Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 641: Chapter 317 Gold Mountain and Silver Mountain

During this period, Zhao Yao recalled many things from his dreams. The things he remembered were very useful for the development of Lingnan, but unfortunately, as he was not yet of age, he could not go to Lingnan to accomplish these tasks. For now, he could only undertake some minor tasks ahead of time.

He seriously discussed with He Lianfang about some matters regarding the spice trade. The more He Lianfang listened, the more alarmed he became, though he did not show it on his face.

"My second uncle will personally lead a group to Annan, where he will personally engage in the spice trade." Zhao Yao had previously shared the idea of the spice trade with Liang Run, causing his second uncle to embrace him excitedly and shower him with praises for being a genius in business. "By the way, I plan to establish a trading firm in those countries in Annan, specifically for doing business with foreign lands."

When it came to business, He Lianfang was well aware of his own limits and knew he was not as capable as Zhao Yao. He did not interrupt Zhao Yao, allowing him to continue speaking.

"I have thought it over, and I find that taking Copper Coins and fabrics for transactions while traveling is too inconvenient," Zhao Yao said, holding his right elbow with his left hand and pinching his chin with his right. "If we use silver notes for transactions, it would be much more convenient."

"Silver note?" He Lianfang, skilled at identifying key points, asked with a puzzled expression, "What is that?"

"Second Uncle, let me tell you, a silver note is a type of paper currency, essentially serving the same purpose as Copper Coins, but its denomination is much larger..." Zhao Yao explained in detail to He Lianfang what a silver note was and its function.

After listening, He Lianfang could not help but reveal a look of surprise on his face.

When Zhao Yao finished speaking, seeing He Lianfang’s astonished expression, he smiled smugly.

"Hee hee hee, Second Uncle, don’t you think my idea is great?"

"Your idea is indeed good, but I’m afraid no one would be willing to use the silver notes you mentioned." He Lianfang pointed out sharply, "Since ancient times, people have been accustomed to trading with Copper Coins and cloth. Even now, when people buy expensive items, they still pay with cloth."

"Actually, aside from silver notes, we can also use silver for transactions." Zhao Yao began to enthusiastically explain to He Lianfang the benefits of using silver for trade.

When Zhao Yao finished, He Lianfang bluntly poured cold water on him, "Great Zhou doesn’t have that much silver. Moreover, historically, silver has been used for paying taxes, not for private transactions." Whether in Great Zhou or in the previous dynasty, officials from various regions used silver to pay taxes. If silver were not used to pay taxes and Copper Coins were used instead, it would require dozens of cartloads, which is not only inconvenient but also extremely risky. Using silver for taxes is not only convenient to carry but also very easy to store.

Although silver is used for taxes, it is not paid directly with broken silver or silver ingots; rather, the silver is crafted into silver plates.

Great Zhou produces only slightly over ten thousand catties of silver annually, and it is usually not enough for making utensils, let alone for trade transactions.

"Great Zhou has even less silver than gold. Do you think using silver for trade is appropriate?"

Zhao Yao was stunned, expressing disbelief, "What? Great Zhou has less silver than gold?" He had always thought there was plenty of silver, but it turned out to be so scarce. "Was the silver also scarce during the previous dynasty?"

"The previous dynasty once discovered some silver mines, but because the emperor of the previous dynasty was too extravagant, the mines were exhausted." When it came to matters related to silver, He Lianfang was fairly knowledgeable. "The silverware and silver utensils made during the previous dynasty were mostly looted during the wars."

"Exhausted?" Zhao Yao asked incredulously, "All of them exhausted?"

"The silver mines with the highest yields were completely exhausted, and the remaining silver mines do not produce much annually." He Lianfang doused his excitement again, "Using silver for transactions won’t work in Great Zhou."

"What if there were more silver?" Mentioning silver, Zhao Yao thought of a certain place, "If there were more silver, would it be possible to use silver for transactions?"

"If there’s more silver, can you produce silver?" He Lianfang, who understood Zhao Yao’s abilities the best, instinctively felt he had a way. "Or do you have a way to find new silver mines?"

Zhao Yao shrugged and said, "I can’t create silver, but I know of a place where silver is abundant, very abundant, incredibly abundant." As he said this, Zhao Yao’s eyes sparkled, "And it can be mined for hundreds of years."

Upon hearing it could be mined for hundreds of years, He Lianfang couldn’t help but become excited. He hurriedly asked, "Where is it?"

"Not in Great Zhou, but overseas." Zhao Yao prompted He Lianfang to take out a map of the overseas regions.

He Lianfang pointed to a certain drawer in the bookshelf. Seeing this, Zhao Yao went over and took out the map of the regions.

This was a map previously presented to Great Zhou by Annan, Johor, and other countries, detailing the geographical locations of Annan and other countries.