You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

The Imperial Study remained warm, with the scent of ambergris mingling with the heat of the charcoal fire.

Minister of Works Shen Gaizheng, bowing with barely suppressed excitement, reported to Lu Zuobing behind the imperial desk about the small "disorder" that had occurred at the market that morning.

"Your Majesty, just as you predicted, those baskets of vegetables were sold out in less than half an hour, and the price has increased several times over."

"Those who didn't buy any were heartbroken, while those who did were overjoyed. The whole market was buzzing with discussion, marveling at the magic of the greenhouses and envying the opportunity that Qingxi Village had."

"By the time I return, the news will probably have spread throughout half of the capital."

Shen Gai spoke in a lighthearted tone, as if he had personally experienced the buying frenzy: "The vegetable farmers in Qingxi Village are probably going to have their doors worn down by the crowds."

Lu Zuo leaned back in his chair and nodded slightly: "Winter vegetables are valued for their rarity."

"That's human nature, and that's where the business opportunity lies."

"Minister Shen, tell me, who are the people in the capital with the most acute sense of smell right now?"

After a moment's thought, Shen replied, "Naturally... those wealthy merchants and the managers of various large households who handle procurement."

"They are well-informed and adept at scheming and pursuing profit."

"They're probably already inquiring about the greenhouse details and figuring out how to get a piece of the pie."

"good."

Lu Zuo: "The advantage of greenhouses lies in the glass."

"And the uses of glass go far beyond greenhouses."

"Shen Qing, return to the Ministry of Works immediately and issue a formal proclamation."

Shen Gai's expression hardened: "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

The proclamation stated: "The Ministry of Works will establish the 'Royal Glass Manufacturing Bureau,' under which will be a government-run glass workshop, specializing in the research and production of flat glass, tableware glass, and specialty glass."

Lu Zuo said, "However, in order to benefit the merchants and people and broaden the sources of income, private capital is specially permitted to invest."

"Anyone willing to invest will be granted the right to sell glass products in a corresponding region for a certain period of time, or the right of first refusal, depending on the amount of investment."

"The specific regulations shall be drafted by your Ministry of Works in conjunction with the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial City Guard, and the detailed rules shall be announced within three days."

Glass! Selling rights!

Shen Gai was taken aback at first, then, as if enlightened, his eyes suddenly lit up!

He got it!

It turns out that His Majesty went to great lengths, choosing Qingxi Village, which is skilled in growing vegetables, as a pilot village, and tacitly approving or even secretly promoting the spread of news that winter vegetables would be sold at high prices in the market. This was not only to verify the effectiveness of the greenhouse, nor was it solely to benefit one village!

This is……

This "winter miracle" is intended to serve as a living, impactful, and powerful example, paving the way for the large-scale production and commercialization of glass in the future!

The amazing effects of greenhouses are the most direct and irrefutable proof of the value of glass!

Those wealthy businessmen who acted on the whim saw more than just a few baskets of exorbitantly priced vegetables; they saw an immeasurable business opportunity hidden behind the glass...

Greenhouse cultivation, building windows and doors, utensils and tools, and even more mysterious uses!

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Shen Gai bowed deeply, completely convinced, his voice trembling with excitement: "This is a brilliant strategy that achieves multiple goals at once!"

"This would allow for the rapid raising of substantial funds from the public, accelerating the expansion of glass workshops and alleviating the financial strain on the imperial court."

"Furthermore, with the help of merchants, the profits from glass can be spread far and wide, benefiting the people."

"Furthermore, this new and profitable enterprise can attract more displaced artisans and provide them with a stable livelihood!"

"I will take care of it immediately!"

"We will definitely handle this matter perfectly!"

"Wait a minute." Lu Zuo called out to him, added some details, and then said, "Go, be quick and make a big splash."

Shen accepted the order and almost floated out of the imperial study, his mind already racing as he calculated the wording of the proclamation, the division of shares, the joint sale, and the details of rights and responsibilities...

......

No sooner had Shen left than Li Wenyuan, the Minister of Revenue, requested an audience.

Unlike Shen Gai's excitement, Li Wenyuan's face was etched with lingering worry.

After bowing, he couldn't wait to speak: "Your Majesty, the preparations for the Northern Expedition are numerous and complex, and everything requires money to pave the way."

"Although His Majesty has decided on a strategy of deploying elite troops, the cost of armor, bows and crossbows, horses, and rewards for fifty to sixty thousand elite soldiers, the transportation and storage of provisions along the way, the recruitment and wages of laborers, and the initial pacification efforts after the recapture of prefectures and counties will still be enormous."

"I have been calculating for several days, and even if all the proceeds from the confiscation of Buddhist temples and this year's autumn taxes are used, there will still be a huge shortfall."

"Your Majesty...when will the special funds be allocated?"

"I have absolutely no idea what to do."

He looked at the young emperor behind the imperial desk, feeling uneasy.

The Northern Expedition was a national policy, and he dared not neglect it, but even a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice.

Seeing his anxious expression, Lu Zuo said, "I will allocate seven million taels of silver from the Imperial Treasury to fund the Northern Expedition."

Seven million taels?

This is practically the entirety of the inner treasury!

Your Majesty is... going to give everything to support the Northern Expedition?

"His Majesty!"

"This is His Majesty's private property, accumulated over many years, intended for the important military and national affairs of the Northern Expedition. It is certainly... certainly due to His Majesty's public-spiritedness, but..."

Li Wenyuan was at a loss for words. It was unprecedented in history for an emperor to be so resolute in investing all his private wealth in the war.

"private property?"

"The entire world belongs to me; what distinction is there between public and private?"

"What use is so much money if the nation is not yet complete?"

"Minister Li, I'm entrusting this money to you."

"You must use this money wisely for me. Every tael of silver must be transformed into a sharp sword for the Northern Expedition, into food and clothing for the soldiers, and into hope for the recovery of our lost territories!"

"If anyone is found guilty of embezzlement, abuse of power, or waste of resources, I will hold them solely accountable!"

Li Wenyuan felt a surge of heat rush to his heart, and his eyes even felt hot.

He knelt down, lifted his robe, and kowtowed heavily, his voice firm and resolute: "Your subject, Li Wenyuan, kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your trust and favor!"

"I will personally oversee the management of these seven million taels of silver, ensuring that every single penny is used for the great cause of the Northern Expedition!"

"If anything goes wrong, I am willing to offer my head in retribution!"

Lu Zuo nodded and said, "Okay, go ahead."

"We will work closely with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works to draft a detailed budget and allocation plan as soon as possible."

Li Wenyuan kowtowed again. When he stood up, his back seemed much straighter than when he arrived, and the worry on his face was gone, replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility and high morale.

With this huge sum of money, many things that we dared not think about or could not do before can now be put on the agenda!

After Li Wenyuan left, the Imperial Study returned to silence.

Lu Zuo sat quietly for a moment, his gaze fixed on the hazy sky outside the window, and suddenly spoke: "Qingzhao."

Li Qingzhao, who had been standing quietly by her side, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty."

"I will be leaving the capital for a while today."

"Where is Your Majesty going? The Northern Expedition is imminent, and the capital..." A trace of worry flashed across Li Qingzhao's eyes.

"Go to Mount Song, Shaolin Temple." Lu Zuo interrupted her, his tone calm but unquestionable.

Shaolin Temple?

Li Qingzhao's mind raced.

Why does His Majesty suddenly want to go to Shaolin Temple in person?

Considering the recent crackdown and purge of Buddhism, the alleged collusion between Ciyun Temple and Tantric Buddhism, and the alleged filth and corruption at Shuiyue Nunnery...

Is Your Majesty about to take action against the ancestral temple of Buddhism?

Or... is there another motive?

She knew that His Majesty was a master of martial arts, but Shaolin Temple was no ordinary place. It was an ancient temple with a long history of martial arts. Were there any people in the temple who colluded with Tantric Buddhism?

Are they dissatisfied with the new policies of the imperial court? The risks of this journey are unpredictable.

"You shall temporarily take charge of state affairs while I am away from the capital."

Lu Zuo looked at her and said, "The daily affairs of the Six Ministries shall be handled by the Ministers of the respective Ministries in accordance with the existing regulations."

"For important memorials, you may review them first and add your comments. For urgent ones, send them to my temporary residence by express courier."

"If there are any major changes that make it impossible to make a decision, you may send a message to me by carrier pigeon."

Li Qingzhao bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I accept the decree."

"We must diligently perform our duties, stabilize the court, and await His Majesty's return."

Bookmark this page to continue reading "Wandering Among the Heavens as a Tyrant, You Don't Understand My Joy" anytime, anywhere.

"Your Majesty, please take good care of your health and be cautious in all matters."

Lu Zuo gave her a deep look, nodded, and said nothing more. He got up, changed into his black casual clothes, and left the imperial study.

Ten guards, dressed in plain clothes but exuding a sharp and composed aura, were already quietly waiting in the side hall.

Further away, the Imperial City Guard's three hundred most elite "secret guards" had already broken into smaller units and deployed in advance along various roads leading out of the capital and in the direction of Mount Song.

.....

In the afternoon, outside Zhengyang Gate of Yingtian Prefecture.

This is a major thoroughfare for entering and exiting the city, bustling with people. The notice board is always surrounded by a large number of people, whether literate or illiterate, who come to listen to the excitement.

An official from the Ministry of Works banged a gong to attract attention and then posted a large notice bearing the Ministry's bright red seal, the ink still wet.

Soon, a crowd of curious onlookers gathered around.

A literate scholar recited, swaying his head, "To promote industry and benefit the people, and to broaden the sources of wealth."

"A special Royal Glass Manufacturing Bureau will be established, allowing private capital to invest and enjoy corresponding sales rights or priority purchasing rights based on the amount of investment..."

"Hiss, glass?"

"Is it the kind of 'skylight' used in greenhouses?"

"Glass? That sounds interesting!"

"That kind used in greenhouses? That's a treasure! You can grow vegetables in winter!"

"Investment in companies? What does that mean?"

"Can we, the ordinary people, also contribute money?"

"The common people may contribute money, but the amount shall not be less than ten taels."

"Sale rights?"

"So, whoever gets this right can sell this glass?"

"Definitely!"

"If this glass can be used to build greenhouses, it must have other uses too. This business... is incredible!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, some marveling, some envious, and others making calculations.

A middle-aged man, about fifty years old and dressed in a decent blue satin robe, was just passing by when he heard the words "glass" and "greenhouse" and immediately stopped and squeezed to the front.

He carefully read the notice from beginning to end twice, his eyelids twitching repeatedly.

This man was Wu Fu, the chief steward in Beijing for Zhou Shichang, the owner of the famous silk merchant "Yufeng" in Jiangnan.

The owner, Zhou Shichang, had a very large business, involved in silk, tea, and canal transport, and was extremely well-informed.

The news that greenhouse-grown winter vegetables were selling for exorbitant prices was just relayed back to the mansion this morning by the shop assistant. The owner was quite amazed and instructed him to keep an eye on the "glass" business.

Unexpectedly, the Ministry of Works' announcement came out so quickly!

Moreover, it even allows private investors to invest and obtain the right to sell the shares!

Wu Fu's heart was pounding.

He had worked for the company for many years and was well aware of the huge business opportunities involved!

This is by no means just a novel commodity; it could very well be an industry that gives rise to new tycoons!

Moreover, it was an official new source of revenue spearheaded by the Ministry of Works and tacitly approved by the Emperor!

He could no longer stay still, and he didn't care about going back to his original job. He turned around, pushed through the crowd, and almost ran towards the large mansion that the Zhou family had purchased in the capital.

This news must be reported to the employer immediately, word for word!

If you're even a step too late, other equally astute tycoons might seize the opportunity!

The crowd still thronged the notice board, and the discussions about "glass" and "investment" spread like ripples on a lake, centered on the city gate and extending throughout the entire Yingtian Prefecture, and in all directions.

A new game of interests, spearheaded by the imperial court and pursued by capital, has quietly begun.

……

South of the city, the Zhou residence.

The facade of this five-courtyard mansion is not ostentatious, but the interior exudes the elegance and wealth of a Jiangnan garden.

The main hall was warmed by the burning of fine silver charcoal.

The head of the household, Zhou Shichang, was about forty years old. He had a fair complexion, three neatly trimmed short beards, and wore a casual sandalwood-colored straight robe. He was leisurely playing with a green parrot on the shelf.

Wu Fu rushed into the hall, almost panting. Without even wiping his sweat, he rattled off the contents of the Zhengyangmen proclamation and his own judgment, adding at the end:

"Master, this is a golden opportunity!"

"You've heard about glass, right? Growing vegetables in greenhouses—it's practically magical!"

"The Ministry of Works is opening up the market so we can all get rich together!"

"If our 'Yufeng' ship could secure the sales rights for one or two prefectures, this business would be..."

Zhou Shichang stopped teasing the parrot, turned around, and frowned slightly: "Wu Fu, did you see it clearly?"

Does the notice say "Sale of franchise rights," or... "Sale of rights"?

Wu Fu was taken aback, thought for a moment, and then said with certainty, "It's 'sale right'! And 'right of first refusal'."

"The scholar read it clearly, and I saw it clearly too. It was indeed 'sale rights,' and there was no word 'exclusive operation.'"

"Selling rights...not exclusive rights..." Zhou Shichang repeated in a low voice, a cold smile appearing on his lips.

"Ha, the imperial court... it wants the horse to run but doesn't want it to eat grass."

He turned around and looked at Wu Fu, who looked puzzled. "Wu Fu, think about it, what does it mean if it's just 'the right to sell'?"

"This means that as long as you can afford that 'share capital,' anyone can buy goods from the Ministry of Industry's glass workshop and then sell them on the market."

"People from Suzhou and Hangzhou can sell their goods here, people from Huai'an can sell their goods here, and even people from Lin'an can be brought to Yingtian."

"Will this glass still be a rare commodity then?"

"Can the seller still set the price?"

Wu Fu opened his mouth, as if he had thought of something, and his expression changed slightly.

"Without a monopoly, there is no profit margin," Zhou Shichang explained clearly. "If everyone can sell, competition will inevitably lead to thin profits."

"Moreover, the glassmaking formula and workshops are all controlled by the Ministry of Works. They decide how much to produce and at what price to sell it to us, and we have to accept that."

"If you can buy goods for ten taels of silver today, but tomorrow the Ministry of Works lowers its costs, or to raise more money, it might sell them to another company for eight taels. Will your goods still be worth anything then?"

He walked back to the main seat, picked up the perfectly warm teacup, and gently blew on it: "The court's move, seemingly to benefit the people, is actually a scheme to get something for nothing."

"They lacked money, they lacked the funds for the Northern Expedition, they lacked the resources to implement the new policies, and they did not want to increase taxes on the people."

"They created this glass gimmick, and then used the greenhouse winter vegetables to create hype, luring us 'profit-seekers' to open our wallets and help them pay the huge sums of money for the initial expansion of their workshops."

"Once our money becomes their kilns, craftsmen, and raw materials, whether or not we can make money in this glass business, and how much we can make, will no longer be up to us."

Wu Fu broke out in a cold sweat, his earlier excitement and feverish head instantly cooling down: "Master is wise!"

"It was my fault for being foolish; I only saw the profit and didn't understand the key to this!"

"Then... about our 'Yu Feng'..."

"Not at all." Zhou Shichang took a sip of tea. "At least, not now."

"Not only will we not go out, but you should also secretly pass on the word to a few familiar businesses, such as Mr. Liu of Chen's Silk Shop and Mr. Zhao of Tonghai Shipping Company."

"Does the Ministry of Works think we're fools to try and swindle our hard-earned money with just a 'right to sell'?"

"If none of us contribute any money, do you think the imperial court will get anxious?"

"If the glass business wants to grow, it can't do without businesses like ours that truly have channels and strength."

"When they realize they can't attract merchants, can't raise funds, and the Ministry of Works can't keep going..."

He put down his teacup, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "When the time comes, they'll be the ones who'll be worried."

"Want money?"

"Fine, but trade it for a real 'franchise'!"

"We'll only make a big bet if we secure exclusive sales rights for a prefecture or even a whole region, set clear profit sharing and rules."

"Now?"

"snort!"