An Yi is well aware of Chiang Kai-shek's current difficult situation. The nominal leader of the Republic of China is really in a state of distress. Except for the eight provinces in the Central Plains and Jiangnan, no province listens to him:
The three northeastern provinces have long been occupied by Japan; the four northwest provinces are in constant turmoil and rebellions occur frequently. Shaanxi, which nominally obeys the leadership of the central government, is still in the hands of local forces such as Yang Hucheng. It is okay for the central government to give them money.
They want money, but not only do they have no money
Yes, I'm afraid some people will fall out; the three southwestern provinces have always been autonomous in taxation. The central government neither provides money nor taxes. Only Zhu Peide, who rules Yunnan, has a kind heart and started paying taxes to the central government in January this year, but nothing can be done.
How much money can be given to prosperous Yunnan? Guangdong and Guangxi update
Forget it, these two places are firmly occupied by the Guangxi and Cantonese warlords who verbally admit that they are part of the Republic of China. The central government cannot send people to inspect them, let alone tax them. It is not easy to offend anyone.
Li Zongren and Chen Jitang came to electrify the whole country to oppose the CCP
The Central Committee, or holding high the banner of the Three People's Principles and setting up a separate Central Committee to fight against Chiang Kai-shek, the final result may be another war. In contrast, it is better to maintain the appearance of unity with less tax money, at least if there is no strength to deal with it.
The warlords of Guangdong and Guangxi could not provoke him before.
Next is Fujian. Since Jiang Guangding and Cai Tingkai's 19th Route Army were stationed in Fujian, not only have they not paid a cent of tax to the central government, but they have frequently reached out to ask for military expenses. Song Ziwen went to Fuzhou twice to discuss strengthening tax collection, but
There was no result, until the third time Jiang Guangding came up with a
A thick copy of the "Fujian Ten-Year Development Outline" was given to Song Ziwen. Song Ziwen turned around and left as soon as he saw this development outline, which "carried the beautiful ideals and unlimited expectations of the Fujian people". The reason was that the "Fujian people" requested the central government to allocate 4,000 yuan a year.
million, to be used for "restoration of people's livelihood and economic construction."
What makes Song Ziwen even more troubled is that due to drought and flood disasters and the intensifying civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party in the eight provinces fully under the central government, Jiangxi has some sources of tax revenue except Nanchang, and the sound of gunfire is endless in other places in Nanchang.
Not only were the taxes collected from and surrounding areas unable to fill the financial hole created by the encirclement and suppression of the Red Army, but they had to borrow money from banks of eight countries to invest it; Hubei under the jurisdiction of He Chengjun and He Jian,
There is some comfort in having Hunan's tax revenue normal, but it is absolutely impossible to increase it by one point. Let's forget about Henan. Henan Provincial Chairman Liu Zhi, who was originally very confident and boasted about Haikou, is now frightened when he sees Song Ziwen's telegram.
Not to mention seeing Song Ziwen himself, who was collecting debts. Liu Zhi's ability to keep tens of millions of people in Henan alive without starving to death during the continuous catastrophes would be considered a great merit. How could he expect Henan to increase taxes?
Now Kong Xiangxi has made another report about "a large number of bankrupt enterprises and rapid outflow of funds". For Chiang Kai-shek, it is tantamount to adding insult to injury. The war in North China is raging, and the civil war in Hubei, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Shaanxi and Fujian is protracted. If there is another economic collapse, the Republic of China will probably collapse.
It's come to an end.
An Yi felt sad for Chiang Kai-shek, who was known as the leader of the entire party and the entire army. Chairman Chiang's highest order could only be issued to a few provinces in the Yangtze River Basin. Beyond these provinces, no one would pay attention to it.
Warlords from all walks of life would get angry and writhe from time to time, asking Chiang Kai-shek to give him money and food to appease him.
An Yi even had this idea: If a country's leader has reached such a level, it's okay to quit. But if Chiang Kai-shek gives up and quits, I'm afraid the situation will get out of hand. The best result is
Go back to the era before the Northern Expedition when the heroes were divided.
The pavilion was silent and the atmosphere was solemn.
Chiang Kai-shek, Song Ziwen, and Kong Xiangxi all frowned and remained silent. An Yi, who was confident in his heart, slowly exhaled, poured out the remaining tea that had cooled in the pot, and slowly picked up the thermos to make tea again, and gave it to Song Ziwen and
Kong Xiangxi poured the fragrant tea again, replaced Chiang Kai-shek with a cup of steaming boiled water, and then gave himself a cup.
Chiang Kai-shek's eyes stayed on An Yi, who broke the silence, and finally spoke: "An Yi, do you understand why I want to keep you here?"
An Yi nodded and replied respectfully: "Students understand."
Chiang Kai-shek was quite pleased, and An Yi's sincere performance made him feel much better: "Today, the party and the country have reached a critical moment of internal and external troubles and life and death, but we cannot make the government's financial debts and political pains public to the public, otherwise we will surely
The whole country will be in chaos and despair. You must be very aware of the details.
"Today, I have traveled thousands of miles to come here quickly, but Ziwen has to stay here because I have everything to do. I want you to participate in the country's decision-making. Looking at the entire party and the entire army, only you, An Yi, have such virtue.
He is talented, has such ability, and has a pure heart of serving the country and the people..."
"The students are so virtuous and capable that they are not worthy of such an important responsibility. Please be aware of this, principal."
Hearing a series of high hats, An Yi stood up quickly in surprise, with a look of panic on his face. This was not An Yi's affectation, but his true inner reaction. He really couldn't bear such a big responsibility now.
Chiang Kai-shek waved his hand: "Sit down, sit down, why are you nervous? My teacher has not reached the point where you are surrounded by enemies and have no choice but to let you take on a heavy responsibility that exceeds your ability."
"yes……"
An Yi sat down again, his heart pounding.
At Chiang Kai-shek's signal, Song Ziwen smiled slightly and asked straight to the point: "An Yi, do you know about the Ministry of Finance's pilot currency reform in Shanghai?"
An Yi answered very honestly: "It is clear and I agree with both hands. If a country cannot even unify its currency, it will be difficult to achieve true unification of its territory."
Song Ziwen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Kong Xiangxi looked at each other in surprise, and immediately showed a comfortable smile.
Chiang Kai-shek high-fived and praised An Yi for what he said was profound and hit the mark. Kong Xiangxi looked at An Yi and nodded with great joy. Song Ziwen sighed and apologized to An Yi:
"An Yi, I have always ignored your opinions before, please forgive me!"
An Yi waved his hand quickly: "Finance Minister Song has said that if it weren't for the series of financial reform measures implemented by Finance Minister Song in recent years, I'm afraid An Yi would have been able to fight the Japanese invaders in Jiangbei."
The three of them were stunned for a moment, then woke up and shook their heads and smiled.
An Yi was really good at flattering him. Even though Song Ziming knew it was flattery, he was very happy with it and found it very useful. However, even when he said he was ashamed, he smiled bitterly: "I won't praise you, so don't flatter me, okay?"
"
Chiang Kai-shek and Kong Xiangxi smiled again. An Yi nodded sheepishly and showed a bright smile. He knew that from today on, Song Ziwen was really talking to him: "Tell me, Mr. Finance Minister, what can An Yi do for you?"
?”
Song Ziwen felt happy: "An Yi, it's really nice to talk to you. Today I won't ask you to borrow money. I reiterated the promise made by the Ministry of Finance to southern Sichuan, starting from the second half of the year, to halve the tax collection within three years."
Taxation in southern Sichuan. What I want to ask you is to allow me to expand the currency reform pilot to the southwestern provinces. Can you do me this big favor?"
An Yi was stunned, frowned, couldn't help but stand up, and slowly walked out of the pavilion. He needed to think carefully and carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Song Ziwen's move was too cruel and too sudden. If he agreed, it would be tantamount to giving up his financial autonomy, at least half of it. This move would have serious consequences for southern Sichuan, western Hunan, western Guizhou, Yunnan and the entire Sichuan.
The huge influence of
In terms of industrial and commercial jurisdiction, within two years, the three southwestern provinces will be under the high degree of central rule. What kind of impact all this will have on the rapidly developing economy of Sichuan, Hunan and Yunnan is difficult for An Yi to estimate - what he can do
If done well, it will greatly promote the industrial and commercial development of the three provinces; if done poorly, it will become a huge fetter and even destroy the good situation that An Yi has worked hard to manage for many years.
However, the three southwest provinces cannot always be independent from the central government. Although they have a high degree of autonomy, the national constitution and fiscal policies must be unconditionally abided by. Moreover, Song Ziwen's move will bring huge consequences to the country and the people from an overall perspective.
The benefits, not to mention the far-reaching significance, can at least be seen at a glance:
A unified currency can end the huge financial and economic chaos that has long been caused by warlords in various regions setting their own currencies, end the state of wanton fraud and exploitation of the people by warlords in various regions, successfully implement a unified national tax rate, and prevent local governments from taking advantage of national financial loopholes.
Increasing the number will greatly reduce the burden on the people, which is definitely a boon to the country and the nation.
It was the first time that Chiang Kai-shek saw An Yi considering the problem so carefully. Looking at An Yi's tall figure moving slowly outside the pavilion, Chiang Kai-shek suddenly felt that An Yi was no longer just a general commanding thousands of troops, but a man who was rapidly maturing.
He is a politician with profound political vision and important position.
Without allowing Chiang Kai-shek to think too much, An Yi returned to the pavilion, apologized sincerely to the three of them, and sat down slowly: "I agree!"
Song Ziwen was overjoyed, while Chiang Kai-shek and Kong Xiangxi smiled in relief.
Song Ziwen asked happily: "Why don't you first ask me when and how to implement it? Aren't you afraid that the Sichuan and Hunan areas that you have worked hard for many years may be swallowed up by me bite by bite?"
An Yi sighed: "To be honest, I'm afraid, but I know that the biggest beneficiary of the currency reform is not you, Finance Minister Song, nor the principal, but the country and the people. Country, country, where can there be a home without a country? As long as the country can
Because of this reform, people can get out of trouble and be able to
This reform has reaped benefits, but what does it matter if I, An Yi, have suffered a small loss? From the Northern Expedition to the present Anti-Japanese War, I, An Yi, could have given up my life, not to mention the wealth that I would not have brought with me in life or death.
?What to do, Finance Minister Song, just go ahead and do it, I support you."
"An Yi..."
Song Ziwen stood up excitedly.
Chiang Kai-shek was so moved that he couldn't help himself. He stood up and walked to An Yi who got up hurriedly. He took An Yi's hand and couldn't say a word: "Okay, okay! You are worthy of being my student, worthy of being my student..." "
An Yi quickly helped Chiang Kai-shek sit down, and after Song Ziwen and Kong Xiangxi also sat down, he said sincerely: "Originally, I was unwilling to put forward any more conditions, but seeing the rapid development of western Hunan and southern Sichuan, I am still a little uncomfortable. Don’t worry, I sincerely ask the principal and Finance Minister Song and Minister Kong to continue to provide strong support and trust, so that the connected economic zones of southern Sichuan, western Hunan, northern Yunnan, and western Guizhou can continue to protect their autonomy and not be subject to too much external interference. Again, the central bank is not Have they already been stationed in Xufu, Luzhou and Qiancheng? It is estimated that branches in these three places will be opened soon, and the Ministry of Finance can also immediately set up offices to guide local financial construction and coordinate the fiscal and tax relations between local and central governments. However, to end the current I'm afraid it will take more than half a year, or even a year, to establish autonomous currency circulation in the southwest region. For this, please ask the principal, Finance Minister Song and Minister Kong Haihan."
Chiang Kai-shek looked at Song Ziwen with a relaxed expression, and Song Ziwen whispered happily: "The central government will never break its promise, so it will not cancel your high degree of autonomy. The time for financial reform is very generous, and you will be given one year to complete the self-issuance. Is currency circulation enough?"
An Yi nodded: "That's enough."
"Then it's settled, I can finally go back and have a peaceful sleep!"
Song Ziwen took a long breath and showed a relieved smile.
Chiang Kai-shek looked at the time and stood up and waved to An Yi. An Yi quickly followed and walked towards the office building.
Chiang Kai-shek took a few steps and asked in a low voice: "I heard that Yang Jiuxiao is recruiting troops in Langfang, Baoding and other places?"
"Yes, they fought very hard in the battles in western Liaoning. There are only more than 3,000 people left out of 10,000. If a regiment had not been withdrawn in advance, there would not be so many left. We need to add more urgently." An Yi answered seriously.
Chiang Kai-shek nodded: "It is very necessary. This is a heroic unit with a national reputation and cannot be easily collapsed. However, after all, the designation of their independent second division is still a temporary designation and does not match their achievements. Look back. I asked Yang Jiuxiao to go to the Military and Political Department of the camp to find Deputy Minister Cao Haosen. I have prepared the number of the 40th Division. Asking Yang Jiuxiao to change this regular number to the one directly under our Central Army can be regarded as a kind of encouragement and encouragement to them. Be inspired.”
An Yi, who had already made this idea, was overjoyed when he heard this: "The students would like to thank the principal on behalf of Yang Jiuxiao and the soldiers! This is great, not only is it a punishment for Sun Dianying, but it can also scare the army across the country."
Chiang Kai-shek nodded with satisfaction: "You were not in the meeting yesterday afternoon. I took back all the two armies and three divisions of Tang Yulin and Sun Dianying. It was also a kind of punishment for them... Just wait a moment. Want to go to Gubeikou?”
"Yes, but now that there is such great news, the students plan to go to Langfang to inform Yang Jiuxiao first. I think the soldiers will be grateful for the principal's trust and encouragement." An Yi replied in a low voice, and began to make two plans in his heart. Military grade number.
Chiang Kai-shek smiled happily: "Haha! As long as you understand, punishment and reward are two different means with the same purpose. The key is how to balance priorities and interests. I hope you will change your impatient temper in the future and don't get angry out of anger." Leaving hidden dangers...Didn't you perform very well just now..."
An Yi quickly replied: "Students always think that doing business is easier than fighting, but the brothers around me, including most of the senior fellow students, think that fighting is easier than doing business. I really can't figure it out. How can the difference be so big?"
Chiang Kai-shek explained easily: "In fact, fighting is the same as doing business, and the same goes for doing politics. In essence, they are all doing business. To put it bluntly, no matter how great the purpose is or how grand the doctrine, it is necessary to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages.
If you don’t go, this is the nature of politics.”
"Thanks to the principal, the students have been taught!"
An Yi nodded silently, feeling extremely emotional in his heart.