The Human Emperor (1-200)

C97: Tariffs!

“Grandfather and elders, I have another matter I would like to talk about.”

Walking toward Elder Ye, Wang Chong didn’t sit down immediately.

“Oh?”

The elders turned to look at him.

“Young Master Chong, feel free to speak your mind.”

By his side, ‘Duke of Hu’ said. He had a favorable impression of this young grandson of Duke Jiu.

“Even though the royal court refused to ban the sales of steel equipment and salt, there is another method to reduce the amount of steel equipment that the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate obtains. Furthermore, the entire royal court will definitely pass the motion swiftly.”

Wang Chong calmed himself before speaking.

Cousin Wang Li’s complexion was already awful after having his spotlight stolen from him. Upon hearing Wang Chong bring up the issue of the steel equipment which he failed to tackle at previously, his face became so dark that it seemed as though ink would drip from it.

Wasn’t he intentionally humiliating him in public?

“Young Master Chong, what is the method you speak of?”

Everyone immediately asked curiously. The Sage Emperor’s intentions on the matter couldn’t be any clearer, it was impossible for a ban of any kind to be established. He wouldn’t sour trading relations over the sales of steel equipment.

The reason why he chose to keep silent about the matter was also for the same reason.

Yet, Wang Chong said that there was a method to reduce the sales of steel equipment that the royal court would pass. The attention of the elders was immediately piqued.

“Chong-er. don’t spout rubbish! Everyone here is a veteran, and if you don’t know about the matters of the royal court, don’t utter nonsense!”

Wang Chong’s big uncle warned him with a steeled face.

Wang Gen held complicated emotions toward Wang Chong. On one hand, the more outstanding Wang Chong performed, the more unlikely Li-er would succeed his father’s standing and influence.

But on the other, Wang Chong didn’t just represent himself before his father’s old subordinates. He represented the entire Wang Clan. There was already no hope for Wang Li, Wang Fu was insufficiently capable, and Wang Bei was already ruined. If Wang Chong were to fail as well, the old subordinates, students, and old acquaintances of his father would surely start taking the Wang Clan lightly.

The animals of the forest would be willing to submit to the ferocious tiger, but it wouldn’t submit to a mere dog!

Wang Chong’s previous performance was so outstanding that he wasn’t able to pick any flaws with his words. At this moment, all he feared was Wang Chong misspeaking. Given Wang Chong’s lack of understanding of the royal court, it was highly likely for his words to fall through. If so, all of his accomplishments before would be canceled out, and he would return back to square one.

“Eldest gongzi, it’s a good thing that Young Master Chong has his own initiative. Allow him to speak!”

‘Elder Ma’ said.

Those present here were all veterans, how could they not tell what Wang Gen was thinking of? Wang Chong was only fifteen, and he wasn’t old enough to access the matters of the royal court yet. Furthermore, Wang Yan was a general by the border, so it was impossible for him to teach him.

This was the reason why the elders here wanted to see how much weight this fifteen-year-old child could pull.

“Chong-er, don’t worry, feel free to speak. Even if it doesn’t work out, no one will blame you!”