My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 224 Chongzhen: For the Ming Dynasty, I can be shameless!
Not long after, Zhu Cilang met them in the study of the East Palace.

"I see His Highness the Crown Prince!"

When they saw Zhu Cilang, they hurriedly bowed and saluted.

Zhu Cilang waved his hand, indicating that they didn't need to be polite, and then winked at Ma Bao who was standing beside him.

Ma Bao immediately understood what he meant and walked quickly to the front of the group, holding a tray steadily in his hand.

Placed on the tray were the new version of Ming Dynasty treasure notes, Ming Dynasty gold coins and Ming Dynasty silver coins.

Zhu Cilang said calmly:

"Everyone, take a look at these first."

Upon hearing this, several people hurriedly looked down and saw the new version of Ming Dynasty treasure notes, Ming Dynasty gold coins and Ming Dynasty silver coins.

In an instant, waves of emotion surged in everyone's heart.

Because at just one glance, they saw that the portrait of the current emperor was printed on these coins.

Although they had heard about this matter from their elders before, they were still deeply shocked when they saw the banknotes and gold and silver coins with the emperor's portrait printed on them with their own eyes.

Some people were so excited that they almost knelt down on the spot. After all, the person printed on the banknotes was the current emperor!

Zhu Cilang looked at the nervous and awed expressions of the crowd and said with a smile:

"What's the point of just looking at it? Try it out and see how it feels!"

Several people looked at each other at first, and finally Zhang Shize took the lead and picked up a new version of the Ming Dynasty treasure note. Then the others took the treasure notes or silver and gold coins and looked at them.

I have to say that this new version of the Ming Dynasty treasure notes is indeed completely different from the old version of the Ming Dynasty treasure notes.

To put it simply, the old version of the Ming Baochao is just a piece of paper, but the new version of the Ming Baochao is almost indistinguishable from a work of art.

Especially the Ming Dynasty silver coins and Ming Dynasty gold coins, one is shining silver and the other is shining gold, which are much more beautiful than the previous gold and silver.

After a careful check, everyone carefully put the currency back into the plate and waited for Zhu Cilang's further instructions.

Zhu Cilang shook his head helplessly, and then said:
"You were so careful just now. Were you worried that if you accidentally damaged the Ming Dynasty's banknotes or gold and silver coins, I would blame you?"

Zhang Shize gritted his teeth, took a step forward and said:
"Reporting to His Royal Highness, I do think so. After all, the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes, silver coins, and gold coins all have His Majesty's portrait printed on them."

"If you accidentally damage it, according to the law, you may be guilty of disrespect."

Zhu Cilang was not surprised, but continued:

"This is what I want to tell you today!"

"First of all, I want to tell you that the reason I want to print my father's portrait on the new currency is to demonstrate the court's determination to popularize the new currency."

"Secondly, it is to facilitate the circulation of currency in the market and promote economic prosperity, so you don't have to be so nervous."

"If even you are so cautious, what should ordinary people do?"

"They exchanged for the new currency, and it's inevitable that it might get stained with oil or accidentally dropped during daily use. Should this also be considered a crime of disrespect?"

"This is clearly something that should never be allowed to happen."

After saying that, Zhu Cilang stood up and walked over, then picked up a Ming Dynasty banknote and folded it in half a few times in front of everyone, and then pretended to throw it on the ground casually.

A second ago, he stepped on it directly.

When they saw this scene, Zhang Shize and others were so frightened that their faces turned pale instantly, their eyes widened in disbelief, and they were extremely terrified in their hearts.

Although they understood Zhu Cilang's intention in their hearts, it was really hard for them to accept the deliberate trampling of the banknotes with the emperor's portrait printed on them. This was a great offense to the emperor.

Seeing the horrified expressions on everyone's faces, Zhu Cilang bent down to pick up the banknote, displayed it in front of everyone, and said seriously:
"I solemnly inform you that this is merely a piece of paper currency used for transactions. There is no such thing as disrespect."

“The original intention of making it was to facilitate circulation.”

"So your mission tomorrow is to send some smart and clever people to infiltrate the people and put on a show."

"My actions just now were a demonstration for you. When the time comes, the officials from the Ministry of Revenue will also cooperate with you in the performance."

"In short, we must make sure that the people no longer fear using this new currency. Do you understand?"

The words have been made so clear, if they still don’t understand, they would be fools.

Zhang Shize was the first to react, and then he quickly stepped forward and said respectfully:
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I know what to do."

Seeing this, the others quickly agreed.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I know what to do!"

Zhu Cilang nodded with satisfaction and said:

"Okay, you guys can leave now. Go to bed early tonight and don't miss out on tomorrow's work."

Everyone stopped talking and bowed before leaving.

In fact, Zhu Cilang could have completely handed these matters over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

However, as the emperor's personal army, the Jinyiwei were responsible for protecting the royal family's safety and maintaining order in the court. Asking them to do something that seemed disrespectful would inevitably make them have some concerns.

I'm afraid they will be hesitant to implement it.

So after much deliberation, Zhu Cilang decided to let the sons of nobles handle this matter.

Moreover, these children of noble families often relied on their family power to show off their power in the capital, and the people were both in awe and curious about them.

It is easier for them to attract people's attention and gain their concern if they come forward.

Of course, in addition to the positions for the children of nobles, officials from the Ministry of Revenue were also temporarily assigned various tasks.

Their ultimate goal was only one, which was to ensure that the Ming Treasure Notes could be circulated among the people as soon as possible and that the people would not be afraid to use the new currency.

Look!

In order to ensure the smooth promotion of the new currency, Zhu Cilang racked his brains!
So the next morning, when it was just getting light, long queues like dragons had already formed outside the Ming Royal Bank.

Leading the group were the sons of nobles who had gone to the East Palace for a banquet last night. Behind them were carriages filled with Ming Dynasty banknotes, gold and silver.

In order to attract the attention of the people, they didn't even bother to cover the box, and directly exposed all the treasure banknotes, silver and gold to everyone's sight.

These teams are winding and their length is quite exaggerated, reaching several hundred meters.

However, not all of these teams are children of nobles, there are also many businessmen and ordinary people.

After all, no matter when, there is no shortage of people in the world who actively respond to the call of the country.

Of course, not everyone who comes here is here to exchange the new currency sincerely.

Because outside the queue, there were many ordinary people gathered around, some of them were whispering to each other, and some were craning their necks to see what was happening at the bank door.

They all wanted to see the situation first before deciding whether to exchange for the new version of Ming Dynasty currency.

After all, the money their family has accumulated is the result of years of hard work and frugality.

If the imperial court plays any tricks again at that time, they will suffer heavy losses, so it is better to wait and see about this matter.

Opposite the Daming Bank, the government office that was originally affiliated with the Ministry of Revenue and was responsible for handling trivial affairs has recently been transformed into the garrison of the Jinyiwei.

The purpose is to protect the Ming Bank.

The appearance of the yamen still retains the ancient style of the past. The vermilion gate is solemn and majestic, and the patina on the door knocker bears witness to the traces of time.

However, the Jinyiwei standing guard at the door added a bit of solemnity to the place.

They wore flying fish clothes, embroidered spring swords on their waists, stood straight like pine trees, had eyes as sharp as eagles, and were always alert to every move around them.

At this moment, in the spacious and bright room on the second floor of the yamen, a group of people were standing quietly by the window, observing the scene outside.

The room is decorated simply yet solemnly. A huge landscape painting hangs high above the room, and several calligraphy works are hung on the walls on both sides, highlighting the elegant atmosphere of this place.

The person in charge was none other than Chongzhen.

At this time, Chongzhen was wearing a purple casual suit, and he looked elegant.

Beside him stood Zhu Cilang.

Xue Guoguan, Li Banghua, Ni Yuanlu and other ministers from the six ministries were neatly arranged on both sides, and they were all dressed in casual clothes.

Because there was no need to attend court today, Chongzhen couldn't wait to bring people here at dawn, wanting to see what the Ming Royal Bank would look like on its first day of opening.

Xue Guoguan and others naturally guessed what Chongzhen was thinking, and since they were very curious about it, they waited here early in the morning.

As a result, they happened to meet Chongzhen, and then the group came here.

When everyone looked around, they saw that the people queuing outside the Ming Royal Bank were like several long, winding dragons, starting from the bank entrance and stretching for hundreds of meters.

These long lines meandered along the street, with no end in sight.

The people in the queue were either standing or sitting, some were talking in low voices, and some were looking forward to it.

There were different expressions on their faces, some were full of anticipation, some were doubtful, and some were confused.

Chongzhen looked at this lively scene, and for a moment he was filled with emotion. Then he smiled and said to the person beside him:
"It seems the people are very supportive of the imperial court's currency reform! Otherwise, there wouldn't be such a grand occasion."

His voice was not loud, but it was clearly audible in the quiet room.

When everyone heard the emperor's words, they immediately agreed.

Xue Guoguan was the first to speak:
"Currency reform is a matter of vital importance to the prosperity and decline of the Ming Dynasty. The people will naturally give their full support. This is a wise move by Your Majesty."

Li Banghua also nodded quickly and said:

"Your Majesty is very perceptive. This currency reform will surely bring prosperity to the Ming Dynasty's economy. The people must know that Your Majesty is working for their benefit, which is why they are responding so enthusiastically."

Other ministers also began to compliment Chongzhen, and for a moment, the room was filled with flattery.

Chongzhen listened to these words and laughed in his heart.

After all, which emperor doesn’t like to be praised?

What's more, it is well known that currency reform is indeed a matter of benefit to the country and the people, so Chongzhen was naturally even more proud.

Among the crowd, only Zhu Cilang looked calm, because Zhu Cilang knew in his heart that ordinary people still had doubts about the court's currency reform.

They were afraid that the so-called currency reform would be just like the previous Ming Baochao, which was just an attempt to plunder their wealth.

Therefore, in the short term, the people will not respond to the currency reform.

But it doesn’t matter, because Zhu Cilang already has a solution to this problem.

For example, most of the people who seem to be queuing up enthusiastically are actually the children of nobles specially arranged by him.

The rest are probably some businessmen. Of course, there are ordinary people as well, but their number is not as large as imagined.

It is also worth mentioning that the officials of the court did not appear here.

This is because Zhu Cilang had already informed them earlier that a separate channel would be opened for court officials in the near future, allowing them to go directly to the Ministry of Revenue to exchange without having to queue here.

In this way, many troubles can be avoided and efficiency can be increased.

Just then, a noise came from the crowd not far downstairs.

"It's begun, it's begun! Everyone line up, and do not cut in line! Those who cut in line will be considered disruptive and will be disqualified from the queue at the very least, or punished with ten slaps on the wrist at the worst!"

The voice was high and powerful, echoing in everyone's ears.

The person who shouted was none other than the Jinyiwei who was in charge of maintaining order at the scene.

Given the special nature of the Ming Royal Bank, the personnel who maintain order here are all Jinyiwei.

As the Jinyiwei appeared, the aura they exuded shocked the entire audience.

Even those sons of noble families who were usually arrogant and conceited became quiet.

Because they also knew in their hearts whose orders these Jinyiwei came here.

The originally noisy team suddenly quieted down. The crowd lined up consciously and roughly divided into three teams:
One team exchanged old version of banknotes for new version.

One team exchanged gold for Ming Dynasty gold coins.

There was also a team that exchanged silver for Ming Dynasty silver coins.

Not long after, the time came and the two heavy doors of the Ming Royal Bank slowly opened.

The door hinges turned, making a creaking sound, as if announcing the arrival of a new era.

The interior of the bank is decorated magnificently, the lobby is spacious and bright, the floor is paved with smooth marble, and the entire building style is quite grand.

When the people who rushed in saw this scene, they were instantly surprised. They had never seen such a magnificent government office.

In front of the exchange window for exchanging Daming silver coins and Daming gold coins, there are special weighing instruments and identification tools.

Those responsible for this work are all experienced silversmiths and goldsmiths, with sharp eyes and skillful techniques.

A silversmith picked up a piece of gold, carefully weighed it on a scale, and then used professional tools to determine its purity. His movements were smooth and skillful. In less than ten seconds, he successfully determined the gold content of the gold bar and then exchanged it for the corresponding Ming Dynasty gold coins based on the purity.

In comparison, the exchange speed of Ming Dynasty treasure notes is much faster. You only need to verify the authenticity of the treasure notes to complete the exchange on the spot.

Soon, a young nobleman walked out of the bank with a stack of new Ming Dynasty banknotes in his hand.

He was dressed in gorgeous clothes, wearing a jeweled hat, and had a dandy look on his face.

At this moment, he was looking at the Ming Dynasty treasure notes in his hand in pretended surprise and said:
"Oh my, what's going on? Why is there a portrait of Your Majesty on this new version of the Ming Dynasty Treasure Note?"

"If I accidentally get this dirty or wrinkled, will I be charged with disrespect?"

As he spoke, his eyes widened exaggeratedly, his face full of horror.

At the same time, someone nearby immediately echoed loudly:

"Yes, yes, this new version of the Ming Dynasty Treasure Note has your Majesty's portrait on it. How can I use this money? What if it gets bumped or dented, or a corner gets folded?"

These two sentences are like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing thousands of waves.

The onlookers were already skeptical about the new currency, and when they heard this, they immediately became agitated.

They were whispering to each other, with worried looks on their faces.

After all, the Ming Daily only mentioned the need to improve the currency, but did not specify that the emperor's portrait would be printed on the currency, which made everyone puzzled.

You know, in daily use, currency is bound to wear out. Even copper coins will have their words worn out over time.

If they accidentally damaged the Ming Dynasty treasure notes with the emperor's portrait printed on them while using them, wouldn't they be committing a crime of disrespect?
Isn't it ridiculous that spending money can be associated with the crime of blasphemy?

If that's the case, they might as well just use the previous currency!

At least you won't be suddenly accused of disrespect.

For a moment, the atmosphere at the scene became a little chaotic, and the crowd began to surge a little uneasily.

Then, an even more shocking scene happened.

The noble son who had just spoken suddenly slipped and lost his balance, and the several Ming Dynasty banknotes in his hand fell to the ground in an instant.

Even more unfortunate was that in his panic he stepped on a Ming Dynasty banknote, right on the spot where Chongzhen's portrait was.

When the people around saw this scene, they suddenly fell silent and looked at the nobleman in shock, with expressions of disbelief on their faces.

Some people opened their mouths so wide that it seemed as if an egg could fit in them.

Some people opened their eyes wide, their eyes full of fear.

Others covered their mouths and dared not make a sound.

Obviously no one expected such a situation to happen suddenly.

How big a sin is it to step directly on the emperor's portrait?

This man is probably going to be beheaded!

For a moment, the people around could not help but mourn in silence, as if this noble son was about to die.
At the same time, the noble son who 'accidentally' stepped on the Ming Dynasty's banknotes couldn't help but feel a little panicked.

Although all of this was planned last night, he couldn't help but feel scared when it came time to perform on the spot.

After all, he actually stepped on Chongzhen’s portrait just now!
He could only pray in his heart that His Majesty would not blame him. If he really made Chongzhen unhappy, his life would be in danger!
Chongzhen naturally witnessed this scene from the attic not far away, and the ministers standing beside Chongzhen also saw it.

But they were all silent at this moment, quietly waiting for Chongzhen's reaction.

For a moment, the air in the room seemed to freeze, and it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

The ministers all understood that what had just happened was most likely another play put on by the Crown Prince in order to make it easier for the people to accept the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes.

However, although this was just a play, Chongzhen's portrait was indeed stepped on, so it depends on how Chongzhen responds next.

If Chongzhen had just laughed it off and not cared, the currency reform might not have encountered too many obstacles.

But if Chongzhen gets angry, things will become difficult.

After all, currency is meant to circulate in the market, and it is inevitable that it will fall to the ground or be damaged during circulation, so they must understand Chongzhen's attitude towards this matter.

At the same time, Chongzhen looked at this scene helplessly.

To be honest, even though Zhu Cilang had warned him many times before, he had solemnly promised that he would never care about such things.

But after seeing it with his own eyes, he still felt a little concerned.

After all, no one would feel happy if the new version of the Ming Dynasty treasure banknote with his or her portrait printed on it was deliberately stepped on in public.

However, Chongzhen quickly adjusted his mood because he knew that the scene before him was an inevitable situation in the use of currency.

In the future, when people use the new currency every day, similar situations will most likely continue to occur. If people cannot even accept this, how can we talk about promoting the currency?

Anyway, it’s not really stepping on your face!
For the sake of the Ming Dynasty, he, as the emperor, can actually be shameless!

Thinking of this, Chongzhen was completely relieved.

The next second, he smiled and said:

"Is this another idea from the Crown Prince? It's a good idea. This way, it will dispel the common people's fear of the new currency and will be more conducive to the circulation of currency."

Chongzhen's voice was steady and calm, as if what had just happened had not affected him much.

As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers around him secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

They had followed Chongzhen for many years, so they could naturally see that Chongzhen was really not angry.

Because if Chongzhen was really angry, he would definitely not look like this!

It is obvious that Chongzhen has made sufficient mental preparations for the future of the Ming Dynasty.

At the same time, just as the crowd below was becoming more and more agitated, an official from the Ministry of Revenue suddenly walked out of the bank quickly and appeared in front of everyone.

Following behind him were two Jinyiwei.

When the people around saw this scene, they immediately stopped talking.

In their opinion, this official and the Jinyiwei were probably trying to capture the nobleman's son who had accidentally stepped on the Ming Dynasty's banknotes.

Then, the official walked to the center of the crowd and said loudly:

"Everyone, please be quiet. I am Xu Jian, a doctor from the Ministry of Revenue. I am here to explain what this young man just said and the doubts in your hearts."

"I can clearly inform you that His Majesty has already decreed that if the new currency is damaged or otherwise suffers from any problems during normal use, His Majesty will not blame you."

"Including what just happened, this gentleman just accidentally dropped the Ming Dynasty treasure notes on the ground and stepped on them. This situation is completely normal, and no one will blame you for this."

"Your Majesty printed his portrait on the Ming Dynasty Treasure Notes to demonstrate the court's firm determination to promote the new currency."

"Second, it is to remind the people that no matter where they are, your majesty is with them."

"So I hereby assure you that all your previous worries are unnecessary."

"If anyone dares to accuse you of this in the future, you can come to the Ministry of Revenue and find me. I, and even the entire Ministry of Revenue, can make the decision for you!"

"In addition, if the currency is accidentally damaged and cannot be used, as long as the damage does not exceed one-third of the face value and the copper, gold, and silver wires on it are intact, you can go to the Ming Royal Bank to exchange it for new currency free of charge."

"Of course, Ming silver coins and Ming gold coins can only be exchanged for currencies of the same weight!"

After saying this, Xu Jian did not wait for everyone to come back to their senses. He immediately picked up the Ming Dynasty treasure notes that had fallen to the ground and solemnly handed them back to the noble son in front of him, saying:

"Sir, please keep it."

The other party naturally smiled and took it, then shouted to the people around him in a rather exaggerated voice:

"I see! It seems my worries were unnecessary. Thank you, Lord Xu, for clearing up my confusion!"

After saying this, he realized that his mission had been successfully completed and quickly withdrew.

At the same time, the people watching around finally reacted and breathed a sigh of relief.

If someone else said this, they would naturally not believe it.

But now that they saw it with their own eyes, they couldn't help but believe it.

What's more, the person who said this was a doctor from the Ministry of Revenue, so they had no choice but to believe it.

Suddenly, the people were no longer so resistant to the new version of the Ming Dynasty treasure notes.

Right at this moment, someone completed the exchange at the window on the other side.

After completing the exchange, the man was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, he ordered several servants to walk slowly, each holding a basket of the Ming Dynasty silver and gold coins that had just been exchanged.

So that the people around can see it clearly.

Everyone's attention was instantly attracted and they all stretched their necks to look over.

I saw baskets of Ming Dynasty silver coins shining brightly, and gold coins shining brightly, emitting charming light under the sunlight.

Compared with the Ming Baochao, the Ming gold coins and Ming silver coins are the focus of more attention.

After all, the Ming treasure notes were only exchanged between old and new coins, while the Ming gold coins and Ming silver coins were actually exchanged for real gold and silver.

Although the common people had some gold and silver at home, compared with these exquisitely shaped Ming Dynasty gold and silver coins, their own silver suddenly paled in comparison.

These gold and silver coins are dazzling and look like exquisite works of art.

At this time, one of the people in the crowd couldn't help but ask:

"Excuse me, sir, were all these exchanged for original silver and gold?"

The person asking the question was wearing coarse linen clothes, his face was full of traces of time, his eyes were full of simplicity and curiosity, and he was obviously just an ordinary person.

When the young man heard this, he smiled and replied:

"of course."

As he spoke, he picked up a Ming Dynasty silver coin and showed it to everyone, then continued:
"Please look, everyone. This Ming Dynasty silver coin weighs exactly one tael of silver."

Then he picked up a few small-denomination silver coins and continued:
"These small-denomination silver coins are for your convenience in daily transactions. From now on, when you go out to buy things, you no longer need to go through the trouble of cutting silver. You only need to show the silver coins of the corresponding denomination."

"For smaller amounts, you can pay with copper coins, which are universal currencies."

After hearing this, the people around became excited instantly.

Because from the very beginning, what they were most worried about was that the court would ask them to exchange real gold and silver for Ming treasure notes.

They had suffered similar losses before, so naturally they didn't dare to be fooled again.

Although newspapers had previously claimed that silver could be exchanged for Ming silver coins and gold could be exchanged for Ming gold coins, they were always skeptical.

The reason for this is that they were really scared by the previous emperor's betrayal.

But now that they saw it with their own eyes, they finally believed it.

Moreover, compared to the silver coins of various shapes at home, the Ming Dynasty gold and silver coins are obviously more exquisite and can even be regarded as heirlooms.

After all, things like silver and gold are real wealth, so it doesn't matter if they are left at home.

What's more, the imperial court also stipulated that if the silver and gold in the home were not exchanged within a limited time, they would be prohibited from use, and if used, they would be directly confiscated.

Thinking of this, many people immediately hurried back home, ready to take the silver at home and exchange it for Ming Dynasty gold and silver coins.

After a while, the crowd in front was like a calm lake that suddenly became rippled.

A young man in a brocade robe rushed out of the Ming Royal Bank excitedly like a wild horse.

His face flushed slightly with excitement, his eyes sparkled, and he waved the bright Ming gold and silver coins in his hands vigorously, shouting:

"Everyone, look here. These are the Ming silver and gold coins I just exchanged for the new Ming treasure notes!"

"What the Daming Daily said before is true. The new Daming Treasure Notes can really be exchanged for Daming Gold and Daming Silver coins. Don't hesitate any longer, go and exchange them!"

Um.
No need to guess, this person is the one Zhu Cilang carefully arranged earlier.

But even Zhu Cilang probably didn't expect that these noble children would act out their roles more exaggeratedly than the others.
However, the exaggeration is a bit exaggerated, the effect is still very significant!
When the people heard the cry and saw the shining gold and silver coins of the Ming Dynasty in the man's hand, the last trace of worry that was still lingering in their hearts disappeared without a trace like smoke in an instant.

They whispered to each other, their eyes full of surprise and relief.

"It seems the imperial court is serious this time. We can really exchange Ming Dynasty treasure notes for real gold and silver."

"Alas, we used to suspect the court of ill intentions, thinking they were going to cheat us out of our money again like they did before. We really shouldn't have done that."

When the people around heard this, they nodded in agreement.

At the same time, everyone knew that they had to hurry home and take out their savings to exchange for these new currencies, otherwise they would not be able to use the money in their hands after some time!
For a moment, the people around seemed to be driven by a gust of wind, running towards their homes, ready to exchange their money for the new currency.

In this way, the currency promotion issue that seemed extremely difficult was solved unexpectedly smoothly.

(End of this chapter)