Seeing that the emperor did not dwell too much on the canonization issue, Chen Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Compared with such sensitive matters, it is better to discuss the security of government affairs.
After thinking for a moment, Shen Yi spoke.
"Replying to Your Majesty, the reply from Tatar has been delivered, the specific details have been negotiated, and I have also contacted Eunuch Wang Cheng. The supplies at the Imperial Store are sufficient, and the first batch of supplies has been shipped. If nothing unexpected happens, we will be ready on August 8 this autumn. In May, the first mutual trading can be carried out.”
As for the matter of mutual trading, as the Ministry of Revenue who had taken the lion's share of the benefits, Shen Yi was very concerned about it. After the court meeting passed, he personally led the entire negotiation process.
In addition, he and himself went to various yamen, obtained various directions and official documents for the imperial store, and escorted the mutual trade.
As he spoke, Chen Yi glanced at Yu Qian next to him and immediately spoke.
"Your Majesty, I'll tell you the truth, the Ministry of Revenue really has no silver left now. The previous repairs to the border towns, the construction of canals, and the preparation of the draft have already consumed more than half of the savings in the national treasury. I still need to prepare the remaining half. Emergency response in case of disaster.”
"Nowadays, the Ministry of Household Affairs is trying its best to reduce expenditures. All expenditures that can be postponed will not be approved. In fact, if His Majesty had not promised to increase the commercial tax on the mutual market to 10%, I would not dare to risk my life. The Ministry of Works built a large canal.”
"The Ministry of Household Affairs is now counting on the mutual market starting in August to bring back some silver taels to make up for the shortfall and restore some vitality. Otherwise, I am afraid that in two months, the policy of reducing the salary of peppercorns will not only be restored, but also be discontinued. It has also been implemented locally.”
Although the emperor did not mention the Jiubian incident, Chen Yi was not stupid.
At this time, the emperor asked about the mutual market, just because he wanted to ask if the annual revenue of the treasury could be more abundant after the market opened, so as to support the construction of the nine-border town.
It is true that according to the strategy of exclusive operation of Huangdian and high sales and high taxes, the household department can indeed obtain great benefits in the mutual market.
However, this also takes time. No matter how short of money the Ministry of Revenue is, it cannot ignore the country.
Materials flowing into the grassland must be controlled in batches, and all aspects must be taken into consideration when buying and selling bulk goods.
According to the estimates of the Ministry of Household Affairs, if the first mutual market can be successfully launched in August, then based on the frequency of twice a month, the income that the Ministry of Household can obtain by the end of the year will be about 400,000 taels.
It looks like a lot, but in reality, it barely covers the money spent by the Ministry of Works to repair canals.
Taking into account the various court ceremonies at the end of the year, the household department just managed to survive and endured it.
If not, with Chen Yi's character, how could he have rashly stepped forward and become the leading figure in opposing Jiubian.
After finishing speaking, Shen Shangshu looked at the emperor expectantly, hoping that this little ancestor would not cause any more trouble for him.
Wouldn't it be nice to just rest and recuperate for a while?
However, the emperor did not respond to Shen Shangshu's ardent expectations. He smiled slightly, turned sideways, and asked Yu Qian.
"Mr. Yu, what do you think?"
Yu Qian naturally knew that the emperor was not asking about the mutual market, but about the nine sides.
Glancing at Shen Yi who was staring blankly, he was unusually unreasonable in Shaobao, but after thinking about it for a while, he still said.
"Your Majesty, I am naturally aware of the difficulties of the Hubu, but I also have my own difficulties. Although the border is stable now, both the Tatars and the Oaras are obviously still evil, but they are forced to surrender due to the situation."
"Therefore, for the sake of border tranquility, it is imperative to establish a complete border defense system. As Shen Shangshu said in court, after several great victories such as Zijingguan and Shawo, within a few years, Oala may not be able to fight again. They have the power to violate borders on a large scale."
"But because of this, I have to propose a nine-sided strategy at this moment. Building the Great Wall and Fortified City, mobilizing officials and troops on a large scale, and resettling refugees all require a stable environment."
"The imperial court has now opened a mutual trade. In order to welcome back the Emperor, His Majesty has agreed to resume the tribute trade in Oara. As a result, no one can say how long it will take for the grassland tribes to recover."
"Once the war breaks out again, the court's first priority must be to resist foreign invaders. It will be difficult to build the nine-border system. Without a long-term and complete border defense system, the Ming Dynasty will always be at a disadvantage when facing the enemy."
"Therefore, in my opinion, although it is difficult for the court, we must still focus on border affairs. All other matters can be postponed, but this matter alone needs to be carried out immediately."
Compared with the morning meeting, there were not so many objections here, and Yu Qian was under much less pressure.
Moreover, in private, Yu Qian can also speak frankly about many things that would not be easy to disclose in front of courtiers.
Therefore, he explained more clearly the reasons for constructing the Nine Sides.
However, Yu Shaobao was not one to force others into difficult situations. Looking at Shen Shangshu's equally firm attitude, he still made concessions and said.
"Even though the household income is not abundant and the expenses are insufficient, as I said in the court, some advance preparations can always be started."
"Shen Shangshu also said just now that when the mutual market starts, the pressure on the Ministry of Household Affairs will be slightly lighter. After this hard period is passed, next summer tax and autumn grain collection will be collected, and the Ministry of Household will have money and food, and then the construction of Jiubian will be officially started. Not too late."
This is equivalent to acknowledging the opinion of the Ministry of Household Affairs that it should be postponed.
However, what Yu Qian means is that even if it is postponed, it will be officially launched next year and cannot be delayed forever.
However, it was obvious that Shen Yi was not satisfied with this concession.
But this time, he seemed a little hesitant. He glanced at the emperor and saw that the ancestor remained silent.
Shen Shangshu gritted his teeth and decided to completely expose the bottom, and said.
"Yu Shaobao, there is really no way for the Ministry of Revenue to give an accurate answer on this matter. Now, except for the construction of the canal by the Ministry of Works, projects in various places are basically at a standstill."
"But it should be noted that there are many projects that have to be done all the time. It is not an option to hold on for a long time. There are many places where the court needs money. It must be prepared for disasters and keep some money and food as backup."
"As Yu Shaobao said, if there are no natural disasters next year, the people will be able to have a good harvest, and the summer taxes and autumn crops will be successfully harvested. The household department will indeed be able to relax a little faster, but it will still be difficult to support a major project like Jiubian."
"Nine Sides is an important task. Once you start, you must continue to invest money. Even so, it will be difficult to achieve results within a few years."
"If we follow what Yu Shaobao said and start the construction of the nine sides next year, then in the next few years, all the projects of the imperial court will still be at a standstill. From the imperial court to the local governments, all civil and military officials will tighten their belts. Support border defense.”
"Even if the Ministry of Household Affairs agrees, doesn't Shaobao need to worry about the public opinion and negative impact it will cause?"
