At this time, the Song Dynasty court was shrouded in a strange atmosphere. Originally, it was thought that King Yong's succession to the throne was the general trend, and everyone was ready to support the new king. However, it turned out that King Yong was not blessed and could not afford this overwhelming wealth.
, was actually killed by King Yan the night before he was appointed crown prince.
Moreover, King Yan failed to usurp the throne and was taken advantage of by the unknown Zhao Zongquan.
Of course, Zhao Zongquan was not actually a stranger to the clan. He was sent to the palace to be raised as a child, so King Yong sent assassins to hunt down Zhao Zongquan several times.
But later, when the official family had a son, they sent Zhao Zongquan back. Perhaps the reason why they gave Zhao Zongquan this incredible wealth was out of a desire to make up for it.
However, many clans expressed dissatisfaction with this decision of the official family, because in addition to King Yong and King Yan, there are many clans that are closer to Zhao Zongquan by blood. Why can't we sit on the throne?
So, several princes discussed and moved the queen out. Oh, no, she is the queen mother now, and let the queen mother listen to politics behind the curtain.
In fact, this was something that the officials had discussed with several grand ministers. It was just to restrain King Yong and prevent him from messing around, but now it was to stabilize the government.
Zhao Zongquan also knew that he was lucky enough to get the throne but lacked prestige and needed the help of the Queen Mother's ministers, so he agreed.
With the support of the Queen Mother and several great ministers, Zhao Zongquan finally secured his throne, the clans stopped making troubles, and the court returned to stability.
Among them, the happiest people were Qin Liu and Qin Junye. They originally thought that after King Yong succeeded to the throne, he would definitely not let Dongchang Houfu have a good life, but King Yong actually died!
Those nobles who had previously seen the decline and cut off contact with the Dongchang Hou Mansion were dumbfounded. Is this okay?
However, while she was happy, the Qin Liu family was a little depressed. If she had known this, she would have refused to let Qin Hao go to Japan. How much suffering would he have to endure in that barbaric land?
In this way, after a year of peaceful life, Zhao Zongquan gradually gained the recognition of several great ministers. He was not willing to just be a superior puppet, so he thought of reform.
But he soon discovered that no matter where he started reform, there was one word that couldn't be separated, and that was money. The Song Dynasty had no money!
It's funny to say that the Song Dynasty, which was always famous for its wealth, actually had no money.
But the reality is so cruel. The Song Dynasty adopted a strategy of high salaries to support integrity. Officials received extremely high welfare benefits, and they also maintained a large number of forbidden troops around Bianjing City. Most of the tax revenue in the entire Song Dynasty was spent on this.
Cut the spending of the imperial army? Those bastards might rebel against you right away, and the consequences would be disastrous.
Cutting the welfare of officials? Haha, in the Song Dynasty, officials and scholar-bureaucrats ruled the world together. If Zhao Zongquan dared to do this, his throne would probably be in doubt.
"Money, money, money, where can I get money?" Zhao Zongquan took the treasury account book and slapped it on his forehead.
Zhao Zongquan's son Huan Wang Zhao Yingce also had a headache. He wanted to see reforms the most because he was more ambitious than Zhao Zongquan. He wanted to conquer the Sixteenth State of Yanyun and make his name go down in history!
Soldiers and horses must go ahead before food and grass are used. Fighting a war cannot be done without money.
At this moment, Mr. Han suddenly remembered Qin Hao, so he told Zhao Zongquan about the official arrangement.
Zhao Zongquan's eyes lit up and he was a little confused: "Fusang really has such a large reserve of silver mines?"
Mr. Han Daxiang said: "There are indeed many silver mines in Fusang. Historical records record that envoys from the Tang Dynasty in the past dynasties brought a large amount of gold and silver to the court. However, no one in our court knew where these veins were. Qin Xiaowei once served in the palace examination.
I wrote that I saw relevant records in an ancient book that the Yinshan veins could be found, and suggested that the court build a smelting plant in Fuso and transport the silver back to the Song Dynasty to solve the money shortage."
Zhao Zongquan quickly ordered: "Quickly, go find the articles from that year's imperial examination, as well as the memorial from Colonel Qin to the court. Don't leave any of them behind!"
Soon, the imperial examination articles were found, but the memorial was a waste of effort.
Mainly because in the past year or so, many things have happened in the court, including King Yan's rebellion and Zhao Zongquan's succession. Everyone in the court is busy with these things.
Naturally, no one would pay attention to the memorial of a sixth-rank petty official. If all memorials were not required to be kept on file, Zhao Zongquan would probably not be able to find it now.
When Zhao Zongquan read Qin Hao's Imperial Examination Policy Question, he was very excited: "Okay, what a great article. In addition to Fuso Silver Mine, this improvement of coinage technology is also worth promoting."
Grand Prime Minister Han quickly warned: "The official affairs are of great importance, so we still need to act cautiously."
Zhao Zongquan was a little helpless, but by chance, Qin Hao's memorials arrived, four in total.
Every three months, Qin Hao would write a memorial and let the caravans who came to deliver supplies take it back.
Zhao Zongquan couldn't wait to open the first memorial, which briefly summarized how Qin Hao first discovered Shijian Yinshan and how he used the surrounding famous names to recruit miners.
The second letter is about the process of Qin Hao building fortifications and smelting plants in the mining area. Although the length of the memorial is limited and it is all covered in one stroke, Zhao Zongquan seemed to see the dazzling light emitted by the silver from the text.
The third letter is that Qin Hao took advantage of the conflicts with the daimyo and Fujiwara clan in various places to weaken the overall strength of Japan, so as to prevent them from coveting the huge benefits brought by Silver Mountain and jumping over the wall in a hurry.
Zhao Zongquan seemed to smell a strong smell of blood from the lines, but he didn't care about the life and death of the Japanese people. As long as he could get money, he didn't care how many people Qin Hao killed in Japan!
Shortly after Zhao Zongquan picked up the fourth memorial, his hands began to tremble.
Because the memorial said that Qin Hao had led a fleet back from Japan, and the ships were filled with silver smelted over the past year. A whole fleet of silver?
Zhao Zongquan was eager to know how many ships there were in this fleet, what kind of ships they were, and how much silver was on board!
However, the following is missing. Qin Hao's memorial did not mention the specific amount of silver at all.
Seeing Zhao Zong's displeasure, Prime Minister Han explained: "The officials, Captain Qin, may be afraid that the news will leak out. What if someone wants to take advantage of this batch of silver?"
Zhao Zongquan was shocked. All the silver belonged to him! If it was robbed, what would he use to carry out reforms?
"Quick, go get Gu Tingye!"
Zhao Zongquan had just ascended the throne and did not really have much military power in his hands. The only general he could fully trust was Gu Tingye.
Not long after, Gu Tingye arrived at the palace.
Zhao Zongquan told Gu Tingye the situation and showed the memorial to Gu Tingye.
When Gu Tingye saw Qin Hao instigating the relationship between the Fujiwara clan and the local daimyo, causing war, he couldn't help but clapped his hands and said, "Haha, he is indeed Zihan. He has strategies and means, and he is ruthless in his attacks!"
Zhao Zongquan looked at Gu Tingye suspiciously: "Do you know Colonel Qin?"
Gu Tingye clasped his fists and cupped his hands and smiled: "In the official family, Zihan is Xiaguan's cousin and a close friend of his classmates. Zihan's talent is far above that of Xiaguan."
Zhao Zongquan nodded calmly. When Qin Hao left, he had more than 300 people, plus fifty craftsmen, so he could gain a foothold overseas. You must know that the wealth and brocade are touching people's hearts, and that is a whole mountain of silver.
It is certain that he is coveted by others. Qin Hao can keep the silver mountain with just such a few people. Strategy and bravery are indispensable.
In addition, Qin Hao and Gu Tingye are cousins, so they are our own people? Zhao Zongquan thought of this and said to Gu Tingye.
"In that case, you will lead the troops to meet Colonel Qin. Remember, you must transport this batch of silver to Bianjing safely!"
"promise!"
On the other side, at Mingzhou Port, workers on the dock were busy carrying various supplies to the ship's cabin.
Suddenly a worker pointed to the distant coastline and exclaimed: "What a big fleet!"
The workers looked in the direction of his finger and couldn't help but gasp.
Mingzhou Port was considered a relatively developed port in the Song Dynasty. They had seen many merchant fleets, but at most there were only four or five large ships with more than 3,000 pieces of material, and the others were small ships with one or two thousand materials.
But today's fleet is all made of five thousand large ships. There are five or six ships. The first large ship still hangs the flag of the Song Dynasty, which rustles fiercely with the sea breeze.
At this time, Qin Hao was on the big ship at the front, standing on the bow and looking at the Mingzhou Port not far away, he couldn't help feeling a little emotional.
After a year and a half at sea, he finally returned.
"As soon as we reach the shore, we immediately raise our guard and don't let strangers approach us. We also warn our brothers that if anyone has unclean hands and feet, don't blame the ruthless military law!" Qin Hao warned Cui Zhi behind him.
"No." Cui Zhi bowed and went to convey the order.
In the past year and a half, Qin Hao had trained the originally disorganized army into an elite force. At first, they fought against some daimyo who coveted the silver mines. Later, the Fujiwara clan coveted the Iwami silver mines. After all, the Fujiwara clan was the actual ruler of Fuso.
The armed forces in their hands were still not weak. The two sides fought for almost two months and finally defeated the Fujiwara clan and saved the Iwami Silver Mine.
Although the two parties signed an alliance, Qin Hao did not believe in the character of the Fuso people and constantly instigated conflicts between the daimyo and the Fujiwara clan. Not only did he fund supplies and equipment, but sometimes he also asked these sergeants to pretend to be Fuso people to help the daimyo and the Fujiwara clan.
The Fujiwara clan fought.
In just one and a half years, it is no exaggeration to say that these sergeants have experienced hundreds of battles.
After getting off the ship, Cui Zhi ordered the sergeants to set up an isolation zone and arrange patrol guards. Such a large amount of silver would definitely not be transported away for a while. This kind of large-scale ship has too deep a draft and cannot move inland. It can only be replaced by
Cargo ships dedicated to transportation in the canal.
"Brothers, I have been working hard these days. Before I came here, I had someone report it to Mingzhou Prefecture. I believe the imperial court will send someone to take over the matter soon." Qin Hao shouted loudly.
"Promise!" the sergeants responded in unison. In the past year and a half, Qin Hao has fulfilled his original promise. He took the lead in every station and never abandoned any of his brothers. The sergeants were naturally convinced.
Three days later, Gu Tingye arrived with 3,000 troops and was shocked to see such a scene.
"Zihan's boat is full of silver coins?"
Qin Hao smiled and invited Gu Tingye to board the ship, then took him into the cabin and ordered people to open boxes one by one. The white money dazzled so much that Gu Tingye almost couldn't open his eyes. Baijia's family was rich, and he had seen the world, but seeing
I was really surprised when I saw the picture in front of me.
Qin Hao picked up one of the 50-tael silver ingots and handed it to Gu Tingye, smiling and saying, "Cousin, what do you think of the quality of this silver ingot?"
Gu Tingye looked at it and said with emotion: "Silver ingots of this quality have far exceeded those in private circulation, even compared to official silver."
Qin Hao stretched out: "Then I'll leave this place to my cousin, and I can finally have a peaceful sleep."
Gu Tingye looked at the ship full of silver and smiled bitterly: "Zihan is so quiet, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep well."
"I can't help it. Who made my cousin a popular person among today's officials?" Qin Hao raised his eyebrows and joked.
In the past year and a half, Mrs. Qin Liu would send him a letter from home every other month. Qin Hao also had some knowledge of the affairs in the court. As expected, the development was similar to that of the original play.
The only difference is that Gu Tingye was not mad at Gu Yankai to death. He left Bianjing because he felt that the imperial examination was hopeless and depressed, so he traveled around to relax, and happened to encounter Zhao Zongquan in danger.
That night, after Gu Tingye counted all the silver taels, he expedited a memorial journey of 800 miles to Zhao Zongquan. In addition to telling Zhao Zongquan the number of silver taels so that he could sleep peacefully, he also asked Zhao Zongquan for help.
The little boat he brought could not hold so much silver.
This memorial was quickly delivered to Zhao Zongquan. Upon seeing this, Zhao Zongquan was as excited as a child and clapped his hands.
"Haha, Lieutenant Qin is indeed a great talent. When he returns to Beijing, I will reward him heavily!"
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Mr. Han was also confused by the numbers on the memorial, and only then did he react.
"I congratulate the officials and the Song Dynasty. From now on, the money shortage of the Song Dynasty can be solved!"
King Huan was also very excited, and at the same time reminded: "Guan Jia, Zhong Huai's memorial said that ships should be mobilized..."
Only then did Zhao Zongquan come to his senses: "Look at me, I'm so happy. I quickly spread my message. Except for transporting grain in the two rivers, all ships with more than 2,000 grains are at Gu Tingye's disposal."
"promise!"
Gu Tingye was busy allocating ships, arranging escorts, and transshipments for the next month, and finally sent the last batch of silver into the canal.
Qin Hao also went to Bianjing to resume his life.
The Bianjing Pier is bustling with people these days. Ship after ship of silver is arriving, so it’s impossible to keep the news quiet, so people come to watch every day. Although the silver has nothing to do with them, it’s like this
This scene is rare to see in a hundred years, and you would be at a loss if you don’t see it.
When you brag to your descendants in the future, you can have one more topic: Think about your grandfather...
Of course, not everyone is happy. Such a large amount of silver has naturally had a big impact on the existing silver price. Those noble merchants who have hidden a large amount of silver have suffered huge losses. They want to kill Qin Qin.
Only Hao can relieve the hatred in my heart.
However, Zhao Zongquan didn't care at all about their feelings. Seeing that the treasury, which was originally empty and could run a carriage, instantly became full, he was so happy that he couldn't close his mouth.
"By the way, when will Gu Tingye and Lieutenant Qin arrive in Bianjing?" Zhao Zongquan suddenly asked Mr. Han Daxiangong on the side.
Mr. Han thought for a while: "Counting the days, the last batch of silver should arrive in Bianjing tomorrow and the day after tomorrow."
Zhao Zongquan nodded: "How are you discussing how to reward? Have you come up with the charter?"
Mr. Han looked at Zhao Zongquan cautiously: "Guan family, what we have planned is to be promoted to one level, and be rewarded with some land and treasured objects..."
Before he finished speaking, Zhao Zongquan interrupted unhappily: "Wouldn't it be disappointing to be promoted to one level for such a great achievement? If he is promoted to three levels, just give him the title of Qingqi Captain. Forget about the title, he is
As the legitimate son of Marquis Dongchang, the title of Marquis Dongchang will also belong to him in the future, which will not lower his status."
Mr. Han was shocked: "Is this too much?"
"Exceeded? I thought that the Song Dynasty has been troubled by money shortage for many years. Who among the princes in the dynasty can solve it? I think it is not enough. If he does not have a title in the future, it is not an exaggeration to give him a marquis!" Zhao Zongquan glared.
road.
Mr. Han couldn't persuade him any more, so he could only agree with a wry smile and go prepare the imperial edict.
Two days later, Qin Hao and Gu Tingye escorted the last batch of silver coins to Bianjing. In the carriage of the Dongchang Marquis Mansion, the Qin Liu family had already been waiting eagerly for it. Qin Junye did not come because he was embarrassed to be exposed in public.
But judging from the fact that he sends someone to ask questions every time he burns incense, he must be uneasy at home.
"Mother." After Qin Hao got off the boat, he saw the carriage marked with the emblem of Dongchang Marquis Mansion. He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply when he saw Qin Liu.
Mrs. Qin Liu burst into tears immediately, holding Qin Hao's hand and crying so hard that no amount of comfort could help.
In the end, Gu Tingye reminded: "Auntie, the officials are still waiting to ask questions. It's better to let my cousin face the saint with me first. If you have anything to say, we can talk about it when we come back."
Only then did Mrs. Qin Liu stop crying and told Qin Hao to go back quickly.
All the way to the palace, Qin Hao finally met the new king.
Zhao Zongquan also looked at Qin Hao at the same time. When he saw his sword-shaped eyebrows and starry eyes, his majestic weapons, but he was not as elegant as the scholar-bureaucrats of the Manchu Dynasty, and there was a faint murderous aura about him, he couldn't help but secretly admire him: What a talented person.
"I love you, no courtesy. I have worked hard on you these days." Zhao Zongquan personally stepped forward to help Qin Hao up, held his hand, and said with emotion.
Qin Hao was a little helpless. Why did men in ancient times always like to hold hands?
But he said: "It is the duty of an minister to perform one's duties for the imperial court and to be loyal to His Majesty. It is not hard work."
When Zhao Zongquan heard this, he even praised her greatly: "Okay, well said. If all the ministers in the world can love you as much as you do, I will have nothing to worry about."
Later, Zhao Zongquan asked the eunuch to announce Qin Hao's appointment. After the eunuch finished reading, he asked.
"Ai Qing, are you still satisfied?"
In terms of rank, Captain Qingqi is a military position starting from the fourth rank. Qin Hao was previously at the sixth rank. This is considered a promotion to the third rank. It is definitely an exceptional promotion. Considering that he is not yet seventeen years old, such a promotion speed
It's already very amazing.
Qin Hao bowed slightly and said with a smile: "I am satisfied with the official gift, but I still have a request that I would like to ask the official to fulfill."
When Zhao Zongquan heard this, not only was he not angry, but he laughed out loud and was very happy. If the way of a monarch and his ministers is too excessive, it would be bad and make people confused.
"Oh? If you have any requests, tell me and listen. If it is reasonable, I will definitely grant it to you."
Qin Hao pretended to be shy and said: "Reporting to the official family, when I was released, a marriage was decided at home. I would like to ask the official family for a marriage decree. It is not in vain to waste the hard work of other girls."
Zhao Zongquan was stunned for a moment, then smiled at King Huan and said: "Haha, it is indeed the young Mu Ai. What did I think it was? She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Yu's family, right? You must have some discernment, so I will be your matchmaker.
