Chapter 20. The power is beginning to form (middle). The three-in-one chapter
In this world, there are many beautiful lies. They look real, beautiful, and attractive, but like the moon in the water, they are essentially nothing.
For example, Zhao Junchen's tempting words to Emperor Deqing are now.
Although the soap made by Zhao Junchen is much easier to use than the soap locust, the cost is not higher than the soap locust. According to Zhao Junchen's estimation, after the production is expanded, the cost will come down. An ordinary piece of soap will cost about
Just about half a denarius.
Half a penny doesn't seem like a lot. Zhao Junchen now spends more than that on a breakfast. The amount of money he spent on corruption and bribery over the years is even tens of thousands of taels, but in reality?
During those days in Lu'an Mansion, Zhao Junchen understood the hardships of people's livelihood. He knew very well that in this era, the cost of living for ordinary people was extremely low. The average expenditure of ordinary people in a year added up to everything.
It's only about two taels of silver.
With two taels of silver, even the lowest-grade ordinary soap can only be purchased for about forty yuan.
Under such circumstances, how many people can afford to buy soap?
In fact, in this era, even ordinary soap locust is considered a luxury product in the eyes of many people. People cannot afford the daily cleaning products, homemade bath beans, or even bath beans.
Although there were no less than ten million people in the Ming Dynasty, it was considered good to have only one tenth of the people who could afford soap.
Of course, what Zhao Junchen said to Emperor Deqing was not a lie, because even if only one-tenth of the common people could afford to buy soap, the money earned from it would still be an astronomical figure.
………
Emperor Deqing did not understand this. He only paid attention to national affairs. As for the actual living standards of the people, they were not among the "national affairs". He could only rely on assumptions.
Just like many people in remote areas thought that the emperor's life was so luxurious that he could eat pork every day, in Emperor Deqing's view, even if the common people lived in hardship, they could at least eat a few meals of white flour steamed buns every day.
Steamed buns?
Therefore, Emperor Deqing was easily deceived by Zhao Junchen. Although his expression was still majestic and calm, his dazed eyes proved that he was now imagining how much money the national treasury could increase after tens of millions of people used soap.
The soaps of different colors and shapes placed in front of him seemed to be countless pieces of gold and silver in Emperor Deqing's eyes.
Emperors also love money, especially a "poor emperor".
On the other hand, after Emperor Deqing learned about the miraculous effects of pancreas, Zhao Junchen began to introduce the specific effects of various pancreas to Emperor Deqing.
"Your Majesty, the soap used by Mr. Zhang De just now is called Xiang Pan. Its ability to remove scales is much stronger than that of saponins. After use, it has a fragrant aroma that lingers for a long time. It costs less than two coins of silver. However, if it is sold
If so, I'm afraid the price will not be less than half a tael of silver, which means that each piece of pancake can make a profit of three taels of silver."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing came back from his fantasy and frowned: "Can the common people afford half a tael of silver?"
Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "This kind of fragrant pancreas is not sold to ordinary people. Your Majesty, you have governed the country well. Now the world is at peace, and there are no less than tens of thousands of wealthy people. A mere half a tael of silver is just a small number to them."
However, considering the limited wealth of ordinary people, I also asked someone to make another kind of soap."
While talking, Zhao Junchen picked up the ordinary soap and said: "Although this kind of soap has no aroma, it is simple to make and costs less than half a penny. It is suitable for ordinary people to use. When sold to the public, the price will never be high.
For one denarius, the profit per unit is low, but the sales volume is large and the profit is considerable."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing suddenly nodded with a look of satisfaction on his face. He nodded and motioned for Zhao Junchen to continue.
In the view of Emperor Deqing, the price was extremely low and the common people could definitely afford it.
Then, Zhao Junchen picked up the "medicated pancreas" and continued to explain: "Your Majesty, this piece of pancreas is called 'medicated pancreas'. After searching for ancient recipes, I asked the craftsmen to make it specially for your majesty. It contains
We have prepared dozens of precious medicinal herbs. After long-term use, they can not only refresh and strengthen the body, but also have the miraculous effect of prolonging life. Your Majesty is now in the prime of life, and with the help of this medicinal pancreas, I believe that you will be more energetic and live longer."
After hearing about the efficacy of "medicated pancreas", Emperor Deqing perked up. He stared at the medicinal pancreas in Zhao Junchen's hand and asked slowly: "Does this piece of medicinal pancreas really have such a miraculous effect?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "How dare I deceive your majesty? This pancake looks simple, but it contains ginseng, fleece-flower root, angelica root and other nourishing medicinal materials. It is not only difficult to make, but also expensive to make. How can it be without it?"
Effect."
In fact, what Zhao Junchen said is completely nonsense. Although Zhao Junchen created this "medicinal pancreas" to please Emperor Deqing, in the final analysis, it was just a simple addition of many ingredients when making pancreas.
It's just a precious Chinese medicinal material, but Zhao Junchen doesn't know whether it has the effect of prolonging life.
He only knew that doing so would please Emperor Deqing.
Sure enough, Emperor Deqing was very happy to hear what Zhao Junchen said and said with a smile: "You are loyal and consider everything for me."
However, Zhao Junchen shook his head and said with a serious face: "Your Majesty has given you too much praise. Thinking about Your Majesty is just your duty as a minister. If it is your duty, how can you deserve such praise from Your Majesty?"
When Emperor Deqing heard what Zhao Junchen said, he nodded with satisfaction. Although he didn't say anything more, his eyes when he looked at Zhao Junchen were even more satisfied.
Several kinds of pancreas were brought to him, and Emperor Deqing took them in his hand and played with them one by one. He felt that the image of the pancreas was pleasant, the fragrance was pleasant, and the medicinal pancreas was dignified in color and rich in medicinal flavor. He couldn't help but believe Zhao Junchen's introduction.
Already.
Zhao Junchen continued: "In my opinion, these soaps are a rare commodity and can be made exclusively by the Ministry of Household Affairs, and then handed over to designated merchants from various places for exclusive sale. In this way, not only can it increase the income of the Ministry of Households every year
One million taels of silver can also prevent the court and the people from competing for profits. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
After Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment, he slowly said: "You just said that you need some help from me, are you referring to the transformation of the Ministry of Revenue's franchise?"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Your Majesty is wise, and I can never hide my thoughts from Your Majesty. With Your Majesty's decree, I can summon private merchants and auction the sources of these soaps to them, so as to increase the revenue of the Ministry of Household Affairs.
There is no obstacle.”
When Emperor Deqing heard what Zhao Junchen said, he smiled, but did not speak or reply. He just kept silent.
Seeing Emperor Deqing acting like this but not responding to his suggestions for a long time, Zhao Junchen was puzzled. After thinking for a moment, he finally realized.
In the early Ming Dynasty, there was no national treasury or inner treasury. All the court's silver went into the inner treasury, and it was all the emperor's private money. However, court expenses, military expenditures, and official salaries were all paid from the inner treasury.
The emperors felt distressed when they saw their private money being spent like water. Later, in the orthodox period, there was finally a distinction between the national treasury and the inner treasury. From that time on, the inner treasury truly became the emperor's private bank.
, and various expenses of the imperial court were drawn from the national treasury.
However, the funny thing is that the emperors of the Ming Dynasty finally separated the treasury from the inner treasury, but they began to be jealous of the money from the treasury. Almost every emperor in the middle and late Ming Dynasty wanted to transfer the silver from the treasury to the inner treasury.
Library.
This is also the reason why Emperor Deqing was unwilling to use the silver in his inner treasury from beginning to end during his southern tour.
In the final analysis, this situation is just the emperor competing for interests with the country.
However, Emperor Deqing did not speak for a long time and just kept silent. Relating to the Ming Dynasty emperor's "habit" of competing for profits with the country, Zhao Junchen already understood that because the Ministry of Revenue had gained so much income in one breath, Emperor Deqing
He... was jealous and jealous.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen changed his tone and continued: "Of course, having it exclusively made by the Ministry of Household Affairs is only one of the options. In Yichen's opinion, it might not be a better choice if the soap is exclusively made by the inner treasury.
The method is, although the production of this soap is simple, the initial investment is also a large amount of money. Compared with the financial difficulties of the household department, the money in the internal treasury is much abundant, and the results are faster."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing's eyes flashed with joy, but his face was full of hesitation, and he said slowly: "It's not a good idea to do this, is it? This pancreas is related to the bet between you and the prince. If the relationship is
Since the internal treasury is exclusively dedicated to manufacturing, the household department has not been able to increase its income, wouldn’t it mean that you have lost the bet?”
At this point, Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment and finally made up his mind and said: "However, what you said makes sense. Now that the inner treasury has plenty of money, it is more convenient to hand over the soap to the inner treasury for special production. It might as well be like this
, this pancake is exclusively manufactured by the inner treasury, and the income gained is divided equally between the inner treasury and the household department. The money earned by the pancake from the inner treasury is transferred to the household department every year, which is 200,000 taels."
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen was moved and kowtowed: "Your Majesty is so considerate of me, I... I..."
As he spoke, Zhao Junchen buried his head, looking speechless and choked, but he was already secretly thinking about whether he should carry something like garlic with him in the future. If he could shed some tears at this time, it would be better.
Seeing Zhao Junchen's appearance, Emperor Deqing became even more satisfied and said with a smile: "Get up. You and I, the monarch and our ministers, are in harmony. There is no need to kneel down at every turn. This idea was yours. It will increase revenue for the country and benefit the future. I
How can I let you suffer a loss?"
Zhao Junchen wiped his tearless eyes with his sleeves, stood up and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
………
After some conversation, Emperor Deqing knew that there was no obstacle to his southern tour, and that the inner treasury had gained a large amount of money. He couldn't help but feel good, and looked at Zhao Junchen's look, and he became more tolerant.
He smiled and said: "I'm afraid I've exhausted you these days because of this pancake thing, right?"
Although the Yizi matter was resolved, the main purpose of Zhao Junchen's visit to Emperor Deqing was to discuss the Qiu Wei fraud case in the three provinces. Emperor Deqing was in a good mood at this time, and it was the time for Zhao Junchen to implement his plan.
Therefore, when faced with Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Zhao Junchen did not reply. Instead, he looked blank, not knowing what he was thinking.
If ordinary ministers were like this, Emperor Deqing would have been furious, but as a favorite minister, Zhao Junchen would be treated differently, not to mention that Zhao Junchen had just found a big source of wealth for his inner treasury?
Therefore, when Emperor Deqing saw Zhao Junchen like this, not only was he not angry, but he was curious.
On the other side, Zhang De was startled when he saw Zhao Junchen like this, and said loudly: "Master Zhao, His Majesty is asking you something."
After hearing Zhang De's words, Zhao Junchen finally "came back to his senses" and quickly apologized to Emperor Deqing: "I was distracted when I was talking to Your Majesty. Please forgive me."
Emperor Deqing did not blame him, he just waved his hand and said: "That's all, it's just a chat between the monarch and his ministers. How can I blame you for these trivial things? I am a little curious. You have always been cautious in doing things. Why are you in a trance when you talk to me today?
?But what’s on your mind?”
Zhao Junchen shook his head and sighed: "Your Majesty, I don't have anything on my mind. I just heard your Majesty mention the words 'harmony between monarch and ministers', and suddenly felt something in my heart."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing became even more curious and asked: "Oh? Since I was moved by the words 'harmony between monarch and ministers', I think it has something to do with me, so let me hear it."
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he finally said: "I know that your majesty has been worried about the Qiu Wei fraud case in the three provinces in recent days. However, I am afraid that your majesty does not know that I have the honor to serve your majesty, including the imperial examination."
Where’s the credit for the fraud case?”
When Zhao Junchen mentioned the fraud case in the three provinces, Emperor Deqing's face darkened, but he still asked: "How do you say it?"
Zhao Junchen sighed and explained: "Your Majesty, you also know that although I have some talent in financial management, when it comes to the Four Books and Five Classics, and the knowledge of imperial examinations, I am just ordinary."
Emperor Deqing nodded. He was quite familiar with Zhao Junchen's abilities.
Zhao Junchen continued: "When I took part in the imperial examination, I was still young and had little knowledge. Under normal circumstances, I would have failed. However, what Lian Chen did not expect was that those few college and rural examinations would lead to
In the imperial examination, I was able to pass the exams one after another. When it came to the palace examination, I was selected by His Majesty and became the number one scholar. From then on, I was able to have the honor to serve Your Majesty today."
Emperor Deqing frowned and asked: "I know all this, but why do you say that it is also due to the imperial examination fraud case?"
Zhao Junchen had a look of emotion on his face and said slowly: "Your Majesty, do you still remember the Jiangnan imperial examination fraud case twelve years ago?"
Seeing Emperor Deqing nod, Zhao Junchen continued: "The imperial examination fraud case was widely spread among the people. Although your Majesty used thunderous means to prosecute all the court officials who participated in the fraud, the impact was too great after all.
Therefore, he had doubts about the imperial examinations in our country, and his morale was low, and the people's morale was low. Even many scholars with real talents became discouraged after this incident, and would rather teach in their hometown than take part in the imperial examinations again.
In the past few years, the number of candidates who wanted to take the imperial examination was actually very small, and they were extremely embarrassed."
At this point, Zhao Junchen laughed at himself and said: "As the saying goes, if there are no tigers in the mountain, the monkey is the king. But at that time, I was considered a monkey on the mountain without tigers. I took advantage of the doubts of the scholars in the world about the court.
I have been successful in the imperial examinations one after another. In this way, my ability to serve His Majesty is a result of the imperial examination fraud case that year."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing's face became more gloomy, and he asked slowly: "I remember that you were only fifteen when you took the college examination, which was eight years ago, right?"
Zhao Junchen replied: "Your Majesty remembers clearly that I took the college examination eight years ago."
Emperor Deqing frowned and said: "At that time, it had been four or five years since the Jiangnan imperial examination fraud case, and private scholars still had doubts about the imperial examination?"
Zhao Junchen smiled bitterly and said: "More than just doubts? He simply has no confidence. Back then, His Majesty launched a large-scale imperial examination fraud case in Jiangnan. Although it was said that it was all about eradicating evil, it was also caused by the people who caused the trouble. I estimate that the civil servants also
It was only in recent years that morale and public support for the imperial examinations were restored, but unexpectedly, the Qiuwei fraud case in three provinces has now occurred. As a result, the newly restored morale and confidence of the civil servants may be destroyed again.
ah."
When Emperor Deqing heard what Zhao Junchen said, he couldn't help but frown. After a long silence, he suddenly asked: "What do you think of this three-province Qiuwei fraud case?"
However, Zhao Junchen lowered his head and said: "Your Majesty, the fraud in the three provinces of Qiuwei is a matter of the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Personnel. It is not my turn to take care of it. Moreover, although I have some ideas, I dare not say it."
Emperor Deqing snorted lightly and said, "Just say what I tell you to say. No matter what you say, I will forgive you."
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he finally said: "In Yichen's opinion, the impact of the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces is too great and the implications are too wide. It is precisely because of this that the imperial court should reduce major issues to trivial matters."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen secretly looked up at Emperor Deqing and saw that although Emperor Deqing had a gloomy face, he had no intention of objecting. He felt relieved and continued: "Your Majesty, you are wise and wise, and you know best.
Although the imperial examination is for selecting talents for the imperial court, the more important purpose is to stabilize the morale of the people and win over the hearts of the scholars in the world. Only when the people's hearts are stable and scholars return to their hearts can the world be stable."
Seeing Emperor Deqing nod slightly, Zhao Junchen continued: "I know that after the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces occurred, His Royal Highness insisted on handling it strictly, but I did not agree, because once this case is handled strictly, things will get worse.
The longer it goes on, the more officials will be implicated, the greater the influence among the people, and the more people will think that the imperial court is hiding evil and evil, and the people will become more unstable."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen looked extremely serious and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, everything in this world can be chaotic, but the people's hearts cannot be chaotic, otherwise things will inevitably change! Therefore, these three provinces' Qiuwei fraud cases
, Yi Chen’s intention is not only to reduce major issues to trivial matters, but also to cut through the mess quickly and solve it in the shortest time. Since the charges of academic administration in the three provinces have been confirmed, they can be killed to calm the people, but killing them
After investigating the academic affairs of those three provinces, this case can be ended here. If we continue the investigation, it will not be beneficial to the country or the people."
Emperor Deqing raised his brows and said in a cold voice: "If the central officials of the imperial court did not take the decision in this case of Qiu Wei fraud in the three provinces, how could the academic administration of the three provinces dare to make the matter so big? If the case was settled here, wouldn't it be
Are you taking advantage of those corrupt officials?"
Zhao Junchen sighed: "Your Majesty, in this case, whether the main culprit is the academic administration of the three provinces or a central official, the influence on the people is completely different. If the academic administration of the three provinces is the main culprit, in the eyes of the people, it is a high mountain.
The emperor is far away and corrupt officials have bad intentions. If the central officials are also implicated, then the court has broken its trust."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued: "I once heard, 'It is difficult to be smart, and it is even harder to be confused.' I also heard, 'It is difficult to be a master if you are not deaf or dumb.' These two sentences were very different when I first heard them.
I don't take it seriously, but the more I think about it in recent years, the more I feel that the wisdom contained in it is profound. Your Majesty is wise, and you will definitely understand the truth after thinking about it."
"It's hard to be smart, but it's even harder to be confused." Emperor Deqing repeated it softly, savoring the meaning carefully, and his originally cold and solemn expression finally melted away.
After a long time, Emperor Deqing sighed and said: "Although your words may not be pleasant to hear, they are mature words for the country. After these years of experience, you have made a lot of progress."
Zhao Junchen said quickly: "Your Majesty is overly complimentary. Your Majesty must have considered this idea in your mind a long time ago, otherwise how could you have allowed me to talk about it at this point? Your Majesty is wise, and he would have been able to handle it even without my words.
Good luck with the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen sighed with a look on his face and said: "It's just that it's difficult to be a family man. It's really embarrassing for Your Majesty."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but feel warm in his heart. He felt that Zhao Junchen was really thinking about himself at all times. He sighed: "Yes, as you said, it is difficult to be a family man without being deaf or dumb.
The world only sees the glory of the patriarch, who thinks about the helplessness of the patriarch?"
After sighing for a few words, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen at the imperial steps, suddenly smiled, and asked somewhat meaningfully: "But why do I feel that you came to see me this time not to talk about pancakes?
But for the Qiuwei fraud case in these three provinces?"
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen felt a sudden change in his heart and said quickly: "Your Majesty has misunderstood me. I am meeting you this time just for the sake of pancakes. I have never been concerned about the fraud case in Qiuwei in the three provinces."
Planning to intervene."
Emperor Deqing smiled, waved his hand and said: "That's all, I just mentioned it casually, you don't have to worry about it. I have never doubted your loyalty, not to mention what you said today was not wrong."
Zhao Junchen didn't know if Emperor Deqing mentioned it casually, but these words really scared him.
However, after this incident, the emperor and his ministers lost interest in talking. After chatting for a few more times, Zhao Junchen saw that it was getting late, so he said goodbye to Emperor Deqing and left.
However, before leaving, Zhao Junchen secretly winked at Zhang De, and Zhang De nodded slightly in understanding.
………
After leaving the palace, Xu Qingyan had been waiting outside the palace for a long time. When he saw Zhao Junchen coming out, he quickly asked: "Master, has the matter been done?"
Zhao Junchen sat in the sedan and said slowly: "It's all done."
Xu Qingyan smiled and said: "Young Master is still capable. Such a big matter can be solved easily."
Zhao Junchen smiled softly, but said: "Get off the sedan first, I have to wait for news."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, although Xu Qingyan was confused, he still ordered the bearers to continue waiting.
After a while, I saw a little eunuch sneaking outside the Meridian Gate and running quickly towards Zhao Junchen's sedan.
Arriving in front of the sedan chair and seeing Zhao Junchen, the young eunuch said softly: "Master Zhao, Eunuch Zhang De and Zhang asked me to tell you that His Majesty just issued an order to execute the academicians of Shanxi, Shandong and Henan provinces.
The trial officials from the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Punishment have been transferred back, and the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces has ended."
After hearing what the young eunuch said, Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "Thank you so much, father-in-law."
Following Zhao Junchen's signal, Xu Qingyan handed a piece of silver to the young eunuch.
When the little eunuch saw the money, he smiled happily and said repeatedly: "It is necessary to do things for the Lord, it is necessary."
On the other side, Zhao Junchen also heaved a sigh of relief and understood in his heart that Emperor Deqing had the intention of cutting through the mess with a sharp knife and issued the decree directly without any discussion in the morning. Otherwise, if the matter was handed over to the morning discussion, it would be too late.
It's a lot of trouble.
After the young eunuch left, Zhao Junchen said to Xu Qingyan: "Go back home, I will meet Mr. Wen Geyi tonight, and I have to go back to make some preparations. In addition, send someone to tell Zhan Shanchang the news just now, so as to save him the trouble."
The sky is frightened."
Xu Qingyan nodded in agreement.
………
There are no secrets in the capital or in the court.
The news that Zhao Junchen had saved Zhan Shanchang spread faster than Zhao Junchen imagined.
Within the next day, all the important ministers in the imperial court had received the news that Zhan Shanchang, who even the elder Wen Guanliang could not protect, was actually saved by Zhao Junchen!
What does this mean to the corrupt officials of the Manchu Dynasty? It is self-evident.
After this incident, in the eyes of corrupt officials throughout the dynasty, in addition to the senior ministers in the cabinet, they actually had another choice of backers!
And unlike several elders in the cabinet, this patron is younger, more holy, and more promising.
Therefore, in the next few days, officials in the DPRK who had no backers or who were marginalized by factions turned their attention to Zhao Junchen.