The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 165 A Table for Dealing with the Imperial Household Department
"Your Highness, it is my incompetence!" Yu Chenglong's expression carried a hint of guilt: "I originally thought that those who held shares would be eager to follow Your Highness's lead once they heard that Your Highness supported Shuntian Prefecture."

"Unexpectedly, quite a few of these shareholders said they were unwilling to be enemies with the Imperial Household Department."

"Therefore, they decided to sell their shares to the Imperial Household Department."

"Although I have tried my best to persuade them, these fellows are stubborn and unwilling to change their minds."

Looking at Yu Chenglong's distressed expression, Shen Ye calmly said, "There must be someone behind these shares."

Yu Chenglong was not surprised that the Crown Prince could guess so accurately. The Crown Prince was exceptionally intelligent, a fact that was universally acknowledged throughout the court and among the people.

Many people believe that if the Crown Prince could oversee the Ministry of Revenue, it would be a great blessing for the court.

However, the Ministry of Revenue was far too crucial for the imperial court. Even if Emperor Qianxi was magnanimous, he might not necessarily entrust this important department to the Crown Prince.

"Yes, these shares are nominally held by some merchants, but I sent people to inquire secretly and found that many of them are in the hands of nobles."

"Among those who explicitly stated this time that they did not want to offend the Imperial Household Department, the Kang Prince's Mansion was one of them."

“Most of them sold their shares directly to the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” Yu Chenglong said, his voice filled with helplessness.

If these people only offer verbal support, it's not impossible that with the Crown Prince's intervention, they might switch their support to Shuntian Prefecture.

But the shares have already been sold, so what right do we have to say anything?

The thought of those who sold their shares made Yu Chenglong's teeth itch with rage.

These people are shrewd and opportunistic; they're like weather vanes, easily swayed by the wind. Once they sense things are going badly, they simply sell off their shares.

The main strategy is to avoid offending either side.

After all, the Crown Prince hasn't made a move yet, so they haven't offended him yet.

Upon hearing that the Prince Kang's Mansion was also selling its shares, Shen Ye asked curiously, "Was their selling price also one thousand taels?"

"No, I heard that they sell it for 2,200 taels per share."

"Tohqi still gave the nobles a lot of face."

Yu Chenglong sounded somewhat angry when he talked about these things.

He never really liked the nobility.

However, in his struggles with the nobles, he was generally at a disadvantage, and often suffered inexplicable defeats.
However, one thing is undeniable: since he became the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, the nobles have become much more restrained.

At the very least, some of the most heinous and outrageous things will no longer happen.

Upon hearing the price, Shen Ye held Tuoheqi in higher regard, realizing that Tuoheqi was indeed quite capable.

At the very least, he cannot make enemies indiscriminately, let alone too many enemies.

Before Shen Ye could speak, Yu Chenglong continued, "The ones suffering now are those merchants without powerful backers."

"Tohqi had someone buy up their shares, and it really was one thousand taels of silver per share."

"This puts many businesses in a dilemma; they can't sell, and they can't not sell."

Looking at Yu Chenglong's indignant face, Shen Ye smiled and said, "Lord Yu, even if Tuo Heqi and the others bought a lot of shares, it won't be an easy thing for him to get the operating rights of this stone-paved road."

At this point, he turned to Yu Chenglong and said, "I'll handle this matter."

"However, I also need Lord Yu to do something for me."

Yu Chenglong felt a strange sense of relief when he heard that Shen Ye had taken on the task of building the stone-paved road.

Although Emperor Qianxi had already issued an imperial edict regarding how to operate the business, and the Imperial Household Department had openly declared that it was absolutely true that Emperor Qianxi had entrusted the department with the operation of his shares, he had unwavering faith in the Crown Prince. He felt that as long as the Crown Prince took action, it would not be a difficult task.

If the young master was able to build this road, then taking control of its operation would not be too difficult.

Yu Chenglong did not hesitate to agree to the Crown Prince's request, saying, "Your Highness, please arrange whatever you need. I will do my utmost."

Shen Ye said calmly, "I don't need to die ten thousand times. What I asked you to do is actually within your duties as the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture."

"I'm asking you to create a table, and a table that will please His Majesty."

"The name of this table is: Price Change Table of Daily Necessities in the Capital!"

When Yu Chenglong heard that Shen Ye wanted him to prepare a form himself, his heart trembled. Some time ago, the Crown Prince used a form that directly caused the censors of the Supervisory Council to suffer a crushing defeat.

Jin Fu, the river governor whom he admired, was not punished for breaching the dike; instead, Emperor Qianxi rewarded him handsomely.

This is all because of a table belonging to the Crown Prince.

Now the Crown Prince has asked me to prepare this form. What is he trying to do? Could it be that the Crown Prince intends to use this form to manage the Imperial Household Department?
If that's the case, then that's something to look forward to!
However, how do I create this list of changes in daily necessities? I'm a bit confused!

Just as Jackie Chan was about to ask, Shen Ye said in a deep voice, "Lord Yu, this form is actually not too difficult."

"Just have someone inquire about the price changes of various grains, meats, vegetables, and other daily necessities every day, and then create a table based on that."

"On this table, the price of each item is marked, indicating whether it has increased or decreased compared to three days ago."

"Then, every month, just compare the prices of these items."

"Through this table, we can keep track of the price changes in the capital in a timely and detailed manner. In this way, if Shuntian Prefecture finds any problems with any items, it can also provide timely guidance."

Listening to Shen Ye's explanation, Yu Chenglong couldn't help but slam his hand on the table and exclaimed, "Your Highness, this is an excellent idea!"

"I have always felt that someone in the capital is deliberately driving up prices, but I have been unable to find any clues."

"With this form from Your Highness, I know what to do."

Looking at Yu Chenglong, who suddenly realized what was going on, Shen Ye wanted to say, "You don't understand my purpose at all."

However, some things cannot be stated so clearly, so Shen Ye could only chuckle and say, "Lord Yu, let's start this matter from tomorrow."

"I hope to see your form in His Majesty's study tomorrow."

Yu Chenglong's initially excited heart gradually calmed down.

He can give many bad guys a headache, which means he's smart enough.

Moreover, Shen Ye spoke of Emperor Qianxi's study with utmost seriousness, and in just a moment, he already understood somewhat.

If the Crown Prince wants to place these items in His Majesty's study, then this price list is for the Imperial Household Department.

Although Yu Chenglong disliked the Imperial Household Department, considering it a serious den of iniquity, it was still a troublesome force within Shuntian Prefecture.

Therefore, he was also aware of the situation of the Imperial Household Department.

However, despite his understanding, he had no evidence, and the Imperial Household Department was essentially the emperor's personal servant, so although he was dissatisfied, there was nothing he could do.

But now, the crown prince has handed him a very useful knife.

Without hesitation, he replied, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint you!"

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(End of this chapter)