Chapter 725

From the surface, the effect of the Green Seedling Law in curbing land annexation is immediate!

Ordinary people cannot see the drawbacks of the Green Seedling Law at all, and it is extremely difficult to predict!

The process of reform is unpredictable!

Yan Wushuang stared at Gao Yang's face; although he was very tempted, he also had some vigilance in his heart.

A person's reputation is like a tree's shadow; one must always be careful and guard against this Gao Yang!

"Lord Gao, does this Green Seedling Law have any drawbacks?"

Yan Wushuang narrowed his eyes, taking in every expression on Gao Yang's face.

If Gao Yang said the Green Seedling Law was perfect, then there must be a huge pit hidden, and no matter how tempted he was, he would need to be extremely cautious.

"Prince of Yan, how can you say that? In this world, there is no perfect policy, and the Green Seedling Law is the same. If I told you this method was perfect, wouldn't I be deceiving you?"

Yan Wushuang's tense expression softened a bit, and then he said, "Please, Lord Gao, enlighten me!"

"Very well, today I will be open and honest with the Prince of Yan and tell you the drawbacks of this method as well."

"First, the court intervenes and lowers the interest rate, breaking the cycle of land annexation. Commoners borrow at low interest and can get through the difficulties, and the court also gets an extra sum of money. So, who loses?"

"The answer is—the landlords, the local powerful clans. Therefore, the Green Seedling Law is a reform, and the resistance is destined to be enormous. After all, moving people's interests is like killing their parents!"

"Secondly, there are too many displaced people in the world. They borrow money from local aristocratic families and cannot repay it; the landlords can catch them and turn them into hired laborers. But what if they don't repay the court's money?"

"What if the commoners borrow the money and then dive into the mountains to become displaced people?"

"One can never test human nature, so one must resolutely prevent all behavior of 'fleecing the court's wool'!"

Yan Wushuang frowned; Gao Yang's words made a lot of sense.

Human nature is complex and can never be tested.

"However, I have already thought it out for the Prince of Yan. You only need to bundle five or ten households together, with a large household among them to guarantee it. The court will not suffer any loss and will be guaranteed a profit."

"As for the rest, those are all minor problems and do not matter."

A smile appeared on Gao Yang's face, and his relaxed voice rang out.

Yan Wushuang was shocked and looked surprised.

Bundling five or ten households together, plus a large household as a guarantor—this method is not bad.

But is this Gao Yang really so open and honest?

After taking the money, he handles things so thoughtfully?

What Gao Yang said were all the realistic problems the Green Seedling Law would face. If the Green Seedling Law wants to curb land annexation and moves the interests of the aristocratic families, it will definitely cause fierce resistance from the powerful clans.

As for people getting a free ride, he hadn't even thought of that point; it was Gao Yang who reminded him!

The free-riders must be strictly guarded against!

Gao Yang smiled and said, "If the Prince of Yan really achieves great things and wants to take action against land annexation, you must have a trusted aide by your side who is fully committed to the reform. I think Mr. Yuan, who is by your side, is a great talent!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xuanlin felt a tightening in his gut.

Damn it!

How could this Living Yama pit him while chatting and laughing...

If he refused, Yan Wushuang would definitely develop a rift with him.

Yan Wushuang stood up, bowed to Gao Yang, and said, "I thank Lord Gao for pointing out the way!"

Gao Yang hurriedly said, "Prince of Yan, taking money to handle affairs is a principle since ancient times. You are embarrassing me by doing this."

Yan Wushuang stood straight, his resolute face full of seriousness.

From Gao Yang's words, he felt full sincerity; it was he who had been narrow-minded.

Although Gao Yang had created the story of Li Shimin and forced him onto a path of no return, he was still a greedy official with principles!

Yan Wushuang's heart stirred, and he suddenly said, "Lord Gao, I have one more uninvited request, and I hope Lord Gao will agree."

Gao Yang had just sipped some tea when he heard Yan Wushuang's voice.

"Oh?"

"What else does the Prince of Yan have? Given our relationship, just speak."

Yan Wushuang said awkwardly, "Lord Gao, I didn't bring much silver on this trip. After deducting the expenses for this period, there isn't much left."

"If I really can achieve great things, I will definitely face countless problems. Silver is essential; otherwise, it will be difficult to win people's hearts. Lord Gao is skilled in this way; could you give me some pointers on ways to make money?"

Yan Wushuang spoke, his gaze fixed on Gao Yang.

He didn't dare to think about white jade sugar and soap, but he was very much looking forward to Gao Yang's vicious schemes.

But he was afraid that Gao Yang wouldn't agree if he didn't see the silver!

Upon hearing this, Gao Yang let out a clear laugh, "I thought it was something else; it turns out to be such a small matter."

"Given the relationship between the Prince of Yan and me, this is naturally possible!"

"If the Prince of Yan becomes Emperor, the way to make money is also very simple: just sell official positions and titles!"

"Sell official positions and titles?"

Yan Wushuang's eyes changed; he was no stranger to this term.

When the national treasury has no money but urgently needs it, selling official positions and titles is the fastest and most direct way!

"This method of making money has been used by emperors before. Some merchants and commoners have money; if they can spend an affordable amount to exchange for an honorary title, many people will be willing to pay."

Yan Wushuang frowned and then said, "With such a method, I'm afraid there won't be much silver."

"That depends on how you sell it!"

"The previous methods were too poor, belonging to a one-time deal. The commoners buy it for fun, and the emperor collects a little hard-earned fee. If the price is high, the commoners are not fools."

"This brings us to the difference between selling in bulk and selling in pieces."

"Selling in bulk?"

Yan Wushuang sat up straight, looking curious, waiting for Gao Yang's follow-up.

"Take the best carriage of the Duke of Ding's Prefecture as an example; let's call it the 'Big Ben'."

"A 'Big Ben' carriage is composed of warhorses, reins, four wheels, seats, and various items inside the carriage, with a total price of three hundred taels of silver."

"But if you dismantle it into large and small parts to sell, the total price could be sold for six hundred or even a thousand taels!"

Yan Wushuang's eyes lit up, and he fell into thought.

The idea of selling the 'Big Ben' carriage in parts gave him great insight.

Gao Yang continued: "When used in selling official positions and titles, it is the same. If you really want to sell, you can completely create a tiered system, selling from the bottom up!"

"Although the thing is still the same thing, the price can double!"

Yan Wushuang exclaimed in admiration; he had to say that some people are born profiteers, and even selling official positions and titles can be played with such flair.

"However, commoners are not fools. If it's just an honor, it's impossible to make them pay willingly, right?"