Chapter Seventy-Three: On the Economic Great Wall and Seed Policy

After listening to Fang Xuanling’s praise, Li Yi did not smile. Instead, he wore a serious expression and said, “Uncle Fang, although my actions seem grand, they are little more than drawing a blueprint for the future. To truly accomplish these things is not a task for one generation. My aim is not to build an economic Great Wall for the Tang Dynasty, but to cultivate in the people of Tang a spirit of exploration and an unyielding heart. Establishing commerce is easy; instilling true conviction is hard! The times are always progressing—perhaps people centuries from now will look back on our efforts and find them naïve. But as long as we possess the courage to explore, to discover, to put ideas into practice, our Tang Dynasty shall remain ever youthful and forever at the forefront of the age. Therefore, we should not only be felling trees to build houses, but also planting the seeds of new ones. As long as there are seeds, there will come a day when they sprout.”

Fang Xuanling was taken aback by these words, then his face filled with both shame and admiration. “My dear nephew, I am enlightened. A conversation with you is worth ten years of study; never has this saying been more apt. I’ll say no more—if you ever need anything, though I am limited in ability, I have decades of experience. If you ask, I will do all in my power to help!”

“You flatter me, Uncle Fang. If the greatest chancellors in history were to be chosen, you would certainly be among the foremost. This is not mere flattery; it is recognition of your true talent.”

“Is that so? Ha, you do have a way with words! Hahaha!”

The old and the young exchanged a glance and burst out laughing together.

“Well then, Uncle Fang, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. There’s still a mountain of work waiting for me!”

“Actually, there are two things I still need to discuss with you.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“First, the bank has opened, but no one knows about it. How should we spread the word? I need your advice.”

“That’s simple. I have two ideas. First, you could ask His Majesty to issue an official proclamation and have it posted throughout the city. Nothing works better for publicity, and it would boost public confidence. Of course, you’d need the Emperor’s approval, so that’s for you to arrange. Second, write up the details about the bank and have leaflets printed. On the morning of the grand opening, have some children distribute them for free. The downside is the high cost and time required to write and produce them.”

Fang Xuanling considered for a moment. “Hmm, posting an official proclamation might be a bit excessive, but I believe His Majesty will agree. As for distributing leaflets, though it’s wasteful, it’s not impossible. Let me think—let’s postpone the opening by one more day, and open the day after tomorrow!”

“Agreed. I’ll follow your lead on these matters.”

“Good! That settles it. Now, the final issue: since the bank represents the imperial family, the signboard is important and must be perfect. You, dear nephew, are the finest calligrapher in Tang. Therefore, the honor and duty fall to you to write the inscription!”

Li Yi was startled and quickly shook his head. “No, no, I’m just a child, not even of age! How can I write something so important? I’m not qualified. This is a task for His Majesty!”

Fang Xuanling chuckled. “Don’t be modest. It must be you. Now, who in all of Chang’an does not know that the Kirin of the Li family is a master calligrapher, unrivaled in both regular and semi-cursive script? So don’t refuse. Besides, this is by His Majesty’s direct command!”

Li Yi paused, then could not help but feel a surge of pride. “Is that so? Am I that famous already? Fancy that! I had no idea. Well then, since you insist, I shall gladly accept the task!”

With that, Li Yi followed Fang Xuanling upstairs to an office. Before them stood a gilded signboard. Li Yi steadied himself, then, in the upright and square style of Liu, wrote the six characters: “Imperial Bank of the Tang Dynasty.”

Fang Xuanling, watching at his side, was utterly entranced. “Splendid! Truly magnificent! Wen Yong’s regular script is indeed unmatched in the world!”

“Wen Yong’s script? Who said that?”

He replied, “The other day, you described your calligraphy as a mix of regular and semi-cursive, but you never gave it a name. Later, people began to refer to your work by your courtesy name, and thus it became known as Wen Yong’s script!”

“Really? In just one day? Unbelievable! Does this mean I’ll be a grand master in the future?”

Fang Xuanling laughed. “You deserve the title, dear nephew!”

At this, Li Yi was utterly elated.