In May of the third year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, Le Shu gave birth to another prince.
Le Shu thought either was fine, but Yinzhen was quite disappointed. He felt that a daughter would be better and more considerate, but a son was also good, and he named him Hongyang.
After giving birth, Le Shu completely dropped her pretense. In the name of the royal family, she organized a maritime trade fleet that was open only to officials of the fourth rank and above.
They were allowed to invest, with each share costing ten taels of silver. The maximum investment amount was determined according to the official's rank, and the royal family guaranteed that even if the fleet did not return, their investment would be returned after one year.
We will continue maritime trade in the future, but if the fleet doesn't return, the money will be gone forever.
Of the fleet's profits, 20% will go to the accompanying navy for military expenses, and 20% will go to the national treasury for customs duties. Further regulations will be made when formal customs regulations are established in the future. As for the emperor's private treasury, the proportion of shares invested will be distributed according to the future profits.
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This is the first time the imperial court has organized maritime trade. Le Shu wants everyone to know that if they try it once, they will definitely not lose money. Le Shu has a lot of silver, enough for three fleets to not return. However, as long as she can succeed once, the profit will be dozens or even hundreds of times.
Officials who participate in the investment will reap profits of at least several dozen times their initial investment, regardless of the amount invested.
Wealth is a powerful motivator, and the most organized navy and the most advanced weapons are in the hands of Yinzhen and Leshu.
Once the customs are established and tariffs are collected, the imperial court can organize private merchant caravans to engage in maritime trade, with the navy providing escort and protection. They can also make a fortune by robbing pirates.
With the huge potential of maritime trade, it would be much easier for Yinzhen to implement policies that benefit the people, such as the household tax system and the equal distribution of taxes and duties among officials and gentry.
If you maximize your profits, then if anyone objects to the "petty gains" in the fields, don't blame them for showing leniency.
Moreover, as the person in charge of the greater interests, he even had people helping him push through the government's policies.
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