Chapter 783: Great Accumulation (Happy New Year)
I remember that three years ago, when there was a little money in this warehouse, Zhao Xu began to feel restless and eager to make achievements. If he had seen these weapons at that time, he would have mass-produced them at all costs and then gone all in without Zhang Fei's reminder.
Because for the ancient emperors, the future they could see was actually the expansion of territory, because the internal affairs were like that, as long as there was no chaos and no starvation, the upper limit of the small peasant economy was so high, and if they wanted to go further, they had to go through war.
But at this time, Zhao Xu was no longer so anxious, because the new political system had begun to operate, and he also felt the vitality. In the past, he relied on Zhang Fei to fool people, but now he knew that time was on his side, so he was willing to wait.
But he did not neglect it. He got up early every day and did not review the papers. Before work, Zhao Xu also developed a habit of reading the newspaper.
“It seems that there are more and more newspapers and magazines.”
When he came to the study and looked at the thick stack of newspapers on the table, Zhao Xu couldn't help but be surprised.
The nobleman Lan Yuanzhen said: "Since the court established the Mencius Prize, more and more people have published articles, and even major colleges and hospitals have opened their own newspapers."
"Yeah?"
Zhao Xu smiled and said, "Then I want to see what they wrote."
...
...
After sitting down, he picked up a newspaper and started reading. Soon, he was fascinated and read one page after another. Soon, half an hour had passed.
Zhao Xu put down a piece of newspaper and said in disbelief, "This is well written! And it is very different from previous articles."
Lan Yuanzhen said, "Your Majesty, in the past, when they wrote articles, they were all criticizing current politics and arguing about things, but such articles cannot win the Mencius Prize. While pointing out problems, they must also make suggestions. Only then will they have a chance."
"I see."
Zhao Xu laughed and said, "Zhang San is really a genius! Not bad, not bad, that's how it should be."
Lan Yuanzhen said: "But Your Majesty, if this continues, public opinion will be difficult to control."
Zhao Xu glanced at him, hesitated for a moment, and said, "To publish this newspaper now, we need the permission of the court. Whether it is more or less, the court can still control it. At present, everything is developing in a good direction. Let them do it for now."
The Mencius Prize has completely activated the entire literary world, and everyone has begun to enthusiastically discuss the future of the Song Dynasty, both in terms of people's livelihood and strengthening the military.
This was impossible in the past. Although there were many people criticizing current affairs, they were far fewer than they are now. After all, the mouth can cause trouble.
But now that your court has set up this award, why don’t you let us speak out?
After the Mencius Prize was announced, public opinion began to become more tolerant.
Fortunately, they are all relatively positive. They are no longer mainly critical, but mainly constructive. Pure criticism will not win any award. There must be constructive theories. These articles first raise questions and then put forward their own ideas.
The entire Shilin was immersed in it.
This atmosphere makes the literati feel very excited and full of hope for the future.
But there is one exception, Sima Guang.
Sima Guang was extremely anxious. After returning, he quickly wrote an article and rushed to the procuratorate, but found that Zhang Fei was not in the procuratorate. After asking around, he found out that Zhang Fei might be in the Bian Jing Law Firm.
So he hurried to the Bian Jing Law Firm.
“So many people?”
When he arrived at the office, he saw a group of wealthy businessmen sitting inside, and Sima Guang couldn't help feeling a little abrupt.
When the wealthy businessmen saw Sima Guang coming, they immediately stood up, walked forward to salute Sima Guang, and then said goodbye.
"Is it not disturbing you?"
Sima Guang still felt a little embarrassed.
Zhang Fei quickly said: "No. We have already finished discussing it."
In fact, they were just discussing the donation to the Military Equipment Inspectorate and directly doubling the donation, but this time there were not many people who objected and the talks went very smoothly.
Firstly, the charity foundation is making too much money now. After the release of the funds, the profits are really increasing exponentially. They are a little panicked now and want to donate more to curry favor with the court.
Secondly, they need protection now, and they are in favor of donating money to develop weapons, as long as there are results.
"Master Sima, please take a seat."
Zhang Fei asked Sima Guang to sit down again, and then asked, "I wonder what Sima Guang wants to tell you."
“I have already written the article.”
"article?"
"What? Have you forgotten that you promised me that you would give the Mencius Prize to you?"
“Ohhhh!”
Zhang Fei finally reacted and nodded, "I remember, I remember. I just didn't expect that Sima Xueshi would finish writing it so quickly."
"Hurry up, hurry up."
Sima Guang was depressed and said, "I am already very worried about this. Whenever I go out, people talk to me about this, but no matter how I answer, it is wrong. This is all your idea. If I say that I thought of it, wouldn't that be a lie? But if I say that you wrote it, I can't provide any evidence. I am in a dilemma. I have lived for decades, and this is the first time I have encountered such a situation."
As he said that, he handed the article over and said, "Take a look at it, is it okay?"
"OK."
Zhang Fei took it, took a look, and couldn't help laughing out loud.
Sima Guang asked, "What are you laughing at?"
"nothing."
Zhang Fei said: "I just suddenly realized that Sima Xueshi already knows how to use articles to guide public opinion."
This article is really well written. He did not explicitly say that the award should actually be given to Zhang Fei, but he guided it from the side and reminded everyone that Zhang Fei's contribution to the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems, and that Zhang Fei is the soul of them.
A textbook-like soft article.
Sima Guang was a little embarrassed and said, "Didn't I learn all this from you?"
"It's already Qingchu!"
Zhang Fei suddenly realized that there was something wrong with what he said, and changed his words: "Master Sima, please rest assured. Leave it to me and I will solve your problem."
"real?"
Sima Guang said nervously: "You must help me solve it."
"absolute."
Zhang Fei patted his chest and assured: "In this regard, Master Sima should have confidence in me."
Sima Guang nodded.
really!
In this regard, he had no reason to doubt Zhang Fei.
After seeing Sima Guang off, Zhang Fei did not dare to neglect him, as Sima Guang was already worried to the point of being allergic, so he immediately rushed to the genuine bookstore.
When I entered the hall, I saw Hou Donglai lying on a table, staring at a piece of white paper with a worried look on his face.
Zhang Fei looked behind him for a while, but couldn't understand what he was saying, "Old Hou!"
“Ouch!”
Hou Donglai was startled and turned around to look, "Sanlang? When did you come?"
As he spoke, he stood up subconsciously.
"I just got here." Zhang Fei asked curiously, "Why are you looking at this white paper? Is this a wordless book?"
"The Wordless Book? No, no."
Hou Donglai suddenly said, "Sanlang, you've come just in time. Hurry up and show me your attention. Please sit down! Please sit down!"
After Zhang Fei sat down, Hou Donglai said, "Sanlang, do you recognize this paper?"
Zhang Fei said, "Isn't this the bamboo paper that Li Jian brought? I asked you about it last time."
Hou Donglai sighed, "This paper is good, but it brings troubles. Now the paper has become larger and can be printed on both sides. At the same time, our movable type and ink have been greatly improved. Next year, our bookstore will use lead movable type, which is smaller, more delicate, and clearer than clay movable type."
"Yeah?"
Zhang Fei was surprised and asked, "Is it developing so fast?"
Hou Donglai said proudly: "In the past two years, the development has been very fast, mainly because of the high demand and high income, so the technology has developed rapidly."
Zhang Fei frowned, "Do you think the greater the demand and the more money you make, the faster the technology will develop?"
"certainly."
Hou Donglai said: "The best technology nowadays is ink, paper, movable type, football, and fruit wine. Each of them is very profitable. In the second half of the year, the wine of the Qi family sold really well. The football league even uses their wine.
It is because the tax on fruit wine is only 5% that they try their best to make delicious fruit wine. In the past year, the fruit wine in Tokyo has been changing with each passing day, with an increase of 20 varieties alone. "
Zhang Fei frowned secretly. Yes! Demand will determine the development of technology. Weapons cannot be developed behind closed doors. They must be put on the battlefield for practice. Only in this way can they be truly developed. The fastest period of firearms development was when the Royal Police used them to suppress bandits. However, going to war with foreign countries is not in the national interest and will affect the development of domestic affairs. Forget it, forget it. Let's wait a little longer. Don't lose the big picture while ignoring the big picture.
"Sanlang? Sanlang?"
"ah?"
"what's on your mind?"
"I'm thinking."
Zhang Fei suddenly asked: "Then why don't you apply for the incentive law?"
Hou Donglai was stunned for a moment and asked, "Can I apply for this movable type as well?"
Zhang Fei said: "Of course movable type cannot be invented. Even if it can be invented, it is not invented by us. However, lead type, especially the smelting of lead type, is possible."
Hou Donglai was startled and said hurriedly: "Speaking of lead smelting, we are really better than the imperial court's smelting workshop."
He was not exaggerating at all. The movable type workshop invested much more money in the research and development of lead than the imperial court.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Then you should prepare quickly and apply for the incentive law."
"Why!"
Hou Donglai nodded, but then said, "But I don't know how to apply!"
Zhang Fei said angrily: "You are going backwards as time goes by. Can't you find a law firm in Bian Jing?"
Hou Donglai blinked, "Yes, yes, yes! This kind of thing should be asked to Erbi. You see how worried I am recently."
"By the way, you haven't told me what you're worried about yet?"
“Oh, it’s the layout problem.
"Hou Donglai said: "The paper is getting bigger and bigger, and the words are getting smaller and smaller, but an article cannot be completed."
Zhang Fei rolled his eyes and said, "Isn't this easy? Just find some more content to put in. Who says that this newspaper can only have one article? Nowadays, everyone is paying attention to finance and business. You can publish articles specifically on these topics, such as the Qi family you just mentioned."
"I've thought about this, but for example, the main text is about the court's policies, but the side is about merchants. Is this good? Is there anything wrong with that? But if you want to print them in different categories, you may not be able to print them all."
"What's wrong with that? It's all news. The ones about the court must be put at the front, and the font can be bigger. The rest of the news can be smaller."
"If you say yes, then I'll do it."
Hou Donglai nodded.
Zhang Fei said: "There is more! Take the Qi family for example. If their sales increase after we publish an article, they will have to pay us to write an article next time."
Hou Donglai said, "They all went to look for Fengyue Newspaper."
"ah?"
"We usually publish some national events. If we want to write about fruit wine, we have to write about the overall situation. This is the style of our news paper, and it was also set by you, Sanlang. But those young men and scholars like to read indecent things. Fengyue News sells much better than us. All the wines of various brands are promoted in Fengyue News."
Hou Donglai said with regret.
They were the ones who created this newspaper, but ended up having it reaped the benefits from Fengyue News. But there was nothing they could do; when it came to brothels, none of them combined could compare to Fu Shichun in one shot.
"It has always been like this, everyone loves to watch exciting things." Zhang Fei shook his head and sighed, "Forget it, we don't lack this little money."
Hou Donglai nodded and suddenly asked, "By the way! Sanlang, why are you here?"
Zhang Fei then remembered the important matter and handed Sima Guang's article to him, "Publish it immediately."
"Why!"
Hou Donglai took it and looked at it, and said happily: "This is an article praising Sanlang."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Remember, after the sale, ask the people in the bookstore to spread the rumor that I had someone write this article."
Hou Donglai said: "That's not good, it will make people think that you are bragging about yourself, Sanlang."
Zhang Fei asked: "Do you think this is a lie?"
"Of course not."
"That's it. My goods are good, why don't I let people shout a few words?"
Since this was Zhang Fei's personal order, the genuine bookstore naturally did not dare to neglect it and published Sima Guang's article two days later.
Imperial city.
In the lounge.
Sima Guang was holding a newspaper and reading it with great interest, laughing to himself, thinking that this boy was really efficient in his work as he could send it out so quickly.
As he was speaking, two more officials came in and looked at Sima Guang.
Sima Guang also noticed it, "Why are you two looking at me like that?"
One of the officials asked, "Minister Sima, aren't you angry when you see this article?"
"I'm fine. Ahem. What the article says is true. I have to admit that Zhang San has made great contributions to the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems."
Sima Guang said.
"Who said that?"
Another official said excitedly: "Zhang San's contribution is mainly in the legal system. Previously, he evaluated the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. This is all the credit of Sima Shangshu."
The first official continued, "And I heard that Zhang San asked someone to write this article. He wanted to steal the award from Shangshu Sima. This is the behavior of a mean person, shameless."
Seeing how angry the two were, Sima Guang was frightened. "Don't get excited, this is not a big deal."
In fact, what he wanted to say was, this has nothing to do with you!
"But it's not a small matter. This is the Mencius Award. If Zhang San snatches this award away, it would be a great disrespect to Saint Meng."
"Minister Sima, we all know that you are indifferent to fame and fortune, so you definitely deserve this honor!"
"We will definitely support Minister Sima and will never let that kid succeed."
"I."
Sima Guang was suddenly at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and felt even more upset. He quickly made an excuse to leave, but as soon as he went out, he met Wang Anshi.
Wang Anshi looked at him with a half-smile.
Sima Guang would not give him a good look, "If you have something to say, just say it."
Wang Anshi laughed and said, "Junshi, I never thought you were so vain."
Sima Guang asked in confusion: "What did you say?"
Wang Anshi pointed at the newspaper in his hand and said, "How dare you say that this article was not written by you, Zhang Fei?"
Sima Guang frowned slightly and said, "Even if it is, so what?"
Wang Anshi said: "Originally, there was constant controversy over you and me winning the award, but after this article came out, most people chose to support you, because now anyone who dares to question this article is supporting Zhang San."
"how so?"
Sima Guang opened his eyes.
Wang Anshi wondered, "Isn't this Zhang San's idea?"
Sima Guang suddenly realized what was going on and stamped his feet hard, "Oh! This brat, he fooled me again."
Wang Anshi looked at him curiously and understood what was going on. He actually believed in Sima Guang's character more. This didn't seem like something he would do. He added, "Zhang San really supports Sima Guang. In order to dispel those doubts, he can't help but let himself be the bait."
Sima Guang, who was originally angry, couldn't help but feel a little ashamed when he heard this. Thinking carefully, what benefit would Zhang Fei get from doing this? He didn't take all the advantage. He sighed and said, "This kid always makes me hate him, but I can't say it out loud."
Wang Anshi smiled and said, "It's rare that I agree with you for once!"
Once this article was published, it can be said that the matter is done. Most people do not want to see Zhang Fei win this award. Not to mention all the grudges, Zhang Fei is not suitable for the award at his age.
However, apart from Sima Guang, the person who made the greatest contribution to the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs was Zhang Fei. Everyone suddenly remembered that if they didn't give it to Sima Guang, they had to give it to Zhang Fei.
They cannot turn a blind eye to the success of the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs.
There is no harm without comparison.
Compared with Zhang Fei, Sima Guang is really suitable and deserves the title!
Almost everyone supported Sima Guang, and there was no more dispute.
Although there are many people in the court who support the rule of law, this award is for the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems, and judicial reform has always been promoted by Sima Guang. They also feel that it is inappropriate to give this award to Zhang Fei.
Sima Guang had no choice but to accept it.
Now all the pressure is on Wang Anshi, but Wang Anshi is not panicked at all. He is used to it. Moreover, he can now use his political achievements to slap those people in the face.
Because it is now tax season again.
This year's tax collection was crucial because it was the first time that tax currency was considered a regular policy, and it was also the first year that a temporary law was enacted.
No matter whether a policy is good or bad, it must be reflected in the finances.
If there is no fiscal growth, it will be a failure.
Chuigong Hall.
"Your Majesty, most people have already filled out their tax forms. The three courts, with the cooperation of the Bianjing Law Firm, have randomly checked more than 3,000 tax forms. It is preliminarily estimated that the tax revenue of the capital this year will at least double that of last year."
Xue Xiang reported to Zhao Xu excitedly.
"really?"
Zhao Xu said happily.
This is exactly what Zhang Fei predicted.
Xue Xiang nodded and said, "I can guarantee it."
Wen Yanbo said, "Three officials, the growth is doubled at any time. Do you know what this means? Why don't you wait until the tax revenue comes in before claiming credit? Can't you wait for two or three months?"
He didn't quite believe it.
Wang Anshi smiled and said, "Mr. Wen, this is a different time. The three departments must make statistics in advance so that they can better arrange the currency policy for next year."
"Mr. Wang is right."
Xue Xiang said confidently: "In fact, one time is just a conservative estimate. If we take into account the losses saved by the court, it will be more than one time, and may even reach two times."
Lü Gong was puzzled and asked, "Do the three officials have any evidence?"
"some."
Xue Xiang directly took out an account, "This is our court's expenditure losses in previous years and this year's procurement expenditure, as well as the Bian Jing Law Firm's random inspection statistics on this year's commercial taxes.
By comparing them, we can find that the difference between the amount of goods directly distributed by the court to officials and soldiers and the amount of tax coins directly distributed to officials was more than twice.
In addition, the new tax law is calculated based on people’s income. This year, people’s income has increased significantly, and the number of second-class wealthy households has also increased.”
When these words were spoken, everyone was surprised.
Is it such a big difference?
Zhao Xu didn't dare to
The letter quickly asked Xue Xiang to submit the accounts.
After reading it, Zhao Xu first ordered someone to give the account to Wen Yanbo, Lu Gongzhuo, Sima Guang and others. He then asked Xue Xiang: "Why is there such a big difference between giving money to officials to buy goods and directly delivering goods to officials?"
Xue Xiang answered cryptically: "This is mainly because there are too many goods to count and manage."
Zhao Xu nodded.
Using public funds is a tradition.
If you say this is corruption, it seems a bit too much.
But you use a little and I use a little, you won’t know until you see it, and you’ll be shocked when you see it.
When Xue Xiang saw the account for the first time, he thought it was a calculation error. How could there be such a big difference?
But this year's accounts showed that the business office sold all the goods first, and then the officials used the coins to buy them.
Originally it was estimated that the goods in the warehouse were not enough to pay all the salaries. However, after deducting the salaries, the WFP still made a lot of money.
This is really outrageous.
Can it be less wasteful?
Xue Xiang added: "There is also the transportation of goods, which is also a considerable expense. Now that the Yaqian Yi has been exempted, you still need to pay for escorting goods."
Sima Guang suddenly asked: "But why did the people's wealth increase so much?"
Xue Xiangdao: "According to our survey, it is mainly because the enthusiasm of the people to make money has increased. In the past thirty years, the number of second-class wealthy households in our dynasty has been decreasing, but this year it has increased a lot.
It is because people now dare to earn more money. Although the harvest from the fields has not increased, people will still grow grapes, vegetables, raise chickens and ducks, and even work in workshops, so the wealth of people is generally increasing.
Among them, merchants had the fastest growth in wealth. Merchants were the ones who benefited the most from the court's currency reform. Based on this alone, their wealth increased by more than double. "
The previous growth in wealth was based on the fact that everyone had to pay taxes. This slight increase alone lasted for several years, which shows how serious tax evasion was before.
However, there has been no tax inspection this year. The growth lies entirely in the optimization of the system, saving losses, and the enthusiasm of the people to make money.
But there is a question worth thinking about, that is, why people did not dare to make money before, and why the number of rich families was decreasing year by year.
In fact, everyone knows it.
Zhao Xu skipped this embarrassing topic and asked, "What suggestions do the three officials have for the distribution of coins next year?"
Xue Xiang said: "I suggest temporarily reducing the amount of coins minted, hoarding as much copper as possible, and gradually replacing it with paper money. At the same time, let the major warehouses allow copper to be used as collateral for tax coins."
Sima Guang asked, "Who would be willing to use copper as collateral for paper money?"
Xue Xiang said: "We have observed that many wealthy people are doing business now, but the cost of trading any goods is definitely higher than the tax currency. At the same time, they have a lot of copperware at home, which is difficult to be used as tax currency immediately.
Nowadays, Jiekupu only allows the exchange of tax coins and copper coins. As long as people are allowed to use copper to pledge tax coins, I believe more and more people will use copper utensils to pledge tax coins.
Moreover, this will increase the amount of tax coins issued without violating the rules set by the Legislative Council. "
The Legislative Council has only determined that the amount of tax coins issued cannot exceed the court's copper reserves.
If the rich are willing to use copper as collateral for tax coins, the issuance of tax coins will increase.
Wang Anshi added: "Your Majesty, this is just a private transaction, an equal exchange, so even if there are more, there will be no problem."
Zhao Xu nodded.
Xue Xiang added: "In addition, I have also studied Hebei's financial problems. I think the soldiers stationed in Hebei are a burden to the Hebei region, but they can also help Hebei restore its finances.
As long as the salaries of all officials and soldiers in Hebei are changed into tax currency starting from next year, the finances of Hebei will surely be revitalized quickly.
Because the court issued this policy, merchants will surely flock in. Hundreds of thousands of troops are stationed in Hebei, and they all need to buy food and clothes, all of which require money!
When merchants come here, they can help the people earn more livings. Now the land annexation in Hebei Province is extremely serious and can only be revitalized by business.
The key business is to be able to resist floods well, and merchants can build workshops in places without floods.
For the imperial court, there was no need to allocate additional money for relief.
In addition, the court can also change all the salaries of officials in Jingdong East Road and Huainan area into tax coins, but not issue additional tax coins, so as to gradually promote tax coins. "
Wen Yanbo understood what he had heard. "The Three Envoys are really good at speaking. This is a way to increase the circulation of tax coins. But it's only been a year. You are a little too impatient."
Xue Xiang said, "This is not just one year. The commercial prosperity of Hezhong Prefecture is based on the huge local army. The loss saved by the tax currency this year is incalculable. Why doesn't Hebei follow suit? Moreover, the people of Hebei have gradually become accustomed to using tax currency in the past two years. The court should strike while the iron is hot."
Wang Anshi said: "In addition, we can also gradually open up the exchange of salt notes with the northwest through Jiekupu, so as to connect them.
Especially with the recent success of Xihe trade, many goods from the Western Regions have entered our country, leading to more merchants starting to travel between the two places. If they are connected, merchants can use flying money to circulate, which will also make it easier for the tax bureau to check taxes. "
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "Approved."
Wen Yanbo tried desperately to wink at Sima Guang. Seeing that Sima Guang was hesitant, he simply said to Zhao Xu: "Your Majesty, now that the temporary law has been promulgated, it will be easier to promote public security, prosecution and law. I suggest that it be implemented nationwide."
We can’t just watch Wang Anshi and others perform, we have to perform too.
Xue Xiang said hurriedly: "I also agree very much, because the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are the basis for issuing tax coins."
Zhao Xu smiled and said, "I have always been very supportive, but Minister Sima has always had doubts about this."
Oh my God! Even the emperor knows about this. Wen Yanbo smiled awkwardly.
As for promoting tax currency, this still needs discussion. As for promoting the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs, there is really no one stopping you now.
Xiaoxi would like to wish everyone a happy New Year and may all their wishes come true.
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