"You have misunderstood. This time we meet, I want to do a business with you."
When they heard the word "transaction", many Shanxi merchants couldn't help but get excited out of business instinct.
But more Shanxi merchants looked a little more wary.
The basis of business is fairness, so how can there be any business to discuss between officials and businessmen? It's just a transaction of power and money, or a euphemism for blackmail.
Thinking of the latter possibility, many Shanxi merchants are already secretly thinking about countermeasures. The influence of Shanxi merchants is not only deeply rooted in Shanxi, but also has many spokesmen in the center of the imperial court. Although Zhao Junchen is deeply favored by the saints, if the requirements are too high,
If it goes too far, Shanxi merchants may not be afraid of Zhao Junchen.
Therefore, after looking at each other, Guo Linxiang still stood up on behalf of all the Shanxi merchants and asked: "I wonder what kind of business you are talking about? If there is a place for us, as long as we can do it, we will do it."
decline."
Zhao Junchen could naturally hear the caution and expectation in Guo Linxiang's words, and without explaining much, he just took out a memorial from his sleeve, handed it to Xu Qingyan next to him, and then said: "Now that the financial situation of Ming Dynasty is in my country, you must also understand
We all know that this is a troubled time, and money is being used everywhere. In recent years, the turnover has been poor, and the income cannot be spent. I have gained the trust of your majesty and serve as the Minister of Household Affairs. I am also in charge of the internal transportation warehouse and the food king.
Lu, loyalty to the emperor, I have always been worried about this situation, but after thinking hard day and night, I finally came up with a way. I have written a memorial in the past few days and am preparing to submit it to your majesty. However, I am still young.
, I am still inexperienced, and there are always imperfections in my thinking. Thinking that you know the most about this currency matter, I took the liberty to invite you here, hoping that you can help me give advice."
While talking, at Zhao Junchen's signal, Xu Qingyan handed the memorial to Guo Linxiang.
Looking at the memorial in his hand, Guo Linxiang knew that this was the business Zhao Junchen was talking about. So after being polite, he opened the memorial and looked at it carefully.
Then, in just a moment, Guo Linxiang's hands holding the memorial began to tremble slightly, his face flushed, and he was obviously extremely excited.
Seeing Guo Linxiang's expression, other Shanxi merchants were both expecting and curious. They wondered what exactly was written in Zhao Junchen's memorial that made the usually mature and prudent Guo Linxiang lose his composure.
Seeing all the Shanxi merchants looking impatiently, staring closely at the memorial in Guo Linxiang's hand, but being concerned about the rules and not moving to look at it at the same time, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly, waved his hand and said, "You're welcome, please move.
Just watch it step by step so that you can give me some advice."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, a group of Shanxi merchants confessed to Zhao Junchen, and then quickly walked to Guo Linxiang and looked at the memorial in Guo Linxiang's hand.
Then, just like Guo Linxiang, all the Shanxi merchants couldn't help but get excited when they saw the contents of the memorial. Zhao Junchen could even clearly hear the rapid breathing of the Shanxi merchants.
………
This memorial by Zhao Junchen is about the reform of salt affairs in Sichuan.
Salt is not only a necessity for people's lives, but also the most profitable commodity in this era.
Whether they are Shanxi merchants, Huizhou merchants or Zhejiang merchants, they all actually started out by selling salt. At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, established the "Kaizhong system", that is, merchants were responsible for transporting grain to the northwest, north, northeast and other border areas, while the court handed over
Give them salt citations as compensation. Only with salt citations can merchants go to salt-producing areas to collect salt and sell it in designated areas.
Under the implementation of the "Open Central System", merchants from Shanxi who were closest to the borders, as well as merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang who were located in salt-producing areas, rose rapidly.
In other words, at the very beginning, merchants from Shanxi, Huizhou and Zhejiang were all salt merchants.
However, with the weakening of the control of the Ming Dynasty and the rise of the Ming Dynasty merchant group, the "open middle system" gradually changed its appearance, and the salt merchants also divided into different models, namely border merchants and internal merchants.
Shanxi merchants were the main ones, and they could get salt by paying money. Internal merchants were mainly Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, who were responsible for guarding the salt fields and collecting salt.
As a result, in order to obtain salt, Shanxi merchants provided a large amount of money to the court every year, and their relationship with the court became closer and closer. They gradually developed into a bureaucratic business group with various business privileges; while Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants because
With the right to guard the salt field and obtain salt, they gradually began to sell private salt as their main means of profit and became a smuggling group.
When the business strategies of the two major business groups were completely different, their conflicts began to gradually emerge. That is, the salt sales of Shanxi merchants were suppressed by Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants. Even if they had salt quotas issued by the imperial court, they could not
How much salt was taken from the salt field? Although Shanxi merchants took another route and began to develop northwest transportation trade, Sino-Russian border trade and banknote bank business, the speed of making money was not much slower than that of Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants, but they watched with helpless eyes
It is impossible to say that they were unwilling to accept the loss of a large source of wealth.
However, the coastal salt fields are controlled by Zhejiang and Huizhou merchants, and the strength of Zhejiang and Huizhou merchants is not weaker than that of Shanxi merchants, so Shanxi merchants have nothing to do.
But now, Zhao Junchen's excerpt points out another way for them, that is Sichuan Salt!!
According to Zhao Junchen's excerpt, private salt is now rampant and the price of official salt remains high. People are buying private salt and abandoning official salt. The government has repeatedly banned it. In this case, it is better to increase the production of official salt and lower the price of official salt.
, compete with private salt to increase the court's income.
The salt fields in Huizhou and Zhejiang are already mature. If you want to increase the production of official salt, you can only start with Sichuan salt.
Sichuan's salt wells have always been an important place for salt production. However, today's Sichuan has not yet looked like a land of abundance in later generations. The mining of salt wells is not only technologically backward, but also requires little investment. In addition, there is joint suppression by Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants, making Sichuan Salt
It could only be sold to Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and western Hunan. Coupled with transportation restrictions, Sichuan salt was not taken seriously by people in this era.
According to Zhao Junchen’s suggestion in the memorial, if you want to develop Sichuan salt, you need to introduce technology and funds from other places. In the case of tight money in the court, the only person who can provide such technology and funds in this era is Huizhou.
merchants, Zhejiang merchants and Shanxi merchants. Considering that Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants already control the coastal salt fields, Shanxi merchants are the first choice to develop Sichuan salt wells.
………
How big is the profit of salt in this era? Even if the price of private salt is lower, the profit is more than double. In addition, salt is a necessity of life and the sales volume is huge. It is completely the most profitable business in this era.
The world is bustling, all for profit, and the world is bustling, and everyone is for profit. After seeing the contents of Zhao Junchen's memorial, I thought that once the Shanxi merchant group controls Sichuan salt, it will be able to get rid of the suppression of Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, and make large sums of money.
The money for pens is about to roll in. How can Shanxi merchants not be excited?
On the other side, seeing that all the Shanxi merchants had finished reading the memorial and were so excited that they forgot to speak, Zhao Junchen coughed lightly and asked slowly: "Everyone, what do you think of my idea?"
Is there anything imperfect?"
Zhao Junchen's words were like a drop of cold water falling into boiling oil, waking up the Shanxi merchants and causing a huge commotion.
"Sir, your idea is extremely wonderful and thoughtful. I am far less knowledgeable and knowledgeable than you, so how can you find any imperfections?"
"Your Excellency's strategy is really beneficial to the country and the people, and its merits will last forever. I have often heard people say in the past that Your Excellency is a contemporary national scholar, and now I finally believe it."
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy, that Shanxi merchants like us will definitely support such a plan. Anyone who dares to oppose it will be the collective enemy of Shanxi merchants like us!"
The Shanxi merchants were no longer as reserved as before, they were all excited, and their replies were noisy. However, Zhao Junchen did not express any position, he just sat there with a smile, quietly listening to the flattery of the Shanxi merchants.
Seeing such a scene, as the leaders of the Shanxi merchants, Guo Linxiang, Chen Xinggong, and He Zeng looked at each other and coughed together, interrupting the Shanxi merchants' words and allowing them to calm down a little.
one time.
Regarding Zhao Junchen's memorial, Guo Linxiang, Chen Xinggong, and He Zeng were also very excited, but they did not lose their minds. They all still remembered that Zhao Junchen came to them this time for business, not for business.
In order to become a living Bodhisattva.
Although, many Shanxi businessmen looked at Zhao Junchen as if they were looking at a living Bodhisattva.
After the Shanxi merchants finally calmed down, He glared at them and said solemnly: "What a shame! How can you be so noisy in front of adults? If you break the rules, if others look down on you, it doesn't matter if you are embarrassed, don't
You want to embarrass us Shanxi merchants."
After hearing He Zeng's reprimand, the Shanxi merchants realized that they had messed up and complained one after another.
On the other side, Chen Xinggong bowed to Zhao Junchen and said: "Your Excellency's plan is certainly excellent, and it is a great opportunity for us Shanxi merchants. Although we know very well that your Excellency's original intention is only for
country, but we, the Shanxi merchants, have received such benefits and would not feel sorry if we did not repay you, sir. Therefore, if you need anything, sir, please feel free to ask us. We have no reason to refuse."
After hearing what Chen Xinggong said, all the Shanxi merchants nodded in agreement.
In the business world, only when you lose can you gain. Shanxi merchants have always understood this. Once they gain control of the Sichuan salt wells with the help of Zhao Junchen, no matter what kind of reward they give Zhao Junchen,
In the eyes of Shanxi merchants, it is all worthwhile.
Seeing the expectant looks in the Shanxi merchants' eyes, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said slowly: "My plans are all for the emperor and the court. How can I ask you for rewards for this? You are looking down on me when you say this.
Official."
However, Guo Linxiang looked determined and said: "Your Excellency, you are overly concerned. How can we dare to underestimate your devotion to the country? Your loyalty and patriotism are not only seen by us, but also by the people of the world."
.”
It was obvious that he was telling lies with open eyes, but he attracted the response of many Shanxi merchants, and Guo Linxiang continued: "It's just that we have received such a great favor from you for nothing. If we don't repay it, if others find out in the future,
If you say that we, the Shanxi merchants, will not repay the favor, then you will not be able to defend yourself, and please be considerate of me."
However, Zhao Junchen laughed so hard that he shook his head and said: "The reform of Sichuan Salt is only my opinion. Not to mention that it has not yet been submitted to His Majesty. Even if it is submitted to His Majesty, it is still open to debate whether His Majesty can agree.
In this case, how can I be so kind to you?"
Guo Linxiang smiled and said: "Your Majesty, you are being humbled. We all know the importance of your position in His Majesty's heart. How can Your Majesty not approve of your Majesty's proposal? What's more, we Shanxi merchants also have some friends in the court.
When the time comes, they will definitely support you, so how can your plan not work?"
Zhao Junchen sighed: "Even so, after I came to Lu'an Mansion to inspect on behalf of the emperor, I had concerns about this matter."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, all the Shanxi merchants couldn't help but feel nervous. Chen Xinggong quickly asked: "Sir, what are your concerns? Why don't you tell us, and we will always find a way to solve it with our concerted efforts."
After Zhao Junchen came up with the idea of restructuring the Sichuan salt industry, Shanxi merchants knew very clearly that they would definitely fight for control of Sichuan Salt, and they would definitely attract resistance from Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants.
In the confrontation between the two sides, Zhao Junchen's attitude is very important. He does not belong to any party, but he is quite favored in front of Emperor Deqing. His words are very weighty. His attitude determines the outcome of this struggle.
.
Although it was Zhao Junchen who initiated the reform of the Sichuan salt industry, if he went back on his word and even supported Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants, the Shanxi merchants would have no choice but to watch helplessly as their financial path was ruined.
And this was also the reason why Zhao Junchen dared to reveal the Sichuan Salt Service restructuring plan to a group of Shanxi businessmen.
Therefore, for all Shanxi businessmen, Zhao Junchen must not have any worries at this time. Even if he has worries, Shanxi businessmen must do everything possible to dispel Zhao Junchen's worries.
On the other side, seeing the Shanxi merchants expressing their opinions like this, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction and said, "Everyone also knows that the locust plague has not only spread in Lu'an Prefecture, but has also begun to spread to the entire Shanxi Province. Once it cannot be controlled, it will inevitably bring disasters."
Large-scale chaos, Shanxi is your fundamental place. Once chaos occurs, how can you find the time to develop Sichuan salt wells? It will inevitably be delayed. In this case, it is better to leave the Sichuan salt affairs to other businessmen
Process..."
Seeing that the Shanxi merchants looked nervous, they wanted to speak, but Zhao Junchen continued: "Unfortunately, I am determined to lead the people of Shanxi to eliminate locusts, but I have been questioned by the government and the people..."
At this point, the Shanxi merchants still did not understand the truth. Guo Linxiang stood up first and said: "Sir, you are killing the locusts for the sake of the safety of the people of Shanxi. Unfortunately, some people are pedantic and superstitious about the locust god.
We are actually against you, sir. We are aware of these things and have been worried about them. However, please rest assured that people like us will still listen to our words. We will do our best to help you. Sir, if you have a far-sighted mind, you will be able to help me again.
Waiting for help, there will never be any resistance in culling the locusts."
He Zeng nodded in agreement and said: "Even if there is resistance, sir, don't worry, I will handle it for you and I won't bother you at all!!"
A group of Shanxi merchants also followed suit.
"That's the best." Zhao Junchen nodded with a smile, then frowned and said: "However, my concern is not just that. Now because of the locusts, the people of Lu'an Mansion
There is also no harvest. The imperial court is willing to provide relief, but it is more than willing but not able to do so. Although there is a lot of relief food and grass distributed, there are more victims. Once chaos arises due to this... Hey, great chaos since ancient times has always originated from refugees...
…”
Before Zhao Junchen finished speaking, Chen Xinggong stood up and said: "Please rest assured, sir, we still have some surplus food in our hands. The current locust plague in Lu'an Prefecture is the time for us to give back to the people. We will never let Lu'an Prefecture
No one in the territory starved to death."
Guo Linxiang thought more carefully and continued: "What's more, once the Sichuan salt affairs are handed over to Shanxi merchants like us in the future, Sichuan will also need a lot of manpower, and they can just be selected from the victims of the Lu'an Prefecture. In this way,
Come here, it will be even less likely that trouble will arise in Lu'an Mansion."
Zhao Junchen smiled, nodded with satisfaction, and said: "In that case, I have nothing to worry about. I will present the memorial to Your Majesty as soon as I return to the capital. However, Sichuan Salt Affairs involves all aspects.
There will inevitably be opposition from time to time, and you should also contact more close officials. The provincial officials are too weak to accomplish anything."
"This is inevitable, please don't worry, adults."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's promise, all the Shanxi merchants were overjoyed and agreed in unison.
After Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he added: "But, then again, the reason why I proposed the reform of Sichuan's salt affairs is to increase some income for the court. Therefore, when you mine salt wells in Sichuan in the future, you must first ensure that the court
tax, otherwise we will definitely attract bad words in the future.”
Guo Linxiang assured: "Of course, we know that you are now in charge of the household department and in charge of the world's money and food, so we will not embarrass you."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said with a smile: "In that case, I have nothing to say. By the way, the senior squires from all over Lu'an Prefecture have gathered at the prefect's Yamen in the past few days, and I am preparing to meet them.
, discuss the locust plague, are you interested in going with me?"
The Shanxi merchants looked at each other and knew that Zhao Junchen wanted to use them to convince the elderly squires. Now that they were asking Zhao Junchen for something, they had no reason not to agree, so they all nodded in agreement.
………
On the way to the magistrate's office, Zhao Junchen sat in a sedan with his eyes closed and meditative. Xu Qingyan followed on foot beside the sedan, and a group of Shanxi merchants also sat in sedans and followed behind.
Not long after leaving, Zhao Junchen heard Xu Qingyan complaining outside the sedan: "Master, how much profit is there from the salt business? Why did you just hand it over to those Shanxi businessmen for no reason?"
Obviously, Xu Qingyan has endured such complaints for a long time. For Xu Qingyan, how could he give his profitable business to others?
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said with a smile: "You have also calculated too carefully. If you want to truly develop Sichuan Well Salt, you will need a lot of silver, sufficient mining technology, and even rich connections. We are prepared for these."
It’s not enough, not to mention that Sichuan is high in the sky and the emperor is far away, so we don’t have time to take care of it. In this case, it’s better to leave it to those Shanxi businessmen.”
Xu Qingyan said with obvious pain in his voice: "But it's too cheap for them."
Zhao Junchen said: "We have to take a long-term view. We have gained a lot this time. It can even be regarded as killing multiple birds with one stone. Not only will Lu'an Mansion's disaster relief work no longer have any resistance, we can also earn a good reputation for it."
, and more importantly, I am now determined to recruit a group of cronies and allies in the central court and local areas. Those businessmen have money and food in their hands, and they will help with disaster relief. Officials in Lu'an Prefecture can also make money while doing disaster relief.
We have received a lot of benefits, and we will attribute these benefits to us. When the locust plague is over, we will be able to take credit, and they will be in the same boat with us from now on. After making good friends with these Shanxi merchants, the imperial court
Those officials who have good relations with Shanxi merchants will also become our allies. In this way, we will not be considered weak in the court in the future."
Xu Qingyan said: "But if you do this, wouldn't you offend those Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants?"
Zhao Junchen said calmly: "If you make good friends with one group of people, you will inevitably offend another group of people. It depends on how you choose. What's more, I will have the means to make peace with them in the future."
Xu Qingyan naturally believed Zhao Junchen's words, and felt that after Zhao Junchen was hit by stones, his methods seemed to be more sophisticated and slick.
However, Xu Qingyan's temperament of not being able to do anything without profit still made Xu Qingyan a little uncomfortable with what Zhao Junchen had been doing these days, and he said softly: "But in the final analysis, what we earned this time is all virtual, the actual benefits
I didn’t catch anything, so my work was all in vain.”
Zhao Junchen laughed and said: "Don't just focus on money. Sometimes, some virtual things are much more useful than real things. What's more, we may not get any real benefits from this trip to Lu'an Mansion."
Xu Qingyan quickly asked: "How to fish it?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "You will know in a moment."
…
In fact, the reason why Zhao Junchen planned to hand over the Sichuan salt wells to Shanxi merchants for development was not only to provide disaster relief and establish a relationship with the Shanxi merchant group, but also had deeper considerations.
Regarding the merchants of this era, whether they were Shanxi merchants or Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants, Zhao Junchen had both a favorable impression and a strong dislike.
I like it because the businessmen of this era were active in thinking and had a long-term vision. They consciously began to cultivate their own spokespersons in the court, and even promoted their spokesmen as the chief ministers of the cabinet, such as Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Siwei. In Zhao
In Junchen's opinion, this may not be a manifestation of the ideological awakening of the bourgeoisie. If the time left to them was not too short, the Ming Dynasty might not be able to evolve from a feudal dynasty into a more advanced social system.
But compared to his favorable impressions, Zhao Junchen actually disliked them more.
Zhao Junchen knew very well that the Ming Dynasty was to some extent brought down by these merchants. Their smuggling and tax evasion made the Ming Dynasty unable to make money for a long time; their interference in the court policy even caused Emperor Chongzhen to issue "the local government".
"Officials are like business"; and under the influence of these businessmen, the internal strife in the middle and late Ming Dynasty was extremely serious. In the court, officials fought with officials, and the emperor fought with officials, and behind them were mostly major business groups.
The most important thing is that these businessmen groups never seem to have national consciousness in their eyes. Needless to say the Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants, the reason why Japanese pirates and pirates were repeatedly banned in the Ming Dynasty was the reason behind the support of the Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants, and many anti-Japanese heroes
, were all imprisoned on trumped-up charges under the manipulation of Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants. Many loyal and patriotic court officials even had to commit suicide in protest, such as the famous anti-Japanese hero - Zhejiang Admiral Zhu Wan
.
Compared with Zhejiang merchants and Huizhou merchants, Shanxi merchants had a closer relationship with the Ming Dynasty court, but they did a better job. When the Ming Dynasty cut off the mutual trade with Jianzhou Jurchens, Jianzhou Jurchens were short of iron and food, and they would have been criticized by the Ming Dynasty.
The Chao Dynasty was dragged down, but the reason why it survived in the end was because Shanxi merchants secretly supported them through smuggling.
The reason why Zhao Junchen handed over Sichuan salt wells to Shanxi merchants was also because he wanted to divert their attention.
If the attention of Shanxi merchants is drawn to Sichuan Salt Affairs, maybe they will not look down on the profit from smuggling with Jianzhou Jurchen. After all, the situation in the Ming Dynasty is not good now, and the current Khan of Jianzhou Jurchen is still
Aixinjueluo Xuan Ye, if Zhao Junchen has the chance, he would still do something like this to prepare for a rainy day.
"Businessmen of this era, merchants from Shanxi started their fortunes because of their privileges, and merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang made profits from smuggling. They are not serious businessmen. After making profits, they never thought about capital accumulation. Instead, they built houses and bought land.
Used to squander... Fortunately, in later generations, some people still regard them as business representatives of the Ming and Qing Dynasties..."
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but shook his head.
Unconsciously, Zhao Junchen already had the idea in his mind to transform the businessmen of this era.
While Zhao Junchen was thinking secretly, Xu Qingyan reported: "Master, please see Guo Linxiang."
Zhao Junchen had guessed Guo Linxiang's purpose and said casually: "Well, let him come."
Not long after, Guo Linxiang quickly came to Zhao Junchen's sedan chair and followed the sedan forward step by step.
Zhao Junchen opened the curtains of the sedan and asked with a smile: "What does Boss Guo have to do with me?"
Guo Linxiang replied respectfully: "Sir, I just discussed it with other people. In order to avoid unnecessary disputes in the future and to increase the intensity of mining of Sichuan salt, we decided to establish a salt bank through financing.
The name is Kyushu Salt Company."
Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, and said: "Jiuzhou Salt Shop, what a good name, and quite impressive."
Guo Linxiang smiled and said: "That's not because of your care. In order to repay you, after discussion, I decided to give half of the shares of Jiuzhou Salt Bank to you. Please don't refuse."
Zhao Junchen hesitated and said: "Half percent? Is it too much?"
It's not that Zhao Junchen refused, there are indeed many Bancheng dry stocks. After all, it is not an ordinary salt shop, but a group of Shanxi businessmen who worked together to run it, and will control the entire salt production in Sichuan in the future.
But Guo Linxiang shook his head and said: "It's only half a percent, but it's not much. You deserve it, sir."
With that said, Guo Linxiang took out another roll of banknotes from his sleeve, and under Zhao Junchen's gaze, handed it to Xu Qingyan who was standing aside, and said: "This is also a small thought from Shanxi businessmen like me, please accept it."
"
With that said, Guo Linxiang bowed and left without waiting for Zhao Junchen to speak.
Xu Qingyan glanced at the banknote in his hand, then gently moved it with his hand, and then said in an excited and affirmative tone: "Master, it's another hundred thousand taels of silver!!"
Zhao Junchen closed the curtain and sat back in the sedan. He didn't look very excited, but said softly: "What did I say just now? How could there be no good for us this time..."
"Young master is wise!!"
………
When Zhao Junchen led a group of Shanxi merchants to the magistrate's office, a group of senior squires had been waiting for a long time.
Not only them, but the well-known magic stick witches, monks and Taoist priests in Lu'an Prefecture, under the leadership of Zhang Daoquan, came to the Yamen almost at the same time, waiting to meet Zhao Junchen.
As for the rumors that Zhao Junchen intends to preside over the culling of locusts in Lu'an Mansion, these senior squires have heard about it. From the bottom of their hearts, they disapprove, not only because they are afraid of the revenge of the locust god, but also because doing so will
It is detrimental to their interests. After all, after the locust plague, the victims will be displaced, and their land will be expanded as a result.
However, I thought that Zhang Daoquan and others were their supporters, but I didn't expect that after asking for information, I found that people from various sects in Lu'an Mansion actually supported Zhao Junchen's move to cull the locusts, including the host of the Locust Temple!!
The senior squires wanted to find ways to communicate with familiar officials, but they were told that as early as a few days ago, all Lu'an government officials who dared to oppose the eradication of locusts had been dismissed from office!!
At this time, the senior squires felt that it was hard to go against the general trend.
When Zhao Junchen summoned them, they saw a group of Shanxi merchants who were respectful to Zhao Junchen. The elderly squires found in despair that their last supporter was no longer reliable.
On the other side, after meeting these senior squires in the hall of the prefect's Yamen, Zhao Junchen did not show any politeness, but asked directly: "I want to destroy the locusts. Who among you has any objection?"
As Zhao Junchen's words fell, Liu Changan, who had been waiting aside for a long time, took the lead and said: "My Lord's move is to serve the country and the people wholeheartedly, and it will benefit everything without causing any harm. I absolutely agree with it!!"
After the words fell, all the officials responded.
Zhang Daoquan did not fall behind others, and also said on behalf of a group of religious people: "Your Excellency, culling locusts is a good deed, which can save countless people. We, the five religions, will definitely support you!!"
After Zhang Daoquan finished speaking, all the monks, Taoists, witches and magicians also claimed that it was true.
Guo Linxiang also followed up and said: "Your Excellency's move is really a blessing to our Shanxi Province. We, the people of Shanxi Province, will benefit from it. How can we disapprove of it?"
A group of Shanxi merchants also responded.
Then, Zhao Junchen turned his attention to the squires and elders.
The squires and elders looked at each other in shock, feeling that they were surrounded by enemies on all sides and that the general trend was unstoppable. In the end, no one dared to speak out against it, which was why Lin Lin Luo Luo had to do so.
If Zhao Junchen used inducements to gain support from Shanxi merchants, then he used coercion to deal with these gentry and elders.
Seeing no one objected, Zhao Junchen laughed, stood up, and said in a loud voice: "In that case, from tomorrow on, the government will take the lead, and the whole Lu'an government will work together to extinguish the locust plague! Tomorrow, I will sacrifice to heaven in person.
Presiding! I know that some of you are worried about the revenge of the Locust God. I will pray to the gods of heaven and earth tomorrow. If God wants to send punishment, I am willing to bear it on my shoulders and will never blame others!!"