Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Chapter 385: Shanxi jeweler Song Yuanwai is about to appear, trying to stop the chariot with his arms
The night was as dark as ink. Outside Kunning Palace, occasionally a few breezes quietly brushed across the palace walls, bringing a touch of tranquility.

At this moment, Empress Ma, dressed in gorgeous clothes, sat dignified and elegantly in the special dining area of ​​Kunning Palace.

Her eyes were as gentle as water, yet also sparkled with intelligence and depth.

When worn by Empress Ma, that gorgeous dress not only did not look ostentatious, but instead highlighted her nobility and elegance.

At this time, Queen Ma raised her head slightly, looked at the night scene outside the palace wall, with a thousand thoughts in her mind.

She was well aware of her heavy responsibility as the mother of a country. She not only had to take care of the emperor's life, but also had to consider the people of the world.

Suddenly, a steady sound of footsteps was heard, and Zhu Yuanzhang returned from the Fengtian Hall with Zhu Gang.

Empress Ma turned her head slightly and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, her eyes full of concern.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang looked tired, his eyes still showed determination.

Empress Ma said softly, "Chongba, we must get to the root of everything so that we can find a proper solution.

But we can't be too tough, otherwise the people will inevitably become dissatisfied.

Think about it, the jewelry industry in the previous dynasty was overly prosperous and the whole social atmosphere was very impetuous.

Officials also became corrupt, and the country eventually declined.

As later generations, we must take this as a warning.

Moreover, this jewelry has caused many social problems in history.

In order to obtain precious jewels, some people are willing to take risks and break the law, even causing fights and destroying the harmony and stability of society.

We must not make the same mistake again!"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, a look of relief suddenly appeared in his eyes.

He thought secretly in his heart: This girl can always give him rational advice at critical moments. The mother of this country is really smart and kind.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang walked to Empress Ma, gently held her hand and said, "Sister, what you said is very true. I will definitely think about this matter carefully."

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, turned to look at Zhu Gang and asked: "Old Third, tell me, what are the harms of this extravagant trend?"

Zhu Gang looked solemn, as if he was facing a huge storm.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Father, if this extravagant trend becomes popular, it will cause great harm.

First, when the people saw those luxurious scenes, they couldn't help but feel envious.

In this way, they will give up frugality, become extravagant, and gradually forget the spirit of hard work.

Once the people's hearts are unstable, there will be trouble.

Second, if wealth is overly concentrated in luxury goods, industries needed for people’s livelihood will not be able to develop.

This will also lead to price fluctuations, making people's lives more difficult.

Thirdly, if the officialdom is also infected with the spirit of extravagance, corruption will easily breed, and the integrity of the Ming Dynasty officials will be damaged.

These three aspects are all major problems that our Ming Dynasty has to face!"

Zhu Yuanzhang put his hands behind his back and began to pace back and forth. His steps were steady and powerful, as if he was thinking about the future of the Ming Dynasty with every step.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed a serious expression, his brows were furrowed, and he was deeply worried about the harm of extravagance.

"My son is right. What's so difficult about curing this extravagant trend?"

Zhu Gang sighed softly, "Father, it is really difficult to control the trend of extravagance.

First of all, the jewelry industry involves many interest groups, including wealthy businessmen, nobles and officials.

If we force the situation down, it might cause dissatisfaction among them, and they might even boycott us secretly.

Secondly, changing people’s mindsets cannot be achieved in a day or two.

For a long time, the culture of luxury has been deeply rooted in people's minds.

It is not an easy task to get people to give up luxury and return to simplicity.

Furthermore, supervision is very difficult.

Jewelry transactions are often secretive and difficult to fully grasp. Some unscrupulous merchants may try every means to evade taxation and supervision, which greatly increases the difficulty of governance.

At this moment, Liang Min, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department, couldn't help but interrupt and said, "Your Majesty, I also think this matter is difficult to handle.

Those wealthy businessmen are very wealthy and like to show off their extravagance in their daily lives.

It may not be easy to get them to restrain themselves.”

Zhu Yuanzhang glared at Liang Min and said, "Stop talking! How can you butt in when we are discussing state affairs with the prince?"

Liang Min was so scared that he quickly lowered his head and dared not say anything.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned tightly and stared at Zhu Gang.

His tone was as urgent as fire, "Old Three, if this is the case, how should we deal with it?"

Zhu Gang thought for a while and said, "Father, I think we should combine harsh measures with gentle policies.

On the one hand, we must strengthen legal supervision and severely punish those who violate laws and regulations.

For example, those who violate regulations in jewelry production must be severely punished so that they dare not commit the same offense again.

On the other hand, we must increase publicity and education efforts to guide the public to establish correct values.

Officials at all levels can hold seminars in various places to tell the people the benefits of frugality and the disadvantages of extravagance.

At the same time, certain rewards can be given to businesses that actively respond to the policy to encourage them to transform and develop a simple-style jewelry industry.

This may help us gradually curb the extravagant lifestyle and ensure the stability of our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Gang lowered his head slightly, looking worried.

"A few days ago, I heard that an official was holding a birthday party at his home.

There were countless delicacies at the banquet.

All the tableware used is made of gold and silver and is extremely luxurious.

How can such a trend be changed in a short time?
It also allows Father to prepare for a protracted war and not be too eager for quick success."

Zhu Yuanzhang folded his hands over his chest, his face gloomy, and then asked: "What else?"

Zhu Gang looked solemn and his brows furrowed even more tightly.

"I learned from the intelligence gathered by the Imperial Guards that Mr. Song, a jeweler from Shanxi, heard that he was going to manage the jeweler industry and started to travel around, trying to unite with other merchants to oppose it.

These businessmen only think about their own interests and don’t think about the overall situation of the country.”

After saying this, Zhu Gang unconsciously clenched his fists, looking indignant.

Queen Ma looked concerned, nodded slightly and asked, "Tian'er, do you have any other difficulties?"

Zhu Gang took a deep breath and answered with a serious expression: "Third, if the implementation is too strict, it may lead to a slump in business and affect the country's fiscal revenue.

For example, the Jiangnan area was originally a prosperous commercial area.

If the jewelry industry is managed too strictly, other industries may also be affected.

If business activity decreases, tax revenue will naturally decrease.

It is estimated that if the tax on the jewelry industry is raised to the rate mentioned by my son, the sales of the jewelry industry may drop by 30% in the first year.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked deep in thought and asked after a moment: "What about the long term?"

Zhu Gang raised his head, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

He said in a steady tone: "In the long run, as the trend of extravagance is curbed and people's consumption concepts change, the jewelry industry will develop more healthily.

At that time, people will pay more attention to the quality and craftsmanship of jewelry rather than just luxury.

At the same time, it can also raise more funds for the future Ming Dynasty to be used for people's livelihood construction.

For example, more bridges and roads can be built to make people’s daily lives more convenient.”

(End of this chapter)