Uncle Lai in the Red Chamber

Chapter 362 Debate
Lai Shangrong is temporarily unaware of the series of misunderstandings caused by the visit to the palace.

Entering October, he also started to get busy and almost never stayed in Rongfu again.

In addition to the planning of the industrial park, the allocation of completed dormitories, the optimization of R&D projects, bottlenecks and a series of other tasks.

There is also the reaction after silver coins were put into the market on a large scale.

Generally speaking, the response from the private sector has been positive. Although the purity of private private banks is generally insufficient, this currency, which is more value-preserving and non-depleting, has been quickly accepted by the market.

However, the response of various departments of the imperial court, especially the Ministry of Household Affairs, was very difficult.

Since the previous dynasty, no matter whether it is a locality or a ministry in the capital, as long as money is involved, there has been an expenditure that cannot be ignored, which is the consumption of money by fire.

The so-called fire consumption is actually the loss in the process of smelting official silver from broken silver. The fire consumption reported to the court is often greater than the actual fire consumption, and the difference is pocketed by officials at all levels.

Although the scale of the silver coin policy implemented by Lai Shangrong is still small, once it replaces the existing currency model of copper coins plus broken silver, the waste of silver will no longer exist, and the income of officials at all levels will also be greatly increased. discount.

It has to be said that there are many "far-sighted" people in the court. They discovered this problem at the initial stage of Lai Shangrong's introduction of silver coins to the market. In order to nip this threat in the cradle, they also started a series of targets.

As a result, Lai Shangrong had to take out private time while dealing with normal yamen affairs, and was tired of dealing with inquiries from all parties.

And explain the pros and cons to the emperor.

The long-lost secret book also began to be passed on again. Lai Shangrong knew that he touched the cakes of many people, so he could only hug Emperor Zhenglong's thigh tightly.

In fact, Emperor Zhenglong's job was not difficult. He just told him that once it could be implemented nationwide, money consumption would no longer exist. This alone was enough to impress him.

The rest is Lai Shangrong's expression of loyalty and his demonstration of how dedicated he is to serving the country, no matter what.

After all, only Emperor Zhenglong himself knew whether there was any estrangement between the emperor and his ministers during the Yuanchun incident.

He didn't even have a chance to explain. He could only highlight his ability to govern the world and show his dedication to the court and the emperor.

Compared with the previous stand where the battle was held openly, Emperor Zhenglong's attitude this time was relatively ambiguous.

If the emperor wants to rule the country, he must rely on the bureaucracy, but the bureaucracy will invisibly restrict the imperial power.

This is a zero-sum game. The pie of power is only so big. The more imperial power there is, the less the bureaucracy will be.

Under this big game, there are also various small line disputes, between civil and military camps, policy lines, and even between localities and the central government...

And the game between them also needs to rely on imperial power to have the final say. This is also the advantage of imperial power.

In the past, Emperor Zhenglong was not at the center of power. He did not need to consider balancing the parties. He only needed to stand on his own starting point and pursue the interests of the small group.

Now, the Supreme Emperor has delegated power, and those who hold power no longer consider it from the same perspective.

As a qualified emperor, he must take advantage of the disputes between various groups to balance the forces of all parties on the basis of ensuring the operation of the court to ensure that he will not be ignored and firmly occupy the initiative.

Emperor Zhenglong was happy to see this kind of battle over routes.

Therefore, even if you know the benefits of the policy, even if you already have a preference in your heart, you will not show it at all, let alone which side you support.

Instead, they let both sides make moves against each other and only make a final decision at the last minute, which highlights the special nature of imperial power and allows all parties to realize who is the one who has the final say.

After a month of back and forth between the two parties, Emperor Zhenglong also felt that the time had come, and issued an edict, ordering Lai Shangrong and Hu Bu to have a duel in front of the emperor.

The State Administration Department was hovering outside the six departments, and Lai Shangrong participated in the morning court for the first time.

Before dawn, the entire Lai family was brightly lit and busy.

On the contrary, Lai Shangrong, the client, got up step by step, exercised and had breakfast.

Although it was an unequal debate in terms of the number of people on both sides, he also had insights that were hundreds of years ahead of him.

Coupled with the correctness of the policy itself, he still seems confident.

In the Jinluan Hall, the queen shouted long live the mountain.

A doctor from the Household Department was the first to attack: "Please explain to Mr. Lai why the silver coins contain only [-]% of the silver content, but they falsely claim to contain one tael of silver. If they are circulated among the people, how will the prestige of the imperial court exist? Since your Excellency is well versed in economics, the former Is there any reason to be ignorant of the disaster caused by imperial treasures?"

This can be regarded as a slight insult. Lai Shangrong was a fourth-grade doctor of Lantai Temple, and was questioned by a fifth-grade doctor when he came up.

Lai Shangrong said calmly: "The silver content of folk miscellaneous silver is insufficient. Therefore, when the collected tax silver is smelted into official silver, there is a lot of fire consumption. Copper coins are still minted privately. If silver coins are also issued in full silver, how can we prevent this? ?How can the court avoid losses?
Since this gentleman is an official in the Ministry of Household Affairs, how come he doesn't even understand this? "

"Hmph! Avoid the important and take the easy. What about the disaster of treasure money?"

"The trouble with the treasure banknotes is not the banknotes themselves, but the poor exchange. Since the silver coins can be exchanged for a full amount of silver, how can it affect the prestige of the court?"

"It's just a small scale now. If it's implemented, can you guarantee that there won't be a run?"

"Of course I can't guarantee that there won't be a run, but as long as there are sufficient deposits, I won't lose the trust of the people!"

"Guaranteed deposit? How can it be guaranteed?"

"Of course it's to control the issuance of silver coins."

"Silver coins themselves contain [-]% silver, and we need to ensure that the silver is deposited. This is unnecessary and labor-intensive. Isn't it a waste of people and money?"

"I have something to ask your lord, is it that if the taxes collected every year are melted and refined, it will not waste people and money? If silver coins are implemented, there will be no more fire consumption in the future. This lord cannot see the benefits. , or are you reluctant to spend money on fire?"

"You...you don't want to spit on anyone!"

This is an asymmetrical debate. After every speech from the Ministry of Household Affairs, most of the officials in the palace whispered and seemed to be deeply moved. However, when Lai Shangrong explained, there was silence.

Even Chen Yiwen and others who have good friendships will not help at this time.

After all, no one can guarantee whether they will be transferred to relevant departments.

Faced with this situation, Lai Shangrong naturally wanted to show his righteousness and occupy the moral high ground.

Li Canghai, the Minister of Household Affairs, shook his head, and Song Yuncheng, the left minister beside him, immediately came out.

He smiled and said, "Master Lai has misunderstood. Our household department has also been suffering for a long time. It's just the lesser of two evils. When issuing silver coins, we have to guarantee the exchange for deposits. Isn't it a waste of half of the silver? It will only accumulate more and more in the long run." , once the imperial court is unable to bear the burden, it may lead to a catastrophic disaster!"

The previous ones are just appetizers, here is the real killer move.

"Master Song's words are wrong. How can it be said that it is unaffordable to issue as many silver coins as you want? Moreover, as long as people's confidence in silver coins is established, how can there be a large-scale run?
In addition, with the boom in maritime trade in recent years, a large amount of overseas silver has flowed into our country. If it is not stopped and all flows into the private sector, prices may skyrocket, and the people will not be able to make a living! "

"Oh? If the people have money, how can they not live in poverty?"

"It will only be the hands of people in relevant industries, and other industries will only bear the consequences of skyrocketing prices." "What Mr. Lai said is reasonable, but since Mr. Lai knows the dangers, why do you still follow his words, words and deeds?" Not the same?"

"Oh? How come the official's words and deeds are inconsistent?"

"All dynasties have been based on agriculture, and it is well known that businessmen pursue profit. Mr. Lai knows the pros and cons, but he still pursues it. Could it be that he wants to shake the foundation of the country?"

In fact, the two sides have been competing for many rounds on monetary policy, and there are not many breakthrough points to find, so Song Yuncheng took the opportunity to change tracks.

Government orders are also people-oriented. If Lai Shangrong himself has problems, naturally no one will implement the policies he proposes.

"Your Majesty, what you said is wrong! Your Majesty, I think you are familiar with history books. You should know that not all dynasties were based on agriculture."

When he said these words, the silence that should have appeared suddenly ceased to exist.

It's not that I agree with his point of view, but his words are too shocking.

"You...do you want the country to imitate the Qin Dynasty?"

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the Qin Dynasty relied on trade to rejuvenate the country. Otherwise, Lu Buwei, a businessman, would not have become the prime minister with so much power.

"Bao Qin is just a term after unification. At that time, when all the heroes came together, Qin State Shang Yang's reforms and efforts to promote business were able to fill the national treasury and unify the six countries in one fell swoop.

If our dynasty can guarantee a corner of peace and have no strong enemies from outside, there is nothing right or wrong in focusing on agriculture and neglecting commerce. But now the Western Yi countries are watching with eager eyes. If we look at the current situation, it is not like the heroes of the past who came together and stayed still. If you adapt, you will just be like the Six Nations back then! "

"What nonsense! What nonsense! The Western Yi are just barbarians from a foreign country, suffering from ringworm and scabies!"

"Have you forgotten the battle of Qian Xiang Kingdom?"

In the final analysis, no matter how fierce the debate between the two sides was, Emperor Zhenglong had to make up his mind in the end. Lai Shangrong was impatient to argue with them any longer, and simply pointed at Emperor Zhenglong's weakness.

If he hadn't improved his firearms and intimidated the other party during negotiations, it's really hard to say whether Daxia would be as stable as it is today.

Seeing that the opponent was being questioned by him, he took advantage of the victory and pursued him: "If he is not of my race, his heart must be different. Sir, please don't forget the shame of Jingkang and the sorrow of Yashan.

Of course, we also need to learn from history. It will not be too late to discuss future national policies until all foreign troubles are eliminated. "

After Lai Shangrong said this, he looked at Li Canghai, the Minister of Household Affairs.

I thought that if he didn't ask questions, the matter would come to an end. Unexpectedly, Chai Qing, the right servant, suddenly jumped out.

"Since Mr. Lai knows that powerful enemies are around him, he should strengthen his troops and replenish the national treasury. Why does he do the opposite?"

"Why did the official do the opposite?"

"The Ministry of State Affairs misappropriated the proceeds from the treasury to build houses for craftsmen. Is this also Mr. Lai's economic method? Or is it an excuse for you to win over people's hearts?"

Lai Shangrong sneered and said: "Master Chai, what does the economic way mean? The economic way is never a means to pursue personal interests, but carries the ambition of the ancient and modern sages to manage the world and benefit the people!

How could I make the cement formula public to the public if I didn't put it into practice?
Water can carry a boat but it can also capsize it. If you only know how to manage the world but don't know how to help the people, could it be that the sages' books written by the Minister for so many years have been read into the belly of a dog? "

"You...you are so slanderous!" Chai Qing was shaking with anger, raised his trembling fingers, and said incoherently.

"Am I slanderous? If I remember correctly, this is the second time you have accused me like this today."

Lai Shangrong paused for a moment, and said loudly: "Who is the bloody mouth? Or are some people trying to obstruct the good deeds that benefit the country and the people for personal gain?
Today is to discuss the promotion of silver coins, and who will turn the spearhead to personal criticism? "

This stern questioning immediately left Chai Qing speechless.

Li Canghai immediately stood up and acted as a peacemaker and said: "You can't understand the truth! Today, Mr. Lai can be regarded as clearing up our doubts. It can also be regarded as a good story about the clear government."

It has to be said that all those who can achieve this position are old foxes.

From the beginning to the end today, Li Canghai never expressed his views. Now that he came out to speak, he whitewashed the accusations from the Ministry of Revenue into a model of clean government and bright officials.

"Okay! Okay!" Emperor Zhenglong on the stage finally made some noise. He slapped the dragon case and laughed and said, "If it hadn't been for today's debate, I wouldn't have known that Lai Aiqing had such a profound understanding of economic principles. I know, since Lai Aiqing is well versed in economics, if he does not serve in the Ministry of Household Affairs, it seems that I cannot know how to make good use of people. According to my decree, with immediate effect, Chai Qing will be transferred to the Ministry of Works, and Lai Aiqing will take over the position of Chai Qing's right minister!"

Although Lai Shangrong finally gained the upper hand, Emperor Zhenglong also saw Hube's group grouping and Lai Shangrong's isolation, and made this decision out of balance considerations.

Song Yuncheng, who was also the Minister of Household Affairs, put forward some policy views, which were quite meaningful, but Chai Qing could only criticize them.

It is reasonable to transfer him to the Ministry of Industry.

"The minister obeys the order!"

"Pingsheng!" Emperor Zhenglong raised his arms and said: "However, the implementation of silver coins is closely related to the country. The state-owned department is not enough to take on this responsibility. It is more appropriate to assign it to the Ministry of Revenue. Lai Aiqing now also has the position of the Ministry of Revenue. It will be easier for the two sides to hand over. You continue to be responsible. Silver coins are promoted, Mr. Li Ge is a prudent person, please consult with him on everything."

Maybe it was Chai Qing's words that had an effect, or maybe it was the emperor's mind.

It seems that the matter is still in Lai Shangrong's hands, but his family is the only one in charge of the State Administration Department, and there is also Shangshu Li Canghai above the Ministry of Revenue. The two sides are competing with each other, and it is inevitable to check and balance each other in the future, which is also in the interest of the emperor.

After all, the promotion of silver coins is not a trivial matter, so how could Emperor Zhenglong rest assured that it would be in the hands of just one person?
This operation can be said to be a vivid interpretation of the emperor's mind.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Lai Shangrong thanked the emperor for his kindness without joy or sorrow.

Although this court meeting, both in terms of official position and results, he gained a lot.

However, the silver coins were kept under the Ministry of Household Affairs and became the target of public criticism. It is difficult to say whether it is a gain or a loss.

Moreover, being promoted to Minister of Household Affairs will inevitably lead to early court meetings in the future, which makes Lai Shangrong, who is used to being undisciplined, unhappy.

"Congratulations to Shang Rong!" When he was leaving the court, King Zhongshun came up to him.

"The emperor also arranged for me to speak for you, Shang Rong, but I didn't expect that there was no room for you to use it!"

Emperor Zhenglong had a clear view of the situation in the DPRK, and of course he did not want Lai Shangrong to be left speechless, so he made some arrangements.

King Zhongshun is a prince. Even if there is a dispute over interests, it has nothing to do with him, so he is also the most suitable candidate.

Lai Shangrong said politely: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty! I am not afraid of shadows when I am upright. I am just taking advantage of my righteousness!"

He could see clearly that King Zhongshun came over afterwards, just to show his goodwill.

When talking about government orders, he may not have the opportunity to speak, but when it comes to personal criticism, it is not impossible for him to lend a helping hand.

Although he wanted to listen to Emperor Zhenglong's words, after all, it involved a huge deal, and he was unwilling to say anything unless necessary.

(End of this chapter)