Three days later.
An open space in Hu County.
A place where few people came before, today a large number of fat-bellied merchants gathered.
Cui Shenji and Fang Yiai each led a team of soldiers to maintain order.
The two were wearing ill-fitting large armor and helmets that almost blocked their sight. Only when they raised their heads could they see the front. They were holding spears taller than themselves, which made everyone laugh.
Of course, it's okay if you laugh at them.
But if you dare to break the rules.
Those sharp little eyes can catch you from under the helmet.
Then give him a fat beating.
"Remains, why are they so honest?"
"It's not easy to start, it's not easy to start..."
The two guys gathered together and murmured, arranging their helmets with their hands from time to time.
At this moment, Wei Shuyu, accompanied by Liang Jianfang and County Magistrate Wang, walked to the high platform.
"Everyone, I've been waiting for a long time."
Wei Shuyu stepped onto the high platform and bowed his hands first: "I know what you are here for today, so I will go straight to the point..."
"The imperial court is implementing a pro-business policy. If it wants to improve the status of merchants, Hu County will be used as the first pilot!"
Wow.
The merchants were in an uproar.
Although I had heard about it for a long time, I was still shocked when I actually heard the official admission.
Scholars, farmers, industry and commerce have always been like this.
If their status can be improved now, that is absolutely supported.
"Don't get excited, everyone. Since the imperial court implements mercantile policy, many policies need to be changed."
While talking, Wei Shuyu took out a stack of notes.
He couldn't remember so much without notes...
"Article 1, tariff, tax two is changed to tax one."
"Article 2: Abolish the city tax, change it to stall fees, and submit it to the government."
"Article 3, business tax, one tax per twenty!"
As soon as he finished speaking, objections broke out from the crowd.
"What is this business tax? We have never heard of it."
"Yes, isn't this cheating our money?"
"I don't agree, I don't agree..."
The businessmen were excited.
Wei Shuyu smiled nonchalantly...
"Come here, bring up the person who just spoke!"
Come to live?
Cui Shenji and Fang Yiai immediately cheered up and stepped forward with spears.
No matter what you want to say, just give him a beating first.
Crackling.
All the merchants shivered when they saw it.
Everyone felt like they were on a pirate ship.
How can this not be about valuing business? What the hell is this, right?
"You...you are committing robbery!"
After several merchants were brought to the high platform, they pointed at Wei Shuyu and roared.
"Robber?"
Wei Shuyu glanced at the crowd: "Do you know why merchants are looked down upon?"
"People work hard to farm, and they all pay a tax of forty to one. You don't pay any tax. If you are asked to improve your status, do you think you are worthy?"
After Wei Shuyu drank it, everyone fell into silence.
Even though Wei Shuyu is young.
But he is an official!
He is also the boss of Hu County!
Wei Shuyu's anger was something they couldn't bear.
"We also paid customs duties."
Afraid of returning, in the face of interests, there are still bold businessmen who stand up and refute.
"Custom tax?"
Wei Shuyu sneered: "Did the imperial court force you to pay customs duties? You can skip the customs and bypass other places."
The businessmen were speechless.
The cost of the detour is too great to be worthwhile.
"And city tax!"
Wei Shuyu raised the decibel level fiercely: "You think you are the only one who paid? When the people went to the mutual market to sell things, didn't they pay?"
All the merchants shut their mouths.
Thinking about it this way, it seems that they really have nothing to contribute to the court.
"What you want to get, you have to give."
Wei Shuyu glanced at the merchant with burning eyes: "Is the price of twenty-one tax very expensive?"
"If you don't have this little money, you won't be able to run business, so why not go home and farm as soon as possible."
“The status of farmers has become higher, and I can earn more money.”
Wei Shuyu walked to the three merchants who were brought up: "Do you think so?"
The three merchants were trembling.
“But running a business doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll make money, and there’s also the possibility of going bankrupt!”
Another merchant raised questions.
Wei Shuyu was too lazy to answer this kind of question, but in full view of everyone, he still replied: "Are you going to bankrupt your family and do shit for the imperial court?"
"I don't have the ability to run a business, so I blame the court for collecting taxes?"
Well……
The businessman choked again.
"By collecting commercial taxes, the imperial court can better protect your rights and interests, and the status of merchants will gradually improve."
"You have created benefits for the Tang Dynasty and the people, so you will naturally be respected."
“The economy is circular!”
"You have paid taxes, the court has become rich, and the people's lives will be better. If the people's lives are better, you will naturally earn more by doing business."
"This is a win-win policy."
"If anyone disagrees, you can stand up now!"
As Wei Shuyu spoke, many merchants gradually felt relieved, and their frowns slowly relaxed.
"Wei Yushi, I would like to ask, what will be the consequences for merchants who do not pay taxes?"
As soon as these words came out, they immediately attracted the attention of everyone.
This is what they care about most.
It’s good to not pay taxes if you can.
"What are the consequences of tax evasion and tax evasion?"
Wei Shuyu said speechlessly: "Wouldn't you know if you go and see Tang Lv yourself?"
"..."
It really makes sense.
“If you don’t pay taxes, you will not be protected by the imperial court.”
Wei Shuyu said calmly: "At that time, the court will issue a document to the merchant who pays taxes, proving that the other party is a taxpayer."
"One has documents and the other does not. Whose goods will the people buy?"
When all the merchants heard this, they all started thinking carefully.
The loopholes in this are quite big.
They have a lot of room to maneuver.
"Put away those little thoughts of yours..."
As if he had seen through what the businessman was thinking, Wei Shuyu suddenly smiled: "It is the will of the imperial court to focus on business, and you can't resist it."
"Even if you don't pay, the court will increase your taxes elsewhere."
"For example, if tariffs and city taxes increase slightly, or if there is a jam when passing customs, you will lose all your money."
When the merchants heard this, their expressions changed drastically.
"Okay, since the imperial court has promulgated the tax collection policy, it will naturally consider it for you..."
Give a stick to a sweet date.
Don’t do six basic things.
"Everyone knows that the imperial court has pioneered an innovative strategy before."
As Wei Shuyu finished speaking, the businessmen began to whisper again.
Being around Chang'an, they naturally know this.
They are very jealous of many of these items.
But if the court didn't release them, they could only stare.
"It contains many things that benefit the country, but it also contains many daily necessities for the people..."
Wei Shuyu smiled and said: "Selling these items to all parts of the Tang Dynasty is a business that is sure to make a profit without losing any money."
Wow.
Chongshang's eyes suddenly burst into light.
They are all veterans in the business world, and they still don’t know the profits involved.
"If a certain merchant does well, the imperial court may consider contracting out some Ministry of Industry matters to you!"
