Chapter 28: The Struggle for Interests at Court

As Zhou Shun and Li Hua departed from the capital, in the imperial palace’s main hall, someone could no longer contain themselves and once again directed accusations at the Prince of Yan.

Since Zhou Shun and Li Hua had delivered the letter into the palace, the emperor had spent the night at Qingxin Palace. That very night, news reached the Crown Prince’s residence and the Prince Qi’s manor. Although the exact contents of the letter were unknown, it was generally inferred to be related to the fine salt trade.

Naturally, the Xue, Zhang, and Dai families, who controlled the salt mining business, would no longer allow such developments to proceed unchecked.

On the court dais, a man slowly stepped forward from the ranks and bowed to Emperor Zhao Wuji seated on the throne. “Your Majesty, Left Vice Minister of Personnel, Xue Kui, has a memorial to present.”

Zhao Wuji furrowed his brow but did not look at Xue Kui. Instead, his gaze swept over Minister of Revenue Xue Qing and Minister of Personnel Meng Xiangli, who supported Prince Qi Zhao Tong and Crown Prince Zhao Chong respectively. The two cunning old foxes lowered their eyes.

Often, ministers would not present matters directly but would have their vice ministers do so, stepping forward themselves only when the emperor was uncertain, to offer reasonable counsel.

Zhao Wuji withdrew his gaze and looked at Xue Kui. “Minister Xue, what is your memorial about?”

“Your Majesty, I impeach Prince Yan, Zhao Bin. The Prince of Yan has been illegally producing salt in Yan City and selling large quantities to the northern nomadic tribes. Since the founding of our Great Xia, the laws have clearly forbidden the private sale of salt and iron to northern nomads. The Prince’s actions disregard the law and imperial authority, constituting a grave offense. I implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly.”

No sooner had Xue Kui finished speaking than several others stepped forward.

“Right Vice Minister of Personnel Zhang Ju concurs.”

“Left Vice Minister of Punishments Pan Ling concurs.”

“Left Vice Minister of Works Dai Jinde concurs.”

“Minister...”

In no time, seven or eight officials stood in the center of the hall, either descendants of the three great families serving as officials or their vassals.

Zhao Wuji showed no anger; he had long anticipated this matter would be exploited.

He said nothing but scanned the other officials, his gaze lingering briefly on Minister of War Fang Shutong and Minister of Works Liu Wenda.

These seasoned court veterans were well aware of the emperor’s intentions. They knew that the Prince of Yan had devised a method to produce salt from seawater and exchanged it for large numbers of cattle, sheep, and horses. The three great families had remained silent thus far, thinking it premature to speak out. Now that the matter was public and the emperor had not yet pronounced judgment, that was tantamount to tacit approval.

Year after year, watching the three great families reap vast profits from the salt trade, the emperor naturally felt displeased, and other families were filled with jealousy.

Minister of War Fang Shutong cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I have also heard of this matter. However, I understand that the Prince of Yan is not trading salt for personal wealth but exchanging it for cattle, sheep, and horses. Moreover, the Prince has not claimed these animals for himself but distributed them to the people of Yan City for farming, herding, and reclaiming wasteland, thus restoring livelihoods.

“Though this action has drawbacks, it also carries benefits. Additionally, some of the warhorses have been given to the Yan City garrison, with others already sent to the capital.”

At this moment, Dai Yan stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Minister Fang’s words are inappropriate. To say the Prince of Yan is not trading salt is absurd.

“The nomadic tribes barter goods; is bartering not a form of trade? This violates national law and sacrifices the greater good for small gains.

“If we change the law for mere tens of thousands of livestock, will it not destabilize the foundation of the state? What if everyone imitates this in the future?”

“I concur. This concerns national law and must be strictly punished to set an example.”

As soon as Dai Yan finished, the Minister of Revenue stood up.

The salt matter involved the Zhang, Xue, and Dai families. Despite their competing ambitions for the throne, they unanimously opposed anyone else encroaching on their market.

Zhao Wuji sat expressionless on the dragon throne, inwardly troubled. “That old bastard Xue Qing is as devious as ever, immediately elevating the matter to a higher level, just like back then.”

Xue Qing, the Zhang, and Fang families had once supported him. Xue Qing was also his father-in-law. However, their alliance had an expiration date; now they were adversaries.

Xue Qing aimed to cultivate new agents for the Xue family’s future, backing another prince to ensure their influence grew. Zhao Wuji naturally did not wish to see any great clan become too powerful, threatening imperial authority or even supplanting it.

As Zhao Wuji pondered, Minister of Works Liu Wenda stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I believe Ministers Fang, Dai, and Xue all have valid points.

“First, the Prince of Yan’s method of producing salt from seawater greatly increases salt output, alleviating Great Xia’s shortage of salt—a remarkable achievement.

“Second, the Prince’s private sale of salt to foreign tribes is a serious crime.

“Third, the cattle and sheep received in exchange were distributed to the people, not hoarded, showing no selfish intent. The labor shortage in Yan City has been resolved; these animals can breed naturally, eliminating the need for further exchanges with the Xianbei tribes.

“The salt is consumed quickly and does not threaten the state’s foundation. Your Majesty may decree that the Prince must cease private sales to foreigners and submit the salt production method to the court as an act of atonement.”

Liu Wenda’s intention was not to protect the Prince of Yan but to ensure the salt production method reached the court, and thus the Ministry of Revenue.

Left Vice Minister Liu Shangjin of the Ministry of Revenue was a scion of the Liu family. If the method reached the Ministry, it would fall into the Liu family’s hands. Although Xue Qing was Minister of Revenue, the Xue family lacked coastal territory, while the Liu family, bordering the coast, would be the ultimate beneficiaries.

After hearing Liu Wenda’s memorial, Zhao Wuji understood his subtle calculation, but it was irrelevant.

A faint, barely perceptible smile appeared on Zhao Wuji’s lips, and he said, “Hmm, your excellencies all speak with reason. The laws must not be disregarded. The Prince of Yan engaged in unauthorized trade with foreigners and must be severely punished...”

At this, the officials of the Xue, Zhang, and Dai families in the hall showed a flicker of joy. But before they could celebrate, Zhao Wuji shifted his tone and continued:

“However, the Prince’s method of producing salt from seawater is unprecedented, greatly easing our salt shortage.

“Moreover, the livestock acquired have been distributed to the people, demonstrating his compassion.

“By imperial decree: order the Prince of Yan to submit the salt production method to the court, reflect in seclusion, and thoroughly study the laws of Great Xia.”

“Your humble servant obeys,” came a bowed response.

Just as Zhao Wuji finished, Right Vice Minister of Personnel Zhang Ju knelt, kowtowing repeatedly. “Your Majesty, this is unacceptable. How can seawater salt be consumed? The people of Great Xia have always eaten mined or well salt. Never seawater salt! Moreover, seawater salt is dangerous and could kill people.”

Minister of Personnel and Left Vice Minister Xue Kui quickly echoed his concern.

Minister of Rites Zhao Ren spoke softly, “Surely the Prince of Yan has considered this problem, or else the Xianbei would repeatedly exchange for seawater salt.

“Furthermore, this can be tested on a select group of people. If no one dies, it proves the salt is indeed edible.”

“But...” Zhang Ju was about to object further.

A cold glint flashed in Zhao Ren’s eyes as he bluntly asked, “Minister Zhang, are you afraid that seawater salt will threaten your family’s mined salt business and thus obstruct the matter?”

Though Minister of Rites Zhao Ren wielded little actual power, he was the emperor’s paternal uncle—the younger brother of the previous emperor’s wet nurse. He rarely spoke but could say whatever he wished without fear.

Such was the unspoken rule among court officials: everyone knew the three families’ motives but dared not say so openly. They contended openly and covertly but never tore the curtain aside.

But no one could challenge the emperor’s uncle. Zhang Ju was caught off guard by Zhao Ren’s ruthless tactic.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince stepped in to smooth things over. “Minister Zhang surely only wishes to protect the people’s welfare. Your Majesty, please do not misunderstand. Since the father has already decided, naturally we shall follow his decree.”

The matter was now clear; everyone had laid their cards on the table. The Crown Prince’s support meant the other families had no choice but to withdraw grudgingly to their places. The matter was settled: the Prince of Yan’s merits and faults balanced, and he was ordered to reflect on his errors.

With the decision made, the next question was who would take over the salt production. This was not up for debate—it must be the Ministry of Revenue.

Xue Qing spoke again, “Your Majesty, now that the matter is settled, the Ministry of Revenue will promptly arrange personnel to manage it.”

Zhao Wuji, however, smiled wryly and said, “For now, the Ministry will not handle this. I intend to establish a new agency, the Salt Industry Bureau. Your Imperial Uncle, let my fourth brother Zhao Wuzheng manage it.

“In the past, my fourth brother accompanied me on the campaign and lost an arm. Since then, he has refused official posts. I have felt guilty. Let this agency not be part of the governmental bureaucracy but temporarily be set up as a royal institution.”

Zhao Wuzheng was Zhao Ren’s son. When he accompanied Zhao Wuji on campaign, he lost his arm.

According to Great Xia law, the physically impaired cannot hold office. Thus, Zhao Wuzheng was not unwilling but simply unable to serve.

“Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty.”

By this point, everyone was stunned. It had all been a staged performance for the emperor. The Liu family did not gain the imagined benefit, and the Zhang, Xue, and Dai families reluctantly accepted the outcome. Fortunately, the coastal families Fang and Liu had not gained entry; otherwise, the impact on them would have been greatest.