"Of course I know."
Chu Yuening also understood the other meaning in Ying Zheng's words.
But she did not rush to explain, but asked,
"A Zheng, why did the Qin Dynasty suppress the Shang Dynasty?"
"Merchants are obsessed with profit and do not engage in production. Moreover, once they have great wealth, they are prone to influence government."
Ying Zheng’s uncle, Lu Buwei, is a typical example.
After he became rich, he wanted to gain political power.
Therefore, Lu Buwei, with the idea of "making the most of a rare commodity", invested heavily in Ying Yiren, who was still a hostage in Zhao State.
Later, as he wished, Qin Yiren became the King of Qin, and Lu Buwei was appointed as Prime Minister and was named Marquis Wenxin.
Unfortunately, after he gained power, he still wanted to control the government when Ying Zheng was in power. Because of the Lü Buwei Rebellion, he was eventually dismissed from his position as prime minister and exiled to Shu.
"Where there are people, there will be trade. The emergence of merchants is inevitable, so why not put commerce in the hands of the state?"
"The construction of large-scale fortifications such as the Great Wall, canals, and highways required enormous manpower, material resources, and financial resources."
"If we rely solely on the taxes of the people, they will become increasingly impoverished, and our Great Qin will lose the hearts of the people."
Chu Yuening understood a truth deeply.
A country cannot become strong by relying solely on agriculture.
Without a functioning economy, there will be no industry, the speed of updating means of production will become slow, and productivity will lag behind.
Just like the construction of the Qin Dynasty's Great Road, if it relied solely on manpower to chisel stones and lay bricks, it would take more than decades.
Now with cement, it is like a dimensionality reduction attack. It may not take a year before all the roads in the country will be unobstructed.
"Let me think about this for a while."
Ying Zheng lowered his eyes and rubbed the silver ring with his fingertips.
What Yue Ning said makes sense.
The demise of the Qin Dynasty in the previous life was one of the reasons why the construction of large-scale fortifications caused waste of manpower and money.
only...…
I wonder if this move will affect the current situation in Daqin.
The frequent harassment from the Xiongnu and Qiang tribes, the restless Baiyue, and the secretive aristocrats of the six kingdoms...
The Qin Dynasty today is far from being as peaceful as it seems on the surface. This is also the bitter fruit he sowed when he was eager to unify the country.
"A Zheng, don't treat business as a ferocious tiger. If used properly, it will be a sharp sword for the Qin Dynasty."
"Controlling commerce means controlling the economy of the Qin Dynasty. Only by gathering the wealth of the world can we implement policies that benefit the country and the people."
Chu Yuening was about to say dry her mouth.
Seeing that Ying Zheng's expression was wavering, he quickly took advantage of the situation and pursued him.
"Like running a pig farm, it not only enriches the treasury but also provides jobs for the people. This cycle will make the Qin Dynasty stronger and the people richer."
The more Ying Zheng listened, the brighter his eyes became.
I never thought that business, as the "last industry", could play a role in changing the world.
Putting the country's commercial economy in the hands of the state will not only promote the development of the Qin Dynasty, but also enable the people to live and work in peace and contentment.
As for "competing with the people for profit", Ying Zheng didn't care at all. Wouldn't raising taxes harm the interests of the people?
"If Yue Ning can convince all the officials, I have no objection."
Although Ying Zheng had already agreed to open a business department, he still wanted to train Chu Yuening's political ability.
"Okay, it's a deal then~"
Chu Yuening playfully stretched out her little finger and hooked it with Ying Zheng's little finger and shook it.
Humph, she has been planning to open a business department for a long time and has already prepared her arguments to convince A Zheng and all the officials.
However, A Zheng has a far-sighted vision and extraordinary courage, and he will agree once the pros and cons are explained clearly to him.
But those stubborn and conservative officials cannot be shaken by just a few words.
Time to implement plan B...
Six days later, Chu Yuening sat on the phoenix chair, looking down at the ministers below, and spoke slowly.
"This palace wishes to abolish the system of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce."
As soon as the words fell, there was an uproar in the audience.
"Your Majesty, this is impossible! Ever since Shang Yang, our Qin State has prioritized agriculture over commerce."
"Yes, Your Majesty, please think twice. Merchants' pursuit of profit and unscrupulous means are the root cause of national chaos!"
"Please, Queen, revoke your order!"
Li Si took the lead in kneeling down and begging.
He did not admonish His Majesty. Since His Majesty allowed the Queen to say this, he must have agreed.
The people behind them also knelt down and shouted as well.
"Alright, I was reckless. My dear ministers, please stand up."
Chu Yuening seemed to be persuaded, with a helpless look on her face.
Seeing that the queen was persuaded so easily, the ministers felt strange but still stood up to express their gratitude.
On the other hand, Ying Zheng, who was watching the show on the side, raised his thin lips slightly, his phoenix eyes full of smiles and doting.
What a clever little fox...
"Then I will establish a Ministry of Commerce under the Nine Ministers, and I will be in charge of this business, with the goal of enriching the national treasury. Would you not agree to this, my dear ministers?"
Chu Yuening changed the subject, and her originally gentle tone became firm and majestic.
The characteristic of the Chinese is moderation.
If you want to open a window, everyone will object, but if you advocate tearing down the roof, they will agree to open the window.
"this..."
Some officials began to hesitate.
I've already opposed the Queen's decree. If I oppose this again...
At this time, Wang and his son, Lord Luo, and Chen Nong, who believed in Chu Yuening, all spoke out in support.
"Your Majesty, the Queen, is both beautiful and intelligent, and has made great contributions to the Qin Empire. We, the ministers, naturally approve of her."
"Yes, I agree."
"Your Majesty is so powerful, she will definitely not make mistakes."
Gradually, other officials also began to echo the compliments and stopped objecting.
As long as the system of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce is not abolished, this Ministry of Commerce will not be able to cause any waves.
When the Queen has had enough fun and sees that there is no result, she will give up.
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