Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Ba Qing smiled slightly and said in a calm and unhurried tone, "I dare not presume to offer my guidance. You are too kind, my esteemed guest. I am merely offering my humble opinion and making a fool of myself."

She paused for a moment, then slowly began to speak: "In my opinion, the way to admonish and restrain merchants across the land is not through empty rhetoric, but through establishing laws and regulations, ensuring that profit and righteousness go hand in hand, and having superiors set an example for subordinates."

"First, we must clearly define commercial laws and set clear bottom lines. Only with the strict laws of the Qin Dynasty can we refine the rules for merchants to conduct business, clearly define the regulations for merchants' profits and taxes, the circulation of goods, and cross-border trade, and explicitly prohibit the smuggling of prohibited goods, collusion with the enemy, and tax evasion. Violators will be severely punished."

Behind the screen, Han Fei nodded slightly and tapped his knee lightly with his fingers.

With laws in place and rewards and punishments clearly defined, merchants throughout the land know what is permissible and what is not. With laws to follow, they dare not act recklessly.

He looked up at the slender figure reflected on the screen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

This woman actually has such insightful views; he has underestimated her.

It's just that Zicheng can always see through people's hearts at a glance and accurately find talented people, while he couldn't even see through Zicheng's disguise in Korea.

Could it be—as the person next to him said, that he's putting himself on too high a pedestal?

Han Fei couldn't help but show a thoughtful expression.

"Secondly, reward righteous merchants to encourage people." Ba Qing continued: "For merchants who abide by the law, are devoted to their homeland, pay their taxes in full, and help the people of Qin, the court can reward them, or grant them honorary titles, reduce their taxes, or provide them with convenience in trade at passes and in the flow of goods, so that righteous and patriotic merchants can gain both fame and profit."

Yao Jia sat next to Han Fei, his hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and he almost couldn't help but cheer.

Remembering that he couldn't reveal his true intentions, he had no choice but to swallow back his words of praise along with his tea, nodding silently to himself.

People are driven by profit. If they know to keep to their duty and remember their country, they can gain the approval of the court and the respect of the people. This is far better than the petty gains of betraying the country for profit. Naturally, they will follow suit. The government will not need to say much. Merchants all over the world will rush to follow suit.

His gaze toward Ba Qing still held a hint of admiration.

This woman has a keen understanding of people's hearts!

I really wish I could have a chat with her and learn something from her, but...

Looking at the person named "Yao Jia" at the head of the table, Yao Jia couldn't help but feel aggrieved.

Zhou Neishi, when will you restore my "name"?

"Thirdly, use commerce to govern commerce, and adapt to local conditions." Ba Qing had already mentioned the third strategy: "There are many merchants in the world, and it is difficult for the court officials to manage them all. We can select upright and highly respected merchants from various places to serve as business leaders, assist the government in regulating local commerce, conveying national laws and regulations, and mediating disputes among merchants."

Fusu's eyes lit up as he listened, and he unconsciously nodded slightly, his fingertips pausing lightly on the table as he began to make plans in his mind.

Taking advantage of this trip, we can inspect merchants in various places along the way, select suitable business leaders as soon as possible, and implement this policy, which will also relieve my father's worries.

After all, the head of the merchant group must be a merchant himself, who knows the difficulties of doing business and the drawbacks of it. He can both restrain merchants on behalf of the government and plead their cases. This communication between the government and the merchants makes his restraint far more effective than the government's forceful control.

It seems that in the next few days, he will have to disguise himself, conceal his identity, and travel around more.

What was it called again? In the master's words, it was "going on a private visit incognito"?

"Fourth, educate merchants on the principles of commerce and instill them in their hearts." Ba Qing closed his fingers and looked at Zhou Wenqing's face: "The government can spread the idea that 'when the country prospers, commerce prospers' in the marketplace and among merchant guilds, so that merchants all over the world understand that only when the country is strong can they trade safely; when the country falls, no matter how rich the merchants are, they are nothing more than fish on the chopping block of other countries."

"Promoting education," Zhou Wenqing's gaze deepened, and he tapped the folding fan in his hand lightly.

He wondered if the university could add a business major to teach business principles and instill a sense of national responsibility.

Hmm, not bad. We could even follow the example of other subjects and set up assessments. Only those who pass the assessments can be issued business licenses, allowing them to participate in customs trade and even have the opportunity to cooperate with the government.

Over time, in order to seize opportunities, merchants will compete to obtain business licenses, thus embedding a sense of national responsibility into their hearts.

After finishing his final strategy, Ba Qing bowed slightly again, his tone humble yet confident: "I am but a commoner, a merchant who has spent many years in the business world. My observations and feelings are limited to this. The strategies I have discussed are all based on business principles. If there is anything inappropriate, I hope that the eldest son and Lord Yao will forgive me."

"Madam Qing is too modest." Zhou Wenqing looked directly into Ba Qing's eyes, his expression solemn and sincere: "Madam's arguments directly address the current problems, and the four strategies are interconnected, practical and feasible, which has greatly benefited Jia. When the delegation returns to Qin, we will report to His Majesty the truth, present Madam's foresight, and request that Madam be rewarded."

Ba Qing's eyes suddenly lit up, and she was secretly startled. She immediately stood up and bowed, her tone crisp and decisive, without the slightest hint of politeness or modesty:

"In that case, thank you very much for your kindness, sir!"

My original intention was simply to use this investment and effort to curry favor with the government and secure a safe haven for the Ba family caravan. If I could also establish connections with officials, that would be even better.

I never expected that I could rise to such heights and gain the opportunity to catch the king's eye. If I were to feign humility and refuse now, that would be utterly foolish.

This trip was totally worth it!

Ba Qingdu started thinking about whether he should go back and buy some century-old ginseng. Even if he didn't need it, it would be good to keep it as a sacred object. This stuff really has spiritual energy!

Zhou Wenqing smiled and nodded, then suddenly changed the subject: "However, there is still one matter that I am afraid I will need your help, Madam."

Without a second's hesitation, Ba Qing replied, "Please speak freely, my esteemed guest. I will do my utmost to assist you."

"As you just mentioned, you make a trip to Qi every spring and autumn. I imagine you know the mountains, rivers, passes, fortresses, supply stations, and even hidden water sources along the way very well."

Zhou Wenqing paused briefly, looking at her meaningfully. "To be honest, the delegation was attacked at Xiaoshan, and our guide was unfortunately killed. The journey to Qi is long, and I am very worried about not having someone familiar with the route to guide us. I wonder if you could find a guide for us, Madam?"

Ba Qing instantly understood the meaning behind Zhou Wenqing's words and immediately laughed, "What's so difficult about that? You don't need to look for anyone else, as long as you trust me—"

She turned her head to look at Aruo, who had been standing quietly beside her, her gaze gentle. "Aruo has been with me for many years. She knows the routes best, so it's most appropriate for her to lead the way."

"Madam is a woman of great wisdom and integrity; how could Jia not trust her?" Zhou Wenqing's gaze turned to Aruo as well. "I wonder if Miss Aruo would be willing?"

A'Ruo stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said firmly and decisively, "A'Ruo will follow the master's arrangements. As long as the guest elder does not mind, A'Ruo will do her utmost."

Zhou Wenqing nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Fusu.

Fusu immediately stood up, his wide sleeves fluttering slightly, and solemnly cupped his hands to Ba Qing, his gentle eyes full of sincere gratitude: "In that case, we will trouble Miss Aruo, and thank you also for Madam Qing's generous assistance in relieving the mission's urgent crisis."

"Young Master, you flatter me. I am also a Qin citizen, it is only my duty." Ba Qing returned the greeting calmly. "I will go and make arrangements now. I will have A'Ruo pack her travel gear and come to meet the delegation immediately to lead the way."

"Alright." Fusu smiled gently, raised his hand to gesture politely, and stepped aside to let her pass, showing impeccable manners. "Please take care, Madam."

Ba Qing nodded in acknowledgment, then turned around with Aruo and walked calmly out of the hall.

Only when the Qin guards on duty could no longer be seen did Ba Qing slowly stop and turn back to look in the direction of the courtyard where they had just held their meeting, her eyes flashing.

A'Ruo followed beside her, seeing Ba Qing stop in her tracks. She assumed Ba Qing had gained a lot and was in a great mood, and couldn't help but sigh softly, "Patriarch, you are truly amazing. And the eldest son and Guest Elder Yao are both very kind people."

Aruo had already mentally prepared herself for a tough battle, after all, the status of the eldest son and the guest minister was far inferior to theirs.

Upon hearing this, Ba Qing's lips curled into a meaningful smile, and he softly repeated, "Yes, Guest Elder Yao, very good..."

"Master, what did you say?" A'Ruo didn't hear clearly.

"It's nothing." Ba Qing turned and continued forward, saying softly as she walked, "I just thought it might be time to remove the ever-burning lamp in the meditation room."

A'Ruo, puzzled, quickly caught up: "But Master, the eternal lamp has burned for five or seven days, isn't it still a few days short?"

Ba Qing smiled without saying a word, but simply took A Ruo's hand and quickened her pace back.