Li Shimin nodded with a smile.
“In good years, private wineries can be encouraged to make wine, but in bad years, strict restrictions will be imposed.”
He said,
"In addition, the imperial court will not set up a separate winery. This will benefit the people. Is Wei Aiqing satisfied?"
Wei Zheng thought for a moment and nodded slightly.
"Can."
Changsun Wuji laughed and said:
"Since the Grand Master has proposed a solution and Duke Wei has approved it, the low price of food can be regarded as His Majesty's achievement, right?"
"With this achievement, can your Majesty be granted the title of Zen?"
Hearing this, Wei Zheng shook his head again.
"I don't deny His Majesty's achievements, but I still don't agree with him being granted the title of Zen."
He said,
"If an emperor has meritorious deeds, they will naturally be recorded in history books and be remembered for generations to come. Does it mean that he must be enshrined in Mount Tai before he can be known to the world?"
"When it comes to worshiping the emperor of heaven and earth, there is an altar to worship heaven on the outskirts of Chang'an. It can also inform heaven and earth. Why do we have to go to Mount Tai? Is it possible that there is more spiritual light on the other side of Mount Tai, so that heaven can receive it better?"
"I don't think so, right?"
Wei Zheng's words made Changsun Wuji's face drop.
"Female Zen to Mount Tai is a grand event!"
He retorted,
“In the past, Emperor Qin Shihuang and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty both prayed and passed Mount Tai, which was praised by the world!”
"My Majesty's civil and military skills are not inferior to those of Emperor Qin and Han Dynasty. He is the only emperor of the ages, and I should imitate him!"
Wei Zheng sneered.
"The First Emperor of Qin and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty consecrated Zen in Mount Tai, but does this mean that they are the same emperors throughout the ages?"
He also refuted,
"The First Emperor of Qin and Emperor Wu of Han were both militarily aggressive and inconsiderate emperors. How many people were left without food under their rule?"
"Personally, I think their behavior is not worth emulating!"
"Has a truly wise and virtuous king, such as Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty, ever passed Mount Tai? He did not, but who can deny the virtuousness of Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty? Everyone in the world praises Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty for being the most wise king within three generations! Given the current situation of our Tang Dynasty, The one your Majesty wants to imitate should be Emperor Wen of Han!"
He is also the second generation monarch who founded the country.
There is also a lot of waste waiting to be done.
Li Shimin's situation is indeed somewhat similar to that of Emperor Wen of Han.
"Aren't Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han the same emperor through the ages?"
Changsun Wugao sneered and said,
"What a joke! You, a civil servant, have no idea how great their contribution is!"
Wei Zheng also sneered and said:
"I am a civil servant, and you are also a civil servant. You and I have both survived in troubled times and led troops. Why is it that your eldest grandson is more knowledgeable than I, Wei Zheng?"
"Emperors Qin and Han Wu did have meritorious deeds, but it is undeniable that the people's lives were very difficult under their rule! And the most important point is that these two emperors were so happy with their achievements!"
"Have you ever thought about how much manpower, material, and financial resources it takes for the emperor to go on a tour?"
"The emperor and ministers may feel comfortable after a trip to Mount Tai, but it is actually the people who are suffering! It has been more than ten years since the Tang Dynasty was founded, and disasters have been frequent. It was not until last year that the first good year came!"
"It's hard for the people to have enough to eat, but they have to sacrifice people's power and wealth just for a false reputation. Why bother?"
These words made Changsun Wuji fall into silence.
After a while, he whispered:
"The power and wealth of the people are constantly being used to make matters worse... Even if there is some expenditure, it is all paid for by the national treasury. Where are the people being plundered?"
Wei Zheng smiled.
"Mr. Changsun's words are unreasonable. Where does the money for the treasury come from? Isn't it the common people paying taxes?"
He responded,
"With this money, we could do many practical things, so why should we be pragmatic instead of pragmatic?"
At this time, Changsun Wuji was completely speechless.
Li Shimin, who was sitting on the dragon throne, listened to the debate between the two and finally jumped out to smooth things over:
"What Wei Zheng said makes some sense."
"A truly wise king does not need to rely on being granted the title of Zen or Mount Tai to prove himself."
"Although I have some thoughts, I can't move my butt. If I move, mountains of gold and silver will be swallowed up one after another."
"Not to mention anything else, just my trip to the palace last year cost a lot of money. It was ten times more than what I spent in the palace. I was shocked!"
"Haha...I appreciate the kindness of all my dear friends, but this matter of enshrining me in Zen..."
What emperor wouldn't want to do something like Feng Chan, which is a big deal to show off one's prestige?
Of course Li Shimin also wanted to do so and was capable of doing so.
But he finally adopted Wei Zheng's opinion - be pragmatic rather than pragmatic.
However, at this moment, a voice came.
"What if we can travel to Mount Tai without taking advantage of all the people?"
Xu Fenglei said loudly,
"Your Majesty, are you willing to go?"
Swish.
All the eyes in Liangyi Hall were focused on Xu Fenglei.
Wei Zheng's eyes showed doubts.
According to his understanding of the Grand Master, he is not someone who would support Feng Chan!
"Um?"
Li Shimin said in surprise,
"There is no need to benefit all the people, so who should benefit from it? Just now Wei Aiqing said that the money in the national treasury is the benefit of all the people and cannot be touched!"
Xu Fenglei smiled.
"I am not talented, but I am willing to use my strength to support your majesty at Mount Tai!"
He raised his head and said.
Li Shimin: "?!"
Ministers: "?!"
Crazy? The Grand Master has too much money and no place to spend it?
This is Feng Chan! It's not as simple as the emperor going on a trip. He has to bring a lot of civil and military officials, and even foreign envoys to Mount Tai to witness it!
That was a great event! A hugely expensive event!
It's not that everyone doesn't believe in Xu Fenglei's financial resources, it's just that they think his brain suddenly got funny.
You have nothing to do, do charity? Or flattering the emperor?
Then there was too much blood. Given his status, it seems unnecessary...
"You want one person to support you?"
Li Shimin's eyes flashed with light and he continued,
"real?"
"Listen, when did you become so generous? This is not a small amount!"
Li Er was so excited that he called out all the cousins he usually shouted.
Clearly, he was delighted.
"Money is something you won't bring with you when you are alive, and you won't take it with you even when you die. Why do you need so much?"
Xu Fenglei smiled lightly and said,
"It is the dream of every emperor to be enshrined in Mount Tai, and it must also be the dream of His Majesty."
"I am willing to spend all my wealth to realize this dream for Your Majesty!"
"Is your Majesty willing?"
Li Shimin: "!!!"
"Yes, yes, of course I do!"
Li Er narrowed his eyes and said cheerfully,
"It's grand, Grand Master is really grand! Hahaha..."
"I feel a little embarrassed that you treat me like this. Do you have any additional requirements?"
"Yes." Xu Fenglei grinned.
Li Shimin's heart skipped a beat.
Sure enough, how could this kid be willing to be taken advantage of? He must have some skills here!
Li Er restrained his smile slightly, raised his hand and said:
"explain."
"As long as it's not too much, I agree."
He wanted to see what the plot was behind Xu Fenglei's willingness to bleed so much!
"yes."
Xu Fenglei said loudly,
"Just now, Cai Chen said that he would use his own efforts to provide His Majesty with the Zen of Mount Tai, which is not accurate."
"To be precise, I used the financial resources of Fenglei Bank under my name to provide financial support for His Majesty's enthronement."
When all the ministers heard this, they were all astonished.
Oh, Fenglei Bank.
That's understandable. After all, Fenglei Bank can support even the army, so there is no pressure to offer a Zen ceremony.
"I have three requests."
Xu Fenglei said,
"First, since Feng Chan is sponsored by Fenglei Bank, then this trip to Fengchan must also be sponsored by Fenglei Bank!"
"When issuing decrees, the name of Fenglei Bank must be mentioned, and when recording it in history books, it must not be left behind."
"In short, we want the world and future generations to know that Fenglei Bank fully supports His Majesty's enthronement!"
The corners of Li Shimin's mouth turned down slightly.
"You want to become famous!"
He snorted coldly,
"Why, you feel that the business is too small, you are not satisfied with the status quo, and you want to do business for the world?"
Xu Fenglei nodded decisively.
"Your Majesty is wise, that's exactly what it is."
He responded,
"The bank business in Chang'an has no growth and needs to be expanded to ensure profits."
"At the same time, the existence of banks has also mobilized the circulation of wealth to a great extent, causing Chang'an's economic growth and making people truly feel the development. This is a blessing. I feel that the time is ripe and I want to This blessing can be shared by everyone in the world."
"So, my second request is to ask your majesty to allow Fenglei Bank to expand and expand to all parts of the Tang Dynasty."
Li Shimin snorted coldly.
"Blessing, is it the blessing of all people, or your blessing?"
He said angrily,
"It's better to say it than to sing it. The biggest benefit is not taken advantage of by you!"
Xu Fenglei rolled his eyes.
It's as if you don't own it, just because you own the most shares, and you just sit there and wait for dividends every year!
"If you eat a piece of meat and everyone eats it, one person will always eat the biggest piece. This is inevitable."
He cupped his hands and said,
“But at the very least, everyone can have something to eat, even if it’s just minced pork and starch seeds, it’s a real benefit.”
"Your Majesty can't throw away the meat just because someone wants to eat the biggest piece of meat, so that no one can eat it, right?"
"Here's nonsense." Li Shimin curled his lips and muttered.
But he didn't refute it anymore. After all, he was also the one who ate the biggest and fattest piece of meat.
"There is no ban from the imperial court, so you can naturally open as many stores as you want."
Li Er waved his hand and said,
"What do you want me to do here?"
Since we can open the first one, we can naturally open the second one.
Of course, anyone else who wants to open a bank is absolutely not allowed. Datang can only have one bank that can carry out financial business, and it is a complete monopoly.
"Opening a bank is extremely risky. After all, money touches people's hearts, so it is natural that we need His Majesty's support."
Xu Fenglei said seriously,
"The reason why Fenglei Bank in Chang'an has been opened so smoothly, and there has been no case of robbery or theft for many years, is all due to the support of Jingzhao Mansion, and the Jinwu Guards guarding it day and night can ensure that the money is not lost."
"But after leaving Chang'an and losing shelter, there is a risk of robbery."
"So, every time a bank is opened, the local government needs to send soldiers to provide security services."
Hearing this, a minister in the queue couldn't help shouting:
"To do business, you need the protection of the court, and the government office is not run by your grand master alone!"
"That's right, just do business. What does it have to do with the imperial court? Why should we allocate part of our troops to provide protection?"
"Your Majesty, I object!"
"I also object, the Grand Master's request is too much!"
"..."
Several young censors jumped out and refuted loudly.
They only uphold justice and are not afraid of Xu Fenglei's high position!
"Did you hear everything?"
Li Shimin said solemnly,
"How can the power of the imperial court be used to protect commerce? Scholars, farmers, industry and merchants, merchants are ranked last!"
"If I agree, won't I be elevating the status of merchants to that of the imperial court?"
"Don't ask for such excessive demands again!"
Facing the waves of verbal criticism, Xu Fenglei just smiled, as if he had expected it.
Most things in this world can be solved with money.
If it cannot be solved, it must be because there is not enough money.
"My colleagues are right. How can the court and local government provide security for the store for no reason?"
He said loudly,
"So I propose to add a silver tax! A heavy tax specifically targeted at banks!"
"The imperial court's collection of silver tax can greatly increase the tax revenue of the national treasury. At the same time, it provides some protection to large taxpayers to ensure the normal operation of the banking industry and not be disturbed by theft."
"I don't want the court to provide conveniences and privileges. I just want the bank to operate smoothly and not be harmed."
No protection provided?
I will throw a large sum of protection money directly in front of you!
Just asking if you are moved?
After all, this is not bribery or exchange of benefits, it is just seeking shelter and not wanting to be stolen and robbed by thieves.
Protecting people's lives and property is the government's duty!
As soon as these words came out, all the young censors fell silent.
Charging heavy taxes is something that is beneficial to the country, and there is no reason to object.
"Well……"
Li Shimin fell into thinking.
After a while, he said:
"With these three requirements, are you willing to finance all the expenses of my Feng Chan Tai Mountain?"
Xu Fenglei smiled slightly.
"Yes, not only you, but also all the entourage, such as attendants, ministers, guards, etc., all covered."
He said,
"As long as your majesty agrees to the three conditions, your majesty and the court will not need to pay a penny."
Li Shimin's brows became tangled.
"This matter... let me think about it carefully."
He shook his head, waved his hand and said,
"Don't discuss it for now."
"Yes." Xu Fenglei retreated into the queue, looking confident.
Li Er was just trying to coax him a bit at the moment, there was no way he wouldn't agree!
"Tell me something else!"
Li Shimin said casually,
"My dear friends, do you have any political affairs to report?"
Zong Zhengqing came out.
"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the crown prince. When will your Majesty hold the crowning ceremony?"
He held the Wat board and cupped his hands and asked,
"There are many auspicious days in the zodiac in February, which can be used for grand ceremonies. Should it be in February?"
"Cheng Qian is about to be crowned..."
Li Shimin sighed,
"It's February now, which is the busy farming season. It's not suitable to hold a grand ceremony and disturb farmers' planting."
"Let's change it to October! It doesn't matter whether it's an auspicious or unlucky day. The key is not to disturb the people's work and rest. At that time, there is nothing in the world. It is just the right time to hold this ceremony. I will personally crown the prince! From then on, the prince can also assist me in governing the government!"
(End of chapter)
