king.

Chapter 497 Unexpected Opportunity

The Ministry of Government Affairs is particularly sensitive to the "money shortage". In addition to the need for a large amount of funds to promote development in the Near East, the main reason is that the southeastern province is the hardest hit area in the Kingdom's previous money shortages.

The land is fertile, suitable for agricultural production, and far away from the battlefield. The southeastern provinces surpassed the central region a hundred years ago and became the most economically developed regions in the kingdom.

Economic prosperity often also means that there is a large demand for currency.However, the kingdom is incapable of injecting enough currency into the southeast region, and it doesn't even have the idea.

Facing the "money shortage", the only forceful measure the kingdom took was to allow local nobles to make up in kind when collecting taxes.

For the rest, leave it to time to heal the wounds naturally.Anyway, as long as the war is over, the kingdom's dependence on the outside world will decrease.

The sharp decline in import trade and the continuous outflow of gold and silver will gradually change.

Then through mining and trade with the orc empire to make up for it, the amount of currency in circulation on the market will gradually increase until the "money shortage" crisis is overcome.

As for the economic pain experienced in this process, no one has a good way to solve it, but can only resist it.

Rubbing his forehead, Hudson also looked embarrassed.Theoretically speaking, if a "money shortage" occurs, it only needs to increase the money supply.

It is a pity that this theory does not have any feasibility in the continent of Aslante.Under the gold and silver monetary system, it is difficult to increase the money supply in a short period of time.

"Paper money", just think about it.

Under the existing basic conditions, if the Alpha Kingdom dares to be the first in the world to issue banknotes, it will immediately be taught to be a man by the market.

Changing the monetary system is different from the golden notes issued by the Near East Development Bank, which requires a very strong reputation.

The value of paper money will not be recognized internationally, and the nobles in the kingdom will most likely not accept "paper money" instead of gold and silver.

If you really have no money, it is easier to accept rusty iron coins than "paper money".

Compared with banknotes, the gold notes issued by the Near East Development Bank are just Hudson's little tricks.Only a few hundred thousand have been printed in total, and not all of them have been released yet.

In the eyes of the outside world, this thing is a bearer certificate of deposit, which is not considered currency at all.

The top chambers of commerce all have their own commercial tickets issued by themselves, but they have different names.Those linked to gold coins are called gold tickets, and those linked to silver coins are called silver tickets.

Without exception, the scope of circulation of these bills is very small.It can only be used in some areas, and there are still great limitations.

If the golden ticket issued by Hudson is not linked to the commodity trading in the territory, it is estimated that even dogs will dislike it.

In the eyes of the outside world, this thing was created by Hudson to facilitate the transaction.It can be used in Master Ha's fief, leaving here is waste paper.

For this thing to replace gold coins and become the mainstream currency in the market, it is estimated that Hudson must destroy the orc empire and build a human empire of his own.

"The shortage of money has become a foregone conclusion. And this situation will continue for several years. How will the Ministry of Government Affairs plan to deal with it?"

Hudson asked concerned.

The reform of the monetary system is too advanced, so it can only be solved in a primitive way.In this regard, Hudson may not be comparable to the native-born territorial officials.

"My lord, the money shortage is at the kingdom level, and you are not short of money personally.

Counting the income from magic potions, our currency is actually a net inflow.It's just that the stalls are too large, and there is a shortage of money in the short term.

Currently the most suitable solution, there are two:

[-]. Reduce external purchases, engage in bartering internally, supplemented by gold tickets as a supplementary means of payment;

Second, the introduction of funds from the outside world.

The first option is the most common measure.

As early as half a year ago, bartering began in many places in the southeastern province.

At that time, the Xueyue Land had just started, and the Mountain Land had basically achieved self-sufficiency. The daily trade volume was not large, and we were not affected by the money shortage.

It wasn't until recently that the smuggling trade flourished and the trade volume of New Moon Port soared that there was no sign of a money shortage.

As long as we buy fewer slaves and promote the golden ticket settlement system, the money shortage crisis can be curbed.

However, the sequelae are also very serious. Slaves are an important supplement to the labor force of the territory. If they stop suddenly, it will slow down the development of the territory.

The second solution, which seems to be very simple, is actually very difficult to operate.

It is easy to flow out funds, but how to bring in money, no one has experience.

The Ministry of Government Affairs has only one reference measure: You can sell the future quota of magic potions in advance and get a sum of cash back.

However, these cash can only solve the urgent needs. The shortage of money is the crisis of the entire kingdom, and we cannot be immune to it alone.

If you want to quell this crisis, you may have to invest tens of millions of gold coins in the market to solve the problem.

Such a huge funding gap cannot be raised by our family. "

After listening to Jacob's explanation, Hudson nodded slightly.Both of these methods can solve the problem, but neither is what he wants.

If there is no threat of orcs, Hudson will definitely choose the first method. Stability is the most important thing, and the slower the development speed, the slower it is.

"It is unrealistic to sell magic potions in advance, and the pre-orders are all scheduled for several years later.

A lot of magic potion masters outside are studying it, and no one knows how long the monopoly can last.

Once substitutes appear, prices are bound to plummet.

Uncertain things, it is difficult to sell a good price, and the outside world may think that I have no money.

The Near East Development Bank is just on the right track, and such news must not break out.

Invite major chambers of commerce for me, and tell them that I have a big deal to discuss with them! "

Hudson said without changing his expression.

……

Emerald Palace.For the same trouble, Caesar IV felt even deeper.

The "money shortage" crisis spread further, not only affecting the kingdom's financial revenue, but also affecting the development progress of the royal family's domain.

The stalls are all paved, and there is absolutely no reason to take them back temporarily.

The internal conflicts in the Alpha Kingdom tended to ease, but that didn't mean they disappeared.The disputes between the royal family and the nobles have never stopped.

Either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind prevails over the east wind.

Political struggles around power have never stopped.

No matter which side it is, as long as it shows signs of decadence, it will trigger a new round of political struggle.

Especially in the previous actions, Caesar IV's behavior of eating alone has offended all the great nobles in the kingdom over and over again.

Affected by this, even the actions against the five nobles in the North ended in failure.

Evidence is useless, and politics has never been about evidence alone.

The five major families of the Northern Lands did cause hatred, but everyone was more worried that the twelve provinces of the royal family would be united.

Out of the need to limit royal power, everyone tacitly chose to pretend to be deaf and dumb, turning a blind eye to the serious crimes committed by the northern nobles.

Even if it was brought up in the court, it was still rejected.The reason is very simple: the former five dukes committed suicide in fear of crime, and the kingdom has already dealt with it.

These are all facts. The black material of the northern nobles in the hands of the royal family is basically the fault of the previous, previous... five Dukes.

The current five Dukes of the North have a lot of hatred, but they really haven't committed the felony of anger.

It's useless to grasp the handle. Some crimes are just tickling for the nobles.

The final result is: fines were imposed on the northern nobles.

Of course, as the price for escaping punishment, the five major families paid a lot in private.

The development progress of the royal collar is affected, it is nothing more than a matter of time.Caesar IV is still young, and some time is wasted on it.

But the sharp drop in fiscal revenue is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

……

"asshole!
What do these nobles do for food?
When the tax was paid, they promised well, and now they play this game for me suddenly, what do they want? "

Caesar IV's questioning made the officials very embarrassed.

The biggest feature of the tax package system is its stability.No matter how the tax is collected or how the profit or loss is, anyway, the part that is turned over to the kingdom cannot be less.

Now everyone is crying and shouting for tax cuts. In the eyes of Caesar IV, this is a provocation to the kingdom government.

After all, when I made money, I didn't see these people paying more than one cent.

It was originally a business, so naturally you have to be responsible for your own profits and losses.You can't make money for yourself, and let the kingdom take care of it if you lose money.

Once such a precedent is set, the days of the Kingdom will not be able to survive in the future.

"Your Majesty, those who are asking for tax deferment and reduction or exemption are all small and medium-sized nobles.

The kingdom has fought continuously for many years, and now it has encountered a money shortage. A large number of goods cannot be sold, and their finances are indeed in trouble.

Affected by the money shortage, prices across the kingdom generally fell.Even if the kingdom accepts the payment in kind, they need to bring out more things than before.

Counting the loss during the midway transportation, the burden is indeed a bit heavy.If forced expropriation is likely to lead to their bankruptcy. "

The prime minister, the Grand Duke of Newfoundland, said objectively.

The small and medium nobles are an important part of the royal family's check and balance of the big nobles. Although with the advent of the era of large mergers, the effect that can be exerted is getting smaller and smaller, it is better than nothing.

Without the restraint of these people, the great nobles' control over the place would definitely go up a few more steps.At that time, it will really become a country within a country, and it will become extremely difficult for the kingdom to interfere with local affairs.

Taking history as a mirror, the collapse of several empires in history all started when the local nobles became bigger.

In order to suppress the great nobles, the royal family also broke their hearts.

It must be reused and guarded against, but it is a test of tactics.

"Prime Minister, you have been deceived by the people below. There are indeed difficulties, but it is not enough to say that you are bankrupt.

In order to collect the autumn tax smoothly, our Ministry of Finance has specially sent people to investigate in various places.

The weather is good this year, and the kingdom has ushered in a bumper harvest, and the autumn grain will be put into storage soon.

The tax collected by the kingdom is at most one-tenth of the output.What is really affected is the commercial taxation of various places, but they can also collect in kind, where it has reached the point of bankruptcy.

Mostly it was the gang of big nobles in the local area who started to feel restless again, and deliberately came out to test us.

Since everyone is suffering from a money shortage everywhere, let them choose the method of tax payment. Whether it is using autumn grain, cloth and other materials to offset the tax, or sending gold coins directly, our Ministry of Finance recognizes it.

These materials do not need to be transported to the capital, and they are directly sent to the front lines in the Near East.It happened to be used to repair the line of defense, so that the kingdom would not have to pay for the purchase again! "

Marquis Delgado hastily retorted.

As a hard-working chancellor of the exchequer, careful calculation is an essential skill.

Given the kingdom's current financial situation, the precedent of tax cuts due to "money shortage" must never be set.

Otherwise, the "money shortage" crisis in various places will be magnified ten times immediately.In the face of interests, it is difficult for people to remain rational.

Under normal circumstances, the "money shortage" crisis can be slowly repaired by relying on the self-regulation of the market.

If man-made disasters are superimposed, everything becomes different.No one knows what nobles can do when they are stupid.

"The issue of the autumn tax must not be neglected. However, it is time to solve the problem of money shortage.

If all the great nobles in the kingdom work together to put a batch of currency on the market, is it possible to quell the crisis? "

Caesar IV asked with concern.

Fortunately, the Alpha Kingdom is a traditional agricultural country, and industry and commerce are not very developed, otherwise the destructive power of the "money shortage" will be even greater.

In this regard, Caesar IV is still very pragmatic.When a problem is discovered, it must be solved.

"Your Majesty, there has been no successful precedent before. In theory, as long as enough currency is injected, the crisis can be overcome.

But the problem is how big the currency gap is, no one knows.

Among the great nobles in the kingdom, except for a few who have invested heavily in the development of the northern border and the Near East, and have a need to purchase supplies, the others don't know what to buy even if they are willing to invest money.

If there is money in the finances, the government can use the method of purchasing and storing strategic materials to put currency on the market.

It's a pity that the Kingdom's financial resources are limited and it is impossible to purchase materials in large quantities.Now they can only wait for the money shortage crisis to further expand and lower prices in the kingdom.

When the price drops to a certain level, those big chambers of commerce will take action to sweep the market.

During this process, incremental money flowed into the market, and the money shortage crisis gradually passed. "

The prime minister, the Grand Duke of Newfoundland, replied helplessly.

No matter which world, the crisis is the arrival of a new round of harvest.It seems to be an economic law, but in fact it is more of a man-made disaster.

International capital is sharpening its sword, and domestic aristocrats are also ready to move.Everyone wants to make a big profit in the "money shortage" crisis.

If the Kingdom government takes strong measures to interfere, it will cut off these people's money, and it will also cut off their own money.In essence, everyone present is also a member of the vested interest group.

After getting the exact answer, Caesar IV sighed.Obviously, it is already impossible to expect the big nobles to work together to quell the money shortage crisis.

No matter how many measures are introduced, it is useless, after all, government orders need people to implement them.Government orders that touch the interests of interest groups cannot leave the Emerald Palace.

On this issue, Caesar IV could not find a collaborator.Even inside the royal family, many people are gearing up to participate in this feast.

In a short period of time, the money shortage affected the development of the royal collar.With the emergence of deflation and lower prices, the cost of developing their territories will also be reduced.

The market is shrinking, business and trade are sluggish, what does it have to do with them?
The real victims are nothing more than the harvested small and medium-sized nobles and nascent industrial and commercial manufacturers, as well as handicraftsmen.

……

Time passed day by day, and with the start of the autumn harvest, the crisis of money shortage in the market became more and more severe.

Southeast province.

Blessed by the Lord of Dawn, more than a dozen sunny days have been ushered in in a row, and the autumn harvest work has been successfully completed.

Looking at the grain drying yard full of grain, Baron Ezekiel, who is the owner of the grain, couldn't be happier at the moment.

The grain harvest has been bumper, and the grain is also unsalable.At this time of year, grain merchants have already rushed over to buy.

It's a pity that the situation is different this year. Baron Ezekiel contacted several familiar grain merchants, but none of them were willing to buy.

It's not that no one wants food, but that those who want it don't have enough cash in their pockets.

If you want to sell food, you can, but you must accept barter.

This is hard for Baron Ezekiel, the territory is basically self-sufficient, so much food is bartered, what can he exchange for?

What's more, even if there is something you want to exchange, you have to be short of food.The biggest disadvantage of bartering is that everyone's needs must be exactly complementary to make a deal.

"The housekeeper ordered to build five more large granaries. If no one comes to buy them, I will store them for me!"

Baron Ezekiel said cruelly.

"My lord, it's easy to build a granary. It's just that if all the grain is stored, it may cost a lot in the future."

The old housekeeper reminded.

The same is grain, old grain is not as valuable as new grain.Even if it is only piled up in the warehouse for a few months, when it is sold to grain merchants, it will be discounted by [-] to [-]%.

Even if the grain is sold later, the income of the territory will shrink significantly this year.For some unnecessary expenses, I am afraid that I can only choose to cut them down.

Gritting his teeth and stomping his feet, Baron Ezekiel added: "You guys should prepare for this first!
I will go to a few nearby cities to see if I can find new buyers.Even if the price is lower, sell it.

According to the current market conditions, the price of food in the future may continue to fall! "

……

Similar scenes are constantly being staged in different areas of the Alpha Kingdom.Countless noble lords suffered from "depression" during this harvest season.

Emotional conduction is usually amplified.Affected by the "money shortage" crisis, many cash holders have become more cautious at the moment.

Especially businessmen who are keen on the market, reacted the most violently.Everyone tacitly chose to wait and see, even though the prices of many commodities have begun to fall, everyone is still unmoved.

The Shandiling branch suddenly became lively.The market lacked cash flow, and the bank's loan business suddenly improved.

Facing the surge in business volume, Rudolph rushed back from Xueyue collar and took charge of the overall situation himself.

(End of this chapter)