The Great Han Dynasty: From Feng Lang Juxu to the Eternal Emperor

Chapter 148 Awkward monarch and ministers

On Chang'an Avenue, Weining stood outside the inn with his hands behind his back.

The inn opened yesterday, and Zhao Ce and others only did a little publicity, but the people were attracted by the low price, and today the shops were crowded with people.

This is a new business model that has almost changed the huge profit pattern of traditional business.

The profit per load of the station is extremely low and relies on volume accumulation.Collect goods from the people and transport them to various places in Guanzhong.

Only transportation fees are charged here, which are not high. For example, from Chang'an to Baling or Lantian, this is a short distance. Calculated based on the weight of the goods, if it is only light goods such as letters, the transportation fee is only three cents at most.

In short, the longer the distance and the heavier the cargo, the higher the fee.

Three to five dollars is not a high burden for ordinary people. Many businessmen can use the post station to transmit goods and letters when they are outside.

Only in the era of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty could a business model like an inn be developed.

Unlike the Ming Dynasty, during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, geographical restrictions were relaxed and people were not confined to fixed places, especially businessmen, who could move around the country based on their household registration.

Therefore, in the establishment of the inn, Weining's goal was very clear, to make money from businessmen.

As for ordinary people who need to send goods and letters to visit relatives and friends, it is naturally very convenient.

That's why after the inn was opened, so many customers who mailed letters and goods immediately flooded in front of the store.

Wei Ning looked at this bustling scene with his hands behind his back and breathed a long sigh of relief.

In fact, when Qin Ziyu planned this business model for him, he had no idea whether the Han people would accept it or not. Everything had to be tested by the market.

Simply, the results of the market test satisfied him, otherwise all the money he invested would have been in vain.

Whatever you do requires courage to move forward!
……

"what is that?"

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and Sang Hongyang couldn't help but be puzzled when they saw so many people gathering in front of the shop.

Sang Hongyang asked Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty to wait while he went to inquire.

When he came back, he found that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and Wei Ning were already standing together.

"Marquis Wei is here too."

Sang Hongyang smiled and said hello to Weining, who smiled back.

Then Sang Hongyang said to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty: "Your Majesty, I have found out."

"A new business has opened here, station transportation."

Sang Hongyang simply informed Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty of the station model.

After hearing this, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty nodded slightly and praised: "This merchant has some sense."

This is a new business model. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty couldn't help but admire it. As a ruler, he was keenly aware of the political significance behind this kind of business.

Because it can help the Han Empire solve a large part of the people's income.

In addition, it can also solve some of the refugee problems, which is beneficial to the empire.

However, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was still curious and said: "A load of business only costs three to five yuan. Ordinary people have to send some vegetables and meat when asking someone to bring news to a different place. It is not worth the money."

"I can't understand why they are doing this loss-making business?"

Wei Ning explained with a smile: "One load of business is not just about transporting one piece of goods."

"There will be no shortage of goods going to the same destination. Gather them and transport them to the destination together."

"After measuring it, there are still so many tools and manpower for transportation. Wouldn't it be profitable?"

After Wei Ning finished explaining, Sang Hongyang and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty were stunned at the same time and said, "That's right! Why didn't I think of that?"

Sang Hongyang smiled and said: "I have never thought about this."

"But it's still wrong." Sang Hongyang said doubtfully: "Goods can be light or heavy, and the distance can be far or near." "The Hakka exploited this loophole and used heavy goods for merchants to transport, wouldn't the merchants still lose money?"

Weining smiled again and said: "Mr. Sang, the transportation cost will not be fixed. There is a basic value. For weight and distance within this range, only the basic value will be charged."

"For weights and ranges that exceed the basic value, charges will be progressively increased based on the weight and range."

"If it's the same as a traditional store, you can pay as much as you want, then wouldn't it definitely be a loss?"

Sang Hongyang clapped his hands and exclaimed: "Smart! Awesome!"

"Your Majesty, this is a good deed."

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was silent for a moment and asked Sang Hongyang: "This business has never happened before. How to collect taxes?"

The commercial taxes in the Han Dynasty were extremely high, with five taxes and one tax reaching a high 20.00%.The handicraft industry is levied at half the rate, which means that handicrafts and other small businesses only charge [-]%.

But this is not enough. On this basis, if there are carriages and horses, an additional [-]% transportation tax is required.

Therefore, after calculation, the station transportation needs to be levied a heavy tax of 20.00%.

Of course, compared with the Qin Dynasty's semi-commercial tax, the Han Dynasty's commercial tax was pretty good.

When Sang Hongyang finished speaking to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty raised his eyebrows slightly.

Isn’t the country short of money?
Isn't the money here?
If this station is operated, a large amount of commercial tax revenue will be charged to the national treasury.

The two of them had planned quite well and didn't notice that Wei Ning's face turned dark.

"Your Majesty, I don't think it's appropriate." Wei Ning said hurriedly.

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Wei Ning suspiciously and said, "What's wrong?"

Wei Ning said: "This post has solved a large number of refugees for the Han Dynasty, and also allowed a large number of people to have extra income after being busy in farming."

"This policy that benefits the people should be encouraged by a tax cut, right?"

It was only because Weining had a good relationship with Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty that he said this.

Otherwise, you can charge it. I will give you as much tax as you want. I will pay you whatever tax you want.

When the post station industry matures and stabilizes, I will close it directly. By then, tens of thousands of people in the Han Dynasty will be dependent on the post station. If I close this business at that time, I will see how you deal with the complaints of these people.

Of course, Wei Ning didn't say these words anymore. Now that he could have a good discussion with Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, why did he need to say these unpleasant words?

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty looked at Wei Ning in confusion and said, "Why...not only do you know so much about the business of this post station, but you also speak for them like this?"

Weining didn't hide anything, bared his teeth and smiled and said, "Because it's my business."

"what?"

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and Sang Hongyang looked at Wei Ning in surprise at the same time, "What?"

Weining said calmly: "That's my business. Otherwise, why would I know it so well?"

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's face changed slightly, looking slightly embarrassed.

I have just been plotting with Sang Hongyang for a long time, and it turns out that the real owner is right next to me?
Sang Hongyang was also speechless. Didn't you say it was your business?

Wei Ning said sincerely: "Your Majesty, I think the taxes should be reduced. The taxes Master Sang said are too heavy."

Sang Hongyang retorted: "This is how it should be normally. The national tax policy should not change just because you are a prince."

Lao Sang was the financial officer of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. He adhered to principles and naturally thought about the interests of the country.

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty glanced at Sang Hongyang and said, "I think Lord Wei is right."

Sang Hongyang: I... you, Your Majesty, this...

He was at a loss at this moment, speechless and choked.

(End of this chapter)