What was the status of merchants during the Taizu period? Zhu Youtang thought for a moment, then turned to look at his son and said, "What exactly do you want to say?"

During the Zhu Yuanzhang period, let alone the status of merchants, the status of scholars was not high enough. They would kill whenever they wanted. Whether it was Zhu Yuanzhang or Zhu Di, killing people was like killing chickens. It was very Han Dynasty style, but since Taizong and Taizu

, there was no such a powerful emperor in the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Houzhao said with a smile: "Why was the status of merchants so low during Taizu's reign? Scholars at that time did not seem to be as arrogant as they are today, right?"

After listening to Zhu Houzhao's words, Zhu Youtang nodded. This is indeed the case. In the past, everyone thought it was because Emperor Taizu was famous and prestigious throughout the world. But now it seems that it is not all like that!

"We royal people can't understand it, but the people below can see it very clearly." Zhu Houzhao sighed and said: "This is because of the integration of scholars and businessmen, not only the integration of relationships, but also the ambiguity of their own positioning. Some

People are not only businessmen, but also scholars. In the past, scholars had status, after all, they were farmers, farmers, and merchants, but they had no money! No matter in this world now or in the past, nothing can be done without money, whether it is for individuals or for the country, we

Isn’t it okay if the court has no money?”

"Businessmen have money, but no status!" Zhu Houzhao spread his hands and continued: "The sons of businessmen are not even allowed to take the imperial examination. They have to wear linen clothes when going out, let alone silk and satin."

"One has status but no money, and the other has money but no status. The rich one wants status, and the status one wants money. Naturally, they hit it off. The status one wants to be rich, so he starts doing business, and the rich one wants status.

So the imperial examination began, and both parties tried their best to blur the status between merchants and scholars. There was even the title of Confucian businessman. Don't you think it's ridiculous? In the eyes of Confucians, Confucianism is such a noble word, how could they be willing to give it such a noble title?

Used by humble businessmen who are stinking of copper? But they are willing to give it up, why? Because they themselves are the same."

"The fusion of scholars and merchants has resulted in them forming a unique group. They are neither mere scholars nor mere merchants. They are very powerful and difficult to deal with."

"Father, do you know what I am most angry about? What I am most angry about is not that they did this, because it is human nature. What I am most angry about is that they did this, and they still shouted "Scholars, farmers, industry and commerce, make money"

When he was young, he was a businessman, and when he was ordinary, he was a scholar. He really didn't suffer at all, but what about the farmers and workers? They faced the loess and had their backs turned to the sky. They didn't have enough to eat, didn't wear warm clothes, and couldn't afford to study. But the businessmen could afford to study and eat.

Be well and dress warmly."

"Farmers have little income and heavy taxes, but what about them? They are all full of fat and think about how to suck blood from the imperial court all day long. They are almost turning into moths."

Zhu Youtang finally figured it out. His son had long disliked this group. He stepped down from the dragon chair and walked around Zhu Houzhao. Then Zhu Youtang said, "Then what do you want to do?"

"Simple!" Zhu Houzhao said with a smile: "Don't they make themselves vague? Then let's keep it vague. We hope that when they are businessmen, they are businessmen, and when they are scholars, they are scholars.

.Isn’t the salt field controlled by them? Then let’s give him a clean slate. In the final analysis, salt field is a qualification, but salt field is messy and there are many salt merchants, which makes it difficult to manage.”

"The imperial court can determine the number of salt merchants. For example, the Jianghuai Salt Farm appoints ten salt merchants, and the imperial court issues qualifications. Only those who have obtained the imperial qualifications can be salt merchants and sell salt. Otherwise, they will be punished as smuggling salt."

In the Ming Dynasty, selling smuggled salt was a serious crime. If this crime was serious, it would be beheaded. Zhu Houzhao's move could be said to be a real blow to the bottom of the pot.

"A special yamen was set up to manage the salt field, completely separating the salt field from the local area. All salt field officials were appointed by the central government. At the same time, chamberlains from the palace were sent to the salt field to serve as guard eunuchs and watch over these people. As for the choice of salt merchants, then

It would be easier to handle. Don’t our relatives always cry about poverty? Let them find someone. They should have someone to help them? Just let them do it. Of course, this qualification must cost money, and it will not work if you pay less.

."

"Just keep the salt class as before. That's basically how it is done. I estimate that the salt class can be increased a lot. With the money to buy the qualifications, I guess there will be a lot of money in the treasury."

Zhu Youtang looked at his son, and he didn't know what he felt in his heart. How could his originally happy little son become so sinister and vicious? As an emperor, Zhu Youtang knew that this was a good thing, but in his heart

Feeling uncomfortable.

Regarding the qualifications, Zhu Youtang certainly knows the meaning of doing this. To put it bluntly, it means whoever I say can do it, instead of the businessmen holding the salt, bribing them with money, and collecting the salt themselves.

The power over the salt farm has been taken away. For example, the Ye family, can't you be capable in your local area? You are not qualified, and I won't let you do it. What can you do? I'll make you stare in anger.

Let Xun Qi do it, Zhu Youtang also knew that Zhu Houzhao was not seeking any benefits for Xun Qi at all, he was just asking Xun Qi to jump in.

Of course, this is profitable, right? It must be profitable. Salt merchants are the most profitable in the Ming Dynasty. However, Xun Qi used to cooperate with salt merchants. They have no chance to end up. Those salt merchants cannot let Xun Qi

You are dismissed, how can we still play? Now it is different. There is a quota limit. Who should be dismissed and who should not be dismissed? What you say does not count, what the emperor says does. Then the advantages of kinship will be highlighted.

Already.

In addition, Xun Qi has roped in a group of close salt merchants, and the remaining salt merchants can't make trouble even if they want to. Besides, if there is no emperor here, this biased referee will definitely blow all kinds of dirty whistles.

Those people can only think of ways to make things difficult for them. The emperor is beyond his reach. But don’t forget, who are these nobles and relatives? How can they tolerate your problem? The emperor has no time to talk to them.

Dude, these nobles and relatives have time to block my way of making money, grandma!

"By the way, this quota cannot be permanent. Yi'erchen thinks that a ten-year period is good." Zhu Houzhao said with calculation: "Let them make a fortune for a few years first, and then they can continue to pay for the quota in a few years.

If grain is delivered to the border, salt lessons can be waived. The grain sent will be offset by salt money. Those who deliver grain can receive the salt first. That is a bit far. By then, merchants will be walking around, the borders will be lush, and trading villages will be established.

."
Chapter completed!