King

The efficiency of the Near East Development Bank is still very high. After the cash dividends arrive, the physical dividends are also quickly distributed.

For direct home delivery in the banking coverage area, if the distance is far away, there is no other option but to notify the shareholders to send someone to pick it up.

These are small problems, and everyone is happy when there is a big dividend to be paid, even if they have to collect it themselves.

Especially the nobleman who led the investment smiled broadly. In recent years, the Near East Development Bank has continued to raise funds, and they are holding on despite the pressure.

Even though the Near East Development Bank has been making profits and all its businesses are doing well, it still cannot see substantial returns, which still makes everyone feel unsure.

There is no need to worry now. Shareholders who bought the car in the early stage not only recovered their investment costs, but also made a fortune.

Shareholders who join later will not gain as much as they did because the share price is too high, but they will be able to recover their capital quickly.

Anyway, the amount of dividends has exceeded the amount of financing. The guy who had secretly complained that Hudson was a vampire has now shut up.

Good news always comes one after another, and with the spring harvest, news of a bumper harvest in the experimental fields spread throughout the kingdom overnight.

The contrast experienced personally is the most shocking. The difference in yield between those using "chemical fertilizers" and those not using them is very obvious.

Judging from statistical data from various places, the average yield per mu has increased by about 30 pounds, and in very few areas the yield has even increased by 100 pounds.

The more backward agricultural technology is in an area, the more significant the increase in grain production will be. The promotion of agricultural technology has also contributed to the increase in grain production.

Apart from being happy, there is endless annoyance. Because of my inner doubts, except for trying experimental questions in one mu, I didn't popularize it at all.

A large amount of data is regarded as auspicious by various places. When it is reported level by level, Caesar IV can't close his mouth with laughter.

In the feudal farming era, the most important thing was food production. Solving the food problem will solve 80% of social problems.

The remaining 20% ​​of problems will be covered up again as productivity increases.

The increase in grain yield per acre is just the beginning, and will feed back to all walks of life.

After reaching out and grabbing two handfuls of grain for comparison, and finding no big difference, Caesar IV asked with concern for the Prime Minister: "Have you tried it with anyone? Are there any problems with the grain grown with dung?"

When new things are born, they are always questioned. Even though there seems to be little difference between the two kinds of food from the outside, deep down there is still some awkwardness.

"Your Majesty, don't worry!

Not only did we arrange for slaves to taste it, but we also asked the best priests to check it, and we can confirm that there is nothing wrong with the food. "

Earl Mitchell replied cheerfully.

It was only when everything was certain that he dared to report the good news to the king. If he doesn't know anything, he will jump out and ask for trouble.

"Okay, okay, okay!"

"Pass this order and let nobles everywhere promote new agricultural technologies. Ninety percent of the land in the royal domain uses new farming technologies!"

Caesar IV immediately agreed.

Naturally, we cannot let go of improving productivity. But the "disgusting" feeling deep inside still lingers.

While promoting new technologies, Caesar IV also left a backdoor. The food grown with excrement can be fed to serfs and free people. Your Majesty, the King, will not eat this food.

The successful promotion of the experimental field is not only because of Hudson's reputation, but also because of everyone's hope of success.

As long as it can increase production, whether it is dirty or not is only a small problem. The nobles don't know how to eat by themselves, so who cares if the serfs eat cleanly?

In fact, the food these days is "dirty, you won't get sick if you eat it".

Even the personal hygiene of noble masters has not been solved, let alone the lower-class serfs.

Generally speaking, the hygienic conditions of the nobles are better. Although I don’t like bathing either, this is an extraordinary world and there are many means of cleaning and hygiene.

As long as you are strong enough, even if you stay in the deep mountains and forests for ten or eight years, you will still look graceful when you come out.

The life experience of ordinary people is completely inapplicable to them. For example, Hudson can now keep "dust" away from itself.

It won't work when you get down below. Personal hygiene depends entirely on consciousness. It doesn't smell bad, but it doesn't get much cleaner either.

The more down-and-out aristocrats are, the worse their performance in this aspect is. In this era, the accuracy rate of judging status by judging people by their appearance is as high as 99%.

This lack of love for cleanliness is not only reflected in personal image, but also in all aspects of food, clothing, housing and transportation.

Fruits and vegetables are picked and eaten; river water is not only used for washing clothes, but also drank directly when thirsty; if bread falls on the ground, pick it up and continue eating...

Fortunately, the environment of the Aslant continent has not been polluted, and everyone eats original ecological products, which have fewer viruses. Otherwise, we don’t know how many tragedies would have occurred.

Everything has two sides. People who grow up in a harsh environment may not necessarily live long, but their digestive system must be good.

"Eating bran-pharyngeal vegetables" is not only an idiom, but also a part of everyone's life.

"Your Majesty, at this time, you don't actually need to give any orders, the nobles below will promote it themselves.

Various accidents may occur during the promotion of new technologies. The best option is to let the nobles promote it themselves, lest some idiots who are not skilled in technology blame you after causing trouble! "

Earl Mitchell persuaded tactfully.

In his opinion, his king is good in everything, but his management is a bit lenient. It did expand the royal power to a certain extent, but it also increased many unnecessary risks.

As a king, there is basically no room for improvement. It is enough to be steady and take the lead, there is no need to rush to express yourself.

"Mr. Palace, I understand what you mean, but the order must still be issued.

The reform has been going on for so long, and this is the most immediate result. The following spring plowing will adopt new technologies on a large scale. When the autumn harvest comes, everything will be different! "

Caesar IV said slowly.

Different identities mean different ways of thinking about problems. The reformists took many actions, but achieved very few results.

Perhaps the biggest achievement was the abolition of transit taxes between territories, which greatly reduced transportation costs and promoted the development of industry and commerce.

Unfortunately, this is a long-term policy and there will be no fiscal and tax returns for a long time to come.

Not all nobles have foresight. Most nobles are mediocre, lack subjective judgment, and are easily eager for quick success.

In order for the reform to continue, the reformists must have a political achievement that they can show off, leaving all parties with nothing to say.

The new farming technology was invented by Hudson, but that didn't mean he could enjoy the glory exclusively. As a king, Caesar IV can naturally also participate.

Even if it is just to brush up on the presence, this promotion order must be sent out.

The episode ended, and the Royal Government suddenly became busy. The "chemical fertilizer farming method" that everyone originally despised has now suddenly become popular.

There was no need for Hudson to worry, as all the reformists took active action. Perhaps because of the lack of strong leaders, conservatives have not jumped out to cause trouble.

It's just that this kind of good life is obviously getting worse day by day. With the deepening of reform, more and more places are touching the interests of all parties.

The tolerance of many nobles whose interests have been harmed to the reformists is approaching a critical point.

Eighty percent of the reform provisions were reduced to a piece of paper after they were passed from the central government to the local governments.

What's worse is that not only the conservative aristocrats are resisting the reform, but the reformists are also beginning to divide on specific reform issues.

…

“The Royal Government wants to tax banks?”

After receiving the news, Hudson was momentarily speechless.

Sure enough, the Near East Development Bank attracts attention because of its great achievements. No matter how prosperous its business is, the Near East Development Bank, which does not pay dividends, is only envied by the outside world.

As soon as the huge dividends were distributed, the Ministry of Finance, which was crazy about poverty, was eyeing it. Even if it is only proposed by someone now and has not yet become a legal provision, Hudson knows that it is only a matter of time before the policy is implemented.

The financial industry is the most profitable business. Especially without any supervision, it is too easy to make money.

The Near East Development Bank, which started as a "Ponzi scheme", was finally able to turn into a real enterprise because the bank was too profitable.

After hiding for so long, he was finally spotted. Once the Kingdom imposes taxes on banks, it is only a matter of time before various subsequent regulatory policies are introduced.

Of course, this process can take a long time. After all, no one knows how destructive this thing is to the economy without seeing it before a bank thunderstorm.

stop?

With the lineup of shareholders of the Near East Development Bank, it is not difficult to prevent the Royal Government from introducing a tax bill.

It's just that he was in the aristocratic circle, and Hudson couldn't help himself.

Fame is a boost to your career, but when pushed to a certain level, it can also become a constraint.

For example, right now: Hudson's character is that of a human marshal who is dedicated to the public good and a leader of the kingdom's reformists.

Others could block reforms for their own benefit, but Hudson could not.

Taking the initiative to be labeled as a reformist is not for the older generation of nobles. Those veterans who have been in politics for decades, unless they actively cooperate, Hudson will not be able to deceive him at all.

The younger generation among the nobility is the target of Hudson's struggle. It just so happens that most of these people are supporters of the reformists.

Regardless of whether it was to save the kingdom's finances or to further expand his influence, Hudson had to stand with the reformers.

Now that we are on the same team, we can't be at odds with each other.

Reformists can reform the interests of others, and naturally they can also reform the interests of reformist leaders. If none of our own people take the lead in supporting reform, then there will be no reform in the kingdom.

"Duke, the news came from the Ministry of Finance. It is said that the Minister of Agriculture, Count Linares, first proposed it, and it caused quite a disagreement within the Ministry of Finance.

However, in the end, the supporters gained the upper hand, but considering that the resistance was too great, it has not yet been discussed in court.

In private, Count Linares has visited several important ministers of the kingdom in recent days, trying to gain their support.

Do you think we can take some measures to hinder Count Linares's actions? "

After hearing what Jose said, Hudson looked depressed. The Ministry of Finance has always taken the lead in this kind of thing, and the Minister of Agriculture just joins in the fun.

Even if the king sends him to kill him because of the tax reform, he can just follow along and do the work. Why is he so radical?

Soon Hudson realized something was wrong. It seemed that he had really offended Count Linares. If he hadn't jumped out to grab the job, he would still be a giant, instead of working with the finance minister.

Being robbed of your job is not a big deal. The Minister of Agriculture was originally ranked low in the ranking of the six giants in the court.

If it were not for the purpose of showing that the Royal Government attaches great importance to agriculture, it is estimated that none of the giants would have the position of Minister of Agriculture.

Compared with the others, both the power in their hands and their political influence are weaker by more than one or two points.

There is nothing to be ashamed of working for the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Anyway, there is no room for decline in political status, so there is no need to worry so much.

But with the success of agricultural reform, everything has become different.

Not only did he not mention his political achievements, he also put Count Linares on the fire. Nothing was done, and the "incompetent hat" fell directly from the sky.

After suffering such a big loss, the account will naturally be placed on Hudson's head. Facing the powerful marshal of the kingdom, Count Linares knew that he could not afford to offend him, so he could only use roundabout strategies.

Taxing banks is also a tax and can be seen as part of tax reform.

As one of the main persons in charge, Count Linares made such a suggestion, which was completely within the scope of his authority.

Seeing the truth, Hudson smiled slightly. It seems to be an innocent disaster, but in fact it is not a new opportunity?

Since it is a tax, it is naturally impossible to target the Near East Development Bank, otherwise it would be bullying Master Hudson.

All commercial banks are taxed by the king's government, which is a tragedy for many small banks.

Without large-scale hedging, their operating costs have remained high. Adding another tax expense will only increase the pressure.

There is no need to deliberately target them. A slight disturbance can cause these small banks to go bankrupt.

Invisibly, this is also raising the entry threshold for banks. Banks that do not have sufficient financial strength and insufficient background of shareholders will go bankrupt in the next few years.

The Near East Development Bank has become a giant, but its market share in the Kingdom’s financial lending industry is less than one-third.

The remaining two-thirds are still divided up by small and medium-sized banks, chambers of commerce, private lending, loan sharks and other groups in various places.

Once taxation begins, it is very easy for an individual to evade tax by borrowing money, but for a large group, it is difficult to escape.

With the mechanical nature of government bureaucrats, there is a high probability that these groups and banks will be classified into the same category to facilitate later management.

Cut across the board, groups with outdated operating models and thin profits will most likely not be able to survive.

Although paying taxes will cost you money, the bank's market share will increase. Whether it was a loss or a profit, no one could tell for a while.

"Obstruction?

No!

Not only could it not stop his actions, but it could also add fuel to the flames and encourage him to advance.

Everything has two sides. Once the Royal Government levies taxes on us, if we want to borrow money in the future, we cannot be as favorable as before. Everything can be done in accordance with the bank's rules and regulations.

Tell Rudolph to send people to keep an eye on his peers and collect their operational data.

If the government's policy of taxing banks is implemented, these things may become a sharp sword against competitors in the future! "

Hudson said with a smile.

Following the trend is the best strategy!

Pay taxes, pay taxes. Anyway, the royal government owes a lot of debt to the bank. I don’t know how long it will take to pay it off. At worst, it will be used as a deduction.

As for Count Linares who caused all this, Hudson said that he was a broad-minded nobleman and would not care about such a trivial matter.

…

Emerald Palace.

Caesar IV, who had been holding back his anger, was currently sullen and spitting at Count Linares.

In a moment of inadvertence, one of his cronies made big news. Taxing banks is essentially asking the nobles for money.

The Near East Development Bank is the most popular and the most profitable, but it is not the only player participating in this market.

Which financial institution, large or small, in various places does not have the support of the local powerful aristocrats?

As a king, Caesar IV was not able to aloof from the world. In addition to participating in the Near East Development Bank, the royal family also owns a royal bank and several financial institutions.

There was already a dispute within the royal family over whether to reform, and now that it has been stabbed at itself, the resistance may be even greater.

However, the matter was caused by his cronies. When Caesar IV wanted to say that he did not know, it was difficult for the outside world to believe it.

"Your Majesty, I...I..."

Seeing Count Linares hesitating, Caesar IV's anger was extinguished in an instant. After all, they are members of the Qianlong team, so their treatment cannot be equated with that of ordinary subordinates.

"Okay, now that you've done something about it, you must do the follow-up work well.

Linares, I hope you can learn a lesson from this incident, don't think about it one by one, and think more often than you think.

Everything else is easy to explain. As for Marshal Hudson, you can explain it yourself. In short, I can’t let him think that this incident has anything to do with me! "

Caesar IV said with an unhappy expression.

Just after receiving the dividend from the Near East Development Bank, he turned around and stabbed him in the back. This is not in line with the code of conduct of contemporary aristocrats.

Once word spreads, who would dare to cooperate with him! What's more, there are so many shareholders in the Near East Development Bank that even the royal family cannot afford to offend easily.

If you want to cut someone off, you have to give a reasonable explanation.

Caesar IV didn't care about how to operate it specifically. He certainly couldn't take the blame anyway.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured! I will handle this matter properly and will not cause you any trouble."

Count Linares replied hastily.

The cold sweat on his forehead had exposed his guilty conscience. It was just a moment of anger and a desire for a small revenge, but I didn't expect that it would involve so many problems at once.

If Caesar IV hadn't committed suicide, Count Linares wouldn't have known that the Near East Development Bank had hundreds of shareholders, and each one of them was a powerful figure.

If he could turn back time, he would never touch this Big Mac. Unfortunately, there is no if in reality. Political matters are always irreversible.

Regardless of whether Count Linares was willing or not, he was the first to propose the plan to tax the banks.

You can’t even take it back, because this is what the reformists want and what Caesar IV wants to promote!