Chapter 173 Commercial Tax, Scolding Merchants!
Three days later.
An open space in Hu County.
This place, which was usually deserted, was now teeming with a large number of portly merchants.
Choi Shin-ki and Bang Yi-ae each led a squad of soldiers to maintain order.
The two were wearing oversized armor that didn't fit them properly, and their helmets almost blocked their vision. They had to crane their necks to see what was in front of them. They were holding spears that were taller than themselves, which made everyone burst into laughter.
Of course, it's okay for you to laugh at them.
But if you dare to break the rules.
Those sharp little eyes can catch you even from under the helmet.
Then they'd give him a good beating.
"Remains, why are they all so well-behaved?"
"It's hard to start, it's hard to start..."
The two huddled together, whispering to each other, occasionally adjusting their helmets with their hands.
Just then, accompanied by Liang Jianfang and Magistrate Wang, Wei Shuyu walked up to the high platform.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Wei Shuyu stepped onto the high platform, first bowing slightly: "I know why you've all come today, so I'll get straight to the point..."
"The imperial court is implementing a pro-commerce policy and intends to elevate the status of merchants. Hu County will be the first pilot area!"
Wow.
The merchants were in an uproar.
Although I had heard rumors before, I was still shocked to hear the official confirmation.
Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—this has always been the way things are.
If it can improve their status now, I would absolutely support it.
"Please don't get agitated, everyone. Since the court is now promoting commerce, many policies will need to be changed."
As he spoke, Wei Shuyu took out a stack of slips of paper.
He couldn't remember that much even without notes...
"Article 1, Customs Duties, Tax 2 is changed to Tax 1."
"Secondly, abolish the city tax and replace it with a stall fee, which shall be submitted to the government."
"Article Three, Commercial Tax, one-twentieth of the total tax!"
As soon as he finished speaking, dissenting voices erupted from the crowd.
"What is this commercial tax? We've never heard of it before."
"Yes, isn't this a scam to rip us off?"
"I disagree, I disagree..."
The merchants were filled with excitement.
Wei Shuyu smiled nonchalantly...
"Bring up the person who just spoke!"
Is there work coming in?
Choi Shin-ki and Fang Yi-ai immediately perked up and stepped forward with their spears.
No matter what you want to say, let's beat you up first.
Crackle, crackle.
The merchants watched in trembling fear.
They all felt like they had boarded a pirate ship.
This isn't promoting commerce, this is outrageously exploiting merchants!
"You...you're committing robbery!"
After several merchants were brought up to the high platform, they pointed at Wei Shuyu and roared.
"A robber?"
Wei Shuyu glanced at the crowd: "Do you know why merchants are looked down upon?"
"The common people work hard to cultivate the land, paying only one-fortyth of the taxes. You pay no taxes at all, yet you are expected to be elevated in status. Do you even think you deserve it?"
After Wei Shuyu's shout, everyone fell silent.
Don't underestimate Wei Shuyu just because he's young.
But he's an official!
He's the boss of Hu County!
They could not withstand Wei Shuyu's wrath.
"We also paid customs duties."
Despite their fears, some bold merchants still stood up and uttered a rebuttal in the face of profit.
"Customs tax?"
Wei Shuyu sneered: "Did the imperial court force you to pay customs duties? You could have simply avoided entering the pass and taken a detour through other places."
The merchants were speechless.
Taking a detour would be too costly and not worthwhile.
"And the city tax!"
Wei Shuyu suddenly raised his voice: "You think you're the only ones who paid? When the people went to the trade market to sell their goods, didn't they pay too?"
All the merchants fell silent.
Thinking about it this way, it seems they really didn't contribute much to the imperial court.
"You have to give something to get something."
Wei Shuyu's piercing gaze swept over the merchants: "Is a price of one-twentieth of the tax really that expensive?"
“If you lose this little bit of money, you won’t be able to run your businesses anymore. You might as well go home and farm.”
"Farmers have gained a higher social status and earn more money."
Wei Shuyu walked up to the three merchants who had been brought in and asked, "Is that right?"
The three merchants trembled with fear.
"But running a business doesn't guarantee making money; it can also lead to financial ruin!"
Then another merchant raised a question.
Wei Shuyu was too lazy to answer such a question, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, he still replied, "Whether you go bankrupt or not, what business is it of the court?"
"You're incompetent at trading, so you blame the imperial court for collecting taxes?"
Well……
The merchant choked again.
"The collection of commercial taxes by the imperial court can better protect your rights and interests, and the status of merchants will gradually improve."
"You have created benefits for the Tang Dynasty and its people, so you will naturally be respected."
"The economy is cyclical!"
"When you pay taxes, the court becomes richer, the people's lives improve, and when the people's lives improve, you merchants will naturally earn more."
"This is a win-win policy."
"If anyone disagrees, please stand up now!"
As Wei Shuyu recounted his story, many merchants gradually felt relieved, and their furrowed brows slowly relaxed.
"Imperial Censor Wei, I would like to ask what the consequences are for merchants who do not pay taxes?"
These words immediately attracted the attention of the merchants.
This is what they care about most.
It's best not to pay taxes if you can avoid it.
"What are the consequences of tax evasion and tax avoidance?"
Wei Shuyu said speechlessly, "Why don't you just go and look at the Tang Code yourself?"
"..."
That makes so much sense.
"If you don't pay taxes, you're no longer under the protection of the imperial court."
Wei Shuyu calmly said, "At that time, the imperial court will issue a document to the merchants who pay taxes, proving that they are taxpayers."
"If one person has documents and the other doesn't, whose goods will the people buy?"
Upon hearing this, the merchants all began to hatch their own schemes.
There are quite a few loopholes here.
They have a lot of room to maneuver.
"Keep your little schemes to yourselves..."
As if seeing through the merchants' thoughts, Wei Shuyu suddenly smiled and said, "Promoting commerce is the will of the court, and you cannot resist it."
“Even if you don’t pay, the court will increase your taxes elsewhere.”
"For example, if tariffs or municipal taxes are increased even slightly, or if there are any restrictions at customs, you will lose everything."
Upon hearing this, the merchants' expressions changed drastically.
"Alright, now that the imperial court has issued a tax policy, it will naturally consider your needs..."
Give a beating and a treat.
Basic operations are not a big deal.
"Everyone knows that the imperial court previously implemented an innovative policy."
As Wei Shuyu finished speaking, the merchants began to whisper among themselves again.
They naturally knew this about people who frequented the area around Chang'an.
They were very envious of many of these items.
But if the imperial court doesn't release them, they can only watch helplessly.
"This includes many weapons that benefit the country, but it also contains many daily necessities for ordinary people..."
Wei Shuyu smiled and said, "Selling these items to various parts of the Tang Dynasty is a sure-fire way to make money."
Wow.
A glint of light flashed in Chongshang's eyes.
They're all seasoned business veterans; they know exactly how much profit is involved.
"If a merchant does well, the imperial court might consider contracting out some of the Ministry of Works' affairs to you!"
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