Chapter 70: The Salt Administration in Xia Guo was in turmoil, Zhang Shicheng took the opportunity to gain momentum
Hailing County, Yandu County, Xia State.
Although it has already entered autumn on the beach near the sea, the sun is as hot as fire. Under the scorching heat, a layer of salt frost has formed on the beach.
The dark-looking and sturdy salt workers from the salt households were sweating profusely and busy scraping off the salt frost on the beach and sending it aside to pile it up. After that, someone would fill the salt pile with clean water and collect it.
The fused brine.
Under the salt frying stove not far away, the fire is raging and non-stop. The brine is brought in, first put into the warm pot, warmed and then poured into the frying pan, and the salt is boiled in the frying pan. All the processes go on until the saltmen are sweating.
, the skin is roasted by the flame until it turns red, so that salt can be obtained.
The process of boiling salt is very simple in a few words. But if you think about it carefully, you can feel the hard work of these salt workers.
While the saltmen were working hard, they heard the sound of gongs beating suddenly, causing the saltmen to subconsciously look up.
In the distance, he saw court officials dressed in official robes, walking with square steps and heads held high. Behind him, there were government servants pushing the salt farm manager with a lifeless face.
The saltmen subconsciously stopped what they were doing and gathered here.
The official found a stepping stone, stood up high, looked around the saltmen present, raised his head and said loudly:
"The imperial court has decreed that the salt industry will be nationalized from now on! This salt field will be redeemed and purchased by the imperial court from now on. You will also work for the imperial court from now on."
The saltmen present were stunned for a moment, and subconsciously looked at the salt farm manager on the side.
These saltmen have been working in the salt field for a long time. Although they have no knowledge, they still have a rough idea of the annual income of this large salt field with thousands of people.
Is your boss really willing to give such a cornucopia to the imperial court?
The salt farm manager on the side looked like he was mourning for his heir. Looking at the salt workers who were all paying their respects, his eyes were full of despair.
Salt is the source of people's livelihood, and people cannot leave it. It is extremely profitable. This large salt farm with two to three thousand people in front of you can bring in almost hundreds of thousands of taels of silver a year.
This salt farm manager is actually just a manager, and he has a boss behind him, otherwise he would not be able to protect such a large salt farm.
The imperial court decreed that from now on, the salt industry would be state-owned, and the salt farms in various places would be redeemed by the government at low prices. The owner behind him might not dare to do anything to the imperial court of Jinling City, or his majesty today. But it is inevitable to anger him, the owner of the salt farm.
Thinking of the power of his boss behind him, the manager of the salt field was so pale that he couldn't say a word.
Seeing this, all the salt men had an idea in their minds.
They are just people who only work hard to make money to support their families. No matter it is the government or the owner of the salt farm, they cannot afford to offend them. At this time, they can only choose to remain silent.
"What about our wages?"
Suddenly, a voice suddenly came from among the salt.
A strong young man pushed aside the crowd and stood in front of the official.
The official frowned slightly and stared at the young man in front of him for a while. He saw that the saltmen next to the young man were frightened and subconsciously moved away. He shook his sleeves and snorted coldly:
"The wages are naturally the same as before..."
As soon as these words came out, all the salt men immediately felt relieved.
No matter who you work for, it’s all about making money.
But before the saltmen could breathe a sigh of relief, the official who came to deliver the message spoke again:
"It's just that cloud thieves are rampant in the southwest now, and the adults in the imperial court are working hard to train the army to conquer the country. The governor of the county has given an order to solve problems for your majesty and the imperial court. All officials and servants in Hailing County must do their best.
We will all receive a 20% reduction in salary. You are now considered to be part of the imperial family, so naturally you should be treated equally."
The saltmen didn't ask any questions. Listening to the official's roundabout talk, they felt a little confused and asked without knowing why:
"What, what do you mean?"
The young man Yan Ding who had just stood up sneered and said:
"That means our wages will be reduced by 20%!"
As soon as these words came out, the saltmen immediately exploded.
"Our wages are not high to begin with, why do we need to reduce them by 20%?"
"We just paid taxes last month. Each family paid an extra five cents. Why do we still have to pay now?"
"Sir, we are eating a bitter meal, and money is really hard to come by. Please tell your superiors if you can not reduce wages..."
When the official who came to deliver the message heard the discussion of the saltmen, his brows stood up, his face was ferocious, and he said angrily:
"The country is in such a difficult situation. You are also citizens of Daxia. Why don't you do your best for the country? Instead, you focus on your own little money? Seriously, it's really outrageous!"
The young man took a step forward and said loudly:
"Sir, what are you talking about? Even if it's just a penny, it's all our hard earned money. It's natural to care about it. How can it be outrageous?"
"We are no more filial than the adults in the government. We have people below us to respect and respect. Moreover, we don't have to be included in the imperial property. Who would be willing to receive a 20% salary reduction for no reason?"
Suddenly, the saltmen were excited and said one after another:
"Brother Zhang is right!"
"That's right, why should we reduce our wages by 20%!"
"We are not convinced!"
The saltmen were so excited that they couldn't help but look at the officials and officers and surrounded them.
Cooking salt is extremely hard, and the saltmen all need to eat a lot of rice, meat, and salt, so they are all very strong. At this time, they all gathered around, and they were very intimidating.
The official who came to deliver the message was frightened. Under the escort of the officers, he crawled and rolled back, shouting in horror:
"Bold, you dare to criticize Shangguan! You, you want to rebel, but you can't!"
The Saltmen have families and businesses, and are obviously very afraid of the label of rebellion.
As soon as these words came out, the saltmen who had been excited just now froze in place.
When the officials saw that the saltmen were still afraid of the imperial government, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
At this time, a tall and handsome officer with a slightly sinister look in his eyes approached the official's ear and whispered softly:
"Sir, there is a lot of salt here, so you might as well leave first..."
The official was surrounded by salt guards, and he was already a little scared. At this time, he heard the persuasion of the capable confidant beside him, and found a way for himself. He swallowed his saliva immediately and said:
"I'm sorry, you're right. I don't have to argue with them now. Let's go!"
Having said this, the official made a strong gesture, snorted coldly, and left quickly surrounded by the officers around him.
Before leaving, Chen Youliang turned his head slightly and looked at the young Yan Ding with a meaningful look in his eyes.
The young Yan Ding nodded his head subtly, and there seemed to be a tacit understanding between the two.
After the officials left, more than a dozen salt men quickly gathered around them and said with worry:
"Brother Shicheng, I'm afraid we will have to work under the government from now on. You contradicted the government people today. Judging from their appearance, I'm afraid they won't let it go!"
"Yes, the government wants to punish us, but there are many ways!"
The young man in front of me is Zhang Shicheng!
[White training card, the two heroes at the end of the Yuan Dynasty
Card effect: After using it, you will get Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng.
Card explanation: The general died in Hetian, and the soldiers of the country still heard the sigh. Every year during the Cold Food Festival, who would go to the tomb of the concubine in the wheat bowl?
Zhang Shicheng, formerly known as Jiu Si, was a separatist force in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in the late Yuan Dynasty...
Martial power 80, Literature 31, Wisdom 83, Morality 87, Age 23, Dominance 87, Politics 71, Charisma 80, Loyalty 100, Ambition 75
Chen Youliang, one of the heroes in the late Yuan Dynasty and leader of the peasant uprising...
Force 90, Literature 61, Wisdom 89, Morality 52, Age 26, Dominance 81, Politics 87, Charm 69, Loyalty 100, Ambition 90]
After all, they are just ordinary people. Although they are dissatisfied because their wages have been reduced by 20% for nothing, they are not at the point where they can no longer survive, so naturally they will not give up on going against the government.
Zhang Shicheng shook his head lightly and said nonchalantly:
"It doesn't matter, I'm alone, and I haven't been in Yandu County for long. If I really can't do it anymore, I'll just leave!"
After hearing this, all the saltmen breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"That's right. Brother Shicheng, you are both civil and military, and you are a righteous person. Everyone admires you. Staying in the salt field all the time will bury your ability!"
"That is, if eldest brother gets out of his way in the future and wins an official position, he will come back and teach that bastard a lesson!"
"Well, the Zhang family is very capable and can make his mark wherever he goes. But what are we going to do? In the future, wages will be reduced by 20%, and taxes may be increased from time to time. How can we support our family?"
Having said this, all the saltmen immediately lowered their heads and raised their voices in mourning.
Zhang Shicheng didn't speak at this time. He looked around at everyone silently and thought to himself:
Before reaching the end of the road, the saltmen will not let themselves do such a stupid job as rebelling. It depends on Chen Youliang's methods, whether he can force the saltmen to rebel!
At this time, outside the salt field, a group of government officials stopped. The leading official turned back to look at the salt field behind him, his eyes full of gloom and anger, and he said coldly:
"A group of unruly people actually resisted the majesty of the imperial court!"
Chen Youliang on the side saw this, his eyes moved, he leaned into the official's ear and whispered:
"Your Majesty will be transferred to the salt field of Yandu County in the near future. If we don't kill him as a warning after this incident, how will we manage the large and small salt fields in Yandu County in the future?"
The leading official was already filled with shame, anger and anger. After being provoked by Chen Youliang, he could no longer suppress it and said with murderous intent:
"You forgive me, take my talisman and go quickly to find Mr. Zhao, the county lieutenant of Yandu County. Mr. Zhao is my sworn brother. Just tell him directly that the shopkeeper of Wu's salt field did not respect the court's order and secretly entangled the saltmen to cause trouble. Please ask him
Send troops to suppress it!"
When Chen Youliang heard this, a light flashed in his eyes, and he immediately clasped his fists and said:
"I humbly accept my order!"
At night, in Wu's Salt Farm, the salt workers who had been working all day slowly fell asleep amidst sighs.
Zhang Shicheng was lying on the bunk when he suddenly heard the whining sound of dogs coming from outside. He immediately sat up and walked out of the house quietly to a hidden and uninhabited place in the salt field.
Chen Youliang emerged from the darkness and said straight to the point:
"The soldiers from Yandu County have arrived!"
When Zhang Shicheng heard this, he frowned and said in a low voice:
"Arrived already? Where are you?"
"The county soldiers have surrounded the salt field and will take action in half an hour!"
When Zhang Shicheng heard this, his eyes suddenly widened, he looked directly at Chen Youliang with sharp eyes, and shouted with a look of shock and anger:
"Didn't I tell you to tell me in advance? Why are you telling me now? How can the salt soldiers resist the encirclement and suppression by the county soldiers when they are unarmed!"
Seeing Zhang Shicheng's huge reaction, Chen Youliang raised his eyebrows, chuckled twice, and said with a smile:
"What? You don't think that you can take advantage of the county soldiers to escape directly with the saltmen, and then make the saltmen willingly follow you to rebel without bloodshed? No, no.
Bar!"
Zhang Shicheng's sinister tone made Zhang Shicheng angry. He took two steps forward and was about to punch Chen Youliang in the face.
Chen Youliang turned slightly sideways, easily avoiding Zhang Shicheng's fist, and continued to say coldly:
"Without the death of these people, how can the Xia government define you as rebels? How can those salt men abandon their family property and rebel with you?"
If there is no big movement, but Yan Ding escapes secretly, will the government take it seriously?
"Don't forget the instructions from above! Am I going to delay important events because of your so-called righteousness, and eventually end up being punished by family law?"
Chen Youliang's remarks were like a slap in the face, causing Zhang Shicheng to hesitate.
When the two were in the Yun Kingdom, they joined Dongchang to serve. Then they were sent to the Xia Kingdom Jiangnan, with the important task of disrupting the Xia Kingdom Jiangnan. If they did not do things well, the Dongchang boss would definitely punish them.
The two of them definitely don’t want to experience Dongchang’s family methods personally!
Seeing that Zhang Shicheng calmed down, Chen Youliang also snorted coldly and continued:
"The soldiers in Yandu County are nothing more than a ragtag group. It will not be difficult for you to kill them out with thousands of salt soldiers. After you go out, you can avoid the limelight for a while. The superiors will arrange ships as soon as possible and secretly send weapons, food and fodder!"
Zhang Shicheng frowned and asked:
"What about you?"
"I?"
Chen Youliang raised his head slightly, with a dark and sinister look on his face, and said in an indifferent tone:
"We obviously don't share the same temperament. I hate that you are indecisive and seem to be ambitious but have no long-term vision. You also don't like that I am ruthless and cruel. Instead of forcefully running into each other and having many conflicts with each other, we might as well go our separate ways.
road!"
"I have passed the door of county magistrate, and I will be transferred to Qi County as an official in the near future... This small Hailing County cannot accommodate you and me at the same time!"
Chen Youliang looked down upon Zhang Shicheng's temperament and felt that he was indecisive and difficult to achieve great things. But he still quite recognized Zhang Shicheng's ability!
How could Hailing County accommodate these two dragons?
The two of them disliked each other, but they only worked together due to orders from their superiors. Zhang Shicheng would naturally not stay at this time.
Chen Youliang looked up at the sky and said in a deep voice:
"Okay, it's been delayed long enough. Get ready as soon as possible!"
After saying that, Chen Youliang's figure disappeared into the night, after a few quick glances.
Zhang Shicheng stood there and pondered for a moment, then stepped back and woke up a few close saltmen.
Although he has not been in this salt field for a long time, many people are very impressed by him because he is very talented, he is generous and generous, and he values righteousness over wealth.
At this time, upon hearing that the government had sent officers and soldiers to surround the salt field, the saltmen who had been woken up suddenly became agitated, their sleepiness suddenly disappeared, and their faces became panicked.
"Well, this government shouldn't be so unreasonable, right? Could it be some misunderstanding?"
"That's right. We just complain a few times, and the worst thing is that we won't be allowed to do it. Why send troops?"
"What else is there to say? Today we scared the official and he ran away in confusion. He must be resentful and come to take revenge!"
"Brother Shicheng, do you think this is what we should do?"
Zhang Shicheng's face was calm and he said in a deep voice:
"No matter what, we must make some preparations first. We shouldn't just surrender! Go call your fellow countrymen and friends and ask them to come to me with the items they can get."
Everyone was shocked when they heard Zhang Shicheng's words, and they all exclaimed:
"Brother Shicheng is saying, we, we want to take action?"
“Isn’t this bad!”
"If we don't take action, we might just get beaten and scolded. If we do take action, then we are really rebelling!"
The saltmen are all ordinary people, how dare they have any thoughts of rebellion! But when they heard what Zhang Shicheng said, they immediately shook their heads.
Zhang Shicheng looked at the faces of everyone present, opened his mouth, and couldn't help but sigh to himself.
As expected, it was just as Chen Youliang expected. How could these salt men be willing to rebel with him without resorting to any means?
After a moment of silence, Zhang Shicheng gritted his teeth and said:
"If it's just a false alarm, I, Zhang Shicheng, will treat them to wine and meat to calm their fears. If the government only wants to punish them with small punishments or large punishments, I will shoulder the responsibility. You are all deceived by me... But if it is true, the government will take it seriously.
They have been cruel, so we can find a way to survive!"
Zhang Shicheng looked around at everyone and said solemnly:
"We have to be just in case. Who's to say that those officials in the Qing government won't risk our lives to dye their official robes red?"
When all the salt officers heard this, they looked hesitant. Due to Zhang Shicheng's prestige, they finally gritted their teeth and nodded:
"I listen to Brother Shicheng!"
"I don't want to be so depressed. The worst I can do is follow Brother Shicheng and run away!"
"Then, then I will listen to big brother..."
Zhang Shicheng breathed a sigh of relief and said immediately:
"Okay, before the officials are ready, call more people as soon as possible!"
The close saltmen left each other. Zhang Shicheng pondered for a moment, but then he grabbed a saltman next to him and asked:
"Shopkeeper Wu, are you still there?"
"After the salt farm was forcibly redeemed today, the shopkeeper was in a state of despair all night. Some people were worried that something might happen to him, so they asked him to stay."
Hearing this, Zhang Shicheng nodded and said:
"Go and bring Shopkeeper Wu to me."
When the salt man heard this, he said with some confusion:
"Brother, why are you looking for him at this time?"
Zhang Shicheng's eyes moved and he said in a deep voice:
"If you really have the worst plan, you have to find someone to help. The owner behind this salt farm may not be willing to support us and cause a scene..."
Yan Ding blinked his eyes, nodded in confusion, and left quickly.
Not long after, more than a thousand saltmen were summoned and gathered in front of Zhang Shicheng.
At the same time, fire suddenly lit up outside the salt field, and there were loud shouts of death.
"Wu Qian, the manager of the salt field, is entangled with the salt man and resists the imperial order. I am ordered to kill him!"
"Kill!"
The county soldiers flashed their swords and rushed into the salt field, killing everyone they saw.
A group of saltmen summoned by Zhang Shicheng saw the ferocity of the county soldiers, and their eyes were about to split.
Zhang Shicheng held a pole in his hand, his eyes were extremely sharp, and he shouted loudly to the salt workers around him:
"The government is ruthless and will not give us a way to survive. I, Zhang Shicheng, am willing to lead everyone out!"
A group of saltmen raised their poles, rakes, and hoes, and shouted in unison:
"Fight them!"
"Fight out and find a way to survive!"
At the same time, it is invisible to ordinary people.
The black dragon, which symbolizes the fate of the Xia Kingdom, is dormant in Jinling City, licking its wounds.
Countless tiny dragon auras spread throughout the world.
As Zhang Shicheng called for the Yanding to revolt, the dragon energy emanating from the entire Hailing County suddenly found an outlet, gathered together, and merged into Zhang Shicheng's body.
That night, there was turmoil in Yandu County, Hailing County. Zhang Shicheng rebelled, defeated the encircling county soldiers, and escaped with more than a thousand saltmen...
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