The two quickly drafted a tax decree and sent a number of officials to convey the news to all the merchants in the city.

The news immediately caused an uproar among merchants.

"Oh my God! The prince's request is too strong to be difficult for! ”

"It is very difficult for our business to do business now, and now we have increased taxes, how can we continue to operate!"

"Now we can only raise prices to maintain profits!"

The merchants were talking, and their faces were ugly.

Soon, the city's wealthy merchants and aristocrats gathered in front of the yamen to protest loudly against the new policy.

"Lord Chu, your new policy is too much!" A wealthy businessman said dissatisfied.

"We've already paid so much money, and now we have to pay this new tax, we can't afford it!" Another wealthy businessman also protested.

"I've heard that this new tax has almost drained away all of our profits, so how can it be justified!" A nobleman said indignantly.

Chu Ze faced everyone's protests and said calmly: "I know that this policy will have a certain impact on you, but it was directly promulgated by the imperial court, and I can only implement it." ”

"And raising taxes and silver is also necessary to deal with the current fiscal shortage." Chu Ze further explained.

The crowd was still very dissatisfied.

A nobleman said angrily: "We don't care if it's the policy of the imperial court or not, anyway, we are stripping us of our assets!" ”

"That's right! This is a rip-off! The other echoed loudly.

When Chu Ze heard this, his tone became serious and said: "Don't go too far, after all, this is a policy promulgated by the imperial court, what do you want to do with such a quarrel, rebel?" ”

Everyone was silent when they heard this, and their faces became embarrassed.

Seeing this, Chu Ze softened his tone and said, "I promise that I will reflect your opinions to the imperial court and strive to take care of the interests of merchants in future policies." However, for the time being, we ask for your cooperation. ”

Seeing Chu Ze's tough attitude, everyone could only leave temporarily.

In order to raise funds, Chu Ze not only took measures in terms of taxes, but also launched a plan to borrow money from the family and wealthy merchants.

He specially summoned his henchmen Li Xing and Zhao Si and explained:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently facing a dilemma of fiscal imbalance. In order to ensure the sustainability of various livelihood projects, I am ready to start a plan to borrow money from major businesses. ”

Li Xing hurriedly said: "Good way, the loan plan is a wonderful way to solve the shortage of funds." ”

Zhao Si also chimed in: "We will go all out to persuade all merchants to support this plan and lend us the funds we need!" ”

Chu Ze shook his head and said, "Don't make too big a package ticket, we just raised taxes on merchants some time ago, and they may not support us so soon." You have to take a gradual approach and persuade patiently. ”

"Yes! The king's teaching is extremely true! Li Xing and Zhao Si replied respectfully.

So, Chu Ze sent Li Xing, Zhao Si and others to major merchants to try to persuade them to invest in railway construction.

Li Xing came to a large silk shop and patiently explained to the boss: "You have such a big business, if the railway is built, you can quickly transport silk to various cities, and the business will be very prosperous!" ”

The rich merchant touched his beard and said suspiciously: "This is true, but the prince has just raised taxes recently, and my profits have been discounted, so how can I have extra money to invest in the railway?" ”

Li Xing hurriedly complimented him and said, "Sheren is really far-sighted! The prince was also forced to raise taxes, which was of great benefit to the business of the people. If you invest in the railway, you will definitely make four times the profit, and you will never suffer a loss! ”

When the rich merchant heard this, he shook his head and said, "Don't be in a hurry about this, let me think about it again." ”

Li Xing saw that his attitude was ambiguous, so he could only say goodbye and then go to meet other merchants.

Faced with Li Xing's loan request, all of them prevaricated and avoided answering, making it difficult for Li Xing to complete the task.

Li Xing thought secretly in his heart: "These guys, when the prince raised taxes before, they all shouted that they wanted to rebel, and now they are borrowing some money and shrinking back one or two!" It's selfish. ”

Zhao Si also ran into a wall outside, and he was already anxious in his heart: "These nouveau riche are so arrogant on weekdays, and now the prince is in trouble but he will not save him!" They are such villains, they only know their own small interests! ”

Both of them were extremely indignant at the attitude of the wealthy businessmen in their hearts.

At this time, Li Xing returned to the yamen in a state of despair and reported the failed results of the loan operation, and Chu Ze couldn't help but be a little disappointed.

Li Xing stepped forward and whispered: "Report to the prince, I really can't move those selfish businessmen, and ask the prince to punish him!" ”

Chu Ze shook his head and comforted him: "You have done your best, I can't blame you." It is more important for us to restore our relationship with the world, and it is okay to put off the loans. ”

Hearing this, Li Xing hurriedly said, "Thank you, Lord Wang, for your kindness!" We will work harder to regain the trust of the world! ”

Chu Ze bowed slightly, and then instructed Li Xing and Zhao Si: "You two, for now, it is better to control expenses more strictly and minimize unnecessary expenses. We must survive the current difficulties. ”

"Yes! I'm going to do my best to restrain my spending and tighten my belt! Li Xing and Zhao Si replied respectfully.

Chu Ze himself was also outside office hours, and began to carefully check various expenses and personally delete unnecessary items.

"This batch of timber is not needed for the time being, so cancel it first."

"This construction can be postponed and put on hold."

Chu Ze cut expenses one by one to ensure that there were enough funds to meet the most urgent needs.

Zhao Si was busy flattering on the side: "The prince's extraordinary talent is displayed at this time!" It's very accessible to make sure that your expenses are commensurate with your income! ”

Chu Ze shook his head and said: "There is no need to flatter, I just don't panic everywhere and stabilize the people's hearts." ”

Chu Ze smiled slightly, but he knew in his heart that if he wanted to get through this difficulty, he had to work harder.

Day after day, Chu Ze worked diligently, carefully examined various expenditures, and always considered how to maximize the available resources and reduce the burden on the people.

At the same time, the Li Mansion also had a clear understanding of Chu Ze's loan plan.

Master Li said hatefully: "Chu Ze, this bastard, after fining us and increasing our taxes, he still wants to use my money to build a railway!" It's a brute! ”

An elder of the Li family also said indignantly: "That's right, the day before it increased our taxes, and the next day it came to us to borrow money, it's too shameful!" ”

Master Li said gloomily: "When the time comes, I must embarrass him!" I will never lend him half a copper plate! ”

"Yes! Tell him to peel off his face! Li Kuo echoed.

So Master Li instructed everyone in the family that if someone from Chu Ze came to borrow money, they would all refuse, and they would make it difficult for the other party and embarrass them to leave, as if in this way, they could get out of their bad breath. (End of chapter)