The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 360: Reform (7)_1

Chapter 360: Chapter 360: Reform (7)_1

Under the candlelight, the family heads were laughing wildly and arrogantly, oblivious to the fact that everything they discussed would soon be reported to Chu Suifeng after they dispersed.

"Your Highness, they dare to delay their taxes!" A military general angrily stood up and said, "Are we to let them continue to play dumb?"

"What business does the Zhang family control?" Chu Suifeng asked. Since he was resolute in managing the Northern Land properly, how could he let a few people ruin his plans? Aristocratic families? At best, they were just wealthy upstarts who hid behind their silver, thinking they were the greatest in the world.

This time, he, Chu Suifeng, would teach these people a lesson.

"Hold off for now. If they refuse to pay taxes, we’ll close down their shops." Chu Suifeng answered.

"Your Highness, this may not be wise." One of his strategists put forward his concerns, "The Northern Land lacks grain, and the Zhang family controls most of it. If all the aristocrats stop their businesses, it will inevitably lead to chaos."

"No matter, if they don’t want to do business properly, we’ll replace them." Si Jinhan responded with a cold laugh, "So long as His Highness gives someone else a chance, someone will definitely replace these troublesome people."

"If the old don’t go, how will the new come?" Chu Suifeng thought out loud, a figure appearing in his mind.

"Are you interested in other businesses?" The next day, in the study, Chu Suifeng asked Lin Ziyin a question as soon as they met.

"What business is Your Highness referring to?" Lin Ziyin asked.

"Grain, cloth, tea, anything sold in the market, you can pick a few and try." Chu Suifeng answered casually.

"Is someone causing trouble for Your Highness?" Lin Ziyin was more direct.

"You could say that." Chu Suifeng nodded.

"Your Highness doesn’t have to worry." Lin Ziyin laughed, "A country cannot grow if it isolates itself from the world. The large families in Feng City have dared to confront you solely because they control the market. If you break their monopoly, what can they do?"

"Breaking a monopoly is not an overnight task, and I have not yet found suitable replacements." Chu Suifeng said thoughtfully.

"With so many merchants coming and going in Feng City, are you worried about not finding replacements?" Lin Ziyin spoke from the standpoint of a friend, "Your Highness could encourage these traveling merchants to establish themselves here. While they are not from the Northern Land and might face various inconveniences, don’t forget they have substantial backing, their own supply chains, and their own networks. As long as they receive favorable conditions and benefits, they won’t overlook any opportunity."

Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan nodded; it was indeed so. Merchants were driven by profits. As long as enough incentives were provided, there was little fear of not finding suitable replacements.

"If Your Highness wants to play it safe, you could also start with the smaller elite families, encouraging them to collaborate with these traveling merchants. This way, during the transition between the old and the new, you will undoubtedly be the beneficiary." Lin Ziyin continued. In her opinion, competition leads to pressure.

The stubborn old families in Feng City who had been reaping benefits for years while trying to control Chu Suifeng were simply dreaming.

Though Chu Suifeng hadn’t tackled these people over the years, according to Lin Ziyin’s analysis, it wasn’t because he was too soft nor because he was incapable, but because he hadn’t found the right opportunity.

With the Imperial Court now cutting off Chu Suifeng’s support and her being this atypical catalyst, Chu Suifeng has been forced to accelerate his reforms. Without much thought, Lin Ziyin could guess that Chu Suifeng was determined to implement a series of reforms.

The Northern Land might undergo earth-shattering changes soon.

"What would happen if the Imperial Court cut off trade here?" Chu Suifeng asked.

"Then it will depend on how determined Your Highness is." Lin Ziyin said with a smile, "For a region to be peaceful, the needs of the people for food, clothing, and shelter need to be catered to. If Your Highness can handle these areas, even if someone cuts off trade routes, what impact could it have on the Northern Land? After all, the unique advantage of Feng City is that it’s a trading hub. Even if we lose the Imperial Court’s trade route, there are still merchants from other nations willing to come by sea. It’s just that Your Highness shouldn’t focus solely on land but also pay attention to waterways."