nucmednet Chapter 342 The Crown Prince's Idea
Chapter 342 The Crown Prince's Idea
"Since the money shops were run by the imperial court, their profits naturally went into the national treasury. Furthermore, they could regulate the circulation of money in the market by adjusting deposit and loan interest rates."
"In years of disaster, loan interest rates can be lowered to help people with spring planting."
"If merchants hoard goods and engage in speculation, then tighten the money supply and stabilize prices."
"This is a hundred times more flexible than simply adjusting taxes."
The sound of the night watchman's drum drifted in from outside the palace; it was already past midnight. Shen Yuxi rubbed his temples, suddenly recalling his father's dying words: "Governing a country is like cooking a small fish; too much of a good thing is bad."
But this woman before me clearly intends to incorporate all the world's wealth into her chessboard, embarking on an unprecedented grand scheme.
He suddenly chuckled softly: "Does Shi Qing know that if your remarks were to get out, the old fogies in the Censorate would probably accuse you of 'competing with the people for profit'?"
"Your Majesty, I am willing to bear this eternal infamy for you."
Shi Wanxia knelt on the ground, her forehead covered with gold bricks.
"I only ask that in ten years, the national treasury will be full and the people will live in peace. Even if a thousand people point fingers at me then, I will have no regrets."
As Shen Yuxi gazed at the stubborn figure below the steps, something within him was touched.
He reached for the imperial seal on the table and pressed it heavily onto the memorial presented by Shi Wanxia: "Granted. At the morning court in three days, you will explain the details in front of all the officials. If you fail to do so..."
His voice suddenly turned cold, "Bring me your head."
Shi Wanxia kowtowed to express her gratitude, and as she stood up, she caught a glimpse of candlelight outside the window.
As dusk settled, the vermilion pillars of the Imperial Study turned amber. Shi Wanxia lowered her eyes and withdrew from the palace gate, her wide sleeves embroidered with gold cloud patterns sweeping across the cool threshold.
The copper bells on the eaves tinkled in the breeze, and as she gazed at the winding palace walls in the twilight, her heart felt heavy.
The idea of establishing a government-run money exchange has been proposed, and the resulting upheaval in the court will surely be more intense than anticipated.
"The Ministry of Revenue has controlled finances and taxes for a century; how can the Ministry of Works be allowed to interfere?"
Just now in the imperial study, Fan Peng was swinging his ivory tablet, his white beard trembling with anger.
"Is the fashion magazine trying to sideline the Ministry of Revenue and establish its own independent government?"
Just now, Minister of Revenue Fan Peng's gaze felt like a thorn in her back, but Shi Wanxia straightened her back and delivered the prepared response one by one.
However, a huge gap exists between theory and practice today.
Although she was well-versed in the "Discourses on Salt and Iron" and knew the economic policies of past dynasties like the back of her hand, she never actually got involved in the practical affairs of money shops.
Financial operations are complex and multifaceted, requiring specialized personnel for everything from accounting and loan risk control to fund allocation.
Just as I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind me.
Shi Wanxia turned around and saw Shen Yanzhou walking briskly towards her. The hem of his black python robe swept across the blue bricks, and the jade belt buckle at his waist gleamed coldly in the twilight.
His Highness the Crown Prince, who was usually decisive, now had an unusual look of worry on his brow.
“Wanxia, my dear sister,” Shen Yanzhou stopped in front of her, his eyes filled with concern.
"Your proposed money exchange plan is good, but it touches on the interests of too many people."
"That old scoundrel Fan Peng has contacted several censors and plans to jointly impeach him at the morning court session in three days."
Shi Wanxia nodded slightly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the buttons on her cuffs.
She was actually mentally prepared, but when she truly faced the resistance, she realized how difficult it was to implement the new policy.
"Your Highness, I will have the general framework for the operation of the money exchange written out tonight, but the specific details still need to be considered."
Shi Wanxia raised her head, her gaze resolute. "Especially in terms of talent, it's extremely difficult to find someone who possesses both outstanding professional skills and integrity."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yanzhou fell into deep thought.
A moment later, a glint of light flashed in his eyes: "There will be a poetry gathering at the Qinglian Poetry Society in the west of the city tomorrow, and many talented scholars from humble backgrounds will attend."
"Although these people lack official connections, most are well-read, and some may even be experts in economics."
Shi Wanxia's eyes lit up.
Why didn't she think of that? Since ancient times, there have been many masters among the people, and many talented people have been buried because they have no connections.
If talent can be selected from among them, it will not only avoid the eyes and ears of the old forces in the court, but also inject fresh blood into the new policies.
"Then I'll trouble Your Highness to go through with this."
Shi Wanxia curtsied, "But regarding tomorrow's matter, I wonder if we should announce it to the public? If those with ulterior motives find out, I'm afraid someone might try to sabotage it."
Shen Yanzhou waved his hand: "I will arrange this matter myself. Tomorrow at 3:45 AM, the Crown Princess and I will personally come to pick you up. Remember to disguise yourself and do not reveal your identity."
It was already dusk when they returned to the Shi residence.
Shi Wanxia dismissed Shuyun and the others, and stayed up late alone in the study, burning the midnight oil.
Economic data from various regions were spread out on the desk, and stacks of Xuan paper were piled high.
Sometimes she would pick up her pen and write quickly, sometimes she would rest her chin on her hand and ponder. The candlelight cast her long shadow, dappling the white screen with light and shadow.
The sound of the night watchman's clapper came from outside the window; it was already past midnight.
Shi Wanxia rubbed her sore wrists, looking at the mostly completed project plan on her desk, feeling a mix of emotions.
Setting up a money exchange was only the first step; she would face resistance, skepticism, and countless other difficulties in the future. But having embarked on this path of reform, there was no turning back.
The next morning, Shi Wanxia changed into a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and wore a veiled hat, waiting in front of the mansion gate.
A short while later, a simple carriage stopped in front of the mansion. The curtain was lifted, revealing the gentle face of Crown Princess Lin Chuying: "Sister Wanxia, please get in the carriage."
The carriage slowly drove towards the west of the city, and Shi Wanxia looked out the window at the bustling crowds on the street.
The shouts of street vendors, the storytelling in teahouses, and the laughter of children intertwine to create a vivid picture of everyday life in the city.
She suddenly realized that the new policies she was about to implement would ultimately benefit these ordinary people who were making a living amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The Qinglian Poetry Society is nestled deep within a bamboo grove, with white walls and black tiles, exuding a serene and elegant atmosphere.
By this time, the poetry society was already packed with people, some reciting poems and composing couplets, others engaging in lively discussions.
Shen Yanzhou, along with Shi Wanxia and the Crown Princess, mingled in the crowd, observing everyone discreetly.
"This gentleman has unique insights into the 'Light and Heavy' chapter of the Guanzi. I wonder what his views are on the current monetary system?"
Shi Wanxia pretended to casually strike up a conversation with a scholar.
The man was taken aback at first, then his eyes flashed with excitement, and he began to talk at length about his insights.
In this way, Shi Wanxia talked with more than a dozen scholars and secretly noted down the insights of several people.
Just as she was about to speak with the next person, a commotion suddenly broke out not far away.
"Who is it? Isn't this the famous fashion book?"
A sharp sound pierced the noise. Shi Wanxia turned her head and saw Fan Peng's nephew, Fan Mingyuan, with several servants, looking at her with ill intent.
The air seemed to freeze. Shi Wanxia inwardly cried out in alarm, but outwardly remained calm: "Young Master Fan, you've mistaken me for someone else, haven't you?"
"Admit your mistake?" Fan Mingyuan sneered. "Fashion Magazine is quite good at disguising itself, but unfortunately, it can't fool me."
"What's wrong? Why isn't the fashion magazine staying in the Ministry of Works? Why is it coming to the poetry society to recruit talent?"
The surrounding scholars looked at each other, wondering what had happened.
Shen Yanzhou was about to step forward when the Crown Princess gently pulled him back.
Shi Wanxia stepped forward, her tone calm: "Young Master Fan, what makes you say that? I am just a woman who came to the poetry club to indulge in some refined pursuits."
"But Young Master Fan, with so many servants, are you perhaps planning to cause trouble at the poetry club?"