Traveling through the late Ming Dynasty to promote Chinese civilization

Chapter 526 Private Visit on Weibo

Liu Ye thought about the issue of currency issuance and wanted to hear Su Erdi's opinion—Su Erdi was both a native of this time and space and a student of Baicao Academy who had received modern education, possessing a dual identity—he told Su Erdi about his thoughts and explained the disadvantages of metal currency in terms of inconvenience and the advantages of paper money in terms of portability, and then asked, "Young brother, from your perspective, what do you think?"

Su Erdi thought carefully for a moment, then replied, "If it were me, I would hope to exchange copper coins for paper money, so that my father wouldn't have to go through so much trouble when he goes out to buy things—we have silver at home, but he's afraid of being robbed, so he doesn't dare to take it out. Every time he goes out, he carries more than ten strings of cash, which are incredibly heavy—but the problem is, will ordinary people trust paper money? Although I've never seen paper money, I've heard that the imperial court once issued it, but it's practically worthless now. During the Zhengde era, one string of paper money could only be exchanged for five copper coins..."

Liu Ye was somewhat discouraged upon hearing this, as it likely represented the general sentiment among the people, indicating that the idea of ​​replacing copper coins with paper money was not feasible.

Su Erdi then said, "However, it might be possible in Lingao, as long as the general vouches for it. His credibility is more reliable than that of the government. After all, copper coins are too inconvenient to carry. Who wouldn't want something lighter and easier to exchange, as long as it's guaranteed to be exchangeable?"

Liu Ye's worries turned to joy; he hadn't expected his reputation and credibility to be so good. If paper money could replace copper coins in circulation, even if it was limited to Qiongzhou, it would lay a solid foundation for the future monetary system. As for the grand plan of replacing silver with paper money, that would probably only be possible once he ascended to the throne.

Once they started talking, they couldn't stop. They chatted about everything from banknotes to the future development of Baicao Academy, and then to the next steps in the construction of Lingao City. The more they talked, the more they clicked.

The carriage traveled along the tracks, passing through the factories-filled eastern part of the city, and soon arrived at the residential western part.

Su Erdi, with his notebook tucked under his arm, stood up to get out of the car and said to Liu Ye, "Brother, I've finished my homework for today, so I don't need to follow you anymore. I had a very pleasant conversation with you today. If you don't mind, why don't you come to my house for a simple meal? I have many things I'd like to ask you for advice on."

Liu Ye thought to himself, "This is a good suggestion. Consider it an incognito visit to observe the people's conditions. I can learn a lot that I wouldn't normally know from my high position, which will provide me with insights for governing Lingao." He readily accepted, "Young brother, your invitation is so kind. I won't stand on ceremony."

After getting off the carriage, Liu Ye glanced behind him. Lin San, along with the Japanese samurai of the sword-drawing squad and some soldiers of the Imperial Guard, were following at a distance. He shook his head at Lin San, indicating that they didn't need to come. He would only take Dong Xiaowan and Shimazu Chiyo and follow Su Erdi. Lingao was his base of operations, so there wouldn't be any risks. Even if another fool like Lu Gengyu appeared, Shimazu Chiyo would be more than enough to handle it.

The Su family is no longer in its dilapidated state. The three Su siblings have all done well in the military and civilian systems and have moved their home from the countryside to the county town, where they live in a four-story building.

Liu Ye looked at the house with great interest and asked, "Lingao is vigorously promoting these high-rise buildings and discourages old-style buildings. This can save a lot of land and accommodate more people. However, some people are conservative and unwilling to buy such houses. What do you think about this?"

Su Erdi proudly said, "This was my eldest brother's and my idea. Firstly, it was to respond to the general's call, and secondly, this kind of house is more sturdy and less prone to flooding. My father was initially unwilling, but after we persuaded him, he moved in anyway. After living here for a while, he got used to it. Speaking of which, this house only cost five hundred taels of silver, and it was paid in installments. With my eldest brother's income, it was no problem at all. Besides, I also receive a stipend now, which can help support the family."

He led the way through the gate and said loudly, "Father, Mother, we have guests."

Upon hearing this, Old Man Su came out: "Second son is back? And he brought guests? Perfect timing, your sister sent word that she's bringing her husband back for lunch. The house is all set with food, it'll be lively eating together." Back in Hefeng Village, the Su family couldn't even feed themselves, let alone have enough to entertain guests. But those days are gone forever. Life is getting better every day, and even though they can afford chicken, duck, fish, and meat every meal, Old Man Su has become more generous.

Su Erdi was a little embarrassed and corrected him, "Father, don't say that in front of the guests. My little sister isn't even married yet, and you keep calling her brother-in-law. People will laugh at you if they find out..."

Old Su glared at him and scolded, "You've read so many books, how come your mind is more old-fashioned than mine? My sister and brother-in-law are in love, and it's only a matter of time before they get married. We're not some poor, fussy scholar's family, we don't have so many rules, who are we afraid of laughing at us for?"

Liu Ye said with a smile, "It's a good thing that the old man is open-minded."

However, the next sentence revealed Old Su's true colors: "He's a high-ranking official. I heard that matchmakers have been wearing down his doorstep so many times. If he doesn't hurry, the cooked duck will fly away. Now the whole neighborhood knows about his relationship with the younger sister. How can he have the nerve not to marry her?"

Liu Ye couldn't help but chuckle; this old man was truly straightforward. Su Erdi was so ashamed he wanted to disappear into the ground.

Only then did Old Su remember to entertain his guests. He looked Liu Ye and the three women over and asked, "Are you all locals? Are you teachers at the Second Brother's school?"

Liu Ye gave a vague self-introduction: "I'm a local, but not a teacher at the school. These three are my female relatives..."

Old Su's eyes lit up: "With a wife and concubines, they must be from a wealthy family. These two young ladies are really pretty, but I've never seen them dressed like this before..." He was referring to Shimazu Chiyo's samurai attire.

“This is a Japanese girl from Fusang, which is very far from the Ming Dynasty. Have you heard of it, sir?” Liu Ye explained.

Japan was obviously too far from the countryside of Lingao, and Old Man Su, who had never left Lingao County, shook his head blankly. However, he had the wisdom of a farmer and knew that anyone who could marry a woman from outside the Ming Dynasty must be rich and noble. So he became much more attentive and invited the three of them to sit down.

Liu Ye chatted idly with Old Man Su, and soon learned about the Su family's journey from poverty to a comfortable life. He couldn't help but feel proud, realizing that during his years in Lingao, he had helped the local people live a better life, and the Su family was a microcosm of this social change.

Just then, a silvery laugh rang out from outside the door, growing louder as it approached. Old Man Su exclaimed happily, "My little sister's back!"

Su Xiaomei led a man dressed as a Qionghai Navy officer into the room. The man and Liu Ye looked at each other and were both stunned.

The officer realized what was happening and immediately saluted: "General! You're back?"