bullyxtreme Chapter 138 Using commerce to support industry and industry to strengthen the military
Chapter 138 Using commerce to support industry and industry to strengthen the military
Chapter 138 Using commerce to support industry and industry to strengthen the military
Chapter 137 Song Yanniang seemed to be deep in thought. She understood that Chen Ying's words made sense, but the problem was that she was afraid of being held accountable later. Even though she was a woman, she was very clear that although Wei Zhongxian was currently at the height of his power, the problem was that it was only a matter of time before Wei Zhongxian fell from power. This was because the Ming Dynasty would not tolerate such a powerful eunuch. Didn't the powerful eunuch Liu Jin during the Zhengde era also meet a tragic end?
Chen Ying stepped forward and put his arm around Song Yanniang's shoulder, saying, "Yanniang, don't worry. Besides, this silver can be deposited in the bank, where the bank can use it for lending, investment, and making more money. Shareholders get dividends, and depositors get interest. Half of the officials' silver will eventually return to the national treasury, and the other half will flow into the pockets of the people. Tell me, is this a good thing or a bad thing?"
Song Yanniang murmured, "Chen Lang, I—"
Chen Ying turned around, his gaze deep, and said, "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. In this world, there is no absolute black and white. Some officials are not corrupt, do nothing, or are not greedy. Are they really good officials? Are such officials really a good thing for the people? I don't think so. Such officials are actually more hateful than corrupt officials."
Of course, Chen Ying was referring to the Donglin Party. Many Donglin Party officials were actually not corrupt, but the problem was that they were too extreme. Because they were on different sides, they opposed anything that Wei Zhongxian supported. They opposed for the sake of opposing, never asking whether these policies were beneficial to the Ming Dynasty or the people. They only opposed because they did nothing, so they wouldn't make mistakes. However, their existence did not bring any benefit to the Ming Dynasty.
"Instead of worrying about where that silver came from, we should think about how to use it where it's needed most," Chen Ying continued. "Starting today, the bank will begin lending, prioritizing military households and artisans in Shahewei and Daning Army. The interest rate will remain at 20%, but they can apply to the Daning Military Command for start-up subsidies, which will be charged at half the interest rate, effectively reducing their interest by half. In addition, branches will be opened in Tianjin, Dengzhou, Dalu Island, Yongning Port, Yongming City, Shuangchengwei City, and other places to facilitate deposits and withdrawals for merchants."
As Chen Ying lowered bank interest rates again through subsidies, many artisans in Shahewei and Daningdusi began to consider setting up factories. Although Chen Ying established many factories, he could not build all workshops, nor could he achieve comprehensive development in all industries.
For example, he didn't get involved in the most basic wheat processing, jewelry, clothing, shoes and socks, especially food and beverage industries. It wasn't that Chen Ying didn't know how to do it; in fact, he was using a strategy of attacking from a lower level in the Ming Dynasty. With a single supermarket, he made the Huizhou merchants look bad, and with a single bank, he severely impacted more than 80% of the money shops in the capital. As time went on, the money shops' business would become increasingly difficult.
Just when everything was going well, that morning, Chen Ying was reviewing bank documents at his desk when the gatekeeper came to report: "General, there is a Lord Xu outside requesting an audience, saying he is from the Ministry of Rites."
"Master Xu?"
Chen Ying was taken aback, put down his pen, and asked, "Which Lord Xu?"
He said his name was Xu Guangqi.
Chen Ying suddenly stood up. Xu Guangqi was the most outstanding scholar in the Ming Dynasty, a leading figure in the introduction of Western learning to the East, and the compiler of the Chongzhen Calendar. How could such a person be neglected when he came to visit?
"Please come quickly!"
A moment later, an elderly man with gray hair and a thin face entered. He wore a worn scarlet official robe, his demeanor was composed, and his eyes revealed a kind of wisdom born of experience. Behind him followed a foreigner with a high nose and deep-set eyes, wearing a black robe and a cross hanging around his neck; his attire suggested he was a missionary.
"Lord Chen, I am Xu Guangqi. I apologize for this intrusion."
Xu Guangqi cupped his hands and smiled.
At this time, Xu Guangqi was dismissed from his post by Wei Zhongxian. However, the problem was that he used to be the Vice Minister of Rites, which was a high-ranking official in the court. Not to mention that Chen Ying was just a second-rank military commander, even a high-ranking official like the Vice Commander of the Five Armies was nothing in front of civil officials.
Chen Ying quickly returned the greeting and led the two into the inner hall, where they sat down as host and guest. A servant brought tea, and Chen Ying got straight to the point: "Lord Xu, this is—"
Xu Guangqi introduced, "This is a missionary from Spain, whose Chinese name is Pang Diwo. He has been preaching in Macau for many years and is proficient in cannon casting and weapon making. He has had many dealings with me."
Pang Di stood up and said in fluent Mandarin, "I have long admired Lord Chen's reputation, and it is an honor to meet you today."
Chen Ying smiled and said, "Mr. Pang, you're too kind. May I ask what brings you two here today?"
Xu Guangqi and Pang Diwo exchanged a glance, then Xu Guangqi took out a list from his sleeve and handed it to Pang Diwo with both hands: "Lord Chen, I have come here to make a connection for Pang Diwo. He wants to do business with you."
Chen Ying took the list, glanced at it, and his pupils suddenly contracted.
The list was densely packed with the names and quantities of various types of steel: three million catties of ten-refined steel, one million catties of hundred-refined refined steel, and five million catties of wrought iron.
Chen Ying was also dumbfounded. These steels of various specifications amounted to a total of 9.5 million catties, equivalent to more than 4,000 tons, with a total price of more than 3 million taels of silver. In later times, this deal would not be considered large; a single building would require more steel than that. But the problem is, this is the Ming Dynasty.
Chen Ying put down the list, looked at Pang Diwo, and asked, "What do you need so much steel for?"
"To be honest, Lord Chen, this steel is not what I want; it's what our church is buying. There's a war going on in Europe, and the demand for steel from various countries is staggering. But with the continuous fighting, mines have shut down, workshops have closed, and steel prices have skyrocketed. I've been entrusted by the church to find a reliable supplier in the Ming Dynasty."
Pang Diwo continued, "Lord Chen, the steel produced by your Shahe Guard and Daning Army is of extremely high quality, even better than the best steel in Europe. The Church is willing to purchase it at a price higher than the market price on a long-term basis, only asking that you guarantee the supply."
Chen Ying quickly did the math in his mind. In the Ming Dynasty, steel cost about two to three qian per jin. Pang Diwo offered three qian and three fen, significantly higher than the market price. The total price was close to four million taels; after deducting costs, he could make at least two million taels in profit.
More importantly, selling this steel to the foreign devils has no impact on the Ming Dynasty. What does it matter to the Ming Dynasty if Europeans fight to the death? The more steel they consume, the less energy they have to cause trouble in the East.
"Lord Xu," Chen Ying put down the list and smiled, "I'll take this deal. However, I have one condition."
""
Xu Guangqi said, "Please speak, sir."
"I wish to cooperate with Lord Xu," Chen Ying said earnestly. "Lord Xu is well-versed in Western learning and familiar with the situation in the Ming Dynasty. I have many valuable items that I wish to sell to Europe. If Lord Xu is willing to help make connections, you will receive ten percent of the profits."
Xu Guangqi was taken aback for a moment, then smiled: "Lord Chen, although I am now a commoner, I am not a merchant—"
"Lord Xu has misunderstood."
Chen Ying waved his hand, "I'm not asking you to go into business, I'm asking you to be my advisor. If there's any demand in Europe, please help me find out; if there's anything good we have here, please help promote it. It won't interfere with your official duties, nor will it affect your reputation."
Xu Guangqi pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "In that case, I will respectfully comply."
Pang Di was overjoyed and quickly said, "Lord Chen—then this batch of steel—"
"Let's sign the contract," Chen Ying said readily. "A 30% deposit upfront, with the remaining balance due upon delivery. We'll supply one batch every three months thereafter, with quantities and prices to be discussed later. However—"
He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I also have a condition. Mr. Pang must do something for me."
Pang Di was taken aback: "What is it?"
"I want corn, sweet potatoes, and potatoes!"
As he spoke, Chen Ying took out the drawings he had already prepared from the desk. In the past, Chen Ying had thought of getting seeds from the Spanish, but unfortunately, he had neither land nor resources at that time, and buying them would not be cheap. The foreigners were not stupid.
Pang Di nodded repeatedly, "Definitely, definitely!"
Xu Guangqi watched this scene, his heart filled with mixed emotions. For years he had been pushing for the casting of cannons in the Ming Dynasty, even proposing the audacious plan to build ten thousand artillery forts to defend Liaodong, but the court lacked funds, and the ministers did not support it. Now, seeing a young general like Chen Ying, who possessed both technical skill and courage, he suddenly felt that perhaps there was still hope for the future of the Ming Dynasty.
"Lord Chen," Xu Guangqi stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "I have another request."
"Please speak, Lord Xu."
"This humble official would like to visit your workshops in Shahewei, as well as the firearms battalion of the Da Ning Army. Is that permissible?"
Chen Ying smiled and said, "Of course. Whenever Lord Xu is free, I will personally accompany him."
Xu Guangqi was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.
After seeing Xu Guangqi and Pang Diwo off, Chen Ying returned to his study, picked up the steel list, looked at it again and again, and a smile appeared on his lips. Excellent! This deal can not only solve the problem of overcapacity, but also increase investment in research and development. It's like a godsend.
Song Yanniang brought in a bowl of ginseng soup and said softly, "Chen Lang, is this deal reliable?"
"Reliable." Chen Ying put down the list and leaned back in his chair. "There's a war in Europe, and steel is hard currency. Our steel is of good quality and low price, so we don't have to worry about finding a market. Besides, with Xu Guangqi acting as a middleman, there won't be any problems. More importantly, once our steel is sold, the money flows in. Bank deposits, research project funding, and craftsmen's wages are all secured. What do you call this? This is called using commerce to support industry and using industry to strengthen the military."
P.S.: I got back too late today. Since I'm not a professional online writer anymore, I need to work to earn money to support my family. I could only write this much before midnight. I didn't even have dinner. I'll see if I have time tomorrow and try to write more. I'm very sorry.