The key to promoting the New Deal was to unify finance, and without centralized management of finance, the Qing government lacked realistic financial support for its efforts to develop new education, build new armed forces, and promote constitutional government.

However, the gold standard was strongly opposed by the local governors, and then the central and local governments debated between the two proposals: "abolishing the two yuan and changing the yuan" or using silver coins denominated in taels.

The provincial governors, led by Zhang Zhidong and Yuan Shikai, favored the former, while the Du branch (formerly the household department) supported the use of the silver dollar, which was used in the countries of the international silver standard. Jang's main argument was that the whole country still paid taxes in taels, and switching to silver dollars would be a nuisance to the people, and it might not be able to compete with the foreign silver dollars that were already in circulation.

In 1905, the Qing government decided to temporarily use silver taels as the standard coin, and opened a mint and four branches in Tianjin to exercise the "monopoly" coinage right. However, due to the lack of administrative capacity and financial resources to recover the various silver coins that had been circulating in the market before, the issuance of the silver dollar not only failed to bring about a unified currency, but was equivalent to planting a new tree in the original monetary jungle, which meant that the monetary chaos was even worse.

In addition, while provincial mints no longer minted silver coins, the private minting of copper coins continued. This has created a new copper crisis, and since copper coins are mainly used by the people at the bottom, copper-related inflation has also brought great trouble to their lives.

The last source of chaos came from the indiscriminate issuance of banknotes by local government and private banks and money banks. In order to curb the indiscriminate issuance of banknotes, the Qing government established the Hubu Bank in 1905 to issue banknotes with a high degree of credibility. However, a silver-dollar-like dilemma has reappeared. With only 10 million funds, the household bank has no ability to collect hundreds of millions of banknotes already circulating in the market, while the old banknotes are still in circulation and the new banknotes are only adding to the chaos.

Confusion is a disadvantage, but it is also an opportunity. He is a director of a joint venture bank. Although Chen Wenqiang did not see the bank as his own, he relied on it as a backing, and hoped to provide financial support to the revolutionary army and the new government in the future.

And until now, the capital of the joint venture bank is getting stronger and stronger, and the shareholders are not only domestic. There are also Nanyang's, and there are German capital's attached shares, which is impressive. And the business development is also very rapid, dozens of business outlets have been established, the banknotes issued are not only widely circulated in Shanghai, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Zhoushan and other coastal and riverside cities, but also because of Chen Wenqiang's efforts to expand, in Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong and Yunnan provinces have gradually been trusted and welcomed by the people.

It is not required to be widely circulated throughout the country, but in the south, the "Xinghua" banknotes of the joint venture banks still have the strength and possibility to drive out other currencies. This other currency. Naturally, it refers to the paper money issued indiscriminately by local government and private banks and money banks, as well as the household banks of the Qing court.

Despite Gresham's Law, which is that bad money drives out good money; But there is also the anti-Gresham rule, which states that people are generally willing to accept strong, high-value currencies, known as "good money", rather than "bad money" that is weak. Moreover, looking back at the history of world currencies, it is basically a currency that can be used as an international currency with good quality and good reputation. It's not bad money that drives out good money.

Therefore, the joint venture bank has strong capital. It is not surprising that the banknotes issued by the strict regulations and the mutual aid agreement with the Deutsch-Hua Bank were recognized. In other words, "Xinghua" banknotes are good money, and people like to hold them. And a currency that you can hold with peace of mind.

With the help of the influence of the shareholders of the joint venture bank and the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, as well as the various social relations of the members of the general chamber of commerce, the joint venture bank has become more and more the choice of other merchants and ordinary people to save deposits and avoid risks, and the "Xinghua" banknote has become more and more the settlement currency of various transactions.

Chen Wenqiang has repeatedly discussed this matter with the directors of the joint venture bank and the professional advisers hired. Push it a little harder. Yes, with a little more effort, it should be predictably optimistic that the JJ banks will establish themselves as the leaders in the South.

If you look at the members of the Constitutional Council who attended the meeting, they were either famous or wealthy; Either an industrialist, or an industrial and commercial magnate, the rich gentry. And it is almost distributed all over the country, with their support and help, this big plan is twice the result with half the effort.

Of course, this kind of thing is not convenient to discuss at a celebratory reception. That evening, a group of senior officials of the Constitutional Council were invited by Chen Wenqiang, including several heads and advisers of the joint venture bank.

"When a government is dependent on the bankers' money, they (the bankers) and not the leaders of the government are in control of the situation, because the hand that gives the money is always higher than the hand that takes it...... The Rothschild family seized control of the City of London at the Battle of Waterloo and thus took control of Britain's economic lifeline...... By manipulating the bond market, the Rothschilds left Louis XVIII on his proud ...... The tall walls of the Habsburgs were finally crossed by Solomon and became the master of Austria's finance and economy...... Germany, Italy...... The divine royal power has finally been replaced by the divine golden power......"

Neumann was still talking and enthusiastic, and after finally quoting the classics about the importance of currency and issuance, his brown eyes shone brightly, and he looked directly at Chen Wenqiang.

Chen Wenqiang rolled his eyes, ignored this guy, and turned his head to the high-level figures of the Constitutional Council, "The economic strength is enough to make the imperial court dare not ignore the economic strength, I think it is relatively easy to do." Because it is not directly involved in politics and military, the imperial court is unlikely to pay attention to it and suppress it in advance. Moreover, a relatively unified currency will also provide a great boost to the development of the national market. ”

"Wen Qiang-" Zhang Lao Zhuangyuan probably didn't fully understand the point of what this Jew said, and asked with a little confusion: "We, well, this, it should be said that we have a friendship with you, and we all support the joint venture bank." There are also many Chinese businessmen and people who also trust this Chinese-run bank. Deposits, business dealings, are all as much as possible with 'Huaxing' banknotes. ”

"yes!" Tang Hualong also nodded yes, "Huaxing banknotes are also relatively popular in Hubei, although the government is advocating, but the colleagues of the Hubei Xianyou Association are also quite helpful." ”

"Of course, all of you, as well as the original colleagues of the Constitutional Friends Association, Wen Qiang are full of hospitality and are very grateful." Chen Wenqiang smiled and hugged his fists in thanks, and then said, "Now." The establishment of the Constitutional Council can be said to be a different from what it used to be, and its power is great. Therefore, Wen Qiang is shy and wants to ask you for a lot of help. To put it bluntly, it is to make the circulation of Xinghua banknotes more widely through the Constitutional Council. Use more. As for the joint venture bank, these directors are all members of our Constitutional Council, and they will definitely not let the comrades suffer. ”

Yu Qiaqing nodded and said: "Investment and shares, savings deposits, transaction settlement, financing and credit, as long as the members of the association try their best to handle through the bank, and try to hold and use Xinghua banknotes, it will be the greatest help to the bank." As for the Bank, we will continue to operate in strict and regulated manners and make every effort to maintain the stability and firmness of the currency value. It also gives convenience and preferential treatment to the banking business that members of the Association want to do. Of course, the joint venture bank is also willing to provide certain financial support for the development and growth of the association. ”

"In other words, the association and the joint venture bank will be mutually beneficial and win-win." Chen Wenqiang pondered the words and said slowly: "The Constitutional Council has grown, and the joint venture bank has also developed; The strength of the joint venture bank is strong, and naturally the economic strength of our constitutional council has increased. ”

"Wen Qiang's meaning, I seem to understand." Lei Fen, the chief of the secretary, said tentatively: "As for the joint venture bank, it also supports the constitution. Even if it is not a bank of the Constitutional Council, it is the power of the constitutionalists. The property and funds of the comrades of the Constitutional Council. Coupled with the growing joint venture banks, this economic power may have made the imperial court pay more attention to it, so that the association could better and more quickly promote constitutional government. ”

"Yes, exactly." Chen Wenqiang stretched out his thumb at Lei Fen and praised: "It's much better than me, and the reason is simple and clear." It's also very thorough. ”

"So it's clear." Zhang Jian nodded and said with a smile: "The joint venture bank has strong capital, strong currency, and it is a bank run by Chinese people, so you don't say it." Everyone will support it. Of course, if this meeting is launched, it should be more powerful. What about this, I think it's okay, what do you think? ”

"I'm for it."

"I also agree, help our constitutional colleagues, it should be."

………

A private relationship is a personal relationship, and the scope is never too large. It was different when the Constitutional Council was launched, everyone had friends, and the coverage was suddenly expanded by I don't know how much.

The joint venture banks were suddenly encouraged by the support of industrialists, merchants, and gentry from almost all over the country, and the Constitutional Council felt that the strength of the joint venture banks had greatly increased with the support of the joint venture banks. In this way, a win-win cooperation agreement is reached, and both parties are satisfied.

As the largest sponsor of the conference, the joint venture bank felt that it was worth the money, and the income greatly exceeded the output. When the agreement was reached, Yu Qiaqing, on behalf of the joint venture bank, made a generous contribution to support the expansion of the Constitutional Society's Constitutional Research Society in Shanghai, a school that provides constitutional education for its members.

After the guests and hosts dispersed, Chen Wenqiang saw off the heads of the Constitutional Council, and returned to have some discussions with the bankers, which was the end of the day's affairs.

"A financial empire? Do you want to be the Rothschild of China? Neumann excused himself to stay, his eyes looking directly at Chen Wenqiang enthusiastically, "How is it, the story just now is very demagogic and exciting, right?" ”

"Honestly, it's a bit too much." Chen Wenqiang was slightly tired and turned the teacup in his hand, "I'm worried that you will scare them." ”

"I think it's just right." Neumann rubbed his hands together, his eyes shining, "Business, business, I'm making a deal." Of course, they didn't like me, but I asked for the lowest price. ”

"You deliberately stayed, you didn't want to disturb my rest with such a trivial matter, right?" Chen Wenqiang yawned, he was indeed a little tired these days.

"Yes, you are now one of the most influential people in China, and of course I have important things to discuss with you." Neuman laughed, and habitually grabbed Chen Wenqiang's arm, "You will definitely be interested." ”

"You're wrong." Chen Wenqiang shook his head slightly, patted Neumann, and let his arm break free from his hand silently, "Don't think that only you Jews know the power of finance, I don't advocate it, but use it." So, if you know that, you'll also understand that I'm principled. Even if it seems to be generous and selfless, I will be cautious. ”

Neumann stared at Chen Wenqiang's eyes seriously, seemed to ponder for a while, and said: "I may understand your concern, your knowledge is very wide, and your cautious attitude in doing things is also surprising. But in China, in Shanghai, you can do anything, as long as you do it covertly. ”

"Why hide?" Chen Wenqiang said with a smile: "Especially this kind of political funding, I am right, the interests to be sought will be exposed sooner or later." The Jewish consortium is too strong in capital and too clever in its means, and I am a little afraid, isn't it right? ”

"As with the introduction of German capital, the merchant borrows and the merchant returns, and there are no additional or secret agreements?" Neumann didn't need Chen Wenqiang to answer, and said to himself: "How about this? Your business is huge and risky. And knowing this, and still funding you, this in itself proves sincerity. ”

"Freemasonry, Zionism, I don't know how it will be reciprocated in the future, and I don't know how they will want me to reciprocate in the future." Chen Wenqiang raised his eyebrows and said in a deep voice: "If it is just a normal investment, of course I have no excuse to refuse, and I also need the help of funds." But I think-"

"What do you want to do so much?" Neumann's surprised expression flashed, and he became happy again, grabbing Chen Wenqiang's arm, as if to pull him away, "I knew you would agree." Moreover, it is not enough to have banks, there must also be stock exchanges, and the ideas you had before can now be put into practice. ”

As early as 1882, China's first stock company, Shanghai Pingzhun Stock Company, was established. Prior to this, the joint-stock enterprises of the Great Qing Kingdom had just emerged, and the prospects were promising. Among them, the steamship China Merchants Bureau and Kaiping Coal Mine run by the government and the commercial government have played an exemplary role.

These two joint-stock companies were very profitable, which stimulated people's speculative frenzy, and when a new company came out in the future, thousands of people vied for shares. Throw money into it! As long as you invest in it, you can generate more money!

This seemingly unreasonable statement is the fact in front of us, how can countless ordinary people not believe it? This public investment fever has also profoundly affected the business of the bank, and all the money banks are involved.

No one expected that at this great moment of "all hands pouring happiness flowers", a financial storm swept up.

Overheating of investments - falling stock prices - bankruptcy of companies. Dozens of businesses have closed down, dozens of money banks have been closed down and liquidated, and the Shanghai Pingzhun Stock Company has also disappeared in the storm. (To be continued......)