jdhmnovel Chapter 314 Shi Wanxia's Request
Chapter 314 Shi Wanxia's Request
Chapter 314 Shi Wanxia's Request
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuxi's eyes flashed with surprise and curiosity. He gestured for the eunuch to present the refined salt, opened the purse, and examined it closely. He saw that the salt grains were as white as snow, uniform in size, and shimmered faintly in the candlelight.
"This salt is indeed extraordinary. How did you manage to make it?" Shen Yuxi pressed.
Shi Wanxia explained in detail the process of refining salt, including the materials and methods used, which surprised the ministers in the court.
Prime Minister Cui Zhe stepped forward and questioned, "Lord Shi, the method of refining salt has always been controlled by aristocratic families. If what you say is true, do you have any evidence?"
Shi Wanxia was prepared and calmly said, "Your Excellency, Cui Zhihao can testify for me that he participated in the entire refining process, and my salt shops have already started using this method to produce salt, and the people's response has been excellent."
Shen Yuxi nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "This matter concerns the people's livelihood and cannot be taken lightly. I will send someone to verify it, and if it is true, I will reward him handsomely."
Shen Yuxi was overjoyed. She had actually extracted the fine salt. This woman was indeed a rare talent!
But he quickly calmed down. This matter was of great importance and could not be easily revealed.
If those greedy powerful families were to learn of the method, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"What happened today must not be spread, or don't blame me for being impolite." Shen Yuxi's cold gaze swept over everyone in the hall.
The ministers all lowered their heads, not daring to say a word. They all knew that this young lady was now highly favored by His Majesty, and they must not offend her.
"Alright, court is adjourned! Crown Prince, Chancellor Cui Zhe, Minister of Revenue Fan Peng, Minister of Works Zhao Hong, and Chancellor Lin Zhengyuan, please remain," Shen Yuxi ordered.
Grand Eunuch Yu Heng immediately shouted, "His Majesty's decree: Court adjourned!"
Although the officials were full of curiosity, they dared not act rashly. After respectfully kneeling and bowing, they left the hall in an orderly manner.
Surrounded by palace guards and eunuchs, Shen Yuxi went to the Imperial Study.
Inside the imperial study, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Shen Yuxi sat in the main seat, while Shi Qingwan stood to his side.
"Miss Shi, please explain in detail the specific steps for refining fine salt." Shen Yuxi's tone was filled with anticipation.
Shi Wanxia calmly explained in detail the method of refining fine salt, the required materials, and precautions.
After listening, Prime Minister Cui Zhe stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "It sounds feasible, but large-scale production will likely require solving many problems."
Minister of Revenue Fan Peng said with great concern, "Your Majesty, even if we can refine large quantities of fine salt, how to ensure its smooth entry into the market and break the monopoly of aristocratic families is a major problem."
Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, discussing the matter animatedly. Shen Yuxi pondered for a moment and said, "This matter must be handled with caution. First, we should secretly select a site to build a saltworks. Miss Shi, I appoint you as the Salt Commissioner, in charge of the refining and production of fine salt. I will have the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue fully cooperate in providing the necessary manpower and resources."
Shi Wanxia knelt down to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to live up to your trust."
Afterwards, the group discussed many details, including how to avoid attracting attention, prevent powerful families from spying, and formulate sales strategies. By the time everything was settled, it was already late.
As Shen Yuxi gazed at the darkening sky outside the window, he pondered to himself that the power struggle with the aristocratic families over salt administration had already begun. And Shi Wanxia, this woman of humble origins, might just become the key figure in turning the tide.
In the magnificent palace of Cangling Kingdom, the candlelight flickered in the imperial study. Shi Wanxia sat around a table with Fan Peng, the Minister of Revenue, and Zhao Hong, the Minister of Works. The table was piled high with documents and drawings concerning the production and promotion of fine salt.
The three had a heated discussion, carefully considering every detail, from the selection of the salt mine site to the construction and layout of the refining workshop and the planning of the transportation channels.
Before they knew it, the night had deepened, and moonlight shone through the carved window lattice onto the ground, while the palace lanterns outside the imperial study emitted a dim yellow glow.
Shen Yuxi sat in the main seat, trying his best to stay focused, but fatigue still crept onto his face.
Shi Wanxia noticed His Majesty's weariness and a thought struck her. She knew that this was the right time to make a request.
After a brief pause, Shi Wanxia coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, we have discussed the general direction regarding the fine salt. However, there is one more matter that I would like to ask Your Majesty for a request."
Shen Yuxi raised his eyes, signaling her to continue. Shi Wanxia took a deep breath: "Your Majesty, you previously mentioned that you would bestow the princess in marriage to Cui Zhihao. As long as I can produce fine salt, Your Majesty will withdraw the decree of marriage."
"Now that the fine salt has been successfully developed, I humbly request Your Majesty to rescind the decree of marriage."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuxi pondered for a long time.
The importance of fine salt to the Cangling Kingdom is self-evident, and Shi Wanxia played a key role in it. He really didn't want to go against her wishes.
Moreover, the salt administration reform has just begun and requires Wanxia's full commitment.
"Minister Shi, now that you have produced fine salt, I will grant your request and will not bestow a marriage upon Cui Zhihao!" Shen Yuxi said slowly.
Shi Wanxia was overjoyed and was about to express her gratitude when Shen Yuxi continued, "However, my dear minister, remember that Cui Zhihao is also a member of the Qinghe Cui clan. You must not let him teach the Qinghe Cui clan the method of making fine salt."
After saying that, Shen Yuxi glanced at Cui Zhe. As a prime minister from the Cui clan of Qinghe, Cui Zhe had devoted himself to the court for many years, and Shen Yuxi trusted him.
Shi Wanxia quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. Please rest assured! The method for making this fine salt is in my mind, and Young Master Cui doesn't know much about it either." Then, Shi Wanxia changed the subject.
"However, Your Majesty, I trust in Young Master Cui's character. He is also a talented individual. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant Cui Zhihao an official position in the court. Even if he were to assist me, it would be extremely beneficial to Cang Ling."
Upon hearing this, everyone present except Cui Zhe averted their gazes. Cui Zhihao, due to his prestigious family background and exceptional talent, had always been feared by Shen Yuxi.
Shi Wanxia's actions were undoubtedly challenging His Majesty's bottom line, and everyone was worried for her.
Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou's eyes lit up; he had always admired Shi Wanxia's intelligence and decisiveness.
During this time, he witnessed Shi Wanxia's outstanding insights into salt administration, and he believed that Shi Wanxia could bring about new changes to Cangling Kingdom.
Moreover, he had met Choi Ji-ho and was well aware of his abilities.
“Father, I also think that Miss Shi is right,” Shen Yanzhou stepped forward and said.
"I have met Cui Zhihao these past two days. He is not only extremely learned and talented, but he is also adept at both official duties and business. Why can't Father give him another chance?"
Shen Yuxi frowned slightly, lost in thought.
He was not unaware of Choi Ji-ho's talent, but the powerful clans were deeply entrenched in the court, and he had always been careful to keep them in check.
Using Choi Ji-ho would undoubtedly add a new weight to the scales.