Chapter 90

For Wen Guanliang's departure, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong both turned a blind eye, as if the person who had just passed by them was just an ordinary hotel attendant. (Novel Network)

Zhao Junchen did not feel the atmosphere was awkward, his expression was natural, and he only led Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong to the private room and took their seats.

When the dishes were served, Zhao Junchen and the two Huang and Shen complimented each other, and they were still quite courteous to each other. However, after all the dishes were served and the waiters had left, just as Zhao Junchen was about to say something, Shen Changmao, who had been taciturn, suddenly spoke.

"Minister Zhao," Shen Changmao said slowly, "Today, I and Minister Huang came here just to have a leisurely chat and get closer, nothing more. So, if you only want to talk about trivial matters and build rapport, we can continue, and I will accompany you. But if you want us to let Wen Guanliang go or to interfere with the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, then this banquet can end here. There's nothing to talk about regarding these matters."

His voice matched his personality, cold and decisive.

On the other side, Huang Yourong smiled and said, "Minister Zhao, don't take it personally. Minister Shen has always been like this, speaking his mind without any ulterior motives. On the way to the banquet, Minister Shen even praised you for your youthful talent. However, although Minister Shen's words may be harsh, his meaning is correct. Today, the three of us should only talk about trivial matters. As for other things, it's not the right time to discuss them, and there's indeed nothing to talk about."

Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, one straightforward and the other tactful, but they were expressing the same thing.

Coming to the banquet already shows you enough respect. If you want to push further, then there's nothing more to talk about, let's meet in the court!

How could Zhao Junchen not understand this? A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he then smiled as usual and said, "Unfortunately, the reason I invited the two ministers to this gathering today is not just to talk about trivial matters."

Hearing Zhao Junchen say this, Shen Changmao's expression turned even colder, and Huang Yourong's smile also faded.

Seeing the change in Shen and Huang's expressions, Zhao Junchen smiled lightly and continued, "This gathering is for me to make a deal with the two ministers."

Shen Changmao's brows furrowed slightly as he waited for more, while Huang Yourong asked with a smile, "I wonder what kind of deal requires Minister Zhao to gather Minister Shen and me for a discussion?"

Zhao Junchen did not explain, but pulled out a folded document from his sleeve and handed it to Shen and Huang.

The document was about the reorganization of the salt administration in Sichuan.

This reorganization of the salt administration in Sichuan, bringing in Shanxi merchants, was originally a deal between Zhao Junchen and the Shanxi merchants. Unfortunately, after returning to the capital, various matters delayed it. Recently, the Shanxi merchants have repeatedly sent people to urge him, but Zhao Junchen has been delaying, citing "the timing is not right."

Now, the timing is ripe, and Zhao Junchen also plans to use this matter to persuade Shen and Huang.

... On the other side, after Shen and Huang reviewed the document together, their expressions became serious and solemn.

"Reorganizing the salt administration in Sichuan and bringing in Shanxi merchants, Junchen has a good plan," Wen Guanliang returned the document to Zhao Junchen, his expression seemingly normal, but his eyes flickered, "However, since Junchen dares to show this document to us two old men, it seems you are already well-prepared. Truly, the young are to be feared."

Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, saying, "I have been in contact with the Shanxi merchants while in Luan Prefecture, and I have already presented this document to His Majesty. In recent days, I have been analyzing the pros and cons for His Majesty, and His Majesty is already somewhat interested. However, the reorganization of the salt administration is a major matter, affecting the entire country. Bringing in Shanxi merchants will also cause a backlash from Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants. Therefore, His Majesty's intention is that the reorganization of the salt administration in Sichuan should start with the reorganization of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office. The relevant officials in Sichuan, such as the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office and the Salt Tax Inspectorate, should also be supplemented with experienced personnel. This reorganization will be led by the Ministry of Personnel, with the Ministry of Revenue as a secondary support."

By this point, both Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong had understood Zhao Junchen's meaning. They exchanged glances, and their expressions changed.

But Zhao Junchen acted as if he hadn't noticed, and continued, "The reorganization and expansion of the relevant salt administration offices is the most important part, affecting both the central and local governments, as well as the salt industry in Sichuan and the Shanxi merchants. The person in charge must have relevant experience. The newly appointed Deputy Minister of Personnel, Liu Chang'an, has served as a prefect in both Sichuan and Shanxi, is familiar with the salt industry in Sichuan and the Shanxi merchants, and is now working in the Ministry of Personnel. In His Majesty's eyes, he is probably the most suitable person for this role."

At this point, Zhao Junchen suddenly sighed and changed the subject, "Unfortunately, the reason I set up this banquet today was to seek advice from the two ministers on related experiences, but I didn't expect that the two ministers only wanted to talk about trivial matters. Since that's the case, I won't force the issue. Let's just chat about trivial matters."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen put the document about the reorganization of the salt administration in Sichuan back into his sleeve and said with a smile, "The 'Yue Rong Fang' I run has recently produced a new batch of health-preserving ointments, which have the effect of preventing illness and extending life. Have the two ministers used them? If not, I will have some sent to your residences after I return home. What do the two ministers think?"

Hearing Zhao Junchen say this, both Huang Yourong and Shen Changmao instantly looked awkward.

Zhao Junchen's meaning was very clear: the positions and powers of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office and the Salt Tax Inspectorate would be expanded, and the personnel arrangements would likely be handled by his protégé, Liu Chang'an, with the involvement of the Ministry of Revenue. He has already contacted both Emperor Deqing and the Shanxi merchants, and he won't let Shen and Huang take the credit.

Compared to the reorganization and expansion of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office and the Salt Tax Inspectorate, which would create numerous new positions, the positions and personnel of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office that Shen and Huang have been eyeing and competing for in recent days are no longer so important.

... Understanding this, Huang Yourong's smile became even more amiable, and he said to Zhao Junchen, "As Minister Zhao has considered, the reorganization of the salt administration in Sichuan is a major matter, affecting the entire country. If Minister Shen and I were unaware of this, it would be one thing, but now that we know, how can we still talk about trivial matters with you? As the saying goes, 'Serve the ruler faithfully,' and at this time, we should focus on official business."

On the other side, the usually cold and stern Shen Changmao even managed to force a few smiles and nodded, saying, "Minister Huang is right, exactly."

Zhao Junchen looked hesitant and asked, "So, the two ministers mean that we will not talk about trivial matters but will discuss official business?"

Huang Yourong nodded repeatedly and said, "Of course, official business is important."

Seeing the sarcastic tone in Zhao Junchen's words, Shen Changmao snorted and said, "Liu Chang'an is indeed your protégé, but the Ministry of Personnel is Zhou Shangjing's territory. Even if His Majesty favors him, if Zhou Shangjing opposes, the matter may still be uncertain. The reorganization and expansion of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office and the Salt Tax Inspectorate will create at least one-third more positions. How can Zhou Shangjing allow others to take all the benefits? Although you have the advantage, you don't need to be so manipulative with us two ministers."

It must be said that although Shen Changmao is never polite in his words, negotiating with him is the most efficient. All the formalities and flattery can be avoided.

Therefore, Zhao Junchen was not angry at Shen Changmao's counterattack but nodded and smiled, "So, the reason I invited the two ministers here today is to make this deal. If the two ministers can let Wen Guanliang go and fully support the new Deputy Minister of Personnel, Liu Chang'an, in the reorganization and expansion of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office and the Salt Tax Inspectorate, I will also reciprocate. After the reorganization and expansion of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, there will be many new positions, and we won't have any trouble arranging them. What do the two ministers think?"

Seeing Zhao Junchen speak so directly, Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong pondered for a moment and then nodded.

The main direction was finally determined, and the next step was to discuss the details.

... Details are often the hardest to resolve, as the distribution of benefits often lies in the details.

After agreeing to cooperate, Zhao Junchen and Shen Changmao, Huang Yourong haggled for a long time, and the details were finally settled.

Perhaps due to the intense negotiations, by the time everything was over, it was already dark, and snow had started to fall in the capital.

When Zhao Junchen, Shen Changmao, and Huang Yourong came down from Tianhai Tower, the innkeeper, to please them, specially had the waiters bring three warm pots to Zhao Junchen, Huang Yourong, and Shen Changmao.

"The innkeeper is thoughtful."

Holding the warm pot, Zhao Junchen smiled at the innkeeper of Tianhai Tower.

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, the innkeeper looked flattered and said, "Minister Zhao is too kind. I have been receiving your care for a long time, and it is only right to think about you and the two ministers."

On the other side, Shen Changmao looked at the snow falling outside Tianhai Tower and suddenly said, "The snow this year is late, about a month later than usual."

Huang Yourong also nodded and said, "Yes, as the saying goes, 'A good snow promises a good harvest.' In previous years, it would snow in November, but this year it has been delayed until December. The harvest in the north next year will probably not be good. Alas, the people will suffer again."

Although Huang Yourong spoke with concern for the country and the people, his expression was extremely satisfied.

Clearly, after the negotiations, Huang Yourong had gained a lot of benefits.

And the suffering of the people clearly did not affect his good mood.

"Yes, the snow is late this year."

Zhao Junchen, lost in thought, murmured to himself.