李煦与两淮盐业

Li Xu and Salt Industry in Huainan and Huaibei Areas

担任30年苏州织造的李煦,以其贵近身份,又五次八年兼任两淮巡盐御史,与两淮盐业关系不浅。他在任期间,禁缉私盐,以保畅销;恤商恤灶,以保税课;甚至不惜为商人争取经济利益和商人子弟科考机会。李煦悉心筹划,多方措置,为禁戢私盐确保淮盐销售顺畅、盐课如额征缴,也为两淮灶户生计尤其是盐商实力的发展发挥了作用,在清初两淮盐业史上居有较为重要的地位。

Li Xu,who was a prominent official close to the emperor,took office as Suzhou Weaving Administrator for 30 years and as the Royal Censor in Huainan and Huaibei areas for 5 times within 8 years.In his tenure,he banned illegal salt business,protected salt maker and encouraged legal salt business,and even fought for the legal business of salt merchants and granted the rights if imperial emanation to their sons.Li Xu safeguarded the legal business by fighting against illegal salt business and levying tax on salt lawfully,which in turn prompted the livelihood of salt makers in Huainan and Huaibei areas.Li Xu was a very important figure in Huainan and Huaibei salt industry during the early Qing Dynasty.