Chapter 333: Commerce and Governance

Although the printing workshop and carriage rental business brought these wealthy merchants tremendous delight, this enormous debt still made them feel some pressure.

They even felt somewhat regretful, thinking that if they had known this would happen, they would have been better off donating money instead of land – wasn’t this just making things unnecessarily complicated?

But on second thought, the copper coins at home didn’t require paying taxes, while land certainly did!

However, the annual interest of four thousand strings was no small sum for any of them – in fact, most donors couldn’t afford it.

What a dilemma!

Although the pleasant surprise was considerable, the burden was also heavy!

But then again, was borrowing one hundred thousand strings really that much?

Was four thousand strings in interest really that much?

These were merchants who simply hadn’t seen the world.

As it happened, just when the Great Song Charity Foundation was borrowing from the Ma family, the Reform Planning Commission was also seeking loans from the imperial court.

Wang Anshi’s Balanced Delivery Policy had two meanings: first, to save money for the state by seeking nearby sources instead of distant ones and rationally transporting tribute goods, which could certainly save considerable money. Second, to earn money for the state through what was called buying cheap and selling dear – but this required capital!

Otherwise, no matter how cheap the goods were, they couldn’t be purchased, and if you couldn’t buy them, what was there to talk about selling?

The core of Wang Anshi’s reforms was financial management, but without capital, how could one manage finances?

Could one expect to get something for nothing?

That would be no different from robbery.

Wang Anshi truly couldn’t bring himself to do such a thing.

This was his difference from those great treacherous ministers – many corrupt officials used reform as a pretext, their so-called method was merely conducting business without capital, robbing the people’s and merchants’ money to fill the state treasury.

No matter how cunning and despicable those wealthy merchants might be, the government couldn’t rob them, because once the government took the lead in robbery, such situations would only escalate, and the nation would be finished.

However, this Wang Anshi was also a ruthless man, or perhaps one could say he was bold because of his great skill.

He opened his mouth and asked to borrow ten million strings from the court.

This could only be described as the strong meeting the stronger – there’s always a higher mountain!

But this also drew opposition from many court officials, including most of the State Councilors in the Chamber of State Affairs.

The finances were already in deficit – shouldn’t saving come first? If they additionally allocated ten million strings to the Transport Commission, they might as well take the whole next year off.

However, Wang Anshi and Zhao Xu truly hadn’t thought of having the state treasury provide the money.

Because they both knew this was impossible.

The treasury’s money was subject to regulations and systems – it wasn’t something the emperor could touch just because he wanted to.

If the Palace Secretariat didn’t approve it, the emperor actually had no recourse whatsoever.

But the emperor wasn’t stupid either – imperial power and money were closely related. If the emperor had no money in his hands, he could not sit securely on his dragon throne!

Emperors throughout the dynasties all had private funds.

That is, the Inner Treasury.

Zhao Xu decided to allocate five million strings from the Inner Treasury, supply three million stones of rice, and additionally intercept two million strings from the annual tribute money and miscellaneous goods to lend to the Transport Commission.

The ministers still opposed this fiercely. The Inner Treasury was said to be the emperor’s private money, but in the Northern Song, this money wasn’t entirely the emperor’s personal property – it also had a public nature. Simply put, it was for emergencies.

Mainly for military pay and disaster relief.

If war broke out and the state treasury had no money, the Inner Treasury had to provide funds. If famine occurred and the state treasury had no money, the Inner Treasury also had to provide funds.

But the Inner Treasury was ultimately subject to the emperor’s will – the ministers could only try to persuade the emperor, not use administrative orders to stop him.

This morning in the Hall of Delegated Rule, everyone argued again.

But Emperor Zhao Xu remained firmly supportive of Wang Anshi.

“Sigh!”

Leaving the Imperial City, Wen Yanbo sighed: “It seems His Majesty is determined to support Wang Anshi.”

Sima Guang said: “As expected.”

Without a doubt, one could tell this was definitely something they had already discussed.

“But I never imagined Wang Anshi would be so ruthless, asking to borrow ten million strings right off the bat.”

Wen Yanbo said: “This is borrowing, not allocating. Borrowing means it must be repaid, and repayment would certainly include interest. Without saying so, we know Wang Anshi must have guaranteed His Majesty that he could definitely make money.

With these ten million strings invested in the market, plus the fact that the backer behind this is His Majesty himself, this is a business that cannot lose money. Before long, they’ll be able to seize all the merchants’ profits.”

Sima Guang asked: “I must presume to ask – do you oppose allocating ten million strings to the Transport Commission, or do you oppose His Majesty engaging in commerce?”

Wen Yanbo replied: “I oppose both.”

Sima Guang asked again: “Then which do you consider more serious?”

Wen Yanbo pondered briefly, then said: “Naturally the former is less serious and the latter more serious. If it were merely a merchant taking out ten million strings to do business, that wouldn’t be so frightening. If they raised prices, the government could still regulate them. Even if court ministers privately engaged in commerce, at least His Majesty could still control them, and you and I could supervise them. But when His Majesty takes out ten million strings to do business, who can control that?”

Sima Guang answered: “The judiciary can control it. If Wang Anshi takes this money for normal procurement, then so be it. But if they dare use this public authority for personal gain and corruption, the judiciary will certainly not ignore it. Our dynasty has clear regulations regarding speculation and profiteering – we cannot allow them to act recklessly.”

Wen Yanbo asked quietly: “Can the judiciary control His Majesty?”

Sima Guang fell silent for a moment, then slowly replied: “His Majesty is merely lending money out, hoping to reduce the deficit through this. If illegal activities occur, it would certainly not be His Majesty’s wish – it would be the doing of others.”

Wen Yanbo stroked his beard and asked again: “Are you confident you can control this?”

Sima Guang raised his head.

Wen Yanbo looked ahead and saw only four or five laborers repairing the road. He asked curiously: “What is there to look at?”

Sima Guang asked with a smile: “Have you not noticed that the road conditions in Bianjing have improved considerably compared to before?”

Wen Yanbo said: “I noticed this long ago. There’s much less dust and manure, which has greatly reduced complaints from court officials about the vehicle license fees.”

“Not only that.”

Sima Guang chuckled. “This way.”

Sima Guang led Wen Yanbo to the intersection of Bian River Avenue and State Bridge Road.

Wen Yanbo said in surprise: “The foot traffic here seems much lighter.”

“It’s not lighter – everyone is following the rules, and at fixed times, there are dedicated patrol officers directing traffic here, so congestion rarely occurs. Can you see that pavilion?”

“That appears to be a police booth set up by the police bureau. Each booth has two patrol officers stationed for guard duty and surveillance.”

“Look more carefully.”

Sima Guang said.

Wen Yanbo looked for a long while but couldn’t discern the mystery, and looked questioningly at Sima Guang.

Sima Guang smiled: “Have you never drunk at the bridge shops?”

Wen Yanbo suddenly understood. “I know what you’re saying – where that police booth stands originally belonged to the bridge shops too.”

Sima Guang nodded and asked: “Do you know who owned those bridge shops?”

“It seems to be the Gao family.”

“Exactly.”

Sima Guang smiled: “But now this entire area has been demolished. I heard they very much wanted to pay the street encroachment fee, but the police bureau wouldn’t agree. Why? Because this is both a bridge entrance and a main intersection leading to the market – it’s very prone to congestion. Also, there used to be many vendors doing business on the bridge – can you see a single one now?”

Wen Yanbo nodded: “Regarding street encroachment matters, the police bureau has indeed done well.”

Sima Guang said: “Previously, many ministers wanted to deal with these street encroachment behaviors, yet none succeeded. This shows that many things aren’t as difficult as we imagine!”

Wen Yanbo replied: “But Zhang San’s contribution to this success cannot be overlooked!”

Sima Guang said: “This is precisely why I’m trying to win over Zhang San.”

Wen Yanbo asked: “Are you confident?”

Sima Guang nodded.

Wen Yanbo asked again: “Then how do you plan to proceed?”

Sima Guang said: “Previously Zhang San promised me he would teach litigation studies at the College of National Scions, but many things happened in between and the matter was delayed. I plan to use the teaching opportunity at the College to gradually draw him toward my judicial reforms.”

Wen Yanbo chuckled: “You’ve really gone to great lengths for that young man!”

Sima Guang suddenly turned to look in one direction and smiled: “This young man’s talents are something that you and I lack, Lord Wen.”

Wen Yanbo turned his head and followed Sima Guang’s gaze. In a corner, he saw three to five youths competing for a small ball – they were playing new football.

The reason old football was more popular in the palace than among the common people was that it had a higher barrier to entry, while new football was relatively easier to learn.

New football quickly became popular in the neighborhoods.

Teaching?

At this moment, Zhang Fei really didn’t have the leisure for that. He was nearly driven to fury by Commander of the Cavalry Wang Chao’s intelligence, and was currently rushing to the Imperial Guard Cavalry headquarters with Fan Zheng.

As soon as they entered the gate, they heard a commotion of shouting.

“Over here! Over here! Pass it this way!”

“Who exactly are you planning to pass to?”

“Sorry, kicked it a bit too hard!”

Looking up, they saw that the original training ground had been converted into a makeshift football field, with more than twenty Imperial Guard soldiers running around on the pitch.

Fan Zheng laughed: “Brother San, your football certainly has quite the appeal!”

Was it appeal, or had the promotion gone overboard? Zhang Fei could only smile bitterly: “But football can’t defend the nation!”

Fan Zheng gave an embarrassed laugh, then suddenly said: “Eh? Isn’t that the Young Master and Little Ma?”

Zhang Fei looked closely and confirmed, “It really is those two guys.”

He immediately called out: “Young Master, Little Ma!”

“Brother San?”

The two immediately ran over.

“Zhang San, Big Brother, what brings you here?”

Cao Dongdong wiped his sweat while asking Zhang Fei.

Fan Zheng replied: “Oh, we came to discuss something with Commander Wang.”

Zhang Fei asked: “What are you two doing here?”

Ma Xiaoyi immediately complained: “Brother San, you don’t know – those police officers are all so busy normally, where would they have time… mmph mmph.”

Mid-sentence, Cao Dongdong suddenly covered his mouth with one hand, then complained to Zhang Fei: “Zhang San, this is all your fault.”

Zhang Fei was puzzled: “My fault?”

“That’s right!”

Cao Dongdong said seriously: “It’s all because you had to organize this football league with such high prize money. Everyone wants to compete for the prize, so they asked Little Ma and me to come teach them. We have good relationships with many officers in the Three Military Divisions, so it was hard to refuse their earnest requests.”

Ma Xiaoyi also caught on and nodded vigorously.

“Is that so?” Zhang Fei smiled: “But you two, as the police bureau’s ace players, are actually training your opponents’ skills – isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

Ace players?

Cao Dongdong’s eyes couldn’t help but flash – that title wasn’t bad, he liked it.

Ma Xiaoyi removed Cao Dongdong’s hand and said glumly: “We’d like to train too, but the police bureau is so busy now that everyone hardly has time to play football.”

“Little Ma?”

Cao Dongdong tried to cover his mouth again, but it was too late.

Zhang Fei asked with a smile: “You two wouldn’t be thinking of changing careers, would you?”

Ma Xiaoyi quickly said: “Not at all! I still much prefer being a police officer – I can stand up for the weak against the strong, and don’t have to worry about getting beaten by my father. I’m only here today because it’s my day off and I’m accompanying my brother to play football.”

Ever since becoming a police officer, he seemed to have found his life’s purpose. He had always loved fighting injustice, but many people saw this as meddling and asking for trouble. As a police officer, he could righteously fight injustice – he just had to follow a few rules.

But Cao Dongdong looked conflicted.

He had really stumbled into this accidentally and had never thought about being a police officer for life. Currently, his focus was entirely on football.

Zhang Fei saw this but said nothing. Given his status, he had not only achieved financial freedom but employment freedom as well. He nodded: “Alright, you continue playing. I’ll go talk to Commander Wang about something first. Shall we have dinner together later?”

Cao Dongdong quickly said: “No thanks, I still need to explain football formations to them later.”

Realizing his life’s value? Zhang Fei nodded: “Fine! Then let’s make it another day.”

Just as they reached the hall entrance, Wang Chao came out leading two officers to greet them – quite good treatment indeed.

“My worthy nephew has arrived!”

“Worthy nephew?”

Zhang Fei was startled.

When did our relationship become so close?

Wang Chao immediately said: “I’m acquainted with your father-in-law, so calling you worthy nephew – is that not acceptable?”

“Acceptable! Of course it’s acceptable! This junior is flattered.”

Zhang Fei nodded awkwardly.

Entering the hall, Zhang Fei handed a roster to Wang Chao: “Commander Wang, is this the roster you had sent over?”

Wang Chao took it and looked: “Yes! Is there a problem?”

Zhang Fei said: “Don’t you think there’s an issue?”

Wang Chao shook his head.

Zhang Fei said: “The Imperial Guard Cavalry has thirty-six teams participating in the competition. Doesn’t this… doesn’t this seem problematic?”

When he had seen this roster, he was so angry he had to laugh. A perfectly good football league had been turned by Wang Chao into an internal Imperial Guard Cavalry friendship tournament.

The crazy thing was, this was just the Imperial Guard Cavalry, and over there were still the Imperial Guard Infantry and the Palace Command, so counting it all up, just the Three Military Divisions alone would have over a hundred teams—how could anyone else still play?

The key issue was that Zhang Fei couldn’t organize so many matches either!

Wang Chao snorted: “My Imperial Guard Cavalry has over a hundred thousand men, while the police bureau has how many? Comparatively speaking, our forming thirty-six teams isn’t really that many, and we’re giving you such support—are you still not satisfied?”

Calculated by proportion, this truly wasn’t much. Who the hell would dare compete with the Three Military Divisions in terms of numbers? That would be insane.

I’m satisfied my ass! This isn’t support—this is clearly sabotage through excessive praise! Zhang Fei smiled insincerely: “I’m naturally very grateful for Commander Wang’s support, but if we let the Imperial Guard Cavalry’s thirty-six teams participate, then my football league might be finished.”

Wang Chao asked in confusion: “Why?”

Zhang Fei said: “Commander Wang, have you heard that recently many rumors have been circulating in the city, saying I want to use new football to replace old football?”

Wang Chao nodded: “I’ve heard about this, but what does it have to do with this matter?”

Zhang Fei said: “Among those saying this are many court ministers who are looking for trouble with me. If we let the Imperial Guard Cavalry’s thirty-six teams participate, then without even thinking about it, they’ll definitely seize this opportunity to make an issue of it, saying my football disrupts military morale and causes the imperial guards to become obsessed with trivial pursuits, abandoning their duties. What Imperial Guard Cavalry—might as well rename it Imperial Guard Football. Commander Wang, the imperial guards have their responsibilities as imperial guards, not to specialize in playing ball. If we just form one team to earn some money to supplement military expenses, that’s acceptable, but if we form this many teams, it would definitely give people grounds for criticism.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a military officer said: “Commander Wang, this subordinate believes Zhang San speaks reasonably. If this draws impeachment from the civil officials, it would only bring us a heap of trouble!”

These military officers were also very wary of this, and Zhang Fei was definitely not being alarmist.

After Wang Chao pondered briefly, he asked Zhang Fei again: “What do you suggest?”

Zhang Fei said: “At most, the Palace Command, Imperial Guard Cavalry, and Imperial Guard Infantry should each form one team—no more than that.”

Wang Chao was somewhat hesitant about this. Within the Imperial Guard Cavalry there were many different units, and they weren’t all that harmonious with each other—this bowl of water had to be held level!

Zhang Fei explained further: “Commander Wang, everyone admires the strong. Thirty-six weak teams are far less popular than one strong team, and the more popular a team is, the more money it can earn. So from a profit perspective, one team is better than thirty-six teams.

And considering the competitive relationship among the Three Military Divisions, if the Palace Command and Imperial Guard Infantry put all their best players on one team, then Commander Wang, your thirty-six teams would just be trampled underfoot by them.”

Wang Chao was slightly stunned and quickly said: “You speak reasonably, you speak reasonably. Very well! Then we’ll do as you say.”

Earning a little less money was only secondary—if they were to be trampled underfoot by the Palace Command and Imperial Guard Infantry, that absolutely could not be allowed.

After finishing this discussion, Zhang Fei and Fan Zheng left.

“Brother San, your arguments this time were truly flawless. I won’t hide it from you—if it had been me handling this, I… I probably wouldn’t have known what to do.”

After leaving the Imperial Guard Cavalry, Fan Zheng spoke with a face full of admiration.

When he had first received that roster, his head had been spinning, because the rules hadn’t set any limits, and the other party was the Three Military Divisions. Although the Song Dynasty emphasized civil over military affairs, the commanders of the Three Military Divisions weren’t people that ordinary folks could afford to offend.

That’s why he had hurried to find Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei smiled: “Well then, next time you can handle it.”

“Ah?”

Fan Zheng quickly waved his hands: “I couldn’t do it.”

Zhang Fei glanced at Fan Zheng, his smile fading as he said seriously: “Brother, your White Crystal Inn is currently only so big, and the business is relatively limited, so the experience you can gain is restricted. Comparatively speaking, this charitable foundation can better train a person. For you, this is actually a very rare opportunity. After all, the forces behind our charitable foundation aren’t weak either. If you miss this opportunity, you might not get another one.”

Fan Zheng listened and pondered for a long while, then suddenly cupped his hands and said: “Thank you for your guidance, Brother San. I will certainly give my all.”

His ambitions were actually quite substantial. He had always wanted to transform the White Crystal Inn into a comprehensive complex, but as for how specifically to implement this, he didn’t have a concrete plan. Currently, whenever an opportunity arose, he would get involved.

For instance, with the charitable foundation, he had requested that it be housed at the White Crystal Inn.

However, the charitable foundation was essentially a hodgepodge that encompassed everything and involved many different businesses. Managing the foundation would inevitably require mastery of strategic maneuvering and negotiation tactics. This was indeed an excellent training opportunity.

Zhang Fei nodded and continued: “Mogul Chen and the others will certainly hurry to get their sons or grandsons to join the charitable foundation as well. You’ll lead this team, and if any problems arise, I’ll hold you accountable.”

“Yes.”

Fan Zheng nodded.

Zhang Fei smiled and said: “I believe in your abilities. You and our charitable foundation are a match made in heaven.”

Fan Zheng’s face reddened as he said: “Brother San, you praise me too highly. I’m ashamed and dare not accept such compliments.”

But as he spoke, he became somewhat puzzled: “I wonder what you will be responsible for?”

Zhang Fei smiled and said: “I’m responsible for spending money—oh no, I’m responsible for donating money.”

“Ah?”

Fan Zheng was stunned.

Zhang Fei said with a straight face: “Don’t underestimate this donation work. This is the most difficult task of the charitable foundation. The court can tolerate the establishment of the charitable foundation precisely because of the word ‘charity.’ If the donations aren’t done well, that could cause major problems.”

Fan Zheng thought about it and realized this was indeed the case. The court wouldn’t care how much money you made; they would only keep an eye on how much money you donated.

In truth, Zhang Fei couldn’t possibly focus his attention on the charitable foundation. After all, this wasn’t a capitalist era but a feudal one, and they were facing a political storm. His focus still had to remain on the court.

The key point was that he wasn’t professionally trained either. He could rely on his knowledge that transcended the times to lay out various plans, but when it came to specifically executing each task, he might not be as capable as Fan Zheng.

This truly required experience.