Chapter 314

After the court audience at the Purple Hall dispersed, Zhang Cheng did not return to his office like other officials, but immediately went back to the Secretariat within Huangcheng.

In his duty room, the chief officials of the Ministry of Revenue, the Directorate of Finance, and the Salt and Iron Office had already gathered, their faces grave, awaiting the chancellor's decision.

Zhang Cheng took off his heavy court robes, changed into plain attire for ease of movement, took the chief seat, and without any pleasantries went straight to the point.

"The False Song's scheme, called a commercial war, is in truth a poisonous plot to destabilize the nation."

"His Majesty has already decided; we must act at once, for each day of delay adds chaos to the market and loss to the treasury."

His gaze swept over the officials present.

"The dumping of counterfeit goods brings three harms."

"First, it undercuts legitimate merchants, leaving lawful traders with no profit and even bankruptcy, undermining the foundation of our dynasty's commerce;"

"Second, it lures the people to seek cheap gains, causing them to buy counterfeits; in the long run, wealth flows to the enemy, feeding them—this harms the people's hearts;"

"Third, it reduces tax revenue as merchants collapse and trade dwindles, causing maritime and commercial taxes to plummet—this harms the state's finances."

"Together, these three harms are worse than weapons of war!"

All present nodded in agreement, deeply convinced.

"However, the response must not be rash," Zhang Cheng shifted his tone.

"If we outright ban them, we risk provoking public resentment, and counterfeit goods often slip in via smuggling, making total prohibition difficult;"

"If we heavily tax legitimate merchants, it would be like adding frost to snow, hastening their ruin."

"Thus we need a blend of firmness and flexibility, employing multiple measures."

He cleared his throat and began to lay out the tasks one by one.

"First, combine clearance and blockade, strictly cracking down on smuggling."

"Order the Ministry of Revenue to work with the Ministry of Justice and all regional transport commissioners to immediately issue directives, strictly commanding all border checkpoints and water-land docks to intensify inspections."

"Any goods lacking our dynasty's official tallies or travel permits, especially those coming from the western direction, shall be strictly inspected."

"For apprehended smugglers: first offense—confiscation of goods and a fine; second offense—cangue and public display; third offense—exile a thousand li."

"At the same time, encourage public reporting; verified informants receive a reward of one-tenth the value of the goods."

The official from the Directorate of Finance immediately took notes.

"Second, short-term relief to help merchants weather the crisis."

"Order the Directorate of Finance to calculate: for the four severely impacted industries—silk, sugar, salt, and tea—all registered legitimate businesses shall be exempt from this summer and autumn's market taxes."

"Furthermore, have the Treasury procure a batch of legitimate merchants' goods at a price slightly above market rate, for official use or stockpiling, to aid their cash flow."

This order caused a few officials to hesitate.

The Minister of Revenue said cautiously:

"Chancellor Zhang, tax exemptions plus purchases will strain the treasury..."

Zhang Cheng raised his hand to interrupt.

"In extraordinary times, we must employ extraordinary measures."

"If we now pinch pennies, when merchants collapse en masse and tax sources dry up completely, the loss will be far greater!"

"This is a temporary expenditure to preserve the long-term tax base!"

The Minister of Revenue suddenly understood and said no more.

"Third, establish clear pricing to correct public perception."

"Order the Prefect of the Capital and all prefectures and counties to set up 'Official Evaluation Boards' at major markets."

"Have the government hire experienced artisans and senior merchants to jointly assess fair prices for various genuine goods, then post the listings publicly."

"Also note the harms of counterfeit goods, reminding the people not to sacrifice righteousness for petty gain."

Let the people know what is a fair price, what is a profiteering merchant, and what is counterfeit goods!

This provision aims to guide public opinion and undermine the breeding ground for counterfeit goods.

Our translation: "This measure aims to guide public opinion and undermine the survival ground of counterfeit goods."

This measure aims to guide public opinion and undermine the breeding ground of counterfeit goods.

"Fourth, improve craftsmanship and reduce costs."

Our translation: "Fourth, improve craftsmanship to lower costs."

Fourth, improve craftsmanship and lower costs.

"This is primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, but we must fully cooperate."

Our translation: "This is primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, but we must fully cooperate."

This is primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, but we must fully cooperate.

"Whenever the Ministry of Works develops a new method requiring trial and promotion, local prefectural and county governments must provide convenience and coordinate artisans and venues."

Our translation: "Whenever the Ministry of Works develops a new method requiring trial and promotion, local prefectural and county governments must provide convenience, coordinating artisans and venues."

Whenever the Ministry of Works develops a new method requiring trial and promotion, local prefectural and county governments must provide convenience, coordinating artisans and venues.

"If a merchant voluntarily adopts the new method and improves its technique, they may be granted additional tax reductions as appropriate."

Our translation: "If a merchant voluntarily adopts the new method and improves its technique, they may be granted additional tax reductions as appropriate."

If a merchant voluntarily adopts the new method and improves its technique, they may be granted additional tax reductions as appropriate.

Zhang Cheng stated each point in turn, with clear thinking and thorough consideration.

Our translation: "Zhang Cheng stated each point in turn, his thinking clear and his considerations thorough."

Zhang Cheng stated each point in turn, with clear thinking and thorough considerations.

He not only saw the immediate crisis, but also looked toward long-term industrial upgrading.

Our translation: "He not only saw the immediate crisis, but also looked toward long-term industrial upgrading."

He not only saw the immediate crisis but also looked toward long-term industrial upgrading.

"Finally," he looked at everyone, his tone solemn: "all departments must coordinate and share information."

Our translation: "\"Finally, \" he looked at everyone, his tone solemn, \"all departments must coordinate and share information. \""

"Finally," he looked at everyone with a solemn tone: "All departments must coordinate and share information."

"The Ministry of Revenue oversees overall grain and fund allocation; the Directorate of Finance handles specific account calculations; the Salt and Iron Office controls monopoly goods such as salt and sugar; local governments are responsible for implementation."

"Every three days, progress and difficulties must be summarized and reported to the Secretariat."

"Those who shirk responsibility or execute poorly, do not blame me for being ruthless—I will surely mete out severe punishment!"

"We understand!" the officials replied in unison, feeling that this usually mild chancellor now displayed decisive vigor.

The orders swiftly issued from the Secretariat, speeding through the developed relay system to all prefectures and counties.

Within Bianliangcheng, the changes were first felt.

Smuggling inspections suddenly became strict; scrutiny at city gates and docks grew much more detailed. Several attempts to smuggle False Song silk into the city were swiftly investigated, suspects and goods apprehended, and they were publicly cangued, producing a strong deterrent effect.

At the same time, the 'Official Evaluation Board' was erected at the market entrance, black on white listing reference prices for various Jiangnan silk and Fujian tea, accompanied by a brief notice stating that buying counterfeit goods equals aiding the enemy.

The Treasury's purchasing officers also began visiting major silk and tea shops; although the purchase volume was not huge, it undoubtedly gave a shot in the arm to the struggling legitimate merchants.

"Have you heard? The government has started to intervene!"

"Yeah, they even put up a sign saying that cheap 'Wu silk' is from the False Song, and buying it helps the enemy!"

"No wonder it's so cheap—turns out they had ill intentions!"

"It's still steadier to buy from proper shops; though pricier, one's heart is at peace."

The tone of discussion among the market folk began to shift subtly.

Some ordinary folk who had originally bought cheap counterfeits for a bargain also started to mutter doubts.

Zhang Cheng did not simply sit idle in the yamen.

He changed into plain clothes, took only two attendants, and personally went incognito to visit several major markets in Bianliangcheng.

At Yangjiao Market, he entered the silk shop that had previously looked worried.

The shopkeeper obviously did not recognize the prime minister in plain attire, but seeing his extraordinary bearing, he still warmly greeted him.

Zhang Cheng casually glanced at the silks on the shelf, as if unintentionally, and asked:

"Shopkeeper, has business recently improved?"

The shopkeeper sighed, then forced out a smile:

"Thanks to your blessing, it's better than a few days ago."

"The government posted notices and arrested some smugglers, so the dubious cheap goods have decreased."

"Besides… I heard the government seems to be purchasing, so in my heart I'm no longer so panicked."

Zhang Cheng nodded, then asked:

"If the Ministry of Works could develop a faster, lower‑cost weaving method, would you be willing to try it?"

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up:

"Of course we would! As long as the goods are good and the cost can be lowered, who wouldn't?"

"We who run legitimate businesses—who wants to rely on crooked ways?"

After visiting several shops, the feedback he heard was largely the same.

Zhang Cheng felt somewhat relieved.

He knew the initial effects of the policy were already beginning to show.

But this was still far from enough.

The False Song's economic assault would not cease, and smuggling could not be completely eradicated.

Ultimately, victory or defeat would hinge on whether the Ministry of Works could achieve a technological breakthrough and whether the people's hearts could truly unite.

Returning to the Council Hall, he immediately picked up his brush and wrote a sincere letter to Zhao Lao Nian, who was toiling away in the Ministry of Works, describing the market situation and stressing the urgency of a technological breakthrough.

At the same time he also drafted a memorial to the emperor, detailing the initial results of the response measures and the follow‑up plan.

Setting down his brush, outside the window the lamps were just being lit.

Zhang Cheng rubbed his aching forehead, his face showing fatigue, but his eyes remained resolute.

This economic war concerns the foundation of the state; he cannot allow the slightest slack.

He not only must stabilize the market, but also take this opportunity to push Great Chen's industry and commerce toward a more efficient, healthier direction.

This is the strongest counterblow against the false dynasty reflected in the mirror and its hidden manipulators.