flstandardbreds Chapter 153 The Role of the Government
Chapter 153 The Role of the Government
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Liu Ye replied, "As long as the governor waives the fees these merchants incur after entering the city, it's still a good deal for them. They'll do the math themselves, and there shouldn't be any backlash. Even if some foolish ones try to be the first to stick their necks out, I'm not afraid. As for Zheng Zhilong..." Liu Ye said in a deep voice, "I can keep to myself, but if he wants to meddle and interfere in Guangdong's affairs... I can eliminate Liu Xiang, so naturally I won't be afraid of him." Although his current naval strength is insufficient to contend with Zheng Zhilong, he cannot lose in terms of momentum; he must give the governor confidence in him.
After considering it for a long time, Mu Tianyan finally gave an ambiguous answer: "I understand. You may go back for now, and I will think about it."
Liu Ye was surprised that Mu Tianyan was still so hesitant even after all this. Just as he was about to persuade her in one go, Mu Tianyan picked up her teacup.
It was time to serve tea and see him off. To continue arguing would be ungrateful. Liu Ye swallowed the words he was about to say and rose to take his leave. As he reached the door, Mu Tianyan said, "Don't worry about the shipwright and the timber. Tell the gatekeeper where you're staying, and I'll send someone to find you with my warrant."
Liu Ye bowed respectfully and replied, "This humble official awaits good news."
Stepping out of the governor's office, Liu Ye felt a cool breeze that cleared his head somewhat, and he slightly regretted that he had been too hasty. It was only their first meeting; offering generous gifts and building rapport was enough. Being able to open a factory in Guangzhou and source timber and shipwrights was already an unexpected bonus. To then ask for the establishment of a tax checkpoint before a deeper level of trust had been built was rather presumptuous. No wonder Mu Tianyan, though clearly interested, hadn't made a decision.
"To speak too frankly with someone you don't know well is too hasty!" Liu Ye rubbed his face. This matter was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it was too important, so he decided to proceed slowly.
The next day, a staff member from the governor's office came to Liu Ye's door, saying that he had been ordered by the governor to assist Liu Ye in handling matters related to shipwrights and timber.
Although the details of the trading port weren't finalized immediately, the ability to leverage the government's resources to gather shipwrights and suitable timber within Guangdong was a significant achievement. Liu Ye, in a good mood, asked the advisor, "May I ask your name, sir?"
"Student Lü Yizhong."
Liu Ye was unaware that Lü Yizhong was a confidant of the former governor, Wang Zunde. When Wang Zunde was determined to suppress Bo Fu, Lü Yizhong had been fanning the flames, acting as an accomplice. The closure of shops was also orchestrated by Lü Yizhong. After Wang Zunde was dismissed and returned to his hometown, Lü Yizhong immediately sought new connections, approaching the newly appointed governor, Mu Tianyan. Mu Tianyan had few capable advisors during his tenure as provincial governor, but after becoming governor, his power and responsibilities increased significantly, and he needed someone familiar with the Guangdong bureaucracy to assist him. The two sides quickly reached an agreement.
Although it was their first meeting, and he didn't know Lü Yizhong's background, Lü Yizhong knew him very well; his former employer had been dismissed because of him. If it were any other military general, Lü Yizhong wouldn't have taken him seriously, but Liu Ye was different. His victories in the battles of Qiongzhou and Guangzhou had earned him a formidable reputation, directly leading to the dismissal of the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi. Even if Lü Yizhong had two lives, he wouldn't dare treat such a figure like any other military general, and would have to be extremely careful in dealing with him.