Chapter 398: Ying Yuan's Layout
After hearing what Zhuge Liang said, Cao Cao and He Shen were both confused.
"Your Majesty is planning something? I wonder what this game is all about?"
"Kong Ming, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."
Hearing this, Zhuge Liang smiled and began to speak at length:
"We now know that His Majesty sent General Xu Huang to sea, ostensibly to seek immortality and thereby paralyze the other nations."
"In fact, it is to sign trade agreements with the countries on the sea, so that our Great Qin can gain maritime benefits."
"The sea is rich in resources and can become a major pillar of our Great Qin's economy."
"Then, His Majesty decided to tour Jin territory and exempt the people there from all taxes, but increase taxes on merchants."
"Your Majesty, by doing this, you are actually hoping to use Jin as a pilot to see if you can someday exempt the people of Great Qin from taxes."
"However, the interests of merchants have been greatly impacted, and they will inevitably feel resentment towards the court. Therefore, Your Majesty encourages them to go into business."
"Use some of the profits from the sea to offset the high taxes they pay."
"What's more, after the taxes on merchants are increased, some taxes that are just for show can naturally be abolished."
“…”
The taxes mentioned here are just for show, referring to taxes on transit, etc.
After Zhuge Liang said this, Cao Cao and Heshen thought deeply about it again.
In an instant, he could clearly see the entire 'chess game' played by Ying Yuan.
"It turns out that from the moment you started developing maritime trade, Your Majesty had already figured out what to do."
"The beginning and the end echo each other, and each link is linked together. This is such a shocking game. It seems like something that only Your Majesty can create."
The two of them were moved sincerely.
In this whole world, only Ying Yuan dares to do such a thing.
To exempt the people from taxes, to put it bluntly, is an unprecedented thing.
After increasing taxes on merchants, the Qin Dynasty would surely make a fortune every day.
It won’t be long before the accumulated financial resources of Qin will far surpass those of other countries.
To put it bluntly, at this moment, in their eyes, this is a reform that has never been seen before.
Any reform involves risks.
"If Your Majesty can truly accomplish this, the people's lives will improve as they will be spared from taxes."
"Furthermore, no one will rebel in the future. They will all become more supportive of the imperial court. However, when we first start doing this, we will face the danger of no one understanding us."
"I'm afraid that the nobles of Jin will bring trouble to Your Majesty!"
Cao Cao couldn't help but said worriedly.
Zhuge Liang responded, "Who is Your Majesty? A man of ruthless determination, an emperor unrivaled in history!"
"Your Majesty chose Jin as the pilot site because the nobles living there are remnants of the previous dynasty for both Your Majesty and our Great Qin."
"Given your majesty's courage, if they dare to stand up and oppose you, then they will only face death."
At this moment, Cao Cao and Heshen finally understood why His Majesty wanted to go to Jin and use Jin as a pilot.
The nobles of the Qin Dynasty were not the remnants of the previous dynasty, so they were worried about killing them.
However, there is no need to think too much when dealing with the aristocratic merchants in Jin.
After a pause, Cao Cao praised Zhuge Liang.
"Some people say that your wisdom is close to that of a demon. At first, I thought that was a bit of an exaggeration."
"But today, after hearing what you said, Kong Ming, I finally understood that what you said was not false."
"In your opinion, how can we help His Majesty right now?"
Cao Cao often heard others say that Zhuge Liang was good at understanding human nature.
Now it seems that he can not only guess the minds of ordinary people, but even the emperor's thoughts.
Let me ask, who in the world, except Zhuge Liang, can see through the interlocking chess game played by Ying Yuan?
I'm afraid it's gone, right?
Well... no one could see through it, because even Ying Yuan himself could not see through it. He actually played such a big game...
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang first cupped his hands and said, "Prime Minister, you are too kind."
He then expressed his views on the current situation:
"Not long ago, General Xu Huang sent a message saying that he had signed trade agreements with many maritime nations and had even exchanged letters of credence."
"Now, many merchants in our Great Qin have seized this opportunity and are going to the maritime countries to do business."
"The only thing we can do is to help His Majesty complete his maritime layout and maximize the benefits."
Who is Cao Cao?
After Zhuge Liang said this, he knew what to do.
"I will immediately inform all the noble merchants and even the common people living near the sea in the territory with the imperial court's order, and encourage them to actively go to the countries on the sea to develop business."
"At the same time, the imperial court will give them some policy concessions and assistance to vigorously develop coastal towns."
"I believe that with the court's current strength, it won't be long before those coastal areas become some of the largest cities in the world."
Zhuge Liang smiled and clasped his fists, saying, "Prime Minister, you are wise."
Cao Cao waved his hands quickly, his expression solemn, and said, "What I have done is nothing compared to what I have done. Your Majesty is truly wise!"
He Shen was also terrified by Ying Yuan's plan and could not help but echoed:
"Yes, Your Majesty, with such casual understatement, has set up a grand chess game that has been hidden from everyone in the world. It is truly terrifying."
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