The streets are back to bustling. After the chaos of the past few days, the city of Nanjing quickly returned to normal order. Many vendors came out to sell goods again, and the people who had been staying at home for many days also wandered along the streets. It seemed that things were back to normal again.
It has become prosperous in the past, but if we look closely, we find that many shops are not open.
I saw a wooden sign hanging at the door saying that the store was temporarily closed, and I didn't know why.
Pedestrians passing by saw these closed shops and made some comments.
"I heard that many shops have not been opened, just to resist the imperial government's policy."
"That's not true, they make a lot of money, so why should they close their doors just because of this?"
"You don't know this, but a relative of mine is a businessman. She told us that they are now united. All the businessmen have united to close their shops. In this way, the court will inevitably be in trouble and finally compromise.
They can continue to open stores. But if they compromise, how much more taxes will the court impose in the future?"
After listening to the explanation, the pedestrians nodded their heads.
But after all, the imperial court has canceled many taxes for those who farmed the fields, and only added these free taxes to the merchants. Moreover, these merchants usually earn a lot, so it seems that a little more is not an exaggeration.
"But, I heard from people in the government office that your Majesty plans to clean up these shops this time, so you have to be careful."
However, the man didn't seem to be afraid, and immediately laughed wildly and said: "How many times have I said this, and how often have I not compromised? Don't worry, the court will definitely reduce the tax when the time comes!"
At this time, in a huge and luxurious mansion, a group of businessmen gathered together. There was fine wine on the table, and the maids were waiting beside them, enjoying themselves.
The person at the top raised the wine glass in his hand and said loudly to the others: "Everyone, this time the court wants to increase our taxes, but there is no way! It raises our taxes, but lowers those of the farmers. Why? Everyone.
It’s making money, so how can they lower taxes? If they want to collect taxes from us, I will be the first to say no!”
As soon as these words came out, everyone present immediately echoed.
"Yes, since the time of Taizu, our tax has been thirty to one tax. This was set by Emperor Taizu. He is an unknown generation, and wants to modify the ancestral system? Absolutely not!"
"The war has been going on for I don't know how many years, and our business life is not easy. Why should we improve? We have to feed so many people, how can we have the money to pay taxes?"
…
Seeing that everyone below agreed with his idea, the businessman named Wang Hu who was sitting on top said proudly: "As long as we unite and never open stores, the people will not be able to buy anything and starve to death. Then the court will
We will come forward, but it is our right to open a store or not, and the court has no control over it. I believe that within ten days, the court will definitely send someone to negotiate with us."
"Yes, we here control almost all the shops in Yingtian Mansion. If we don't open the door, the people can't buy anything. Let's see how long the court can last! Hahaha!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone in the room burst into laughter, everyone was happy for what they thought was a smart move. However, one person got up and walked out quietly while they were not paying attention.
Seeing that no one was following him, he left the mansion, got on the carriage, and quickly came to a place. He saw the carriage stopped at the door of an inconspicuous mansion, and he walked in alone.
After entering, I was led into the lobby, walked through the courtyard, and came to the lobby. I saw a person sitting in the lobby, resting with his eyes closed.
When Wang Bao saw this person, he immediately looked respectful and knelt down directly: "Young man Wang Bao, deputy head of Wanfu Hall, please see the Governor."
The person above was Feng Kaizhang, the Governor of Water Transport. Hearing the voice of the visitor, he slowly opened his eyes. He glanced at Wang Bao who was kneeling in the hall, and did not rush to wake him up. He just asked softly:
"No one is following you."
"Back to the Governor, I took many detours when I came here, but no one followed me."
"Um."
With another understatement, Feng Kaizhang stood up and walked slowly to Wang Bao.
Seeing the Lord stand up, Wang Bao hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to do anything that went beyond the rules. A few days ago, the newly appointed governor of water transportation found him through people, and when they met, he told him straight to the point that he could help him become the leader.
The master of Wanfu Hall. At first, he thought it was someone who was talking arrogantly, but later he found out that this person was actually a third-rank official of the imperial court, the Governor of Water Transport.
That night, he replied a letter, expressing his willingness to cooperate with all the arrangements of the Governor. After all, he was in his forties and still a second-in-command. If this second-in-command had power, he would not be like this.
However, his brother's child has grown up, and Wanfutang will probably be his in the future.
But his own children could not get anything. There was even a conflict between the children once, which was a trivial matter. But what his brother said at that time made his idea of becoming the leader of the hall instantly strengthen.
"When I become the leader of the hall, I will ask you to be my successor!"
Why should my child be your child's heir? Even if it seems to outsiders to be an angry remark between two children, it is a bit harsh to Wang Bao's ears.
Since you are unkind, don't blame me for being unrighteous!
"Is Wang Hu gathering with those businessmen today? Let's hear what they are talking about."
After hearing the Lord's inquiry, Wang Bao simply didn't hide anything. He said immediately: "Back to Lord, they said that as long as all the businessmen unite and resist the imperial policy, the imperial court will definitely be unable to withstand it.
Pressure and then compromise. Even if you suffer a little loss during this period, it won't be a big deal."
Hearing this, Feng Kaizhang felt that this group of businessmen was really interesting. They united to resist the imperial policy. At the very least, it was dissatisfaction with the national policy, and at the most serious level, it was a joint rebellion! Moreover, this group of people really had no idea about such an important matter.
He even gathered a crowd to talk loudly, how stupid!
"What do you think?"
"Sir, the common people have always abided by the national policies of the imperial court. The common people also want to serve the country. I am very disgusted with this group of people who have united to resist the national policies of the imperial court. I am willing to follow your lord to fight against these unscrupulous businessmen!"
"You have to know that you are following the imperial court and His Majesty, not me alone. Don't say such things in the future, otherwise it will be bad if others hear you. Do you understand?"