Read Novel Full Chapter 826 - 6: Turning Sea Salt into Fine Salt
Chapter 826: Chapter 6: Turning Sea Salt into Fine Salt
In the past few days, Zhao Yao’s small court has basically set up all the official appointments. The remaining Chief of Staff positions in the Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of War have also been arranged.
The Minister of Rites is an old acquaintance, Mr. Xiao.
When Zhao Yao was very young, he recruited Mr. Xiao and even had Mr. Xiao bring his friends to Lingnan.
Mr. Xiao’s friends are all very talented and possess good character. Before coming to Lingnan, they taught orphans at Jisheng Hall in the capital. The students they educated were all outstanding and have come to Lingnan as well, now holding official positions.
With the small court set up, Zhao Yao became something of a hands-off manager. He instructed Wen Daoji to only seek him for major matters beyond their decision-making capacity, otherwise they should handle things themselves. Of course, after handling matters, they should report to him.
Although Zhao Yao does not manage the court affairs, he still has other tasks to attend to, and quite a lot. He leaves early and returns late every day, so sometimes He Lianfang wants to find him but cannot.
On this particular day, Zhao Yao didn’t go out and stayed at the Prince Mansion.
Upon learning Zhao Yao hadn’t gone out, He Lianfang was about to seek him out, but Mr. Xiao beat her to it.
Mr. Xiao, appointed Minister of Rites by Zhao Yao, has been busy with various affairs for the Ministry of Rites over this period, but some matters remain undecided, prompting him to seek counsel from Zhao Yao.
In the study, Mr. Xiao first reported the Ministry of Rites’ affairs from recent days to Zhao Yao.
After listening, Zhao Yao nodded with satisfaction, "Sir, you have arranged the Ministry of Rites quite well. Are there any other issues you need my assistance with?"
"Your Highness, I heard you plan to invite foreign merchants to the Swamp Prefecture next year for business. I want to ask how you intend to host them?" Mr. Xiao felt this matter should be arranged in advance so that when guests arrive, they would not be in a rush or lack decorum. "Your Highness, only merchants, no foreign officials, princes, or princesses?"
Zhao Yao thought for a moment and said, "I will write to invite officials and royal families from Annan, Siam, Lusong, etc., to the Swamp Prefecture. However, as this Prince Han lacks favor with my father, they might not respond. But the merchants will certainly come; they will not pass up the chance to earn money."
Mr. Xiao asked, "And with what level of hospitality should we receive them?"
"No need for excessive warmth; just treat them like ordinary guests," Zhao Yao emphasized sternly, "Although I offer them discounts, it does not mean I’m begging them to do business. Let’s not let them underestimate me as Prince Han, but we should also showcase our Great Zhou’s national prestige."
Mr. Xiao further asked, "If foreign officials and royal families do come, how should we receive them? The same way the court previously hosted foreign dignitaries?"
"Then follow the court’s standards," Zhao Yao replied, not too familiar with how the royal court entertained foreign royal members, looking at Mr. Xiao for his opinion, "Mr. Xiao, do you know what the court’s standards are like?"
"Rest assured, Your Highness, I know," Mr. Xiao thought briefly, then said, "Your Highness, regarding how to host foreign guests, I will draft a proposal for you to review and see if it’s suitable."
Zhao Yao nodded and said, "Good."
"Your Highness, next year you are inviting foreign guests to the Swamp Prefecture, but Swamp Prefecture lacks a dedicated hostel for hosting foreign guests like in the capital." Swamp Prefecture is missing several things, "Previously, those foreign merchants stayed in rudimentary inns. Now that you formally invite them as guests, there should be a decent hostel."
Zhao Yao hadn’t considered this aspect. Because he had too much to handle, he hadn’t been able to address it until now.
"It seems a hostel needs to be built." There’s yet another area to spend money on.
"Your Highness, speaking of the hostel, there is one more thing I need to discuss with you."
Zhao Yao observed Mr. Xiao’s face suddenly become serious, his heart skipped with concern, and quickly said, "Please go ahead, sir."
"Your Highness, you should know the hostel’s function; it’s not only for hosting foreign guests but also handling mail duties."
Zhao Yao nodded, "Yes, sir. Are you suggesting the hostel in Lingnan is inadequate?"
"I investigated earlier; Lingnan’s twelve prefectures’ hostels were all inherited from the previous dynasty. Since Great Zhou was established, Lingnan’s hostels have not been renovated, so they’re very dilapidated." The hostel is very important and must be prioritized. "I also discovered that Lingnan’s hostels have long been appropriated as private hostels by local officials, often transporting their personal belongings. Smuggling was initially carried out through the hostel."