Judge of the Song Dynasty Chapter 748: Disciples

After Xue Xiang’s words, there were no more boos outside the courtyard. The people gradually changed from the contempt and ridicule just now to hesitation, confusion, and struggle. Especially the merchants and salesmen discussed with their companions in low voices. stand up.

In fact, before this, the businessmen in the capital were also very uncomfortable, because after several years of development, the scale of business in the capital has been growing, but mainly small businessmen have increased a lot, and the wealthy businessmen have not changed much. Those businesses Most of the new upstarts are related to Zhang Fei. For these small businessmen, as soon as their business started to improve, they encountered disaster. How could they not feel desperate?

It’s just that they are only a small minority, and they have some food at home and are hungry, so they are easily ignored by everyone. After all, this feudal society mainly seeks stability, and it will be fine if they don’t starve to death, so everyone’s attention is still focused on ordinary farmers. If there is a slight blow from wind or rain on their bodies, these farmers will face life and death.

But in fact, small businessmen are also having a hard time. If this continues for a year, their business will not be sustainable.

Therefore, what Xue Xiang said makes sense to them. If Xue Xiang received copper coins, even if it was not given to them, they would definitely agree with it with both hands and feet.

But this banknote is indeed worrying.

The imperial court?

The dogs didn’t believe it.

"Why do these words sound familiar?"

Fu Bi murmured in a low voice and couldn't help but look around again, but he didn't find the familiar figure in the crowd.

Zhao Pian paid attention to Fu Bi's actions and whispered: "That brat is with the official family now."

Fu Bi nodded, "That boy is becoming more and more like a great master."

Zhao Peng smiled slightly.

At this time, all the evidence had been presented, and Fu Bi and the others took a serious look at it.

The people outside saw that they were examining the evidence, and the discussion gradually became louder.

Zhao Xu, who was in the lobby at the back, couldn't help but said to Zhang Fei: "Is this what you taught me?"

This number is simply a copy of yesterday’s Zhang Fei.

"No."

Zhang Fei shook his head and said: "If it were me, I would use offense instead of defense. This first piece of evidence must be the problems encountered during disasters in previous years, especially the warehouse opening relief method they are most used to. , it doesn’t matter whether my plan is passed or not, but we must deny their policies first, and then we can only use mine in the end, so we can get twice the result with half the effort.”

It is indeed Zhang Darer’s pen, he really has a skill! Zhao Xu's eyes lit up when he heard that the imperial court opened a warehouse to provide relief. It was really just for moral reasons, but in fact it couldn't save many people. He couldn't help but smile and nodded, "It seems that the three envoys only learned half of it!"

He said it lightly, but it takes courage to imitate the other half. Most people really can't do it. Only Zhang Fei dared to do this, both in the government and in the public.

But for Xue Xiang, he was already satisfied.

Sima Guang and the others don’t know that Xue Xiang, who is sitting here, is full of happiness because he likes this thing. Let’s just talk about interests. Don’t talk about it. This is comparable to talking in Chuigong Hall. Much easier.

This is also his strength.

After the evidence was presented, Sima Guang looked at it and found that although the accounts were similar to what Xue Xiang said, he felt that the key was not here. Xue Xiang was just using a trick to fool everyone, so he asked Xue Xiang again : "According to the wishes of the Third Secretary, the purpose of issuing tax coins is to allow people to use tax coins to buy things from merchants, to help merchants tide over difficulties, and to avoid reductions in business taxes, for the sake of national finance."

Xue Xiang nodded and said: "That's right."

Sima Guang said: "You distribute tax coins to the people, and the people take the tax coins to the merchants to buy goods, and the merchants use the tax coins to pay taxes. In this process, the people get the goods, but the merchants get nothing from it. What? What did the court get from it?"

After saying that, he suddenly realized that there was something wrong with his words, so he added, "If merchants don't get any benefits, how can they be willing to sell their goods to the people?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone was immediately confused again.

In this way, it seems that the merchants get nothing except paying a little tax. The banknotes are not copper coins after all, and they have no value in themselves.

The imperial court only distributed tax coins to help the people, and it seemed to have no impact on the finances, because they had to be collected in the end. The amount of tax coins distributed would reduce next year's taxes. This is still the same as Yin eating Mao Liang.

Xue Xiang replied very calmly: "Sima Shangshu's words are wrong. This account cannot be calculated like this. If Sima Shangshu regards these tax coins as copper coins, there will be no problem at all."

Sima Guang said: "But tax coins are not coins after all, what's more!"

He lowered his head and glanced at the copy, and after confirming it, he said: "And the bill you submitted made it very clear that the tax coins are only used for disaster relief. The court will collect taxes and transfer the tax coins Take it all back."

"Yes."

Xue Xiang nodded and said: "But the reason why I said that is to help Sima Shangshu understand the interest relationship here. Although the tax coins are only issued once, the tax coins are valid for three years, so here Within three years, it can be used to pay taxes, which is equivalent to coins.

And this is not how this account was calculated. For example, I used 1,000 guan tax coins to buy 5,000 jins of fine wine from Baifenlou. The apparent account is that I spent one thousand guan tax coins and got 5,000 jins of wine, while Baifunlou got one thousand guan tax coins.

But, first of all, Bailun Tower must have five thousand kilograms of wine, so Bailun Tower needs to spend money to buy coal or firewood, as well as grain, wine jars, hire people to make wine, etc., and Bailun Tower cannot only To make five thousand kilograms of wine, the money he spent might be five thousand guan, or it might be 10,000 guan.

Because Baifanlou knew that their business would not be affected too much if the imperial court issued tax coins.

Among them, charcoal merchants, firewood merchants, pottery merchants, grain merchants, bartenders, and others also received an income from it, and the income included commercial taxes.

It can be seen that if the imperial court spends a thousand guan, the tax revenue it receives may be much greater than that of a thousand guan.

On the contrary, it is a doubling reduction. If the imperial court only distributes grain, everyone knows that the goods cannot be sold, and Baifenlou will definitely reduce the original five thousand kilograms of brewed wine to one thousand kilograms, and with it Relevant coal merchants, wood merchants, pottery merchants, and grain merchants will also be reduced accordingly, and the commercial taxes earned by the court will also be reduced exponentially. ”

".!"

The whole place was silent.

Although everyone sitting here is a pillar of the country, and these officials from the Northern Song Dynasty all know some business economics, but they are limited to the traditional economy, but when it comes to this level, they are all a little confused.

I can't turn my head around.

Chen Maoqian asked Fan Yong: "Is that what happened?"

Fan Yong said blankly: "How do I know that the Third Secretary just used our Alum Tower as an example? This is not true."

Chen Maoqian said: "Then think about it, is this the case?"

Fan Yong thought about it carefully and said, "That seems to be the case. I have already planned to reduce wine making, because the price of grain will definitely rise, and the number of people buying wine will also decrease, but if the price of grain does not It will rise and the number of people buying wine will not decrease, so of course I will brew some."

Zhao Xu, who was sitting in the lobby, also looked at Zhang Fei with a vague understanding, "Zhang San, what he said seems to make sense."

"That's essentially what happened." Zhang Fei nodded with a smile, took out another coin and said, "Suppose I use this coin to buy a small bag of candy."

"Is sugar so cheap now?" Zhao Xu asked in surprise.

"Well this is a metaphor."

"Oh." Zhao Xu said awkwardly: "Go on."

Zhang Fei said: "When the vendor gets my coin, it must be counted as his income, and a tax will be generated."

Zhao Xu nodded.

Zhang Fei added: "What Bachelor Sima means is that everything ends here and ends directly. But in fact, the hawker will use this coin to buy grain, and the grain merchant will get this coin. Is this another tax?"

Zhao Xu nodded thoughtfully.

Zhang Fei said: "But in fact, these two taxes are generated by this coin, and this is what the three ministers mean."

Zhao Xu nodded and said: "I understand."

Zhang Fei added: "The key to this business is flow, and the speed of flow depends on currency. But when currency is scarce, everyone can only barter, and transactions are very cumbersome. Originally, I can trade ten times a day and generate taxes ten times, but now I can only trade once, which generates taxes only once.

When money is rampant, the result is the same. Jiaozi's problem can illustrate this point. This thing is rare and valuable. The more money there is, the less valuable the money becomes. In the end, it will become the same thing. Barter.

This is actually a double-edged sword. If used well, it can indeed do what the Third Secretary said, but if used incorrectly, it will stab oneself to death, making it even worse than now. ”

Zhao Xu frowned and said, "Isn't it dangerous?"

"It's not dangerous at this time."

Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Because I didn't have enough coins originally. Many farmers in the suburbs still bartered. Coupled with the drought, there is currently a serious shortage of coins in the market. At this time, When a wave of paper money goes out, even if it is an excessive amount, the benefits to the court will be huge.

The problem with Shu Di Jiaozi and Northwest Salt Banknotes is that when officials saw the benefits brought by this wave of banknotes, and the court was short of money, they kept issuing them, and then fell into the abyss.

So, as long as the court is not too exaggerated, this wave of transactions will definitely make a profit, but in the long run, this may not be the case. ”

Zhao Xu kept nodding, but his mind was still digesting.

Zhang Fei did not disturb him, but turned his head to look at Xue Xiang, with a trace of confusion in his eyes. How did this man know this? Could it be that he was really a rare genius seen in a hundred years.

Wang Anshi glanced at Sima Guang, who was thinking hard, and smiled to himself, Xue Xiang's method of learning now and selling it now is really good!

He reacted quickly, because he was studying this kind of thing every day, and he also issued salt banknotes in the capital at that time, and Zhang Fei's plan in Hezhong Mansion was secretly discussed with him. It involves more or less knowledge in this area.

But Sima Guang didn't know. After thinking for a long time, he didn't understand the truth, so he simply said: "This is just your one-sided statement. Do you have any evidence to prove it?"

As I said before, everyone can tell the truth. I can speak it more beautifully than you, but the question is whether I can do it.

This is a hearing, not a verbal exchange. You must provide evidence to prove what you said.

"Yes."

Xue Xiang nodded.

Sima Guang said in surprise: "What evidence do you have?"

If he couldn't think of something, it must have never happened in history. The key point is that this paper currency was the first of their kind in the Northern Song Dynasty. How could such a theory appear?

"It's Hezhong Mansion."

Xue Xiang explained calmly: "Because I once presided over the salt and horse trade in the northwest, I am also very concerned about the finance of the northwest. Recently, after I became the Third Secretary, I carefully studied the financial changes of Hezhong Prefecture. It was found that the main growth of Hezhong Prefecture came from commercial taxes. Although the Public Security Bureau and the Public Security Bureau did play an important role in this, it is well known that the Public Security Bureau, the Public Security Bureau and the Public Security Bureau cannot directly create wealth.

The key reason is that because of Wang Xianggong’s new policies and the salt banknotes from the Transportation Department, the local government successively issued salt banknotes ranging from 500,000 to 1 million guan back and forth. With the help of tax collection, these salt banknotes were collected back.

According to common sense, the financial growth should be equal to the salt banknotes still in the market, but the financial growth of Hezhong Prefecture is far more than this.

After careful research, I discovered this secret. In view of the current tax collection method, as long as the appropriate number of coins is issued, the income obtained can be doubled. ”

As he spoke, he glanced at his adjutant again and nodded slightly. The adjutant immediately stood up and presented a piece of evidence.

Xue Xiang added: "This is my compilation of the financial growth of Hezhong Prefecture in the past two years. I have also marked some clues in it, which are enough to prove what I said."

"That's it."

It was only then that Zhang Fei suddenly realized it, and I said that he could not have thought of this out of thin air. It turned out that he had studied the finances of Hezhong Mansion, but this was not easy. Lao Lu and the others had not discovered this before.

That's the truth.

Hezhong Prefecture's finances grew so rapidly because the government issued salt banknotes to stimulate economic development.

After the evidence was presented, Fu Bi opened it and said, "This looks like it was written last night."

Zhao Pian smiled and said: "It must be Zhang San's testimony yesterday that inspired him."

Fu Bi nodded slightly.

Because these statistics were very concise, several old men looked at them carefully and then looked at each other.

It seems to make sense.

Fu Bi said: "This is actually the same as the money shortage. The money shortage will inevitably lead to business depression. If coins are distributed during the money shortage, the business will naturally think well and the wealth gained will not just be distributed. These coins. According to the new tax law, the tax revenue received by the court will definitely increase a lot."

Feng Jing nodded and said: "Yes! This new tax law cannot be ignored. It is precisely because taxes were not collected that much before, so when dealing with the money shortage, it is difficult to reflect how much it can increase the country's finances."

Seeing that Sima Guang was still studying carefully, Fu Bi pondered for a while and suddenly asked Xue Xiang: "The Third Secretary just said that as long as the appropriate number of coins is issued, the income will be doubled. I don't know how the Third Secretary said Determine this 'appropriate amount'?"

Xue Xiangdao: "Because the purpose of this policy is to provide disaster relief. According to my observation, the people most affected by this drought are ordinary farmers who pay five or six percent tax. Under the drought, it is mainly this group of people who have completely lost the ability to purchase goods.

Therefore, my plan is to distribute equal tax coins based on the taxes of these people, multiplied by twenty, that is, based on their total income in a year, so that their lives will not be affected, and at the same time, Can support business to continue to prosper.

Of course, the people who pay 8% or 10% tax will also be affected to some extent.

But the people who pay 5% will not spend all their income to buy goods every year. But once the court issues tax coins, they must exchange all the tax coins for daily necessities. This can Compensate for the ability of others to purchase goods.

But it will be distributed in three installments. After all, we still don’t know how long the disaster will last. If we wait until it eases, we will be able to reduce it in the future. ”

Fu Bi felt confused again.

Can it still be calculated like this?

This has never happened before!

Zhao Xu didn’t understand either, so he looked at Zhang Fei again.

Zhang Fei said sarcastically: "This is my suggestion to Scholar Wang, but it is not a standard answer. As I said before, based on the current situation in various places, there is actually a shortage of coins. Send more. In fact, it doesn’t matter. If you plan like this, it will only make the reasons appear more sufficient.

First of all, it shows that it is to help the people at the lowest level, so calculating based on their income is impeccable in terms of benevolent governance.

Secondly, the loss of purchasing power caused by the drought mainly comes from these people. In fact, it is difficult to refute. ”

Zhao Xu nodded and said: "That's it."

With the current statistical technology, it is difficult to calculate a currency investment value, but fortunately, the time and place are favorable. The Northern Song Dynasty was naturally short of currency. In addition, the economy has become more prosperous in recent years, but the amount of currency has not increased. As long as it is not too large, It's outrageous, but it doesn't matter if you put in more.

Therefore, Zhang Fei considered how much currency to issue based more on persuading the court and the people.

Feng Jing suddenly asked: "But how can the Third Secretary guarantee the number of tax coins you will issue?"

Xue Xiangdao: "On this point, Hezhong Prefecture already has a complete supervision system. The local government not only allows the procuratorate to supervise, but also allows businessmen to participate.

Our three secretaries also plan to follow suit and involve the major wealthy businessmen in the capital, such as charity foundations, football leagues, Bianjing Law Firm, Baifanlou, etc.

Of course, both the Political Affairs Hall and the Yushitai can carry out supervision. ”

The businessmen outside the hospital couldn't help but be overjoyed.

Can we participate too?

This was unimaginable before!

Sima Guang then asked: "So the three envoys think that in this way, merchants will believe in this tax coin and be willing to accept it? You know, there have been many problems with Jiaozi issued by the imperial court before. ”

The businessman who was happy just now suddenly became a little uneasy.

Not to mention whether I can monitor it or not, there is nothing we can do if the court regrets it!

We businessmen are like urinals, we only take them out when we need them.

Often exploited.

The people who just thought that what Xue Xiang said was reasonable suddenly showed fear on their faces. They had all heard about Jiaozi's problem and knew what was going on.

The imperial court used Jiaozi to deprive the people.

When Zhao Xu heard this, he was unhappy and immediately said: "Where is this Sima Junshi facing?"

This cannot expose your own shortcomings!

Zhang Fei hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, this is a good thing."

"A good thing?" Zhao Xu looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.

Zhang Fei said: "Your Majesty, have you forgotten what I said before? If Bachelor Sima and others are secretive, the people will not believe it. The more difficult it is, the more trustworthy the people will be about this tax currency."

Zhao Xu nodded slightly.

Xue Xiang answered without hesitation: "I know that there were problems with Jiaozi issued by the government before, so I chose to issue tax coins instead of Jiaozi.

This tax coin is not a Jiaozi. Its value is that it can be used to pay taxes. Everyone needs to pay taxes every year. This cannot be changed, so its value will not change either. Moreover, the court is ultimately responsible for everything, which is what Jiaozi does not have.

From a judicial perspective, tax currency is a contract document and an agreement between the court and the people. If the court refuses the people to pay taxes with tax currency, it will be an illegal contract, and the people can sue through the procuratorate.

In addition, in this hearing, the court made everything public and explained all the doubts in everyone's mind. This was to help the people and reduce the loss of the national finance. Now His Majesty is also present. When the time comes, the court will find Without any reason, people are refused to pay taxes with tax coins. ”

Fu Bi secretly glanced at the people outside the courtyard and saw many people nodding their heads. He thought to himself that it turned out that the officials took the initiative to hold this hearing in order to get everyone to accept the tax currency.

Jiaozi, as the name suggests, is a currency used for trading.

The court can refuse to accept it.

But the definition of tax currency is that it is used to pay taxes. It is only because it can pay taxes that it has value and can purchase goods.

But the essence is still a voucher.

If you don’t let me pay taxes, then we won’t pay taxes. Compared with Jiaozi, the people actually have a certain amount of initiative.

In addition to this hearing, every word you said was in full view of everyone, and Xue Xiang directly named me, and the emperor was also present.

The cost of regretting it in the future is too great.

This has indeed reduced the doubts in the minds of many people.

Zhao Bian suddenly asked: "The impact of the drought on the national finance is not small. It is difficult to make up for it just by issuing tax coins. The third department envoy also said just now that we can only try to avoid losses. If the fiscal reduction this year is not If it is less, will you issue more tax coins to make up for it?"

Xue Xiang seemed a little hesitant. In fact, he wanted to promote the monetization of tax coins, but if you dare to say that you will continue to issue tax coins, no one will believe the tax coins. He shook his head and said: "I have no plans at all."

Wang Anshi sighed secretly, these old foxes are really smarter than the last.

He had already thought about issuing banknotes that time.

And Zhao Bian asked this to ensure that you cannot continue to post.

Zhao Pian asked again: "Do the three envoys have any way to supplement the finances?"

Xue Xiangdao: "First of all, even if there will be financial losses, we estimate that they will not be huge and we can still sustain it.

Secondly, the Chief Justice must not forget that this is a work-for-relief project. We will dredge rivers and build ditches, including the construction of royal courts, procuratorates, police stations, etc. These projects can all contribute to future fiscal growth. After the disaster passes, the finances will not only be restored, but also become better.

Finally, I have always regarded the issuance of tax coins as an emergency measure. If the finances really cannot afford it, then we still have to start with cost savings, for example, in some places, debt restructuring. ”