Chapter 2403: Sparring Across Distance

Chapter 2403: Chapter 2121: Sparring Across Distance

At least if Chen Xi handled it on his own, the fund’s flow would be fast, with less occupation, and under normal circumstances, the return rate would be higher. Therefore, Chen Xi was completely uninterested in Yuan Shu’s loan plan.

As for the floating loans given to the citizens, that’s entirely because the funds are small in scale, with significant human input. While it appears that the return rate is high, in reality, this completely disregards the proportional citizen labor contribution. Thus, Chen Xi would happily offer loans to citizens to foster the prosperity of small and medium-sized workshops.

After all, investing a little money to stimulate the market is also a meaningful act. Once the market prospers, everyone appears to have money, enhancing happiness while also boosting tax revenue. Otherwise, why not just quietly play along with the planned economy?

This is also a significant reason why Chen Xi was unwilling to lend money to Yuan Shu.

“Then how about using something tangible as collateral?” Yuan Shu looked dejected, but it was evident that after such a long contemplation, he was prepared. Yet, for some reason, Chen Xi saw a hint of excitement on Yuan Shu’s face.

“What are you proposing as collateral?” Chen Xi frowned. The Yuan family’s foundation was solid; this wasn’t a joke. So if Yuan Shu genuinely wanted to pledge something, he could indeed present tangible assets. Previously, Yuan Shu only wanted to pivot, not pledge.

“Our family has several mines in Yizhou; we’ll use these as collateral.” Yuan Shu said with a smile, while Chen Xi wore a displeased expression.

“Mines belong to the state, don’t you get it!” Chen Xi said with a stern face.

“That kind of talk may deceive others, but the land deeds to the mines are still held by our Yuan family. Moreover, the mines belong to the state, the state, huh.” Yuan Shu stepped forward, taunting softly. This time, Chen Xi clearly heard another flavor in Yuan Shu’s tone.

Chen Xi’s face sank at the words. He was indeed promoting land nationalization but hadn’t enforced it. He had redeemed a large amount of land from the aristocratic families and landlords.

As of now, if one were to speak honestly, the state holds a dominant position in terms of arable land, not counting the Northeast section. Once the aristocrats migrate and the Northeast land is successfully reclaimed, the state’s share of arable land will exceed eighty percent.

At this level, the state’s control over land is quite substantial, though it is still far from true land nationalization.

Chen Xi could, at most, ensure the livelihood of the lower classes, which is already sufficient. Further actions, even if Chen Xi wanted to pursue them, would be extremely challenging.

Of course, difficulty is one aspect; there’s another problem. It’s a very tangled issue in this era to partially guarantee societal stability through industry nationalization—who precisely owns the state, or how is it owned?

Acknowledging that land nationalization can certainly solve some issues related to exploitation and taxation, but who the nationalization entity is remains the most worthy consideration in this era!

Government, state? No, no, no, from a certain perspective, for the Emperor who claims to be heaven’s mandate in a feudal society, the state is just private property.

This is also why Chen Xi hesitated to carry out nationalization. Although Liu Bei divided the private treasury and national treasury back in the Era of Mount Tai, thus by the time Liu Tong ascended, Chen Xi relied on previous gains to separate the national and private treasuries.

The resulting impact was the emperor’s purse—the Minor Treasurer became almost nonexistent, as Chen Xi had absorbed it and redirected the proportion of national revenue to the private treasury.

Yet, this is not secure; if the relationship between the state and the emperor cannot be explained clearly, over time, the result of nationalization will simply benefit the emperor, making the emperor the largest landlord, and ninety percent of the populace becoming serfs. At that point, tax won’t be tax, but pure exploitation!

Naturally, without explaining this issue, nationalization will not only fail to guarantee the interests of the lower classes and maintain stable national development, but it may also worsen the situation.

“Yuan Gonglu, what exactly do you want to say? I think I need to have a serious talk with you.” After saying this, Chen Xi turned to Liu Yan and Sunx Qian, bowing respectfully, “I’m sorry, I might need to delay a bit, I need a serious talk with Yuan Gonglu.”

“Well then, the two of us will go ahead. You come quickly.” Liu Yan said with a smile, and then gave Sunx Qian a look, and the two left quickly.

“Let’s go, we need to have a serious talk.” Chen Xi said sternly to Yuan Shu.

Soon, Chen Xi found an outer hall, had people guard the entrance, ordered tea and water after screening out everyone, and stared at Yuan Shu hesitantly.

“Gonglu, do you know what it means to say such things?” Chen Xi asked Yuan Shu, “Sometimes speaking recklessly can harm not only oneself.”

“Did I say anything?” Yuan Shu looked baffled, glancing around with an air of innocence.

“These words aren’t something you can freely say. Although you stand high, it’s not to the point where you can say things like this.” Chen Xi said quietly, looking at Yuan Shu.

“Indeed, someone told me that what you want to accomplish right now cannot be achieved solely by you, or even by your current group, or even if Liu Cao Sunx all joined forces.” Yuan Shu said to Chen Xi, no longer displaying the silly, impulsive demeanor of the past.

“That’s actually true, though I hate to admit it.” Chen Xi nodded thoughtfully. They, this generation of undying, could indeed separate the state from the Emperor, making an excellent Emperor the face of the state, using a mediocre Emperor merely as a decoration, but beyond this?

An Emperor with capability and will could very well destroy everything Chen Xi has been planning from atop, the current generation may not matter much, but what about the future? If a new generation of mediocrity arises, without proper checks, everything will fall apart.

“We can help you, just like before.” Yuan Shu said with a smile.

“If that’s all, then I can only say you’re delusional.” Chen Xi shook his head, “Your problem and the emperor’s problem are the same. I dare not ponder the choices you’d make having grasped the resources.”

“No, I mean I can agree with your current approach to reclaiming national assets, and even support more aggressive methods, but let the government execute it. If we’re allowed to oversee, we can help you achieve what you desire.” Yuan Shu said, observing Chen Xi’s sullen expression, his face revealing a hint of joy.

“I refuse…” Chen Xi hesitated, contemplating before speaking.

However, before Chen Xi could finish, Yuan Shu interrupted him, “Don’t rush to decide, think it over.”

“Who stands behind you?” Chen Xi stayed silent for a while before speaking. Yuan Shu’s suggestion represented a suboptimal solution. Overall, it could meet Chen Xi’s demands, but it allowed the aristocratic families to once again penetrate the power structure. The benefit was that nationalization would essentially succeed, and even if imperial authority resurfaced, this system would hardly collapse.

“Do you really need to know this?” Yuan Shu asked, puzzled, glancing at Chen Xi.

“This is not a solution you came up with, rather than seeking a loan, it seems someone took the opportunity to offer me a suboptimal yet problem-solving plan.” Chen Xi shook his head, noting that Yuan Shu didn’t have such cunning.

“Just our Yuan family.” Yuan Shu said proudly as Chen Xi inquired.

“Yuan family, huh?” Chen Xi rubbed his forehead, “Did Yuan Xiansi send you this information?”

“…” Yuan Shu said nothing, and Chen Xi essentially guessed who his adversary was from afar.

“No wonder it’s Xun Shen, or perhaps, no wonder he was once a worthy adversary who matched us evenly. His suggestion is good.” Chen Xi sighed, acknowledging Xun Shen’s Spiritual Talent, indeed formidable, or perhaps very dangerous.

“A suboptimal choice might be considered good by others, but I won’t choose it.” Chen Xi shook his head, “Yuan Gonglu, forget it, talking to you is pointless. I’ll speak to Xun Youruo someday.”

“What about my loan?” Yuan Shu asked with a thick face.

“Still not possible, but given the information you’ve brought earlier, I’m considering offering you a new leasing method.” Chen Xi said, shaking his head as Yuan Shu reverted to his usual self.

“What kind of leasing method?” Yuan Shu asked curiously, slightly excited.

“Supplies. I’ll provide you with the necessary supplies without involving any money flow. The money remains on account, settled directly by materials.” Chen Xi said calmly, in a manner that if others were to handle, wouldn’t be considered advantageous.

However, if handled by Chen Xi, it would be highly favorable. Others don’t possess all the materials, leading inevitably to purchasing and money transaction issues, whereas Chen Xi has all the materials, so the money only needs to circulate within the account, with material prices notably low.

“Ha, is that even possible?” Yuan Shu asked Chen Xi in confusion, wondering how this differs from borrowing money.

“Of course, it’s possible. All required materials are obtainable from me, and with a lower cost.” Chen Xi smiled, noting he meant it as another way of money flow, perfectly avoiding the loss of money, cycling through his system, as a response to Yuan Shu’s prior notification.

Yekaterinburg, or now known as Sizhao City, after a year of construction, Sizhao City had completed most of the urban structure. During this time, several barbarians had attempted attacks or pledged allegiance to the new leader in the area.

Xun Shen stood atop the city wall, gazing westward. The news of the conclusion of the First Two Rivers War had reached him, but from the clues, Xun Shen accurately perceived that the war between Rome and Parthia didn’t bring peace; before long, the conflict would resume, and next time, the situation might not be promising.