Chapter 114

Chapter 114

The next day, after breakfast, Meng Shuping took his newly assigned carriage into the palace. Fortunately, there was no morning court session that day, so Meng Shuping didn’t need to arrive too early.

Soon, all the officials summoned for the meeting had arrived. The Minister of Rites, who had been puzzled since the previous day about why Emperor Qianyou had said the gift list was problematic, was the first to ask, "Your Majesty, yesterday you mentioned that the gift list was problematic. May I ask in what way?"

Emperor Qianyou looked at him and said, "I feel that the return gifts we're giving are a bit too much."

The Minister of Rites was confused, "But Your Majesty, the gifts we’ve given in the past have always been about the same amount. There hasn’t been any increase."

Meng Shuping sighed regretfully, "Sheesh... How many times have we been played for suckers? What a loss, truly a loss!"

The thought of being played so obviously by certain countries pained Emperor Qianyou as well. Putting on a solemn expression, he said, "I’ve heard that Japan has its eyes on huge chunks of land of our Great Chu. Although we are not afraid of them, how can we tolerate a nation with such shady intentions? Moreover, they have abundant silver mines in their own country—do they really lack the silver we give them?"

Meng Shuping jumped in, "Exactly, exactly! Giving them silver might as well throw it to the dogs! Don’t be fooled by their small territory—their ambitions are enormous! Don’t be fooled by the fact they're small—they're full of nasty tricks!"

Jiang Cihe glanced at Meng Shuping. It seemed Little Bold harbored a particular hatred for Japan?

The Minister of Rites was surprised. If that were truly the case, then the Emperor’s concern about excess was not without reason.

Emperor Qianyou continued, "And then there’s Goryeo. We in Great Chu have clearly limited the frequency of their visits, yet they keep showing up repeatedly. Do they have any regard for our regulations? If every country were to follow their example, what would become of Great Chu’s authority?"

Meng Shuping’s tone was full of sarcasm, "Exactly, exactly! Isn’t this plainly trying to scam us? Give them an inch, and they'll take a mile. And they have no backbone—who’s to say they aren’t also kissing up to Beixiang on the side?"

Emperor Qianyou’s expression darkened. They dare pay tribute to Beixiang as well?

The Minister of Rites hesitated, "But... if we cut back suddenly on the gifts without providing a good reason, they are likely to be very displeased."

The Minister of Revenue snorted coldly, "What right do they have to be displeased? When Great Chu gives gifts—they should be grateful for what they receive. Who are they to be choosy?"

The Minister of Works retorted, "Lord Chen, you are mistaken. Tributary exchanges are meant to build good relationships between nations. If we damage bilateral ties over such a little bit of money, wouldn’t the loss outweigh the gain? Moreover, our nation is prosperous—what harm is there in giving them a little?"

Meng Shuping couldn’t help but think to himself, "They’re already walking all over us, and he’s still pushing for peace while we get screwed. Well, it’s easy for him to be generous when it’s not his money. If he had to dip into his own funds, let’s see if he’d still be so willing."

"No wonder these two countries are getting bolder—it’s because of people like him indulging them!"

The Minister of Works was irritated. This kid only dared to criticize him in his thoughts—if he had the guts, he should speak up and debate openly!

He turned to Meng Shuping, "Then what is Vice Director Meng’s opinion?"

Meng Shuping was taken aback, "Huh? Asking me?"

"Why ask me all of a sudden? I’m just here to fill a seat!"

The Minister of Works sneered, "I’ve often heard that Vice Director Meng is quick-witted and adaptable. How come you have no ideas this time? His Majesty specifically summoned Vice Director Meng—it wasn’t so you could zone out."

If you’re just here to fill a seat, why are you thinking so much?

Meng Shuping was speechless. "What does it matter to him if I zone out? Does he live by the sea to meddle so much? Even His Majesty has no issue with it—why does he have to shoot his mouth off? Since he insists on asking me, then don’t blame me for opposing him!"

Meng Shuping opened his mouth and said stiffly, "Then I think we should give less!"

The Minister of Works felt that Meng Shuping was just talking nonsense. He sneered, "Wouldn’t that make Great Chu appear cheap and small-time? Vice Director Meng, tributary relations are not as simple as you think. They are not only meant to foster friendly relations but also to demonstrate the strength and generosity of our great nation. Only when those smaller countries recognize the power of Great Chu will they submit and dare not invade!"

Meng Shuping thought the Minister of Works was out of his mind. "If I don’t speak, he tells me to speak. When I do speak, he argues with me. Is there something wrong with him?"

He glanced secretly at Emperor Qianyou and said, "But I think... His Majesty’s intention is also not to give more. Are you saying... are you saying that His Majesty is also cheap and small-time?"

"His Majesty has clearly stated that he thinks the gifts are excessive, yet he still opposes His Majesty. Does he have some dissatisfaction with the Emperor? Could it be that he’s taken money from other countries?"

The Minister of Works angrily retorted, "Don’t change the subject! I was clearly talking about you—why drag His Majesty into this? Is what I said wrong? Tributary relations are meant to showcase Great Chu’s national strength. How can we be stingy over minor details?"

He then immediately turned to Emperor Qianyou, "Your Majesty, please understand, your subject is only thinking of Great Chu’s interests, which is why I speak my mind. I truly believe that rashly reducing the gifts will harm Great Chu’s image."

Meng Shuping couldn’t help but rebut inwardly, "But Great Chu’s image isn’t determined by how much tribute we give. What really counts is how strong your fists are!"

Emperor Qianyou was a little torn. The Minister of Works’ words were not entirely without merit. Although he didn’t want to be played for a chump, he also didn’t want to be accused of lacking generosity. So he turned to the others, "Then, my beloved ministers, do any of you have a solution that kills two birds with one stone?"

The Minister of Works was taken aback, "A solution that kills two birds with one stone?"

Emperor Qianyou coughed and said shamelessly, "One that both reduces the gifts we give and makes them feel that Great Chu has not lost its generosity."

Jiang Cihe smiled. His father was really putting them on the spot. Only he could come up with such a thing.

Meng Shuping widened his eyes in shock, "Oh dear... He really knows how to make things difficult. He doesn’t want to give money, yet he wants people to say he has great generosity. What a slick move!"

Emperor Qianyou’s expression remained unchanged. If it weren’t for this, why would he have summoned everyone to discuss it?

The others were also stuck by Emperor Qianyou’s request. They frowned and pondered—was the Emperor’s demand not messing with us?

Seeing that no one spoke for a long time, Emperor Qianyou felt somewhat disappointed. Could it be that there really was no other way? Just as he was about to speak, he heard Meng Shuping’s voice, "Now that you mention it, there is a way. I just don’t know if they’ll find it shameless!"

Emperor Qianyou was delighted and immediately looked at Meng Shuping, "Vice Director Meng, you’ve always been full of ideas. What do you think this time?"

Since Emperor Qianyou asked, Meng Shuping hesitantly said, "Your subject believes that Your Majesty can still grant them silver as before."

Hearing this, the Minister of Works disdainfully said, "And I thought Vice Director Meng had a good idea. Isn’t this pretty much the same as before?"

Meng Shuping was displeased, "I haven’t finished yet!"

"And he calls himself Minister of Works? Doesn’t he know it’s very impolite to interrupt others?"

The Minister of Works stiffened, "Then please continue, Vice Director Meng."

He refused to believe that Meng Shuping actually had a good solution.

Meng Shuping continued, "After they have the money, take them shopping in the streets and let them spend it."

The Minister of Revenue thought this was a good idea. If they really spent the money, it would not only prevent the outflow of silver but also allow the common people to earn some. However, he asked, "Vice Director Meng, how can you guarantee that they will spend the money? What if they don’t?"

Meng Shuping mustered his courage and said, "Then we can... guide them to spend a little. They’ve come all the way from their small places to such a bustling city—won’t they want to take home some souvenirs? Won’t they want to enjoy some food, drinks, and entertainment? If there’s a bargain to be had, won’t they take it?"

"It all depends on how skilled the guides are. If they’re good, perhaps these visitors will even end up spending their own money!"

Of course, there was also a totally sneaky last resort: "If all else fails, replace the gifts with cash vouchers that can only be used within Great Chu. That way, they can only spend the money here."

The Minister of Revenue asked curiously, "What are cash vouchers?"

From Meng Shuping’s explanation, did he mean something that could substitute for silver?

Meng Shuping explained in his own words, "It’s roughly equivalent to silver notes, but they can only be used once, and only in specific stores."

The Minister of Revenue understood now and was very pleased, "This is excellent! It forces them to buy only within Great Chu and prevents them from making purchases of stuff they don't need. If they don’t use the vouchers, we even save money!"

The more he looked at Meng Shuping, the more he felt it was a pity. Such a talent—how did he end up in the Ministry of Justice? He should be in the Ministry of Revenue! When the time was right, he would definitely try to recruit this young man. It didn’t matter if he couldn’t do the books yet—he's young enough to learn!

Emperor Qianyou was also satisfied. He'd been saying it all along—was his request really so unreasonable? He looked at Meng Shuping and said, "In that case, this matter shall be given to you and Seventh to handle together!"

Meng Shuping couldn't believe it, "Wait, what?"

"Why does he always assign me overtime? It's the New Year holiday, only seven days in total, and I already lost one day of it yesterday. If I lose another day today, I'll have to start working again the day after tomorrow! Is there no one else in the court? Besides, this isn't even my job—I'm the Vice Director of the Board of Punishments. How could diplomatic matters possibly fall to me?"

Emperor Qianyou patted his shoulder and said, "Beloved Minister Meng, you're the only one who can handle this task well! Do your best, and I will reward you handsomely!"

Meng Shuping immediately perked up, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Damn it! Who can resist the temptation of money? Well, I certainly can't! Besides, even if I refuse, I'd still have to work overtime anyway. I can't just work for free, can I?"

Emperor Qianyou's face twitched—this guy is so pragmatic! He then turned to the Minister of Rites and said, "If they need anything, assist the two of them."

The Minister of Rites quickly replied, "Yes."

After leaving Emperor Qianyou's presence, Jiang Cihe asked Meng Shuping, "Where should we go first now?"

Meng Shuping thought for a moment and said, "Let's first check out the various shops in the capital to see which ones are suitable to take them to. Places like bookstores definitely shouldn't be on the list."

He then asked Jiang Cihe, "Do you know any shops well?"

Jiang Cihe nodded, "Of course."

Although he didn't need to shop personally, the Military Hall Department had information on all the shops—how could he not be familiar with them?

So, after Meng Shuping and Jiang Cihe made a round through the streets, they planned a shopping route. Then, Jiang Cihe selected a subordinate from the Military Hall Department who was familiar with the local markets and eloquent, and gave him detailed instructions.

After everything was arranged and reported to Emperor Qianyou, another day passed, and the two of them headed to the post house.