Farming Space: The Lucky and Lovely Lady Come to Farm - Chapter 989: Establishing Prestige

A minister named Zhou Shilang, whose family owned a sea-going ship, finally couldn’t bear it any longer, “Your Majesty, I feel that the overseas trade tax rate has been increased too much. Going to sea is extremely risky. If you are not careful, the ship will be destroyed and people will be killed, not to mention there will be pirates and plunder. Although the profit of going overseas is high, it also comes at the cost of one’s life.”

“If taxes were doubled, I’m afraid businessmen would not be willing to go overseas.”

Xiao Yu didn’t say anything but turned to look at Gu Fei. He was going to go to war in a few days and he had to let her deal with the courtiers by herself as much as possible.

Gu Fei said unhurriedly: “If the merchants are unwilling to go to sea, that’s fine. The imperial court can purchase ships and form a foreign trade department to specialize in foreign trade.”

Zhou Shilang looked up at Gu Fei, unable to believe that this woman was so ruthless and wanted to take over other people’s jobs.

He became a little angry and snorted heavily, “There is no place for a woman to speak in the court.”

“Women should stay at home and take care of their children. How can you say such nonsense!”

Xiao Yu couldn’t help it anymore and said in a cold voice: “It is my intention for the queen to supervise the country. Why, does Zhou Shilang have any objection to the real decision?”

Gu Fei glanced at Zhou Shilang coldly. It was her first time to go to court today. If she was suppressed by the minister, no one would listen to her words in the future.

Gu Fei shifted her gaze to Xue Chen and winked at him.

As the second-in-command of the Jinyi Guards, if Xue Chen is familiar with the business, he must have some dirty information about Shilang Zhou.

She must knock down Zhou Shilang’s arrogance today.

Xue Chen did not disappoint Gu Fei. He stepped out of the queue and bowed and said: “Your Majesty, Queen, as far as I know, Zhou Shilang’s family has two sea-going ships. The person in charge of the sea-going ships now is a steward of the Zhou family.”

“Last year alone, Minister Zhou made a profit of 400,000 silver from overseas trade.”

Zhou Shilang turned pale and pointed at Xue Chen, “You——”

Gu Fei said coldly: “Is this the reason why Minister Zhou objects to increasing taxes?”

All the civil and military officials in the court looked at Zhou Shilang with unhappy expressions.

Everyone is an official in the same court, how can you earn so much money in a year?

You are so rich, how can you let others live?

Zhou Shilang’s face turned red and he argued: “The sea ship is owned by my second brother and has nothing to do with me.”

Xue Chen glanced at him and continued: “In August this year, Zhou Shilang’s ship arrived at the port and only paid half of the tax. This is one of them.”

“Secondly, Zhou Shilang accepted a bribe of 50,000 taels of silver half a month ago and placed a Juren from Shuntian Prefecture to Qi County as the county magistrate.”

“Third -“

Cold sweat rolled down the forehead of Zhou Shilang, and he knelt on the ground, kowtowing desperately to the emperor and empress above him, “My lord, I have always been clean and self-sufficient, but I was obsessed and made a mistake for a moment. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Gu Fei glanced at Xue Chen approvingly, and Xue Chen silently stepped back.

Xiao Yu looked down at Zhou Shilang who was lying on the ground: “As a minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, you sell your official position and get a title. How can I tolerate you?”

“Whoever comes here, please take off his Wusha and hand it over to the Ministry of Punishments.”

Zhou Shilang collapsed on the ground and was dragged out by the guards.

Master Su was about to speak but stopped.

All civil and military officials in the dynasty became quiet.

One by one, they looked at the emperor and empress above in complete silence.

No one dared to say anything. If they offended the queen, who knew what kind of black information this Jin Yiwei Master Xue had on them.

Xiao Yu said slowly: “My beloved, do you have anything else to say?”

The hall remained silent.

Just when Xiao Yu was about to signal the eunuch to retreat, an old man with gray hair walked out.