You're Not Fit for the Ministry of Revenue

After speaking, Guo Tianyang began examining the ministers who were getting their vision tested. He asked in surprise, "So many people, all buying glasses?"

Fang Zheng stood up and nodded, then snatched the bank notes from Li Yuanzhao's hand.

Li Yuanzhao tried to dodge, but Fang Zheng's technique was too slick, giving him no time to react.

Seeing the bank notes he had been collecting suddenly gone, Li Yuanzhao looked at Fang Zheng resentfully.

Seeing this, Fang Zheng pulled out two notes and stuffed them back into his hand, then turned to Guo Tianyang and asked, "What does His Majesty want with me?"

Guo Tianyang shook his head. "Don't know." Then he looked at the bank notes in Fang Zheng's hand, licking his lips. "Little Brother... how much are you making here?"

"What money? Not making any! Let's go, Big Brother Guo!" Fang Zheng said.

"........"

He ran familiar paths to Yangxin Hall.

Emperor Jing was handling official business as usual, but now he was wearing glasses.

He glanced lightly at Fang Zheng and said sternly, "I hear you and the Crown Prince are setting up a stall in the palace? Are you trying to give me more headaches, or do you have nothing better to do?"

So he's specifically come to reprimand me! Fang Zheng silently took out the bank notes, arranged them neatly, and placed them on Emperor Jing's desk.

Emperor Jing was stunned, looking at the pile of bank notes...

"Sit down and talk."

Fang Zheng quickly sat down.

He didn't dare to be cocky now. The Emperor had been showing some unpredictable moods lately, and he couldn't figure out what was going on.

Better to be cautious!

Emperor Jing looked at the bank notes and said calmly, "Well, tell me, you've brought your scams into the palace, what exactly are you planning?"

"Uh... Your Majesty must have experienced the wonders of these glasses. This time I'm really not trying to make money."

"Oh? Explain." Emperor Jing showed a hint of curiosity.

"Your Majesty, oil lamps damage the eyes, and many people throughout the realm cannot see clearly. Glasses can solve this problem perfectly."

"But the cost is truly high, and ordinary people likely can't afford them."

"It's perfect to sell them to the rich, then use the rich people's money to subsidize the poor... it's a good deed."

Emperor Jing laughed lightly, raising his head. "Hah, I thought you never acted without profit. How much did you make selling to the Cabinet?"

Never acting without profit? Fang Zheng secretly rolled his eyes.

In some ways, he did indeed never act without profit.

But when it came to matters affecting the common people, he had no intention of making an extra coin.

He only targeted the wealthy!

As a pure and aspiring young man, he still had this much idealism.

"In response to Your Majesty, we haven't finished selling yet. When I left, we had only sold three thousand six hundred taels worth, at three hundred taels each."

Three hundred taels!

Emperor Jing exclaimed in surprise, "These things are so expensive! Then how much do you plan to sell them to ordinary people for?"

"I haven't calculated precisely, but I think it should be about one tael."

"........"

Emperor Jing inhaled sharply.

Goodness! Three hundred times the price! He certainly wouldn't sell to the common people at a loss.

That meant selling for one tael still gave him a profit.

Truly... devouring people without spitting out the bones!

Emperor Jing involuntarily took off his glasses to examine them, his eye twitching twice.

"Do you think those people are fools? Today you sell to them for three hundred taels, tomorrow when one-tael glasses hit the market, how will that end?"

"Like with tea, we'll sell the brand! Only top-tier brands cost three hundred taels, ordinary ones will be sold cheaply."

So it's the same scheme again......

Emperor Jing remained silent for a long while before slowly saying, "Your... money-making abilities have once again opened my eyes today. I'm almost tempted to transfer you to the Ministry of Revenue."

Fang Zheng smiled.

What were these glasses! Diamonds were the real profit makers!

Now the county had formed a complete production line for glass diamonds, and making these was even easier than making glasses, with no need for fitting.

The diamond workshop was almost like a money printer now.

But Emperor Jing had never intended to send him to the Ministry of Revenue, and he had long been curious about this.

Even if he was initially assigned to the Imperial Clan Court, a concurrent position in the Ministry of Revenue would have been possible, right?

He might even have been able to use his position to benefit Taoyuan County.

Now that the Emperor mentioned it, he remembered this matter, so he asked, "Then why doesn't Your Majesty transfer me to the Ministry of Revenue?"

Emperor Jing put on his glasses, looked at him and examined him for a moment. "Do you think you're competent for a position in the Ministry of Revenue?"

"Probably... yes." Fang Zheng hesitated, feeling unsure of the Emperor's attitude again.

What did he mean by that question? Even if he wasn't competent for a high position, a lower rank would be fine, wouldn't it?

"No, you can't!" Emperor Jing answered without hesitation, then glanced at him helplessly.

You really have no self-awareness!

"Everywhere you go, you make big moves, causing chaos everywhere!"

"The Ministry of Revenue manages the realm's household registers and finances. Although the treasury is temporarily empty, money isn't the most important thing. What I need is stability!"

"I can tolerate your antics in Taoyuan County, Banshan District, or even throughout the capital."

"But if someone like you went to the Ministry of Revenue, I might as well stop sleeping!"

Fang Zheng instinctively wanted to argue, but thinking carefully, it did seem to be the case. He had indeed caused quite a stir.

But making money! How could it be done without stirring things up!

The so-called "wealth doesn't last three generations" means stable wealth doesn't exist, only stable poverty.

"Take these bank notes back! Coming to me and pulling out silver, what do you think this place is?!"

Fang Zheng carefully observed Emperor Jing's expression, then said with a serious face, "Your Majesty! You've truly misunderstood me!"

"In my heart, Your Majesty has always been clear-sighted and perceptive. How could a small profit deceive Your Majesty?"

"It's just that the Crown Prince also helped with selling the glasses. This is his portion, and I fear the Crown Prince is young and might spend it recklessly, so I humbly request Your Majesty to keep it for him!!"

Emperor Jing thought for a moment, then said calmly, "Hmm, that makes sense! You're thoughtful, Fang Zheng!"

With that, he waved his hand, and a nearby eunuch immediately came forward to collect the bank notes.

Though his tone was calm, the fleeting joy in Emperor Jing's eyes was successfully captured by Fang Zheng.

Fang Zheng couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

It seemed that even someone as noble as Emperor Jing couldn't resist taking small advantages.

Although the amount wasn't particularly large, who wouldn't be happy to get money for free?

Of course, the Crown Prince might not be happy...

"Then... if Your Majesty has no other matters, I shall take my leave. I fear the Crown Prince might be overwhelmed over there."

"Wait, you can't leave. I have other matters to discuss with you."

Fang Zheng had just moved his buttocks but firmly sat back down.

Emperor Jing frowned. "What's the rush? Does seeing me make you so uncomfortable?!"

Fang Zheng remained silent.

Based on Emperor Jing's behavior recently, whatever he said would be wrong, so it was better to keep quiet.

Seeing him not speak, Emperor Jing looked disdainful, then dismissed everyone else.

Only after the two remained alone in the hall did Emperor Jing speak. "I summoned you now because there's an important matter to discuss."