This time is different from the last time. Last time there were only Feng Ang, Qiu He and the like, but this time the wealthy families also include some wealthy families from various Taoist states. In fact, many of these people have been to Chang'an before, but to be honest, they did not participate When they got to the top floor, they didn't even have the chance to buy from the top stores in Datang Evernight City. What they bought were basically around the second and third ring roads.
The reason is very simple. It is impossible for traditional aristocratic families to exist in places like Lingnan. In these places, there are side branches that split from various aristocratic families, but these side branches have actually separated from each other long ago.
All we can say is that our ancestors are one family. But this is all nonsense. Looking at hundreds of family surnames, those with the surname Ji from the Zhou Dynasty account for most of them, and they are usually the surname Zhou Ji. And what about the actual benefits? There's no way it's from the same family.
This time Li Ke called them here. What does His Highness King Qin do? Of course they knew, so they all ran very fast.
"Everyone, there are some things I want to tell you this time." Li Ke didn't talk nonsense. He didn't have time to talk to them.
Besides, Li Ke hated the Riddler the most in his life, so the mystery comics such as Conan and Kindaichi's Boy Casebook that he read in the rental bookstore used pens to circle the murderer for the readers behind him. These authors were so annoying that they always wrote riddles. Man, I think subsequent readers will be very grateful to him.
"Your Highness, please speak."
"It's true that Nanyang is not peaceful recently. I just received news that the Dandan Kingdom was destroyed and attacked by a pirate. In order to maintain the Tang Dynasty's foreign trade port, our Datang fleet will definitely clean up the islands, but like It’s a place like Dandan Kingdom. After it was captured, their king, nobles, and locals were all gone.”
"So when the time comes, it will definitely be run by us, Datang, but I like win-win the most. I make too much money personally and it is of no use. Only when we all make money together can we really get rich, so I want to sell this Dandan Kingdom For you all." Li Ke said lightly.
Many wealthy families: "..."
Selling a country? Everyone was stunned for a moment, but then they suddenly thought of the rumors they heard last year, saying that His Highness once said that if the Tang Dynasty takes over some countries in the future, such as Goguryeo and other countries, it is possible that all the land will be given to them. sold.
Sold to some aristocratic families, etc... So at that time many aristocratic families supported His Highness the King of Qin.
The Tang Dynasty's Evernight City seems to have been promoted after that incident, but they... didn't get too many dividends.
This time, are they finally going to see His Highness's handiwork?
"Your Highness, you say, we will do it! If there are two words, it will be our fault." A wealthy family agreed decisively without saying anything.
Others immediately expressed their opinions.
Li Ke smiled and then spoke directly: "In this case, Lingnan Road must first enter the forefront of reform. From today on, Lingnan Road will be Datang's special economic zone. The so-called special zone is the special administrative zone. The cutting edge of the times!”
"So, starting from today, I am going to levy commercial tax on all commercial activities in Lingnan Road!"
When he said this, Li Ke looked at everyone. Most of the people's expressions were calm. Although the expressions of a small number of people fluctuated, they did not fluctuate much.
There are two main points in this matter. One is that the commercial tax scandal has actually been reported several times. His Highness has quarreled with people several times in the court alone. Although it seems to be a joke, everyone thinks about it carefully. , this thing cannot be a joke.
The second is that if there are enough benefits, it is not impossible to collect business tax. Aren't they still waiting for the next step?
"As for why business taxes are collected, the reason is very simple, just to protect you." Li Ke looked at them and said.
Everyone was a little surprised, but no one interrupted casually at this time.
"Some of you may not understand this, but let me put it another way. There is currently a group of pirates in Nanyang, and the power of this group of pirates is enough to wipe out a small country. This means that their maritime power is quite powerful, and you know very well, I will sell Dandan Kingdom to you. Whether you are building Dandan Kingdom or other plans, you will need ships."
"But you are privately allowed to recruit sailors of a certain size, but large-scale recruitment is not allowed. The point is, if there is no Tang naval fleet to protect you, can you guarantee that you will not encounter pirates 100%? The pirate fleet is huge , but can one of your merchants have such a large fleet?" Li Ke looked at them and asked.
All the wealthy families and businessmen were stunned for a moment. What His Highness said... seemed to make sense.
Have they encountered pirates over the years? They must have encountered it before. On the sea, wind, waves and pirates are the eternal themes. Although the pirates they encountered were all ineffective, after all, the shipbuilding technology of other countries in this era was average.
That is to say, the ships in Persia and other places have relatively good construction technology.
But it can’t be compared with the Tang Dynasty.
But if the number of pirates is large enough, something will happen to them. At this time, all of them will need the Tang Navy fleet.
"I believe everyone knows about the current military system of the Tang Dynasty. However, these military forces are based on the common people who serve as slaves. The navy is different because you all know that excellent sailors and excellent soldiers require long-term training. So, The question is, can ordinary people who join the government army as corvees have such a long time to train?"
"Excellent sailors, I don't need to tell you that you all know this. Therefore, if the Tang Navy needs to maintain its combat effectiveness, it must have professional soldiers."
"What is a professional soldier? That is, just like you hire a shopkeeper, give them military pay and monthly money, so that these soldiers can fight to the death in the country, defend their country and at the same time be able to support their families. Glory and money are essential. Glory cannot be eaten as food. They are all human beings and have their own parents, wives, and children, so just giving them glory will only improve their spiritual world, and giving them money will allow them to become soldiers with peace of mind and protect the Tang Dynasty's borders!"
"And the commercial tax you provided is to support the construction of the Tang Dynasty navy. The navy of Lingnan Road will buy ships, train soldiers, and then use several important locations on your road as seaports, station them in these seaports for a long time, and then in major Patrol the ocean trade routes to protect your trade caravans.”
"Excuse me, is this business tax reasonable?" Li Ke looked at them and asked.
