Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 190: Is Zhang Shiyuan's Economic Theory So Miraculous?

Seeing that her thoughts had been seen through in a single glance, Zhang Xueyan felt rather helpless.

As one of the core members of the "Wanli New Deal" reform, he naturally listened to Zhang Juzheng's advice.

Unable to conceal the truth, Zhang Xueyan could only sigh.

"Prime Minister, it's not that I, Zhang Xueyan, don't want to tell you, but I truly dare not. This way of doing business is of great importance, and I fear that rashly publicizing it would cause a great disaster!"

Zhang Juzheng was somewhat puzzled: "Why do you say such a thing, Ziyu? This way of commerce, since Guan Zhong and Sang Hongyang, is it not the way to enrich the country and strengthen the army?"

"The Prime Minister is a man of great learning, but he still does not have a sufficient understanding of the principles of commercial economics."

Zhang Xueyan looked very serious.

"The prime minister only knows how to enrich the people through the art of commerce, but he does not know that it can also bring disaster to the country!"
Although the "Discourses on Salt and Iron" states that "the ironworks were established to support agriculture and the equal distribution system was opened to provide for the people's wealth," it also states that "wooden plows and hand weeds were used, and people ate simple food."

This refers to the rampant corruption and malpractice within the state-run salt and iron industry.

"The vigorous promotion of commerce will inevitably lead to officials seeking profits. Local governance is already corrupt; if commerce is further encouraged, the people's livelihood will likely suffer even more."

Zhang Juzheng, however, did not take it seriously. After thinking for a moment, he said, "This is a problem with the administration, not a fault of the merchants."

However, Zhang Xueyan seemed less optimistic: "That's one reason. The second reason is that it corrupts the emperor's mind. With the prosperity of commerce, money will inevitably be generated in large quantities."

The Records of the Grand Historian states, "The people benefit from it, and their needs are abundant." This is a good thing, but since ancient times, good things have often turned into bad things.

According to the Book of Han, Wang Mang reformed the currency system several times, which led to "the unemployment of farmers and merchants, the loss of food and goods, and the people weeping in the streets."

The History of the Song Dynasty records that the Southern Song Dynasty issued "paper money" (huizi), which caused "prices to soar and paper money to become as cheap as dirt."

He said in a low voice.

"The current emperor loves money. If the path of commerce is opened up, it is inevitable that he will have some thoughts, such as imitating the paper money of Emperor Taizu and changing the currency to make profits. This is a disaster, not a blessing!"

Zhang Xueyan's analysis was very logical and reasonable.

Others, seeing only endless profits from the prosperity of the "West Mountain Workshop,"...

However, he foresaw the drawbacks of the art of commerce in advance.

In his view as the Minister of Revenue, given the current economic situation of the Ming Dynasty, it would be difficult to withstand Zhang Shiyuan's drastic measure.

Zhang Xueyan saw that Zhang Juzheng was considering using the art of commerce, and naturally, he instinctively tried to stop him.

In fact, although he didn't say it outright, he had already secretly told Zhang Juzheng.

The current emperors Taizu and Chengzu had already used the Ming Dynasty's paper money to create chaos and disorder in the entire Ming Dynasty's monetary and monetary system.

If it is to be used again today, it is unlikely that anything good will happen.

However, Zhang Juzheng still seemed completely unconcerned.

If he were that kind of timid and hesitant person, he wouldn't have used such forceful methods to implement the Wanli New Deal.

"Ha ha ha ha--"

He shook his head and burst into laughter: "In my opinion, Ziyu is overthinking it. A technique is a technique, and it is all in the hands of the person who uses it. The technique itself is not wrong; it is the person who has evil intentions!"

If a person upholds righteous principles, this skill can be put to its fullest potential!

"This"

Zhang Xueyan's expression was somewhat complicated.

Yuan Fu's statement about "righteousness" and "evil intentions" is surely an insult to both Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu.
Zhang Juzheng then said seriously, "Don't be timid. Tell me your understanding of the commodity economy."

"Ok."

Since the other party had said that, Zhang Xueyan had no reason to hide it anymore, so he thought for a moment and explained.

"The Prime Minister had previously stated that the eldest son, Siwen, learned about the supply and demand relationship from the youngest son, Shiyuan. To be honest, my knowledge is limited to the explanations given by your son, Shiyuan, plus some of my own reflections."

As the Minister of Revenue, Zhang Xueyan was far more capable than Zhang Jingxiu.

He directly quoted a sentence from the "Discourses on Salt and Iron".

The so-called "equal distribution to facilitate the flow of goods and stabilization of prices" is based on the theory of supply and demand.

For example, the "equal distribution" system refers to the practice at that time where the imperial court procured supplies, but each region acted independently, which led to a surge in demand. Everyone rushed to buy the same items, naturally driving up prices.

Sang Hongyang petitioned Emperor Wu of Han to establish officials in charge of the distribution of goods in various regions, so that the goods would no longer be sent in kind, but would be converted into currency at the highest market price.

The officials in charge of transport then used this currency to purchase low-priced goods from various regions and transport them to high-priced areas. This buying low and selling high not only stabilized market prices but also generated some revenue for the imperial court.

Zhang Juzheng's eyes widened. He often read "Discourses on Salt and Iron," and today, through the changes in the "Xishan Workshop" and Zhang Xueyan's explanation, he felt that he understood it much better.

He said with some excitement, "This is somewhat similar to the Single Whip Technique."

Zhang Xueyan smiled and said, "Minister, please calm down. There is also the method of 'stabilization'."

"The so-called 'equalization method' is to curb merchants from hoarding goods and speculating on prices, so as to make huge profits and plunder the people's money."

Sang Hongyang established the "Pingzhun Yamen" (Establishment Office for Price Stabilization), which stockpiled various necessary goods. When market prices were too high, he would sell more goods; when market prices were too low, he would purchase more goods to raise grain prices.

Zhang Juzheng thought for a moment and then commented.

"This is the Ever-Normal Granary."

Zhang Xueyan smiled and said, "Prime Minister, this Ever-Normal Granary was established during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han and has been passed down to this day."

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Juzheng exhaled and said.

"In fact, there are traces to the rebellious son's actions. He must have thoroughly studied works such as the 'Discourses on Salt and Iron' to achieve the miracle of the Xishan workshop."

"What are you saying, Grand Secretary?" Zhang Xueyan said with a smile and a shake of his head. "Does even the Grand Secretary believe that there are some ominous stars or celestial stars descending to earth?" Zhang Juzheng shook his head helplessly: "You don't quite understand."

"???"

Zhang Xueyan was at a loss for words. What exactly had this Minister Yuanfu suffered from Zhang Shiyuan?

He thought for a moment, then continued to praise.

"Your son's understanding of the ways of commerce is far superior to mine. Those Shanxi merchants have been immersed in the ways of commerce for many years; they are no ordinary people."

The recent surge in the price of briquettes is a result of the tactics employed by Shanxi merchants. These merchants are large and powerful, and their methods are sophisticated and sophisticated, making them difficult for ordinary people to handle.

I have recently been meticulously studying the accounts of the Xishan workshop. I have observed their stockpiling and distribution of briquettes, as well as their opportune sales, all while concealing information within Xishan. The secrecy surrounding these operations is so tight that even if I were here in person, I could not have been fully informed.

After his explanation, Zhang Juzheng still didn't understand at all, and he continued to ask questions.

"What are your thoughts on this, Ziyu? If this principle of commercial economics were applied to the new policies, what do you think?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Xueyan explained.

“Prime Minister, since the first year of the Wanli reign, we have implemented the Single Whip Law, which converts land tax into silver, and it is also an economic measure.”

but"

He looked rather helpless.

"Compared to your son's understanding, the Single Whip Method does seem rather rudimentary. If the Grand Secretary wishes to obtain the 'true scriptures,' he will probably have to ask your son for advice."

"It's that brat Zhang Shiyuan again!"

Zhang Juzheng was getting annoyed; the repeated setbacks had made him lose patience.

He slammed his hand on the desk and said.

"Is it possible to govern the country without Zhang Shiyuan?"

Zhang Xueyan's expression was somewhat complicated: "Why does the Grand Secretary regard Zhang Tongzhi as an enemy?"

In his view, Zhang Yunxiu was being a bit mischievous, but it was just childish behavior.

It is understandable that talented people throughout history have often had somewhat eccentric personalities.

Moreover, Zhang Yunxiu's achievements are already beyond the reach of his peers.

If Zhang Xueyan had such a prodigy, he would surely treasure him like a precious gem.

Why is it that Zhang Juzheng is so quick to call for war and killing, and seems so fearful and disgusted?

"That traitor"

Zhang Juzheng sighed helplessly.

"Ziyu, you don't understand my suffering~"

Zhang Xueyan truly did not understand the other party's suffering, and even felt that the prime minister could deliberately use this to show off in front of others and highlight the success of his family education.

He cupped his hands and said, “Prime Minister, although the ‘Discourses on Salt and Iron’ is good, the Han Dynasty and the present are separated by thousands of years. How can the strategies of that time be adapted to the current situation?”
Today, the population and trade of the Ming Dynasty far exceed those of the Western Han Dynasty, and the principles of the past can no longer solve the current predicament.

If the Grand Secretary truly wants to better implement the reform policies, then Zhang Tongzhi's meeting is indispensable.

Zhang Xueyan looked at Zhang Juzheng with suspicion and said, "It seems that the Grand Secretary has not seen your son for quite some time?"

Zhang Juzheng looked somewhat embarrassed, stroking his beard and looking away.

"It's only been a little over half a month, it's nothing."

Zhang Xueyan was stunned. Had the father and son become so estranged?
But he couldn't say anything in the end, so he could only cup his hands in greeting and say something to the other party.

"Please forgive my lack of talent and knowledge, Your Excellency."

"That's all."

Zhang Juzheng couldn't sit for long, so he got up and subtly shifted his hips, then straightened his robes, pretending to be in a natural state.

"Then I shall go and ask that rebellious son. As the ancients said, there is a sequence to learning and each profession has its own expertise. I suppose I am being a bit old-fashioned."

"That's how it should be."

After seeing the Prime Minister off from the Ministry of Revenue, Zhang Xueyan watched the sedan chair gradually disappear into the distance and finally let out a slow breath.

He turned back into the duty room, took out another manuscript, and began to read it in conjunction with the "Discourses on Salt and Iron".

The inscription contained phrases such as "the invisible hand," "herd effect," and "marginal effect."

While comparing the book to "Discourses on Salt and Iron," he also took out a small booklet from his pocket as if it were a treasure. It had a few small characters written on it: "Zhang Shiyuan's Theory of National Wealth (First Draft)."

The next day.

Taking advantage of the clear weather, Zhang Juzheng rode in a sedan chair all the way to the West Mountain Gate.

We set off from Fuchengmen at dawn, and arrived at Xishan around noon.

The nearly three-hour journey not only exhausted the sedan chair bearers, but also nearly caused Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting inside the sedan chair, to suffer a relapse of his old ailment.

Fortunately, since the establishment of the Xishan Workshop, the official road from Xishan to the capital has been repaired several times and is now much smoother.

If that's not the case, it will probably take even more time.

Upon seeing that it was Zhang Juzheng visiting, the guards outside the West Mountain gate naturally dared not neglect him and immediately went to the Thousand Household Office to report.

(End of this chapter)