Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 437 Luxury Goods Are the Nation's Benefactors!

Money is what I desire. Government credibility is also what I desire.

The fact that he couldn't have it all made Li Ming unhappy.

We need to get the wealthy to contribute some resources to disaster relief, but we must avoid provoking a backlash from legitimate wealthy individuals, so as not to undermine their enthusiasm for labor productivity.

Anyone with a brain knows this is a highly valuable skill.

In other words, how do you get wealthy people to willingly part with their money?

A Western philosopher once said: It is harder to get a rich man into heaven than to get a camel through the eye of a needle.

We Easterners are different.

Many wealthy people in the Ming Dynasty had a strong sense of the big picture and were willing to make positive contributions to the country.

I won't go into the various fundraising and porridge distribution activities.

Those merchants at that table were able to extend credit to the country, supplying goods to the court before receiving payment; that can actually be considered a meritorious act.

"However, this is not enough."

When the wealthy finally show kindness, it's ultimately just a few scattered, unsystematic personal incomes.

Compared to the astronomical sums required for disaster relief, this is nothing more than a drop in the ocean, a mere drop in the ocean.

"The good news is that this trip made me realize that the landlord's family still had surplus grain."

"Next, how can we get the landlords to voluntarily hand over their surplus grain to the government?"

Taking money from someone else's pocket is a grand topic that has been pondered by hundreds of millions of people throughout history.

Not simple.

"Rich people may not be charitable, but they are certainly happy to spend money."

"Moreover, the money spent is all for a purpose, not only for their own daily use, but also to show off their wealth, and some even flaunt their riches to each other."

"Extravagant and wasteful, indulging in a life of luxury and extravagance."

"Luxury, luxury goods..."

After much thought, Li Ming's mind gradually became clear.

While it may be a bit of an overstatement, it is true that most wealthy people are enthusiastic about buying luxury goods.

In other words, the assertion that most buyers of luxury goods are wealthy people also holds true.

The next question then evolved into—

How can we divert the money the wealthy spend on luxury goods into the national treasury?

Following this line of thought, the thinking suddenly became clear.

"Collect taxes! Collect luxury goods taxes!"

When government agencies want to collect money from individuals, the most traditional path dependence is through taxation.

Of course, generally speaking, taxation is not a panacea without side effects.

Even if taxes are collected too much, it will still cause public discontent.

Strange and absurd theories such as "competing with the people for profit" have emerged.

Even if the Ming Dynasty didn't have to worry about such negative public opinion, the fact that the people didn't talk nonsense didn't mean that the invisible hand of the market wouldn't have an effect.

Higher tax rates mean that the income earned through hard work will decrease.

The more you earn, the more taxes you pay; the more taxes you pay, the less you earn; therefore, the more you earn, the less you earn.

This logic will thwart the public's greed for "making money".

Greed, or "motivation" in other words, is the driving force that motivates people to work hard on a micro level and propels society forward on a macro level.

Without motivation, people just want to lie down and not work, which is a weakness of human nature.

It is also a fundamental theory of economics.

"However, a luxury tax does not have this side effect!"

This tax is designed to target specific businesses, only exploiting a small number of merchants selling gold and silver jewelry, antiques, calligraphy and paintings.

There is absolutely no impact on the social level.

Moreover, the rich are completely unaware that they are being exploited.

As long as I don't touch luxury goods and only buy normal consumer goods every day, even if I drink one bowl of soy milk and throw it away, sleep in two beds, and eat six meals a day...

Or you could simply lock the money in a cabinet, sleep on gold bricks every day, and count them for fun.

This tax will not be collected from him either.

But is it possible for rich people to spend money and be so stingy?

impossible.

With extra money, you should always indulge in some hobbies and trinkets like golden nanmu wood, purple clay teapots, jade, antique jewelry, etc., to show off your wealth, culture, and cultural background, right?
"And once the rich embark on this path, they've already fallen into the trap!"

Li Ming became more and more excited as he thought about it, and walked faster and faster down the street with his hands behind his back.

Luxury goods dealers are businessmen, not philanthropists.

The taxes levied on them by the imperial court would naturally be passed on to their customers—the wealthy.

In other words, a luxury tax is equivalent to being paid by the wealthy who buy luxury goods!
In other words, this is a tax that is precisely targeted and designed to prey on people with extravagant lifestyles!

What's even more ingenious is that this tax is hidden within consumption and is not levied on a mandatory basis.

This means that a luxury tax will not provoke a strong backlash from the people subject to it—

Because you paid this voluntarily, the imperial court didn't force you to wear gold and silver!
It will not affect the enthusiasm for labor in society.

Because it's not deducted directly from income, it gives the wealthy the illusion that there's no taxation. And as long as they avoid luxury goods, the harvesting sickle really won't reach them.

Taxes hidden within consumption are highly deceptive, precisely targeting the wealthy without causing negative social impact.

It has only advantages and no disadvantages, it's simply perfect!

This also cleverly utilizes human nature—

As long as they don't take money directly from your pocket, but rather through a roundabout way, you won't feel like they've picked your pocket.

"It's decided just like that, let's levy a luxury tax!"
"What's a suitable tax rate? 30%? 50%?"

"No, no, no, I still don't have a broad enough perspective. I'm just guessing based on the mindset of a wage earner."

"Do wealthy people buy luxury goods in pursuit of cost-effectiveness?"

"It's for showing off, for flaunting wealth, for crashing into walls!"

"They're not happy even if the price is low!"

"Let's take 500% first to test the waters! Otherwise, people will think that we, the wealthy people of the Ming Dynasty, can't afford it!"

The government received taxes, the people received subsidies, businesses made profits, and the wealthy got to show off.

A win-win-win situation! A world where no one gets hurt has been achieved!

A taxation plan quickly took shape in Li Ming's mind.

Actually, he doesn't need to think about much.

Once the general direction is pointed out, a professional bureaucratic team will naturally handle the specific details.

“I’ll write to Lao Fang right now, and oh right, to Xiao Fang too, to tell him this good news.”

"I hope Fang Yize won't die from overwork before he receives my letter..."

Li Ming quickened his pace.

The sooner the new tax policy is introduced, the sooner we can collect the money!

It's always beneficial to conduct more research and investigations at the grassroots level.

And there it is, inspiration strikes!
…………

Tangzhou, the State Affairs Office.

Early in the morning.

Fang Yi came to work.

His face was so pale you could see the veins, his eyes were swollen and bloodshot.

It gives people a contradictory feeling, as if it might suddenly die at any moment, or as if it might choose to devour someone at any time.

His colleagues all made way for him.

"The Prime Minister seems to be getting particularly imposing lately." "If he assigns you his job, you'll end up eating people too."

People were whispering among themselves.

"Ok?"

Fang Yize walked to the entrance of the yamen, then suddenly stopped and looked around.

His colleagues felt a chill run down their spines and guiltily avoided his gaze.

Although he remained expressionless as always, everyone could vaguely see that there seemed to be a fierce tiger crouching behind Ji Xiang.

"you!"

Fang Yi suddenly rushed towards Liu Ji and pointed at him with his index finger.

"you you you!"

This is extremely impolite in daily life, let alone in official circles.

Moreover, Liu Ji was Fang Yize's superior.

He served as a Gentleman Attendant at the Palace Gate in Chang'an, and his rank remained unchanged in Tangzhou, where he served as the head of the Secretariat, the "Attendant-in-Ordinary".

In terms of rank, he was already at the "Prime Minister" level, theoretically on par with Fang Yize's superior, the "Minister of the Imperial Secretariat," and a full level higher than the "Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue," one of the six ministries of the Imperial Secretariat.

However, Lao Liu was still intimidated by Fang Yize's imposing manner, and stood there meekly, his eyes wandering aimlessly.

"Stop looking around! Is that how you stand at attention?!"

Ji Xiang, who had always had a poker face, suddenly became expressive and let out a loud roar, which startled Lao Liu so much that he trembled all over and involuntarily stood up straight.

On the belt around his waist, a crystal-clear jade buckle was visible.

"Where did you come from? I didn't see you wearing this yesterday!" Fang Yize's face was full of anger, and he was very aggressive.

It's quite startling when someone who usually has no expression suddenly starts to show one.

"This...this was purchased by me last night, is that not allowed? Vice Minister Fang, what is this to you?" Liu Ji composed himself and tried to retort.

Fang Yi's swollen eyes suddenly widened, the blood vessels in them looking particularly menacing.

"Now that the country is in trouble and the national treasury is depleted, surely Lord Liu is aware of this?"

"How can you spend lavishly and indulge in extravagance during a time when the nation is tightening its belt and disaster victims are desperately awaiting aid?!"

"His Majesty swallowed his pride and even postponed the expedition against the Japanese pirates in order to allocate more money to the disaster area!"
"How dare you, a mere attendant in the inner palace, spend money so extravagantly during a time of national crisis? Huh?"
"If you have too much money, why haven't I seen you donate any? Huh?"

With a whoosh, he sprayed Liu Shizhong's face, making it turn red and white in turns.

This was at the entrance of the workplace, during the morning clock-in time.

He was surrounded by colleagues, many of whom were Liu Ji's subordinates in the provinces under his jurisdiction.

It's easy to imagine how embarrassed Liu Ji must have been to be scolded in front of his subordinates.

But he simply couldn't refute it.

Despite Fang Yize's lower official rank and being two generations younger, his background is by no means insignificant.

His Majesty's childhood friend and the Prime Minister's son—his background is absolutely top-notch.

This is definitely not something that Liu Ji, a newly appointed executive who just jumped ship, can handle.

Moreover, Fang Yize occupied the moral high ground, and his words were in line with Confucian moral values.

As a local official, it's definitely wrong for you to prioritize the nation's troubles over your own happiness.

Furthermore, Fang Yize's imposing manner left Liu Ji speechless.

Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice; the job of "managing the national treasury" has caused Xiao Fang to accumulate countless grievances.

If we get rid of him, you, Liu Ji, will have to shoulder the burden of the national treasury's hole and the huge financial mess?
"I, I! I'll just cover it up..."

Liu Ji chose to back down, pulling down the hem of his clothes to cover the buckle.

Fang Yize's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"Master Liu, are you trying to fool a fool? If this isn't just burying your head in the sand, then what is?"

Liu Ji also became anxious:

"Well... I've already bought it, what more can you ask of me?"

"Hey, don't pull it! This is my belt!"
"Disgraceful! Disgraceful!"

The two started fighting, which quickly escalated into a group incident.

A group of high-ranking officials acted like elementary school students, pushing and shoving each other in front of the core gate of the world's core, making a complete mess of things.

"Hey everyone, calm down! Fang Yize, stop messing around!"

Chief Secretary Sun Yan tried his best to separate this group of high-ranking officials, but felt extremely exhausted.

Fortunately, Ayan had accumulated rich experience in grassroots mediation during his time in Liaodong.

After a lot of arguing, the two sides finally calmed down, and they all went to work, fuming.

"How could he be like this? He spends money like water, only cares about enjoying himself, and he still can't keep a low profile even at a time like this!"

Fang Yize was still there, cursing and swearing.

"Hey, Yize, calm down! Liu Shizhong is, after all, the head of the Secretariat. As long as he doesn't embezzle or steal, how he spends his salary from the court is his own business."

Changsun Yan earnestly advised him.

"He's a high-ranking official, isn't he? He's a high-ranking official in charge of the province, isn't he? Today I'll stop all his salary quotas for the entire province and donate them to the disaster area on his behalf!" Fang Yize vented his anger.

Changsun Yan comforted him with kind words:
"Sigh, calm down. I know you're under a lot of pressure and have a lot of responsibility, but things aren't easy for the provincial government either."

"What if they quit if you really cut off their wages?"

That's how they managed to persuade Fang Yize to stay.

The country has been very busy lately, with one bad news after another, and everyone is feeling quite frustrated.

This is especially true for those who use their computers excessively for extended periods or suffer from sleep deprivation.

He's usually so aloof, but when he explodes, he's incredibly difficult to appease.

If it weren't for his friend Changsun Yan, Fang Yi would have dared to rip Liu Ji's belt off on the spot.

"The rich are heartless! The rich are heartless! Even at this point, they are still indulging in a life of extravagance and debauchery!"

Fang Yi continued to complain along the corridor.

If these officials and wealthy businessmen could use the money they squandered on the right things.

The problem of funding shortages may be easily solved.

"Alas, it's not as easy as it sounds. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; you can't force it." Changsun Yan persuaded him all the way, and finally they arrived at the door of the study on the top floor.

"correct."

Before parting, Changsun Yan handed Fang Yize a letter.

"This was sent by Ming from Huazhou. He said it could help you out of your immediate predicament. Take a look when you have time."

"Oh."

Fang Yi took the "imperial edict" with one hand, opened the door, and tossed it onto his desk with a whoosh.

His Majesty the Emperor's handwritten letter drew a steady arc in mid-air, then hit the corner of the table before landing with a thud on the ground.

Changsun Yan: "..."

"Ming-ge is an emperor, after all. Shouldn't you at least show some respect for his work?"

"Has he ever respected my work? Ah, has he ever respected me?" Fang Yize exploded on the spot.

“He fled from the capital himself. Every time he wrote back, he would either ask me for money or give me bad advice!”

The old mediator Changsun Yan thought to himself, "What a scene of a resentful wife and a scumbag husband..." and continued to mediate between the couple.

"You can't say that about His Majesty; he was doing it for the disaster victims..."

He did it all for the family!
Fang Yi was even angrier:
"That guy Li Ming wants to fight a war first, then build infrastructure after the war, then fight another war, build large warships, and build a new city!"
"We've spent all the money, leaving the national treasury heavily in debt. Now, with floods in the north and south, we're out of money. What am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to find the money?"
"Huh? Answer me, look me in the eyes!"

Xiao Fang was so angry that he lost his mind after revealing the God Emperor's name.

As if they had stumbled upon some incredible gossip, the other officials in the study all peeked out to catch a glimpse of the "expressiony" Prime Minister Ji.

"What are you looking at! If you're so capable, throw me in jail and you can take the blame!"

Fang Yize roared, sending everyone back to their senses.

(End of this chapter)