Late Tang Dynasty Floating Life

Spring started earlier this year, and the Wei River has already thawed, and it will be open to navigation in a few days.

As the end point of water transportation in the middle and late Tang Dynasty, the Weiqiao Warehouse in the east of Chang'an was quite large in scale. It could not only store grain, but also store salt, cloth, tea, fur and even armaments.

This is a large logistics distribution base.

In the past, its main function was to ensure the food consumption of Chang'an officials, warriors, city people, businessmen, scholars, handicraftsmen, service providers and other classes who were not involved in production. Now such people have been greatly reduced. Production has also increased, and external food supply is no longer needed-this is actually returning to Chang'an's positioning after the Song Dynasty, that is, existing as a regional central city.

The reduction in grain transportation has naturally freed up a lot of space for other goods.

When Shao Shude arrived here, he learned that a large number of warehouses had been rented by merchants dealing in woolen cloth.Dongwei Bridge and Weiqiao Warehouse are becoming more and more like a commercial wholesale market rather than a grain transshipment hub.

"Last time, Grandpa told you that agriculture is the foundation of the world." Shao Shude pointed to the "illegal shops" that have sprung up around the Weiqiao warehouse, and said, "Today I want to talk about business."

Shao Chengjie followed closely behind him, humbly accepting the instruction.

"In ancient times, many people suppressed business, but since the Northern Dynasties, all dynasties have not suppressed business. Of course, in the Northern Dynasty, there were many aristocratic families, and the market was not active, so there was nothing to suppress." Shao Shude said: "But it was not the case in the former Tang Dynasty. Even Before the Anshi Rebellion, the land owned by the aristocratic families was also greatly reduced. After the hardships, it is even more pitiful. The land is gone, the farmers are scattered, and they have little heritage left."

"At this time, wealth was gradually transferred to martial arts. The number of martial arts was huge. During Tang Xianzong's time, there were more than 99 martial arts in the country. Don't underestimate this transfer, it is beneficial to business. An individual? Even if he indulges in pleasure, he can’t consume much food, cloth, fur, and tea. But this is not the case for 100 million warriors. This is a very huge consumer group, and they still love to spend money. After all, there is no tomorrow.”

"This has led to the vigorous development of business, and the tax revenue of the Tang court has increased sharply. The total income from salt, tea, iron, lacquer, etc. has far exceeded the household tax. It can be said that Tang Ting hangs his life on the tax. Give rewards to the warriors and drive them to fight. Otherwise, I am afraid it will be over long ago."

"Tang Ting is also very pragmatic. Merchants can directly become officials, and there is no discrimination against merchants inside and outside the court, which is different from other dynasties. Here, what my grandfather wants to tell you is that everything is too late. It is necessary to pay attention to agriculture. Yes, but you can’t discriminate against businessmen, at least they can get money, and the court can collect money.”

"Money is a matter of life and death for a country. Don't look at my grandfather who is building palaces, mausoleums, and post roads, blooming everywhere, and didn't spend too much money. But try it in 50 or 100 years. ?People who come from troubled times have a very strong tolerance. The court frequently sends out military service, and they can bear it. But if they are born in a peaceful time, they can’t bear it, because they have never seen troubled times. It's terrible, and he can't imagine that kind of terrible scene, he knows that he is suffering and unhappy now. At that time, many things will cost money, and the expenses will increase sharply."

"On the other hand, how many mills can you see on the Wei River? Actually, there are not many. These mills were owned by high-ranking officials and nobles in the former Tang Dynasty. When the water was dry, the common people were even forbidden to take water to irrigate the farmland. At the beginning of summer, those on the Wei River Most of the messy mills have disappeared, but what about 50 or 100 years later? This is just a microcosm. What I want to tell you is that by then there will still be a lot of resources occupied by dignitaries, and the court will have to spend money if they want to use them. Instead of not paying a single penny like now.”

"When a dynasty develops to a certain level, money is an unavoidable topic. Whether you can get money directly determines the length of the country. And businessmen are precisely the group that can provide a lot of money. Remember one thing, as the emperor, you interests are not always aligned with ministers."

"The courtier Xungui thinks about how to own a large piece of land and let countless farmers work for them. It is best to be self-sufficient and return to the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Because this kind of wealth seems to be the most stable, as long as the political backing does not fall , there is no risk, and it is easier to pass on to future generations. And doing business is risky, and people are naturally risk-averse. With a family business of their size, how to make steady profits is the most important thing."

"But what they do is a devastating blow to business. The tax revenue of the court will be greatly reduced. When the financial resources are exhausted, how to raise troops? How to strengthen the army? How to deal with foreign enemies? And in this way, household tax and land tax revenue It will also decrease, and the court will have even less money."

"You can't believe what the ministers say. They only think about themselves, but you have to think about the world. After all, you belong to the world. Sometimes, you and the ministers are on the opposite side. When the ministers flatter you, don't be arrogant Be proud, think carefully about why. Don’t pursue the cheap praises of ministers, it’s meaningless, because your pockets may be losing money, and some benefits will be permanently taken away by ministers. If the court has no money, ministers will not be finished. You're going to be screwed."

"Money, money, money! Remember, the most important task of your generation is to stabilize Wufu, and money is the lifeline. Without money, Wufu is angry, and the death of the second generation is not alarmist. But in various ways to make money Among them, taxation is the softest one, so business must not be restrained." Shao Shude said: "The art of collecting taxes is like plucking the feathers of a goose. You must pluck as many feathers as possible without making the goose squawk too much. Looting from Tianshefu may lead to civil unrest. But collecting money from merchants will have a much smaller negative impact, because those who are willing to buy things from merchants have some spare money, remember."

"Write these down later, and review them day and night." Shao Chengjie said.

"En." Shao Shude nodded, and said, "Let's talk so much today, and you won't be able to understand if you talk too much. Next time, Grandpa will talk to you about how to make business continue to prosper, so that the court can always receive considerable rewards." Discuss taxes. There are many methods, and you have actually seen a lot, but those are just "techniques", not "Tao". The real "Tao" is how to create more consumer groups and take care of the number of this group, Don’t let it decrease, this is actually closely related to agriculture, so let’s talk about it next time.”

The father and son strolled outside the Weiqiao warehouse.

The palace guards formed a circle far away, and the ministers also wisely lagged behind.They knew that the sage was mostly teaching the prince.The journey to the west is far away, and I don't know how much time it will take. The saint may not rest assured that the prince will supervise the country.

"Weiqiao warehouse, Weiqiao warehouse..." Shao Shude looked at the tall warehouse city, and suddenly felt a little emotional: "Back then, after a fierce battle, my grandfather forced Li Xiang to land here, and got some of the food and property that Huang Chao hoarded here. Goods. Looking back, it seems like yesterday."

"It's really not easy to come step by step. It's a fluke to be in the current situation." Shao Shude turned around, looked at his son, and said with a complicated expression: "You don't want to..."

"Don't worry, my lord, I won't mess around." Shao Chengjie said.

"Sometimes, I always feel that life is a big dream. Now this dream is coming to an end..." Shao Shude said: "I want to make it more complete."

Shao Chengjie sighed lightly, followed by a wordless silence.

"There are thieves rebelling in Aizhou and Huanzhou. According to the Secretary's report, Qu Chenghao, a local tycoon in Wu'an Prefecture, seems to have moved. What will Erlang do in this situation in Annan?" Shao Shude suddenly stopped and asked.

"The Qing navy is still in Jiaozhou, so we can send troops south to fight for it." Shao Chengjie said.

"What about after discussing the rebellion in Erzhou?" Shao Shude asked: "Should we also discuss the Qu family in Wu'an Prefecture? Grandpa will remind you that this person is very famous in the local area, in Jiaozhou, Fengzhou, Aizhou, etc. The land is also highly praised by many people. Before that, I always listened to the imperial court, restrained the natives, and passed it down. Some tribes in northern Annan caused troubles, but the imperial court did not raise troops to fight against them. It was all settled by Qu Chengyu and Qu Chenghao's father and son. .”

Shao Chengjie's face was a little dignified.

His father must have had a deep meaning when he asked him that.He suppressed the instinct of sending troops to kill the Qu family, and after thinking about it carefully, he said: "If you have made meritorious service to the court and have not seen any traces of it, you can't kill yourself. Otherwise, everyone in Annan will be in danger. There will never be peace."

Shao Shude looked at him with encouraging eyes, and said, "Continue."

"Maybe we can put down the rebellion in Aizhou and other places first, and call the Qu clan into the court as an official with the momentum of the great victory?" Shao Chengjie said.

"If you think so, you can feel at ease as a father." Shao Shude said with a smile: "The situation in the frontier is complicated. Although it is Zhengzhou, in fact, it is not easy to use government orders ten miles out of the city. The former Tang Dynasty and the Guo Dynasty, in the local We all rely on local tyrants and barbarian leaders to rule. The relationship between the imperial court and them is actually a cooperative relationship. As long as the bottom line of rebellion is not touched, everything is negotiable. Killing the Qu family may be stable for a while, but it will not be a few years , there will be Huang and Ruan popping up again, endlessly, exhausted. By the way, is Erlang just this trick? Nothing else?"

Shao Chengjie was taken aback.

"Have you ever heard the saying of killing people and punishing their hearts?" Shao Shude asked.

"I have." Shao Cheng nodded.

"After quelling the Aizhou and Fengzhou rebellions, the Qu family was appointed an official and took a post in Luoyang. The reason is that the Qu family provided information to help the court succeed in suppressing the rebellion." Shao Shude said: "Since the rebel army is destroyed, the Qu family will definitely not dare to create This time, this bitter fruit can only be swallowed. No matter how he justifies, there must be a reason for a white-bodied local tyrant to suddenly enter the capital to become an official. How many local tyrants in the twelve states believe in the Qu family?"

Shao Chengjie suddenly realized, and then felt a little ashamed.

"Erlang don't need to be ashamed, your ability is in the military. The prime ministers are better at playing such tricks than you." Shao Shude laughed, and said: "It's enough to know how to employ people."

"Yes." Shao Chengjie was taught.

"Any other tricks?" Shao Shude blinked and asked again.

Shao Chengjie is ashamed, is this a fish and three meals?

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration flashed in his mind, and he immediately said: "My lord. The thieves have already rebelled, and it was inconvenient to take action before. I was worried that the natives would die and the fox would be sad. Now it is justified to exterminate them. There may be a lot of space left by then. More than ten counties Some of the people in the south of the Yangtze River may be resettled."

Shao Shude patted Erlang on the shoulder, and said: "Annan's rebellion, as soon as there is a report, grandpa asked Zhongshu to send it to the East Palace, and you have the full power to deal with it. Grandpa doesn't have so much time to play with them, and he has to go west after a while If you are undecided, you can ask the prime ministers, or ask your mother."

"Of order." Shao Chengjie replied loudly.