I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 581 - 69: Standing Alone to Stabilize the Nation, Development of Maritime Trade

He almost instantly recalled the disaster relief strategy that Gu Ye had provided to Zhuge Liang years ago. Although the situations faced by the two were not the same, they actually had a high degree of commonality.

——Both can leverage merchants!

Various thoughts exploded in his mind.

In the next moment, Gu Jing simply waved his hand, instantly suppressing all the sounds in the hall, and then he began to speak his thoughts out loud.

The hall fell into instant silence.

Many ministers’ expressions changed somewhat at this moment. As the group standing at the pinnacle of the Great Tang, it was hard not to link themselves to the now lucrative sea trade.

Gu Jing’s idea naturally implicated them.

Instantly, some people voiced their opposition.

But in the court, if there is opposition, then there will be support.

Although this matter could not be settled directly in a short period, with Gu Jing’s backing, the matter was eventually decided.

——News spread, and the court and society shook!

Sea trade is currently of utmost importance to the Great Tang. Such significant change will inevitably have enormous impacts.

There was no way; Gu Jing couldn’t possibly grant privileges to those merchants who funded it.

Gu Yi was correct.

For a strategist like Gu Jing, once the idea was opened up, it was easy to see the potential threats hidden within.

In response to this move, he can only appropriately raise taxes and emulate the strategy previously implemented by Gu Ye, offering temptations to the merchants.

Including this tax policy, it is extremely complex.

To try not to affect small merchants as much as possible, while targeting core large merchants and trade associations, only then can the impact of this matter be reduced.

Of course, the court could not possibly refrain from spending entirely, but only limit the costs involved.

This matter caused a great commotion.

Merchants from all over the country nearly resisted this matter, but fortunately, Gu Jing had made all preparations, sending people to explain to small merchants all over the country that this would not affect them.

Otherwise, it would definitely cause an even greater stir.

Despite this, completely resolving and settling the matter is not something that’s so easy.

Taichu Palace.

"Leave!"

"The strategy set by the Grand Tutor is the Great Tang’s national policy."

"Not to mention that I am unable to stop it, even if I could stop it, how could I obstruct national affairs for the sake of family interests?"

"Get out!"

A sharp rebuke exploded like thunder.

Wu Sansi’s face turned pale, stumbling as he exited from Taichu Palace, his eyes filled with despair.

He never expected Wu Zetian to be so cold.

Now, what he sought in his heart was no longer to wield power, and the same went for the other members of the Wu clan. Yet, when it came to the fundamental interests of clan survival, how could Wu Zetian be so ruthless?

In his view, this small matter only needs Wu Zetian to talk to Gu Jing, and those Imperial Censors at the Imperial Censorate would let the current enterprises of the Wu clan off the hook.

Thinking this, Wu Sansi sighed again, but his gaze became increasingly determined.

He absolutely couldn’t abandon all of this.

Such is human nature.

For the Wu clan now, not being able to gain power was already a fallback option, so what wrong is there in pursuing some benefits now?

Just at this moment of thought, Wu Sansi made a decision in his heart.

"This sea trade matter was set in stone by Emperor Taizong years ago. I don’t believe the Grand Tutor dares to alter its foundation!"

Murmuring this to himself, Wu Sansi walked directly toward the exit of the palace without any hesitation....

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