The happiest thing in life is nothing more than this.
But the people in the court, belatedly realized, seemed to slowly begin to come to their senses.
Many people's expressions changed slightly.
Zhu Di was a little confused.
He stared at Zhang Anshi: "Zhang Qing... why is this?"
Zhang Anshi said: "Yes, I was actually confused at first, how could I just buy land like this? Your Majesty knows that since the Taiping government launched the new policy, the land was divided, and the land price has been 1 The money is worthless, but such an increase in land prices is really unbelievable, so I ordered Tiqi to investigate carefully."
"Good fellow, you won't know if you don't investigate. Only after you investigate will you know the whole story."
"One of the ministers specifically learned that there is a person named Wang. This person Wang can be regarded as a local rich family. He is a Juren and lives in the capital. He originally studied for the imperial examination. Since the fight against Xia Gong and Jin Gong caused trouble, this Wang He was also very angry and cursed loudly."
The silence in the palace could be heard, and many of the ministers who had woken up looked like dead mothers.
Zhang Anshi continued happily: "The person this person is scolding is naturally the land that I forcibly sold to Duke Xia and others. But as he continued to curse, he discovered that the problem was not that he sold the land to Duke Xia and Duke Jin, but that the land was sold to Duke Xia and Duke Jin. Due to the increase in land prices, I signed a deed with Duke Xia and Duke Jin to take back the land at the original price."
In fact, this is understandable. If you want to scold Zhang Anshi, you must first admit that you did not cheat Xia Yuanji and others when selling the land.
Since there is no trap, the price of five hundred taels of silver per acre has actually increased. This is originally unbelievable. If you don't believe it, then it is unreasonable to scold Zhang Anshi.
In other words, you must first recognize the value of land and determine that this thing is worth this price. Zhang Anshi is cheating people, and you can be filled with righteous indignation.
It can be said that... this time, it really hits the fatal spot.
At this time, Zhang Anshi continued: "Later, this Wang muttered in his heart, what place is so valuable that even Xia Gong, Jin Gong and other Gonggun princes turned against me for it? People in the streets and alleys were talking about it. , many people around him, as well as relatives and friends, are also talking about it. Since Wang wants to scold him, he must have a clear target. He inevitably understands the situation at some stations and roughly knows why the land is rising."
"While cursing, the more Wang cursed, the deeper his understanding became. Only then did he realize that the land at this station has huge commercial uses. Although the price is high, once the land is purchased, it can be passed down to future generations, just like ...just like...just like purchasing land in the countryside and renting it to tenant farmers. Now, after the New Deal, Zhili has begun to allocate land, and many gentry in other state governments are also in danger. Although Wang's land is not in Zhili I am a slave, but I can’t help but feel worried about it..."
"So, he couldn't help but want to know the trends of the land. After going to check, he realized that there were quite a few people like him. The price of the land actually increased a bit in just a few days. , of course Wang refused such a lucrative deal. He was a man of character, so he dismissed it and scolded those who rushed to buy it for being shameless. However, after going back for a few days, he felt hard to calm down. These days I followed Mr. Xia for quite some time, and the more I paid attention to it, the more I thought about that place. Later I learned that the price had increased again, and the price actually reached a thousand taels."
Zhang Anshi spoke so vividly that Zhang Anshi's blood was boiling. Zhu Di urged: "There is more, there is more?"
So Zhang Anshi quickly continued: "Seeing others making money, I clearly had the opportunity to buy, but I didn't make up my mind. This was even more uncomfortable than losing money. So Wang couldn't sleep all day long, and didn't sleep well for several days. Later,
I finally made up my mind to buy land."
"His family is a local wealthy family, and many of his close relatives are officials. People with credit like him are the favorites of the bank. At that time, he loaned thousands of taels of silver to purchase seven or eight acres of land. Just this
At that time, he couldn't help but beat his chest, regretting that it was too late. If he had bought it earlier, he would have been able to buy more than ten acres of land at the same price."
After Zhu Di heard this, he couldn't help laughing and said: "I see, you mean...it's Wang and others who bought this land now?"
"It's almost like that." Zhang Anshi said seriously: "And I found out that those who purchased the land are mostly scholars, and there are even many officials' family members, as well as some children of local wealthy families."
This was really beyond Zhu Di's expectation. He looked surprised and said: "Why is this?"
Zhang Anshi said: "The price of land is too high. Ordinary commoners may not be able to buy just one acre if they save their entire life's money. Merchants do have money, but the vast majority of merchants, at least in the Right Governor's Mansion, can't afford it."
I understand that due to the construction of railways in recent years, the market demand has been too great, so many businessmen have invested almost all their wealth in production!"
"They don't have land to mortgage with banks. Even if they do, they have already mortgaged it when expanding production. They really don't have any extra money to invest in shops."
Zhu Di said in surprise: "It's so true. So...all the land at the stations in Taiping Mansion has been sold?"
"Yes, everything has been sold, completely sold." Zhang Anshi said.
Zhu Di did not ask how much silver he got, because it was confidential, and if he had to ask, he would ask it privately later.
But now he couldn't help but trembled, feeling refreshed. In this way, when he borrowed money, nine times out of ten, instead of losing money on the railway, he earned it back.
I saw Zhang Anshi saying again: "I have thought about it over and over again. This is all because of the strong support of Duke Xia and others. If it were not for Duke Xia, I would not be where I am today. The first credit for this should go to Duke Xia, Duke Jin and other princes. Your Majesty...
…Xia Gong built the railway, opened up the situation for our new policy, and made great contributions. If the new policy can be completed in the future, Xia Gong and others will really make indispensable contributions."
After hearing this, Xia Yuanji's expression suddenly changed.
Jin Chun: "..."
Compared to Jin Chun and others, Xia Yuanji, as the Minister of Household Affairs, obviously understands the joints better than them.
After all, he is someone who deals with money and food. Although he is not familiar with Zhang Anshi's various tricks, a very smart person like him can actually figure out the whole story immediately with just a little guidance.
Ruined.
His expression changed.
In the process, he actually made a mistake.
The whole world knew about this commotion, and Zhang Anshi took this opportunity to sell all the land.
What does it mean to sell at a high price?
This means that Zhang Anshi has cleared his own risks, and these risks have been transferred to the buyer.
People who buy land, according to Zhang Anshi's analysis, are mostly officials, scholars, and gentry, and they all buy it at a high price, and they are also burdened with loans from banks. In nine cases out of ten, they even mortgage everything that can be mortgaged.
.
This also means that if there is a problem with the price of this land, countless people will be wiped out.
It can be said that the rush buying process this time was completely irrational.
Because many people, in order to denounce Zhang Anshi, have preemptively overestimated the value of the land.
This is actually understandable. The higher the price estimate, the more hateful it becomes for Zhang Anshi to buy it back at the original price. However, the dignified minister and the princes of the court actually turned against the commander of the Jinyiwei in order to compete for land. This in itself proves that the land is extremely high.
value.
This is the terrible thing about people's hearts, because most of the time, people don't care about the facts at all. They only talk about their positions. Once they stand on the opposite side of Zhang Anshi, in order to denounce Zhang Anshi, almost everyone in the circle who opposes Zhang Anshi will speak in unison.
I firmly believe that this land is worth a lot of money.
In addition to personal emotional judgment, when your closest relatives and friends, colleagues, classmates, fellow villagers, and old friends around you, everyone is like a parrot, repeating over and over again like a wheel, this place is good, this place is great,
It was priceless. Zhang Anshi actually wanted to buy it back for five hundred taels. This was the beginning of his madness.
In fact, at this time, everyone agrees, and three people become a tiger. Even those who cannot accept such a high price at first will be excited at this time.
What's more, this matter was widely publicized and accurately targeted at the group that opposed Zhang Anshi, and this group was precisely the group that was originally keen on relying on land rent. The most important thing is that they still have money and they have pledged land.
This is a precise strike, and no one will be missed.
Xia Yuanji: "..."
When he thought of this, Xia Yuanji felt like a light on his back, because... during the whole process, he was used as a gunman.
Now the answer to the mystery is revealed, it would be fine if land prices could still be maintained, but what if they cannot be maintained in the future?
Xia Yuanji really became a major contributor to the New Deal, because the first reaction of those angry people was...
Is this a game that Xia Yuanji, Jin Chunren and others worked together with Zhang Anshi?
This is actually understandable. Zhang Anshi has land, and Xia Yuanji and others also have land. In order to speculate on the value of the land, they deliberately cause trouble to attract people to buy it. This does not mean that they have dug a fire pit to teach everyone to go here.
Jumping into a fire pit?
By that time, Xia Yuanji and others must have jumped into the Yellow River and they will not be able to clean themselves.
You know, Xia Yuanji has always remained silent during the New Deal process.
On the one hand, he recognized in his heart the huge benefits the New Deal had brought to the country.
On the other hand, as a scholar and a representative of the old officials, he knew that if the New Deal continued like this, it would be a devastating blow to the gentry.
Personal emotions were mixed with the country's righteousness, so all he could do was remain silent and desperately wanted a bowl of water to be flat.
But now... everything was in vain, and he felt as if he was suddenly tied to a chariot by Zhang Anshi.
And he himself didn't know where the chariot would go, and he couldn't see clearly whether it would ruin his reputation.
The only thing he knew was that he was completely tied up, the car door was welded shut, and he couldn't get out of the car.
At this time, many people's eyes were subconsciously looking at Xia Yuanji.
Many of the eyes looked particularly strange.
Xia Yuanji had a light on his back, his head lowered, silent. He didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Logically speaking, the land was coming back, and he seemed to have made a lot of money, but... why did he want to cry?
Good for you Zhang Anshi...
Xia Yuanji couldn't help but gnashed his teeth silently, but when he looked up at Zhang Anshi, his hateful eyes melted like ice and snow.
Because reason told him that at this time, he must not go against his purpose.
The price of rebellion is too high, not because of Zhang Anshi's identity, but because...
Now, the only thing I can do is smile to show that I have wisdom and everything is under control.
If Zhang Anshi turns against him at this time, his confidence is shattered, and some bad news comes out, leading to a sharp drop in land prices, I'm afraid Zhang Anshi won't have to take action, and those who robbed the land will bury him alive.
So Xia Yuanji smiled on his face, with an expression that said success does not depend on me, his eyes were shining with wisdom, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised a faint smile.
Zhu Di was obviously in a good mood at this time, and laughed and said: "Yes, Xia Qing, Jin Qing and other ministers also contributed a lot! Isn't this right? When the country is governed, everyone should work together with one heart and one desire. Okay, Xia Qing, you
I just said that I wanted to report Zhang Qing’s matter, but is there anything else I want to add or report?”
What else could Xia Yuanji say at this time, he could only say: "Your Majesty, I have nothing to report."
Zhu Di nodded with a smile and said: "What I am most worried about is the discord between the general and the minister. A few days ago, I also heard some rumors. Now I know that this is just a misunderstanding. The two ministers are Lin Xiangru and Lian Po.
also."
Xia Yuanji: "..."
Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty is proficient in literature and history, and has allusions at his fingertips. I must read more in the future, just like your Majesty."
Zhu Di took a deep look at Zhang Anshi. At this time, all he could think about was money.
But he still had to be patient and said: "Do you have anything else to report? Oh... today was supposed to be a court meeting, but it was delayed for a lot of time because of this matter. I have just recovered from a serious illness these days..."
This is as close as telling them to get lost.
The ministers were very discerning, so they had no choice but to say: "I have nothing to report."
Zhu Di was very satisfied and hurriedly said: "In that case, then... let's stop the court."
Zhu Di said, secretly winking at Zhang Anshi.
There was a tacit understanding between the monarch and his ministers. Zhang Anshi immediately understood and stood motionless.
The rest of the people left in twos and threes.
Xia Yuanji's feet seemed to have a small motor installed, and he walked away in a hurry.
Someone originally wanted to talk to him on foot, but Xia Yuanji seemed to turn a blind eye and walked away quickly.
Many of the officials took a deep breath. This court meeting contained too much information.
Many people were thoughtful and even looked a little worried.
Jin Zhong is very energetic.
He shuttled among the people retreating from the court, like a butterfly that attracted attention. He came to this person and asked in a low voice: "Liu Gong, tell me... is the Wang that Zhang Anshi mentioned is you?"
"
"Hey... Jin Gong, don't ask, don't ask."
"Are you really Wang?"
"Hey... stop gossiping, stop gossiping."
Jin Zhong ran to another person: "Mr. Li..."
The man looked solemn and said quickly: "I have something to do. Please take my leave."
Jin Zhong could only sigh and couldn't help but murmured: "No wonder I counted it with my fingers. When I entered the palace, I saw a dark atmosphere in the palace, as if there was evil spirit rising into the sky. No wonder, no wonder."
"Jin Gong..."
But at this moment, someone came walking up and called Jin Zhong.
Jin Zhong stopped and looked back, but it was Yang Rong and Hu Guang.
Jin Zhong smiled and said: "Mr. Yang, Mr. Hu, tell me, is the Wang that Zhang Anshi talked about you?"
Yang Rong's expression remained calm, and he smiled slightly and said: "Seven hundred taels of silver were given to Wang. Later, when he saw one thousand one hundred and fifty taels, he felt something was wrong, so he sold it. Of course, I am not talking about him.
This is my son Yang Gong."
Jin Zhong said in surprise: "If I remember correctly, Yang Gong's son should be only eight years old. He has such economic talent at such a young age. It's really admirable."
Yang Rong said calmly: "It's just a chance meeting. When I saw everyone discussing this matter, I realized something was wrong."
However, Jin Zhong turned his gaze and landed on Hu Guang, saying, "Where is Mr. Hu? Was Mr. Hu ever that Wang?"
Hu Guang was not as calm as Yang Rong. He smiled bitterly and said: "I haven't realized what happened. I don't know what happened, but the place was sold out."
Jin Zhong sighed and said: "Hu Gong is better than me."
Hu Guang, on the other hand, asked in a probing tone: "Did Mr. Jin also do this to Wang?"
Jin Zhong shook his head.
Hu Guang breathed a sigh of relief: "People say that Jin Gong is scheming, but it seems... he is just like me."
Jin Zhong smiled and said: "But there are differences. Jin also has his own judgment."
Hu Guang asked curiously: "Then why don't you follow the example of Duke Yang?"
"Nothing else." Jin Zhong stroked his beard and said slowly, "You are poor."
Hu Guang: "..."
Well, he couldn't argue with that!
The three of them walked side by side and talked to each other.
After a pause, Hu Guangze couldn't help but said: "This kid Zhang Anshi is really bad. Xia Gong and Jin Butang are probably going to be in trouble now. It's okay to be in dire straits..."
Jin Zhong smiled and said: "This hand is very similar to that of Monk Yao. I am truly worthy of being the successor of Monk Yao."
Yang Rong pursed his lips, paused, and said, "Let's wait and see what the consequences will be. The rest of this matter will definitely not be easy."
…………
Except for Zhang Anshi, all other ministers have left.
Zhu Di sat comfortably on the dragon chair, and then asked someone to give Zhang Anshi a seat.
After Zhang Anshi sat down, Yi Shiha personally poured tea, and the atmosphere seemed relaxed.
Zhang Anshi only took a sip of tea.
Zhu Di looked at Zhang Anshi steadily and said, "Tell me the truth. Did you arrange this early in the morning?"
Zhu Di's tone was somewhat determined, and he seemed to have made up his mind.
Zhang Anshi didn't make any excuses, he said honestly: "I dare not hide it from Your Majesty. It is indeed a premeditated plan."
Zhu Di smiled and said, "Then tell me honestly, how much did the business earn this time?"
Well, this is the focus in his heart.
"I... I haven't calculated the detailed accounts, but the net profit is still around fifteen million taels of silver... Of course, it may not be accurate. We have to wait for the actual accounts to come out." Zhang Anshi said cautiously.