dream of red mansion

Chapter 389 Returning to the Palace
"If the privileges of those salt merchants are removed, how will the food shortage in the border areas be solved every year?"

The problem Cui Wenlong mentioned was also an important reason for the initial formation of the salt merchant group.There are nearly a million troops stationed on the nine sides of the country, and most of them are in poor areas. Every year, the court needs to provide food.And because the regions are far apart, transportation is extremely inconvenient.

Later, the imperial court thought of a simple and cost-effective way, and took aim at the Yanzheng.Isn't the salt industry very profitable?Well, if you want to make some money here, you can transport me a certain amount of grain to Jiubian every year, so as to obtain the qualification to take salt from the salt field and sell it in the designated area.

Anyway, for the court, it doesn't matter who sells the salt, so it solves the problem of food shortage for the frontier army so easily, isn't it good governance?
This was something that the Supreme Emperor had decided in the early days of his reign.There was really nothing wrong with it at first. Those vendors rushed to transport grain to the border to obtain qualifications. At that time, the problem of food shortage at the border was indeed solved.It's just that over the past few decades, due to various reasons, just like land mergers, a small number of large salt merchants covering a province or even spanning several provinces have been formed.

Anyone with a little economic sense should know that with such a huge industry giant, the price of a catty of salt is not completely up to them to decide?

"For donations, it is indeed a good thing. But I heard that the donation of salt merchants has long since left only a formality! The amount of grain transported by salt merchants to the border every year is no longer what it used to be.

May I ask Mr. Cui, is the amount of money and food requested by the border from the court increasing every year? "

As a cabinet minister, even if he didn’t participate in the operation, he still knew about it, so Cui Wenlong nodded and said: “That’s true! The last time Mr. Zhao of the Ministry of Households mentioned this matter at the court meeting, he said that the money and food allocated by the Ministry of Households to the border gates every year have already been paid. More than 500 million taels of silver, plus more than 1000 million taels of military rings, war horses, and reported damage to weapons, etc., the military expenditure of the imperial court alone for the frontier army reached an astonishing 800 million taels every year!
Therefore, Mr. Zhao also proposed that the court disarm to reduce military expenditure. "

Although Jia Qing has not been on duty for a few days as a member of the military department, these are just within his purview, and he is familiar with these data.In addition to the frontier army, the imperial court also spends nearly 500 million taels of silver to the Beijing army every year, which adds up to 300 million taels of military expenditure!Almost caught up with nearly half of the country's fiscal revenue!

If the military expenses of the troops stationed in the interior were not borne by the local government and its own output, and the imperial court only paid a symbolic supplement, the military expenses alone would overwhelm the finances of the Ministry of Households.

No wonder since ancient times, so many dynasties have prioritized culture over military affairs. Regardless of other reasons, raising soldiers is too expensive, which is definitely the main reason!
Because of the historical lesson of the Qing soldiers entering the customs, the number of soldiers raised in this dynasty is the highest in history. Since the dynasty was stabilized, the number of soldiers raised has never been lower than 100 million!

Not much to talk about in this section, let’s get down to business.

Jia Qing listened to Cui Wenlong's words and said: "It can be seen that relying on salt merchants to provide food and grass for the frontier army has long been a history. If this is the case, it is better to abolish this outdated decree. Otherwise, the country's salt policy will never be changed!
Those big salt merchants will still rely on this form to gather massive wealth. "

Cui Wenlong said noncommittally: "If according to what you said, the privileges of the existing salt merchants are exempted, what will happen next?"

After all, it is impossible for the imperial court to sell salt in person, and the matter depends on the salt merchants in the final analysis.

"It's very simple, take back all the ownership rights of all salt imports (the proof of getting salt from the salt field, which is also the proof of collecting salt tax), and then sell it to all merchants in the world by the imperial court. No geographical boundaries will be set for salt sales, and no merchant will not see it The huge profits of the salt shop will definitely rush to buy!
Everyone has salt in their hands. In order to sell the salt in their hands, the salt sellers must lower the price.
This situation will not ease until those salt merchants feel that there is no longer much profit in selling salt (that is, reaching the average social profit rate in modern times). "

After hearing Jia Qing's words, Cui Wenlong murmured: "The movement is too loud."

Jia Qing didn't hear it, and continued: "At that time, it doesn't matter if the consumption of salt merchants sending grain to the border in the past is included in the regular salt tax. Compared with the inevitable reduction in the price of salt, this increase in cost There is no impact on the price of salt at all.

In this way, the imperial court can include the additional tax money into the scope of military expenditures. In this way, it can not only solve part of the pressure on military expenditures, but also reduce the price of salt. Wouldn't it be the best of both worlds? "

Of the six people present who had the right to speak, Fang Shou was a pure literati, and had no experience in the household department, so he was not very familiar with these economic methods.Not to mention Feng Tang, his background as a soldier.Prince Jing, of course, knows even less.

As for the emperor, he is the final decision maker, so naturally he has to listen to opinions first
Therefore, only Jia Qing and Cui Wenlong were talking.However, when Jia Qing finished his last sentence, everyone present became active.

To put it bluntly, handling state affairs is nothing more than a word of "money"!As long as money is paid, all public affairs will be easier to deal with.Therefore, for the court to increase the revenue of the treasury in a legitimate way, it is good governance!
However, for individuals, it is not necessarily the case.Especially those ministers who are enjoying the tribute of salt merchants.
Seeing that Cui Wenlong was also lost in thought.Emperor Zhengqing suddenly said to Jia Qing: "Okay, you must be a little tired after traveling all the way, you should go down first."

Jia Qing was taken aback for a moment, then still bowed and said: "Yes, I will retire."

After finishing speaking, he exited the South Study Room.

This is not the Qing Dynasty. You don't have to kneel down when you see the emperor.Except for the necessary kneeling when meeting, there is no need to pay respects when leaving.

"What do you think of Cui Aiqing?"

As soon as Jia Qing left, Emperor Zhengqing asked.

Cui Wenlong was still considering the feasibility of Jia Qing's words, but when he heard Emperor Zhengqing's question, he suddenly got up and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, for being a talented person."

Emperor Zhengqing was startled, he asked what Jia Qing said about the method, and then reacted: "So, Cui Aiqing also thinks it is feasible?"

Seeing Cui Wenlong shaking his head again, he said, "Otherwise, this matter is very involved, and there are too many things to discuss, otherwise, it will easily cause trouble."

Emperor Zhengqing was dissatisfied and said, "Then why do you praise it so much?"

Cui Wenlong said with a smile: "Didn't your Majesty find out? General Jia is not only talented at such a young age, but he is also so familiar with economics. To be honest, if it weren't for the humble minister who happened to be the agent of the Ministry of Finance, the economic One knows a little more than ordinary people, and I'm afraid they can't fully understand the views and concepts put forward by General Jia just now.

With such a talent, given time, he will surely become a ruler in the hands of His Majesty. This is the blessing of having successors in the imperial court.

It can be seen that Mr. Fang is good at teaching disciples! "

Fang Shou quickly said: "Master Cui is ridiculously praised, he just occasionally thinks a little differently from ordinary people, it is absolutely unacceptable for Master Cui to speak so loudly."

"Cui Aiqing also said that he will definitely become my ruler. Could it be that Aiqing forgot that when he returned to Beijing this time, he brought back twelve brothel dancers at once! In addition to the incident of Bailian teaching the witches. Learn well, in my opinion, you will definitely be a lustful person in the future." Emperor Zhengqing snorted suddenly.

Fang Shou suddenly became embarrassed, stood up and said: "The minister is negligent in discipline, please punish him by Your Majesty."

Cui Wenlong laughed and said, "This is what a young man should have. With the status of General Jia, these are really nothing. Why should His Majesty be angry about this?"

If Jia Qing knew that Cui Wenlong was speaking for him like this behind his back, he would definitely give him money quietly so that he could continue his efforts
Emperor Zhengqing asked Fang Shou to sit down, and then said to Cui Wenlong angrily: "I'm not angry, it's fine if I'm an ordinary courtier, but as Cui Aiqing said, Jia Qing is indeed a piece of rough jade, I just don't want him The two words of color delay the enterprising heart!
Such things are not uncommon in history! "

Cui Wenlong smiled without saying a word.Fang Shoudao: "My minister thanked His Majesty for his great love. After I return, I will teach him well and will not let him live up to His Majesty's love and care."

Not to mention the subsequent political discussions of the Chinese dynasties in the South Study Room.After Jia Qing left the palace, after thinking about it, he took advantage of the weather and went to Xuanzhen Temple outside the city to see Jia Jing.

After contemplating, Jia Qing asked Daotong to go in to report, originally thinking that Jia Jing would be the same as before and let him leave directly.Unexpectedly, after a while, Dao Tong came out and said: "This is given to you by a real person!"

Speaking of handing over a piece of paper, Jia Qing was a little surprised. When he opened it, there were only four words on it:
Respectfully
Caution
Jia Qing stared at the spot, stood there for a while, bowed to the hall, got up and left.

In Rongqing hall, Jia Mu, Mrs. Wang, Aunt Xue and Li Wan sat together wiping dominoes.Originally Wang Xifeng also wanted to participate, but Jia Mu refused to let her go back and rest by herself, so Li Wan took her place.

Taking advantage of the time between the draw, Aunt Xue suddenly said: "Old lady, there is a coincidence, I wonder if the old lady would like to hear it?"

Jia's mother said: "Just talk, my aunt. It's true. Without the girl Feng talking, we just play cards in silence, and we have less fun. Just talk. Just talk about what the aunt has. I don't like to hear anything." of."

So, Aunt Xue slowly told Mother Jia about the story that Xue Xiao wrote to her about Jia Qing's nonsense.

After hearing this, Jia Mu was very surprised: "Is there such a coincidence in the world?"

Aunt Xue said with a smile: "Exactly, but, our family is a little embarrassed."

Jia's mother blamed: "Hey, what did the aunt say, what's the point! If this is the case, I can see that I have to thank you very much, for sending people to his door from such a long distance."

As she spoke, Mother Jia couldn't help laughing.If what Jia Yucun said is true, the Xue family really sent people here from a long way!

Aunt Xue smiled wryly in her heart.When Xue Pan bought Xiangling, he didn't intend to be Aunt Xue's maid!
(Buying a concubine is not the same as buying a maid. Refer to Jia Amnesty who went to buy a concubine and spent a full 800 taels of silver. No maid can sell for such a high price)
It was only later that Aunt Xue saw that people were killed, and for Xue Pan's consideration, she forcibly took the person to her side, and said to the public that she was buying a maid.
If people who knew the inside story saw Xiangling working as a maid by her side, they would not feel so strongly against Xue Pan after all, this was her idea.

As for why Aunt Xue still agreed to return Xiangling to Xue Pan, it was probably because she couldn't bear Xue Pan's pleading, and she also thought that the matter was over.

"The old lady was joking. I heard that Brother Qing has brought Xiangling girl's biological mother to the capital, so I want to ask the old lady to be a middleman to return Xiangling girl to her mother so that his family can reunite." happy."

Jia Mu said: "It's not difficult, but we have to see if it's really such a coincidence! Besides, the concubine's house spent money to buy a maid. If it's really such a coincidence, he wouldn't want it for nothing." My concubine’s family is alone, and I will ask him to deliver the silver to my concubine’s house in person.”

Aunt Xue actually wanted to see if it was true or not.It's just that she knows how to be a person, first give the person to Jia Mu, and whether it is true or not, she will show her attitude anyway, and she is not afraid of hurting anyone's face.

"What did the old lady say? How much is a maid worth? The old lady also thinks I'm too stingy."

"Forget it, let him be the host when the time comes, and toast to my aunt and wife!"

Everyone laughed.Mother Jia waved her hand and called a servant girl over, "Fei Cui, you go to the East Mansion and wait. If Brother Qing returns to the mansion, let him come over quickly."

"Hey" Fei Cui obeyed and left.

Aunt Xue also said to her maid: "You also go back and ask Baochai to bring Xiangling here."

"Yes."

"Second Master is back!"

In the Ning'an Hall of Ningguo Mansion, Youshi and Qinshi heard the maid's reply, and quickly called the maidservants to bring out the hot food and put it on the table.

When Jia Qing returned home, the sky was completely dark.

Before arriving at Ning'an Hall, I saw a large group of people standing to welcome me.

Just now, there were a bunch of people standing in front of the mansion to welcome him, but Jia Qing didn't stop for a moment.When I arrived here at this time, I laughed all of a sudden, and quickly stepped forward and said: "It's so cold outside, what are you all doing standing here, go, go in!"

A man who has been out for a few months and sees a large group of beautiful girls standing at the door to greet him after returning home, this kind of feeling is really not good!Jia Qing couldn't help but want to come forward and give everyone a big hug!

I spread my arms, I don't know who to hug
Everyone saw that Jia Qing had been out for a few months, but he still hadn't changed at all, and they didn't know what kind of etiquette he was waving his hands. Anyway, Jia Qing did a lot of unreasonable things, so they smiled, and everyone didn't care.

"Second Uncle hasn't eaten yet. The food is ready in the dining room. Second Uncle, come in and have dinner."

"Okay." Jia Qing put down his arms in a somewhat dispirited manner, and walked towards the dining room along the passageway that everyone gave way to.

"Hey, don't you all eat?" Jia Qing asked when he got to the dinner table and saw everyone else standing aside.

You Shi laughed and said, "Second Uncle doesn't even look at the time, we've already had dinner."

Jia Qing said: "It's okay, our family is not short of food or rice, and we don't care about eating more. In this way, you all sit down and eat with me. Eating alone is not delicious at all."

Forget about the others, only Miss Youshi, who had very little contact with Jia Qing, but who had heard Jia Qing's "legends" in Jia's mansion for several months, was a little surprised and couldn't help curling her lips.

Hmph, I need someone to accompany me to dinner
Jia Qing happened to see it, and suddenly remembered the "grievance" between Liu Xianglian and her, and was about to test it out, but didn't want to turn around and see someone again.

"Sister Fei Cui, why are you here? Could it be that the ancestors assigned you to me as well?"

Emerald on the side blushed all of a sudden, and retorted without thinking, "Who, who called you? I'm an old lady who called me, let me call you"

Obviously, she was nervous and couldn't even articulate a word.

The maidservants next to her burst into giggles.

(End of this chapter)