Chapter 162: Worry in the South, Joy in the Capital
Chapter 162 The South’s Worry and the Capital’s Joy
"Futai didn't tell His Majesty the truth? You didn't talk to your father? Corvee is the foundation! What's the use of just moving a shipping company?"
Gui He's beard looked like it was going to explode: "There is no solution for the extra dispatch? I just arrived in Huizhou Prefecture and spent more than a month rectifying all the subordinate officials in the magistrate and county. What's the point? Everyone follows me.
Crying for father and mother, it’s time to plant early rice in April, everyone is on duty!”
"...The imperial court has its own rules and regulations." There are some words that Zhang Fuking cannot say to Gui E. "Step by step, since the imperial court has its will, it must first complete the matter of clearing the land. Make it clear to the gentry and wealthy households that Guangdong
The focus of the new law is currently only on the market. Hidden land is not allowed by national law, and just reregistering it is an extrajudicial favor. If the villagers are still incited to cause trouble, don't blame me for being ruthless under the sword of Futai."
Gui E narrowed her eyes but seemed to be glaring at him: "At the moment? Either we can't say no to taxes or servitude, and the land is cleared for the time being, and the gentry are not stupid! Is the imperial court deliberately trying to provoke a popular uprising in Guangdong?"
Yang Shen is not as strong as Gui E. Now he can only look at Zhang En, the left envoy of the chief minister, with worry.
Today is the day when all the prefects and prefectures in Guangdong come to the governor's office to listen to the decree. The imperial court's decree on the next new law in Guangdong has been issued. It is already the end of March in Guangdong.
Among the prefects, only Gui E is so fierce.
In front of so many people, why didn't I tell my father properly? Yang Shen was a little embarrassed.
Now, Gui E has also made such sharp accusations as "the imperial court wants to provoke a popular uprising in Guangdong."
But many prefects frowned and quite agreed.
It is soon the time to plant early rice in April. There are two farming seasons in Guangdong. Early rice is planted in April, early rice is harvested in July, late rice is planted in August, and the harvest is due in October.
Starting from next month, or in other words starting from March, we will enter the busy farming season, one after another. We can’t miss a moment and we have to pray for good weather.
"Gui Zishi! Don't talk nonsense!" Zhang En lowered his face and scolded Gui E, "Uncle Da Zong recommended you to Guangdong, not for you to mess around, but because he values your ability to do things!"
"...The lower official has a bad temper and a straightforward temper. The eldest uncle is afraid that recommending me to the capital will cause trouble. Keeping me in the southeast will definitely make the southeast uneasy!" Gui E didn't know whether he was bragging or making fun of Zhang Zilin, "Give me the opportunity."
Isn't it because officials came to Guangdong because Guangdong is going to implement new laws? Knowing clearly that corvee labor is fundamental, and knowing that Guangdong has rice in both seasons, unlike in the north where summer wheat and autumn rice farming can be staggered, sending more to Guangdong is not meant to provoke
What is a civil uprising?"
He said to his colleagues: "Brother, in Lianzhou Prefecture, how many more servants have been recruited to help pick pearls in the Pearl Pond? In Qiongzhou Prefecture, how many more servants have been recruited to collect rosewood in the mountains? Xiqiao Mountain in Guangzhou Prefecture
Yunwu Tea, Dinghu Baiyun Tea from Zhaoqing Prefecture, Caoxi Cold Dew Tea from Shaozhou Prefecture, Jinshiyan Tea... Fantai, even if Guangdong does not need to send grain to Beijing this year, the people will still survive!"
Gui E snorted coldly: "Is it true that this year only official fields, official households, and wealthy households will grow food? Then in summer and autumn, won't it mean that prices are raised on the ground?"
Zhang Fujing said calmly: "The price of grain in Guangdong cannot be disrupted. Last year there was something going on in the southeast, and I was ordered to purchase new grain from Jiaocheng City and put it into the warehouse."
Gui E was furious: "Don't you know that there is grain in the warehouse? If you know about it, it means that the gentry and wealthy grain merchants know it! Futai, Fantai, don't blame the lower officials for speaking out. By then, all the superior officials will know what they are doing!"
"
"I came to Guangdong last year, and my main purpose was to pay tribute to the city. Now that I am temporarily serving as governor, I am only a patrol area." Zhang Fujing ignored Gui E and only said to Zhang En, "Fantai, there are three things this year.
For important matters, including the clearing of land, various responsibilities and land taxes, and the Guangdong Provincial Examination, I will ask you to arrange them properly."
"Don't worry, Futai." Zhang En replied calmly.
Zhang Fujing came to preach his will, so he didn't stay any longer.
After Zhang En saw him off and returned to the hall, he said to the chief officials of the prefectures and prefectures under his jurisdiction: "In which year does there not be annual affairs, sit-down affairs, and miscellaneous affairs? In which year does summer and autumn grains not need to be paid attention to? As long as there are
When is there a disaster, is there not the danger of a civil uprising? Governor Gui, please don’t be alarmist. I have only one sentence: Each prefecture and state should keep an eye on the people under their rule, and it is your duty to protect the land and bring peace to the people!"
Gui E was very angry: Am I being alarmist?
Either start the corvee directly and let some daring people jump out before there is any problem with summer and autumn crops, or stop clearing the fields and send more corvee!
Waiting for it will only lead to a big change!
The second step of the new law in Guangdong, which was decided in the Imperial Study Room in early March, arrived first. At this moment, the newly appointed Deputy Inspector of Guangdong, Admiral of Academic Affairs Zhai Luanzheng, Zhu Yunming, Tang Yin, and Wen Zhengming slowly took a boat together.
Go south.
"The three ministers were awarded the title of Jinshi together, and they deserved the title." Zhai Luan did not dare to underestimate the people around him who were personally promoted by the emperor. "I wish the ministers once served in Guangdong, and now the three of them are in Guangdong, and they will not be the admirals."
Guangdong studies political science. If I go to Guangdong, I will take this opportunity to revitalize Guangdong’s academic reputation.”
The three talented men knew that he was testing their mission to Guangdong, so they were quite embarrassed.
This Royal Wanfa Pavilion enshrinement may be different from what you think, really.
But there is no way, His Majesty's new imperial study room is too important, so it makes the Royal Wanfa Museum look very mysterious.
Zhu Yunming was the only one among the three of them who had served as an official before. At this time, he could only reply humbly: "Your Majesty is so kind to me, and the three of us deserve it. At this time, there are many talents from Guangdong."
, Magistrate Yang is the number one scholar, the second best in new subjects, and the most popular among them. There are also local great scholars with outstanding reputations such as Huo Weixian and Fang Shuxian. How dare we, the three of us, have the same Jinshi background to talk about academic affairs?"
"Did the four great talents in Wuzhong get their fame in vain? It's hard to say that it's difficult to say that Zhang Futai failed seven tests and soared into the sky?" Zhai Luan said with a smile on his face, "The mountains and rivers are high and the rivers are long. Zhai is lucky to be with him.
The three of you are worshiping together, so I have to ask for your help."
"...where, where? Last year, Tixue followed the great uncle Xian Southeast, and his style spread throughout the south of the Yangtze River. We need to ask for more advice."
No matter how he asked, he couldn't tell the mission of the three people, and he was too embarrassed to tell them.
Anyway, after arriving in Guangdong, they just listened to Zhang Fujing's arrangements.
What I want to do... I really just travel around, see the local customs and customs of Guangdong, recite poems and paintings, and write more poems.
This is really not an official with any important mission.
If you just recite poems and paint, wouldn't it be nice to be able to live leisurely in your hometown?
Even if the emperor thought that it would be more leisurely to keep three talented people in captivity and serve as court poets and painters than to stay in the Xiyuan and help His Majesty's beautiful ladies present their portraits.
Zhu Yunming looked at Tang Yin, whose health was getting worse: Don't die in Guangdong after a bumpy journey.
…
Wei Bin is bidding farewell to his Majesty.
The framework of Huangmingji has been set up, and the seven major guilds, grain, salt, cloth, and department stores have been temporarily organized. The operation still relies on the manpower of the original Xunqi family, with some slight adjustments.
As for the newly established sea trade company, it will be built after going to Guangdong.
As for switching to a labor service business, that is the next step.
"When passing by Huguang, meet Gu Dayong." Zhu Houcong told him, "Let him tell the Marquis of Zhenyuan secretly to make preparations in case of emergency."
Wei Bin obeyed his orders sternly.
Guangdong is now a tinderbox. Early rice is about to be planted. Most of the people have already been enlisted since November last year, right?
If you are in a hurry and need to submit it to the annual office in Beijing, and the office has not been completed, the farming season will be missed.
Now it is not a matter of ordinary people trying to raise money to pay for the military service. After all, there are too many things that need people to do.
Another point is the most important: the tributes completed in Guangdong will have to be transported to Beijing in June or July at the latest. At that time, a large number of manpower will be used to escort the goods, but it is also the season for harvesting early rice and planting late rice.
If there is no hope for early rice, can we hope for late rice? What if there is no hope for late rice?
Let Gu Shilong, the commander-in-chief of Huguang Army and Marquis of Zhenyuan, be prepared to deal with the eventuality that may happen at that time, right?
Wei Bin couldn't help but ask: "Your Majesty, when the slaves arrive in Guangdong, are they also preparing for the transfer? It's just the manpower..."
Zhu Houcong looked at him with some approval. He was indeed the smartest among the ministers.
"The Marquis of Funing was training troops to suppress bandits in Guangxi, and captured many barbarians. Liang Chu was in Guangdong, and there was no shortage of ships and goods, and there was no shortage of refugees in Jiaozhi."
"I understand, slave, I must hurry up."
Zhu Houcong nodded: "Go ahead. Let me tell Mai Fu again, the minister sent to the Guangdong Shipping Department, to teach the people who arrange the promotion to keep good accounts. Just check the accounts regularly, don't point fingers and keep the accounts yourself."
"This slave will definitely bring His Majesty's will to you."
Another important force set off for Guangdong.
At this time, the girls selected for the emperor's wedding from all over the country and the new batch of female envoys in the palace were also embarking on their journey to Beijing.
As for the direct selection of female officials and female envoys in the palace, it is another line, usually only in Jiangnan. Female officers mainly choose widows, and the age requirements for female envoys are much more relaxed than those for show girls.
Zhu Houcong's draft was much more efficient due to the new rules - after all, there were a lot more proactive people.
The many convoys and fleets heading to the capital are clearly divided into several levels.
Daughters from official families and scholarly families are in one category, daughters from wealthy and wealthy families are in another category, and daughters from ordinary civilian households are in another category.
Among them, they are divided into various small groups due to many reasons such as personality and willingness to enter the palace.
For them, this is a turning point in their fate. Some are anxious, while others are looking forward to it.
It won't be soon.
In early February, the edicts began to arrive in various places, and in March and April, various places began to send beautiful women to Beijing. After entering Beijing, each round of screening took another three or four months.
When everything is finalized, it will be September, right?
At this moment in the palace, Huang Jin got up from his sleep, first learned about what happened during the day, and then went to Zhu Houcong.
"Your Majesty, the draft girls from Beizhili and other nearby places have already arrived. Should I arrange the first round of selection first, or wait until everyone from all places has arrived and then arrange it together?"
He didn't shy away from Lin Qingping, who was still beside him. At the same time, he felt a little strange: It's been almost four months, and Queen Qingping's belly doesn't seem to be very strong?
Zhu Houcong asked with great interest: "How to choose the model?"
"... Those who are too tall, too short, too fat, and too thin should be selected first. In this selection, there are five thousand and more than four thousand."
"What about the next round?"
"That's the voice and appearance. We have to listen to the beauty's speech, facial features, hair, and neck. After this selection, there are only two thousand left."
Zhu Houcong nodded and asked him to continue.
"After that, the gait and vitality will be reduced by half again. Among these thousands of people, the female official will then inspect the skin and purity of the body. Oh, and also identify whether there is any unpleasant body odor."
Zhu Houxuan was amazed: "How can you tell the difference?"
"I heard that the ladies are being asked to walk a short distance."
Zhu Houcong understood. After sweating, he looked to see if there was any body odor.
"After this selection, there will only be three hundred left." Huang Jin said with a smile, "From then on, we will look at talents and etiquette, and there will be fifty statues. The Queen Mother has said that Your Majesty has a big idea, and you will be selected by the Queen Mother at that time. In the past, we were all Queen Mothers
The concubines selected three people for your majesty to choose one queen and two concubines. This year, your majesty said that he will have one queen, two concubines and nine concubines to fill the six palaces in the east and west. At that time, your majesty will choose from the fifty people."
There is no doubt that there are actually only ten places among these twelve people, but there are still several more people than in the past when only three people were appointed.
As for the remaining 250 beautiful ladies who have entered the palace and learned etiquette, depending on the situation, some will stay in the palace as maids, and some will be sent back to their hometowns.
Under normal circumstances, those who are sent back to their hometowns are also delicious.
Zhu Houcong remembered the women Lin Qingping told him after the Sun Jingmen Incident, so he asked: "Have all the ladies that the Empress Dowager Cishou pre-selected for me been included in the official list?"
"That's the case, it's just His Majesty's Holy Order." Huang Jin said respectfully, "Commander Luo has secretly checked it out, and they are all ordinary people with good families. From the end of March, Renshou Palace had this idea, to the beginning of May
After discovering this matter, in fact, most of them had no conspiracy. Only five families were civil and military families who had been promoted by the Zhang family, and their official ranks were all below the sixth rank. However, after Fang Xun pressed the bullet, these families were already panicking.
It has been a year. Even though Your Majesty is not allowed to marry, there are still twenty-nine families where no one dares to propose marriage."
"Since it is an innocent house, we can just do things as usual." Zhu Houcong thought for a while and said: "Let's select a group first when we get it, there is no need to keep them waiting in the capital."
"The servant will arrange for experienced ministers to screen the body shape, voice, and gait tomorrow." Huang Jin hesitated and asked, "Will the physical examination be arranged first, so that some beautiful women can be selected into the palace for inspection earlier?"
Ask about talents and learn etiquette?"
"Isn't it unfair to those who arrive in Beijing later? We can screen out most of them first, and we can save a lot of expenses. We can wait until everyone has arrived for the physical examination."
Huang Jin sighed: "Your Majesty, you don't have to save money like this, right?"
"If you can't pass the first few tests, why keep delaying? Go back early to discuss the marriage."
Tragedy is brewing in Guangdong, but joy is steadily advancing on the emperor's side.
Joy and sorrow will always be intertwined in every corner of Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Houcong did not pretend to be pretentious about his harem affairs. As an emperor with great strategies and responsibilities in state affairs, I am afraid that he will only have these adjustments in his future life.
Guangdong should arrange the layout and look forward to the draft.
It's a national matter.
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This is a world with magical and extraordinary power.
The elves born in the dishes, the competition between deliciousness and power, the journey under the starlight, the challenges held together by bonds...
A young man comes to this world full of courage and dreams with the memory of a top-notch chef in his previous life.
"The food that hides magical power, show your true power in front of me! I order you in the name of your imperial chef, Qin Lang - the food spirit is born!"