Technology dominates the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 171 [Department of Commerce, start business reform]

Regarding this, Lu Bu thought about it for a while, and after sorting out his thoughts, he explained: "The reason why we want to set up a separate taxation department is to try to change the Han Dynasty and the previous situation where land tax was the main tax."

"In addition to the existing taxation and other taxes, I plan to establish a commercial tax, and classify and collect different taxes on sales transactions, so as to gradually change the situation where land tax is the main source of taxation."

Chen Gong was surprised, "My lord, do you want to put more emphasis on business than agriculture? My lord, think twice, agriculture is the root, and it has never changed since ancient times. Only when there is enough food, can we feed more people. Merchants are just a group of profit-seeking people. It’s just a person, don’t put the cart before the horse.”

Chen Gong was frightened by Lu Bu's thoughts, so he quickly persuaded him.Agriculture is the foundation, and we cannot put the cart before the horse.

In Chen Gong's view, this kind of thinking is very dangerous.

Unexpectedly, Chen Gong would have such a big reaction, Lu Bu smiled wryly, Chen Gong misunderstood his intention.

Agriculture is the foundation. Only when there is food can we have enough to eat, and only when we have enough to eat will there be no rebellion.Therefore, agriculture is the foundation, and it will never change. Lu Bu still understands this truth.

He only wanted to encourage the development of commerce, and did not mean to belittle agriculture.At the same time, we also want to reduce land taxes and improve the tax structure.Commercial tax is the main source of tax revenue, and all tax revenue cannot be put on the fields, so it is difficult to have enough money to consolidate the land and strengthen the army.

"Gongtai, don't get excited. Listen to me slowly. Agriculture is the root, but it has never changed since ancient times. I understand." Lu Bu was a little helpless, and said patiently.

"I'm sorry, my lord, please continue. Chen Gong listen carefully."

Lu Bu knew the principle of farming as the foundation, which reassured Chen Gong a lot. It was true that he was a little reckless before, and he should draw conclusions after listening.

It can't be blamed on Chen Gong's excitement and impoliteness. Lu Bu is the lord. If he puts more emphasis on commerce than agriculture, it must be a major event that will affect the future. If he can't handle the situation he has so hard to get now, it will be in vain.

After a pause, Lu Bu said: "Gongtai understands, and I understand, agriculture is the foundation. If there is no food, if you don't have enough to eat, if you are uneasy, there will be rebellions."

"I don't mean to focus on agriculture and business. Instead, I will increase my support for agriculture. I used to promote sweet potato planting, encourage land reclamation, and make Quyuan plows. I also set up an agriculture department early, and I am making wind valley carts and water mills. Cars, boats, boat mills, etc. are all based on agriculture, so more investment is required.”

"Next, after the war is over, I plan to organize soldiers to build ditches to prepare for rice planting in the coming spring."

"After doing so much, do you still think that I will focus on agriculture and business?"

Chen Gong bowed his hands and saluted, and said in shame: "Chen Gong is ashamed, he misunderstood the Lord's intention."

"It's good for the company to understand. In fact, the taxation department and the commercial department were set up because I saw the potential of business. Agriculture is the foundation, and business is an important pillar of financial resources."

"The circulation and transactions of various items are inseparable from merchants. Although they are profit-seeking, it is undeniable that without them, how can there be prosperity."

"Moreover, encouraging the development of commerce can also better promote the development of agriculture. Just imagine, if items can be circulated and exchanged in a timely manner, and can provide reasonable value, food, livestock, etc. can also be traded quickly, thereby increasing farmers' income. .”

After speaking, Lu Bu looked at Chen Gong and found that he was listening and thinking, so he continued:

"More importantly, I want to change the source of taxation. I can't put all the taxation on the fields. If there is a big natural disaster year, there will be no tax to collect, but money and food relief will be provided, which will make the finances insecure. .”

"Such things happened a lot in the Han Dynasty. History has already shown that a single tax is unreasonable. It's just that no one dares to raise the status of merchants and collect merchant taxes."

Speaking of this, Lu Bu stopped, looked at Chen Gong, and said sincerely: "Gongtai, if we want to create a different era, we need to try boldly. Although I have confidence, I also need your help."

"It's because Chen Gong was stupid and failed to understand the painstaking efforts of the lord in time. As long as the lord recognizes it, Chen Gong is willing to follow the lord, even if it means risking the world's displeasure, he will never regret it." Chen Gong cupped his hands and bowed solemnly, with an extremely attitude. sincere.

"Haha." Lu Bu was delighted to have a confidant, took Chen Gong's hand, and said kindly, "Trust me, I won't let you down."

The two did it again and sat next to each other.Chen Gong was very moved to receive such kind treatment from Lu Bu.

"My lord, can you tell me about the specific affairs of the Commercial Department, so that I can better handle the affairs of the Commercial Department in the future." Chen Gong asked, wanting to know more about how the Commercial Department operates.

Lu Bu attaches so much importance to the development of business, he does not dare to neglect. Only by understanding Lu Bu's intentions can he handle things better.

This is also what Lu Bu was about to say. He said: "The Department of Commerce is mainly responsible for the following: first, to establish the situation for merchants to do business, for example: conduct business in the form of workshops, workshops, shops, stalls, etc."

"What the Department of Commerce needs to do is to register these workshops, workshops, shops, and stalls, and register the information of their owners, as well as the addresses of the workshops, title deeds, area, what is the main business, etc."

"Then, verify the information, and issue business documents if the conditions are met. Merchants can only operate the first-closed affairs after obtaining the business documents issued by the Department of Commerce, otherwise they cannot engage in business activities."

"This is one of the main functions of the Department of Commerce: it is responsible for registration, verification and issuance of business license documents; the second function is to formulate the first customs regulations and supervise and manage the commercial behavior of all merchants."

"The third function is to formulate corresponding taxes in a timely manner, and then start to collect commercial taxes one by one on a trial basis. My idea is that when goods are traded, a certain tax needs to be paid. How to formulate the tax items will be determined according to the actual situation in the future. Decide."

Chen Gong heard half-knowledge, worried in his heart, and asked: "Master, this will definitely harm the interests of merchants, and they may not obey. If they boycott together, it will be troublesome."

Lu Bu was not too worried. He said: "This is beneficial to most merchants, and it can subtly improve the status of merchants. Some people will resist, but I think more people will obey."

"As long as we have a good grasp of the strength of taxation, give him more support. Let them benefit and improve their status at the same time. Unless they have no vision, they will not refuse."

"What's more, we have the final say in Jiaozhou!"

(End of this chapter)