Chapter 483 It's not time to pierce that layer of window paper
Chapter 483
The earliest transaction tax appeared in the Western Zhou Dynasty. According to the "Book of Rites of Zhou" records, the state began to collect commercial taxes from the Duke of Zhou's period. It only levied transaction taxes and did not involve tariffs in the circulation process.
The earliest record of customs duties was recorded in the Song Dynasty in the early Spring and Autumn Period. Duke Wu of the Song Dynasty once rewarded the Nai (nai, four tones) squad for meritorious service in battle: "The Duke of Song rewarded the Nai squad with his gates and sent them to eat."
Gate means gate. Song Wu Gong rewarded Yi Ban with the tax for each gate, which shows that the Song Dynasty had already collected tariffs very early.
There are few records of ancient commercial taxes and the data are sporadic, but the tariff rate should not be high, about 2%. When Duke Huan of Qi gathered the princes for the third time, Guan Zhong asked all countries to reduce the tariff to 1%.
Since this proposal was beneficial to Qi State, which exported a lot of industrial and commercial products, it was naturally not recognized by other vassal states and was not implemented.
From then on, commercial tax has always been an important source of tax revenue for the court. Until the beginning of the Sui Dynasty, the court opened its gates in order to restore people's livelihood and economy.
There was no salt and iron monopoly, no wine tax, no tea tax, and no commercial tax. Naturally, many wealthy merchants were born who specialized in business.
"Since the founding of the Sui Dynasty, the late emperor has been worried about the war and poverty in the world, so he specially issued an edict that no salt and iron monopoly is allowed, no wine tax is levied, and the tea tax is a commercial tax."
"Now that I have ascended the throne, I have never thought of imposing any taxes. It has been more than thirty years..."
At this moment, as Yang Qian's chief steward, Fang Qiao knew this aspect very well and analyzed the reasons why the late emperor did not impose commercial taxes.
"If you, the prefect, really want to extend your hand to those wealthy merchants and gentry in the south of the Yangtze River, I think it will be quite difficult, and I will be vulnerable to attacks by officials who are related to countless merchants."
Hearing that Fang Qiao rejected his proposal in person, Changsun Wuji's face turned dark, but when he opened his mouth, he couldn't find a point to refute.
Because this guy is really right. The important thing is that if there is a strong backlash, it is likely to affect Yang Qian's career.
"What Brother Xuanling said is true. The lower officials are also worried about this. After all, if it is not a war, and if you, the governor, extend your hands to other counties, you will indeed be criticized."
"After all, it was Yang who didn't think carefully." Yang Qian nodded with deep understanding, and did not blame Changsun Wuji because it was Changsun Wuji who made the suggestion.
Changsun Wuji was also giving advice for him, but he was just playing dirty tricks and didn't think everything through.
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"However, if we reach out to other counties, we will be worried about being impeached, but if it is only Jiangdu County, there will be no problem."
Fang Qiao's next words made Yang Qian slightly stunned.
"The prefect is in charge of the military and administration of a county. Today, the world is in chaos, and ordinary people have to pay taxes. Why can wealthy businessmen and wealthy merchants continue to be at ease and at ease?"
"But how much can there be in a single county in Jiangdu?" Changsun Wuji couldn't help but frowned.
"That's because my wise brother Wuji didn't know how wealthy Jiangdu is now. In one county of Jiangdu, there are 530,000 households, accounting for 30% of the total population of the ten counties in the south of the Yangtze River."
"This does not include the refugees who are still migrating to our Jiangdu."
It has a large population, and its industry and commerce are also very developed. Jiangdu has always been valued by Yang Guang and has been expanded several times.
Today, there are nearly 300,000 civilians in Jiangyang City alone. Although it is not as good as Chang'an and the eastern capital Luoyang.
But it has also become one of the most populous cities in the Sui Dynasty.
With densely populated towns, industry and commerce will inevitably become prosperous.
In addition, Jiangdu can be regarded as the starting point of this canal water transportation. Many merchants want to circulate goods all over the world, and they need to use this canal that runs through the east, west, north, and south of the Sui Dynasty.
Therefore, Jiangyang City has long become a place where wealthy businessmen and businessmen from the Jiangnan area gather.
Moreover, Fang Qiao's intention coincided with Changsun Wuji's, that is, to seek alms from these wealthy businessmen instead of collecting taxes.
The other party can't find any reason to impeach Yang Qian. The important thing is that Yang Qian, the governor of Jiangdu, only made an initiative and did not force you to pay.
After listening for a long time, Yang Qian glanced at the three capable ministers and officials. Du Ruhui approved Fang Qiao's strategy. Changsun Wuji also felt that this way, a lot of risks were indeed saved and it was worth a try.
"Since you all think this strategy is feasible, then let's do it. But since you came up with this matter, how about I leave it to you to handle it?"
"That's how it should be. Those in higher positions have to work hard, and we, those in lower positions, should work hard." Du Ruhui saluted Yang Qian, meaningfully.
Yang Qian could only helplessly shake his head when he saw the different yet similar smiles of these guys.
Such emotions are now spreading underneath, but Yang Qian can't say it. In other words, it's not time to pierce the window paper yet.
Changsun Wuji and Fang Du began to discuss various details in detail with bright eyes, striving for perfection.
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In the afternoon of that day, rumors spread that Yang Qian, the governor of Jiangdu County, was worried about the cost of building dragon boats for the Emperor of the Sui Dynasty.
It was a headache. Many officials had already given advice and suggestions to Governor Yang, believing that the apportionment should be forcibly distributed so that the merchants who had lived here for generations or were visiting here could pay for it.
As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused a sensation in the merchant circle of Jiangyang City. All the merchants were frightened and were at a loss.
The next day, news came out that the prefect Yang Qian did not agree and vetoed such a proposal.
As soon as the news came out, a group of merchants breathed a sigh of relief, but they also secretly beat their drums in their hearts. Two days later, another news came, saying that someone else had suggested that war was now raging in other parts of the Sui Dynasty.
When the country is in trouble and taxes are insufficient, Governor Yang should report to the emperor and ask the emperor to collect various commercial taxes according to the examples of past dynasties.
If it may be difficult to collect from those war-torn areas, it would be better to use the twelve counties in the south of the Yangtze River as a pilot project and collect it for three to five years. If it is feasible, then promote it to the whole country.
In an instant, the hearts of all the merchants were raised again. Damn it! What on earth do they want to do?
The foundation of Yang Qian, the governor of Jiangdu County, has been known to many people since the first time he came to Jiangdu County. I am afraid that many interested people have already known about this well-known man around His Majesty, who is knowledgeable, intelligent, and has outstanding military skills.
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Since Yang Qian took charge of Jiangdu County, it can be said that not only Jiangdu County has prospered, but also the counties south of the Yangtze River have benefited greatly.
Naturally, he recognized the abilities of Governor Yang more and more, and also understood that although this Governor was young, he was definitely a man with great hands and eyes.
At the end of last year, Yang Qian led the Jiangdu army and traveled across thousands of mountains and rivers to rescue the emperor, with father and son taking the lead.
(The following number of words is free) Thanks to book friend Maple Leaf (Ding Ding) for the tip. Sorry, I was so tired that I went to bed last night. Only now did I remember that I haven’t updated it yet. I’m really sorry.