Feng Yi's expression grew serious when he heard this. He looked at Song Yunzhao and said, "Merchants who wish to do business in other regions need road permits and government credentials."
Song Yunzhao knew this. It was one of the court's methods for controlling merchants. 'It's a bit like the difference between a local pass and a national one in later generations,' she thought. 'One is only valid locally, becoming useless outside its designated county or province. The national pass, however, is accepted everywhere without any hindrance.'
"Your Majesty, think about it. It is precisely because of court regulations like these that merchants are so restricted. Once they are confined to a single area, they are easily at the mercy of the local government. They have no choice but to collude with officials. What if Your Majesty were to create an opening in this restriction?"
"An opening?"
