Chapter 465 Cut the common people's leeks? No, I want to cut the family's leeks!
Yizhou, Shu County.
The old house of the Wu family.
In the study.
Wu Yi frowned and stared at the letter in his hand: "Ten gold horseshoes?"
The butler Wu Yun below nodded affirmatively: "That's right."
"It's just a golden monkey, but it can actually rise to ten gold horseshoes? Are you mistaken?"
"Don't worry, owner, absolutely not. The reason why the price is so high is because His Majesty the Nanyang Emperor likes golden monkeys very much, and there are also some storytellers telling the story of the Monkey King."
"oh?"
Wu Yi couldn't help but be stunned, frowning and glanced at the man below: "His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang is so wise and powerful, he actually likes animals like macaques?"
"Ah, this..."
Wu Yun's voice was slightly hesitant, not knowing how to explain this kind of thing.
He scratched his head and suddenly heard the letter sent back from Nanyang. He hurriedly took it out: "Oh, by the way, head of the family, this is the letter sent back from Nanyang. There is a detailed process in it."
"Send it up."
Wu Yi waved his hand, took the letter, and read it carefully: "That's what happened. I didn't expect His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang to like the Golden Monkey."
"Ayun."
"exist."
"What do you think about this?"
"this......"
Wu Yun took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
He could clearly feel Wu Yi's skepticism about this matter. If he directly gave his own opinion, he would be hard-pressed to convince the military and political elder, so he could only find another way:
"Master, actually everyone has their own preference, but sometimes they don't show it. His Majesty the Emperor Nanyang likes golden monkeys, but it doesn't really matter."
"I thought..."
Having said this, Wu Yun bowed deeply and said softly: "This is a rare opportunity for our Wu family to make money. After all, our Wu family has many manors and a lot of golden monkeys."
"One gold horseshoe can even buy two Yunnan horses, and one golden monkey can be exchanged for twenty Yunnan horses. This is very beneficial to our Wu family's business extending to the south and north."
Yizhou is basically all mountain roads, and ordinary war horses cannot survive here. Only Yunnan horses are good at walking on mountain roads, and they are also the main force in transporting goods.
Although the Wu family's business is very large, due to the environmental constraints in Yizhou, their actual operating capabilities cannot be compared with those of the Mi family in the East China Sea or even some noble families in Jingzhou.
Most of their business is within Yizhou and it is difficult to extend outward. A large part of the reason is that the mountain roads are blocking the way and the ability to transport goods is really too low.
As for the business between Yizhou and Jingzhou, it is mainly by waterway, and the business with Nanyang is also mainly by waterway to Jingzhou, and then north to Nanyang.
As we all know, business consumption must be calculated into costs, including toll taxes, transportation costs, labor costs, etc. If the distance can be shortened, a lot of costs can be saved, thereby greatly increasing profits.
Although Wu Yi is the head of the Wu family, he is still the elder in the military and political circles. He has relatively little control over the affairs of merchants. He usually leaves all the responsibilities to his own family, and he only provides some conveniences within his ability.
but......
Hearing what Wu Yun said, even he couldn't help but feel a little moved. What's more, these golden monkeys are unique to Yizhou, and they are the biggest benefit to him.
This kind of money is nothing if you don't make it, and after passing this village, there will be no such shop. This is the saying that the opportunity is not to be missed, and it will never come back.
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the study.
Wu Yi looked up.
However, an attendant hurried over and said, "Master, housekeeper, I just received news that the Zhang family has hired some hunters to go into the mountains to hunt golden monkeys."
Butler Wu Yun was stunned: "What, even the Zhang family is involved?"
The attendant nodded: "Not only the Zhang family, but also the Huang family, and the Yang family are all hiring hunters. Now that the cold winter has passed, the golden monkeys will come out soon. They are preparing in advance."
"and!"
Speaking of this, the attendant emphasized: "Zhongxing Bank seems to be interested in participating in such a business. Some of them are asking about the places where the Golden Monkey often hangs out."
hiss-!
Wu Yun was astonished and couldn't help but gasped: "What a good guy, you actually want to get involved with Zhongxing Bank? It is the property of the Nanyang Imperial Court. This signal is already very obvious. It must be the instruction of His Majesty the Emperor."
"Master!"
Wu Yun leaned over and cupped his hands and said, "You'd better hurry up and make a decision, otherwise if you miss it, it's very likely that all the hunters in Yizhou will be hired."
Wu Yi naturally knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so he no longer hesitated and said directly: "Okay, I will leave this matter to you. If hiring the hunters is not enough, I will coordinate the soldiers and horses in the army with you.
"
"certainly!"
Speaking of this, Wu Yi reminded: "If the problem can be solved with money, try to solve it with money. If I send out the army, it will inevitably cause a series of reactions. If the lord finds out, the gain will outweigh the loss."
Wu Yun nodded and promised: "Don't worry, head of the family, just leave this matter to me. In the entire Yizhou, who can compare to the power of our Wu family?"
call-
Wu Yi let out a long sigh, with disdain flashing in his brows: "I originally thought that His Majesty the Nanyang Emperor was a person, but I never thought that he would also like toys like golden monkeys."
"I think highly of him."
Wu Yi shook his head, looking slightly disappointed.
You must know that before this, he had always felt that His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang was the chosen one. He could truly sweep the world with his thunderous power, far beyond the comparison of Liu Yan, Liu Biao and others.
But now, it's nothing more than that.
Ten gold horseshoes and a golden monkey. With this little money, isn't it better to buy war horses and equipment than to buy a golden monkey?
snort!
madness!
*****
Chancery desk.
Xun You pinched a strand of goatee under his chin and stared at the information coming from Qingzhou: "Xuzhou and Yanzhou have absorbed millions of Yellow Turbans from Qingzhou. The population has dropped extremely seriously. I'm afraid it will be difficult to recover in a short period of time."
"What did Zhicai say?"
Zao Zhi asked tentatively on the side.
After straightening out Runan, Liu Bian transferred Xi Zhicai to Qingzhou, which he had just conquered, and appointed him as the governor of Yanzhou to assist the court in restoring production and people's livelihood in Qingzhou.
Xi Zhicai is really a hard-working model worker. With his qualifications and achievements, there will definitely be no problem in joining the central committee, but he has no complaints at all. Some revolutionary comrades have the attitude of being quick and moving wherever necessary.
After Xu Rong swept across Qingzhou, Xi Zhicai immediately rushed to Qingzhou and started preparations before spring plowing. Due to the tight schedule, the basic situation was not known until the next year.
Including the situation of county officials, land situation, aristocratic families, etc., this allowed the court to have a basic understanding so that it could prescribe the right medicine and resume production in a very short period of time.
Xun You smiled calmly and said softly: "Zhicai is relatively optimistic. He said that due to the war, there are more abandoned fields, so the government can return them to public land and cooperate with a small number of people, which can achieve certain results."
Although Xun He did not say it explicitly, everyone knew that the imperial court's land reform policy was a blood-sucking policy for the local wealthy families. Once a positive cycle was formed, there was basically no power to fight back.
After all, the imperial court has the support of the people, and the aristocratic family is really no match for the imperial court with just a few people. Since they can't defeat it, they can only passively join in and be sucked away bit by bit.
Fortunately, the public ownership of private land did not kill the wealthy families with a stick. In this way, as long as the family's interests did not suffer too much, the mood of resistance would naturally not be so strong.
The most important thing is that once you participate in the public ownership of private land, it is equivalent to tying yourself to the chariot of Nanyang Hanting, and you must truly stand on the united front with it, otherwise it is equivalent to completely "publicizing" yourself.
.
"That's true."
Zao Zhi nodded slowly, fully agreeing with this.
But he still had his own considerations after all: "Anyway, Qingzhou's vitality is seriously damaged. It is probably impossible to restore its previous strength."
"The acres of land that an adult laborer can cultivate, even with the farming machinery developed by the imperial court, is extremely limited. I'm afraid there will be a lot of arable land in Qingzhou this year."
Xun Oren nodded: "Yes, that is indeed the case, but Zhicai is already thinking of a way, and he hopes that the people in the school affairs office can cooperate with him."
"oh?"
Zao Zhi was surprised: "What can Zhicai do?"
Xun You handed the information to Zao Zhi: "Qingzhou is adjacent to Jizhou, and Bohai is a large county with a population of over one million people. He hopes that the school affairs office can help publicize it and attract people from Jizhou to Qingzhou to fill the population."
hiss-!
Zao Zhi glanced up and down, and couldn't help but gasped: "Zhicai is actually targeting Jizhou Mu Yuan Shao?"
Xun or Dan smiled: "Yuan Shao fought fiercely for a year and consumed too much food and grass. The nobles in Jizhou were under great pressure, so they could only increase the land rent and continue to exploit the people. The people of Jizhou have suffered from Yuan Shao for a long time."
"I think..."
Xun You nodded affirmatively: "This is a good way to draw money from the bottom of the cauldron. Before spring begins, in three months, we should be able to attract some people to come over."
"The only thing worth discussing at the moment is the preferential policy mentioned by Zhicai. Is it possible for the imperial court to satisfy it? If so, it can be reported to His Majesty for approval."
Jujube is responsible for all the chemical fertilizers and agricultural machinery used in farming.
He naturally knew Xun Huo's purpose for coming to him, so he immediately took the letter and sat aside, calculating carefully: "Wen Ruo, I have calculated carefully. If we seize the time to produce fertilizer now, we can barely satisfy seven or eight out of ten.
"
"If Zhicai's strategy is successful and the public fields in Qingzhou can be occupied, then it may be difficult to be satisfied. If not all are occupied, only seven or eight out of ten, it should be barely able to sustain it."
Xun You was overjoyed and nodded: "Well, if that's the case, then agree. I will compile it into a memorial immediately and submit it to His Majesty for approval. According to my estimate, this time it will be six or seven out of ten, which means the effect is good."
"Moreover, we are mainly targeting the people of Bohai and Qinghe. Although these two counties have a combined population of more than 1.5 million, there will definitely not be too many people who will actually enter Qingzhou."
Zao Zhi nodded slowly: "That's true. I will send people to Qingzhou to build a fertilizer factory. The court will provide fertilizer for the first half. Qingzhou will be self-sufficient for the second half."
"good."
After finalizing the decision, Xun You ordered: "Hurry up and write the memorial, try to resolve the matter today, and reply to Zhicai as soon as possible so that he can prepare in advance."
Zao Zhi nodded: "Here."
Immediately.
Sitting aside, he began to organize the memorial.
In about half an hour, the memorial was completed. The above data analysis and operability were all written in great detail. It is the type of memorial that His Majesty likes the most.
I have to admit that after more than two years of training, the officials of Nanyang Hanting have become accustomed to numerical quantitative analysis reports instead of empty general talks.
Xun You checked it carefully and felt that there was no problem, so he stood up and said hello: "Zijing, let's go to the palace together. If your Majesty has any questions, just solve them on the spot, so you don't have to run back and forth."
"good."
Zao Zhi nodded, simply packed up his things, and followed out immediately.
Not long after, the two came to the emperor's palace.
At this moment, in the Wende Hall.
Liu Bian sat at the top, and below him was Liu Ba, the owner of Zhongxing Bank.
Liu Ba held the intelligence sent back from Yizhou and frowned: "Your Majesty, what do you mean..."
Liu Bian's lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile: "Nowadays, the aristocratic families in Yizhou are hiring hunters, and the price is very complicated, from two hundred yuan per month at the beginning, to now every month
Two thousand dollars, a full increase of ten times."
"yes."
Liu Ba took a deep breath and pinched a strand of goatee under his chin: "These wealthy families are so crazy that they would fight among themselves in order to hire hunters. However, compared to the ten gold price of a golden monkey,
It’s nothing at all.”
"Even if it doubles again, they will still make a lot of money."
"But Your Majesty..."
Liu Ba was puzzled and said: "Do you really want to buy such a golden monkey? Ten gold each is indeed too expensive. Even if we have money, we cannot waste it like this."
"Zijing worked hard for a year, but he could only earn a million gold horseshoes. These golden monkeys are only hundreds of thousands. It is impossible to say how many golden monkeys there are in the vast mountains of Yizhou.
.”
How could Liu Bian fail to understand Liu Ba's words: "Zichu, do you think I am an emperor who loses his ambition by playing with things?"
Liu Ba shook his head, but became even more confused: "Then what does your Majesty mean by this move?"
Liu Bian said softly: "The eight hundred miles of mountains and rivers in Yizhou are certainly a punishment from heaven. They not only isolate Yizhou from the world, but also make the wealthy families in Yizhou feel limited and exclusive."
"It is very simple for me to capture Yizhou, but it is a bit difficult to shake the Yizhou nobles, so I will use this golden monkey to shake the foundation of the Yizhou nobles."
"ah?"
Liu Ba was stunned: "Is the golden monkey so capable?"
Liu Bidan smiled: "Of course there is no golden monkey, but if ZTE Bank is added, it will be different."
Liu Ba frowned and seemed to realize something: "ZTE Bank?"
"That's right."
Liu Bian nodded: "I called you here today just to discuss this matter with you. Now Zhongxing Bank has opened more than ten branches in Yizhou, and they are all operating normally. This is the basis of this plan."
Having said that, Liu Bian walked to the bookshelf nearby, took out the business war document that had been prepared, and handed it to Liu Ba: "This is the specific operation process. We must cooperate to completely dismantle the foundation of the Yizhou family.
.”
"this......"
Liu Ba took the business letter with a look of disbelief.
He tried to open the business agreement. Although his eyes scanned the vertical lines, he was immediately shocked by the content inside: "Loan? 40% off mortgage assets?"
hiss-!
Liu Ba has been familiar with the business of ZTE Bank for half a year, and has a certain understanding of the deposit and withdrawal business, as well as the loan business. Therefore, when such words appeared in the business war book, Liu Ba subconsciously expanded his ideas.
And when he saw the whole process of Golden Monkey's price increase, his heart suddenly rose in his throat. This crazy process of increasing leverage was simply a gamble, and it was a huge gamble.
"Your Majesty, this..."
When Liu Ba saw the end, when the Yizhou nobles were at their craziest, His Majesty the Emperor gave an order to burst the entire wealth bubble, he suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
Liu Ba had some knowledge of economics and knew what impact it would have on the Yizhou gentry once the entire wealth bubble burst. To put it bluntly, it would be a disaster.
"how?"
Liu Bian stared at the other party very calmly: "Are you scared?"
Liu Ba hurriedly shook his head: "I'm not afraid, but Your Majesty, this plan is very dangerous. If we make a mistake in the process, we may suffer the consequences. You should understand this."
"certainly."
Liu Bian nodded affirmatively.
If such a strategy is extended to ten years, there will definitely be no problem, but if it is extended to three years, or even shorter, then the degree of difficulty can be imagined.
However, Liu Bian still had a smile on his face, with the corners of his lips slightly raised: "So I have found you, Zichu. If Shu County can be personally in charge of you, you will be able to implement this strategy perfectly."
Liu Ba in history helped Liu Bei solve the financial problems of the Shu Han, but he almost sucked all the people of the Shu Han away. Liu Bian's method of dealing with the nobles was completely different.
certainly!
Liu Bei and Liu Bian are different, and naturally the classes that cut leeks are different.
Liu Bei needed to rely on the Shu Han scholar circle, so he could only cut the common people's leeks. But Liu Bian was different. He was the orthodox emperor. If he needed to take back the imperial power, he had to attack the scholar circle and cut their leeks.
"I?"
Liu Ba looked in disbelief.
"kindness."
Liu Bian nodded: "Are you unwilling?"
Liu Ba quickly shook his head: "Of course I am willing, but Your Majesty, I am not taking you with you in Nanyang, but you go to Shu County. It is very likely to arouse the suspicion of the Yizhou nobles, and I am afraid that this will scare the snake."
Even Liu Ba could think of it, but how could Liu Bian not think of this? He smiled calmly: "So, we, the monarch and his ministers, have to play a show."
"acting?"
Liu Ba was astonished: "How to act? I hope your Majesty will give you some advice."
Liu Bian nodded: "This matter is easy to hear, so you used the incident of the golden monkey to remonstrate in the court. I became furious, and then demoted you to Yizhou to be responsible for this matter."
"ah?"
Liu Ba couldn't believe his ears: "This... although it is theoretically possible, but... it always feels a bit awkward."
Liu Bian smiled and said softly: "Don't worry, it's just the early days now, they may not be able to see it, and I believe in your ability, you can definitely manipulate the Yizhou nobles at your fingertips."
Facing Liu Bian's confident eyes, Liu Ba took a deep breath and tried to keep himself calm: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will do my best to live up to your Majesty's high expectations."
"kindness."
Liu Bian nodded and said: "In that case, you can become familiar with the whole process. There are some things that need to be prepared in advance, so start preparing now."
Liu Ba bowed and raised his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
Bowed and left the hall.
Not long after Liu Ba left, Zhu Tong pushed open the door and entered, leaning forward and cupping his hands, saying: "Your Majesty, Xun or Zao Zhi wants to see you."
Liu Bian nodded slowly and said softly: "Let them come in."
Zhu Tong nodded: "Here."
Not long after, the two people entered the main hall and stepped forward: "I, Xun or (Zao Zhi), would like to see your majesty."
Liu Bian waved his hand and motioned for the two of them to take a seat: "The two of you came here together, presumably for the sake of farming in Qingzhou, right?"
Xun You nodded: "Yes, millions of Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou have been absorbed by Xuzhou and Yanzhou, leaving a serious manpower vacancy. This has had a fatal impact on Qingzhou's farming, and some special measures have to be taken."
"oh?"
Liu Bian heard what Xun Yu meant: "So, you already have a preliminary solution?"
Xun or said with great certainty: "This is a solution proposed by Zhicai after an on-site inspection. I have discussed it with Zijing and found it to be more feasible. After making slight adjustments, I will submit it to His Majesty for approval."
"Send it up."
Liu Bian waved his hand and said.
"Here."
Xun might lean over and hold his hands up.
Liu Bian took the memorial and unfolded it. His eyes rolled up and down. After careful review, he nodded slowly: "Well, the memorial is well done. The data analysis is very comprehensive, and there is a certain safety factor."
"Wen Ruo."
"I'm here."
"Just follow this memorial. Qingzhou is currently in serious deficit. In addition to absorbing the people of Jizhou, we also need to formulate some fertility incentives, including reducing land rent and other means."
"Here."
"As for Fengxiao..."
Liu Bian pondered for a moment and said directly: "You can communicate directly. For the school affairs office, these matters are just easy and not too difficult."
Xun You leaned over and cupped his hands and said, "I understand. Your Majesty, don't worry. I will rush to the school affairs office later."
"Wait a minute."
Just as Xun You was about to bow and leave, Liu Bian waved his hand and interrupted: "Your Majesty, do you have any other orders?"
Liu Bian took a long breath and finally said: "You can take care of the matter of taking the concubine. I agreed, but you can't delay your normal work."
Xun You was surprised, and after being stunned for three seconds, he hurriedly handed over his hand: "I understand, Your Majesty, rest assured that I will send someone to take charge of this matter, and it will definitely not affect the normal operation of the imperial court."
Liu Bian waved his hand to signal him to leave: "In that case, please leave."
Xunhe raised his hands and cupped his fists: "Here."