The warm sunlight shines through the carved window lattices, casting patches of light and shadows on the sandalwood desk in the palace study.
The Second Emperor, Nangong Yan, dressed in a black robe with sword-like brows and star-like eyes, was facing Princess Bai Linglong. The table was full of accounts and planning drawings, and they were discussing the subsequent development of the night market.
The palace housekeeper looked panicked, knelt down with a plop, and said hurriedly: "Your Highness, Princess, something big has happened!
Early in the morning, the Minister of Revenue made a memorial to the court, saying that night markets disrupted the traditional commercial order, and proposed to change the opening frequency from once every five days to once every half a month, and to increase the tax from % to 10%. ”
Nangong Yan dipped the ink-dipped brush in his hand and slammed it, the ink smearing on the white rice paper. He frowned, put the brush heavily on the inkstone, and said in a deep voice: "What does this Shangshu mean?
Night markets are improving the capital's economy and people's lives. How can they be restricted arbitrarily?
Once the tax rate goes up, how can small business owners survive? ”
Bai Linglong frowned slightly, and after thinking for a while, she said, "My Lord, this matter is not simple, there may be a force behind it.
The Shangshu was cautious and would not make such a radical suggestion if he was not sure.
We have to find a way to neither hinder the development of the night market nor come into direct conflict with the imperial court. ”
After saying that, she stood up, walked lightly with lotus steps, and gently waved the round fan in her hand.
"What the princess said is absolutely true."
Nangong Yan nodded, his eyes firm, "Tomorrow we will go to the palace to meet the emperor and report the true situation and benefits of the night market to him and let him decide.
I have asked my confidant to collect data. After the night market was opened, the sales of food in the surrounding areas of the capital increased by two times.
More than ten new handicraft workshops have been added, which have created jobs for many people. I believe my father will be able to see this clearly. ”
Early the next morning, Nangong Yan and Bai Linglong dressed in court robes and entered the Golden Palace.
The hall was decorated with carved beams and painted buildings, with civil and military officials standing on both sides, creating a depressing atmosphere.
The Grand Duke Nangong Ye was the first to step forward. He stood tall and calm, bowed to the emperor, and said in a clear voice: "Father, I think the matter of the night market needs to be considered in the long run.
Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Zhao Zhongliang, although his proposal has its considerations, night markets are of great significance to the people, their livelihoods and the prosperity of the capital, and rash restrictions are by no means a good idea. ”
Nangong Yan stepped out next, bowed and said, "Your Highness is right.
I also believe that the vigorous development of the night market is a reflection of the people's peaceful and prosperous life. If it is properly guided, it will surely bring greater benefits to our dynasty. ”
The Minister of Finance Zhao Zhongliang stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highnesses, it's not that I don't know the benefits of night markets, but if traditional businesses are hit hard, many time-honored shops will have difficulty operating. If this continues, it may affect their foundations.
In addition, it is difficult to manage public security in night markets, and increasing taxes is also to cover related expenses. ”
Nangong Yi snorted coldly and curled his lips and said, "Minister Zhao, what you said is reasonable, but how can the small vendors bear the tax increase so much?
They rely on this little business to support their families. Isn't this pushing people to a dead end? ”
There was a lot of discussion in the court, and everyone argued endlessly. The emperor sat on the dragon throne, frowning slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "This matter is of great importance. I intend to let the crown prince be in charge, and the second emperor will assist.
Within a month, we will solve the existing problems of night markets and balance the relationship between traditional commerce and night markets.
If the effect is significant, the status quo of the night market will be maintained; if it is still chaotic, the restriction measures will have to be implemented. ”
Nangong Ye and Nangong Yan looked at each other and both knelt down to receive the order: "Your sons obey your order!"
After the court was dismissed, the Queen Mother Nangong Ye summoned Nangong Yan, the prefect of the capital, the Minister of Revenue and others to the East Palace for discussion.
Nangong Ye sat in the main seat with a serious look: "As we shoulder a heavy responsibility, the most urgent task is to understand the problem in depth.
Minister Zhao, could you please tell us in detail about traditional commerce and the specific circumstances that have been affected? ”
Minister Zhao stood up quickly and said respectfully, "Your Highness, since the night market opened, the number of customers in many shops open during the day has dropped sharply.
Especially some time-honored shops located in remote streets and alleys, which originally had limited customers, such as 꿷, which was even more deserted. ”
Nangong Yan nodded slightly and continued, "This is indeed true, but we cannot ignore the new opportunities brought by the night market.
For example, the night market has a large flow of people and diverse consumer demands. We can guide traditional merchants to expand their business ideas and participate in the night market. ”
Tainan Gongye nodded and said, "Second brother, what you said makes sense.
In this way, we will first arrange personnel to conduct a comprehensive survey of Beijing merchants to understand their difficulties and needs, and then formulate targeted assistance measures. ”
In the following days, Nangong Yan led the palace guards and the subordinates of the prefect of the capital city to visit the streets and alleys of the capital city and visit merchants.
In an old-fashioned pastry shop, the boss looked worried and sighed, "My lords.
The small shop has been running pastries for generations, and in the past it could barely survive relying on regular customers. But when the night market opened, all the customers were attracted away, and the business plummeted. ”
Nangong Yan consoled him, "Don't worry, Boss. We are here for this very reason.
You might consider setting up a stall at the night market and selling some light and easy-to-carry cakes, which may help you to attract new customers. ”
After hearing this, the pastry shop owner's eyes flashed with hope: "Is it really possible?
But I don’t know the rules of the night market, this…”
The prefect of Jingcheng said with a smile: "Don't worry, we will arrange unified training in the future to guide merchants on how to operate legally and compliantly in the night market."
At the same time, Prince Nangong Ye was not idle either. He convened scholars and social elites in the city to discuss plans to improve the cultural atmosphere and management level of the night market.
An old scholar twirled his beard and suggested, "Your Highness, if the night market could have more cultural activities, such as poetry gatherings, opera performances, etc., it would not only improve the style, but also attract more people of different levels to come."
Tainan Gongye's eyes lit up: "This is a great plan!
I would like to ask you to take the lead and organize the talents in the city to hold such activities regularly in the night market. ”
However, the implementation process was not smooth.
Some merchants are used to the traditional business model and are hesitant to participate in the night market;
Some people are also worried that the night market is poorly managed and safety cannot be guaranteed.
After Nangong Yan and Tainangong Ye learned about it, they got together again to discuss countermeasures.
Nangong Yan looked determined: "Your Highness, we cannot let these problems hinder the development of the night market.
It is better for us to first select a few businesses that are willing to do so, focus on supporting them, create a demonstration effect, let other businesses see the sweetness, and naturally follow suit.
As for the concerns of the people, we have stepped up public security publicity, posted public security management regulations in conspicuous locations in the night market, and arranged special personnel to patrol to reassure everyone. ”
Tainan Gongye expressed his deep praise: "Second brother, what you said is absolutely right.
Without further ado, we began to make arrangements immediately. ”
With the efforts of the two, traditional businesses began to emerge in the night market, with a wide range of special products;
Cultural activities such as poetry gatherings and opera performances are also held regularly at the night market, attracting many people to stop and enjoy.
The public security situation in the night market has also improved greatly, and people are enjoying the excitement and joy in the night market.
Two months later, the night market has prospered beyond imagination. Not only has it not affected traditional business, but it has also driven the economic development of the entire capital, and tax revenue has also grown steadily.
After a month, the Crown Prince Nangong Ye and Nangong Yan came to the court again to report the results to the emperor.
Tai presented a thick research report and account, elaborating on the efforts and achievements of the past few months.
The emperor looked at the account with a pleased smile on his face: "Grandpa, Second Emperor, you really lived up to my expectations.
Under your management, this night market has become more prosperous and orderly.
Minister Li, you can rest assured now. ”
Minister Li bowed and said, "I had many concerns before, but it seems that the actions taken by the Queen and the Second Emperor are appropriate and effective. I admire them deeply."
The emperor waved his hand and said, "From now on, the night market will continue to be open as planned, and the tax rate will remain unchanged.
Your Majesty, Second Emperor, you must continue to work hard and seek benefits for the people. ”
The Queen Mother, Nangong Ye and Nangong Yan, knelt down to express their gratitude.
Walking out of the court, the two smiled at each other, their hearts full of gratitude.
Back at the palace, Bai Linglong had already prepared a celebration banquet.
Nangong Yan looked at the children playing in the courtyard and said with emotion: "Princess, this effort is worth it.
Seeing people's lives getting better and better and children growing up happily, I have nothing else to ask for. ”
Bai Linglong smiled and gently held his hand: "Yes, this is the result of your and Tai's joint efforts.
There is still a long way to go in the future, and I believe you will make the capital more prosperous. ”
The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the roof of the palace, and the capital city is immersed in peace.
The night market is brightly lit, and laughter and joy echo in the night sky, which is the most beautiful scenery of this era.
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