Chapter 85: Brothers and blood relatives swear to stay together

"The Treasury and Banknote Supervision Office?"

"Can the people trade in gold, silver and copper?"

"Can you pay the taxes in full?"

"Establishing a banknote exchange office will allow the people to exchange for goods, or gold and silver, of the same value as the banknotes?"

"Third brother, you are not reforming the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes, you are trying to uproot the roots of our Ming Dynasty!"

There was a hint of disbelief in Zhu Yuanzhang's voice, his eyes penetrated the memorial in his hand sharply, and his voice made the hall buzz.

In fact, it’s no wonder that Zhu Yuanzhang was moved!
After all, according to people's thinking at that time, it was difficult to understand Zhu Gang's actions.

Moreover, Zhu Yuanzhang himself came from a poor family, so he was naturally a bit stingy. Moreover, this was like taking out the money that Zhu Yuanzhang had already put into his pocket?
How could Zhu Yuanzhang be happy?

"Old man, what are you worried about?"

"Could it be that the people of this world are not your subjects?"

"So you don't have to give an explanation to the people just because you did something wrong? Do you still want to let it go so easily?"

"But don't you think about it? Not allowing the people to trade with gold, silver and copper, and not being able to pay taxes in full with treasure notes, is tantamount to increasing the burden on the people, and there is no way for the court to recycle it."

"If this continues, where will the credibility of the treasure notes be? Where will the dignity of the Ming Dynasty be?"

"And when one day the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes become a disaster in the Ming Dynasty, you will understand that this is destroying your own foundation!"

In response to this, Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Yuanzhang unhappily, with a hint of heaviness in his voice.

After all, Zhu Gang knew very well that the collapse of the monetary system would have a devastating impact on the national economy and even the stability of the regime, so Zhu Yuanzhang must not be allowed to act arbitrarily!
Facing Zhu Gang's angry retort, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then he moved his eyes away from the memorial, looked around the hall, and finally focused on Zhu Gang again. A complicated expression appeared on his weather-beaten face.

After a long time, Zhu Yuanzhang finally turned his gaze to Zhu Gang, and said with a barely perceptible sigh: "The Ming Dynasty has just been established, and many things need to be done. The reserves in the national treasury are stretched to the limit."

"We even need to rely on Ming Treasure Notes to maintain the court's expenses, and with the shortage of gold and silver, how can we talk about subsidizing the people?"

His words reveal the helplessness and heaviness of an emperor facing the country's economy and people's livelihood.

The Ming Dynasty was in its infancy, the national strength was not yet sufficient, the finances were tight, and the current situation of income not making enough money was an indelible cloud in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.

So in such a difficult situation, how could Zhu Yuanzhang easily promise to take out silver that did not exist at all to alleviate the suffering of the people?
"Old man, sometimes you think too much."

"First, the Ming Dynasty should correct its attitude and let the people know that the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes can be linked to gold, silver and copper. That's enough."

"Secondly, paying taxes in full can make the people understand the credibility of Ming Dynasty's treasure notes."

"Third, we will set up a banknote exchange office to exchange gold, silver, copper and goods. This will let the people know that the Ming Dynasty will not only issue Ming treasure notes, but also accept Ming treasure notes."

"But don't you think about it? With the convenience of Ming Dynasty's treasure notes, who would be willing to carry heavy gold, silver and copper?"

Zhu Gang sat back in his chair, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes, and said, "Besides, even if the people really want to exchange for Ming Dynasty treasure notes, we will exchange them for them, so as to recover the treasure notes and strictly control the number of treasure notes."

"Third brother, Dad and I understand what you said, but where should we find the silver to exchange the notes?"

"And why did Dad prohibit large amounts of banknotes from entering the court? This is also to protect the interests of the court while protecting the interests of the people."

"And think about it, even though Dad has strictly prohibited counterfeiting banknotes, there are still people with ill intentions who secretly counterfeit banknotes. After all, money can move people's hearts, and there are always people who are not afraid of death."

"So today, the authenticity of Ming Dynasty treasure notes has become confused, and in the end, it is the people who suffer. How can the court take back Ming Dynasty treasure notes?"

Zhu Biao sighed softly again.

This is true. Zhu Yuanzhang did not take back the Ming treasure notes because he took into account the following two consequences. After all, Zhu had to consider the court as well as the people.

However, even if the Ming Dynasty treasure notes have anti-counterfeiting marks, it is difficult to completely eliminate the existence of counterfeit banknotes.

If the treasure notes in the hands of the people were really taken back, either the people would suffer in silence, or the Ming Dynasty would have to spend twice or even several times the resources to take them back.

No matter which one it was, it would be an indelible trauma for the Ming Dynasty. After all, Zhu Yuanzhang could not afford to lose either the people's hearts or the resources.

“It can be solved.”

Zhu Gang pondered for a moment before glaring at Zhu Biao and saying, "I'll take care of it!"

"How to deal with it?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and even Zhu Chong all looked at Zhu Gang curiously.

"Ming Baochao is currently in circulation in the rich areas of Jiangnan and Zhejiang. As for the north, except for a few places, Ming Baochao is basically not used, so it is still controllable."

"Then let the world know that the Ming Dynasty has established the Issuing Department, the Circulation Supervision Department, the Audit Department, the Anti-Counterfeiting Department, and the Note Exchange Department, collectively known as the Baochao Supervision Office, to supervise the Baochao issued by the Ming Dynasty."

"And let the Jinyiwei set up offices in all prefectures and cities to temporarily take over the power of supervision, but do not give the Jinyiwei the power to enforce the law. Send in supervisory censors to check and balance each other. Anyone who dares to overstep the line will be executed immediately, regardless of whether there is evidence of guilt or not."

"The reason why Jinyiwei are set up in major prefectures is, firstly, to supervise the banknote exchange bureau, so that they always have a sword hanging over their heads, and secondly, to monitor the local people's livelihood and government, and report to the court at any time."

"As for the Jinyiwei collusion with the government and the Banknote Exchange Bureau, you can rest assured about this. In addition to the Jinyiwei who stayed behind, the court sends Jinyiwei in the court to conduct secret visits every year, and the time is uncertain."

"Also, after the banknotes are taken back by the Banknote Exchange Department, they should be sealed and cannot be circulated or exchanged. As for counterfeit banknotes, if the amount is not large and they belong to ordinary people, they should be exchanged for the full amount, but the people should be made aware of what is counterfeit and what is real."

"And from now on, if there are still counterfeit banknotes, the court will not exchange them and will take back the treasure notes. After all, we have made a mistake, we must admit it, and we must not let the people pay the price for the Ming Dynasty."

"In addition, if the amount is huge, we will directly confiscate the property and investigate the root cause to prevent future troubles."

After Zhu Gang finished speaking, without waiting for anyone to react, he immediately turned around, picked up the teacup on the table, and drank it all in one gulp.

After all, after talking so much, of course I feel dry mouth.

“But if someone distributes counterfeit money, how can you track them down?”

Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it and said again.

"Dad, before we exchange the money, we can not tell them just this once."

Zhu Biao also thought about it and said.

"inappropriate."

Zhu Chong waved his hand and said, "They are not fools. Besides, with so many counterfeit bills, they should know that the court is investigating counterfeit bills, so there is absolutely no way they can take them out."

"There are not so many things to worry about. Just tell them that this is just the first time and it won't happen again."

"At the same time, have the Royal Guards keep a close eye on the local gentry and wealthy businessmen. If there are any unusual movements, they will directly cooperate with the local government to control them."

"Unless the Jinyiwei are all idiots!"

Zhu Gang was more direct.

"can!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice.

Now Zhu Yuanzhang also understood what Zhu Gang meant.

Because those who can afford to print counterfeit money are all gentry and wealthy businessmen, so as long as the court keeps a close eye on them, it can not only use this opportunity to rebuild the people's hearts, but also quickly fill the national treasury.

After all, think about it, how much money can the common people have? Isn't the bulk of the money from the gentry and the rich merchants? So most of what the court spent was given to the common people, which was not a lot, but how much wealth did the gentry and the rich merchants have?

"You are really the lucky star of our Zhu family."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Gang again, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"Don't bullshit."

Zhu Gang rolled his eyes.

"hey-hey."

Zhu Yuanzhang still smiled and said indifferently.

"Then have you made all the arrangements for the Treasury Note Supervision Office?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Gang and asked softly.

"Ah."

"Supervisory Officer: A third-rank official, responsible for the overall supervision of the operation of the Treasure Banknote Supervision Office, with the power to make decisions and supervise the execution of the Treasure Banknotes. For the time being, no one other than me can take on this position."

"Under this, a deputy supervisory commissioner shall be appointed: he shall be of the third rank, assisting the supervisory commissioner in handling daily affairs and being in charge of important departments, such as auditing, issuance, and circulation supervision, etc."

"Issuance Department: Director: Rank 4, responsible for the planned issuance of treasure notes; Deputy Director: Rank 4, assisting the Director in managing issuance matters and handling specific issuance details."

"Circulation Supervision Department: Director: Rank 4, supervise the circulation of the market, prevent counterfeit banknotes, and maintain the credibility of banknotes. Deputy Director: Rank 4, coordinate with the Director to handle irregularities in circulation and maintain the order of banknotes."

"Audit Department: Director: Rank 4, responsible for the financial audit of the Treasury Supervision Office, ensuring that the accounts are clear and correct. Deputy Director: Rank 4, assisting in internal and external audit work and checking the accounts."

"Anti-Counterfeiting Department: Director: Fourth rank, responsible for banknote anti-counterfeiting and improving banknote security. Deputy Director: Fourth rank, assisting the Director in promoting the popularization of banknote anti-counterfeiting and cultivating talents in banknote anti-counterfeiting."

"Banknote Exchange Department: Director: Rank 4, in charge of the exchange of banknotes for physical objects such as gold, silver, and copper, ensuring fair exchange. Deputy Director: Rank 4, assisting in the management of exchange business and handling special cases in exchange."

"In addition, there are some other official positions, which I will not explain one by one, as they are all in the memorial."

As he spoke, Zhu Gang took out another memorial from his pocket and handed it to Zhu Yuanzhang who was sitting on the dragon throne.

"Third brother, letting you guard the border was the most unwise decision we ever made."

After reading the memorial, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were filled with emotion and admiration.

Why would Zhu Yuanzhang be so blinded by greed and want to send such a talented child to guard the border?

Moreover, Zhu Gang had been on the run for three years. Wasn't this a loss for the Ming Dynasty?
After all, if Zhu Gang had stayed in the capital, the Ming Dynasty might have become prosperous and powerful long ago. Why wait until today?

It's a huge loss! So we must keep Zhu Gang in the capital! No, in Ming Dynasty! We must not let him go!
But Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head and looked at Zhu Biao, and sighed again in his heart.

The eldest son is extremely outstanding, and the third son is not inferior at all?

In the middle is the Qin King Zhu Chong, who looks like a fool but has actually grown a lot.

This made Zhu Yuanzhang extremely confused for a moment.

Isn’t this the recipe of Xuanwu Gate?

Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, Li Yuanji?

If these three brothers have some conflicts, wouldn't the Ming Dynasty have to repeat the Xuanwu Gate Incident of the Tang Dynasty?
This won’t do. Absolutely not!

But could the friendship between these three brothers really reach such a point?

definitely will!
Zhu Yuanzhang didn’t even have to think about it!

why?
Because whether or not they can get to that position, their future is not decided by them brothers, but by the forces behind them!

You have to understand that the so-called general trend is sometimes completely beyond our control!

After all, Zhu Gang seemed to have no wings behind him, but the unknown of Taiyuan was always a thorn in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, and this might also be Zhu Gang's wings.

But the palms and backs of one's hands are all made of flesh, so Zhu Yuanzhang could never be so cruel no matter what. This was actually the most painful thing for Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma.

"Biao'er, Shu'er, Shu'er."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly raised his head, glanced at his three sons one by one, and called out in a deep voice.

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, the three Zhu Gang brothers all looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, not knowing what was going on.

"You must swear to us that no matter what happens in the future, your hands will not be stained with the blood of your brothers."

After he finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly drew out the long sword from his back and placed it horizontally in front of Zhu Biao, Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang. The sword shone with a sharp light.

"father"

Zhu Biao looked at the long sword hanging in front of him and was stunned.

"old man"

Zhu Gang also looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with a confused look on his face.

"swear!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was firm, he remained unmoved and said no more. He walked down from the dragon throne, still holding the tip of his sword in front of the three Zhu Gang brothers.

"it is good!"

Although he didn't quite understand what Old Zhu meant, Zhu Biao was resolute. He stretched out his hand and tightly grasped the sword. In an instant, blood dripped down his palm, demonstrating his determination.

"Come!"

Zhu Chong also did not hesitate, stretched out his hand to take over, calmly grasping the sword, blood flowing out, his expression fearless.

"Ah."

Zhu Gang looked at Lao Zhu with a complicated expression, then resolutely stretched out his hand to grasp the sword. Blood oozed out, and the blood of the three brothers slowly merged.

Faced with the determination of his three sons, Zhu Yuanzhang's heart was shocked again, but he could not hesitate, so he stretched out his other hand and tightly grasped the sword blade. Blood dripped and merged with the blood of his sons.

"Hold it and swear!"

Then Zhu Yuanzhang threw away the sword in his hand, raised his bleeding hand, looked at the three Zhu Gang brothers and said.

"The heavens are above, the earth is below, the ghosts and gods are witnesses, if we have evil thoughts towards our blood brothers, we will be punished by heaven, and our life will be cut short, and we will not have a good end!"

The three Zhu Gang brothers clasped their bloody hands together on Zhu Yuanzhang's bloody hand without any hesitation. Their oath was as heavy as a bell and heavier than Mount Tai, and it resounded in their hearts.

At the same time, at Hu Weiyong's mansion.

"Is this the account book that His Royal Highness Prince Jin gave you?"

Hu Weiyong looked at Xue Wenzhi who was kneeling below, and a deep look flashed across his eyes.

(End of this chapter)