Interfering with someone else’s business, especially that of those in power, is madness.
People in high positions always live with a sense of superiority.
How annoying would it be if you pointed out their mistakes?
However, even though I had pointed out that the imperial finances were in danger, the Emperor didn’t immediately show anger when he saw me.
“The imperial finances are in trouble? You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”
If I had spoken baseless nonsense, he would have been ready to scold me on the spot.
Though I’ve made significant contributions to the empire, that doesn’t mean I can speak recklessly without consequence.
Though my merits would likely prevent me from losing my head or facing a severe punishment for something like this...
It wouldn’t be entirely pleasant either, so I decided to get straight to the point.
“When the value of buildings and land plummets, there’s nothing we can do.”
Even though I don’t have the ability to look into parallel worlds with magic...
This is practically an already determined future.
It’s like how, in quantum mechanics, the King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty would have been observed dead when placed in the chest after being stabbed.
“I see. Go on.”
I explained to the Emperor, using the same reasoning I had given to Erika, why land prices were destined to fall.
At first, he couldn’t believe that land prices, which had been rising for centuries, could ever decline...
But as I continued, his expression gradually hardened, and he began to tremble.
As soon as I finished my explanation, he hastily issued orders.
“Sell off all land, buildings, and even artworks that the royal family holds but does not need! Order the chief chamberlain to move swiftly.”
“Understood.”
“This is a precautionary measure to prepare for war with the Duchy of Milania. Let the nobles know.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be long before the nobles figured out that the royal family was betting against the land’s value plummeting.
But by then, we could have delayed their realization by at least fifteen days.
If we sell off all the assets for investment, we can avoid most of the financial losses.
“Your insight is truly astonishing. If it were up to me, I would appoint you as the Minister of Finance right now. How about it? I’ll give you a position as a director in the Ministry of Finance, and I promise you a promotion to deputy minister within three years.”
Hearing that made me feel like if I entered the Ministry of Finance, I’d never be allowed to retire, even if I lived past 100.
Every year, I’d submit my resignation, only to have it rejected over and over again.
“Your resignation request has been denied by the Minister of Finance.”
It would become an annual tradition.
Like the loyal officials serving under the tyrannical King Sejong, working themselves to the bone for the country.
“I’m not qualified or experienced enough to take such a heavy position. Please take back your words.”
I’m a merchant, not an administrator handling national finances.
A non-expert managing finances? The country would collapse.
It’s not for nothing that people say a corrupt expert is often better than a well-meaning novice.
The corrupt expert embezzles 10 billion, while the well-meaning novice can make 1 trillion vanish.
“And now, I have a business proposal that will help you.”
The Emperor chuckled softly after hearing my words.
“You don’t mean you’re going to sell off the entire empire, do you?”
If we extend the wisdom of the British Empire to its peak and apply imperialism to its extreme, it might not be an impossible idea.
If we used the old secrets from the colonial expansionist era...
But that’s not a territory I intend to touch.
‘For now, I’m just a merchant with a bit of knowledge.’
I’m still far from the realm of shadowy figures who control the world with their own power.
“Your joke is a bit much. I’m simply trying to assist in establishing your absolute monarchy and the revival of the empire.”
The more the empire revives, the more power someone like me, a rising noble, can claim.
This is a historical truth that the British Empire and France earned through their blood, sweat, and various misadventures.
Once you know the answer, it’s just a matter of recognizing the problem that needs solving and writing down the solution.
I’ll genuinely dedicate myself to helping establish the Emperor’s absolute monarchy.
But I won’t become a blindly loyal subject like Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
‘The Emperor doesn’t want that kind of loyalty, so it’s a perfect fit.’
“I plan to close the guilds. For centuries, guilds have played a role, but now they’re nothing but remnants of the past.”
When we hear about the Confucianism of Joseon, we often get upset.
But if we take a closer look, Confucianism isn’t necessarily a bad ideology.
Respecting elders is important, but if their children don’t behave decently, there’s no need to respect them.
So, if you want to be respected in your old age, you should live like a decent person.
This ethical philosophy, written in a refined and detailed manner, is exactly what Confucianism teaches.
And in the early Joseon period, Confucianism was a progressive philosophy that helped stabilize society and improve the quality of life for the people.
By the 15th century, Joseon was probably the country with the best income distribution and a high standard of living.
Guilds, in the beginning, were formed for good purposes.
“When the Holy Empire that once ruled the entire Albanian continent was divided and society fell into chaos, artisans banded together to survive, creating guilds. Thanks to their unity, skills were passed down, and necessary goods were produced and sold.”
Just like how Confucianism once helped improve the quality of life for the people of Joseon.
The guilds once helped the lives of merchants and provided real assistance to the nation.
That’s why, even today, guild masters are customarily given seats as city councilors in each city.
This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.
“The beautiful stories of the past are just that—stories of the past. Now, they’re nothing more than price-fixing, inflating the cost of goods, and hindering progress. They’re just garbage now.”
This is a truth as clear as water flowing downhill.
“We must clean up these filth for the sake of His Majesty’s empire.”
“Cleaning them up? There will be considerable resistance.”
Resistance? Of course, there will be.
If we use the usual methods.
But what if we take a more innovative approach and use the wisdom of the British Empire?
‘We just need to make them collapse on their own.’
“If you simply turn a blind eye, I’ll take care of it all. And by the way, may I have information on Ifriqiya?”
The Emperor tilted his head in confusion.
“Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for you to keep information on Ifriqiya hidden?”
Strictly speaking, monopolizing it is in my best interest.
But if I can let go of the monopoly and secure a larger profit...
I’d better use the real power of stocks to take a hefty share.
“I’ll take what’s appropriate and be satisfied. If I indulge too much, I’ll burst my stomach and die. Moderation is key.”
If you eat too much, you get fat, and your stomach bursts.
Of course, more money is always better...
But you must pretend to make concessions to live long.
Even big American corporations get hammered by anti-trust laws when they try to monopolize everything.
I, too, need to keep the appearance of playing by the rules.
‘Like a good citizen.’
“In exchange, I wish to issue a new form of stock.”
“A new form of stock?”
“Most stocks work by paying dividends when you buy them, but this new stock will distribute the profit from trade, minus only the minimal expenses, to all shareholders.”
“Interesting. Tell me more.”
“It’s simple. If I receive an investment of 100 gold coins, and the profit from trade is 1,000 gold coins, I plan to distribute the entire profit, minus expenses, equally among all shareholders. Once the trade is complete, shareholders will receive up to two or three times the amount of their initial investment.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Can I also invest?”
“I’ll be accepting about 30,000 gold coins in investments. I need to give some to the Duke as well, and there are people I need to provide for. Also, there’s a quantity that needs to be released to the public.”
In any case, I plan to receive 200,000 gold coins in investments.
Then, I’ll use that money to buy gunpowder muskets, armor, and everything else profitable, and sell them to pay dividends to the shareholders.
The remaining money will go into acquiring profitable assets in Ifriqiya.
‘I’m confident that with a bit of persuasion, I’ll have them on board.’
“30,000 gold coins, I understand. I’d like to invest more, but it’s not possible.”
“Then, will you proceed with the stock issuance and guild dissolution right away?”
It’s still a bit too early to do so.
‘In every crisis lies an opportunity.’
When everyone else is suffering, that’s the best time to make money.
Most of the wealthy people today made their fortune during the IMF or other economic crises, holding cash and seizing opportunities.
I too must seize my chance.
“It’s not the right time yet, Your Majesty.”