"Food stamps have to be issued on a large scale!"
If the banknotes of the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties were credit currency, then food stamps were just exchange coupons at best.
Although it is just an exchange voucher and not a real currency, it is precisely because of this that the circulation value of food stamps has greatly increased.
Napoleon was finally defeated at Waterloo that year, and the long-term war against France also dragged down the British economy. The pound depreciated massively, so gold flowed rapidly to the European continent, resulting in a lack of gold in the UK.
That is, the price of gold in Europe is higher than the price in the UK, which leads to a flight of gold.
Under this circumstance, the banknote pound was officially born, which was equivalent to a bank roll and could be exchanged for gold at will with the banknote, thereby creating integrity.
The same goes for food stamps, which can be redeemed at any time, giving them great integrity in lending and payment.
What remains today, such as the Hong Kong dollar, still has the words "redeemable upon presentation". Many people spread rumors and say it is not currency.
If it becomes a real currency, one more thing must be added: allowing grain to be freely exchanged for food stamps.
But Zhu Yixi understands that this is unrealistic, and he does not want to issue food stamps on such a large scale in a short time.
Besides, food stamps are only a temporary solution. Is it as uncomfortable to issue pounds sterling?
Therefore, silver mining areas such as Japan and South America must be included.
The 300 shi of grain in Taicang is enough to issue 1,000 shi of food stamps.
After making up his mind to issue food stamps on a large scale, the emperor's edict reached the cabinet.
At this point, the cabinet immediately started a dispute: Taicang must not be allowed to become a tool for the emperor to make money.
Yes, although the three-member cabinet could not foresee the huge boost that food stamps would bring to the economy, they did understand that there were a lot of benefits hidden in food stamps.
Having been in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for many years and single-handedly creating the Department of Commercial Taxation, Yan Chongxin held his head high and said decisively:
"Although the food stamps are redeemable immediately, Beijing and Tianjin are far away from Tongzhou and other granaries. Furthermore, even if they are redeemed, all those people will not crowd in."
"With such a difference in distance, time, and number of people, Taicang's 300 kilograms of grain and twice the amount of grain stamps issued are more than enough."
"You mean, with only one million shi of grain, you can use three million shi of food stamps?"
Zhang Shenyan was shocked and his face moved.
For a Confucian official like him, such business methods are as terrifying as ghosts and gods.
"If His Majesty were to act recklessly and issue tens of millions or even twenty millions, Taicang would definitely not be able to exchange it. Not only would the court have broken its trust with the people, but good things like food stamps would also be wasted."
Speaking of this, Yan Chongxin looked nervous.
"I have enriched my internal funds and lost money to the court. Is this what you mean?"
Zhao Shu didn't shy away from it and blurted it out directly.
Yan Chongxin smiled: "I also think it's a pity. If the food stamps are in hand, the court will naturally be more comfortable in those disaster years. This is millions of living money."
"Yes, this is living money, something that can save lives in times of famine."
Zhao Shu sighed and looked thoughtful.
After a long time, he stamped his feet and hummed: "That's all, for the sake of the imperial court, why should I cherish my own life?"
After saying this, he walked out of the cabinet in a big way and asked directly to see the emperor.
Zhu Yixi was stunned at first, and then suddenly realized.
Maybe it was because the cabinet was worried about the grain storage in Taicang. Fortunately, I was prepared.
"Let Zhao Fu come in!"
Putting down the "Guanzi" in his hand, Zhu Yixi spoke.
Soon, Zhao Shu walked in politely.
From the 17th year of Chongzhen's reign when he was the head of the military and political affairs department, to the first assistant to the cabinet, Zhao Shu has been the leader of a hundred officials for more than five years. It can be said that he has worked hard and tried his best.
Although he is only fifty years old, he now has gray hair on his temples and many wrinkles, but he still has a relaxed and leisurely smile on his face, and his demeanor is still the same as before.
"I have met your Majesty!"
"Pingsheng!"
Zhu Yixi waved her hand. They were all old acquaintances, so she directly asked people to sit down.
"Zhao Qing is here for food stamps?"
"Your Majesty, Holy Ming!"
Zhao Shu smiled and said: "A few days ago, it was only a few hundred thousand dan. Now, your majesty wants to distribute the grain from Taicang. The cabinet is nervous and all the officials are puzzled. I can only come here to ask for your advice."
"Although these are old grains, the quantity is huge after all, so we still need to be cautious."
Zhu Yixi nodded and praised a lot before explaining.
When he learned from the emperor that three million stone grains were enough to leverage tens of millions of silver coins, Zhao Shu was shocked, but he quickly calmed down.
"Your Majesty, the price of food on the market varies. Although the price of food is a bit higher this year, it is only because of the relocation of the capital. When there is peace, I am afraid that the price of food per stone will drop to eight cents, or even five cents."
"That's right, if you can think of this level, it's pretty good."
Zhu Yixi admired from the bottom of his heart: "It's normal to have ups and downs."
As he spoke, he chuckled: "When food prices are high, food stamps are issued. When food prices are low, you can buy more food and recycle the food stamps at the market price."
"This time, there will naturally be a price difference, which is exactly what the court needs..."
Zhao Shu was completely shocked that such an operation was possible.
Not only can you make money by issuing food stamps, but you can also buy or sell them at lower prices and make a profit from the price difference. This is not bad, is it too profitable?
"alright!"
After saying that, the emperor said directly: "It is originally to solve the problem of money and food for the imperial court, so the food stamps should be hung under the cabinet!"
Taicang was originally under the Ministry of Revenue. It was not convenient for him as an emperor to get food stamps, so it was more appropriate to hang it in the cabinet.
Besides, with the customs in hand, he is not short of money, but the imperial finance has been fragile recently and needs some support.
The inner court and the outer court were originally one. If the imperial court fell, no matter how rich the emperor was, he would only be at the mercy of others.
Zhao Shu's mouth was full of words, but they were instantly blocked in his throat. After holding it for a while, he could only speak:
"There is no wiser person than Your Majesty!"
Obviously, he used the heart of a villain to judge the heart of a gentleman.
But we can't blame him. The stingy image during the Wanli period had such a profound impact that everyone wanted the emperor to hold on to money and never let go.
Zhu Yixi smiled and waved her hands, and the two chatted about some idle matters.
The three cabinet ministers learned about this operation and immediately issued another million shi of food stamps, impacting the market in one fell swoop.
In order to maintain the value of food stamps, the Ministry of Household Affairs directly announced in the Ming Dynasty Gazette that Tongzhou Cang, Tianjin Cang, and Yangzhou Cang could exchange grain with the tickets.
At this time, the food stamps completely rushed out of Shuntian Mansion and came to the south.
At this time, Zhu Jing, who had just finished her wedding, was reviewing the army with Lu Daqi, preparing to go to Jiubian to inspect the military town.
Obviously, although Lu Daqi wanted to join the cabinet, he still had a deep understanding of his own safety.
Stealing someone's money is like killing his parents. Those generals who have taken the courage of a leopard will definitely intercept and kill him.
When the time comes, you can accuse the Tatars of whatever crime you want, and you won't be able to find them in the wilderness.
In addition, the twenty-year-old Zhu Jing followed him, which made him feel even less confident. Only Jingying could give him confidence.