Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C79 – Menisperma

Jiang Che directed his gaze at the teenager before him, who wore a frown upon noticing him. His eyes adopted a serene demeanor as he addressed with a smile, “What were you two discussing? Sharing happiness is often better than reveling alone.”

Zuo Shaoqing furrowed his brows and muttered under his breath, “I’m not an actor!”

A few days ago, when they had a chance encounter at the bookstore, an impulsive urge prompted him to have someone look into the teenager’s background. Little did he expect that this striking young man was the top scorer of Changping County. Immediately, he dispatched a message to reach out.

He had surveyed the surroundings from a vantage point but hadn’t spotted him. He assumed that no one had come, never anticipating that they would be concealed in such a cramped corner.

The teenager remained inscrutable. Despite their lack of prior interaction, their initial encounter was marked by suspicion and aversion. Common sense dictated that someone of his age would revel in flaunting their achievements.

Amidst the gathering gazes, Zuo Shaoyan also noted his younger brother’s abrupt change in attitude. Observing Zuo Shaoqing, who paid no heed to Jiang Che, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unfamiliarity.

He believed he had read the situation accurately, but an inkling crept in that his younger brother’s concealed depths had undergone a transformation. Was he really the top scorer from high school?

If that were the case, it made sense. Zuo Shaoqing had likely been brimming with confidence in his ability to excel in high school.

A shade of anger flickered across Zuo Shaoyan’s eyes, intensifying the depth of color within them.

Hee Zhicheng calmly faced Jiang Che and scrutinized the students around him. He rose from his seat and extended his hands in a gesture of respect, saying, “Vice Minister Jiang, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Upon my first encounter with Brother Left Sage, I merely exchanged a few words.”

The assembled group recognized Jiang Che as the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a figure linked to their future prospects. They not only dared not offend him but also sought to gain his favor.

Unaware of the reason behind Zuo Shaoqing’s opposition to Jiang Che, Hee Zhicheng didn’t mind adopting a superficial stance for the sake of their future.

Subsequently, everyone witnessed Vice Minister Jiang engaging in a question-and-answer session with the middle-aged student, while a handsome teenager kept his head lowered, wearing a blank expression.

“I overheard the two of you discussing the Po Luo Country earlier. How about we make ‘overseas trading’ the topic for our debate today?” Jiang Che proposed loudly.

Naturally, no one objected.

It was common knowledge that the new emperor’s first act upon ascending the throne was to lift the maritime embargo and expand overseas trade. This decree had undergone extensive debate in the imperial court before receiving approval.

Someone stepped forward and argued, “Promoting overseas trade is a noble endeavor by the imperial government. While merchants may appear insignificant, the wealth they generate can contribute to tax revenues, filling the national coffers and alleviating the people’s suffering.”

Others expressed their reservations, stating, “The recent northern conflict has left the army weary. If we lift the sea ban now, coastal waters will become infested with pirates, and foreign nations will covet our resources. It could prove detrimental to both the nation and its citizens.”

Another scholar enthusiastically countered, “Brother Guangsheng’s concerns are unfounded! Beidi has already sworn allegiance to our nation, and the northern threat has been eliminated. This is the time to actively develop agricultural trade. With Duke Zhen’s leadership, we have no reason to fear overseas nations.”

When Zuo Shaoqing heard Lu Zheng being mentioned, he couldn’t help but steal a glance at that scholar.

“Although Duke Zhen is renowned as the War God on land, there’s no guarantee of his invincibility at sea. Furthermore, the Great Yang is in a fragile state. Lifting the sea ban would necessitate increased military expenditures. Whether the silver earned can offset this deficit remains uncertain.”

To them, those engaged in overseas business were mere merchants, and it was the merchants who profited. Due to the low social status of merchants, they were not inclined to build connections, and thus, they held little interest in this matter.

On the other hand, lifting the sea ban would bring heightened risks to the lives of coastal residents and significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.

Jiang Che had been attentively listening throughout the discussion. After everyone had their say, they all nodded and smiled, abstaining from expressing their own opinions or commentary.

He approached Jiung Hengzhou and inquired respectfully, “What is your perspective, Jiang Jiyuan?”

Jiung Hengzhou stepped forward confidently, bowing to the assembled crowd. Despite his youth, he was tall, handsome, and carried a determined countenance, making him one of the most admired young men of the time.

The mention of “Jiang Jiyuan” instantly resonated with everyone, as Jiung Hengzhou’s identity was widely recognized. All present held their breaths and listened closely.

“As we all know, the late emperor imposed the Maritime Ban due to Beidi’s northern invasion and the incessant troubles posed by southern nations.

Now that Beidi has submitted to our rule and pays tribute annually, apart from maintaining a one hundred thousand-strong garrison on the northern border, the remaining soldiers have returned. How should we employ these victorious warriors?”

A pensive air settled over the gathering. Jiung Hengzhou smiled confidently, “Some may propose retirement and farming, disarming these warriors who have fought for so long, and returning them to the fields. While this would save military expenses and boost food production, it would be a disservice to these seasoned warriors to lay down their arms and take up farming tools.”

Unleashing the sea trade and fostering foreign commerce will not only enrich our merchants but also swell the national treasury. Moreover, it can provide a haven for those retired soldiers from the north. A little support, and they’ll be more than capable of safeguarding our Great Yang Ocean Defense.”

Applause erupted, led by Jiang Che, who praised, “Jiang Jie Yuan, truly a worthy senior disciple of the Yin Master. Well articulated!”

Observing some students suddenly enlightened, some deep in thought, and others still in disagreement, Jiang Che turned to Zuo Shaoqing. “I wonder if Top Scorer Zuo has an opinion to share?”

Amazement filled the faces of many as they never expected this seemingly meek young man to be the top scorer, and with the surname Zuo, likely hailing from Changping County.

The audience anticipated Zuo Shaoqing making a blunder. To them, it was already a marvel for a youth of his age to secure the top spot in the national exam. Could they really expect him to possess knowledge on governing a nation?

Zuo Shaoqing didn’t evade the situation and chose to step forward. With each step, the audience’s anticipation grew.

When he reached the center of the arena, the students couldn’t believe their eyes. Was this still the same young man who stood there silently earlier?

Zuo Shaoqing lifted his chin slightly and nodded to the crowd. Then, he spoke, “What Jiang Jiexi said is quite reasonable…”

Laughter broke out among some individuals.

Ignoring the laughter, Zuo Shaoqing continued, “However, it’s a simple notion to think that His Majesty’s policy only intends to accommodate the northern warriors.”

“I don’t know if my colleagues are aware, but when coastal trade was unrestricted, taxes collected from coastal merchants contributed a significant twenty percent to the treasury. In the past, the late emperor had to impose a sea ban to focus on combating the Beidi. Over more than a decade of warfare, our Great Yang indeed emerged victorious, but the annual expenses for provisions and military pay were astronomical, potentially depleting the treasury long ago.”

The crowd burst into a commotion, and some even challenged him with skepticism. “You’re just a young lad. What proof do you have that the treasury is empty?”

Zuo Shaoqing smiled and winked at the doubter. “Of course, I have proof.”

Unperturbed by the disapproving looks, Zuo Shaoqing pressed on, “At present, peace reigns in the world. A year or two is sufficient to replenish the treasury, and when the populace prospers, there will be an abundance of food. What should we do with these surplus resources?”

“If they go to waste, it would be a terrible loss. It not only fosters corruption but also hinders the citizens from producing.”

Just as Brother Jiung pointed out, this approach not only allows us to better organize warriors of Wu Yong’s stature but also enables us to increase tax revenue across the board.”

Zuo Shaoqing surveyed the gathering and fixed his gaze on a particular individual. “Might this gentleman here be concerned about the resurgence of water bandits and outside threats after lifting the ban?” Without waiting for a response, Liu Huan grinned and shook his head, saying, “I represent the esteemed Great Yang, a prosperous and formidable nation. Why should I fear those petty troublemakers? Brother, why would you boost the morale of others while diminishing your own prestige?”

“You…” Xu Guangsheng, the student, blushed and dared not utter any more discouraging words. If news of his cowardice reached the ears of the capital’s officials, his reputation as a timid individual would be confirmed.

Jiang Che cast a penetrating gaze upon Zuo Shaoqing, making him feel uneasy.

Zuo Shaoqing bowed to the assembly, returned to his seat, and accepted the wine cup from Hee Zhicheng, downing its contents in one gulp.

“I am deeply ashamed of my earlier remarks, Shixiong Zuo!”

“Brother He is being too kind. Everyone comprehends the rationale; it’s just that the pros and cons present a formidable dilemma.”

Jiang Che’s gaze lingered on Zuo Shaoqing for a while. He had thought Jiung Hengzhou’s insights were already impressive, but he hadn’t anticipated this young man to surpass them.

He had discussed the advantages and disadvantages of overseas business with the Emperor extensively, ultimately concluding that the advantages outweighed the drawbacks.

Nonetheless, the appointment of the Water Master was crucial.

He smiled and greeted everyone, “It’s entirely my fault. Such a splendid morning scene, and it’s only truly enjoyable to feast and drink when pitted against one another. Come, allow me to raise a toast to all!”