My subjects are too rebellious!

"As for restricting the behavior of merchants, I think the key lies in legislation and law enforcement. We should formulate perfect laws and regulations for merchants to regulate their business behavior. At the same time, we should strengthen law enforcement and severely punish those who violate the law and regulations to serve as a warning to others."

"As for the collection and standard of commercial taxes, I believe that the needs of the Wu Dynasty and the affordability of merchants should be taken into account. The tax rate should be set reasonably, ensuring the revenue of the Wu Dynasty's treasury while avoiding placing excessive burdens on merchants."

"Different tax rates can be set based on commodity types, transaction volumes, profit levels and other factors to implement differentiated taxation. At the same time, tax collection and management should be strengthened to ensure that all taxes are collected and to prevent tax evasion. In addition, tax incentives can be used to encourage merchants to invest and start businesses, expand their business scale and promote the continued prosperity of the commercial economy."

Fan Li's answer was clear and insightful, winning praise from Qin Chuan and all the civil and military officials in the court.

..........

Qin Chuan turned his gaze to Zhuge Liang and Liu Bowen.

The two of them understood immediately.

Zhuge Liang spoke first and analyzed: "Your Majesty, what Lord Fan Li said is very true. The collection of commercial taxes must take into account both national finances and the interests of merchants."

"I believe that when setting tax rates, in addition to considering the types of goods, transaction volume and profit levels, we should also pay attention to market supply and demand conditions and changes in the economic cycle. In periods of strong demand and economic prosperity, tax rates can be appropriately raised to increase national fiscal revenue, while in periods of weak demand and economic downturn, tax rates should be appropriately lowered to reduce the burden on merchants and stimulate commercial activities. In addition, tax exemptions or preferential treatment can be given to emerging industries or strategically significant commodities to encourage their development and growth."

Liu Bowen then added, "Your Majesty, what Lord Zhuge said is very true. In terms of specific operations, I suggest establishing a flexible tax adjustment mechanism to adjust the tax rate in a timely manner according to market changes and economic conditions."

"For the collection of commercial taxes, we should focus on fairness and transparency, ensure that all merchants bear the same tax burden under the same conditions, and avoid tax discrimination and corruption. As for the specific tax rate standards, I believe that we should formulate a tax rate system that conforms to the Wu Dynasty based on the profits of merchants in various places."

Their words reminded Qin Chuan of the grand occasion in later generations.

He thought that with the assistance of these people, the Wu Dynasty would be able to prosper no matter how he played.

.........

The emperor was sent to heaven to carry the order, and the edict said:

Since ancient times, the major plan of a country lies in people's livelihood and finance. I have observed that merchants gather and the circulation of general merchandise is the foundation of the country and the lifeblood of the economy. However, the prosperity of merchants also needs to be orderly and governed in order to last. Now I specially announce to the world that from now on, a new business tax policy will be implemented to benefit the country and the people's livelihood.

1. The purpose of collecting commercial taxes is to ensure that they are fair, reasonable and affordable. The tax rate is determined based on the type of goods, transaction volume and market conditions, ensuring that merchants can afford the tax burden without being overly oppressed under normal business operations.

2. Tax collection and management must be rigorous, efficient, transparent and fair. Officials at all levels must perform their duties conscientiously, collect taxes according to the law, and strictly prohibit corruption and abuse of power. At the same time, a supervision mechanism should be established to ensure that tax revenues are safely deposited and used for the urgent needs of the country.

3. The purpose of commercial taxes is all for national affairs and people's livelihood. I will personally supervise and ensure that the tax revenue is used for national defense construction, water conservancy construction, education popularization, disaster relief and other major issues related to national economy and people's livelihood, and not a single cent will be wasted.

4. I am well aware of the hardships faced by merchants, so I have set up special tax exemptions and tax reductions to reward merchants who operate with integrity and make outstanding contributions. I hope that all merchants will take this as an opportunity to operate with integrity, abide by the law, and work together for the prosperity of the country.

5. Now that this decree has been issued, I hope that all the people in the world will understand and abide by it, and not harbor any doubts or fears. Anyone who disobeys will be severely punished according to the law, and will not be tolerated.

Admire this!

.........

As drums rumbled, the main gate of the imperial city slowly opened, and a team of black-armored soldiers holding spears walked out, guarding a eunuch.

The eunuch held the imperial edict in yellow silk in his hand and walked solemnly towards the notice board that had been prepared in front of the city gate.

In full view of the crowd, the eunuch read out the contents of the imperial edict aloud, and then carefully posted it on the bulletin board.

The people watching around and the officials passing by were all in awe. They stopped to watch and talk about it.

......

It was also bustling in front of government offices in various places.

Local officials had already received notification from the court and were busy preparing to post the imperial edict.

They personally selected conspicuous and crowded places and set up tall billboards.

When the imperial edict was delivered, the officials first respectfully performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows, and then a special person carefully posted the edict on the notice board.

Upon hearing the news, people came to watch, and some even took out paper and pen to copy the contents of the imperial edict so that they could share it with their families when they got home.

As places where merchants gathered, markets and commercial streets were also important places for posting imperial edicts.

The merchants spontaneously cleared a space and set up a simple platform to better display the imperial edict.

When the imperial edict was slowly unfolded and placed on the table, the entire market suddenly became lively.

The merchants stopped what they were doing and gathered around to watch.

Customers also stopped and listened to the explanations of the people next to them.

For a time, the content of the imperial edict became the hottest topic in the market.

.........

Although there was indeed an uproar and discussion throughout the Wu Dynasty after the imperial edict was announced to the world, some worried that the increase in commercial taxes would increase the burden, while others expressed understanding and support for the court's decision.

However, Qin Chuan was not shaken by these discussions. Instead, he changed into casual clothes and took Zhang Rang straight to Daling Mountain.

Daling Mountain, as a famous mountain in the Wu Dynasty, is not only beautiful but also rich in resources.

...

Qin Chuan took Zhang Rang and slowly climbed up Daling Mountain in the morning dew.

On the top of the mountain, five thousand top craftsmen were already ready to go. They were dressed in uniform and had solemn expressions.

When Qin Chuan's figure appeared in everyone's sight, the craftsmen stopped their work and knelt down on the ground in unison.

Shouting loudly: "Long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty, long live His Majesty!"

The sound echoed in the mountains and resounded through the sky.

However, Qin Chuan just waved his hand gently, signaling the craftsmen to stand up and there was no need for courtesy.

"Everyone, you are all pillars of the country, with superb skills, and have made great contributions to the construction of my Great Wu Dynasty. There is no need for further courtesy."

After that, Qin Chuan got straight to the point and said, "I came here today to ask you for something. I want to build a car that has never been built before. This car has four wheels and can travel on the road without being pulled by horses. I know that you have extraordinary skills, so I entrust this matter to you. I hope you can do your best to overcome the difficulties together."