Chapter 164 Do Princess Pingning and Zhang Guifen Have a Good Relationship?

Lifting the maritime ban?

After hearing this news, the person who instantly brightened up was Shi Jian, the leader of the Cao Gang.

The Cao Gang makes a living by transporting goods.

But no matter how good the business of transporting goods is, it is still not as good as sea transport.

Generally speaking, the people of Da Zhou go to sea to go to overseas countries to exchange goods for money.

For example, silk.

The silk produced by Da Zhou, when sold domestically, generally costs about two or three taels of silver.

But when sold to overseas countries, it may be twenty or even two hundred taels.

The court will not allow merchants to go overseas to barter at will, and will let the Maritime Customs strictly control the quantity.

For example, if a merchant wants to go to Japan to sell silk, it is impossible to let him sell it casually.

Otherwise, once the silver exchanged is circulated in the country, it may cause the price of silver to fluctuate.

The Maritime Customs will control the quantity and strictly require the merchant to sell only a certain amount.

Of course, there are some exceptions.

For example, if a large number of orders are signed with overseas countries, the court wants to earn tax revenue from large orders, and the Maritime Customs must also make money.

At this time, he will be allowed to stockpile a large amount of goods and ship them to overseas countries for sale.

Neither Wei Yuan nor the Hai family can influence the mind of the Maritime Customs.

But the Hai family has relied on maritime transportation for a long time, otherwise they would not have the surname "Hai". They have always had close ties with overseas countries and can get a large number of orders.

And Wei Yuan is about to lead his troops south to pacify the Japanese pirates. Wherever his army is, there must be his rules.

Overseas countries also need the goods of the Great Zhou to make money, so they must have a good relationship with Wei Yuan.

But the plate of lifting the maritime ban is so big that Wei Yuan can't eat it alone.

The Wei family in Hedong and Liangzhe has connections and prestige, and the Cao Gang relies on the canal transportation for a living and has a little understanding of maritime transportation.

Combining the two, coupled with Wei Yuan's power, the Maritime Customs must also make concessions.

By then, with the name of the Wei family, the ships of the Cao Gang, and Wei Yuan's power, would he still be afraid of not being able to sign big contracts with overseas countries?

Afterwards, even if the emperor knew about it, he could only turn a blind eye.

Because, Wei Yuan's actions, on the one hand, reflected his greed for money.

On the other hand, it would allow the Maritime Customs and the court to make considerable profits.

Zhao Zhen's wallet would also be bulging.

How could he object?

But this matter should be done as soon as possible, otherwise, when the bigwigs in the court and the nobles of the prominent families all take action.

No matter how big the cake is, it will not be enough.

As early as when Wei Yuan was handling the case, he had already notified the two elders of the Wei family and Shi Jian.

Wei Yuan already knew what the Rong family was thinking.

Behind it, it was not just the Rong family.

At least half of the family forces behind the women invited by Rong Feiyan today would be involved in this matter.

There is also a polo competition organized by the wife of the Yongchang Marquis.

It is probably also a joint meeting of interest groups.

"My dear nephew, lifting the maritime ban is a big deal."

"What do you want us to do?"

The elder of the Liangzhe Wei family spoke slowly.

Wei Yuan said in a deep voice:

"First, in the name of the Wei family, buy local silk, tea, jewelry and other shops, stock up goods, and when sea transportation opens, immediately sign large orders with overseas countries for sale."

"Second, my Zhongyong Marquis Mansion and the two Wei families will pay for it, and the Cao Gang will supervise the construction of large ships that can withstand wind and waves. The larger the better, and form a fleet in the name of the Cao Gang."

"After the matter is done, we will share the profits equally, how about it?"

As soon as this was said, the elder of the Hedong Wei family suddenly spoke up, "No "Proper." Wei Yuan frowned slightly, "Why is it wrong?" The elders of Hedong Wei laughed: "The loyalty is 40 %, and the remaining 60 % profit. The remaining 70 %, the three of you, how about this? "No one thinks more money. But it doesn't have to be profitable due to 10 % profit. After all, Wei Yuan is only responsible for coordinating, and the person who takes the risks is the two major Wei and Gang. For example, if there is any loss on the sea, Wei Yuan does not have to blame. In fact, it is very high. In short, Wei Yuan had power, the two Weis had money, and the Cao Gang had connections, so they hit it off.

Wei Yuan didn't have a big appetite to take it all by himself, so the connections he had accumulated at this time came into play.

Soon, the nanny sent by Concubine Rong arrived at the mansion of the Earl of Loyalty and Bravery.

When Shi Jian and others heard this, they all said:

"General Wei, since the matter has been finalized, we should go to the south immediately and not stay here any longer."

"That's right. This matter needs to be done in secret. If we continue to stay in the capital, it is inevitable that someone will target the Bo Mansion."

"My dear nephew, see you in the south next spring."

"."

Wei Yuan smiled bitterly.

With his current status and power, it is simply impossible not to be targeted.

The Rong family is a good example.

"In that case, I will not keep you."

"See you in the south next spring!"

Wei Yuan clasped his fists.

Then, several people dispersed one after another.

Wei Yuan met the nanny in the main hall and learned the purpose of the other party's visit.

He secretly thought that he would meet the Rong family sooner or later.

And the polo competition organized by Madam Wu was an opportunity.

So he nodded without thinking.

The Rong family or other families can get involved in the shipping business.

Wei Yuan can't control this matter.

The more people get involved, the more beneficial it will be for him.

But there is only one thing, when doing business with Japan, you must take the lead.

Wei Yuan will not agree to anything involving the military.

But given the temperament of Japan, I am afraid that after the Great Zhou opens up sea transportation, it will not just think about doing some simple silk business.

——

Half an hour later.

The Rong family banquet ended.

Rong Fei took a group of female relatives to the polo field.

In front of the Fuchang Marquis's house, Rong Fei looked at Zhang Guifang and said with a smile:

"Sister Guifen, come with me."

Zhang Guifen said: "The Queen values ​​me, Guifen is very grateful, but Guifen is also coming here by sedan chair today."

Rong Fei glanced at the 18-man sedan chair parked not far away and said with a smile:

"I forgot that Sister Guifen was once given a phoenix sedan chair by the Queen."

"That's good, let's talk about it at the polo field."

Everyone on the side couldn't help but sweat for Zhang Guifen, secretly saying:

"She is worthy of being a girl from the Zhang family. Even if she came here by sedan chair, she shouldn't give Rong Fei face."

"Rong Fei asked her to ride with her, but she didn't agree? She is worthy of being the only daughter of the Duke's Mansion."

"."

Rong Feiyan followed Rong Fei in the sedan chair.

Minglan followed Zhang Guifen.

In the sedan chair.

Minglan asked, "Aunt, is it inappropriate for you to offend Rong Fei like this?"

Zhang Guifen smiled and said, "Now, it's not us who need Rong Fei, but Rong Fei and the entire Rong family who need us."

How could Zhang Guifen, who grew up in Bianjing City since childhood, not know the thoughts of these women?

At this moment.

On the road leading to the polo field.

Mrs. Wu has been waiting for a long time.

When she saw the imperial sedan chair leading the way slowly approaching, she hurried forward and bowed generously:

"My queen, I finally waited for you."

Hearing this, Rong Feiyan lifted the curtain of the imperial sedan chair.

Rong Fei sat upright and said, "We were late for dinner. Can we start now?"

Madam Wu said, "Brother Ye from the Ningyuan Marquis's Mansion is about to play polo with Qin Zhen, the eldest son of the Fuguo Duke."

"The next game is between the young master from the Qiguo Duke's Mansion and the sons of several civil officials."

The opponent arranged for Gu Tingye is a general.

The opponent arranged for Qi Heng is the son of a civil official.

There is a deep meaning in mentioning Qi Heng in front of Rong Fei.

When Rong Feiyan heard the word "young master", she lowered her head instantly.

Rong Feiyan glanced at her and smiled, "Then you are not late, so good."

After that, Madam Wu led the way and everyone went to the polo field.

At this moment, Princess Pingning and a group of ladies from high-ranking families were standing outside the polo field to welcome Rong Fei.

Rong Fei got off the imperial sedan chair.

Many young and beautiful women also walked out of the dozens of carriages behind her.

Princess Pingning glanced at the imperial chariot behind Concubine Rong, where Zhang Guifen and Minglan walked out, and smiled knowingly.

After a pause, everyone spoke to Concubine Rong one after another,

"Hello, Concubine Rong. It's rare for Concubine Rong to come today."

"Yes, it's been a long time since I saw Concubine Rong."

"."

After all, she is the emperor's woman.

Even if these noble ladies are usually arrogant, they have to bow their heads when they see Concubine Rong.

"Don't stand here, everyone, take a seat quickly."

Concubine Rong said, and glanced at Princess Pingning again,

"Princess, you came to the palace to say hello to the Queen a few days ago. I wanted to see you and talk to you, but I was delayed by other things."

Princess Pingning smiled and said, "I will go to the palace to say hello to you another day."

Concubine Rong smiled and nodded.

Then, she went to the main seat in the polo field.

Princess Pingning deliberately stopped and waited for Zhang Guifen and Minglan to come over. She stepped forward and said:

"The dress Miss Zhang is wearing today is really beautiful and worthy of you."

"I heard from Heng'er that Miss Ming has been studying very hard recently? Has her calligraphy reached a high level?"

Zhang Guifen responded first: "Princess, your complexion is getting better and better. I heard that the young master also participated in the polo competition. I believe he will win the first place today."

Just now, when Minglan heard the other party talking about her "calligraphy", her pretty face blushed.

"It's all the young master's praise. I don't know any calligraphy. I just wrote it casually."

Princess Pingning smiled and said, "Heng'er just wants to relax. As for the first place, let's give it to Gu Jiazi."

"Ming girl, as long as you are willing to practice more, you will eventually write well."

In fact, when Minglan practiced calligraphy to write letters to Wei Yuan, her handwriting was already good enough and definitely not ugly.

But she still felt ashamed whenever someone mentioned it.

At this time, Rong Fei, who was walking towards the main seat, looked back at Princess Pingning, frowned, and said:

"Duke Qi's Mansion also wants to participate in the shipping business?"

Rong Feiyan, who was standing by, lowered her voice and shook her head and said, "Sister, I have never heard of this."

Rong Fei said "Oh", and then asked, "Do Princess Pingning have a good relationship with Miss Zhang and the niece of Earl Zhongyong?"