Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 594 The storm is coming

According to Fang Chongyong's idea, folk weaving should be done by women in a village working together and teaching each other their weaving experience.

After some weaving at home, there should be an institution similar to a "commune" in the village, where there are some large-scale textile equipment, such as printing and dyeing, or cocoon houses that turn silk cocoons into silk.

These things should all be public.

In fact, in Hexi, there were many rural textile organizations that were both military household associations and private cooperation.

However, after Fang Chongyong conducted this textile research in Bianzhou, he found that it was not the case at all!
There is a huge difference between Bianzhou and Hexi.

The popularization of textile workshops has actually disintegrated the grassroots textile institutions in rural areas!

Because of the canal transportation, Bianzhou had developed transportation, so some large workshops appeared, but they were not in Kaifeng City.

For example, a giant textile workshop actually has 500 sets of textile machines! There are more than a thousand female workers who are responsible for weaving cloth. This time, the female workers in the workshop were invited to share their experience, but they couldn't explain it clearly.

Everyone only knows the little knowledge they understand, which is completely unsystematic.

Da Zhenhui summarized all the information she had found out, wrote it into a booklet, and gave it to Fang Chongyong.

This "tea party" was both a failure and a success.

The failure meant that no experience was exchanged at all, while the success meant that Fang Chongyong had found out through research that the socialized division of labor in handicrafts in the Tang Dynasty had far exceeded previous expectations.

Things that seem new, such as product lines, semi-finished products, and technological confidentiality, have begun to appear, and they are not isolated cases.

Fang Chongyong was particularly surprised by the appearance of semi-finished products. Bianzhou's developed commodity economy had actually been able to turn sub-processes into separate workshops, with only one sub-process completed in one workshop!

Other industries may not know this, but the textile industry has already divided the process into at least four or five sub-processes. From silkworm cocoons to cloth, it takes at least four or five workshops to complete the process. The division of labor in the industry has actually taken shape.

Why does this happen?

Fang Chongyong didn’t know, but he knew that to some extent, the self-sufficient economic model in some places with developed transportation had been completely broken.

At least there was a big hole!
Rent, labor service and corvée were a national policy to keep the rural population tied to the land. Taxes had to be paid in kind, so every family had to farm, weave and perform corvée labor.

When the population is restricted, business will naturally be restricted.

In some economically developed areas of the Tang Dynasty, the rent, labor service and tax system had been substantially abolished and the commodity economy began to prevail.

This may not be what the Tang Central Government wants to see, but the trend is the trend, and the development of productivity will not be affected by the will of certain people.

Since there is higher productivity and more bankrupt farmers, these people will naturally enter the workshops and become workers who are not called "workers".

This discovery was astonishing, especially when Liu Yan sent people to find the "big boss" who owned 500 textile machines, Fang Chongyong was so surprised that he was speechless.

I originally thought it was just a legend, but I didn't expect to catch him alive.

"Sir, I am He Dafu. What do you want from me?"

The fat, simply dressed merchant in front of him nodded and asked Fang Chongyong.

This guy used his tenant farmers as weavers, signed contracts with them, used their working hours to deduct the land rent and taxes, and then paid them wages after the deduction.

How to say it, for a moment Fang Zhongyong actually felt it was very reasonable!

Using a small amount of land and recruiting more tenants was equivalent to exchanging land rent for labor, which cleverly circumvented the rigid requirements of rent and labor service.

"You took advantage of loopholes in the imperial court to evade taxes. What crime should you be charged with?"

Fang Zhongyong asked with a fierce face.

"Tax evasion? I don't do that!"

He Dafu's eyes rolled and he immediately shouted that it was unfair.

Of course, according to the current laws of the Tang Dynasty, he is really a "good citizen". According to the regulations on rent, labor service and land tax, this guy has not paid less than a penny in taxes.

But this guy obviously knows where his tricks are. He is an "industrial capital" and does not make money by relying on land appreciation.

Because taxes are not levied according to the proportion of assets, there is nothing we can do about people like this!

This is one of the reasons why the rent, labor and tax system was eliminated by the times. Naturally, some people would see how to evade taxes legally and reasonably.

If those landlords and tyrants relied on their power to resist the government, Fang Chongyong could still crush them with his iron fist.

Then a wealthy man like He Dafu, who had at least 500 looms at home, could not be dealt with by conventional methods.

Unless we fall out.

But it is obvious that Fang Zhongyong does not want to tear each other apart. Of course, these big businessmen can be dealt with in a simple and rough way, but this is a bit of a waste of resources.

Fang Chongyong wanted to study how these big businessmen rose to prominence, how they did business, and how they evaded taxes.

This is also a kind of "learning from the barbarians in order to defeat them" to some extent.

"Judge Liu, I leave this to you. You must treat him well."

Fang Zhongyong said with a smile to Liu Yan who was watching the joke beside him.

Liu Yan was also very interested in this wealthy man who had a large workshop at home, and quickly ordered people to take He Dafu away.

What awaits this billionaire will be the new tax law that will be introduced in a month.

Some of the clauses in it will precisely target people like him.

……

"Oh my god, capital sprouts are emerging, this is really against the will of heaven."

After finishing a bunch of chores, Fang Chongyong sat down at the desk in the government office's study, threw the "meeting minutes" sent by Da Zhenhui on the desk, and rubbed his sore eyebrows.

The two women each gave Fang Chongyong a "gift".

After the preliminary diagnosis by the medical officer, Li Yi was indeed pregnant. Due to the recent frequent sexual intercourse, it was not surprising that she was pregnant, but it was not clear when it happened.

It's very likely that you already had it when you first made love.

However, Da Zhenhui's meeting minutes changed Fang Chongyong's established ideas on governing the states in Xuanwu Town.

The merchant class, which has not completely separated from farming, has emerged in economic life. In addition, the rural small-scale peasant economic organizations in areas with developed transportation have essentially disintegrated.

Accompanied by the substantial abolition of the rent and labor service system.

Fang Chongyong secretly pondered that, in fact, no matter whether the central government of the Tang Dynasty was willing or not, the progress of the times would eventually eliminate backward productivity.

For example, the cloth that must be handed over as part of the rent and labor service tax, if the farmers wove it themselves, then the quality of the cloth would not only be questionable, but it would also take a long time to work!
In other words, it is not competitive in the market at all.

With the development of society, this kind of cloth should not appear on the market at all, and it is impossible for it to appear on the market.

It was the law of the Tang Dynasty that forced these cloths to become taxes to be paid into the national treasury, which was obviously unreasonable.

It now seems that backward productivity has been substantially replaced in areas with developed transportation, which is indeed a good thing.

You should and must have new shoes to adapt to your growing feet.

Instead of cutting off the excess part of your outgrown foot to fit the old shoe.

This discovery will be of great reference significance for Fang Chongyong in correcting the new laws issued by the new court in the future.

The two women demonstrated their value to Fang Zhongyong respectively.

Li Yi, who is pregnant with Fang Zhongyong's child and wants to seek shelter, wants to use books and words to find the key points of improvement for the new decree that Fang Zhongyong is about to issue.

To some extent, both of them can be said to have gotten what they wanted.

"We need to develop production, but not small-scale peasant production, which would be a step backward in history."

Fang Zhongyong muttered to himself.

The current situation in Xuanwu Town cannot be described as good or bad. If I really have to say it, it can be summarized in two words: complicated.

Development problems must be solved through development. Although it is easy to say, how easy is it to solve them?
He couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

……

There was no welcome, no banquet, not even a meet and greet.

Cen Shen, who rushed to Yecheng from Youzhou without stopping, was "invited" by Li Guiren to the study of Yecheng government office.

After a brief observation, Cen Shen found that Li Guiren's situation was completely different from that of Shi Siming.

What he saw and heard in Youzhou made Cen Shen feel that although Shi Siming was preparing for war, he was actually quite relaxed. This could be seen from his clothing and the furnishings in his government office and study.

It looks more like a scholar's study than a signing room of a frontier general.

On Li Guiren's side, Cen Shen only saw the word "battle". The furnishings in his study were almost no different from those of the military mansions in the border towns.

"If you have something to say, say it. If not, get out of here!" Li Guiren said to Cen Shen impatiently, not taking this scholar seriously at all.

Of course, although his attitude was not good, there was no need to behead Cen Shen as a demonstration.

"I have something I want to show to General Li."

Cen Shen took out Shi Siming's letter from his bosom and handed it to Li Guiren's personal soldier.

Shi Siming was illiterate, but Li Guiren was literate. He opened the letter and frowned the more he read.

Finally, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and he was no longer as carefree as before.

"Where did you get this letter?"

Li Guiren asked in a deep voice, still keeping his composure. But the expression on his face was obviously not as relaxed as before, and Cen Shen even saw that his right hand could not help but tremble twice.

"Shi Siming can't write or read. This was written by his military advisor Ping Lie. As for whether to believe it or not, General Li knows it."

Cen Shen said nonchalantly.

He was not in a hurry, but Li Guiren was already shocked by the content of the letter.

"Why did you show this letter to this general?"

Li Guiren was still holding on, but his tone had softened a lot.

"Xuanwu Army Jiedushi Fang Qing wants to use military force against Li Baochen. I am here on his behalf to remind General Li not to do anything that would make his relatives sad and his enemies happy.

Li Baochen himself can hardly protect himself. If he orders General Li to cross the river to Bianzhou, General Li should carefully consider the consequences and not let himself be sold out and count money for others. "

Cen Shen sneered and his attitude became tough.

"This……"

Li Guiren pondered in silence.

In fact, he had recently discovered some movement on the south bank of the Yellow River, but he was not sure what it was for. He was a little worried that Fang Zhongyong would lead his army across the river to attack Liyang and establish a bridgehead in Liyang.

However, judging from the news brought by Cen Shen, Fang Chongyong's target this time is Li Baochen.

Why did Fang Chongyong think he could beat Li Baochen?
A question arose in Li Guiren's mind.

You know, Li Baochen has a lot of soldiers under his command!

As if he could see what he was thinking, Cen Shen explained:
"In order to break through the blockade of the Yellow River by the three cities of Heyang and to ensure smooth water transport, Guanzhong will send 80,000 troops to attack Luoyang. The troops of Xuanwu Town are just cooperating with them in a feint attack.

General Li could naturally choose not to believe it and serve Li Baochen wholeheartedly, even to the last drop of his blood.

Anyway, that’s all I have to say.”

Cen Shen openly revealed the plan in Guanzhong and was not afraid at all that Li Guiren would inform Li Baochen of the news!

To put it simply: I have made myself clear, you can handle it yourself.

"Sir, please go and rest. I need to think about it for a day."

Li Guiren said very politely. Compared with his previous attitude, he was now rude at first but respectful later!
He has already smelled the scent of impending storm!

"General Li, please do as you please."

Cen Shen clasped his fists and bowed to say goodbye, then was taken away by Li Guiren's personal soldiers.

After he left, Li Guiren immediately sent someone to invite Liu Longxian, who was inspecting the city defense, to come to the study in the government office to discuss important matters!

After a while, Liu Longxian, dressed in military uniform, came hurriedly, panting as he walked.

As soon as they met, Li Guiren didn't waste any time and directly handed the letter that Shi Siming asked Ping Lie to write to the other party for review.

"Is this bastard Shi Siming crazy?"

After reading the letter, Liu Longxian asked in surprise.

Li Guiren spread his hands, indicating that he didn't know either.

"By the way, someone from the Xuanwu Army said that the troops from Guanzhong are preparing to raid Luoyang in order to open up the canal transportation. I heard that a lot of troops will be dispatched this time."

Li Guiren relayed the news told by Cen Shen to Liu Longxian.

"General Li, how much is not less?"

Liu Longxian asked doubtfully.

Don't let there be three or two kittens, otherwise you will end up cheating everyone.

"It is said that there are 80,000 people."

Li Guiren put away the smile on his face and spoke seriously.

"Even if we cut it in half, there are still 40,000. Add in the troops from Xuanwu Town, and it's indeed a lot."

Liu Longxian sighed. He also knew why Li Guiren looked so anxious.

The enemy is coming with great force this time!

Marshal Baochen is probably in a difficult situation, like a clay Buddha crossing the river, and can't save himself.

Liu Longxian has already understood the situation.

In fact, the Xuanwu Army's intention was very simple: when we attack Li Baochen, you'd better not move. Otherwise, firstly, Shi Siming is eyeing in the north, and secondly, there are many troops coming to attack Li Baochen this time, and the Xuanwu Army may not be able to defend Bianzhou, so you'd better not lose more than you gain.

It must be said that if the Xuanwu Army had no intention of crossing the Yellow River, Li Guiren would have no intention of going to Bianzhou to cause trouble for Fang Chongyong.

The fear is that Li Baochen will force Li Guiren to lead his troops to attack Bianzhou in order to eliminate the danger in Luoyang.

However, Fang Chongyong and the Guanzhong troops were finally defeated by Li Baochen!

By then, Li Baochen might come to Yecheng to demand accountability!
Is there such a risk?

I have to say, everything is possible!

Li Guiren's hesitation is understandable.

Li Guiren’s mood now can be described as “he is afraid that Baochen will have a hard life, but also afraid that Baochen will drive a Land Rover”.

After Li Baochen was destroyed, his future life would be even more difficult as he would suffer from the consequences.

Li Baochen defeated various powerful enemies, and Li Guiren lost control of his military power and had to be incorporated into the army.

This scale is really hard to control, it is truly "worry about advancing and worrying about retreating".

"The envoy of the Xuanwu Army is still in the city. How do you think I should respond?"

Li Guiren asked helplessly. Liu Longxian was his confidant, and the two had experienced hardships together, so he was reliable.

At least this person will not surrender to Li Baochen.

"General Li, actually, we don't have to hang ourselves on Li Baochen's tree."

Liu Longxian said cautiously.

"Oh?"

Li Guiren raised his eyebrows, as if he understood something.

"Li Baochen is under siege, we can just watch. If he is defeated, we can move to another place, or... find someone else to seek refuge with.

There is no need to go down with Li Baochen's ship."

Liu Longxian provided Li Guiren with a different idea.

If you can't win, you can run. If you can't escape, you can kneel. Anyway, it's better to live than to die. Living means infinite possibilities.

It is hard to say who will live a more comfortable life in the future.

"That makes sense. Then General, should I just deal with it first?"

Li Guiren seemed a little moved.

Today, the world is in pieces and people’s hearts are scattered.

Li Baochen is not his father, so is he going to risk his life for this guy?
Li Guiren felt that Liu Longxian's words made sense, because regardless of Fang Chongyong's attitude, Shi Siming's attitude was written in black and white in the letter.

"That's right." Liu Longxian nodded.

Now is a dangerous time of war, so caution is the first priority.

(End of this chapter)