Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1094 - 129: Miss Xiao

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Previously on Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne...
The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Industry complained to Zhao Yao about their overwhelming workload from infrastructure projects and new demands to develop commercial districts along the Lingnan River. Zhao Yao suggested leasing riverbank land to merchants for self-built shops under strict specifications, including a Goulan Court for performances, a night market, and plans to lift the curfew for prosperity. He then consulted Zheng Qian and Wen Daoji on refining commercial taxes to favor trade and agriculture while introducing extensive women's rights protections, such as equal inheritance, education access, property safeguards, divorce rights, and severe penalties for violence.

Inside the Imperial Study, the emperor examined the letter dispatched by Zhao Yao. It thoroughly described the manufacturing, application, and care for diverse watermills.

Upon finishing the read, the emperor burst out with thrilled cries of "Excellent" multiple times.

Noticing the emperor's ecstatic and overjoyed manner, Sun Kui grew immensely curious. He wondered inwardly: What remarkable deed has Prince Han pulled off this round to delight His Majesty to such heights?

"Sun Kui, summon Prime Minister He, Grandmaster Liu, the Minister of Revenue, and the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Industry at once."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Clearly, Prince Han has pulled off another major breakthrough this time.

Soon enough, Prime Minister He and the rest entered the Imperial Study. The emperor presented Zhao Yao's letter to them.

Having gone through it, Grandmaster Liu and the others chorused, "Excellent."

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Industry clutched Zhao Yao's letter in both hands, eyes glued to the assorted watermill sketches within.

Everything scripted and illustrated in this letter amounts to pure gold. Prince Han proves a true visionary, harnessing water's force to drive machines for grinding rice, flour, and powering spinning wheels.

A genius—Prince Han is an absolute genius.

Each innovation from Prince Han never fails to widen his horizons and leave him utterly stunned.

"What are your views on the watermills crafted by Xiao Shi?"

Prime Minister He responded, "They hold great promise, particularly in Jiangnan with its plentiful waters and waterways. Erecting watermills along riversides or lakesides fits perfectly."

The Minister of Revenue, beaming vibrantly, declared, "Your Majesty, these watermills promise vast income for the treasury." In his sight, these watermills represent an endless money fountain. "Prince Han rightly earns the title of Great Zhou's God of Wealth." Thanks to Prince Han, the Minister of Revenue faces no fears of an empty national coffers.

Grandmaster Liu added, "These watermills will spare vast labor, boosting grain output and textile yields dramatically."

Excitement flushed the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Industry's aged features bright red.

"Your Majesty, we ought to roll out these watermills far and wide."

The emperor gave a subtle nod, replying, "That's precisely my plan."

"Your Majesty, while we push watermills broadly, only local authorities should build them, barring any private ventures," Prime Minister He turned gravely serious all of a sudden, "Permitting private watermills would clutter riverbanks everywhere, possibly hindering farmers' field irrigation."

Grandmaster Liu picked up the thread, "Letting privates erect watermills for profit spells trouble."

The Minister of Revenue backed Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu firmly, stating, "Your Majesty, we cannot let private watermills proliferate unchecked."

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Industry agreed, "Your Majesty, government must handle all watermill constructions."

"Your Majesty, agriculture, industry, then commerce must stay in that order, never letting trade eclipse farming." After absorbing Zhao Yao's letter, Prime Minister He delved deeper in thought, "Prince Han may foster watermills for trade in his territory, but the Imperial Court must refrain." Prince Han aims to transform Swamp Prefecture into a bustling port trade hub, spurring folk commerce—which isn't misguided. Yet court adoption could rock Great Zhou's core foundations."

Grandmaster Liu shared this concern too: "We cannot let merchants sway the masses toward trade."

The Minister of Revenue suggested, "Your Majesty, the state can erect watermills and charge folks a modest fee for access."

The emperor had pondered this angle already, showing no desire to spur commercial watermill use as Zhao Yao proposed.

The Minister of Revenue pressed on, "Merchants might build watermills too, but only after local government approval, with officials aiding the build. Merchants can bid for rights to construct and operate, letting us skim fees and taxes from their watermill profits."

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Industry eyed the Minister of Revenue, sensing his shrewd brain had already hatched a revenue scheme.

Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu deemed the Minister of Revenue's idea solid: "Your Majesty, this approach works well."

The emperor gazed at the Minister of Revenue and commanded, "Draft a detailed regulation."

"Yes, Your Majesty." After the watermills get built, the national treasury's funds will swell once more—splendid news indeed.

"Zhao Yao proposed in his letter that the court set up grain processing factories, tea factories, and textile factories. What are your thoughts?"

Prime Minister He furrowed his brow in opposition and declared, "Your Majesty, this won't do. The government mustn't rival the people for profit. How can the court launch these factories to make money off the populace?"

"Your Majesty, imperial merchants could set up grain processing factories, tea factories, and textile factories. The court itself can't, but it may permit them to proceed and gather taxes from their operations. We could even let imperial merchants bid to construct these factories."