Chapter 174 Persuading the Merchants

As soon as Wei Shuyu finished speaking, a gasp of surprise erupted in the room.

Is this really true?

Several merchants had excitement in their eyes.

What could be more prestigious than becoming a partner of the imperial court?

"nature."

Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "But if you want to gain fame and fortune, you have to give up something, don't you?"

Immediately, there were no more dissenting voices.

Conversely, there was unanimous approval.

"Paying taxes is the duty of every citizen of the Tang Dynasty. I support the court in collecting commercial taxes!"

"I am also willing to respond to the imperial court's call and support commercial taxes!"

"One-twenty percent tax is not high, and I also support commercial tax!"

Merchants vied with each other to flatter him.

Their greedy and self-serving nature was laid bare.

"Please be quiet for a moment."

Seeing that the merchants had finished their boasting, Wei Shuyu pressed his hands down and said, "I am very pleased that everyone has such awareness..."

"So, what do you all think we should do to elevate the status of merchants?"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was stunned.

How to improve?

Are you suggesting we pay for it?

None of the merchants dared to breathe loudly.

"Can't answer?"

Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "Then let me tell you all about it."

"To elevate the status of merchants, it is not enough to have the court's recognition alone; the people's approval is also necessary."

The merchants remained silent.

They only have one condition.

Improving the status of merchants is a good idea, and we wholeheartedly agree.

If you want us to contribute even a single copper coin, forget it.

"As for how to gain the people's approval..."

"I will not force you to donate money."

"I only hope that while you become wealthy, you can also help the people around you."

Seeing that everyone was listening intently, Wei Shuyu continued...

"Hu County has been hit by a disaster and needs reconstruction!"

"The reason the imperial court has chosen Hu County as a pilot area for promoting commerce is that it hopes everyone will work together to develop Hu County!"

"Of course, since you have all made contributions, the imperial court will naturally offer certain preferential policies!"

"Take this innovative product, for example."

"Merchants who set up workshops in Hu County and recruit local people to work there can choose an innovative item to mass-produce."

Huo.

The merchants' eyes lit up.

They wondered what was going on.

It's just building a workshop, that doesn't cost much.

The cost of labor in Huxian County might be a little higher, but it's still a good deal compared to the innovative products.

"I am willing to set up a workshop in Hu County."

"I'd love to!"

"I'd like to too..."

In an instant, voices of approval rose and fell in the room.

Wei Shuyu nodded with satisfaction.

“I have seen everyone’s enthusiasm.”

"But let me make it clear from the outset: Hu County values ​​commerce in order to encourage the development of its people."

"Therefore, I do not wish to see you withhold wages or exploit the people."

"If discovered, the imperial court's punishment will be very severe!"

Wei Shuyu gave a stern warning...

The merchants patted their chests one by one, assuring the people of Hu County that they would treat them well.

"That Imperial Censor Wei..."

Just then, the old merchant spoke up again: "If we don't establish a workshop in Hu County, can we obtain the right to manufacture innovative products?"

"That's certainly possible."

Wei Shuyu nodded: "You only need to pay a certain amount of money to obtain authorization, and then you can produce and sell them in large quantities in other places."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.

Can it be made in multiple locations?

Some big businessmen couldn't wait to ask.

Unlike small merchants, they had their own businesses in various places.

If it can only be made in one location, that would be too troublesome.

"Can!"

Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "The purpose of promoting commerce is to benefit the people, so the licensing fee won't be too expensive."

"The key is for you all to make your businesses bigger and stronger!"

"This way, the imperial court can still collect commercial taxes, right?"

That sounds so comforting.

The merchants began to say some humble and flattering things.

“If the licensing fee isn’t too high, we don’t necessarily need to set up a workshop in Hu County…”

In an instant, the entire venue fell silent.

Everyone glared angrily at the person who had spoken.

You know it, so why are you saying it out loud?

When the time comes, we'll just buy the license and leave, then we won't need to stay in Huxian County anymore, right?

"That's a good point made by the boss."

Wei Shuyu showed no anger. Instead, he patiently explained, "As I just said, whoever does well can take on some of the Ministry of Works' orders. This project is not only profitable, but it can also enhance your status."

The merchants nodded.

However, most people are not very enthusiastic.

They definitely can't compete with those big merchants for the orders from the Ministry of Works.

Setting up a workshop in Hu County is not suitable for them.

Because Hu County is close to Chang'an, labor costs are high!

They could go to remote, impoverished areas without paying anything, just needing to be provided with two meals of meager food.

"You all seem less enthusiastic than before?"

Wei Shuyu glanced at everyone and asked unhurriedly, "Could it be that everyone's vision is so short-sighted?"

Many businessmen wore embarrassed expressions.

"Hu County is committed to commerce and will be developed into a commercial county!"

What do you all think constitutes a commercial county town?

The merchants frowned, completely baffled.

However, a moment later, one of the merchants showed a look of sudden realization.

Immediately, everyone's eyes lit up.

Only a small number of people still cannot figure out the mystery.

"A commercial county means that there will be many merchants in the county!"

"Does more merchants mean easier transactions?"

"Merchants, merchants!"

(The term "merchant" refers to people who travel around trading; "merchant" generally refers to merchants with fixed locations. Describing it in detail makes one dizzy.)

"At that time, none of you will need to go out to do business. Just stay in Hu County, and business will come to you in a steady stream!"

"If you're a merchant who likes to travel around, you can also carry more goods..."

As Wei Shuyu finished speaking, everyone looked on with longing.

Who would want to travel around if they could make money lying at home?

Merchants may seem glamorous, but those who go bankrupt are lost to history!

Robbery, government embezzlement, losses along the way, natural disasters and man-made calamities—homeless people unable to return home…

Making money is called returning home in glory.

Those who didn't earn it, they might die somewhere without even knowing!

A commercial county town must be established!

The merchants' eyes gleamed with eager anticipation, especially the smaller merchants!

As long as you establish a business in Hu County and manage it well, you'll be set for life.

"It seems you all have come to a realization..."

Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "Hu County is basically a major base for merchants!"

"Once the base is established, the amount of supplies flowing through it will certainly be enormous."

"At that time, everyone can set up small workshops in other places to support some poor people."

"The original intention of the pro-business policy is to achieve a win-win situation!"

"You all earn money, the court collects taxes, and the people no longer have to suffer from hunger because of your existence!"

"If this is done well, who would dare to call merchants lowly?"

"If anyone dares to curse, throw your tax documents in their face and ask them if they pay more taxes than you do."

"If anyone dares to curse, you can stand tall and tell them how many people you have helped. Have they helped as many as you have?"

"Anyone who dares to curse you can be dragged to the government office and brought to court, where he will bow his head and apologize to you in front of everyone!"

"Everyone..."

“You are the main characters in this policy!”

Everyone was thrilled by Wei Shuyu's words.

Merchants are considered lowly and despised by people.

They also want to change this situation!

Otherwise, they wouldn't have wasted such precious time gathering in Hu County.

If there were an opportunity to help people while making money, who wouldn't want that?

"But there's still a problem..."

One of the merchants raised his hand: "Can Hu County develop?"

Upon hearing this, the merchants also showed worried expressions.

A commercial county town.

Unprecedented!

Can it really be established?

"Boss, may I ask you a question before I answer your question?" Wei Shuyu asked kindly.

The merchant nodded.

Do you want Huxian County to develop?

Do I hope so?

boom.

A sudden jolt went through the merchant's mind!

hope!

Not only him, but he believed that many merchants hoped that a commercial county town would be established.