The entire world was in turmoil.
Even Gu Jing never anticipated such a tremendous reaction to the policy from maritime sectors across various regions.
But this is human nature.
Whether it's the local chambers of commerce or the top merchants, their intentions have long surpassed the initial stages of maritime trade.
Be it the adoration of foreign merchants or the constant accumulation of wealth, even the people behind them.
All of this makes them increasingly arrogant.
Not to mention Gu Jing raising taxes—they would find ways to avoid even the current tax rates; how could they remain indifferent?
This aspect is unavoidable in any era.
Such is human nature!
....
Gu Jing did not pay much heed to all this. As the current Grand Tutor and the Patriarch of the Gu Clan, in Gu Jing's eyes, this was merely trivial.
Even if merchants resist and strike, so what?
