Chapter 150: Discussing Economics with the Crown Prince

To put it bluntly, Wang Shuwen possessed grand ambitions and soaring aspirations, yet lacked the capability to match them. Only someone of supreme ability could turn the tide and rescue a collapsing state. Clearly, Wang Shuwen did not possess such great capabilities.

Furthermore, he lacked a strong and supportive backing. Had Emperor Shunzong of Tang not suffered a stroke, been paralyzed, and instead maintained good health, the Yongzhen Reformation might not have failed.

Judging from the series of actions taken by Li Chun after he reclaimed power from the eunuchs, he held a favorable attitude toward many of the measures implemented during the Yongzhen Reformation.

Seeing that Li Song's health was failing, rather than promptly seeking to cultivate a relationship with the crown prince and communicate his reformist philosophy to him, Wang Shuwen attempted to seize power for himself while taking advantage of Li Song's illness. Fearing that Li Song might not hold on much longer, he desperately tried to force the new policies through all at once at the fastest possible speed.

This doomed him to failure.

Just as Wei Renshi was mentally resolving to keep his distance from Wang Shuwen, he heard Wang Shuwen smile and say, "Crown Prince, Your Highness may not know this, but this subject has long been acquainted with Liu Yuxi, the Supervisory Censor of the Palace Secretariat. Liu Yuxi happens to be on close terms with Baron Wei. According to him, Baron Wei holds many unique insights into the current political situation, and even Liu Yuxi holds Baron Wei in the highest admiration."

"Oh?" Li Song looked somewhat surprised. He turned his gaze to Wei Renshi and continued, "This truly astonishes Us. It seems Master Wei is indeed a talent endowed by Heaven. In the future, We should engage in more discussions with Master Wei."

Wang Shuwen smiled and looked at Wei Renshi.

He had originally expected Wei Renshi to be grateful for his recommendation, but instead, he saw that Wei Renshi's expression remained completely neutral, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

He had heard both Liu Yuxi and Liu Zongyuan speak of Wei Renshi in exceptionally glowing terms, with Liu Zongyuan even going so far as to say that with Wei Renshi's cooperation, great undertakings would surely succeed. Although Liu Zongyuan was prone to exaggeration in his speech, it was still enough to show their strong affirmation of him.

Therefore, one could not be deceived by this young man's youthful appearance.

With this in mind, Wang Shuwen continued, "I heard from Censor Liu that Baron Wei is well-versed in the arts of mechanics and physical investigation, and is also exceptionally skilled in the ways of commerce. In the span of just over half a year, he went from destitution to amassing a fortune. Since Baron Wei has both presented two strategies for governing the land and excels in commerce, he must certainly be well-versed in both. I have a question on my mind, and I humbly request that Baron Wei resolve it for me."

Wei Renshi inwardly furrowed his brow slightly, but outwardly maintained his composure. He bowed and replied, "You flatter me, Your Excellency. If even Imperial Reader Wang is puzzled by it, how could a mere child from the rustic borders have any worthy insights?"

Wang Shuwen went on regardless, speaking at his own pace: "In my view, the foundation of the dynasty rests upon scholars when it comes to people, but when it comes to material substance, it rests upon wealth and grain. Therefore, I have a question: Money and grain are the fundamental roots of the state; through them, military provisions and taxes can be expanded or contracted, and the market as well as the scholars can be controlled. What does Baron Wei think of this?"

Money and grain are the foundation of the state; by mastering them, one can control military expenditures and taxes, and manipulate the markets and the literati. This was precisely the meaning of Wang Shuwen's words.

And it was not far from the truth.

Grain and wealth are the most basic necessities for a nation, a household, and every single individual.

Once these basic needs are met, very few people would choose to take desperate risks to rebel or commit treason, nor would they be easily incited by those who wish to do so.

Farmers in ancient times were the easiest group of people to satisfy. Setting aside the matter of having spare money, as long as they had enough to eat, they were quite willing to live peaceful and law-abiding lives.

As for a country, wealth may not accomplish everything, but it is unequivocally the foundation for accomplishing anything.

"Imperial Reader Wang speaks correctly," Wei Renshi nodded.

Wang Shuwen looked at Wei Renshi, and upon hearing him utter merely this single sentence, he was clearly somewhat disappointed.

Yet, this only deepened his conviction that the young man before him was indeed no ordinary person.

To know something yet choose not to speak of it is, for those accustomed to observing facial expressions, actually quite apparent.

However, Wang Shuwen was not worried that Wei Renshi would remain silent, because he knew the crown prince would inevitably grow curious about his views.

Sure enough, he heard Li Song ask with a smile, "Master Wei, feel free to speak your mind. There are no outsiders here."

Since it was an inquiry from the crown prince, Wei Renshi had no choice but to speak.

Thus, he had no alternative but to bow and reply, "Understood. The people regard food as their heaven. The importance of grain needs no elaboration from this subject; since ancient times, how many commoners have risen in revolt because they could not get enough to eat? That is self-evident proof. I shall speak solely of wealth."

"Wealth, when viewed in terms of a single individual, may be called riches; but when viewed in terms of the state, this subject calls it economy," Wei Renshi continued.

"Economy?" The crowd clearly did not quite understand this term.

Wei Renshi then explained, "It does not mean managing the times and saving the world, but rather all activities and affairs related to wealth. To put it simply, it refers strictly to wealth. There is no need to dwell on how important wealth is to an individual. The same holds true for the imperial court. To use an inappropriate analogy, suppose any dynasty could be wealthy enough to grant every single commoner several strings of cash every year—would the people under its rule still rise up in rebellion?"

"Naturally, no country or dynasty has ever been able to achieve this. Yet from this, we can see how vital it is for the imperial court to possess wealth and apply it to appropriate places. With wealth, there is no need for harsh taxes and levies, and the people naturally live and work in peace. With wealth, the army never lacks provisions, salaries, or rewards, and officers and soldiers naturally serve with dedication. With wealth, officials receive generous stipends and can live quite well without engaging in corruption, which in turn reduces bribery... These are merely the superficial manifestations. Even further, with wealth—wealth far exceeding that of other nations—other countries can only bow their heads in submission before this court and dare not harbor secondary intentions."

Wei Renshi spoke in an even, steady tone.

As Wang Shuwen listened to Wei Renshi's words, a smile gradually bloomed on his face. Seeing Wei Renshi endorse his propositions naturally pleased him.

Li Song first nodded, then his face revealed approval. But when he heard Wei Renshi's concluding remarks, his expression transformed into one of utter astonishment.

"Wealth exceeding that of other nations can make them bow their heads in submission and dare not harbor secondary intentions?" Li Song asked in shock. "What kind of reasoning is that?"

"Let me give Your Highness an analogy," Wei Renshi thought for a moment and said, "Suppose there are two villagers, Zhang San and Zhao Si, who are neighbors. Zhang San only knows how to herd sheep and cattle, and knows nothing else. The cloth he uses to make clothes, the grain he eats, the salt in his meals, the quilt he sleeps under—every single necessity of life—must be and can only be obtained from Zhao Si's household in exchange for the cattle and sheep he raises. Then one day, Zhang San grows dissatisfied with Zhao Si and says, 'Your family has encroached upon my land, and I am going to beat you up.' Zhao Si says, 'Very well, come and hit me. However, from now on, I will never sell you anything again. You will have no cloth, no grain, no salt, no quilts... You will have nothing left at all.' At that moment, would Zhang San still dare to lay a hand on Zhao Si?"

"This..." Li Song pondered. He was certainly no fool; upon a moment's reflection, he grasped the logic behind Wei Renshi's analogy and nodded, saying, "Indeed, he would be constrained in every single aspect."