Chapter 28: Prices are soaring!
When the decree was issued, merchants and farmers alike cheered and praised the prince for his wisdom.
Hu Zhenghe knew that Xiao Yan's policies were unstoppable, so he did not refute them in the court.
But he was very clear that if this decree was implemented, Xiao Yan would definitely win the hearts of the people.
Even if I really rebel at that time, I am afraid that the people of the world will not support me.
Hu Mansion.
Guo Youzhi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, was a core member of Hu Zhenghe's faction and was summoned by Hu Zhenghe.
"Sir, I wonder why you called me here?"
Hu Zhenghe's eyes were gloomy. He was the one who plotted to murder Wan Tongfu in the court today, but he didn't expect Xiao Yan to just make light of it.
They even changed the topic and issued a new decree, which made Hu Zhenghe very unwilling.
"I didn't accomplish Wan Tongfu's mission today, but I will never give up. You are more proficient in punishment than I am. Find a way to do it again. This time, I must make sure Wan Tongfu is doomed."
Guo Youzhi didn't expect that he was called here just for this matter, and he immediately had a plan in his mind.
"Sir, this matter is actually very simple. Think about it, Wan Tongfu's purpose this time is to build water conservancy projects, but in fact it is for disaster relief."
"In the past, disaster relief was provided by the imperial court directly with money and food, but now we have to work hard to get food. We just need to incite the victims."
"The people are ignorant. How many of them can see the long-term benefits of building water conservancy projects? They just want to make a living."
"As long as there is a civil uprising, what do you think of Wan Tongfu...?"
Hu Zhenghe was very satisfied when he heard this. This plan really spoke to what he had in mind.
"Good, very good. If this plan is really implemented successfully, he will be charged with failing to provide disaster relief and inciting civil unrest, and he will be doomed forever."
Upon hearing this, Guo Youzhi quickly flattered him: "Your Excellency is wise!"
With this plan, Hu Zhenghe was in a good mood and immediately praised Guo Youzhi.
"You have done a good job. Many positions in the court are now vacant. Do you have any scholars in your family?"
Guo Youzhi's eyes turned, this was a good opportunity, he could also train his own people.
"Your Excellency, my son is already old enough to dance with an elephant, and he has been causing trouble all the time, giving me a headache."
What he meant was that he wanted his son to serve as an official in the court.
Hu Zhenghe nodded slightly when he heard this.
"Yes, he is a young man. It would be a good idea to send him to the court to gain experience. I will see what position is suitable for him and he will take up the position when the time comes!"
Hu Zhenghe knew that Xiao Yan would take drastic measures as regent, so he always kept a low profile, but that didn't mean he was cowardly .
Having power over the government is no joke. It is no problem to assign a position to someone randomly since the Ministry of Personnel is under his control.
The Great Zhou implemented a recommendation system, and anyone who was recommended could serve as an official in the court as long as they did not have major problems, so many important official positions were controlled by Hu Zhenghe.
"Thank you very much, sir, for your help!"
Hu Zhenghe waved his hand and said, "It's just a small matter, not worth mentioning. Go ahead and remember to get the job done."
"I understand. I'll take my leave!"
After Guo Youzhi left, the guard came in to report.
"Sir, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Lord Wang, wants to see you!"
Wang Zhitong is Hu Zhenghe's confidant and also holds the position of Vice Minister in the Ministry of Revenue. He was also called by Hu Zhenghe this time.
"Let him in!"
"Your humble servant greets you, sir."
Hu Zhenghe pointed to the chair and said, "Sit down. There is something you need to do!"
Wang Zhi heard that he had something important to do, so he dared not sit and listen: "My lord, please give me your orders!"
Hu Zhenghe was very satisfied with Wang Zhi's attitude. He only felt at ease working for obedient people.
"Just sit down and listen. With the announcement of this new policy, many businessmen have begun to implement it. What do you think of this?"
As the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he is naturally in charge of all merchants in the world, so this matter is really the right person to ask.
"Sir, this is a good thing for the prince or the people. Merchants value profit, so this policy is naturally very good."
"But if this is true, then the prince's foundation will be truly solid. After all, he who wins the hearts of the people wins the world!"
"So I think it's better not to implement this decree!"
Hu Zhenghe laughed when he heard this: "This is also the reason why I came to you. Do you have a way to crack it?"
Wang Zhi smiled slightly: "Sir, have you forgotten what I am in charge of? That is the merchants of the world. I dare not say anything else, but who among these merchants in Beijing dares not to give face?"
"If they dare to implement the new policy thoroughly, then it will be against you, sir. If you are not happy, then I will be uncomfortable."
"So... they dare not act rashly!"
Hu Zhenghe shook his head when he heard this, and Wang Zhi looked puzzled.
"My Lord, do you have anything else?"
Hu Zhenghe put his hands behind his back and paced, saying, "It's not enough to just not implement it. We have to oppose it. Only when his policies cannot be implemented can we benefit."
"If the tax rate for merchants is high, we can reduce it, and we will get more. But if the tax rate is low, although the tax is not small, most of it will not go into our pockets."
“So this policy can only be implemented if it cannot be implemented!”
Wang Zhi's eyes turned and he immediately came up with a new idea.
"Sir, all the big merchants in the capital will give me a favor. I will let them raise the prices, and the tax rate is still 10%."
"This way, not only will the merchants earn more money, but we will also not lose money. "
I don’t know whether the strategy Hu Zhenghe has in mind will work, but driving up prices is also a way to fight against the new policy. After all, the new policy is aimed at lowering prices and promoting the circulation of money and goods.
"Okay, let's do it. There will be a big reward after the task is completed!"
Wang Zhi quickly said flatteringly: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best!"
Their plan was successful, but it was the people of the entire city who paid the price.
Soon the three major merchants received orders from Wang Zhi, requiring them to raise prices, otherwise he would target them to death.
The county magistrate is not as good as the current one. Although everyone knows the benefits of the new policy, Wang Zhi is the confidant of the Prime Minister.
Wang Zhi said that if he didn't do it, he would be disrespecting the Prime Minister.
Of course, some companies are just doing face-saving work, and the price has indeed increased, but not much.
This can also be considered as leaving a way out for yourself.
The three companies took the lead in raising prices, and all other businesses followed suit. Originally they had to pay heavy taxes, but now they don’t have to pay any heavy taxes, and all the profits are theirs.
Suddenly, prices in the capital city went out of control and soared.
Especially the price of food, which rose to a huge level, and the people in the capital immediately complained.
Of course, how could this matter be hidden from the Jinyiwei? This news also reached Xiao Yan's ears.
Xiao Yan was furious when he found out that the object was in chaos.
"How dare you! If you dare to misinterpret the original intention of the new policy like this, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
