The emperor had enough prestige, which naturally meant that it would be easier for him to get things done.
Whether it's the Maritime Trade Office or the banks, it wouldn't be particularly difficult for Zhu Yunying to reform or establish regulations if he wanted to. After all, Zhang Yang now holds considerable power and doesn't need to constantly think about internal power struggles with court officials; he can implement sweeping measures.
The Ministry of Revenue is quite agitated now, even though the establishment of banks seems to have weakened the power of some individuals. However, the emergence of this banking department also makes the Ministry of Revenue appear to have even greater power.
This is definitely a good thing. The Ministry of Revenue has these kinds of responsibilities, and this is what they should be doing.
"I am determined to reform the system." Zhu Yunying looked at Yu Xin and said earnestly, "The national treasury is becoming increasingly prosperous, but you should not be complacent. Money matters are a test of people's hearts. Although the bank is in charge of money, it should also conduct self-examination."
Yu Xin naturally had no objections; the banking department was a separate division within the Ministry of Revenue. These past few days, the emperor had made numerous demands and plans regarding the banks, which naturally meant that more people understood the special nature of banks.
Although paper money (Jiaozi) existed as early as the Song Dynasty, and there were also some money shops in the past, the difference between banks and money shops is not just that banks accept deposits without charging cash, but also that they pay depositors interest.
Furthermore, banks seem to have some similarities to pawnshops. If you want to borrow money from a bank, you naturally need to pay interest and undergo a series of due diligence checks to ensure the bank doesn't incur losses, etc.
There's a lot to learn here. For example, bank withdrawal slips can't be forged. It also needs to be ensured that withdrawals are valid in all locations to guarantee convenience for depositors, which is one of the essential reasons for the existence of banks.
After the officials from the Ministry of Revenue left, Zhu Yunying said to Zhu Yuntong, "Tomorrow, remember to inform the Imperial Clan Court. If any of the courts intend to invest in the bank, they must contribute some gold and silver. The bank is currently short of funds, and without funds deposited into the treasury, the bank is useless."
Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhu Yunying and asked with some surprise, "Brother, wasn't it said that the bank, like the Maritime Trade Office, provides stipends to members of the imperial clan according to their rank?"
The Maritime Trade Office did indeed provide a lot of convenience to members of the imperial family. For example, Zhu Yunwen cooperated with his two elder sisters and two aunts to form a fleet that was neither too large nor too small, and they frequently sailed to Southeast Asia.
However, in addition to the money directly earned by the Maritime Trade Office, the imperial family members also received a certain salary from the office each year. It was slightly less than the stipend provided by the imperial court, but as long as they did not squander it, the output of the Maritime Trade Office alone was enough for them to live comfortably.
"That's not quite right," Zhu Yunying laughed and said, "Banks are a sensitive area after all. Although the imperial family has the power to oversee them, they can't do too much. We intend to give preferential treatment to the imperial family, but you should also understand that we can't give them so many benefits for no reason!"
Zhu Yunwen seemed to understand and said, "Your Majesty, our imperial clan is also a banker, so we should contribute some money."
“That makes sense, it’s good that you know.” Zhu Yunying smiled and said to Zhu Yuntong, “As you know, there are quite a few members of our imperial clan who are understanding of us. It’s just that there are also some who are only thinking about their own benefits.”
Zhu Yunwen nodded repeatedly, though he dared not say much about his elder brother becoming emperor. However, Zhu Yunwen also understood that some of his uncles sometimes put on airs or occasionally acted strangely.
Moreover, not all members of the Zhu family were virtuous princes. Virtuous princes like Zhu Yunwen were the rarest among the imperial clan. Those who acted lawlessly, like Prince Dai Zhu Gui, were a significant number, second only to dissolute princes like Zhu Yunwen.
"This time we won't give you money. Whatever amount you have in your household, whatever your investment, that's how much benefit you'll receive," Zhu Yunying said with a smile, then reminded Zhu Yunzhuo, "You'd better be smart. Your little bit of money is just a drop in the ocean. Don't be fooled by the small share; the imperial court is ultimately backing it up, understand?"
Zhu Yunwen's eyes lit up, and he said to Zhu Yunying, "Brother, besides rank, we also need to consider the amount of the gift?"
"There are some limitations, so we can't give you too much," Zhu Yunying laughed and said. "Go back and ask someone at the Ministry of Revenue. If things are handled well here, Wengeng and his brothers will be set for life."
Zhu Yunwen muttered to himself, "We were already well-off, and the court's support was more than enough."
What more can be said? It's a fact. Although Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang reduced the support for the imperial family twice during his reign, the current treatment of the imperial family in the Ming Dynasty is unprecedented. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was truly good to the imperial family.
As for Zhu Yunying, there's nothing to complain about. The current imperial clan members don't pose much of a burden on the court's finances. After all, while the number of imperial clan members is constantly increasing, overall they are still a tiny fraction.
Most importantly, thanks to Zhu Yunying's tireless efforts, not only did the emperor reduce the privileges of some members of the imperial clan, but the practice of receiving stipends from the court generation after generation also ceased.
Leaving aside the issue of demotion, the saying goes that the blessings of a virtuous person last only five generations. Even after five or six generations, the court doesn't need to worry about the ever-growing number of members of the imperial clan. Although the overall number of members of the imperial clan will increase to some extent, there are certain limits; it won't just snowball.
Looking at his younger brother, Zhu Yunying continued, "The Crown Prince will be leaving the palace in a few days, and you will go with him. Keep an eye on your nephew and keep the imperial clan in check. Your sisters will also go with you; they can help your sister-in-law keep an eye on the imperial clan and the female relatives of nobles."
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