Zhenguan Xiaoxian Wang Li Shen Li Shimin

Li Shen was very familiar with this kind of thing, so he could just arrange two names at random.

Merchants are of low status and have always been looked down upon by the world. If there is a chance to improve their reputation, those merchants will definitely seize it.

As for people, when they reach a certain level, their desires will naturally change.

People think about three meals a day, food, clothing, housing and transportation, but after reaching this level, their ideas have changed.

As the saying goes, when you are well fed and well clothed, you will think about sex. When you have no money, you think about making money to buy a house and a car. When you have a car and a house, you think about getting married and having children.

"Well, what Old Ten said is a very good idea. Merchants are also the people of the Tang Dynasty. You are the crown prince, so you can't be viewed by others.

There is no difference between your people as scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans; the key is who can be used by you.

If everyone is united, why should we worry that our Li Tang dynasty won't last forever? "

Li Shimin agreed with Li Shen's statement. No matter whether you are a businessman or a scholar-official, as long as you can contribute to the country, it's fine.

This kind of spontaneous disaster relief by merchants is quite remarkable, especially such a large-scale spontaneous action.

Li Shen's move is mainly to guide and allow more merchants to join in.

"Thank you for your teachings, Father." Li Chengqian bowed immediately.

"Brother, this is not your fault. It's all because you were corrupted by those great Confucian scholars since you were young. Confucianism is too strong, which has led to you being too kind."

Li Shen shook his head and sighed. Li Chengqian was too soft-hearted, not as cruel as their father.

"Why do you say that, Tenth Brother?" Li Chengqian asked immediately. He didn't think there was anything wrong with him.

Li Shen first glanced at Li Shimin, and then said:

"Brother, since you were young, you have been taught how to be a benevolent emperor, diligent in government and loving the people.

But I have said it before, those great scholars are just talking about it on paper. They have never been emperors, so how can they teach you how to be an emperor?

What they teach is in accordance with their own ideas and in line with what they think the emperor should be like."

"Tenth brother, isn't it right to be diligent in government and love the people? I understand what you mean. I have also been learning from Aye over the years."

Li Chengqian asked back.

Li Shen replied calmly:

"But your thinking is already deeply ingrained. There's nothing wrong with being diligent and caring for the people, but being overly kind will make people think you're weak.

"Brother, you are also well-versed in history books. Do you remember Li Si?"

"Of course I remember." Li Chengqian nodded.

Li Shen continued:

Li Si proposed governing the country by law, strengthening imperial power and supervising the subjects. At the same time, he also agreed with certain Confucian concepts, advocating the coexistence of Confucianism and Legalism, with the law as the primary approach and the complementarity of law and Confucianism.

But Confucianism is different; they are self-centered and advocate benevolent governance, hoping that the emperor will be merciful."

"Then which one do you think is right?" Li Shimin asked at this time.

Li Shen answered without thinking:

"Replying to Father, I personally think that Li Si's ideas are correct. Our great Tang Dynasty cannot last forever just by relying on benevolent policies.

The law must be the basis for restraining the subjects, and the law must be strictly enforced.

The so-called kindness of those scholars and officials was actually paving the way for themselves in advance, hoping that the emperor would forgive them when they made mistakes.

But when have they ever been tolerant of the people below them?"

"Well, that's true, but not all officials are like that. The majority of officials in the Tang Dynasty benefit the people, and the rest are just mediocre."

Li Shimin understood what Li Shen meant. He looked at Li Chengqian:

"However, Gao Ming, what Old Ten said does make some sense. A ruler cannot simply implement benevolent policies. They will think you are weak and incompetent, and some may even declare themselves kings and commit treason.

You must use both kindness and severity to make them fear you."

"Yes, I will remember your teachings." Li Chengqian saluted, but smiled bitterly in his heart. It was not that easy.

He understood the principle of using both kindness and severity to make people fear him, but it was not so easy to do.

If it were really that simple, he would have surpassed his father long ago.

Li Shen saw Li Chengqian's expression and knew that this matter could not be rushed. Li Chengqian was deeply affected, and it would take time for him to change.

It can only be changed slowly. Thinking of this, Li Shen sighed:

"Alas, big brother, this is not your fault."

"You bastard, you've said it several times, thinking I can't hear you. You're saying it's all my fault, right?

Blame it on me for finding so many great scholars for him, which led to his current state."

As soon as Li Shen finished speaking, Li Shimin scolded him angrily.

"No, no." Li Shen shook his head repeatedly. He didn't expect his father to be so capable and even understand what he meant.

Li Shen hurriedly pretended to check the accounts, but the last page...

"Five hundred and twenty thousand strings of cash."

"Your Highness, this is a reward for these merchants. They will be exempted from some of their membership fees based on the amount of money they donated."

Wang Hongfu explained immediately.

"Yeah." Li Shen nodded. There were more than 700 families, and on average each family only earned a few hundred guan.

It seems like a lot, but in fact, without some financial resources, who would do good deeds? If you can't even feed yourself, it's impossible for you to give alms to others.

If you are poor, you should take care of yourself; if you are rich, you should help the world.

Li Shen closed the account book and threw it to Wang Hongfu:

"You've done a great job on this matter. The Chamber of Commerce's tax payment needs to be sent to the Ministry of Civil Affairs as soon as possible. The New Year's Eve is coming soon, and the court is almost broke."

"Yes, I will send the money to the Ministry of Civil Affairs immediately after the Chamber of Commerce closes in two days." Wang Hongfu immediately bowed and accepted the order.

However, Li Shen's words made Li Chengqian feel a little embarrassed. Now the court had to rely on Li Shen alone for support. How did he survive in the past?

"Gao Ming, how is the tax revenue this year?" Li Shimin looked a little embarrassed. The imperial court collected taxes, so how could it be that it couldn't make ends meet?

"My dear father, this year's tax revenue has increased by another 20% compared to last year," Li Chengqian replied.

The court's tax revenue mainly comes from rent, commissions and levies, and as long as it is not a year of major disaster, it is basically the same.

As long as grain production does not change, tax revenue will not change much because the court's taxes are fixed.

That is because some men have been allocated land when they reach a certain age, so there is an upward trend.

"A 20% increase, that's good. It increased by 30% last year and another 20% this year." Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction.

"How many are there in total?" Li Shen leaned over and asked in a servile manner.

"Hmph, this is a matter of the imperial court, outsiders should not ask about it." Li Shimin snorted coldly.

Li Chengqian only said it was 20% more, without mentioning the specific number. It was obvious that he didn't want to mention it.

Li Shen shrank back awkwardly, feeling very proud in his heart. Sixteen million strings of cash, huh, is more than enough to buy your Chang'an City.

"Hey? What are you still doing here? Go get ready for today's dividend distribution meeting.

That's not right. How did you come so quickly? I don't remember when I sent you a message. What are you doing here?"

(Personal opinion.)