Zhoha : The Notes of the Imperial Bank

Purpose

The paper Zhohan replaced the original Jhohan of carved jade framed in an iron backing, in the Reign of the White Jade Emperor. The original use was as notes of credit for use by Imperial officers and officials to purchase contracts and supplies. The Jhohan could be redeemed at Barracks, Churches and Palaces of Imperial Officers in the Month depicted for the set value of 1000 Silver Talents and a Bonus of five per cent. The Jhohan promise was then traded by merchants and others - it being easier to hide and carry a few Jhohan than one or more chest of coins.

Document Structure

Clauses

The jade face of the old Jhohan was carved with the Month of Redemption and a coded number. The Jhohan were then issued from the Imperial treasury to officials and officers with records of the Jhohan issued and to whom. Goods and services were obtained in exchange for the Jhohan and recorded by official clerks and records returned to the Imperial Treasury. On redemption the Jhohan redeemer was noted, location and the marker and the record returned to the treasury by clerks for audit. The paper notes were easier to carry and issue to troops and other servants of the empire. The paper notes are also numbered in code.

Caveats

Zhoha may be exchanged at any time at a barracks, imperial office or church for 10, 100, or 1000 Silver Talent or Golden Dragon values as marked on the note. The iron and crystal powder make them impossible for Fae or simple counterfeiters to copy. Other protections are said to be imbedded in the ink and paper along with a watermark.

Legal status

The Zhoha is accepted as a valid currency in the Empire Core, the provinces and frontiers, and some regions outside. The Lizardkings do not accept Zhoha. Tauriens close to the Frontiers may trade in Zhoha or may not. Titans and barbarians do not understand the paper notes and ignore them or use them for kindling fires.

Historical Details

Background

The original Jhohan was carved of jade and bound in an iron frame. Shippers and other traders found the Jhohan easier to carry and transport than chests of coin or gemstones which might be appraised differently from location to location. They became a standard of trade for larger purchases, typically at 5-10% less value. Noble houses were the first to use Jhohan as a method of banking - loaning their money to the Empire where it was safe from theft or loss in battles, and taking it back when coin was needed.
The paper notes are numbered in code and marked with value, but there is little tracking of circulation of notes aside from issued out and receipts of coin given or taken for notes.

Public Reaction

When the paper notes were introduced they carried the aristocratic reputation of the old Jhohan. Those with paper gained a touch of class and status and it became more popular to carry notes than coin.

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Medium

Paper