

the other side.

Su Xian and Tang Ju, the two sons-in-law, were slowly walking to the imperial study room led by the young eunuch.

Tang Ju suddenly asked in a low voice:

"My dear son-in-law, your idea is really shocking and too abrupt. I'm afraid it will be difficult for His Majesty and the courtiers to accept it. How about... should we wait for a few days?"

Su Xian said calmly:
"Father-in-law, there is no need to worry. My son-in-law has actually been thinking about establishing a 'City Shipping Company', building sea-going ships, and opening up sea trade for a long time."

"It is true that building a sea-going ship is not easy, and the money and food spent must be countless. But once this is successful, it will definitely provide Daliang with a steady stream of tax money."

"Right now, my strength is severely weakened. It may be difficult to prepare for the establishment of the Municipal Shipping Department, but today is just the beginning..."

"..."

That's right!

The purpose of Su Xian's request to see the Queen today was to prepare for the establishment of the "Shishi Shipping Department" and develop the business of opening up sea trade.

Of course, his deepest goal is to personally kill Nalanxiong, who is on the run.

A few days ago, after leaving Nanchen, he took a detour to Dengzhou, Henan Province, to survey the coast of the Yellow Sea, with the purpose of finding suitable shipyards and docks.

It's just that building a sea-going ship is not easy. The initial investment is huge. Judging from the current situation of the Liang Dynasty, Su Xian does not have the confidence to convince the queen.

As for Nan Chen, Su Xian must go to harass Chen Keyan. Of course, not to ask her to pay, but to ask her to hire technical talents who know shipbuilding and navigation.

This is a huge project, and Su Xian is not in a hurry. He just needs to take his time. Being able to eliminate Nalanxiong within three to five years is very good in his opinion.

"What the wise son-in-law said makes sense!"

Hearing this, Tang Ju nodded slowly. Today he was just making a suggestion in front of the Queen. Even if the matter failed, there would be no loss.

But after a few breaths, he frowned and said:

"But my dear son-in-law, your idea of ​​a shipping company... has no precedent. Even though I have been an official for many years, I am afraid I am not qualified for it."

Su Xian smiled and said:

"My son-in-law has carefully considered it, and my father-in-law is the best candidate. Besides, I don't trust the others. I need to trouble my father-in-law to do this!"

"It's not about trouble. Since you say so, I'll do my best." Tang Ju nodded solemnly.

"..."

The two sons-in-law were chatting and then came outside the imperial study.

Nangong Wan'er was waiting here. Seeing Su Xian's arrival, she hurriedly smiled and saluted, "The Lieutenant has arrived just in time. Your Majesty is sending someone to invite you. Lieutenant, please come in quickly. Your Majesty has been waiting for a long time."

Su Xian looked at Nangong Wan'er, and his eyes lit up inexplicably.

This Nangong Wan'er's appearance and temperament are comparable to that of Princess Lanling, only a little thinner, but it gives her another kind of weak temperament, which makes people want to protect her.

"There is the Secretary of Laonang Palace."

Su Xian withdrew his gaze, bowed his head, and strode into the imperial study with Tang Ju.

"I'm waiting to meet your Majesty!"

"No gift, flat body."

After performing the courtesy of a monarch and a minister, the queen caught a glimpse of Tang Ju behind Su Xian, and she couldn't help but feel suspicious in her heart, but she ignored it and asked with a smile:

"Didn't the Lieutenant take a few days off? Why did you suddenly come into the palace to see me today?"

Su Xian replied:

"Your Majesty, I suddenly had an idea in my mind. If this matter is done well, it will be of great benefit to me. I am not happy about it, so I came to the palace."

"Oh?" The Queen instantly became interested. Sitting on the dragon chair, her upper body leaned forward slightly, looking like she was listening attentively:

"Is there anything that will be of great benefit to me, Daliang? Su Aiqing, please tell me!"

Princess Lanling, Yan Dashan, and Liu Shizhong also looked curious. Su Xian was probably the only one who could bring good news to Daliang.

I just don’t know, what is Su Xian’s good news?
Qian Zhongshu stood aside silently, secretly disdainful, even if Su Xian could bring good news, it definitely had nothing to do with the "Longwu Army" issue!
Su Xian calmed down and slowly spoke out the words he had been preparing for several times:
"Your Majesty, I went to Nanchen this time and made many new discoveries. For example, the navigation industry in Nanchen is very developed and prosperous."

"Navigation industry?" The Queen, Lan Ling and others were slightly surprised. They didn't expect that this was what Su Xian was talking about!

"That's right! They formed many fleets and went to Japan, Liuqiu, Lusong and other places to do business. When those big ships set off, they were loaded with silk, porcelain, tea and other items."

"When they returned, they brought back gold, silver, jewels, spices, rare treasures, etc. Every time they went back and forth, the money they got was as many as tens or even millions!"

"..."

After hearing this, the Queen's eyes suddenly lit up, she stared at Su Xian, and began to make silent calculations in her mind.

Lan Ling, Yan Dashan and others also looked like this.

Qian Zhongshu twitched the corner of his mouth. Su Xian's words were something he never expected. He could earn tens or even millions from just one trip to sea?
This...this...if we go to sea a few more times, wouldn't the big hole in the Longwu Army be blocked?
Su Xian didn't know what the Queen and the others were thinking. Seeing them frowning in deep thought, he thought they were considering the pros and cons of this matter.

After all, the Liang Dynasty claimed to be the Zhengshuo of the Central Plains and had always focused on agriculture and suppressed commerce. Even if it did business with the Liao Kingdom, it was out of stability considerations.

Furthermore, the "tens to millions of taels" in Su Xian's rhetoric is actually a bit exaggerated, and the purpose is to have a strong impact on them.

But what puzzled him was that he didn't see the powerful impact. Instead, the Queen and the others fell into deep thought. How strange!

Su Xian didn't have time to think too much and continued:
"After I returned to Daliang, I pondered this question in my mind. The income from opening up the sea for trade was huge. Why didn't I, Daliang, get a share of it?"

"I came to the palace today to ask Your Majesty to issue an order to open the sea, prepare a shipyard, build sea-going ships, and carry out overseas trade business."

"In order to facilitate the management of this matter, I would like to ask you to prepare for the establishment of a 'City Shipping Department'. The City Shipping Department can be affiliated under the name of the Taiwei Mansion first, and then transferred to the Ministry of Household Affairs when the time is right."

"..."

Su Xian finished speaking.

The next step is to wait for the Queen's decision.

In fact, before entering the palace, Su Xian knew that this trip would not be so smooth. It is true that the sea business would be more profitable, but as the emperor, the queen must consider other aspects.

He didn't expect to get it done today either.

After more than ten breaths, Su Xian gradually frowned. Something was wrong. What was the Queen doing?Frowning and getting distracted?Why didn't you speak for a long time?
Su Xian was puzzled. Even if he disagreed, he should just say something!
He turned around and looked around and found that Princess Lanling, Yan Dashan, Liu Shizhong, Qian Zhongshu and others all had very strange expressions... What did they mean?
"Your Majesty? Your Majesty?"

Su Xian couldn't hold it back and reminded him in a low to high voice.

The queen finally came back to her senses. She stood up quickly, walked quickly to Su Xian, stared into Su Xian's eyes and asked:

"Su Aiqing, you just said that you can earn tens or millions of taels of silver just by going to sea? Is that true?"

"Of course...it's true!"

Su Xian felt a little uncomfortable and immediately added: "But this is the best situation!"

"If I do it right now, how long will it take for us to collect the tax money?"

The Queen asked again. She seemed very anxious. If they were alone in the imperial study, she might have grabbed Su Xian's shoulders and shook him violently.

Su Xian didn't expect the Queen to ask such a question. After some calculation, he replied: "It will take half a year at the earliest!"

"Half a year? Can Su Aiqing be sure?" The Queen's spirit was shaken, and her whole body became excited. An inexplicable light burst out from her eyes, as if a drowning person had been rescued.

"I'm sure." Su Xian gritted his teeth and answered decisively.

"Okay!" Queen Longyan was delighted, and said loudly with a smile: "I agree with Su Aiqing's proposal. As long as Su Aiqing can earn enough tax money within half a year, I will give you a generous reward!"

"..."

"Your Majesty..." Su Xian was a little confused and didn't understand the Queen's thoughts. Is this accurate?The Queen's move greatly exceeded his expectations!
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Princess Lanling, Yan Dashan, and Liu Shizhong bowed to the Queen with smiles on their faces, while Qian Zhongshu stood aside blankly, his expression extremely gloomy.

Su Xian's eyes swept across the faces of the Queen, Lan Ling, Yan Dashan and others, full of suspicion.

Lan Ling saw his confusion and took the initiative to explain:
"The lieutenant didn't know something, just now..."

"I see!"

Su Xian finally understood after listening.

It turned out that the Queen and her ministers were worried about the food and wages of the Longwu Army. He suddenly appeared and put forward the suggestion of opening up the sea for trade. By accident, the Queen's worries were solved!
Long Wujun was saved. No wonder the Queen had that expression just now.

Su Xian thought and then said:

"Your Majesty, the City Shipping Department is responsible for coordinating the opening of sea trade matters. It has a heavy responsibility. In order not to delay your Majesty's important events, we must find an outstanding person to serve as the 'City Shipping Department Promotion'!"

The Queen was startled for a moment, and suddenly remembered that Su Xian had also brought Tang Ju, and she already had a guess in her mind, but she pretended not to know and asked, "Does Su Aiqing have a candidate?"

Su Xian took a step to the side, made way for Tang Ju who was behind him, and said, "Tang Ju, the current governor of Henan Prefecture, is the best candidate. Please give me your advice."

"Tang Ju?" The queen's sharp eyes were on Tang Ju. Her expression was uncertain, making it impossible to guess what she was thinking.

"Your Majesty." Tang Ju took a step forward and met the Queen's sharp gaze without any fear.

"..."

Lan Ling, Yan Dashan, Liu Shizhong and others naturally had no objections when they saw this.

In fact, the position of "Shibo Secretary Promotion" is very important. If you make achievements in this position, it will be a great achievement.

Princess Lanling wanted to arrange for her confidant, but since Su Xian had already made arrangements, she gave up.

On the side, Qian Zhongshu's gloomy expression suddenly rose, he came over with excitement and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, no! You must not! Henan Prefecture Yin Tang Ju is the father-in-law of the Taiwei. The Taiwei's behavior is obviously selfish. Your Majesty, please warn me!"

Before Su Xian and the Queen expressed their stance, Lan Ling said in a deep voice:

"Since ancient times, people should not avoid relatives when promoting talents. Although Tang Fuyin has been in office not long ago, he has already accomplished many important things. There is no problem with his ability. Your Majesty, your ministers also feel that Tang Fuyin is suitable for promotion as a trader. "

"The minister waits for a second opinion."

Yan Dashan and Liu Shizhong said in unison.

Su Xian looked at the queen and said:
"Your Majesty, after all, the City Shipping Department is a new thing. There is no precedent in our government, so the candidates promoted by the City Shipping Department are very important."

"I have been carefully observing for a long time, and only the governor of Henan Prefecture is the most suitable candidate. Although he is my father-in-law, the princess said it well, and you will not avoid relatives when promoting talents. Please give your permission!"

Qian Zhongshu was naturally unwilling to give up and shouted loudly:

"Please think twice, Your Majesty!"

"..."

The Queen's gaze swept across everyone, and finally stopped on Tang Ju. After a few breaths, she slowly said:

"Su Aiqing's proposal is approved! From now on, Tang Ju, the governor of Henan Prefecture, and the city's chief port officer will be promoted! Tang will be promoted?"

"I'm here." Tang Ju was slightly uncomfortable.

"Shibo Division is related to the rise and fall of our dynasty. There must be no mistakes. Both I and the Taiwei have high hopes for you. Don't let us down!" the Queen said solemnly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will work conscientiously and will not be careless in the slightest. Please rest assured, Your Majesty!" Tang Ju bowed.

"Yes." The Queen nodded with satisfaction.

"..."

On the side, Qian Zhongshu's face darkened again when he saw this.

It's okay if the shipping company fails, but if it succeeds, it can really provide a steady stream of tax money for the Liang Dynasty, then his and the prince's status will be even more dangerous!

But what can be done?

Thinking of this, a bolt of lightning suddenly flashed through Qian Zhongshu's mind. His eyes suddenly lit up, and the gloom on his face disappeared instantly. He looked at Su Xian and asked loudly:

"The Taiwei's Shipping Department is certainly a good thing that benefits the country and the people. I don't object to this at all. However, there is a problem right now. I wonder how the Taiwei can solve it?"

"What's the problem?" Su Xian and others turned their heads.

Qian Zhongshu looked calm, cleared his throat, and said loudly:
"Right now, the imperial court can't afford extra money at all, and as far as the veteran knows, the construction of the shipyard and the construction of sea ships will cost a huge amount of money, no less than the annual salary of the Longwu Army!"

"I dare to ask Taiwei, if the imperial court cannot allocate money and food, how can you build sea ships? How can you prepare to build a shipyard? Why do you go to sea for trade after half a year?"

The more Qian Zhongshu talked, the more excited he became, as if he had grabbed Su Xian's painful foot. With a look of righteousness and indignation, he turned to face the Queen and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, please tell me clearly that Taiwei's Shibo Division is a scam. There is no way he can pull it off!"

"..."

After these words, the atmosphere in the Imperial Study Room suddenly changed. The smiles on the lips of the Queen, Lan Ling, Yan Dashan and others slowly stiffened and finally disappeared completely.

Right!

Where does the imperial court have the money to build ships for Su Xian?

If you have money, wouldn't it be enough to just use it as food and wages for the Long Wu Army?

Why go to all this trouble?

The empress, Lan Ling, Yan Dashan and others turned to look at Su Xian with their faces turning pale, especially the empress' eyes with a hint of scrutiny.

Qian Zhongshu was so proud that he really wanted to laugh wildly and wipe away the depression in his heart!
Su Xian faced the various looks from everyone, but his expression remained unchanged. He just smiled and said:

"Your Majesty, don't be anxious. I have already considered this problem. The money, food and craftsmen needed to build the ship do not require a penny from the court. I have already thought of a solution."

(End of this chapter)