Come on, Your Highness

This is a temporary meeting place outside the post house of Honglu Temple, which can accommodate more than a hundred people at the same time, just to prepare for today's meeting.

There are sign-in personnel and orderly imperial city troops at the gate, as well as imperial troops assigned by the palace.

In this situation, ordinary people really dare not make mistakes.

When visitors arrived at the sign-in area through the guidance, a small official from Honglu Temple behind the long table asked, "Do you have an invitation letter?"

"Yes, please see."

The bearded official looked at the invitation letter, then nodded, handed the invitation letter back, and then asked: "Native place, name, industry?"

Several people glanced at each other, hesitated: "This is..."

"There are too many people, let's make an ID card for easy identification." The bearded little official had a good temper and explained with a smile, "It's nothing else, please don't worry."

"So that's it. I'm Cheng Mao, the head of the Cheng family in Suzhou, and I'm in the silk and cloth business." A bearded and black-haired old man cupped his hands.

"Suzhou, Cheng Mao, silk merchants."

The bearded official repeated, and the colleague next to him immediately wrote something on a bent wooden sign, and handed it to another young official who was waiting next to him.

"You can follow him in later. The space is limited, and each family can only enter two people." The bearded official said, then took out a scroll, quickly wrote down the place of origin and industry, and then pointed to the name and said , "Master Cheng, come and sign, and then you can go in."

There were only two people, and the Patriarch of the Cheng family only brought his own son.

The indoor layout refers to the arrangement of corporate meetings in later generations. One chair and one chair are placed side by side. There are four treasures of the study and a cup of tea on it. On every other table is a document tied with a drawstring.

The young official took them to a certain seat with their ID badges and said, "You two are the first to come, so sit here, you have a good view."

"Thank you, brother." The head of the Cheng family cupped his hands, and the young master of the Cheng family handed over a purse without showing any emotion, and asked with a smile, "Dare to ask, brother, what is so special about this position?"

The little official took it away, and the smile on his face couldn't help but brighten up: "This area is for silk merchants, the next one is for tea merchants, the one further away is for porcelain merchants, and the one behind is for salt merchants... Anyway, they are all designated. area."

He put the ID card on the table with his name facing outward: "The adults haven't come yet, the two of you should sit down for a while and drink tea."

"Thank you brother."

"Nothing, if you want to add water, just call."

Master Cheng sat down when he heard the words, but he looked at the paperwork on the table and glanced elsewhere, and couldn't help showing doubts.

The document looks quite thick, but I don't know what is written in it.

The little official looked at him and introduced: "This is the explanation for this meeting. The ones on the table are the same, and each family has one copy. You may as well take a look at it first, and you can get a direction when you discuss it later." .”

"This is really thoughtful." Master Cheng praised.

The little official smiled and said: "It's all the adults' orders." After finishing speaking, he went down.

Young Master Cheng picked up the document in front of him, then pulled out the rope, opened it to take a look, and found that there were still more than a dozen documents in it, neatly stacked, he picked up one at random, glanced at it, and suddenly He called out in surprise, "Father, look, this is the detailed rules of the border trade!"

Each part of the volume is long or short, and the handwriting is not uniform, but it is not difficult to read after adding the sequence in paragraphs.

It's just shocking how detailed it is.

The outermost one is titled "Instructions and Catalog of General Border Trade Procedures", followed by...

"Border Trade Management Treaty and Rights and Obligations"

"Description of Traded Goods and Detailed Rules for Customs Declaration Application"

"Regulations and Regulations on Examination and Examination of Entry and Exit Goods"

"Classification, Acquisition and Use of Permits"

"Cargo Safety and Protection Responsibilities and Regulations"

"Currency Unification and Exchange Notes"

"Methods and Instructions for Collection of Entry and Exit Duties"

"Other Complaints and Suggestions"

……

Regardless of the content, the title of each copy is enough to make people dumbfounded.

When Patriarch Cheng saw these dozen copies of paper, he was so shocked that he couldn't speak for a long time.

There is only one thought in my heart, I am afraid it will not be so easy to compete with the imperial court this time!

It didn't take long before people were brought in one after another and delivered to the designated location. During this period, there were many people coming, and they all crowded into one place, inevitably meeting acquaintances.

"Brother Wang came early today."

"Hey, brother Fang is here too. This is the head of the Min family, who is in the tea business."

"Master Min, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

They are all well-known big merchants, even if they are not in the same industry, they have heard of them.

Usually, it is not common to see people in the north and south of the river, and it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. Now that they are gathered together, they can take the opportunity to introduce each other.

Besides, it's still early, and the officials presiding over the meeting haven't arrived yet, so it's time to chat with each other and see if we can find out some news.

"Hey, Brother Cheng, what are you looking at?"

This side is also a silk merchant, and the Patriarch of the Bai family in Shu couldn't help wondering when seeing Patriarch Cheng focus on a few pieces of paper.

Master Cheng raised his head when he heard the words: "So it's Brother Bai, I'm ashamed and ashamed, I was too focused and didn't hear it." He raised his hand and simply confessed.

Patriarch Bai naturally didn't blame him, but just glanced at the papers: "Brother Cheng, this is..."

Patriarch Cheng sighed: "Brother Bai, it's better not to rush to talk, first look at the detailed rules on the table, this Minister of Honghe Temple is really amazing!"

As he spoke, he pointed to the document in front of Patriarch Bai, then sat down, raised his document again, and discussed with his son while reading it.And Young Master Cheng was still holding a pen in his hand, listening to his father's instructions, and writing excerpts on the blank paper prepared on the table.

The Cheng family's silk business is huge, and it is a century-old brand. The family has stretches of mulberry forests to raise silkworms, and there are countless weavers and embroiderers under their hands.

Chengji silk farms opened all over the country, and among the tributes were his silks and satins, which were very popular with nobles, and even the dragon robes were made of Chengji silks and satins.

This means that among the silk merchants, they are quite important. Even in other industries, they respect Master Cheng very much.

His appearance made everyone extremely curious, and they didn't care about exchanging pleasantries. They sat down and opened the document on the table in front of them.

Then I can't let go anymore...

When the people behind were brought in, they found that the room was surprisingly quiet, everyone buried their heads in exploring with a few pieces of paper, even talking softly when discussing.

Everyone looked so serious, as if they were reading an imperial edict.

In the area of ​​the salt merchants, an old man in green clothes carefully put down the paper in his hand.

"Grandpa?" The young man next to him called out suspiciously.

The old man raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, waved his hand and said, "As you get older, it's easy to get dizzy after looking at things for a long time."

"Then grandson will read to you?"

The old man shook his head: "Don't be busy." He touched the paper and the writing on it, and then looked at the Ping family next to him.

"Kang Cheng."

The Ping family in East Fujian is also a salt merchant like the Sun family in West Fujian, and they usually have contacts. The Ping family who came today is the head of the family, Ping Yasunari, who is a generation younger than the old man. Hearing the old man's call, he raised his head and respectfully Called: "Old Sun."

The old man of the Sun family nodded: "Show me your share."

Master Ping then handed it to him, and Mrs. Sun took out the same copy of "Border Trade Management Treaty and Rights and Obligations", and looked closely at it closely.

After a while he put it down and said with emotion: "Amazing!"

"It's really powerful." The head of Pingda praised, "I've never seen such detailed business rules. If it wasn't for the fact that the Honglu Temple Minister's life is well-known, he is a real scholar. Otherwise, I would think it came from a merchant. The aristocratic family, I have been fascinated by it since I was a child! Otherwise, who can write such a thing? To be honest, how can someone who has never done a big business be so clear about it.”

"Hey, that's wrong." Deng's family, another salt merchant who was working behind, came up, "Even if it comes from a merchant's family, look at our descendants, can they write it? Son of the Sun family, you Can?"

The young master of the Sun family showed shame and shook his head: "I'm ashamed, kid."

Ping Kangcheng smiled: "Don't talk about him, even I have been in business for a lifetime, and I can't write so comprehensively."

This is true, even if you know the way inside, have a lot of experience, grasp a little bit and be able to speak clearly, but if you really give a pen to sum it up word by word, it is not something ordinary people can do.

Reading is easy, teaching is difficult, that's what it means.

No one refuted Pingda's statement. In fact, there was no one like He Xichao who could completely put the implementation regulations on paper.

"People say that this is the Wenqu star descending to earth. It's not a lie. Just go for this thing, and the little old man will be convinced." The head of the Deng family said.

Old Mrs. Sun nodded, but he said: "This old man speaks so well, it's not because of the detailed rules."

"Then why?"

"The two compare the documents in their respective hands, whether it's handwriting or sorting."

The two heads of the family checked each other when they heard the words, and suddenly the head of the Deng family said: "This is... printed?"

"It's exactly the same, it is indeed printed, the same position, there is no difference between one stroke and one stroke."

"Before publishing, you have to copy it neatly, then proofread it, and if you make a mistake, you have to start over. With so much content, this process alone is estimated to take as long as a month, and then printing and drying, probably as early as March. When Honglu Temple invited merchants from all over the world, this thing has already been sorted out." Old Master Sun said in a deep voice.

For a moment, everyone around was stunned.

"Damn... By the way, how old is this Wenqu star? Did it really come from him?" asked the Patriarch of the Deng family.

The young master of the Sun family spread out the first general catalog, pointed to one place and said, "It's written here."

Editor: He Xichao, Proofreader: Xie Chen, Transcription: You Ziqing, Luo Li, Fang Jun, Shu Yu... Reviewer: Xiao Hong... Cough, it's His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

"So it should be him."

As soon as this remark came out, no one spoke for a long time.

"Actually, if the border trade can be carried out according to the above, the [-]% tax can also be accepted. It's better than losing the lead nest, right?" the Patriarch of the Deng family said in a low voice.

Heike didn't nod, but the expression in his eyes agreed.

In the past few days, all kinds of relationships have gone through, and the money given away can be piled up into mountains. However, the Yinwo is in the hands of His Royal Highness, and even the emperor doesn't say anything, and no one dares to release it to them privately.

Is the meaning not clear enough?

However, the grandpa of the Sun family didn't nod or shake his head. The Sun family was the earliest and the most powerful. The general salt merchants watched them do things.

Finally he said: "Let's see again."

At this moment, there was a sound of footsteps at the door, and a group of people in official uniforms walked in, headed by an elegant young man of seventeen or eighteen years old.

You can tell who it is at a glance.

Everyone stood up and raised their hands to salute him: "I have seen Mr. He and all your lords."

In addition to the officials from Honglu Temple, He Xichao also brought his 12 people with him.

Due to geographical and storage restrictions, in fact, there are not many commodities that can be kept for a long time and are easy to transport. After removing the metal food controlled by the imperial court, there are only a few lists such as tea, salt, silk cloth, medicinal materials, porcelain, and wood.

However, Daqi has a vast territory and many merchants. There are several big merchants in each directory, and the number of them all sitting together is considerable.

He Xichao led the people to sit down on the front seat, facing the crowd and said with a smile: "Let everyone wait a long time, I, He Xichao, is the minister of Honglu Temple. I am the host of this border trade meeting. First of all, I would like to thank you all." I took time out of my busy schedule to attend this meeting."

When He Xichao said this, there was a lot of humble words like "Master He is very polite", "I am honored", "Thank you for your invitation".

He Xichao nodded, looked at their table, the paperwork had already been spread out, and the pen and ink had been touched, and he knew it, and then asked: "Everyone came early, I must have read the detailed rules of the border trade. Is it over?"

"Exactly, I really admire the talent of adults."

"My lord is the Wenqu star descending to earth!"

"I have lived half my life, and this is the first time I have seen such a detailed explanation. My lord is really talented!"

……

Merchants' literary talents were limited after all, and these flattering words were similar. He Xichao just smiled when he listened, without any complacent look on his face, and he didn't have the overly modesty that is unique to literati, he just accepted it calmly.

He is too young, just looking at that face, in fact, there is no majesty, it is easy to be looked down upon.

Everyone present was older than him, and some of them could even be his grandfather or great-grandfather.

The businessman is cunning, and his ability to watch people play is first-class in the world. If He Xichao doesn't show some strength first, he won't be able to control the situation at all. He may be shackled by the businessman and led by the nose as Emperor Tiangan presupposed. .

However, as soon as the detailed rules come out, don't underestimate him, even if you play tricks in secret, you have to weigh it first. This is no layman, he is more proficient than ordinary experts.

At least some of the treaties in the detailed rules have blocked the previous smuggling routes, unless more costs are spent, deeper relationships are opened up, and more people are bribed... But in this case, why not go straight to the border trade?

"I'm just trying to save trouble, and I don't want to confront everyone one by one, otherwise this meeting might last three days and three nights and won't end." He Xichao said with a smile.

This is true, the detailed rules cover almost all aspects, and it takes a lot of time to read them carefully, and I don't know how the lord wrote them.

He Xichao looked at their reactions, and suddenly asked: "By the way, all of you here have participated in the border trade, do you know what's going on? If so, I won't waste time by introducing it in detail. You guys are better than me. Understand."

What he said made people wonder whether to nod or shake his head. To put it bluntly, the border trade was smuggling, because Da Qi never let go.

Everyone looked at each other, and couldn't help laughing and laughing.

"It's okay, the emperor has always planned to pursue this matter, so you don't have to worry. Besides, smuggling is also a matter of no choice. There is no way to make money to support your family. I understand your helplessness."

He Xichao was very considerate and gave a step up, which could not help but arouse the resonance of the people below.

"Master He said so."

"It really touched my heart."

"There is really no way, after all, we have to eat!"

He Xichao nodded slightly when he heard this, but he changed the subject and asked: "Before the imperial court banned it, everyone had no choice but to understand, but now that it is ready to open, they must be willing to go the right way, right?"

Do you dare to say no at this time?

No!They had no choice but to nod their heads.

He Xichao then clapped his hands and said happily: "That's great. Our goals are the same, and we are not far from reaching a consensus. In order to give you more time to think, we will not talk nonsense. What you are concerned about now is nothing more than Two points, first, whether the border trade will be carried out as written in the detailed rules after the development; second, how much is the tariff.”

As soon as these words came out, everyone sat upright, waiting for He Xichao to continue.

"Compared with the two points, this officer values ​​the first point more, which is why I spent many years writing this detailed rules. Without him, I just want to create a more comfortable, smoother, fairer, and less risky environment for everyone. Smaller and more secure business channels! If you come early and read these rules carefully, you will find that there are not only provisions restricting everyone’s participation in border trade, but also the officials and officials who will be set up on the border in the future for you. Army requirements."

He Xichao did not lie about this point, and several of them introduced in detail the duties of officials appointed by the court, such as taxation, inspection, and release, and even punishment regulations.

This is unprecedented. Since ancient times, the status of merchants has been too humble, and they can only survive in the cracks of the rules made by the court, but they never thought that they would regulate the behavior of officials for them.

Those who haven't had time to look carefully, quickly look for it in the documents, or ask the surroundings for advice, and suddenly realize it, with surprise in their eyes.

Suddenly someone sighed and said: "Master He, the old man is terrified, and his heart is uneasy!"

He Xichao looked over, but it was a salt merchant in western Fujian, an old man from the Sun family.

"Mr. Sun, why don't you tell me why you're scared?" He Xichao asked.

"I'm afraid there are not many people who think about lowly people like me like Mr. He?" Old Mrs. Sun said so, and everyone nodded.

He Xichao laughed immediately when he heard the words: "You guys think I'm a selfless and kind person? What is it for? I'm not afraid of your jokes. Isn't it just for the money in your pockets?"

Everyone: "..."

"Everyone's business is going smoothly, your rights and interests are protected, and you earn more money. I'm sure you'll be more willing to pay the tariff, and think it's more worthwhile. This way, I can also deal with business, right?"

For some reason, I suddenly felt speechless.

Even the officials of Honglu Temple felt that their Shangfeng's statement was absolutely absolute, and only Xie San heheed in his heart.

A profiteer is to be dealt with by a profiteer, and He Xichao is better at talking about interests than anyone else.

Seeing the deepening smile on He Xichao's face, Xie San couldn't help but sigh inwardly: This is the biggest profiteer in the world.

"Master He said it well, we are all vulgar people, we don't understand those big principles, but these words are too clear!" Suddenly someone from below echoed.

"Haha, indeed! If we can really follow what's written above, let's behave in an orderly manner, and the officials can do whatever they want. Who wants to do that dreadful thing again?"

"It's worth spending a little more money!"

Probably no one has ever said so bluntly that he covets the money in other people's pockets, but now it cannot be refuted.

Because it is true.

He Xichao continued with a pleasant smile, "Although these detailed rules have wasted a lot of my hard work, I have never done business or participated in the exchange market. Many contents seem to be the same, but in fact, the details still need to be discussed." Considered, even wrong."

Everyone couldn't help laughing: "Master He is modest."

He Xichao shook his head: "This is not modesty, but a fact. You have more experience than me, and experts are more thorough. This is the most important reason why I hold this meeting and invite you to participate. I need you all. Take a good look at the detailed rules, point out the deficiencies or even inappropriate points, and give suggestions, and we will discuss it at the next meeting."

He saw the merchants whispering to each other, with surprise in their eyes, he couldn't help sighing.

The ministers in the court also didn't understand his move, because in their view, businessmen only need to implement, and how can they have the power to participate in the formulation of rules.

Yet this is precisely what would produce a very poor outcome for an otherwise excellent policy.

Because it is not clear who is the subject, who is the implementer, and the real needs are not clear, it is easy to become a formality and fail to benefit the people.

Thinking of this, he said: "In fact, you are the ones who do business. The border trade is also established for you, not for the court, let alone for the officials. You will know whether it is good or bad, what kind of rules are suitable. One thing is very clear. , The more perfect the rules are, the less likely they are to be broken, and the more beneficial it is for those who conduct business in a disciplined manner, so, for your own sake, you should take part in it and put forward feasible suggestions for the court to adopt, right?"

This made sense, and everyone nodded in unison.

Someone asked: "Master He, you said there is another meeting?"

"Yes, such a big matter, do you expect to solve it at once? It's unrealistic."

"Then the details..."

"After the meeting is over, you can take it back to study and discuss it with others."

"That's good."

He Xichao's words put the interests of the merchants first, and they were frank and open, without any secrets. While the merchants were very surprised, they couldn't help feeling admiration and closeness.

No matter who is behind them and what purpose they have, as far as today is concerned, they feel very good about He Xichao.

I also feel that it is not without reason that this young man can sit in this position today and become No.1 in front of the crown prince.

Officials are all condescending, disdainful in the face of businessmen, obviously ignorant of anything, but arrogantly talking nonsense.

There are too few people who are able to talk about business, talk calmly, and say that they are convinced.

"Master He, don't worry, just for our own sake, we should read it carefully."

He Xichao raised his hand and arched: "Okay, I'll leave this matter to everyone."

He took a few sips from the teacup to moisten his throat, and when he put it down, he said, "The next discussion...is the matter of tariffs that everyone is most concerned about."