Don't be a prince

The cheers downstairs made the merchants upstairs very helpless. The words of the prince can be said to have completely revealed and revealed the previous business tax revenue.

Indeed, these big merchants actually did pay a lot less tax.The high profits of their own profession, coupled with the thinness of taxes, have led to their very high profits all the time.Otherwise, who wants to do business with infamy?

After taking a sip of wine, Li Chengqian continued: "As for the formulation of the new accounting books, it is to improve the current situation of commercial taxation. Perhaps for you big businessmen, the new tax law will cause you to pay more taxes, but for you, There will also be some benefits, which were not expected before."

"Your Highness, may I ask what is the benefit of paying more taxes?"

After thinking about it for a while, Zhao Qi understood that they had no right to oppose the formulation of the new commercial tax. Before, they could be said to have taken advantage of the court and even the country. The old account can only support the introduction of the new business tax.Although the prince didn't mention it, they all knew it well.

A potential threat is a threat, and after it is raised aboveboard, it will not be so deterrent.Li Chengqian himself is aware of this point. After all, there is a saying that "the law does not blame the public", and it is really difficult to pursue it.

"First of all, it is clothing. Merchants cannot wear brocade and silk. This rule is formulated to prevent merchants from emulating each other because of behaviors such as fighting for wealth, or stimulating common people to cause too many people to do business. But after the enactment of the new business law, Gu will abolish this rule. Hehe, strictly speaking, Gu can be regarded as a rich person, so he naturally knows the feeling of financial difficulties. It’s fine to shake off the family fortune, but a little more luxury in food, clothing, housing and transportation is the most basic for you Need it."

It's just that he can wear brocade and silk. Li Chengqian's words did not cause much repercussions.In fact, although there are such rules, not many people take it seriously. At most, when traveling in big places such as the state capital or Chang'an, they will change into linen clothes. How to wear how to wear.

Seeing that no one was moved by it, Li Chengqian smiled slightly and continued: "Second point, the children of merchants are no longer restricted from being officials."

As soon as this remark came out, there was a sensation in the audience!

Zhao Qi and the others' knees softened, and they either knelt down or sat down on the ground.

"Really...really?"

Different from the merchants, Wei Zheng and Wei Yanyan jumped up at the table, and hurriedly cupped their hands and said: "Your Highness, think twice! Your Highness, think twice! Businessmen and their descendants are not allowed to be officials. This is the ancestor's precept, how can you change it! Now everyone It is already very difficult for Tang to deal with corrupt officials, if this law is abolished, the consequences of collusion between officials and businessmen will be unimaginable!"

The speeches of Wei Zheng and Wei Yanyan frightened many people, and the merchants couldn't help but shut up. They were not qualified to speak in front of the Governor of Yizhou and the servants.Although they didn't dare to refute, their anxious expressions and moist eyes still revealed their mood.

Businessmen and their descendants are not allowed to be officials!Only after actually doing business will we know how tortured this regulation is.Regardless of the reasons for choosing to do business at the beginning, eating meat is no longer a trivial matter after the wealth is rich. Once a person has money, he will have other demands.Status is exactly what everyone pursues.Man is a social creature, and the higher the status in a large group, the more satisfaction and excitement it can provide.

Being an official is something that everyone has dreamed of ever since the concept of class emerged. Even in kindergartens, children will feel extremely refreshed when they become so-called monitors and disciplinary committee members, let alone adults.With money, you dare to think about things that you couldn't imagine before.Reading and writing are very simple. With money, there are still a lot of teachers. Although the elite classics controlled by the big family cannot be seen, it is still no problem to satisfy the foundation of being an official.

But the problem is, you can't be an official!Even if you are familiar with the Four Books and Five Classics, as long as you are a businessman, or someone in the same clan is a businessman, you will be turned away.It’s okay if I can’t be an official in this life, my son can’t be, my grandson can’t be, and my children and grandchildren can only be stuck with the “businessman” brown candy.Always look down on!

On one side were the anxious Wei Zheng and the other were the businessman who was about to cry. Being watched by the two groups, Li Chengqian could only smile wryly.

There is a reason for the merchants' eagerness, and it is not without reason for Wei Zheng and the two to be vigilant.Power and money go hand in hand, but whether power begets money or money begets power, it is a bad thing.Although the current Datang officialdom can be regarded as clean and honest, it is only a superficial phenomenon. In fact, all important officials do not have sufficient background, and it is impossible to imprison their own positions.And the family background, to put it bluntly, is money.

Wei Zheng understands this, and Wei Yanyan also understands it. However, merchant power is different from traditional family power. If merchant power is introduced into the power center, it will only cause turmoil.

Putting the wine glass on the table and pressing it down with both hands, Li Chengqian smiled and said to everyone: "Wei Shizhong, Wei Governor, and merchants, please be calm, I haven't finished talking about Gu. That's right, Gu really I want to let go of the ban on merchant families not being able to do business, but I also want to strengthen the handling of the entanglement between officials and businessmen for this purpose. Originally, it might just be fined copper and dismissed from office, but in the future it will be imprisoned or even beheaded!"

Hearing this, Wei Zheng sat down again.As long as the law is changed for this purpose, although he is very clear that this kind of thing cannot be completely banned, it is better to deal with it than not deal with it. With a high-hanging sharp knife, it can greatly reduce the chance of this kind of thing happening probability.

Wei Yanyan wanted to say something more, but seeing Wei Zheng sat down, he had no choice but to shut up and sit down. Wei Zheng didn't say anything, and he had no right to question the prince's decision.

After Wei Zheng and Wei Yanyan both sat down, Li Chengqian looked at Zhao Qi and said with a smile: "You have no objection to doing this alone!"

Zhao Qi knelt down directly on the ground, raised his thumb and little finger together, and raised his three fingers, swearing: "Your Highness, don't worry, if anyone in my family wants to be an official, they will definitely be severed. If anyone colludes with officials and businessmen, the whole family will be banned." Good death! Don't worry, Your Highness, even if the court doesn't issue laws, we will monitor closely, and if anyone does such a shameful thing, we will drown him with saliva!"

Seeing Zhao Qi dancing, talking nonsense, and drooling, Li Chengqian looked at the other businessmen around him, and saw that everyone knelt down and swore.It seems that being able to be an official in a business family is not just a temptation for them.

As for the downstairs, there is no need to ask, the sound of swearing one after another even covered the voices of the people upstairs.After waiting for this opportunity for who knows how many years and lifetimes, the businessmen went crazy for it.

"Okay, since you have such an awareness, I will try my best to fight for you. You also know that this kind of matter is not decided by one person alone. I can tell you how Chang'an will react in the future. How much to say is unknown. The best result is to try for a period of time. Of course, if someone breaks the rules during this period and commits a crime during a sensitive period, what will result is unknown. "

Seeing the crown prince's secretive look, Zhao Qi and others also thought of the result. If someone really knew the law and violated the law, I'm afraid that their good deeds as a whole would be ruined directly.

"Don't worry, Your Highness, if anyone dares to spoil the important affairs of all of us, we will tear him into pieces, and we will surely send orders to various places, and there will never be anything that will make His Royal Highness be beaten in the face!"

Seeing Zhao Qi's swearing, Li Chengqian could only nod his head and sat back down again.

Picking up the wine glass, Li Chengqian continued: "These two are the things that Gu came up with at the moment. Since Gu is working for the welfare of your merchant group, and even does not hesitate to challenge the rules that have been passed down for countless years, you should also repay Gu. .”

Zhao Qi said solemnly: "Your Highness, just give orders, and I will sacrifice my life for the merchants to do it for Your Highness!"

"It's not enough to risk your life. Having said so much, I want you to approve the new accounting books and new tax rates. The court must monitor the transactions of merchants, and the tax rate must also be changed to a pure profit model. But whether it is one out of ten or ten 12 , will not be fixed, but will change with time and the situation, but I can assure you that the heaviest tax rate will not exceed two out of ten, how about it?"

Taking two out of ten is one-fifth. Although two-tenths and one-fifth are the same, the base numbers are different, and the result is that two numbers that are clearly equal look very different.

Sure enough, Zhao Qi and the others nodded without hesitation: "We will naturally accept it."

Having finally achieved his goal, Li Chengqian picked up the wine jug, filled a glass, and said, "Since that's the case, let me have a drink today!"

After drinking a glass of wine, Li Chengqian was about to sit down, but another businessman stood up, cupped his hands after three glasses of wine, and said, "Your Highness, Cao Min is a businessman from Dengzhou. I heard from the businessmen in the south that His Highness is going to open a business in Gaozhou, Lingnan." Seaport, and open a shipyard, I wonder if His Highness has the idea of ​​opening a seaport and a shipyard in Dengzhou? To tell you the truth, the villain is in the timber business. If His Highness has plans, the villain will go back and serve His Highness Making preparations can save a lot of time, and as for the cost, the villain guarantees that it will definitely make His Highness feel that it is worth it!"

Li Chengqian was prepared to ask questions on behalf of the merchant group like Zhao Qi, but this one who was fighting for the order for his family still caught him by surprise.

"Dengzhou already has a navy. It is the East China Sea Fleet of Duke Xun Zhang Liang. As a Duke, he is sufficient to preside over these matters. The reason why it has not started yet is because the imperial court has not yet officially allocated funds. The matter in Lingnan You should also be aware that in order not to cause backlash from the local forces, the name of the construction of the seaport and shipyard is not the imperial court, but the five families of the Eastern Palace Zhaogong Palace Wei Wang Wu Wang. However, it is rare that you have the heart, Gu can open it for you A letter of recommendation, recommended to Duke Xun."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

The smiling businessman just sat down, and another businessman stood up. After drinking three bowls of wine, he asked without hesitation: "Your Highness, I don't know where you are going after leaving Zhengzhou? The villain is not trying to inquire about His Highness's itinerary." , if His Highness wants to continue to advance along the river, he will pass by Heze, the villain is not talented, and there is a beautiful manor at home, if His Highness rests in Heze, you might as well go to the villain's manor!"

Is this a treat?Those who dare to invite the prince into the house are really brave, and it is not good not to agree, so Li Chengqian agreed.

"Your Highness..."

"Your Highness..."

Once there is a precedent, it will be out of control.It's just three glasses of wine, and you can talk to the prince. The merchants think it's not worth it.It's rare to sit at the same table with the prince, how long will it be if we don't seize this opportunity?

Not only those upstairs, but also those downstairs couldn't resist coming up to join in the fun.

The banquet that started at noon did not end until evening.

When Li Chengqian, who was in good spirits, left the banquet with Wei Zheng and Wei Yanyan, what was left behind was a whole building of drunks...

After leaving the restaurant, Wei Zhengcai worriedly said to Li Chengqian: "Your Highness, is it too hasty for you to agree to these businessmen today? I feel that there is something wrong."

Walking in the afterglow of the setting sun, Li Chengqian smiled slightly: "So Gu didn't make any guarantees. This is just a possibility. Whether it will succeed or not will only be announced to the world after the court discusses it. The law really does whatever you want. Wei Shizhong, Gu has always believed that farming without taxes can be achieved, and that a comprehensive commercial society is inevitable for development. Instead of resisting because of fear, it is better to open your mind and welcome its arrival frankly. What do you think? "

Wei Zheng nodded, touched his mask, walked away from the two of them in a few steps, and left after cupping his hands.He went out today at the risk of being adopted by others, just to see what would happen to the banquet.

And Wei Yanyan, who was walking behind Li Chengqian, only felt his heart beating faster.What did I hear?No tax for farmers?Is this kind of thing really possible?

Looking at the prince in front of him again, he only felt that this prince was like a saint.If it is true that a country where farmers have no taxes is achieved, it would be a joke if wars break out again within the Tang Dynasty!The Li family is bound to be passed on for thousands of years.

Li Chengqian didn't notice Wei Yanyan's expression, because he saw the army coming in at the city gate.

As the army entered the city gate, a disgusting smell of blood also came over.

Obviously, that bandit village is finished.

The Sky-Changing Monkey was also covered in blood, and he leaned close to the prince, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, the bandit stronghold was breached, all the bandits were wiped out, and none of them escaped. We personally injured 30 people, mostly minor injuries, and the five problems of serious injuries are also serious." Not much. That is, the gunpowder weapons are almost used up, and we have no way to get new ones."

Chapter 337 Bianzhou (Kaifeng)

The gunpowder weapons brought out from Chang'an were originally prepared by the leaders themselves, and the number was not large. Now, in order to preserve the strength of the local government soldiers, naturally not many will be left behind.Gunpowder weapons are different from weapons such as bows and arrows. So far, only Chang'an has a production workshop for gunpowder weapons.

As for the formula of gunpowder, only a few craftsmen who make gunpowder know that the gunpowder weapon making workshop was originally managed by a few temporarily appointed officials, but when Baiqisi took over, the whole workshop was directly replaced. The world has evaporated, and no one knows where the Baiqisi people have moved the workshop.

Although he knew the formula, Li Chengqian couldn't configure it when he was outside. The gunpowder that he prepared would definitely be useful, but it was unknown what the gunpowder weapon would look like.Besides, people are in the territory of the Tang Dynasty, no matter where they go, they are protected by personal leaders and local government soldiers, so carrying gunpowder weapons seems a lot redundant.

Duan Xiao, who won a big victory with little loss, was extremely happy, and quietly drafted a report document, saying that he asked the prince to sign it together.After seeing the obviously exaggerated pro-rate record, Li Chengqian signed his name with a wry smile and stamped it with his seal.Obviously, Duan Xiao is giving credit. Although the appeasement of the local area cannot be compared with the military exploits of destroying the enemy's country, it is very rare for local generals to achieve such a record of crushing the achievements of civil servants in this peaceful world.

A complete report document naturally requires the joint name of the local governor.

When Wei Yanyan also signed the document, it was completely dark, so both of them were left by Li Chengqian for dinner, which made them flattered.

The dishes are very simple, just boiled fish, but not the kind of dishes, but the way of eating like shabu-shabu.The big apprentice of Donggong Chef, his knife skills are exceptionally good, the fish is cut as thin and translucent as silk, all the bones of the fish have been taken out, and the thin fish fillets just need to be rinsed in boiling water, it will be the ultimate delicacy.

Yuanyang pot, one side is clear soup and the other side is sesame oil and chili. After trying the clear soup shabu-shabu, Li Chengqian is not interested in the old-fashioned way of eating.Fresh fish itself has a umami taste, and this umami taste is contaminated with other flavors in the spicy pot, and it disappears.Ever since, the sauce that had been prepared was thrown aside by him.

Duan Xiao and Wei Yanyan were still cautious at first, but they stopped chopsticks after eating for a while.

Wei Yanyan is better, Duan Xiao is a military commander, and he likes to show his unruly side the most.But this time, there was no need to act deliberately, the fiery red hot pot made him suck his mouth continuously, but the speed of eating fish continued to increase.

The three of them had a very enjoyable meal. After wiping their mouths, Wei Yanyan cupped his hands in embarrassment and said: "I enjoyed the extreme luxury in Juxian Building today. I thought it was the limit of human taste. I ate so much tonight."

Duan Xiao took a sip of the wine, hiccupped and said: "Today we fought fiercely all day, and ate a meal from His Highness, which is more comfortable than eating and drinking at the celebration banquet. I always heard that some old people in the court Netizens praised the taste of Donggong food, and now I have seen it."

After taking a sip of tea, Li Chengqian stretched his waist and said: "Today is not only a celebration banquet for General Duan, but also a farewell banquet for the two of you alone. Tomorrow, we will pack our bags and set off early in the morning .”

The prince is leaving?

Hearing the news, Wei Yanyan quickly stood up and said, "Your Highness, why don't you stay a little longer? Zhengzhou also has some beautiful places, and your Highness can also visit them, why are you in a hurry to leave?"

Duan Xiao also cupped his hands and said: "Your Highness, the restless bandits in Zhengzhou are the only ones who have bowed their heads now. Zhengzhou can be said to be extremely safe. With the soldiers under the last general's command, they will definitely protect His Highness thoughtfully. "

Li Chengqian shook his head with a smile and said: "Stay for two days, and the repairs are almost done. It is already July, and the weather will soon turn cold. When we arrive in Dengzhou, we will build a palace for our mother. There is no delay." ah."

In fact, it was Ashina Xue and Su Yuan who made Li Chengqian decide to start as soon as possible. They both said that they didn't need to take too long to rest and could continue to move forward at any time.In addition, although Dengzhou is located by the sea, it is extremely cold in winter. For the health of his eldest grandson, Li Chengqian is not willing to just find a place to live.

It's just the construction of the palace, as long as it can be solved with money, it's not a matter.As long as the money and food from the national treasury are not used to build the palace, the whole Tang Dynasty will not say a word from top to bottom.

"Since that's the case, the general will prepare for this, and will escort His Highness well until Bianzhou."

Arching his hands, Duan Xiao immediately went down to start preparations, Wei Yanyan also left, and began to prepare supplies for the fleet.

Back at the residence, Li Chengqian smiled wryly when he saw the three women tangled up in a ball on his bed, so he had to sleep in a spare room.Who knows, there are people in the room that was originally free.In front of the desk, Li Tai was writing and drawing under the candlelight, and clicked his tongue from time to time.

"Qingque, what are you doing?"

It was the first time Li Chengqian saw him being able to entertain himself like this in a state of being suspected of being a scholar.

Li Tai who was disturbed was about to lose his temper. Seeing that it was Brother Huang, he had no choice but to suppress his anger and said dissatisfiedly: "Next time you see my younger brother thinking about something, don't disturb me. If my younger brother scolds you a few times in a fit of anger, but You did it to yourself."

Ignoring Li Tai's obviously impolite words, Li Chengqian went to Li Tai's desk to see what Li Tai was researching.

Although Li Tai, who is born smart, is not in the monstrous realm of learning without a teacher, he can still do it by drawing inferences from one instance.From his drawings, Li Chengqian found that he had already begun to study buoyancy.

After receiving the drawings and pointing to the pictures on the paper, Li Tai said triumphantly: "Brother Huang, I have been studying mechanics since we boarded the ship. I thought I had already researched a lot. The field has already entered the room. Whoever wants to ride a boat for a few days discovered a new kind of force. Water has buoyancy, otherwise the big boat would sink. However, I still don’t understand why wooden boats can float On the water, wooden blocks are fine, but stones and other things are not enough. I also found that most of the resistance on the land can be applied on the water. The shape of the bottom of the boat is to reduce the reaction caused by the water flow to the hull. Force. Hmm... how should I put it, I still can't explain it reasonably now, but I think it's the right direction to think about."

Patting Li Tai on the shoulder, Li Chengqian didn't know what to say anymore.Li Tai's research, in the eyes of future generations, may be a simple truth that children can understand, but after digging deeper in this field, there are many things that can be done.For example, the knowledge of buoyancy can explain why a copper block cannot float on the water, but a copper pot can.If Li Tai's research is on the right track, then Datang doesn't need to hide wood. Wouldn't it be more delicious to directly build an iron-clad ship?

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian patted Li Tai on the shoulder and said, "Even though I have returned most of my knowledge to the physics teacher, Brother Huang, I can still tell you clearly that your research is not useless. Qingque, don't worry about it." Not to mention, if you can delve deeper into buoyancy, the power of our Datang Sea will make people all over the world look up to you."

After hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Tai was so excited that he knew that what he was studying was not useless, but he didn't expect it to be so useful.He never doubted what Brother Huang said, as long as Brother Huang said that his research could make Datang's sea power proud of the whole world, then it would definitely be possible.

Looking at the sky outside, Li Chengqian patted Li Tai on the shoulder again and said, "It's good to be a scholar, but don't stay up all night. We leave Chang'an this time, and we don't know when we will go back. There is no fief on the way. Things bother you, you can do your research to your heart's content. Tell me what you need, and I can satisfy you!"

Li Tai nodded, glanced at the drawing, tried hard to hold back his excitement, and forced himself to calm down.He prefers to do things that he is interested in compared to dealing with the various memorials of the fief which are boring. If what he does makes him feel interesting and can achieve something, he can reap more than double the happiness.

After leaving Li Tai's room, Li Chengqian found an empty room before moving in.

Although I don't get seasick, it's still difficult to sleep well on the boat. Everyone cherishes the time on land now.

The next day, everyone tried their best to force themselves to rest for a whole day before boarding the big ship again.

Now that several ships are fully loaded with supplies, Wei Yanyan doesn't need to run around at all, but just reveals the news, and the merchants who are still immersed in a sense of fantasy wake up and prepare the fleet as quickly as possible. supplies.Everything prepared is the best.

As for the so-called "gifts" handed over by these businessmen, Li Chengqian left them in Zhengzhou for disaster relief. Of course, the name used was to celebrate that day by the businessmen.

Coming out of Chang'an, the journey went smoothly, and the fleet moved forward very fast.After so many days of living on the ship, Su Yuan and the others barely adapted to it, and gradually fell asleep peacefully. If not, Li Chengqian would consider going ashore and taking the land route.

Duan Xiao rode a horse and escorted two teams of cavalry on both sides of the river, escorting them all the way to the territory of Bianzhou. After handing over to Bai Yujiao, the governor of Bianzhou, he returned to his own territory.

Like Duan Xiao, Bai Yujiao set up soldiers on both sides of the river, and even cleared the river.On the empty river, only a fleet of boats belonging to the Eastern Palace was floating, and the rest of the cargo ships and cruise ships were gathered at the boat port. Outside the encirclement of the government soldiers, many people stretched their necks to see the prince's fleet What is it like.

Standing at the bow of the boat and seeing this scene, Li Chengqian was a little displeased. It was too much to waste people and money just for ostentation.

However, the eldest grandson doesn't see it that way.Seeing the displeasure on Li Chengqian's expression, the eldest grandson coughed lightly before saying: "Chengqian, the queen mother knows that you are considerate of all people, which is a necessary quality for a benevolent monarch, but ah, you are the prince and one of the spokespersons of the royal family." How can you not show off your imperial majesty when traveling outside? If you blindly consider Wanmin, it may give you the impression that you are weak and deceitful."

Li Chengqian can only bow down to be taught, what the eldest grandson said is not unreasonable, but it is enough to show something like prestige casually, and it is not appropriate to show it too much.

When the boat docked, a civil official and a military general came over at the same time. The military general was very polite, and after removing all the weapons from his body, he stopped at the spot far away, waiting for the eunuch's inspection.

Not everyone is as arrogant as a certain person, and I dare not relax at all in such a thing that is easy to lose my head.

The civil servants who came over first were also inspected, and only after the inspection was completed were they allowed to approach the prince.

Li Chengqian had already disembarked, and only slightly bowed his hand to return the salute after the civil servants saluted.

"My lower official, Bianzhou Inspector Dugu Zhao, pays homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Dugu Zhao probably belonged to the Dugu family. Unlike the five surnames, the Dugu family was very low-key in the imperial court. The members of the family basically did not work in key departments, and they were a low-key group.

As early as when he was in Zhengzhou, Li Chengqian got to know Duguzhao. In just a few years, Bianzhou has become extremely prosperous again, and Dugu Zhao has made great contributions.

According to his political achievements, Duguzhao was able to go to the three provinces and six ministries of the imperial court to seek a good job, but he insisted on staying in Bianzhou, keeping a low profile in a mess.Of course, this also has a lot to do with the fact that many industries of the Dugu family are located in Bianzhou.

"Inspector Dugu, Gu knows that you are an official, but today you cleared the river, just for Gu's group, I'm afraid it's inappropriate."

Duguzhao was not terrified by Li Chengqian's words, but said with a smile: "Your Highness has a kind heart to understand all people, and it is a blessing for the people of the world. It's just today's arrangement. You can't blame me. The people and merchants in Bianzhou did it on their own."

"Is that so..."

Glancing at the occasional obese figures in the crowd, Li Chengqian immediately understood.The news about the banquet in Zhengzhou probably leaked early in the morning, and now he is like a sweet pastry to businessmen.

It wasn't until this time that Bai Yujiao was "molested" by Zhang Yun. He walked over a few steps and knelt on one knee and said, "My minister Bai Yujiao, governor of Bianzhou, pays homage to His Highness the Crown Prince. Your Highness, the Bianzhou government soldiers have set aside the protection of the Bianzhou Palace. When you are ready, Your Highness and the Empress can move to the palace together."

"Thank you for your hard work. Let go of the guard at the port when your mother leaves. I still need to meet some merchants to find out about their situation."