NOVPUBLiu Bei’s face twitched uncontrollably. Chen Xi would either remain silent, or once he spoke, it was about matters of great significance. Yet, could the wealth of a single county really compare to that of an entire province?
Pushing aside other thoughts, Liu Bei tried to look calm as he faced Chen Xi, "Zichuan, let’s hear your strategy. I trust with your wisdom, you would not deceive me. However, Wen He and others are also great talents of this era. How is it that you cannot reconcile with them?"
Chen Xi took a deep breath, discarding all strategies aimed at others, and proceeded to explain the trade tax purely for Liu Bei’s understanding.
"We have encountered conflicts in our commercial laws. Lord Xuande, please take a seat. I will inform Lord Xuande of all my thoughts, and you shall then pass judgment," said Chen Xi calmly, as he used his spiritual power to suppress all distractions and looked at Liu Bei with serene eyes.
Liu Bei nodded slightly, "Please proceed, Zichuan."
Chen Xi was rarely serious, usually appearing nonchalant, but once he became grave, Liu Bei knew that Chen Xi was entering his element. It was just like the time when he meticulously planned everything from Hulao Pass to the present. A serious Chen Xi, in Liu Bei’s eyes, was undoubtedly the strongest strategist in the world.
"My new commercial law abolishes the tax at narrow passes, the commodity tax at city gates, and the general miscellaneous taxes levied on merchants. Instead, it introduces a transaction tax. That is, tax will only be collected on transactions within Lord Xuande’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, a tax certificate will be issued, and with this certificate, no further taxes on goods will be collected elsewhere in Qingzhou..." Chen Xi calmly and simply introduced the concept of transaction tax to Liu Bei, remaining in a very composed state. 𝘯𝑜𝑣𝑝𝑢𝘣.𝑐𝑜𝑚
"Such a commercial law seems to cause us too much harm in terms of our own interests," said Liu Bei, frowning.
"On the contrary, Lord Xuande, Wancheng has been ravaged. Due to the war between Cao Mengde and Yuan Shu, the city, being in the heartland of the Central Plains and a central hub of commerce, has fallen into ruin. Now that we have the Commerce Alliance in our hands, as long as we keep the alliance’s clubhouse in Fenggao and utilize this commercial law, Fenggao will become the new commercial center of the world. Under your rule, it will become the commercial center of the world," Chen Xi said with a hint of frenzied smile on his face.
"The commerce of one city, one region, can never surpass the commerce of the entire world. What I am doing now is to tie all the merchants of the world to Lord Xuande’s chariot! I am making Fenggao into a global market that will surpass Wancheng!" The madness on Chen Xi’s face startled Liu Bei.
Liu Bei didn’t understand commerce, but what Chen Xi said made a lot of sense to him. Merchants value profit, and Chen Xi’s method provided profit for them, attracting more merchants. If there were enough merchants, indeed it wasn’t an issue. Because Liu Bei didn’t understand commerce and was unaware of Jia Xu and others’ concerns, his considerations were very straightforward.
"In that case, Zichuan, there seems to be no problem with what you’ve considered," Liu Bei said somewhat oddly. This was completely feasible. Fenggao becoming the global market meant a single county could indeed rival an entire province!
Chen Xi then laid out the current situation and the concerns of Jia Xu and others, and sure enough, after hearing it, Liu Bei began to ponder deeply.
After a long contemplation, Liu Bei looked up at Chen Xi, "Zichuan, are you certain you can achieve what you’ve said?"
"Absolutely!" Chen Xi replied with a single word, calmly, yet his powerful confidence reassured Liu Bei.
"If you’re confident you can accomplish it, is there still a need to worry about others’ objections? Do what you believe is right. I’ve said long ago that I’d entrust all governmental affairs to you, granting you the power to decide independently. I believe you’ll do better than I ever could!" Liu Bei said to Chen Xi, word by word, with great solemnity, exuding an unwavering trust that touched Chen Xi deeply.
"Thank you, Lord Xuande!" Chen Xi stood up and bowed, "Please, just wait three months for me, Lord Xuande. I will prove to you that your choice is not mistaken."
"Hahaha, be at ease, Zichuan. Whatever you wish to attempt, bring it forth. I, Liu Xuande, started from nothing, and within two years with your assistance, I have faced every feudal lord under the heavens without fear. What do I have to worry about? The path to restoring the Han Dynasty is not a smooth one. How can life’s ups and downs affect me?" Liu Bei’s demeanor exuded a kind of pride as he stared at Chen Xi.
"Even if you’re wrong, it just means you’ve missed one opportunity. You’re not yet twenty, and I’m barely thirty. If we’re wrong, we’ll try again. What failures can Liu Xuande, who started from scratch, not withstand? You need not make guarantees to me; I trust you. The moment I granted you autonomy, I believed you wouldn’t fail to uphold that power. Go, Zichuan! Prove that you are superior to everyone in the world!" At that moment, Liu Bei appeared as a sage longing for Chen Xi’s success, smiling warmly as he looked at him. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to continue reading.)
