My Emperor Father Can Read Minds

Chapter 302: Yizhou Border Pass

The small prominent families in Yizhou also want to establish a Merchants' Alliance; is there a problem with that?

Actually, it’s not much of a problem.

In Wei Yu’s view, the existence of the Merchants' Alliance is like that of a conglomerate company.

In a country, if state-owned enterprises can exist, naturally private enterprises can too.

As long as they are properly utilized, with relevant laws formulated and perfected, and supervision in place, the Merchants' Alliances established by these small prominent families can only ultimately become large taxpayers under the law, contributing to the Imperial Court.

Of course, whether there will be issues like tax evasion or avoidance in the future, Wei Yu can only say that such things are unavoidable no matter when or where, in any dynasty.

If everyone could be selfless and law-abiding, then perhaps a day of universal harmony would be possible.

Wei Yu thought for a moment, then smiled and asked Chang Ning, “Chang Ning, when do you plan to depart for Yizhou?”

Having been deeply deceived by Wei Yu before, whenever Chang Ning saw his smiling face, he felt a bit off.

He just suffered from a lack of education and didn’t know that this feeling when facing Wei Yu was called PTSD — Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder…

Seeing Chang Ning’s suspicious and wary little eyes, Wei Yu’s smile became even friendlier. “Brother Chang, it’s just a small matter, no need to think so long about it, right?”

Chang Ning silently looked at him, “…Why are you asking?”

“Of course, because I’m worried about you!”

Even a dog wouldn’t believe that!

But although he didn’t believe it, Chang Ning still answered.

After all, he was His Highness!

Chang Ning: “Probably, in about half a month.”

Half a month, huh.

That time was still a bit tight.

Wei Yu clicked his tongue regretfully, “It seems Brother Chang, you really can’t wait to seek the welfare of the people of Great Wei. Well then, I won’t say more. I wish you a smooth journey. I won’t come to see you off that day; take good care of yourself on the way.”

Chang Ning and Sun Zhao: …

Words of kindness, but for some reason, coming from His Highness they just felt a bit strange.

After watching the two leave, Wei Yu lay back down in his rocking chair.

At this time, Fang Sheng came over and asked him, “Your Highness, are you finally going to take action against the Yizhou prominent families?”

Wei Yu was momentarily speechless.

He protested, “What are you talking about? What do you mean finally taking action against them? What good subordinate would say such a thing about their master?”

Fang Sheng glanced at him without saying anything.

Well, actually, Fang Sheng wasn’t entirely wrong.

Wei Yu calmed down again.

He closed his eyes, lay back in the rocking chair, hands resting on his belly, his face peaceful.

“These prominent families are a historical legacy problem. From the beginning, there were no rules established to restrict them, which gave them the chance to grow strong, causing them to become the huge entities they are today.”

“The prominent families monopolize education resources; most who can read and write are connected to these families. Most officials in the court were trained by the prominent families. Different families have different stances, everyone has selfish motives, and factional disputes arise, which harm the country's governance. Moreover, land continually falls into their hands, and peasants become tenants paying rent. If this goes on, only the common people suffer…”

“To dismantle them is not something done overnight; it requires division and gradual influence. There are always differences among the large and small prominent families… I’m not saying they shouldn’t be given any livelihood at all.”

Wei Yu opened his eyes, pushed up his sunglasses, and winked at Fang Sheng. “Fang Sheng, you understand me, right?”

Fang Sheng didn’t want to speak; he felt he didn’t understand.

Wei Yu sighed, pulled down his sunglasses, and said sincerely:

“Although the prominent families can be unscrupulous, they are after all still subjects of Great Wei…”

Ordinary people can scold and hate the lavishness of the prominent families, but those in the ruling class tend to consider the bigger picture.

Children of commoners are human; does that mean those from the prominent families aren’t?

They’re all subjects of Great Wei.

The rocking chair swayed back and forth gently. Wei Yu closed his eyes and no longer spoke, turning instead to enjoy his tablet time.

Unaware of the reasoning, Fang Sheng saw His Highness in this sorrowful and merciful state. Hesitating between sanctimony and putting on a show for two seconds, he finally chose a third way — he just stayed quiet.

—

Yizhou, a border pass, the checkpoint between Great Wei and Great Liang.

Border passes have always been places with strict guard and stern atmosphere, especially the checkpoint, which is usually a serious place without laughter or noise.

However, today’s checkpoint was exceptionally different. Not only was it devoid of the usual solemnity, but a circle of people were gathered noisily around!

The guards nearby didn’t strictly stop it; some even craned their necks to join the fun.

This scene was all because of a caravan returning from Great Liang.

Yes, returning from Great Liang, not coming from Great Liang.

The crowd was gathered at the checkpoint because the caravan had already passed the border and was on Great Wei territory, so the excited townsfolk dared to come close.

Anyone passing by could hear the people in the crowd shouting things like, “Is there any soap left? I want X pieces,” “I want to pre-order…”

Surrounded by people, Deng Guang, the manager of the lead caravan just back from Great Liang, said the locals were really too enthusiastic!

In business, the most pleasing thing is enthusiastic customers.

If this had happened at another time, Deng Guang might have been quite happy, but the key point was they had just returned from Great Liang!

After a long and arduous journey, having sold all their goods, all they wanted now was to find a place to rest!

When they first came to the border, the commotion was huge, with large and small carts, many followers, and local Yizhou prominent families participating. The Merchants' Alliance’s reputation had spread in Jiaozhou and Yizhou, so many good items had been sold out even before reaching border city.

Especially on the border city side, due to poor communication, many people didn’t know about the Merchants' Alliance, and the first time they bought soap and such out of curiosity, they were pleasantly surprised and many wanted to reorder.

Unfortunately, the caravan had been in Great Liang for over half a year without returning. After goods ran out and no place to buy, locals couldn’t help but talk about it with others around them. With time, this word-of-mouth caused even more people to drool over those items!

So Deng Guang and the caravan’s early return immediately encountered the long-awaiting border city people blocking their way.

“There’s no more, really no more! Everything’s been bought by the Great Liang people, stop asking! If anyone wants to buy soap, glass items, perfume, toothpaste, etc., you can pre-order first, alright? Those who want to pre-order, come this way…”

The same words were repeated countless times. Newcomers, unaware of the situation, kept asking, and Deng Guang shouted repeatedly from the cart over the crowd.

This trip to Great Liang was taken together with his uncle, Deng Zhengde.

To broaden his horizons, and after finishing their official business, Deng Guang could hold his head high before His Highness. He gave his all on this trip, not only losing weight and shrinking his belly but also darkening his skin tone by two shades.

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