The first poisonous scholar in Daxia, starting from the abdication of the prime minister

Chapter 342 Daxia Royal Bank!

Prime Minister?

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xia burst into laughter.

However, he also sighed in his heart. Gu Jingzhi's essay in the palace examination moved him, but until now, this position has not been abolished.

Fortunately, with Gu Jingzhi planning for him, everything became much easier. At least before he died, he could see the decline of the aristocratic family.

Thinking of this, he asked, "Gu Qing, after the Empty Seal Case, the aristocratic families no longer have the ability to influence the court. Isn't it time to start your third plan?"

"Your Majesty, I plan to go to the Ministry of Works to find Lord ** after meeting Your Majesty this time!"

Gu Jingzhi said with a smile.

** was assigned to the Ministry of Works. The ostensible reason was that he wanted to study water conservancy projects, which was indeed the case, but it was also the intention of Emperor Xia and Gu Jingzhi.

After all, if you want to cover the entire Daxia with knowledge at once and deliver books to ordinary people at the lowest price, how can you do it without planning in advance?

Although Gu Jingzhi had started planning this matter in Ningzhou as early as now, improving papermaking and movable type printing... were originally part of Gu's industry, but the power of a businessman is ultimately limited.

Moreover, the reputation that this thing can bring is too high. To put it bluntly, it can be said to be a blessing to scholars all over the world.

This kind of fame is not a good thing for Gu Jingzhi!

It would be fine if he didn't serve as an official in the court. At most, those scholars would just be receiving his favor, and nothing else would matter.

But now he is not only an official, but also a 23-year-old third-rank assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue. If this kind of fame falls on him, he will definitely be the prototype of a powerful official in the future.

Therefore, it would be more appropriate to promote this matter in the name of the court.

Emperor Xia was of course aware of everything Gu Jingzhi had done. He sighed, "I never imagined that in my old age, I would not only recover part of my homeland, but also minimize the influence of the aristocratic families on the dynasty. Most importantly, I would be able to bestow blessings upon scholars throughout the world..."

"I think my life's achievements are among the best among all the emperors in history!"

He was not so arrogant as to think that his achievements could surpass those of kings in all dynasties. Born as a commoner, he overthrew the old dynasty and established a new one. If this resume is recorded in history books, he would definitely be the first.

His experience is somewhat similar to that of the Hongwu Emperor in the history books of Gu Jing's previous life, but the Hongwu Emperor's background is lower.

In addition, Emperor Xia was less courageous than Emperor Hongwu.

However, simply eradicating the aristocratic families and improving the papermaking technique... this series can be said to benefit future generations, pass on the cultural heritage of this era, and even further promote cultural development!

Just considering this point, the impact on future generations is undoubtedly huge!

Unfortunately, there was no prosperous era during the Jianwu period, and the people even lived a relatively hard life. Otherwise, Emperor Xia might have left a good reputation as an emperor of all ages in history books.

Gu Jingzhi sighed quietly, "Predecessors plant trees so that future generations can enjoy the shade. The Jianwu Emperor improved papermaking and pioneered movable type printing. People in later generations will benefit from your Majesty's grace. When they think of you in the future, they will surely be grateful for your kindness!"

"Your Majesty's achievements are such that it's no exaggeration to say that he is a wise ruler throughout history!"

"Ha ha!"

Emperor Xia laughed heartily: "I don't care about such empty reputations. What I care about is that after this, my Great Xia will surely produce many talented people!"

"..."

Special!

I don’t care if you laugh!

However, Gu Jingzhi did not agree with Emperor Xia's statement.

What Emperor Xia said will definitely come true, but right now...

He thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, after the Empty Seal Case, the aristocratic families will quickly exit the stage. Your Majesty is planning for the entire world, and the cultural heritage of our Great Xia will surely flourish in the future!"

"However, in the short term, there are urgent problems that need to be solved!"

"Oh?"

Emperor Xia smiled and said, "What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, people always say that the poor are good at literature and the rich are good at martial arts, but who knows that studying for the imperial examinations is actually very expensive!"

Gu Jingzhi smiled bitterly and said, "Even if the imperial court can lower the price of books to the lowest, the inkstone, the paper, and the imperial examinations all cost money."

"This money may not be a big deal in our eyes, but for the poor, even if they live frugally, they may not be able to support a scholar!"

"In the past twenty years of our dynasty's imperial examinations, there have been many talented people almost every year. Due to various reasons such as poverty, they have received financial support or other favors from aristocratic families. Even before they entered the court, they already had a natural position!"

"..."

Emperor Xia also fell silent!

This phenomenon is too common, which is why it is said that aristocratic families can occupy half of the officialdom of Daxia. But what can he do as the emperor?

You can't restrict others and forbid them from accepting favors from aristocratic families or official families, right?

This is tantamount to ruining someone's future.

"Mr. Gu, the people are currently penniless. Even if the government were to promote the new currency, it would take time. But now is the most critical moment. What are your thoughts?"

"Your Majesty, I do have an idea!"

Gu Jingzhi said calmly, "Your Majesty, do you still remember what I wrote in my memorial: banning private banks, or perhaps sending someone from the court to bring together some good people to run a partnership and turn them into banks?"

"Well!"

Emperor Xia nodded and said, "This bank you're talking about is somewhat similar to a money house. Could there be something fishy going on here?"

"Of course, Your Majesty!"

Gu Jingzhi smiled and said, "Banks are not only used to recycle old currency and issue new currency, but they can also help people save money!"

"I know what you mean by saving money, but I have a question that I need Gu Qing to answer for me!"

Emperor Xia looked at Gu Jingzhi and said, "You wrote in this memorial that if the people save money for a certain number of years, we will pay them interest. Although it doesn't seem like much, if it increases in the future, I'm afraid it will be a considerable expense!"

"Your Majesty, this is what I want to say!"

Gu Jingzhi smiled and said, "In addition to the above functions of the bank, I have also thought of another way, that is lending!"

"Loan?"

Emperor Xia frowned subconsciously: "The court established the Royal Bank to lend money to the people. This move..."

"Your Majesty, do you think this is a move to compete with the people for profit and to exploit their wealth?"

"Not bad!"

Emperor Xia nodded and said, "I'm afraid the officials in the court will disagree. Even your teacher, the Minister of Rites Wei Xuan... will probably be the first to jump out and oppose it!"

"hehe!"

Gu Jingzhi smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please listen to me first!"

Emperor Xia nodded slightly, and Gu Jingzhi continued, "As for lending, I only plan to open two lines of business at the moment!"

"First, we will lend money to students who have achieved the title of scholar!"

"Lending money to students?"

Emperor Xia glared at him and scolded, "Nonsense!"

"His Majesty!"

Gu Jingzhi smiled bitterly and said, "The loan I mentioned does have requirements! And your Majesty, don't worry, the officials in the court will only agree and not object!"

"Ah……"

Emperor Xia said expressionlessly, "Then tell me first..."