After hearing Liu Wenshan's words, Chu Fan felt extremely shocked and unbelievable in his heart.
He knew very well that even on Blue Star, few countries would impose such high taxes, as high as 40% to 50%, which was undoubtedly a heavy burden for businessmen.
After all, merchants were not always guaranteed to make a profit, especially in the ancient context, as they faced various unpredictable risks, including wars, natural disasters, bandit invasions, etc. These uncertainties themselves brought huge challenges and pressure to merchants.
Under these circumstances, such a heavy tax burden would undoubtedly further squeeze merchants' profit margins, potentially forcing many businesses into bankruptcy. Chu Fan understood that if Wei dared to enact such a tax policy, even those merchants who were loyal and devoted to their country would unhesitatingly choose to leave Wei and seek survival and development in other countries. After all, such a policy would be tantamount to destroying their very foundations, leaving them with no room for survival or development in Wei. For the sake of their livelihoods and the future of their families, merchants were forced to make this choice, which was undoubtedly a devastating blow to the Wei economy.
Chu Fan slowly spoke, "Mr. Liu, what you're saying is far too serious. Furthermore, as part of the State of Wei, the royal family naturally has an obligation to pay taxes. As for commercial taxes, I believe a rate of one-tenth is sufficient. If we impose excessively high commercial taxes, it will severely squeeze the living space of merchants. As ministers in the court, we should understand that merchants are also an indispensable part of the State of Wei, and we cannot harbor any prejudice against them."
As Chu Fan finished speaking, the ministers in the court knelt down and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."
When Chu Fan clearly stated that the royal family was also part of the State of Wei and equally obligated to pay taxes, many ministers in the court were deeply moved. They sensed the difference between Chu Fan and other emperors. Since His Majesty Chu Fan considered the royal family part of the State of Wei, the ministers could clearly see that His Majesty Chu Fan had carefully considered the overall interests of the country.
Chu Fan's words not only won a reasonable living space for merchants, but also demonstrated his tolerance and care for all walks of life in the country. The ministers knew that having such an emperor would surely bring a more prosperous and stable future to the State of Wei.
Throughout history, the vast majority of royal families have ruthlessly exploited the lower classes from a condescending position, acting like parasites clinging to the nation's body, greedily sucking the people's blood. They never truly grasp that they, too, are part of this nation, with a responsibility and obligation to contribute to its prosperity and the well-being of its people. This self-serving behavior undoubtedly exacerbates injustice within the nation and causes suffering to the people.
Against this backdrop, His Majesty's remarks undoubtedly surprised the ministers in the court. His Majesty clearly stated that the royal family was also a member of the State of Wei and had an obligation to pay taxes.
Furthermore, the commercial tax would only be levied at one-tenth, rather than the four-tenths or five-tenths suggested by Liu Wenshan. This decision put the ministers at ease, as many of their families were involved in the business world to some extent. If His Majesty really adopted Liu Wenshan's suggestion and raised the commercial tax to four-tenths or five-tenths, then their families would have to face a difficult choice:
They were faced with the dilemma of either abandoning their business as a means of making money or relocating their operations to other countries to avoid heavy taxation. Therefore, His Majesty's decision undoubtedly provided them with a glimmer of hope and filled them with hope for future business activities.
Chu Fan spoke, his voice carrying a hint of authority: "My dear ministers, please stand up. Let us continue today's court meeting."
The ministers all stood up from the ground, their hearts filled with immense respect for Chu Fan's wise decision. They knew that Chu Fan's decision would not only effectively protect the interests of merchants, but also further promote the economic development of Wei.
At this moment, Mu Yundian stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Gan Kingdom is colluding with the Xiongnu and is preparing to attack us. General Mu Yunfeng has sent me to tell Your Majesty whether you agree to recruit new soldiers to supplement our army."
Chu Fan had already prepared himself when Mu Yundian mentioned that matter. He had previously read about border affairs in memorials, and these matters had made him deeply aware that although he did not aspire to become emperor, the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty must not be violated in any way. Furthermore, Chu Fan now aspired to be a wise ruler, and he was fully aware of the weight of his responsibility.
Furthermore, the production and sale of refined salt significantly improved Wei's relations with other states. This refined salt trade not only brought substantial economic benefits to Wei but also eased tensions between the two countries. Many countries resumed normal trade with Wei, providing the state with more resources and opportunities.
Now, Wei could purchase the necessary food, meat, weapons, and other military supplies from other countries, which undoubtedly provided a solid foundation for Wei's military expansion. Chu Fan understood that with the support of these supplies, Wei was fully capable of expanding its military, strengthening its national defense, and ensuring national security and stability.
Chu Fan waved his large hand and said majestically, "Eunuch Li, immediately take out five million taels of silver from the inner treasury and give it to General Mu Yunfeng. Tell him that no matter what happens in the country, we can bear it, but we must not allow foreign enemies to further set foot on Wei territory."
Chu Fan's words were full of heroism and determination, making all the ministers present understand his determination.
All the ministers understood the meaning of the phrase "losses are permissible within the country." This meant that even if the imperial family met with disaster, as long as Wei's sovereignty remained in the hands of the people, General Mu Yunfeng, stationed on the frontier, would not need to return to the capital to provide assistance. Instead, he must remain at his post and defend Wei's territory from invasion.
Mu Yundian was filled with gratitude and respect when he heard Chu Fan's order. He knelt on the ground and said in a trembling voice, "On behalf of the people of the world, I thank Your Majesty for your kindness. We will defend every inch of Wei Kingdom to the death and will never let Your Majesty down."
Mu Yundian's tone was full of firmness and determination, indicating that he would do his best to fulfill his duties.
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