After doing this calculation, the surprise on the faces of Ying Zheng, Fu Su, and Li Si faded away.
In fact, when Chen Ke said that he would levy a seven-tenth tax, several of them were more surprised than frightened, because even they had never thought about forcing the merchants to death.
But then I thought about it, even if it was seven out of ten, it wouldn't be considered a dead end. After all, there were still many things to settle.
At worst, change seven-tenths of the overall income to seven-tenths of the profit.
In this way, the problem is solved. Businessmen can still make money, and the more they earn, the more they earn. At most, the court and the country make more than they do.
but
Isn't it right that the country and the imperial court should make more money than their lowly merchants?
This is also the case today.
Moreover, the status of merchants is very low nowadays, and coupled with some of Shang Junshu's reforms, it is impossible for merchants to have the opportunity to make so much money.
This leads to the fact that if taxation is reformed and can provide more money to the court, local governments and even the court will open some back doors for businessmen to a certain extent, because the more profits businessmen make, the more finance their localities can obtain.
In fact, it was not Ying Zheng, Li Si, and Fu Su who reacted the most to the matter of improving the status of merchants. The person who reacted the most was Chen Ke, who raised the matter.
Because Fusu, who was sitting aside, could clearly feel that his teacher's mood suddenly became depressed for some reason.
Fusu's heart changed, and he laughed and said: "But in this way, the merchant's status will be improved a lot."
Ying Zheng glanced at Fusu in surprise: "Fusu, do you have any other opinions about merchants?"
Li Si also saw the situation at this time, looked at Chen Ke and said: "I'm afraid it's not His Royal Highness who has objections to the merchants, but the Right Prime Minister, right?"
Chen Ke smiled bitterly and cupped his hands in apology: "Indeed, although I proposed the tax policy, I am still dissatisfied that the tax policy can improve the status of merchants."
"However, this is the inevitable outcome and impact of tax increases, and it is an accessory that cannot be changed."
"If the improvement of merchant status is restricted, on the one hand, the enthusiasm of merchants will be dampened, and on the other hand, tax revenue will not be so obvious."
"For Da Qin, this is like trying to kill a chicken but not eating the chicken, only getting chicken feathers all over the ground."
Ying Zheng shook his head and laughed: "The status of a merchant will be improved, but the status of a merchant will never be too high."
He sneered: "When the status of merchants increases, they will try their best to gain power. Since ancient times, money and power have been entangled. There will definitely be officials who will collude with merchants for money and enjoyment. Together."
"It's inevitable."
"So after raising taxes, I will build another Black Bird Tower. Like the Black Ice Tower, it will be used to monitor officials."
"At this time, I can do what you said, Chen Ke."
"Pigs that have been fattened must naturally be killed. Black Bird Guards, like Black Ice Terrace, are the knives used to kill pigs. And those officials who seduced the businessmen, as well as the businessmen themselves, were raised like this. pig."
Ying Zheng said meaningfully: "In past years, when there were natural and man-made disasters, some people would always say that it was the fault of the imperial court, my fault, and the fault of my trusted ministers."
"After we have these pigs, when there are natural disasters and man-made disasters, it is the fault of these treacherous people."
"It can block the mouths of the world and enrich the national treasury. Why not do it?"
Li Si, Fusu, and Chen Ke looked at each other and said with emotion, "Your Majesty is wise!"
It is indeed His Majesty’s Holy Spirit.
This move can temporarily appease the merchants, increase Da Qin's fiscal revenue, and more importantly, appease another person - Chen Ke.
Chen Ke sat there, looking at Ying Zheng sitting in front of him and couldn't help but sigh in his heart, he deserves to be the First Emperor, Brother Zheng, and
It's easy to think of this method, because this is generally what emperors do.
But it is rare to be able to say it now without letting yourself feel it, just like a breeze blowing on your face. Very few monarchs can do this.
This is also the reason why the relationship between most monarchs and ministers in later generations was very poor.
Some things are because the monarch is too arrogant, and some are because the ministers are too arrogant. Of course, some dynasties are purely because the emperor and the rulers are mentally ill. They are seriously ill and are mentally disabled to death.
certainly--
That kind of dynasty is the exception.
Looking at the entire historical trend, there is only one dynasty like that.
Ying Zheng stood up and walked outside Zhangtai Palace. A ray of moonlight outside Zhangtai Palace now gently caressed the ground, making people feel much more at ease.
"It's better to choose a day than to hit it. Since the storm is gathering and the conquest of Baiyue is right around the corner, let's do it tomorrow."
There was an arrogance unique to the First Emperor in his voice, and he just said calmly: "I am destined by fate, and what I say is a good time."
Chen Ke and the other three walked behind Ying Zheng, with the same firm look in their voices.
"promise."
.........
Kuaiji County
The carriage was swaying, and the person in the carriage was half lying there, holding a book in his hand, with a calm look on his face.
Zheng Taidong looked at the book in his hand with a normal expression. He liked the stories of gods and ghosts recorded on it.
Just as he was looking at it in fascination, the carriage stopped.
Zheng Taidong raised his head and looked at the people outside the carriage, with confusion in his voice: "Why did you stop?"
There was a respectful look in the driver's voice: "Dr. Zheng, we have arrived outside the city of Kuaiji County. Several clan elders are waiting for you."
Clan elder?
Hearing this word, the rare smile on Zheng Taidong's face faded. He straightened his clothes, and then looked up and down on his body. After finding nothing wrong, a smile appeared on his face.
Getting off the carriage and looking at the clan elders standing outside, Zheng Taidong looked gentle: "Why are the clan elders waiting for Taidong here? Could it be that they have disgraced Taidong?"
The leader of the tribe didn't care about the many etiquettes and just said: "Tai Dong, come with me quickly."
"The governor of Kuaiji is no longer stable."
With an anxious look on his face, he grabbed Zheng Taidong's sleeve and was about to head towards the Kuaiji County Sheriff's Mansion, ready to have a good talk with the County Sheriff.
After all, they had lost more than just a little bit in the past half month. They had also truly seen how terrifying it would be for a county guard to kill everything.
In other words, it was how terrifying Yang Tianyi was.
Zheng Taidong's expression remained unchanged, but he waved away the clan elder's hand without leaving a trace. His expression was still gentle, but he could tell that he was a little cold: "Guys, our Si family is the most polite."
"Now the great elder is so reckless and ignorant of etiquette."
"What will people say about us if word spreads?"
