Chapter 114 Doesn’t such a move mean favoring commerce over agriculture?

The First Emperor smiled slightly and waved his hand to signal all officials to be quiet. "I know what you are worried about. The promotion of money houses and silver bills requires strict laws and supervision. I have ordered craftsmen to carefully develop anti-counterfeiting techniques to ensure the safety of silver bills. The operation of money houses also requires strict rules and supervision to prevent villains from taking advantage of loopholes."

Upon hearing this, all the officials nodded in agreement and expressed their admiration for the First Emperor's wise decision.

However, in the court, there were still some old ministers and veteran officials who were discussing this, one after another, for a long time.

The First Emperor looked at the officials in the court with a sharp gaze and asked in a deep voice, "What are you discussing?"

An old minister stood up tremblingly, bowed with a worried look on his face and said, "Your Majesty, I think the promotion of money houses and silver bills seems a bit inappropriate."

When the First Emperor heard this, his brows slightly frowned, and his tone revealed a hint of displeasure: "Oh? What's wrong?"

The old minister continued, "Your Majesty, isn't this action encouraging merchants to engage in commerce, contrary to our dynasty's tradition of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce?"

Before he finished speaking, Ye Chi, who had been silent in the class, argued loudly:

"You are wrong, old man! The promotion of money houses and silver bills is actually to facilitate transactions and promote economic development. We can increase commercial taxes to encourage commercial development while maintaining the original intention of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce."

However, despite Ye Chi's firm words, the ministers still looked hesitant, and were obviously worried about this proposal!

Seeing this, the First Emperor waved his hand domineeringly and said decisively: "Gentlemen, there is no need to say more! I am issuing an order, not discussing it with you!"

"The promotion of money houses and silver bills is imperative! I have decided to gradually implement this method in each county! Li Si!"

Li Si responded and bowed, saying, "I am here."

"You will be responsible for the overall planning of the construction of the bank."

The First Emperor ordered, "Make sure this goes smoothly!"

Li Si accepted the order solemnly: "As you wish!"

The atmosphere in the court suddenly became tense. Although the officials still had objections, they had to accept it silently under the domineering decision of the First Emperor.

A revolution regarding money shops and silver bills quietly began.

……

In the market place of Xianyang city, on a wooden platform, a clerk was loudly reading out the decree of the Qin court on the establishment of new money houses.

The sunlight shone obliquely on him, casting mottled shadows, and his long clothes fluttering in the wind looked like an embellishment in a splash-ink landscape painting.

"Dear fellow villagers, please listen to me!" The clerk's voice was so loud that passers-by stopped many of them.

"The new money house established by the imperial court can not only safely store your money, but also bring you profit. If you deposit your money in it, you can enjoy the interest every year."

"Why is it that this money house still offers interest?" an old man asked in confusion.

"You don't know, old man. This money shop is originally a place for depositing money. However, the new policy of the imperial court is aimed at enriching the people. The money deposited in the bank is not only safe and worry-free, but also has regular interest returns." The clerk explained.

A young man nearby asked curiously, "What is the profit of this bank?"

"This young man asked a good question." The clerk smiled. "The benefits of a money house lie in its stability and appreciation. You deposit your money in the money house, and the money house will manage it in a professional way to ensure the safety of the principal. At the same time, you can also get a certain percentage of interest every year. Isn't this a good thing?"

"Is there such a good thing?" There were whispers among the crowd.

"That's right. The court's policy is intended to benefit the people, allowing their money to grow and share the fruits of the country's prosperity." The clerk continued.

People gathered around the wooden platform, and discussions were heard one after another.

Some nodded in praise, some looked doubtful, but most were curious and expectant. Such a new policy was undoubtedly a brand new beginning for the common people like them.

In the market, common people gathered in groups, enthusiastically discussing this new and strange money house.

The sun shines on everyone's face, reflecting their inner excitement and curiosity.

"Excuse me, sir, how do we deposit and withdraw money in this bank?" an old man asked in confusion, stroking his beard.

The clerk smiled and answered patiently, "My dear, it is easy to deposit and withdraw money in a bank. You just need to go to the bank and hand over your money to the shopkeeper. They will issue you a deposit ticket. With this ticket, you can withdraw your principal and the interest you deserve at any time."

A burly man nearby scratched his head and asked in a gruff voice, "I can't read. What if I lose the deposit slip?"

"Don't worry, brave man." The clerk explained, "There is a special note on the bank's deposit slip. Even if you lose it, you can report it to the bank with the photo and get a replacement. The bank has strict records and control rules to ensure that the gold and silver of every depositor is safe!"

A woman holding a child interrupted and said, "Sir, we are a small family and can't save much money. Will the bank accept it?"

"Madam, the bank welcomes deposits of any amount," the clerk said amiably, "no matter how much, we will keep it safe for you and pay you interest on time."

A young scholar in the crowd asked, "How is the interest calculated in this bank?"

"Good question!" The clerk nodded in praise. "The interest calculation of the bank is based on the amount and time of the deposit. The longer the deposit period and the larger the amount, the more interest will be earned."

Everyone nodded to express their understanding.

The voices of discussion gradually died down, replaced by thoughtful faces.

They may be calculating their family savings or thinking about future plans.

The clerk stood there quietly, smiling, waiting for the next question.

While the common people were discussing the matter heatedly, businessmen also smelled business opportunities from the crowd.

With sharp eyes, they caught the clauses about money house loans in the notice and made secret calculations in their minds.

A merchant in a brocade robe was the first to ask, "Sir, the notice mentioned that money houses can lend money, but what are the rules for such loans?"

The clerk smiled and replied calmly, "Money shops lend money to help merchants expand their business and solve urgent problems. However, loans require collateral or a reliable guarantor. The loan period and interest rate are determined based on the loan amount and the value of the collateral."

Another businessman couldn't wait to ask: "Where will the bank be built? When will it be completed?"

"The location of the bank has been chosen in a prosperous market, which is convenient for merchants and people to come and go." The clerk pointed to a busy place not far away, "As for the date of completion, it is expected to be completed by the end of this year. At that time, the bank will officially open and welcome guests from all over the world."

When the merchants heard this, they were delighted and started talking about it.

They knew very well that the establishment of money shops would not only provide them with financial convenience, but also promote commercial prosperity.

"Sir, after the money shop opens, if we need a loan, how should we go about it?" asked a middle-aged businessman.

"Merchants, you can bring the relevant documents and pledged items to the bank and discuss the loan details with the treasurer." The clerk explained carefully, "The bank will provide convenient financial transactions for merchants based on fairness and selflessness."

After hearing this, the businessmen nodded in praise.

However, in the noisy crowd, no one noticed anything unusual about the two figures.

It was exactly one old and one young.

(End of this chapter)