Don't be a prince

Obviously wanted to cry out in surprise, but the feeling of holding back caused many people to show constipated expressions.

What did they hear?Make it together?How could it be like this?

contract?Is the new business law a contract?

3 Chapter [-] Commercial Law Article [-]

Not only the merchants, but even Fang Xuanling and others were shocked.

Law revisions in which merchants also participated?This, this is clearly nonsense!How can the holiness of the law be contaminated by a lowly person like a businessman?

Not only Fang Xuanling, but Wen Yanbo also changed his face. Not to mention unheard of, such a thing is opening up the enactment of laws to businessmen, isn't it lowering the prestige of the court?The law should have been the code of conduct assigned by the imperial court to the people. In this case, what is the majesty of the law?

The two were about to get up, but they were pushed back by one hand.

Dai Zhou was the one who held Xuanling's house, and Dai Zhou had a black face, so hard, coupled with a serious expression, even Fang Xuanling couldn't help but give up the idea of ​​standing up.

It was Wei Zheng who held Wen Yanbo down, because the two of them were not touching, Wei Zheng forgot the severity of his attack, and even elbowed Du Ruhui, making Du Ruhui smile bitterly.

"Listen!"

"The prince's intentions are unusual! Listen first!"

After hearing what these two people said, Fang Xuanling and Wen Yanbo could only calm down.As for Du Ruhui and Changsun Wuji, they seemed to have guessed three points. Although they were surprised, it was not particularly obvious.

After Li Chengqian finished speaking, he obviously had no intention of continuing.The merchants below looked left and right, but they didn't dare to speak, for fear of breaking the rules.The more this happened, the more anxious they became. In desperation, everyone could only focus on Zhao Qi.

Sitting next to the emperor, even if he deliberately moved his seat to the back, Zhao Qi still felt that his ass was going to be cooked.Now that he had the opportunity, he stood up without hesitation, and after a respectful salute, he asked, "Your Highness, I don't know what you said, but we, the merchants, can also participate in it? Can we also make suggestions for the formulation of laws?"

Seeing that Zhao Qi asked the point, the eyes focused on him, turned away, and gathered on the platform again.

Seeing the countless expectant eyes in the audience, Li Chengqian nodded.

With just this one movement, the sound of chair legs rubbing against the ground appeared one after another.

Picking up the teacup, taking a sip to moisten his throat, Li Chengqian continued to speak loudly: "That's it. The law was created to regulate people's behavior. Those who violate the law will be convicted and punished. Those who violated the law seriously , and even deprive him of his life. However, whether it is conviction and punishment or beheading, the reason is that what this person did was wrong, not only wrong, but also had a bad influence on a large group.

There used to be rumors that those who did not pay taxes in accordance with regulations would be beheaded by the court.On this point, I just want to clarify here that there will be no decapitation, because although the behavior of tax evasion is shameful, it is not to the extent of decapitation.Even if the amount of tax evasion is really huge, at most they will be sentenced to exile.

The reason why I say this is to emphasize the justice of the law.The so-called fairness is the truth recognized by most people.Since the business law is formulated to be used in business and in you, why can't you also participate in the formulation?Since you have also participated in it, it shows that you also agree that the terms are fair and correct.In this way, if any of you violates the provisions of the business law in the future, it will be a betrayal of your own words.In this way, even if he is convicted, no one will be unconvinced! "

This time, without Zhao Qi's endorsement, almost all the businessmen got up from their seats, raising their arms and shouting: "No!"

"In this way, the commercial law formulated by the imperial court is actually a contract between the imperial court and all of you, just like you do business, but the contract of commercial law requires you to perform it with your actions. Question!"

"no problem!"

Being in it, I felt tearing shouts, and even Li Shimin was shocked.The reason why he came here today to take the white dragon fish is to see what kind of medicine is sold in the prince's gourd.Although he had guessed a lot, he never thought that the prince would actually distribute the power of formulating business laws to merchants.

And the theory of "contract" is new and even a little naive, but after careful consideration, I found that it makes a lot of sense!Let the merchants follow the laws they have formulated, so that there will be no voices such as "unfairness" and "the court oppressing merchants" in the future.Although it is a bit dreamy, but, maybe, it can really become like this!

The speed of business development, after letting go of hands and feet, is almost like a blowout.There is no doubt that according to what the prince said before, commerce can replace agriculture and become the main component of national tax revenue, or even completely replace it.It has become a business that generally exists as a vital part of the country. If the future troubles can be fundamentally eliminated, even if power needs to be delegated, it is still a suitable business!

Being in a group of businessmen, Li Shimin couldn't help but think in the way of a businessman.

It was just stretching out his hand and pressing down. With Li Chengqian's movements, the originally chaotic scene suddenly became quiet, and a needle could be heard.Although his ears were quiet, Li Chengqian still felt hot all over, which was from the fiery eyes of the businessmen.

Picking up the teacup and taking a sip, Li Chengqian even asked someone to bring him a chair and sat down.

After inviting Fang Xuanling and others to sit down, Li Chengqian held a teacup and said: "Gu has prepared tea for you, then drink it, and if you drink too much, go to the toilet. Although today is the day when business laws are enacted, we There is no need to be so serious. It is not so much a discussion as a brainstorming."

With these words, the merchants hurriedly picked up their teacups, at least to moisten their sore throats.

"The first is the tax rate, which is also a very important point. Last year, the imperial court collected [-]% of the net profit from the world's business taxes. That's right, it was [-]%, but even so, many people still feel that their flesh has been cut off. One knife. Don't look left and right, maybe, people who think so account for more than [-]% of the venue today.

Today I don't intend to use my identity as a prince to be majestic to you or anything, I just want to use my identity as a Tang Dynasty man to discuss with you.That's right, the net profit is one out of ten, for some profitable industries.Maybe it is a hundred times, or even a thousand times, the tax paid before.Since you are able to leave your property and come to Dengzhou, it means that you are all big shopkeepers. You should be clear that what I said alone is true.

Now, Gu does not represent the royal family, or even the imperial court, but uses the name of "Da Tang" to ask everyone, the imperial court will ignore the results of the past tax loopholes, and everything will return to the original source.Under such circumstances, some people are still complaining, don't they feel that the money is hot in their hands? "

During the venue, following Li Chengqian's inquiry, many people lowered their heads.The business in the early days of Zhenguan was like this. The smaller the business, the lower the profit, and the more ordinary things, the lower the profit.Take wheat as an example, grain merchants seem to be powerful, but in fact they make the least money in the profit circle.

Datang tax is collected according to the tax in kind. For example, if a bucket of wheat is directly traded for one penny, if the bucket of wheat is ground into flour, it will still be charged one penny, and if the flour is steamed into steamed buns, it will still be one penny.For a basic commodity, the higher the price of the finished product, the greater the profit.This means that the merchants of the Tang Dynasty did not know how to add a bag to the steamed buns, then put them in a box, and then ask Sun Simiao to speak for them, otherwise the wealthy people would definitely appear by exploiting loopholes.

Ignoring whether there were any quibbles, Li Chengqian continued: "This is the previous business situation. This revision of the business law was originally intended to fix loopholes and benefit businessmen. You said, [-]% of the net profit is not negotiable.

Of course, the imperial court did not collect the money for the sake of making a living.You should be very clear about the issuance of national bonds by the imperial court last year.It is no exaggeration to say that Datang will lose all the face he has accumulated since Wu Denian.You can hardly imagine how ashamed your father is to ask his subjects for money to tide them over.

But what is the cause of all this?Is it not the emptiness of the treasury?Whether it is collecting taxes from farmers or collecting commercial taxes from you, it is all for the war of the army, the relief of the disaster-stricken areas, and the construction of official roads.Gu does not deny that part of the money was given to the emperor, but in Gu's view, this is what it should have been.In the hundreds of battles, the father helped the Tang Dynasty to end the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty. I don't know how great a merit it is.Besides, even last year and a few years ago, the father didn't enjoy it wantonly, but handed over all his money to the treasury. He would rather eat pickles and millet by himself than worry about the disaster relief situation of Jianghuai. "

Speaking of this, Li Chengqian couldn't help but took a sip of water, he couldn't help but drink, not everyone can say what they think is false in a serious manner.But it’s okay not to say that, the "natural imperial power" is a forbidden area that no one can deny at the moment, even the emperor himself.

Furthermore, didn't you see that the emperor below was already smiling?Among the serious people, the emperor's expression should not be too prominent.

Clearing his throat, Li Chengqian continued: "The purpose of collecting taxes by the imperial court is to integrate them and provide them for national use. I think you all know this very well. However, there is no doubt that you reject this truth in your heart and always feel that paying is your own. The interests of the people have been damaged. The reason why Gu speaks so thoroughly and so bluntly today is to tell everyone.

True and false have always been relative, and it is impossible to confuse them together.Is it that difficult to just pay taxes?As the crown prince, Gu can assure everyone that the property under Gu's name has never lost a copper coin.Even, for disasters like Jianghuai, Gu also donated money in his own capacity, not as a prince.

The catastrophes in this world are nothing more than natural disasters and man-made disasters. After I, Tang Dynasty, killed Liang Shidu, I finally relieved all internal troubles.After killing East Turks, Tuyuhun, and Gaochang, they shouted out their own voice on this land.Among you, there must be some who do business abroad.Thinking about the changes in foreigners' attitudes towards us Tang people over the years, do you think it is because your goods are of high quality and low price that they have replaced steel knives with respect?Nope.

Comparing it with the troubled times at the end of the Sui Dynasty, you can understand that only Datang can provide you with a stable business environment and allow you to make a lot of money.It is Datang who can protect you when you are doing business abroad, and who can point and point at them with arrogance.I am proud of being a member of Datang, and I am willing to do my best to make Datang as vast as the sea. How about you? "

"willing!"

"I would too!"

"Your Highness is right, Your Majesty is willing!"

...

Different from the neat and uniform ones before, this time the response was messy, and even a lot of people's saliva spewed out.

Although he was well aware of the power of his speech in this era, but after seeing the effect, Li Chengqian was still taken aback.Not only him, but even Fang Xuanling and others, the emperor in the field, and the guards were extremely excited.

Looking at the chaotic scene under the restaurant, Changsun Wuji pulled off his beard.Good guy, it's just a speech, these people don't want their voices anymore?Picking up the teacup and taking several sips, Changsun Wuji calmed down his excitement.

The confusion only lasted for a short time. After all, no matter how loud a person can scream, his voice can't hold it.

After gesturing for silence in the venue again, Li Chengqian continued: "So, the [-]% tax rate is tentatively set as the ratio of the commercial tax. Why is it tentative? Because the commercial tax should change with time. Maybe, when there is no big expenditure for the imperial court, it will charge less, and when there is a war against Tubo or Turkic, and the treasury is tight, it will charge a little more. Of course, there is definitely a limit to this extra charge. I think the maximum is two Cheng is a good definition, Fang Xiang, what do you think?"

Can I lift it?Do I find it useful?If I dare to say "less", can the soldiers you arrange downstairs be able to stand up to these businessmen?Now you are the center of the audience, what's the use of those of us who don't talk?

Although his eyes were full of resentment, Fang Xuanling still took a deep breath, stood up and said: "Your Highness said a bit biased, whether [-]% is enough or not is still unknown. At the same time, the old man feels that it is better to set the tax rate once a year." Of course, even if the situation is urgent, the imperial court will not overly oppress the merchants. As for how much is appropriate, the imperial court will call a large number of merchants to discuss it like today."

After speaking, Fang Xuanling returned to his seat in despair.

With his scheming, he naturally saw that the tax rate of [-]% was still not safe enough. Although the crown prince's move catered to merchants, it set up obstacles for the court, which was inappropriate.As the prime minister, it is better for him to correct it.

Facing the audience, Li Chengqian asked loudly: "What do you all think of the first article of this business law? If no one has any objections, Gu Ke will write it down!"

It was silent, even though all the people present were big businessmen from all over the world, but in front of the crown prince and the prime minister, they still couldn't say anything against it.

Chapter 381 Repetition

Two sergeants lifted a huge table to the platform, on which a huge white paper had already been spread.

The polished ink and pen were placed there, there was no need for Li Chengqian to arrange it, Changsun Wuji had already walked over there first, took the pen without hesitation, and wrote the content of the first article on it.

After Changsun Wuji finished writing, Li Chengqian continued: "It was the first article just now, then, the second article, Gu's suggestion is to make 'merchant property sacred and inviolable' as the second article, since the imperial court wants to expropriate you Taxation, of course, should give you protection. Taxation was a mess before, but this time the business law was re-enacted, and businessmen officially entered the national stage as a taxpayer of the country, so they naturally wanted to be protected.

Of course, this asylum does not include businessmen breaking the law. Once a certain businessman violates the laws of the Tang Dynasty, the protection of him by the imperial court will come to an end. "

Seeing that no one had any objections, Wei Zheng stepped forward without hesitation, took the pen from Changsun Wuji's hand, and wrote the second article himself.

The first one is very general, but the second one is very approved by Wei Zheng.You know, before that, many merchants could only rely on noble families to seek asylum for their own safety.In this way, although such a phenomenon cannot be completely eliminated, it has given many merchants a choice.When they gradually adapt to not relying on others and being able to settle down, they will be able to solve part of the income of the noble family.

It seems that it is only part of the income, but if you think about it carefully, this part of the money belongs to the people 100%.Although he is still not used to it, Wei Zheng knows very well that from now on, the status of merchants will rise to the level of "common people".

In the audience, Li Shimin was also very satisfied with this arrangement, especially if the businessmen in the back violated the law, the protection would be suspended.

With the first and second clauses as a guide, next, Li Chengqian was ready to let go completely.

Glancing at the audience, Li Chengqian said with a smile: "Shan Gu alone said, isn't the new business law designated by Gu alone? For the third article, let Gu find someone in the room to formulate it."

After finishing speaking, Li Chengqian stretched out his hand towards the emperor's place: "This one is so well-dressed, why don't you give me your opinion on this one?"

Since the emperor has come to participate, it is impossible to prevent him from exporting. Li Chengqian can only hand over the formulation of the third article to the emperor.

Li Shimin was not surprised that he would be called by name. Seeing that the prince stretched out his palm instead of his fingers, his expression became more relaxed.

Standing up slowly, after clearing his throat, Li Shimin's voice rang out: "The first article sets out the tax rate, which is fundamental, and the second article emphasizes that merchants get the protection of the court, which is regarded as providing benefits to... us merchants." Since that's the case, the third article, which I am surprised to hear from you all, is due to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I suggest that the provisions of the Tang law be transferred to the new commercial law. Merchants are not allowed to operate salt and iron and other key industries of the court, and they are not allowed to operate important goods such as grain and ironware shall not be sold to the grasslands.

This was originally stipulated in the Tang law, but now it is changed to the new business law, it is not necessary! "

After speaking, Li Shimin sat down.This is what he had thought about a long time ago. Since the new business law is like a "contract", it has a strong binding force on businessmen. Became a "businessman", but in fact, it can be regarded as making up for a loophole.

After all, civilians don't have the means to do these things, and those who can do these things are businessmen.Even though the status of businessmen is about to rise, Li Shimin still has no plans to raise them to the same status as ordinary people.

Li Chengqian also thought about this point clearly. Although he smiled wryly in his heart, he asked Fang Xuanling, who succeeded Wei Zheng, to write this down.

With the leader of the "businessman" the emperor, the originally quiet street finally boiled up.

For the new business law, merchants have too many suggestions to say. In the past, because of their low status, they could not directly reach Tianting, but now they can personally participate in it, so they are enthusiastic.

Once the emotions are aroused, it is not so easy to calm down.

Originally, Li Chengqian's plan was to formulate the new business law in one day, but the reality is that even if he didn't eat at noon, it lasted until the evening, and there were still many people who didn't get the chance to speak.

As a last resort, Li Chengqian could only extend the days to three days.

three days later...

In the office room, Fang Xuanling and the others looked at the large sheets of paper placed on the kang, and were speechless.This is the new business law. Even after three days, they still feel that the formulation this time is too simple.

Unlike before, the formulation of this new business law did not draw on old papers, that is, it did not learn from the laws of previous dynasties, but got out of reality and proceeded from the actual needs of businessmen themselves.Especially the final part of setting the sentencing, the content surprised these few people who are used to the world.

Picking out one of them, Fang Xuanling said with emotion: "Tax evasion, less than ten lances and thirty sticks, exile for a hundred miles? Less than a hundred lances and fifty lashes, exile for a thousand miles? More than a thousand lances to be strangled? Ten thousand lances to be beheaded? Good guy, This is not made by us, they said it themselves! If someone says that the disposal regulations are too heavy in the future, I will not take the blame!"

Du Ruhui stroked his beard and said: "After all, Your Highness has allowed the sons of merchants to enter the academy and even become officials. Although they have to break off their relationship with the family, the relationship can be broken, and the blood is still there! For this, let alone set such a punishment. , even if you ask them to cut off their own heads on the spot, there are people who are willing!"

Wen Yanbo said with emotion: "The thing that surprised me the most was the collusion between government and businessmen. The main culprit was beheaded, and the whole family was classified as a lowly citizen. Although this kind of treatment still does not rule out that some people will know the law and break the law, it can produce some effects after all."

Unlike the above three, Wei Zheng and Dai Zhou were very happy. They saw with their own eyes a perfect and unprecedented business law, which allowed them to see the convenience of making laws.Just like what the prince said, if one or two people plagiarized the previous dynasty through piles of old papers, what progress could the law make?Modifications such as adding oil are simply a drop in the bucket, it is better to overthrow it and start from scratch.The law of business is like this, can other laws also be like this?

You must know that since Zhenguan, the emperor has abolished a large number of corporal punishments, and always corrected the inappropriate parts of the law from time to time, which annoyed them.Every time before convicting a prisoner, one must not only read the law, but also check whether there is any precedent modified by the emperor.

In this case, it is better to reformulate.

They exchanged glances with each other, and both of them saw the firmness in each other's eyes.Tang law is different from business law. As the foundation of the country, it is natural that it cannot be overthrown and remade casually. It is safer to write a letter after returning to Chang'an.

Looking at the large sheets of paper on the kang, especially the ones that were written and erased later, Fang Xuanling smiled wryly, and said: "It is rare for His Majesty to allow us to rest for a day, but after the rest, we must hurry up and write The new business law needs to be sorted out. And according to the prince's wishes, the business law must be printed into a book and then sold.

Our imperial court also has a printing shop. It is conceivable that after the Shang Law is printed, it will definitely attract looting. No one will feel at ease because they have a copy of "Shang Lu" at home.This is a lot of money!You say, why is the prince so good in business? "

Changsun Wuji waved his sleeves and said, "You ask us, who should we ask! Hurry up and rest, how about we go out to sea together tomorrow? Listen to Cheng Yaojin and the others bragging that shooting fish with the ordinary eight-ox crossbow on the boat is not a good idea, let's try it." try?"

"This is not bad!"

"of course can!"

Amidst the pleasant conversation, several people decided on their own way of leisure.The fact that other ministers can't do it doesn't mean they can't use the warships. Besides, after working so hard for so many days, they must be rewarded, right?

Unlike the few people who discussed going out to sea, although Li Chengqian had been busy for a long time, he had no chance to rest.

The imperial court finally paid out the money for the three ships and the shipyard. Not only that, but he also had to write a letter to Zhang Wei to explain clearly the bank transfer.There is no doubt that some people in Wuzhong's family must be reluctant to hand over the bank.In the worst case, someone might try to bring down the local bank, and both sides would suffer.

But the ugly words have already been said before, no matter how unwilling, you have to hand it over.Even though it's just a few years, the profit ratio of these families is still very small, but they still rose by virtue of this opportunity.If the five surnames used to be first-rate families, and the Wuzhong families were second-rate families, now they have all become [-]-tier families.Under the ebb and flow, the two forces have reached a delicate sense of balance.

The loss of prestige and money finally made the five surnames lower their high heads and know who is the real master of this land.And the Wuzhong family, although they have grown up, have also deeply realized the horror of the royal family.In this way, although the two forces are hostile to each other, they all hope to get closer to the royal family so that they can find a support for themselves.

But they were all wrong, who is the emperor?With his petty nature, it is already an extrajudicial favor for the five surnames to fall into trouble, and if he didn't go down the mountain, it shows that he is kind.As for getting support?Think fart!It would be strange if he didn't completely control the situation of begging his ancestors to beg the gods and Buddhas all over the sky.

In the brazier under the table, the secret report sent by the Alliance of the Lowly is burning.To Li Chengqian's surprise, even though he is no longer in Chang'an, the number of secret reports from the alliance has decreased, but the content has not.People are in Dengzhou, but they can still understand the big and small things that happened in Chang'an.

For example, Xiao Lizhi got an olive branch thrown by Taiyuan Wang, one of the five surnames.The Wang family is finally willing to let go of their figure. Thinking about how noble their bloodline was and how barbaric the royal bloodline was when they advertised it, they bent their waists so much now.

Being asked by one of the former five surnames to get married, the emperor obviously felt indescribably happy, and readily agreed.

It's okay not to agree. When the five surnames were just going downhill, there was no problem in refusing. Now that they agree, it can show the generosity of the royal family.

However, I don't know if it's victimization paranoia, but Li Chengqian caught a hint of conspiracy from Wu Xing's actions.

This family, shouldn't they be expecting Li Zhi to inherit the great power in the future?

Thinking about the background of Queen Wang and the time of the decline of the five surnames in history, Li Chengqian felt more and more that the things in between were not that simple.

The so-called history is to look at flowers in the mist, not to mention people from later generations, I am afraid that even the people who are responsible for recording in the present cannot see clearly.As for what really happened, I am afraid that only the person involved will know.

It's Li Chengqian's bad habit to start thinking about things and then get addicted to them, unable to break free for a while.

However, it is still useless to indulge in thinking and face the emperor.