Chapter 19. The First Influence of Power (Part 1). The Two-in-One Chapter
Unconsciously, twenty days have passed since the day Zhao Junchen made the bet with Zhu Heyu.
Although the deadline is getting closer and closer, there is still no movement from Zhao Junchen. In the eyes of many people, Zhao Junchen's performance may have given up.
Admitting defeat means that Zhao Junchen admits that he has committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. This crime is no joke, and Zhao Junchen will naturally not admit defeat.
In fact, on the fourth day after the establishment of Yuerongfang, the Yizi that Zhao Junchen mentioned was already made with the efforts of the craftsmen.
However, Zhao Junchen did not rush to implement the "money-making plan". Instead, he asked the craftsmen to continue working hard and created several different types of soaps according to his ideas.
After receiving the reward, the craftsmen were full of energy. After more than ten days, several other types of soaps were made one after another.
Now, in the Zhao Mansion, these different types of soaps are placed in front of Zhao Junchen.
Xu Qingyan, on the other hand, stood aside and explained the different functions of these types of soap to Zhao Junchen.
"Master, look at this yellow soap." Xu Qingyan pointed to the piece of soap on the far left and said, "This piece of soap was first made according to your recipe, Master. I tried it and found several kinds.
Among pancreatic juices, it has the strongest ability to remove scale and dirt.”
Zhao Junchen picked up the piece of soap and looked at it carefully. He found that it was quite similar to the soap commonly used in later generations. It had a slightly crystalline feel, was square and square, and was light yellow in color overall.
Zhao Junchen asked: "How much does this pancake cost?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "Master, it's less than half a penny. It's very cheap. If the scale of manufacturing increases, the cost can go even further."
Zhao Junchen nodded, expressing satisfaction.
The cost of half a coin of silver is indeed not high, even lower than the cost of ordinary soap locust.
Zhao Junchen plans to sell this kind of soap to ordinary people in the future. Although the specific price has not been decided yet, because the cost is not high, it is expected that ordinary people can still afford it. After all, this kind of soap is much easier to use than saponin.
.
Seeing Zhao Junchen put down the yellow pancake, Xu Qingyan pointed to the pancakes of different colors in the middle and said: "Master, these pancakes were made according to your instructions, with milk and flower juice added. Now the craftsman
People still can't grasp the specific proportion, so the ability to remove dirt and dirt is not as good as the previous one. However, using it to wash your body is not only the most comfortable, but also leaves a light fragrance that lingers for a long time. The craftsmen call it fragrant pancreas.
"
Zhao Junchen picked it up and took a look. The soaps of different colors exuded various light floral fragrances and had a smooth body shape. They were much prettier than the first kind of soap.
After Zhao Junchen put down the soap, he said with a smile: "This kind of soap will be sold to those rich people in the future. It doesn't matter if it has poor cleaning ability. Those people don't have to do dirty work, and how can they get so much dirt on their bodies?"
How dirty is it? As long as it can be made, the specific proportions can be studied slowly in the future, so don’t worry.”
After a pause, Zhao Junchen asked again: "How much does this pancake cost?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "Because it requires a lot of rich flower juice and is relatively difficult to make, the cost of this kind of soap is a bit higher, about one penny."
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "It's already very low. I'm afraid the future price of this fragrant pancreas will not be less than half a tael of silver."
Then, Zhao Junchen picked up the last piece of soap. Different from the previous ones, this piece of soap was dark brown in color, neither moist nor crystal clear. It had no aroma, but had a strong medicinal taste.
Seeing this piece of pancreas, Xu Qingyan showed a look of pain on his face and said: "Master, this is the medicinal pancreas you asked the craftsmen to make. It contains ginseng, angelica root, polygonum multiflorum and other medicinal materials. It is difficult to control the proportion of ingredients, so it is difficult to control the proportion of ingredients.
The ability is the worst, only equivalent to ordinary soap locust, but the cost of each piece is no less than two taels of silver, and the cost is difficult to reduce."
Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "Don't complain about the high cost. If you sell one piece of this kind of soap, you can earn at least as much money as a thousand yuan of ordinary soap, and you don't have to worry about not being able to sell it."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen asked again: "Have you seen a doctor?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "I have seen famous doctors in the capital. This pancreas medicine contains tonic, blood-activating, and moisturizing medicinal materials. If used for a long time, they dare not say whether there are any benefits, but it will definitely not harm anyone."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "That's good."
After understanding the functions of various soaps, Zhao Junchen patted Xu Qingyan on the shoulder and said: "It's been hard for you these days. You should have a good rest these days. If you want to play, just go to the accounting office to get money."
Xu Qingyan shook his head and said, "I still want to follow the young master."
Zhao Junchen laughed and scolded: "You, what's the good of being a follower? No wonder Old Master Xu says you have no future."
Xu Qingyan just smiled and said nothing.
There is no doubt that Xu Qingyan is a villain, but at this time he smiled very innocently.
Zhao Junchen suddenly remembered something and said: "When we follow His Majesty on his southern tour this time and happen to pass by Yangzhou, let's take Old Master Xu to the capital for retirement. Old Master Xu has been very kind to me and is also your father. We should also do it."
Do your best to be filial."
Xu Qingyan was scolded by Master Xu when he was young. Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, his eyes showed reluctance, but more than anything, he still missed him. He lowered his head and whispered: "Thank you, Master."
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said softly: "Whatever you want to thank me for, it wouldn't be what I deserve today without Old Master Xu or you or me."
While the master and servant were communicating, a servant of the Zhao family hurriedly arrived and reported to Zhao Junchen: "Sir, the Minister of Rites, Zhan Shanchang, and the General Envoy, Tong Huan, have asked to see you, saying that there is something urgent."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Let them come in."
While talking, Zhao Junchen returned to the main seat and sat down, while Xu Qingyan also put away various kinds of soaps.
………
Not long after, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan hurriedly arrived at the main hall of the Zhao Mansion under the guidance of the servants of the Zhao Mansion.
Under Zhan Shanchang's persuasion, as early as half a month ago, Tong Huan, the general envoy, had taken refuge under Zhao Junchen.
Different from the humble Zhan Shanchang, Tong Huan is a little older, already in his fifties, with an ancient face and informal smile, giving people a deep feeling.
"I've met Mr. Zhao."
After arriving in front of Zhao Junchen, they both bowed and saluted.
Zhao Junchen did not stand up to greet him, but his expression was quite gentle. He raised his hand and said, "Didn't I tell you? You two are of the same rank as me. You don't need to be so respectful. Sit down and talk."
After Zhan Shanchang sat down, he smiled and said: "Sir Zhao, you will be promoted to the Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs in ten days. It is appropriate for Mr. Tong and I to salute you in advance."
Zhao Junchen was slightly startled, looked at Zhan Shanchang for a few times, and chuckled: "Nowadays, everyone in the government and the public believes that I will definitely lose the bet between me and the prince. I never thought that your opinion would be so different."
It’s the complete opposite.”
Zhan Shanchang's expression became more respectful, and he said: "They don't understand Mr. Zhao, but I do. Mr. Zhao, you are here these days. It is obvious that you have a plan in your mind, and you are sure of victory. We are convinced of your methods, so naturally we will
Then I became more confident.”
Zhao Junchen smiled and shook his head, and then asked: "You two are so anxious to come to me, but there has been progress in the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces?"
In fact, after arriving at the Zhao Mansion, although Zhan Shanchang was chatting and laughing with Zhao Junchen, anyone could see the anxiety and urgency in his expression.
Seeing Zhao Junchen talking about business, Zhan Shanchang also suppressed his smile and replied: "Sir, it is indeed true. According to the information obtained by the official, due to the joint efforts of the three departments to investigate, the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces has been verified.
, I am afraid that the records of the officials from the three ministries have already been submitted to His Majesty by this time."
Zhao Junchen said leisurely: "After such a long time, there should be results."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen asked Zhan Shanchang: "Did any of the three provinces who studied politics confess you?"
Zhan Shanchang shook his head and said: "Not yet, the official has already told them that if this matter is too widely implicated, it will be of no benefit to anyone. If they can take the blame, then their family members will still be able to get away with it."
Ansheng, they have no other choice now, so they have been keeping secret, but under strict investigation, they may not be able to hold on for long."
In fact, Wen Guanliang also said these words to Zhan Shanchang at the beginning. In essence, everything Wen Guanliang did to Zhan Shanchang was no different from what Zhan Shanchang did to the academic affairs of the three provinces. They were sacrificing others to protect themselves.
But when Zhan Shanchang said these words at this time, he looked matter-of-factly.
After Zhao Junchen sighed secretly, he turned to Tong Huan and asked: "How are you doing over there these days?"
Tong Huan stood up and replied: "As Mr. Zhao expected, I have reported all the grievances and civil trends in Qiuwei of the three provinces to His Majesty in the past few days. At first, His Majesty's instructions were harsh, but in recent days, they have disappeared.
Replied."
Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "You should do this. The General Secretary has the responsibility of taking charge of the people from all over the world to express their opinions and appeal for grievances. This is the time for you to do something. However, after you made such a fuss,
, Now it’s time for Your Majesty to calm down.”
While talking, Zhao Junchen looked at the sky outside the house and saw that it was afternoon. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Zhan Shanchang who was uneasy and said with a smile: "You don't have to worry. Since the time has matured, I should go to your majesty."
Come on, if nothing happens, this matter will be settled before tonight."
Seeing Zhao Junchen say this, Zhan Shanchang couldn't help but be overjoyed and bowed to thank him repeatedly.
After chatting with Zhan Shanchang, Zhao Junchen turned to Xu Qingyan and said: "Qingyan, send someone to send a message to Mr. Wen Ge, saying that I will meet him at Tianhai Tower tonight.
Haven't you always wanted to entertain me? Although I have turned them down with excuses, today, it's time for a showdown."
………
After sending Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan away, Zhao Junchen did not delay and immediately went to the palace to see Emperor Deqing with the pancakes.
As a favorite of Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen had no obstacles in his visit.
As always, Emperor Deqing received Zhao Junchen in the imperial study.
After entering the imperial study, Zhao Junchen looked happy and kowtowed to Emperor Deqing: "I have asked Your Majesty Hongfu to increase the revenue of 200,000 taels of silver for the Ministry of Household Affairs. I have made everything ready."
In the past few days, Emperor Deqing was unhappy. Because of the fraud in Qiuwei in the three provinces, the people were agitated, and the reputation of the court took a sharp turn. After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, he was slightly stunned, and finally felt better. He frowned and asked
: "Oh? Are you ready? How come I didn't get the news? You've been trying to trick me these past few days, but today you are finally willing to tell me?"
Emperor Deqing had a majestic face and would really scare a lot of people when he asked questions. However, as his favorite, Zhao Junchen was treated differently. Although he complained slightly, he spoke with a smile and obviously did not really blame him.
.
Zhao Junchen stood up and said with a smile: "Returning to your Majesty, I was not trying to show off a few days ago. I am really not ready yet, and I dare not let your Majesty rejoice in vain."
Emperor Deqing nodded and said: "I have always been at ease with you when doing things, and I have not been blamed for it. That's all. Let's not talk about this anymore. What are your methods of increasing revenue for the Ministry of Household Affairs? Tell me quickly."
In a certain respect, Emperor Deqing was a "poor emperor" and was very interested in everything about silver.
Zhao Junchen did not dare to delay. After Emperor Deqing agreed, Zhao Junchen had the soaps he brought sent to the imperial study.
Looking at the soaps of different colors and shapes, Emperor Deqing looked puzzled and asked: "What is this? Is this what you are talking about as a way to increase the income of the Ministry of Household Affairs?"
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing looked strange, as if he didn't believe it.
He had heard rumors before that Zhao Junchen wanted to use saponaria and rouge to increase the income of two hundred thousand taels of silver for the Ministry of Household Affairs, but in Emperor Deqing's view, it was just a rumor, and Zhao Junchen should not be so stupid and absurd.
But looking at these things that were somewhat similar to saponin in front of him, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but wonder, could it be that he had admired Zhao Junchen before?
Seeing Emperor Deqing's expression, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said: "Your Majesty, these things are called 'Yizi'. They are similar to the soap locust we usually use, but the effect is much better. I dare to guarantee that you will use them."
It is absolutely easy to increase the revenue of two hundred thousand taels for the Ministry of Household Affairs. Of course, we will need your Majesty's help to make a few decrees before this can be done successfully."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen said again: "As for the efficacy of this thing, please forgive me. Can I ask Eunuch Zhang De to help me demonstrate it to your Majesty?"
The eunuch serving Emperor Deqing today is Zhang De, who was familiar with Zhao Junchen.
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing looked doubtful, but he still nodded to Zhang De.
After Zhang De came to Zhao Junchen, under Zhao Junchen's instructions, another young eunuch went to fetch a basin of water.
Then, in the imperial study, under the guidance of Zhao Junchen, in front of Emperor Deqing, Zhang De actually started washing his hands.
After a while, he finally finished washing. After Zhang De wiped his hands clean with a handkerchief, he looked at his hands with a look of disbelief on his face.
Zhao Junchen seemed to have expected Zhang De's reaction. He helped Zhang De pull his sleeves to his elbows, and then said to Zhang De: "Eunuch Zhang De, I would like to trouble you and let your Majesty see the efficacy of this item.
Zhang De looked at his hands, still in a daze. After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, he nodded subconsciously, walked to Emperor Deqing's side, and then stretched out his hands in front of Emperor Deqing.
Emperor Deqing didn't take it seriously at first, but after looking at Zhang De's hands, he was stunned.
I saw that Zhang De's hands that had been washed with soap were now as white as a woman's, and there was a faint aroma to his nose. Zhao Junchen pulled up Zhang De's sleeves, revealing half of his arms that had not been washed with soap.
After comparison, the effect is even more striking.
It stands to reason that although Zhang De is just a eunuch, his status is not low, and he has always been pampered. His body is washed frequently, so it is already clean. The half of his arm that has not been washed with soap is not dirty.
However, compared with the hands washed with soap, Emperor Deqing felt that Zhang De's arms seemed to have not been washed for many days, and they were actually black and white.
Emperor Deqing subconsciously took Zhang De's hands and looked at them carefully. He couldn't help but think that Emperor Deqing's own hands became the object of comparison, but he found that even though he was an emperor, his hands were no cleaner than Zhang De's.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen had already explained to Emperor Deqing: "Your Majesty, you have seen the efficacy of this soap. Although the soap locust we use today also has cleaning efficacy, its effect is average. It cannot treat many old dirt at all.
There is no way, over time, the color of those old dirt is actually regarded by us as the true color of the skin. However, these soaps are different. Use them to cleanse the body, not only can all old dirt be cleaned away, but also make the skin feel comfortable.
."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "I can guarantee that after using this soap, no one will use the soap locust again. However, the cost of this soap is not higher than that of the soap locust.
Your Majesty, you can think about it, you have nearly ten million subjects, and if only half of them use a piece of pancake like this every year, that would be a lot of money."
These words of Zhao Junchen, no matter whether they were reasonable or not, were absolutely tempting. At least, at this moment, Emperor Deqing was tempted.
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