Chapter 145 I can’t fix it
The denominations of treasure notes listed in Zhu Chong's proposal were actually based on modern banknotes, and the patterns and styles were all drawn in the form of pictures on both the front and back for Zhu to review.
With Zhu Yuanzhang's vision and appreciation, he could certainly see Zhu Chong's intentions in this matter. Especially when he looked at the patterns on the treasure banknotes, he liked them more and more. He finally understood why Zhu Chong wanted to leave his own words and use them on the treasure banknotes.
But Old Zhu thought about it and waved his hand, saying, "Forget it. I won't bother with the little ink we have. If you want calligraphy, go ask your mother. She's quite good at writing."
"As the saying goes, men manage the outside world, while women manage the inside. Women are in charge of money, and money is the banknotes. Having your mother engrave her words on this banknote is just right for the occasion."
Zhu Yuanzhang's handwriting was indeed not very good, but Empress Ma's handwriting was very beautiful. Zhu Yuanzhang did not want to show off his handwriting, but he did not mind his wife writing and printing it on the banknotes.
When Zhu Chong heard Lao Zhu's suggestion, he thought it was feasible. The purpose of asking Lao Zhu to give a calligraphy was simply to prevent it from being counterfeited, and also to increase the credibility of the treasure note.
After all, this would also be a propaganda tool, especially for the vassal states. The words on the treasure notes were all written by the Emperor and Empress of the Ming Dynasty. How could the monarchs of the vassal states possibly doubt the credit of the treasure notes?
After carefully reading the proposals listed by Zhu Chong, Old Zhu didn't know what went wrong with him, or maybe he was just itching to do something, but he finally agreed to give Zhu Chong a name.
Of course Zhu Chong could see that, deep down, Old Zhu was still a guy who was only interested in fame and reputation. How could he miss out on something that would go down in history?
It's just that Zhu Yuanzhang said that the longer words "Da Ming Baochao" and "Baochao Tizhusi Printing" written on the treasure notes as requested by Zhu Chong were left to Empress Ma.
He only wrote numbers related to the face value of the treasure notes, such as ten coins, twenty coins, fifty coins, one hundred coins, one string, five strings, ten strings, fifty strings, and one hundred strings.
Lao Zhu didn't say anything while he was writing, but after he finished writing, he stared at the words he had written, smacking his lips and frowning.
Zhu Chong looked at Lao Zhu's expression and felt something strange, but before he could ask, he heard Lao Zhu ask.
"Second Brother, didn't you say before that if the denominations of the treasure notes were too large and too many were issued, it would cause devaluation? So, since you only have this amount of treasure notes now, it won't cause devaluation, right?"
"Your Majesty, rest assured. The main purpose of the newly printed treasure notes is to facilitate large-scale transactions among the people. Regarding the quantity, I will set a specific quota. Furthermore, if the treasure notes are damaged, they will be recycled according to the provisions of the petition."
"So as long as we control the Baochao from the root and prevent it from flooding, and then as long as we form a virtuous cycle in the market with other countries, we can gradually increase the amount of Baochao."
Upon hearing what Zhu Chong said, Old Zhu nodded slightly. As long as the treasure notes did not depreciate, would not affect the Ming Dynasty's national destiny, and could make the national treasury full, Old Zhu would be happy.
But when Zhu Chong asked if it was possible to print his face on the banknotes, Zhu Chong drove Zhu Chong out of the hall without any warning, and did it himself, leaving Zhu Chong completely confused.
Zhu Chong wanted to print Zhu's surrender on the treasure notes purely out of habit. This custom was also common in later generations of banknotes in all countries.
He didn't know what was wrong with Old Zhu. Why was Old Zhu so opposed to something that would further his career and make him famous in history?
Walking towards the palace gate, Zhu Chong was puzzled. Finally, when he saw the direction of the East Palace, his heart suddenly moved.
Even if Zhu Yuanzhang did not agree, it would be the same even if the prince agreed. The prince was the crown prince of a country, and it would be the same even if his portrait was on the banknotes.
With this idea in mind, Zhu Chong went straight to the Eastern Palace. He had a smooth journey and soon met Zhu Biao who was reviewing memorials.
"I heard you've been quite busy lately. Is the Treasury Department making some big moves? But why haven't I heard about your collaboration with the Ministry of Industry?"
Before Zhu Chong mentioned the matter of Baochao to Zhu Biao, Zhu Biao asked Zhu Chong a strange question first.
"What's the point of cooperating with the Ministry of Works?" Zhu Chong was confused. "The Baochao Administration Bureau already has enough craftsmen on its own. There's no need to cooperate with the Ministry of Works. I can handle my work here!"
"It seems you still don't understand what I mean." Zhu Biao stopped writing, shook his head and smiled, "After all, the Baochao Tizhusi has limited capabilities. More exchanges with the six ministries will make your future work more convenient."
When Zhu Biao said this, Zhu Chong suddenly understood what he wanted to say.
It must be someone gossiping or running to the prince to say something bad about himself.
Anyway, no matter what, they are definitely jealous of the things that the Baochao Tizhusi has recently developed. The Ministry of Industry suffered a setback, but it did not scare everyone away, and some people are still constantly testing the waters.
"Did someone gossip about me in front of Big Brother?" Zhu Chong went straight to the point.
"You, why are you so sensitive about what I just said?" Zhu Biao was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "Besides, those ministers also wanted to use your invention as soon as possible to benefit the people and educate the world. It's not all scheming."
Zhu Chong felt a bit of a headache after hearing this. His elder brother was good in every way except that he was easily influenced by others. He didn't know who learned this from.
"Brother, you don't really think that being an official means educating the people and benefiting the area, do you?"
"What you said, shouldn't it be like this?" Zhu Chong's words made Zhu Biao look surprised.
"Then may I ask, big brother, do you also think that the common people need to be educated by us officials?" Zhu Chong asked again calmly.
"Of course. To educate the people is what we pursue throughout our lives..." Zhu Biao said as if it was a matter of course.
"Wrong!" Zhu Chong interrupted Zhu Biao without hesitation. "Brother, do the people really need education? All they want is three meals a day, clothes for themselves and their families, clothes to wear every season, and good weather and a good harvest."
"As for the so-called enlightenment, it's nothing more than an excuse for officials to deceive themselves and others and to justify their inability to benefit the people."
"Ah?" Zhu Biao was frightened by Zhu Chong's words. "Second brother, you can't talk nonsense like that. If this gets out, you'll incur public wrath!"
"Who would know?" Zhu Chong sneered. "I will deny everything I said today once I leave the East Palace. If anyone asks me, I will say I don't know. If they push me, I will say that you said it yourself, big brother."
"You..." Zhu Biao was so angry at Zhu Chong's shamelessness that he laughed, "You are really helpless, but I have to admit, what you just said really has some twisted logic."
"What kind of nonsense is this? Let's just say it's a true saying!" Zhu Chong said proudly, "I never do those empty words. If I want to do something, I will do it practically. It doesn't matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat in my eyes!"
"You kid, you really are..." Zhu Biao was completely confused by Zhu Chong's words.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
