Chang'an City, inside Weiyang Palace.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Che, ordered the three ministers and nine ministers to enter the court to discuss a solution to the drought in the northwest.
Drought!
To put it bluntly, there is a lack of water, and crop yields in drought-stricken lands are reduced or even lost.
Facing this circumstances.
Generally speaking.
Ancient people in power would do two things. One was to offer sacrifices to pray for rain, and the other was to allocate money to collect food for disaster relief.
If this matter had occurred during the reign of Emperors Wen and Jing, it would have been easy to resolve.
But the person in power now is Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
In the past two years, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty worked hard to build the salt and iron government camp, improve the economy, collect grain, etc., just to prepare for a decisive battle with the Xiongnu in Mobei next year!
Now he is asked to use the national finances he finally saved to deal with the drought?
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was completely unwilling.
And at this time.
The great farmer ordered Yan Yi to write a memorial saying: "Your Majesty, on the official road in the northwest, there has been a case of thieves robbing and killing the officials of the grain convoy. This incident has a huge impact. If it is not handled well, more refugees will follow suit in the future. This move."
"Oh? Did the refugees launch a riot and rob the grain truck?"
From a high position, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Yan Yi with a slightly impatient look in his eyes.
But Yan Yi didn't notice it and only focused on reporting: "Your Majesty, it's not a riot of refugees, those who robbed the food convoy are a group of gangsters!"
"Bandit? Oh, why bother your great peasant order to care about such a small matter?" Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty snorted slightly, and then said dissatisfiedly: "Did you lose a lot of food?"
However.
Yan Yi replied: "It's not grain, the grain convoy is transporting soil!"
"Earth, what is earth?"
For a while.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was confused. He did not understand what Yan Yi said.
If it were written in writing and shown to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, he would definitely understand. Just the words mentioned above, combined with the grain convoy, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty would never have thought that it was the soil that his feet usually stepped on!
See this.
Yan Yi immediately replied: "It's the land, the soil for growing vegetables and plants."
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, who was busy with everything, didn't react for a while, and then asked: "Are you talking about this soil? Why is the grain convoy carrying soil and grain?"
Yan Yi hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, this is the plan proposed by Huo Yilang last time. It is a plan to transport the soil from the Western Region back and make molds for planting."
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty recalled that there was such a thing.
but.
That was several months ago.
"I know. It turned out that some soil was lost. Why should we care about the Great Farming Order? Pass it on and ask the local prefect to supervise this matter. We must catch those gangsters and send them to prison!" Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty casually dismissed them with just one sentence. This matter has been revealed.
After Yan Yi retreated.
aside.
Zhang Tang, the imperial censor who was in the third position, stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the drought in the northwest is more important."
"To solve the drought problem, we need to first offer sacrifices to pray for rain, and second, allocate money for disaster relief."
"Although the national treasury is abundant after the reform of salt and iron, His Majesty cannot touch it because it is for military pay for the war with the Xiongnu Chanyu next year."
"so!"
"I suggest that your Majesty can issue an order to issue platinum coins to borrow the people's wealth and eliminate disasters for the people."
Platinum coins refer to a currency made of silver-tin alloy.
It is equivalent to issuing a currency with a large face value based on the existing currency. For example, a round platinum coin with a dragon-shaped pattern is worth three thousand coins; a square, light-weight platinum coin with a horse pattern is worth five hundred; and finally, an oval platinum coin with the smallest weight and a turtle pattern is worth , worth three hundred.
These!
It is the legendary third grade platinum.
The three currencies are divided into upper, middle and lower currencies.
actually!
Zhang Tang said
It was a suggestion, but in fact, it was just saying this on behalf of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
after all.
The white gold coin was originally wanted by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, but the ministers always opposed it and put it aside again and again.
When it comes to controlling people, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was as good as anyone else.
Seeing Zhang Tang mentioning the platinum coin strategy at this time, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty glanced at all the courtiers standing in the Weiyang Palace, and then said lightly: "What Zhang Yushi said..."
But here Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty just opened his mouth.
Yan Yi stood up and objected: "Your Majesty, please be careful. What Zhang Yushi said about the white gold coin, to put it nicely, is to borrow the talents of the people to eliminate disasters for the people. To put it worse, it means that it is another threat to the money of the people of the Han Dynasty. A disguised robbery."
"Your Majesty's martial arts skills have enabled him to attack and eliminate the Xiongnu for more than ten consecutive years."
"Although it was an expansion of territory, the results were remarkable. However, the price was that the financial accumulation during the reign of Emperors Wen and Jing was exhausted, and the people in some places in the Han Dynasty were left naked and the economy declined."
"If we mint these platinum coins again, we will plunder the wealth of the people."
"In the end, the sky will be angry and the people will be angry. At that time, our country, the Han Dynasty, will be in danger!"
As soon as these words came out.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty had murderous intent in his eyes.
His greatest achievement was to deal with the Xiongnu in the north and drive them deep into Mobei. However, this Yan Yi dared to reduce his achievements to nothing.
Who can bear this?
Not to mention Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty!
How could a lord who was ruthless in his killings tolerate his subjects talking about him like this?
When Yan Yi put forward this opinion, Zhang Tang stood up and pointed at Yan Yi's nose and cursed: "Yan Danong, you pedantic minister, stop being alarmist here! After all, platinum coins are worth more." It’s just money, how can it endanger the country, the country, and the country?”
Zhang Tangzheng said.
Prime Minister Li Cai on the side made a rare speech: "I agree with Yan Yi's words."
The prime minister is the head of the officials.
His power is as great as that of the second emperor of the Han Dynasty.
This time he spoke.
All the ministers stepped forward and agreed, "We also agree with Yan Yi's words."
This time.
Zhang Tang had to face not only his rival Yan Yi, but also Prime Minister Li Cai and all the ministers in the court.
no way.
The duties performed by the imperial censor were easy to offend the officials in the court. In addition, Prime Minister Li Cai took the lead. For a while, the officials began to criticize the imperial censor, both verbally and written.
But fortunately Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty protected him.
so.
Zhang Tang was not worried about the verbal attacks from everyone, and just said calmly: "You all say that platinum coins are not good, but have you ever thought about how to solve the drought in the northwest without recasting money?"
For a while.
The ministers were speechless.
Only Yan Yi continued: "Your Majesty's salt and iron reform has brought huge national fiscal revenue. It would be better to suspend the recruitment plan for next year and use the money for the drought."
Money for next year’s military pay?
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was even more dissatisfied, but at this moment he had no intention of solving Yan Yi immediately. He just said lightly: "The money for the salt and iron reform is used to pave the way for the army to fight the Huns in the coming year. It cannot be touched. As for the platinum coins, , since you said so, let’s put it aside for now.”
"Today's court meeting, if there is nothing else to do, then let's break up!"
"Zhang Tang stays."
After the external meeting, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty convened an internal meeting without stopping.
The so-called inter-Korean meeting.
It was people who were close to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who gathered together to hold a meeting.
As for this inner court meeting, the people who came included Huo Guang, Han Shuo, the minister Sang Hongyang, the doctor Dongfang Shuo, etc... They gathered together like a walking think tank of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
The inner-Korean meeting is mainly about discussion.
This is the promotion of platinum coins. .
At the foreign court meeting, although Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty said that he would temporarily stop the implementation, in fact
on, but it won’t be like this.
No one can stop what he wants to do.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Sang Hongyang, who was good at talking and calculating, and asked: "Sang Shizhong, please tell me how to implement platinum coins?"
Sang Hongyang knew that this question was a hot potato and he could not answer it casually, so he quickly said: "I am stupid. I really don't know what to say about the platinum coin behavior proposed by Mr. Zhang."
"It's just that the five-baht bill was just introduced."
"I'm afraid that if the platinum coin is implemented again, it will have a huge impact on the five-baht coin."
Sang Hongyang is just a servant and has no power at hand.
Although.
He knew that platinum coins were useless, but the problem was something His Majesty wanted to implement, and he could only understand it with emotion and reason.
If your Majesty still doesn't listen.
I just thought it was a bunch of nonsense and it didn't matter.
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty heard this, he frowned and cursed: "Humph, that's all? Mr. Sang, I really think highly of you."
"Dongfang Shuo, what about you?"
"You don't usually talk the most. Do you have anything you want to say?"
However.
Dongfang Shuo shook his head.
He did not dare to disobey what His Majesty wanted to do.
have no choice.
None of the ministers dared to speak out. Now, besides Zhang Tang, who else could support Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty in promoting things like platinum coins?
In the end, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty could only focus on Huo Guang and asked, "Does Huo Yilang have anything to say?"
"have!"
Huo Guang nodded lightly.
Hear the words.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty Liu Che's eyes suddenly lit up, thinking that young people are just different and dare to say anything.
So Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty praised: "Very good, then please ask Huo Yilang to talk about platinum coins!"
Huo Guang said at this time: "Although I don't know much about the casting process of platinum coins, I know one thing very well, that is, this thing, the price set by His Majesty is very valuable."
"The top grade platinum coins are worth three thousand coins, the middle grade ones are worth five hundred coins, and even the worst ones are worth three hundred coins."
"Your Majesty, have you ever thought about it?"
"In the past, even something as cheap as three baht coins was minted privately, and they even used the false trick of converting one coin into two copper coins."
"This platinum coin is so valuable. If Your Majesty popularizes it, will it cause those people to mint it privately? In this way, it will be extremely easy to destroy the current five-baht currency issued by the Han Dynasty."
After hearing this.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty suddenly frowned and said: "Are you trying to stop me from promoting platinum coins? Huh, private casting. If anyone dares to do this, I will punish him severely and chop off his head, no matter who it is!"
At this time, Huo Guang reminded: "Your Majesty, the so-called death of man and money, I am afraid that beheading is not enough to scare those opportunistic guys."
"People die for money? Huh, let's take the Yi tribe. I don't believe that anyone dares to mint platinum coins privately." Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty glanced at everyone coldly, and then said: "Huo Guang, I want you to be responsible for the implementation of platinum coins. I am making suggestions, not for you to obstruct.”
Implement platinum coins and make suggestions?
Huo Guang frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, can I ask first, what is the purpose of this platinum coin? Now that the five-baht coin has just been issued, the monetary system is performing quite well. If platinum coins are used to intervene, it will be difficult to guarantee Five baht coins run."
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty replied: "Isn't it because of the drought in the northwest? I am carrying out salt and iron reforms, changing farm tools to improve the economy, just to pave the way for the decisive battle between the Huns across the entire grassland and fleeing to Mobei!"
"Due to the drought in the northwest, the three ministers and ministers suggested that we should first offer sacrifices to pray for rain, and then ask the national treasury to allocate money for disaster relief."
"If the money from the treasury is spent here, the war against the Huns in the coming year will not be launched. At that time, the Huns who fled to Mobei will be given a chance to breathe."
for money?
It turns out that the issuance of platinum coins was for His Majesty to make money.
at first.
He thought it was just
As for simply issuing large amounts of currency, it seems that things have been kept simple.
After thinking for a moment.
Huo Guang said calmly: "Since your majesty said it was the drought in the northwest, I have a way, which is better than platinum coins. I wonder if your majesty is willing to listen to it?"
"Come and see?" Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Huo Guang sideways and said.
Huo Guang replied at this time: "Let's talk about offering sacrifices and praying for rain first. I believe that there is no one in the world who is more suitable than Duke Dong. When Duke Dong was the Prime Minister of Jiangdu, there was a drought in Jiangdu. It was Duke Dong who prayed for rain. , it will rain when you ask for it, it can be said to be extremely efficacious!”
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty heard this, he asked, "Is there such a thing?"
"Yes, your Majesty can send someone to Jiangdu to investigate." Huo Guang paused and then continued: "As for allocating money for disaster relief, since Your Majesty said that the money from the treasury cannot be used, then the money of the wealthy businessmen and the powerful will be used. The world Most of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of this small group of people. It’s unreasonable to not touch them!”
However.
What Huo Guang thought about, Liu Che, as Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, never thought about it?
He has long wanted to sharpen his sword against those businessmen!
There's just no reason to take action!
then!
Liu Che, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, sighed and said, "I have already thought about the money of the wealthy businessmen, but what's the reason? I can't let me send a hussar general to directly lead my troops to rob it!"
It turns out that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty had this idea for a long time, but he wanted to rob it!
Rob?
How outrageous and unreasonable.
Huo Guang immediately shook his head and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, why send my brother to rob it? Why don't you just send me?"
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty heard this, he was stunned and asked, "You? What can you do?"
What can be done?
Good guy.
I was looked down upon by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty!
So, Huo Guang said directly: "Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world. The drought in the northwest now means that it is difficult for all parties to provide support. Those wealthy businessmen usually make a lot of money. Now, it is time for them to vomit blood and donate money. Donate materials and food!”
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty heard what Huo Guang said, he turned out to let businessmen donate money on their own.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes immediately!
Just listen to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty say: "You still expect to let those wealthy businessmen donate by themselves? Hum, do you think it is possible?"
"It's possible!" Huo Guang shrugged and said, "Your Majesty, there is a reason for my donation."
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty asked: "What do you mean?"
Huo Guang pretended to clear his throat, and then said solemnly: "First let all the officials donate money, especially the three officials and nine ministers in the court as an example, and then order the wealthy businessmen to follow suit."
"Rich businessmen must have officials!"
"Without an official background, it can't get rich."
"Your Majesty, look, the officials with this background have already donated money. How about the wealthy businessman still not donating money? Does that make sense?"
"afterwards."
"We will repay the officials' money in full, and the wealthy businessmen's money will be divided into 30-70 accounts..."
"Ah, no, it's for disaster relief!"
