Paba’s expression immediately turned serious. “Why?”

Fang Zheng shook his head with a bitter smile. “Promoting agriculture and restricting commerce is national policy! Merchants have always held low status. Wouldn’t opening trade routes shake this foundation?”

“Moreover, Great Jing is abundant in resources and lacks nothing. What need is there for trade?”

“Though becoming brother nations is good, establishing trade isn’t something that can be achieved overnight, unless His Majesty overrules all opposition!”

Paba’s brows furrowed deeply. “Though Jing is strong, from what I know, you’re in dire need of horses, sheepskin, and such resources. Can the court officials simply ignore this?”

“Of course they can’t, but in their eyes, these are minor benefits. No one would compromise important principles for such small gains!”

“Great Jing’s peace is less than three years old. The focus on agriculture runs deep, and now is the time to develop farming and stabilize the nation’s foundation!”

“Just transporting merchant caravans to the border incurs enormous costs. The court is unwilling to bear such losses.”

“Furthermore, Master, you should know that Great Jing’s true wealth lies in the south. Moving goods to trade at the Northern Rong border would take months!”

“The low status of merchants is deeply ingrained in the minds of customs officials.”

“These people consider increasing taxes their duty and harshness their virtue. They calculate down to the last coin, missing nothing!”

“Merchants are stripped of a layer of skin at each checkpoint. Have you counted how many checkpoints they must pass?”

At this point, Fang Zheng felt like crying inside.

Even their own county merchants had it tough. Just bribing their way through each checkpoint had cost a fortune.

They’d used every method of coercion and bribery imaginable.

Not to mention the enormous effort spent on forging merchant passes in bulk…

“Though I knew this mission wouldn’t be easy, I hadn’t considered it in such detail.” Paba nodded frequently. Fang Zheng’s words made sense, and while he’d been somewhat aware, he hadn’t expected such numerous obstacles.

“But… Lord Fang, why do you consider this good news?”

“Ah! I grew up in a merchant family, so I naturally understand merchant affairs better.”

Speaking, Fang Zheng’s face showed indignation. “To be honest! My views have always differed from the court officials!”

“Combined with my inability to hold my tongue, I’ve never been well-liked. You’ll understand if you stay long enough.”

“Many people constantly smear me, saying I’m a bootlicker, a smooth talker, loose-lipped. Little do they know they’re the ones who fit that description!”

“If not for our enlightened Emperor, I don’t know which mountain valley I’d have been banished to by now.”

“The bureaucracy is truly dark! Meeting you today, Master, I feel an immediate connection. Some things I just had to get off my chest!”

Paba just smiled without speaking.

From Chen Hong’s attitude toward him this morning, he could tell Fang Zheng wasn’t well-liked.

Moreover, his interactions until now had been quite direct, and most importantly, when he mentioned the enlightened Emperor, it felt particularly sincere!

It seemed Fang Zheng was mostly telling the truth.

This man could be useful!

“Lord Fang, in your opinion…”

“Don’t call me Lord Fang, call me Brother Fang! We’re both naked here, why stay so formal?” Fang Zheng seized the opportunity.

Paba coughed awkwardly twice. “Brother Fang, what do you suggest we do?”

Fang Zheng’s expression grew serious. “Master, our previous conversation is probably already known throughout the court. It might be inappropriate to discuss further, especially with His Highness present.”

Paba glanced at Li Yuanzhao, seeing him still occasionally pointing at Chilie and discussing something with Lu Fa and the others. He lowered his voice, “Brother Fang, don’t you consider me a friend? What’s said between us won’t leave these walls!”

After a moment’s thought, Fang Zheng gritted his teeth. “Fine! Since you put it that way, I’ll tell you! But you must keep this secret!”

Paba’s face lit up. “Certainly!”

“In a few days when you discuss this with His Majesty and the court officials, your biggest obstacle will be the officials, but the final decision rests with His Majesty.”

“So you only need to convince His Majesty!”

“Just proposing trade isn’t enough. You need several discussions at least, gradually increasing the conditions.”

“My suggestion is to ultimately propose to His Majesty that both countries jointly build border towns for trade, each stationing officials to oversee it.”

“Both countries would agree to issue specially sealed merchant passes for border town trade to prevent harassment at checkpoints.”

“Finally, Master, you need to show sufficient sincerity. The tax rates are key.”

Paba eyed Fang Zheng suspiciously. “Is it that simple?”

“Of course not!”

“The officials’ influence on His Majesty’s will is crucial. You need to first connect with those close to His Majesty to have any chance of success!”

“Who is this person?”

Fang Zheng revealed a mysterious smile. “This person is His Majesty’s personal chief eunuch, Guo Tianyang! He’s been by His Majesty’s side since childhood, has great insight, and his words carry significant weight.”

“There’s another, the current Prime Minister and Imperial Tutor to the Crown Prince, also Grand Scholar of the Jinshen Chamber.”

Paba’s heart immediately lifted. Today’s visit hadn’t been wasted!

“How can I establish connections with these two? Do you have any suggestions, Brother Fang?”

Fang Zheng coughed lightly twice. “Well, don’t laugh, but while I may not get along with my colleagues, I have a decent relationship with Eunuch Guo. I might be able to help put in a word for you.”

“What about Minister Li?”

“He’s my uncle! We’re actual relatives, but keep it quiet, don’t spread it around!”

Hiss! Paba drew in a sharp breath.

So that was it! No wonder such an honest man could survive in the bureaucracy. With such connections, who would dare cause trouble unless they had a death wish!

“Then… could Brother Fang help me…” Paba kept glancing at Li Yuanzhao while giving Fang Zheng meaningful looks.

“Of course I can help, but… there are many difficulties!” Fang Zheng’s face showed inner conflict.

“Whatever help you need, Brother Fang, just say the word!”

Fang Zheng pondered, then hesitantly said, “I’m fine by myself, but… we need money!”

“Eunuch Guo loves wealth, and my uncle loves tea, especially Celestial Immortal Tea!”

“Eunuch Guo wields immense power and has countless adopted sons. He naturally won’t care about small profits.”

“You know how expensive Celestial Immortal Tea is… without money, we can’t take a single step. I’m sorry I can’t help!”

Paba smiled slightly and lowered his voice. “Brother Fang, however much money you need, I’ll provide it! And… I’ll add a small gift!”

Fang Zheng immediately glared at Paba. “What are you saying! Do I need your petty gifts!”

“I wanted to help you because I believe this cooperation benefits both countries. Yet you try to bribe me? Then forget it! I must have been blind to misjudge you!” He turned to leave.

Paba’s heart jumped in alarm. He quickly grabbed Fang Zheng’s arm to placate him. “Brother Fang! Brother Fang, I misspoke. Don’t be angry, please calm down!”

“Brother, I apologize!”

Paba anxiously watched Fang Zheng.

His chest heaved for a long while before he finally spoke seriously. “I can help you, but never mention gifts again. I’m not that kind of person.”

“Yes… it was my mistake. Brother Fang, how much money do you need to make this work?” Paba’s face was full of apologetic smiles.

Why hadn’t he thought of it? Such an honest and straightforward person values face above all! What a blunder!

“I think… at least fifty thousand taels.”

Fifty thousand? Paba felt the pain, but if it could get things done, fifty thousand taels would be worth it.

He didn’t doubt Fang Zheng. Who would dare lie about such matters!

Using the Emperor’s close associates as a front would be seeking death!

Paba gritted his teeth. “Brother Fang, if fifty thousand taels isn’t enough, I’ll add another ten thousand!”

“Alright, that works!”