diskusbooks Chapter 957 Hibiscus Fragrance
Chapter 957 Hibiscus Fragrance
Today's morning court session was no different from usual, with the same old political affairs, mainly the reports from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites.
The Ministry of Revenue was responsible for important financial matters such as taxation, and had a lot to do throughout the year, rarely having a moment to rest. The Ministry of Rites was responsible for many things that needed attention and preparation as the imperial examination was approaching.
In comparison, there wasn't much to do at the Privy Council, so Zhang Ping'an had a relatively leisurely time.
During his free time, he glanced up and noticed that Zhou Pu's complexion was exceptionally rosy and his eyes were bright. He looked great, as if he had returned to his state six or seven years ago, which startled him.
He had seen people become younger when they were in high spirits during happy events; it did seem to give them a temporary rejuvenation. But nothing major had happened in the court these past two days, and such a big change after only one day was almost unbelievable. He wanted to rub his eyes and make sure he was sure.
Zhou Pu himself probably sensed it too, and was in a very good mood. This morning at court, he unusually refrained from losing his temper with the ministers, and remained amiable throughout the entire morning session.
Originally, Green Bean Eyes planned to discuss the matter of Hibiscus Ointment with Zhang Ping'an in detail after the court session. However, just before the court session ended, Zhou Pu, who was sitting on the dragon throne at the head of the table, suddenly brought up the matter himself.
For a moment, the beady-eyed man thought he had misheard and that his true feelings had been spoken aloud.
Upon closer listening, I realized it wasn't a hallucination.
Some court officials didn't know what this was and waited for His Majesty to continue, their faces showing no particular expression.
Other well-informed senior officials from prominent families, as well as those who knew the inside story, such as Zhang Ping'an, all had solemn expressions.
Zhou Pu didn't think it was a big deal and continued, "This hibiscus fragrance was transported from Japan, Russia, Ryukyu and other places. According to quality, it is divided into three grades: superior, medium and inferior. The superior grade is called hibiscus fragrance, and the medium and inferior grades are called hibiscus ointment. I heard that it is now sold in medical clinics and pharmacies in various parts of the capital. The people have given positive feedback and call it a miracle drug."
As my beloved ministers know, I have been suffering from headaches for the past few years and have been unable to sleep at night. It was only after Lord Fan presented this item that I realized there was such a wonderful thing in the world. Such a thing should rightfully be enjoyed by the inner court first, but since it has already spread among the people, I have always loved the people like my own children, so naturally I will not forcibly monopolize it.
However, this morning I received news that two boatloads of hibiscus incense were deliberately destroyed at a dock outside the capital. The perpetrator came prepared and left few traces, causing significant losses to the businesses. The Prefectural Magistrate of the Capital is currently investigating the case, and I thought I would take this opportunity to discuss the hibiscus incense matter.”
Upon hearing the tone of the conversation, Grand Tutor Qian sensed something was amiss and tentatively asked, "Your Majesty means..."
Zhou Pu said, “My idea is that since this Hibiscus Ointment and Hibiscus Fragrance are inexpensive and effective medicines, they should be promoted throughout the country, just like sweet potatoes and Annam rice, to benefit the people and relieve them of the worry of medical expenses. However, this is something that a single business can hardly accomplish on its own. Therefore, I want the imperial merchant Ge family, the wealthy Qiao family from Shanxi, and the wealthy Wu family from Shandong to join forces in operating this business.”
Zhang Ping'an felt a wave of dizziness. Was this some kind of fear that his throne was too secure?
"Your Majesty, I have something to report regarding the Hibiscus Elixir!"
"Prelude!"
Zhang Ping'an took a breath, trying to make his tone as innocuous as possible. "Your Majesty, my father has recently been suffering from a leg ailment. We consulted a renowned physician in the capital, who happened to mention the currently popular Hibiscus Ointment. Judging from both its efficacy and the reactions after use, this Hibiscus Ointment is very similar to the Five-Stone Powder from the previous dynasty. In my humble opinion, this product probably needs further verification. It wouldn't be too late to have several major merchants jointly promote it after it has been verified!"
Zhou Pu raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, unconcerned: "I am also well-versed in history books, and naturally know that the harm caused by Five-Stone Powder was considerable. However, Hibiscus Fragrance and Five-Stone Powder are two different things and should not be confused. Nor should we reject new things because of the harm caused by Five-Stone Powder in the previous dynasty."
If this stuff were truly harmful, why would countries like Russia, Japan, and Ryukyu encourage their people to cultivate it so extensively? They don't focus on growing grains, but instead cultivate crops for making hibiscus incense, indicating they've realized its benefits!
Zhang Pingan: ………
“Those who are not of our kind are sure to have different hearts. They are now dumping so much hibiscus ointment into our Great Zhou, and it is definitely not just to exchange it for grain and silver from us. Moreover, they are not selling it elsewhere, nor are they going north. They are only selling it here. This is enough to make us wary!”
After saying these words, Zhou Pu was visibly displeased.
Seeing this, Minister Fan stepped forward and added fuel to the fire, "Your Majesty, I am the Minister of Revenue. Why not let me personally handle the matter of the joint venture between these major merchants? Others may not understand Your Majesty's good intentions, but I do. Your Majesty has always loved the people like your own children and is a wise ruler for all ages. Such miraculous medicines have always been exclusive to the palace. Now Your Majesty is willing to spend a great deal of national resources to promote them throughout the country. This is truly a holy act that will benefit future generations!"
Zhang Ping'an knew that he had been outmaneuvered by Minister Fan.
He really didn't expect this person to be so blatant and act so quickly, presenting Zhou Pu with a purer hibiscus fragrance right when the hibiscus cream was first launched.
Judging from Zhou Pu's mental state during the morning court session, he was clearly very satisfied with the effects of the hibiscus incense. Once the emperor approves, anything else he says will be much easier to achieve.
In other words, it's a form of brainwashing!
Zhang Ping'an estimated that Zhou Pu was already convinced that this was a good thing, and no matter what his ministers said, they wouldn't listen to him for the time being.
He may have genuinely wanted to do something beneficial for the country and its people, but he really shouldn't have acted so hastily.
Seeing that the delaying tactic was ineffective and had even displeased Zhou Pu, they realized that the plan was not working and had only angered him.
Grand Tutor Qian stepped forward and said a few words to smooth things over: "His Majesty has always been diligent in governing and loves the people. He must think that this measure is beneficial to the people. However, Minister Fan is a minister with many official duties on weekdays and is really unable to handle it. It would be better to entrust this matter to a younger official, which would also be a kind of training."
"Oh? In Grand Tutor Qian's opinion, who would be more suitable to handle this matter?" Zhou Pu asked, still giving him some face.
Grand Tutor Qian replied calmly, "This old minister recommends Lord Ge Li!"
The green-bean-eyed boy's eyes widened in surprise, wondering how this melon had suddenly fallen on his head.
Before he could step forward and politely decline, Zhou Pu made the final decision: "Alright, then this matter will be handled by Minister Ge."