Wang Zeng was as shocked as Ding Wei that a young man from an official family actually proposed such a comprehensive and seemingly feasible tea method.
This is already difficult to explain with the word 'prodigy'!
There were many "prodigies" in the Song Dynasty, such as the late Yang Yi and the current Yan Shu. They all became famous at a young age.
But their claim to fame is more for their quick thinking.
That's for literary creation, not business!
Being an official and being a scholar are completely different things. The latter can rely on talent, but the former requires accumulation.
If you don't have an in-depth understanding of tea politics and have certain experience, you won't be able to propose new laws like this.
Obviously, the official family does not have the above-mentioned external conditions.
Although Wang Zeng rarely gave classes to officials, he knew the contents of the classes. So far, the classes given to officials were still in the theoretical stage.
Practical ones, very few.
At most, it was during the time when the late emperor was seriously ill that the officials watched the government in Zishan Hall.
But is the time spent at Zishantang watching politics really enough for officials to quickly become familiar with political affairs?
Thinking of this, Wang Zeng once again turned his attention to the document in front of him.
After serving as an official for decades, he probably would not be able to come up with a new tea method like this even with his own strength.
Could the Queen Mother help?
If so, everything makes sense.
But another question followed, why did the Queen Mother do this?
In Wang Zeng's impression, the Queen Mother was a very ambitious woman. During the time when the late Emperor was ill, the Queen Mother made many small moves in private.
If it weren't for the Queen Mother's too many little tricks, Kou Xiang wouldn't have teamed up with the chamberlain to take that risky move.
"According to the envoy who delivered the letter, this policy was indeed written by an official."
this?
Hearing this, Wang Zeng became more and more confused.
He really couldn't see the situation clearly.
It becomes too fast!
On the other side, when other ministers heard this, they all showed thoughtful expressions.
"There is no doubt about this!"
Immediately, Ding Wei directly decided on the matter. Although he was confused now, he could never go wrong by supporting the officials.
Even if the officials are not present.
"Wang Shenzheng, what do you think of the buyout system for contracting?"
After a moment of silence, Wang Zeng tentatively replied.
"This may be possible."
"Official officials say, taking Huoshanchang in Shouzhou as an example, it is a three-year period, and then you can take exams at selected intervals. This is indeed a mature saying."
Looking at the six goods and thirteen fields, the output of Shouzhou Huoshan Field is not high. In terms of output alone, it should be one of the last few places.
Taking Huoshan Field as an example, even if there is any loss, it is acceptable.
Besides, this is the first time an official has handed over an imperial pen to Zhongshu. No matter what, he must still give him the face he deserves.
To take a step back, even if it fails, so what?
Will it damage the dignity of the emperor?
Obviously, no!
At the current age of the official family, even the most picky ministers will not criticize anything harshly.
On the contrary, whether this policy succeeds or fails, it will bring a good reputation to the official family, and it will only bring a good reputation.
Ding Wei was not surprised when he heard Wang Zeng's answer.
Denial is mindless.
Is Wang Zeng that kind of brainless person?
"What's Ren's opinion on politics?"
Then, Ding Wei's eyes fell on Ren Zhongzheng.
"It is a blessing to the Song Dynasty that officials have such benevolence, and they should be tested!"
What a great Ren Zhongzheng!
After hearing this, Ding Wei commented secretly.
This guy is so flattering.
After a while, everyone present expressed their agreement one after another, except for the privy envoy Cao Yong.
Seeing that everyone else's eyes were focused on him, Cao Li nodded calmly in response.
"Attached!"
"good."
Ding Wei looked around and concluded.
"The truth is announced, all approved."
It was rare that there was no quarrel in this meeting. Ding Wei thought to himself, it would be great if it could be like this time every time.
Of course, he also knew this was delusional.
This discussion was special. The new tea law was proposed by the official himself, and it was the first time that the official involved the important affairs of the court.
If this is not the case, even if this policy is proposed by the government, it will be difficult for everyone to agree.
…
…
…
A few days later.
In a manor on the outskirts of the city, a secret gathering was being held here.
"Ahem."
An old man about fifty years old, with slightly white temples and a thin body, coughed twice and looked around.
"Everyone, according to the news coming from the ban, the tea method is easier, and it has come to an end."
"As far as I know, the new tea law was drawn up by the officials themselves."
"What?"
Hearing this, a rich man with a big belly lost his voice.
"Isn't this nonsense?"
How old is the official family this year?
The people here today are the helmsmen of Zhao, Wu, Zhou, and Zheng businesses. It is no exaggeration to say that everyone who is engaged in the tea business in Beijing knows them.
Although these people have no official status, their wealth can lead to the gods. No one knows who is standing behind them except themselves.
The rich man with a big belly is named Zhengzhou. Several people here probably know his path. There should be clan members behind Zhengzhou.
However, others do not know who they are.
"Commissioner Zheng, be careful what you say!"
Although there were no outsiders present, the old man still frowned and reminded Zhengzhou.
People must have a sense of awe.
This is true anytime and anywhere.
Otherwise, sooner or later, disaster will come out of your mouth.
In addition, the old man didn't like Zhengzhou's remarks very much, although his initial reaction was similar to Zhengzhou's.
But after learning the inside story of the new law, his attitude immediately changed.
There is a lot to be done when it comes to contracting!
Once a tea farm is contracted, the court will only collect a fixed amount of tea rent and tea taxes during the transaction. Other than that, there are no restrictions.
The imperial court does not limit production!
This is also what the old man and the people behind him value.
Although the investment is a little more than before, the return is also greater.
In fact, if they were not worried about subsequent policy changes, the old man and the people behind him could have taken over Huoshan Chang alone, and there was no need to summon other tea merchants to enter the market together.
The contracting fee of tens of thousands of dollars is just a drop in the bucket for the people behind the old man.
Snapped!
Snapped!
Immediately afterwards, the old man clapped his hands, and several pretty maids appeared in the side hall carrying a compiled document.
"Everyone, let's take a look at the content of the new law first."
If the officials in the Confucius Hall of the Political Affairs Hall saw the documents here, they would definitely be shocked.
Because the documents here and the documents in the political hall are almost word for word.
The official document from the imperial court has not been issued yet!
Only a few days have passed, and documents related to important affairs of the country have fallen into the hands of a group of businessmen.
