After Xue Xiang's words, there were no more boos outside the courtyard. The people gradually changed from the contempt and ridicule just now to hesitation, confusion, and struggle. Especially the merchants and salesmen began to discuss with their companions in low voices.
In fact, before this, businessmen in the capital were also very uncomfortable, because after several years of development, the scale of business in the capital has been growing, but mainly small businessmen have increased a lot, and the wealthy businessmen have not changed much. Those upstarts in business , most likely related to Zhang Fei. For these small businessmen, as soon as their business started to improve, they encountered disaster. How could they not feel desperate?
It's just that they are just a small minority, and they have some food at home and are hungry, so they are easily ignored by everyone. After all, this feudal society mainly seeks stability, and it will be fine if they don't starve to death, so everyone's attention is still focused on ordinary farmers. When the wind blows or the rain blows, these farmers face life and death.
But in fact, small businessmen are also having a hard time. If this continues for a year, their business will not be sustainable.
Therefore, Xue Xiang's words seemed very reasonable to them. If Xue Xiang received copper coins, even if it was not given to them, they would definitely support it with both hands and feet.
But this banknote is indeed worrying.
The imperial court?
The dogs didn't believe it.
"Why do these words sound familiar?"
Fu Bi murmured in a low voice and couldn't help but look around again, but he couldn't find the familiar figure in the crowd.
Zhao Pian paid attention to Fu Bi's actions and whispered: "That brat is with the official family now."
Fu Bi nodded, "That boy is really becoming more and more like a great master."
Zhao Pian smiled slightly.
At this time, all the evidence had been presented, and Fu Bi and the others took a serious look at it.
The people outside saw that they were all examining the evidence, and the discussion gradually became louder.
Zhao Xu, who was in the lobby behind him, couldn't help but also said to Zhang Fei: "Is this what you taught me?"
This number is simply a copy of yesterday's Zhang Fei.
"no."
Zhang Fei shook his head and said: "If it were me, I would use offense instead of defense. This first piece of evidence must be the problems encountered during disasters in previous years, especially the opening of warehouses for relief that they are most accustomed to. My Whether the plan is passed or not is not important at the moment, but their policies must be rejected first, and then in the end you can only use mine, so you can get twice the result with half the effort."
It is indeed Zhang Darer’s pen, he really has a skill! Zhao Xu's eyes lit up when he heard that the imperial court opened a warehouse to provide relief. It was really just for moral reasons, but in fact it couldn't save many people. He couldn't help but smile and nodded, "It seems that the three envoys only learned half of it!"
He said it lightly, but it takes courage to imitate the other half. Most people really can't do it. Only Zhang Fei dared to do this, both in the government and in the public.
But for Xue Xiang, he was already satisfied.
Sima Guang and the others didn't know that Xue Xiang, who was sitting here, was filled with happiness, because that's what he loved. Let's just talk about interests and not talk about anything else. This is much easier than talking in Chuigong Hall. .
This is also his strength.
After the evidence was presented, Sima Guang examined it and found that although the accounts were similar to what Xue Xiang said, he felt that the key was not here. The purpose of issuing tax coins is to allow people to use tax coins to buy things from merchants, to help merchants tide over difficulties and avoid reductions in business taxes, and to benefit the national finance."
Xue Xiang nodded and said, "That's right."
Sima Guang said: "You distribute tax coins to the people, and the people take the tax coins to the merchants to buy goods, and the merchants use the tax coins to pay taxes. In this process, the people get the goods, but what do the merchants get from it? The court What did you gain from it?"
After saying that, he suddenly realized that there was something wrong with what he said, so he added, "If merchants don't get any benefits, how can they be willing to sell their goods to the people?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone was immediately confused again.
Putting it this way, it seems that the businessmen got nothing except paying a little tax. After all, the banknotes were not copper coins and had no value in themselves.
And when the court distributes tax coins, it only helps the people, and it seems to have no impact on the finances, because it has to be collected eventually. The amount of tax coins distributed will reduce the tax next year. This is still Yin eating Mao Liang.
Xue Xiang replied very calmly: "Sima Shangshu's words are wrong. This account cannot be calculated like this. If Sima Shangshu treats these tax coins as copper coins, there will be no problem at all."
Sima Guang said: "But tax coins are not money after all, and what's more!"
He lowered his head and glanced at the copy, made sure, and then said: "And the bill you submitted made it very clear that the tax coins are only used for disaster relief, and the court will collect all the tax coins through tax collection. "
"Yes."
Xue Xiang nodded and said: "But the reason why I said that is to help Sima Shangshu understand the interest relationship here. Although the tax coins are only issued once, the tax coins are valid for three years, so after these three years It can be used to pay taxes, which is equivalent to coins.
And that’s not how this account was calculated. For example, I used 1,000 guan tax coins to buy 5,000 jins of fine wine from Baifenlou. The apparent account is that I spent one thousand guan tax coins and got 5,000 jins of wine, while Baifunlou got one thousand guan tax coins.
But, first of all, the Bailun Tower must have five thousand catties of wine, so the Bailun Tower needs to spend money to buy coal or firewood, as well as grain, wine jars, hire people to make wine, etc., and it is impossible for the Bailun Tower to only brew five thousand catties of wine. The money he spent on a pound of wine might be five thousand guan, or it might be 10,000 guan.
Because Bai Fanlou knew that their business would not be affected too much if the imperial court issued tax coins.
Among them, charcoal merchants, firewood merchants, pottery merchants, grain merchants, bartenders, and others also received an income from it, and the income included business taxes.
It can be seen from this that if the imperial court spends a thousand guans, the tax revenue received may be much greater than that of a thousand guans.
On the contrary, it is a doubling reduction. If the imperial court only distributes grain, everyone knows that if the goods cannot be sold, Bailunlou will definitely reduce the original five thousand kilograms of wine brewed to one thousand kilograms, and the related coal Merchants, wood merchants, pottery merchants, and grain merchants will also be reduced accordingly, and the commercial taxes earned by the court will also be reduced exponentially. "
".!"
The whole place was silent.
Even though the people sitting here are all pillars of the country, and these officials from the Northern Song Dynasty all know some business economics, but they are limited to the traditional economy, but when it comes to this level, they are all a little confused.
My mind can't turn around.
Chen Maoqian asked Fan Yong, "Is that what happened?"
Fan Yong said blankly: "How do I know that the Third Secretary just used our Bailun Tower as an example? This is not true."
Chen Maoqian said: "Then think about it, is this the case?"
Fan Yong thought about it carefully and said, "That seems to be the case. I have already planned to reduce wine making, because the price of grain will definitely rise, and the number of people buying wine will also decrease. But if the price of grain will not rise, The number of people buying wine will not decrease, so of course I will brew some.”
Zhao Xu, who was sitting in the lobby, also looked at Zhang Fei with a vague understanding, "Zhang San, what he said seems to make some sense."
"That's essentially what happened." Zhang Fei nodded with a smile, took out another coin and said, "Suppose I use this coin to buy a small bag of candy."
"Is sugar so cheap now?" Zhao Xu asked in surprise.
"Well that's a metaphor."
"Oh." Zhao Xu said awkwardly, "Go on."
Zhang Fei said: "When the vendor gets my coin, it must be counted as his income, and a tax will be generated."
Zhao Xu nodded.
Zhang Fei added: "What Bachelor Sima means is that everything ends here and ends directly. But in fact, the hawker will use this coin to buy grain, and the grain merchant will get this coin. Isn't this right? Another tax."
Zhao Xu nodded thoughtfully.
Zhang Fei said: "But in fact, these two taxes are generated by this coin, and this is what the three ministers mean."
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "I understand."
Zhang Fei added: "The key to this business is flow, and the speed of flow depends on currency. But when currency is scarce, everyone can only barter, and transactions are very cumbersome. Originally, I could do this in one day Transactions ten times will generate taxes ten times, but now I can only trade once, which will generate taxes only once.
And when money is rampant, the result is the same. Jiaozi's problem can illustrate this point. The more money there is, the less valuable the money becomes, and eventually it becomes barter. .
This is actually a double-edged sword. If used well, it can indeed do what the Third Secretary said, but if used incorrectly, it will stab oneself to death, making it even worse than now. "
Zhao Xu frowned and said, "Isn't it dangerous?"
"It's not dangerous at this time."
Zhang Fei smiled and said: "Because I originally didn't have enough coins, many farmers in the suburbs still bartered for things. Coupled with the drought, there is currently a serious shortage of coins in the market. At this time, a wave of banknotes are issued. Going out, even if it is over-issued, will bring huge benefits to the court.
The problem with Shu Di Jiaozi and Northwest Salt Banknotes is that when officials saw the benefits brought by this wave of banknotes, and the court was short of money, they kept issuing them, and then fell into the abyss.
Therefore, as long as the court does not exaggerate, this wave of transactions will definitely make a profit, but in the long run, this may not be the case. "
Zhao Xu kept nodding his head, but his mind was still digesting.
Zhang Fei did not disturb him, but turned his head to look at Xue Xiang, with a trace of confusion in his eyes. How did this man know this? Could it be that he was really a rare talent seen in a hundred years.
Wang Anshi glanced at Sima Guang, who was thinking hard, and smiled to himself, Xue Xiang's method of learning now and selling it now is really good!
He reacted quickly, because he was studying this kind of thing every day, and he also issued salt banknotes in the capital at that time, and Zhang Fei's plan for Hezhong Mansion was also secretly discussed with him. Most of them involve knowledge in this area.
But Sima Guang didn't know. After thinking for a long time, he didn't understand the truth and simply said: "This is just your one-sided statement. Do you have any evidence to prove it?"
As the same saying goes, everyone can tell the truth. I can speak it more beautifully than you, but the question is whether I can do what I say.
This is a hearing, not a verbal exchange. You must provide evidence to prove what you said.
"some."
Xue Xiang nodded.
Sima Guang was surprised and said: "What evidence do you have?"
If he couldn't think of something, it must have never happened in history. The key point is that this paper currency was the first of their kind in the Northern Song Dynasty. How could such a theory appear?
"It's Hezhong Mansion."
Xue Xiang explained calmly: "Because I once presided over the salt and horse trade in the northwest, I am also very concerned about the finances of the northwest. Recently, after serving as the Third Secretary, I carefully studied the financial changes of Hezhong Prefecture and found that Hezhong Prefecture The main growth comes from commercial taxes. Although the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate are indeed indispensable, as we all know, the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate cannot directly create wealth.
The key reason is that because of Wang Xianggong's new policies and the salt banknotes from the Transportation Department, the local government successively issued salt banknotes ranging from 500,000 to 1 million guan back and forth, and then collected taxes each time. , and all the salt banknotes were taken back.
According to common sense, the financial growth should be equal to the salt banknotes still in the market, but the financial growth of Hezhong Prefecture is far more than this.
After careful research, I discovered this secret. Given the current tax collection method, as long as the appropriate amount of coins is issued, the income obtained can be doubled. "
As he spoke, he glanced at his adjutant again and nodded slightly. The adjutant immediately stood up and presented a piece of evidence.
Xue Xiang added: "This is my compilation of the financial growth of Hezhong Prefecture in the past two years. I have also marked some clues in it, which are enough to prove what I said."
"I see."
Zhang Fei suddenly realized it, and I said that he couldn't have thought of this out of thin air. It turned out that he had studied the finances of Hezhong Mansion, but this was not easy. Lao Lu and the others had not discovered this before.
That's just the way it is.
The Hezhong Prefecture's finances grew so rapidly because the government issued salt banknotes to stimulate economic development.
After the evidence was presented, Fu Bi opened it and said, "This looks like it was written last night."
Zhao Pian smiled and said: "It must be Zhang San's testimony yesterday that inspired him."
Fu Bi nodded slightly.
Because these were well-calculated data and very concise, several old men looked at them carefully and then looked at each other.
It seems to make some sense.
Fu Bi said: "This is actually the same as money shortage. Money shortage will inevitably lead to business depression. If coins are distributed during the money shortage, business will naturally think well. The wealth gained will not just be distributed by these coins. According to the new tax law, the tax revenue received by the imperial court will definitely increase a lot."
Feng Jing nodded and said: "Yes! This new tax law cannot be ignored. It is precisely because taxes were not collected that much before, so when dealing with the money shortage, it is difficult to reflect how much it can increase the country's finances."
Seeing that Sima Guang was still studying carefully, Fu Bi pondered for a while, and suddenly asked Xue Xiang: "The Third Secretary just said that as long as the appropriate number of coins is issued, the income will be doubled. I don't know how the Third Secretary concluded this." Appropriate quantity'?"
Xue Xiangdao: "Because the purpose of this policy is to provide disaster relief, and according to my observation, the people most affected by this drought are ordinary farmers who pay 5% and 6% tax. Next, mainly this group of people, have completely lost the ability to purchase goods.
Therefore, my plan is to distribute equal tax coins based on the taxes of these people, multiplied by twenty, that is, based on their total income in a year. This will not only keep their lives unaffected, but also support business. Continue to prosper.
Of course, the people who pay 8% or 10% tax will also be affected to some extent.
However, the people who pay 5% will not spend all their income to buy goods every year. But once the court issues tax coins, they must exchange all the tax coins for daily necessities, which can make up for the rest. ability to purchase goods.
But it will be sent out in three installments. After all, we still don’t know how long the disaster will last. If we wait until it is relieved, the follow-up will be reduced. "
Fu Bi felt confused again.
Can it still be calculated like this?
Never before!
Zhao Xu didn't understand either, so he looked at Zhang Fei again.
Zhang Fei said sarcastically: "This is my suggestion to Scholar Wang, but it is not a standard answer. As I said before, based on the current situation in various places, there is actually a shortage of coins. There is no harm in sending more. , planning like this will only make the reasons appear more sufficient.
First, it shows that it is helping the people at the lowest level, so calculating it based on their income is impeccable in terms of benevolent governance.
Secondly, the loss of purchasing power caused by the drought mainly comes from these people. In fact, it is difficult to refute. "
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "That's it."
With current statistical technology, it is difficult to calculate a currency investment value, but fortunately, we have the right time and place. The Northern Song Dynasty was naturally short of currency. In addition, the economy has become more prosperous in recent years, but the amount of currency has not increased. As long as it is not too outrageous, there will be many It doesn't matter if you let it go a little bit.
Therefore, Zhang Fei considered how much currency to issue based more on persuading the court and the people.
Feng Jing suddenly asked: "But how can the Third Secretary guarantee the number of tax coins you will issue?"
Xue Xiangdao: "Regarding this, Hezhong Prefecture already has a complete supervision system. The local government not only allows the procuratorate to conduct supervision, but also allows businessmen to participate.
Our three secretaries also plan to follow suit and involve the major wealthy businessmen in the capital, such as charity foundations, football leagues, Bianjing Law Firm, Baifanlou, etc.
Of course, the Zhengshitang and Yushitai can both carry out supervision. "
The businessmen outside the hospital couldn't help but be overjoyed.
Can we participate too?
This was unimaginable before!
Sima Guang then asked: "So the three envoys think that in this way, merchants will trust the tax coins and be willing to accept the tax coins? You know, there have been many problems with the Jiaozi issued by the imperial court before."
The businessman who was happy just now suddenly became a little uneasy.
Not to mention whether I can monitor it or not, there is nothing we can do if the court regrets it!
We businessmen are like urinals, we only take them out when we need them.
Often exploited.
The people who just thought that what Xue Xiang said was reasonable suddenly showed fear on their faces. They had all heard about Jiaozi's problem and knew what was going on.
It was the imperial court that used Jiaozi to deprive the people.
When Zhao Xu heard this, he was unhappy and said immediately: "Where is this Sima Junshi facing?"
This cannot expose your own shortcomings!
Zhang Fei said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, this is a good thing."
"A good thing?" Zhao Xu looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.
Zhang Fei said: "Your Majesty, have you forgotten what I said before? If Bachelor Sima and others are secretive, the people will not believe it. The more difficult it is, the more trustworthy the people will be about this tax currency."
Zhao Xu nodded slightly.
Outside, Xue Xiang answered without hesitation: "I know that there were problems with the Jiaozi issued by the government before, so I chose to issue tax coins instead of Jiaozi.
This tax coin is not a Jiaozi. The value of its existence is that it can be used to pay taxes, and everyone needs to pay taxes every year. This cannot be changed, so its value will not change, and in the end, The one who bears everything is the court, which is what Jiaozi does not have.
From a judicial perspective, tax currency is a contract document and an agreement between the court and the people. If the court refuses the people to pay taxes with tax currency, it will be an illegal contract, and the people can sue through the procuratorate.
In addition, in this hearing, the court made everything public and explained all the doubts in everyone's mind. This was to help the people and reduce the national financial losses. Now that His Majesty is also present, the court will not be able to find any The reason is to refuse people to pay taxes with tax coins. "
Fu Bi secretly glanced at the people outside the courtyard and saw many people nodding their heads. He thought to himself that it turned out that the officials took the initiative to hold this hearing in order to get everyone to accept the tax coins.
Jiaozi, as the name suggests, is the currency used for trading.
The court can refuse to accept it.
But the definition of tax currency is that it is used to pay taxes. It is only because it can pay taxes that it has value and can purchase goods.
But the essence is still a voucher.
If you don't let me pay taxes, then we won't pay taxes. Compared with Jiaozi, the people actually have a certain amount of initiative.
In addition to this hearing, every word you said was in full view of everyone, and Xue Xiang directly named me, and the emperor was also present.
The cost of regretting it in the future is too great.
This has indeed reduced the doubts in the minds of many people.
Zhao Pian asked suddenly: "The impact of the drought on the national finance is not small. It is difficult to make up for it with just a single tax currency. The Third Secretary also said just now that we can only try to avoid losses. If the finance is reduced a lot this year, how can you Will we issue more tax coins to make up for it?”
Xue Xiang seemed a little hesitant. In fact, he wanted to promote the monetization of tax coins, but if you dare to say that you will continue to issue tax coins, no one will believe the tax coins. He shook his head and said, "I have no plans at all."
Wang Anshi sighed secretly, these old foxes are really smarter than the last.
That time about the salt banknotes, he had already thought about issuing banknotes.
And Zhao Bian asked this to ensure that you can't continue to post.
Zhao Pian asked again: "Do the three envoys have any way to supplement the finances?"
Xue Xiangdao: "First of all, even if there will be financial losses, we estimate that they will not be huge and we can still sustain it.
Secondly, the Chief Justice must not forget that this is a work-for-relief project. We will dredge rivers and build ditches, including the construction of royal courts, procuratorates, police stations, etc. These projects can all contribute to future fiscal growth. After the disaster passes, the finances will not only be restored, but also become better.
Finally, I have always regarded the issuance of tax coins as an emergency measure. If the finances really cannot afford it, then we still have to start with cost savings, for example, in some places, adopt debt restructuring. "
