I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 925 China Money Bank
Chinese money bank.

Not only were there an endless stream of carriages and horses in front of the pavilion, but the people coming and going were all dressed in luxurious clothes. Zhang Su even saw some imperial guards in distinctive armor.

Where is this? How can there be such a place in the city?
Especially the word "China", which made Zhang Su feel something was wrong.

China, also known as Central Plains, this name that is familiar to modern people actually rarely appeared during the Han Dynasty.

However, although it is rarely used, the meaning behind it is very clear and even more important than it is today.

The word "China" not only symbolizes the entire Han area under the jurisdiction of the central government, but it also often appears when corresponding to the four barbarians, reflecting the ideology of the holy emperor ruling from the center.

Zhang Su couldn't understand why such a big name appeared in this unknown money bank.

It was only more than a decade since he last came here, but now Zhang Su felt like a complete country bumpkin. Everything he saw was new and strange. He was even more shocked than when he first arrived in Luoyang, ten or a hundred times more.

"Haha, don't be surprised, this is an official bank established by the general."

The guide explained with great pride:
"Merchants can earn a small amount of interest by depositing money here. If they want to borrow money, they only need to pledge something, and the interest rate is much lower than that of ordinary people. Nowadays, not only merchants from all over the country but also famous families in the capital often circulate money here. Zhang Biejia is running around in the capital. If you need to make money transactions in the future, remember this place and it will be right."

"What did you say?!"

Zhang Su was stunned and shouted:
"Now the imperial court has actually started a money lending business? This is an act of competing with the people for profits. How can this be what a holy dynasty does?!"

For a moment, Zhang Su was confused by what he heard, and his high evaluation of Su Yao was instantly discounted.

A gentleman values ​​righteousness over profit. It is hard to say that a person with a long-term vision is one who values ​​petty gains so much and competes with the people for them.

"No and no."

Before the guide could say anything, a young man from the bank heard what they were saying and came over laughing:
"This gentleman is from another place, right? Do you think this money shop is just engaged in lending money and earning interest? It is far more than that!"

As he spoke, he reached into his arms and took out a piece of beautifully printed paper: "The most important thing is this!"

"what is this?"

Zhang Su leaned his head forward and looked at it carefully.

The young man was holding a palm-sized piece of paper with exquisite patterns and a large vermilion seal of "China Bank" printed on it. In the middle, the words "Exchange for 20 strings of cash with the ticket" were clearly written.

"This is a money note. With this small piece of paper, we can withdraw money from banks in various places, saving us the risk of carrying a large amount of money over long distances."

The young master proudly shook the piece of paper in his hand:
"Nowadays, when traveling as a merchant, a student or visiting relatives, you no longer have to carry heavy copper coins. You only need to carry a few notes like these, which are light and safe."

"That's right, that's right."

The guide also looked proud:
"I heard that in a while, the general intends to have all prefectures and counties set up branches of money banks. By then, whether it's Youzhou in the north or Jiaozhou in the south, as long as you have money notes, you can exchange them for silver or copper coins anytime and anywhere. You can even use these money notes to trade and pay taxes directly!"

"What did you say?!"

When Zhang Su heard this, his pupils suddenly contracted and his heart was filled with shock.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Chengdu was one of the five largest cities in the world along with Luoyang, Handan, Linzi, and Wancheng.

As a native of Chengdu and the deputy governor of Yizhou, Zhang Su immediately realized the great significance behind this banknote.

The imperial court is trying to take all the wealth in the world into its pocket with just a small piece of paper!

Once the notes were circulated throughout the country, the economic lifeline of each state and county would be tightly grasped by Luoyang like a thread. Merchants' transactions and tax collection would have to rely on the "China Bank" as a hub, and local tyrants would no longer be able to intercept taxes and enrich themselves as they did before. Even if Yizhou was in a remote corner, the caravans' exchanges and the import and export of goods would have to rely on notes. The semi-independent situation that Liu Yan had worked so hard to build would probably quietly disintegrate in the midst of these pieces of paper.

"How can this tiny note be so useful? What if it is counterfeited or others do not recognize it when used for transactions?"

Zhang Su was in shock and silence. The butler beside him spoke first. He looked at the carts of valuables behind him and shook his head:

"In my opinion, this is still not as real as real money."

The young man laughed when he heard what the housekeeper said, pointed at the fine spider web-like dark patterns and unique watermarks on the banknotes, and said:

"You outsiders are just short-sighted. Do you think anyone can print these banknotes?"

"Just this paper and printing method, the general has had countless skilled craftsmen research and improve it over the past two years. Its production process is complicated, and the patterns and secret marks on it are only known by the craftsmen of the capital's money bank. Others have no way to imitate it."

"To be honest, a few days ago my caravan went to Jizhou to sell horses, and we brought a few of these small pieces of paper. When we got there, the money exchanger checked the hidden pattern and serial number on the ticket and immediately exchanged it for real gold and silver. It was very convenient!"

The housekeeper was amazed, but Zhang Su just felt a chill on his back.

Although Yizhou is rich, it relies on the natural barrier of the Shu Road to maintain a delicate balance with the outside world. If money and bills were to pour in like a tide in the future, not only would the control of the trade routes be lost, but what is even more terrifying is that once the copper coins, gold and silver in the hands of the people are exchanged for bills, it would be equivalent to entrusting their wealth to the court.

If one day the imperial court issues an order to devalue banknotes or restrict their exchange, the life savings of the people in Yizhou will be wiped out in an instant. Even if Liu Yan has a strong army, without financial support, how can he compete with Luoyang?

"This money is fine...but when will it be implemented in Yizhou?" Zhang Su suppressed his emotions, but his voice trembled unconsciously.

The guide scratched his head. "I don't know the exact time, but since the general said that it will be rolled out across the country, it won't be too long. Now, the two capitals, Sili, Bingzhou, Youji and other places have been opened in the provincial capitals. I heard that they are stepping up the training of personnel to set up points in Huainan. Jingzhou is also preparing at the same time. Yizhou is adjacent to Jingzhou, maybe..."

Zhang Su could no longer hear a word the guide said, his mind filled with thoughts about the future of Yizhou.

He could see that General Su Yao was promoting money banks and banknotes in the order in which he pacified various places.

As the saying goes, the army leads the way in front and the money reaps the rewards in the back.

Now that Jingzhou and Jiangdong have surrendered to him, Yizhou is now his next target.

Originally, he was planning to persuade Liu Yan to follow Liu Biao's example, first to pledge allegiance, and then to be friendly with Su Yao in order to plan for the future.

But if this is the case, there is no doubt that Su Yao will introduce this money bank into Yizhou.

If they refuse, they will naturally become enemies of the imperial court. With Su Yao's ruthless methods, he will not let them off easily.

But if they bow their heads and accept it, it would be tantamount to inviting a wolf into the house. The industries run by the Yizhou gentry for generations and the economic foundation on which they rely for survival will be shaken by this light piece of paper.

What is even more frightening is that once money and notes take root and the imperial examination system is implemented, the young talents of Yizhou will inevitably flock to Luoyang in order to seek the convenience of money and notes and a smooth official career. By then, the talent pool in Yizhou will be dwindling, so what will they use to defend their territory?

Thinking of this, beads of sweat oozed out of Zhang Su's forehead. He forced a smile and bowed to the young man, saying:

"Thank you for your help, brother. I'm new here and need to go to the inn to settle down. Let's say goodbye now."

The young man smiled and waved his hand, and the carriage continued to move forward. However, Zhang Su no longer had the heart to appreciate the street scene of Luoyang.

Unable to wait to settle down at the inn, Zhang Su immediately told the housekeeper:
"Hurry up and contact the eldest son Liu Fan and ask him to meet you at the inn. Tell him that you have something important to discuss."

(End of this chapter)