Gao Xiang took a sip of herbal tea, which instantly refreshed his mind and lifted his spirits.
His face, which was slightly pale due to fatigue, showed a hint of excitement.
Immediately, he put down the tea cup and said: "Your Highness, the situation in Taiping Mansion is far beyond the original expectations, and the official is also dumbfounded."
After a pause, Gao Xiang continued: "Last year alone, the goods shipped to Taiping Mansion by foreign vassals were worth more than hundreds of millions. According to the statistics of each county, last year alone, the warehouses built by each county were worth more than 100 million.
It covers an area of tens of thousands of acres."
"This has also attracted many merchants. Let's talk about commercial banks. Last year, the number of newly established commercial banks increased from 379 to more than 2,500 this year."
Although Zhang Anshi expected the huge benefits brought by this foreign trade, he did not expect that it would be so terrifying.
Then he said: "These trading houses...are all for selling goods from foreign vassals?"
"Not only...in addition to the collection and distribution of goods, but also...goods are sold to Taiping Mansion from all over the country, such as porcelain from Jiangxi, tea from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian, jade from Hexi, and brocade from Sichuan. Nowadays, Taiping Mansion is like
A...a...distribution center."
Gao Xiang beamed with joy and continued: "If the goods from the world want to go to the outer vassals, they must go through Taiping Prefecture. And if the goods from the outer vassals want to enter the Ming Dynasty, they must first enter the Taiping Prefecture, and then be distributed to all parts of the world through countless merchants.
Prefectures and counties. And... a large amount of cheap wool and cotton from overseas also entered Taiping Prefecture first, and after being woven, they were sold to all prefectures and counties in the world. As a result, merchants increased dramatically..."
"These merchants were established in Taiping Prefecture by various vassals. For example, His Royal Highness King Zhao established the Java Trading Company here, as well as the Luzon Trading Company, Annan Trading Company, etc. There are also some big cannibals and Tianzhu people who used this place.
For convenience, we cooperated with Han merchants and established some trading houses to meet our needs."
"In addition, there are merchants from various prefectures and counties in the world...or, in other words, some scholars. In order to order goods or supply ships, they have also set up various trading houses in Taiping Prefecture, sometimes hiring
Three or two people are only used for external communication, but there are hundreds of people involved in the trade of furs, porcelain, spices, ivory, pepper, cotton and so on."
"So, in addition to the customs duties that can be collected by the customs, these merchants gathered together, and the trading houses they built also had goods that traveled all over the world, and a large amount of commercial goods were needed, and then expanded the production of a large number of cotton spinning workshops. It is really
It’s unimaginable.”
Gao Xiang looked very excited, his eyes seemed to be shining with light, and then he looked at Zhang An Shidao: "Your Highness, because of this, in addition to customs taxes, Taiping Mansion's taxes are also driven by this, but it can be
Call it a boom.”
Taiping Mansion is now equivalent to the entire world's external window. Overseas vassal trade, as well as trade with Dashi and Tianzhu people, all pass through Taiping Mansion and are distributed to the eighteen provinces in the world.
And the specialties of the eighteen provinces, in a sense, are also boarded from here and sent to all the world.
The countless exchanges of goods, the huge merchant gathering effect, and the large market demand will definitely give rise to more workshops and numerous trading houses.
And this... is just the first step, but even the huge impact it brings is enough to make people marvel.
Zhang Anshi sighed and said: "I really didn't expect it! In this way, how much has the tax in Taiping Mansion increased compared to last year?"
When asked this question, Gao Xiang's expression became even more excited, and he said: "There are still some, and they haven't been counted yet, but the preliminary estimate is that they should have doubled!"
Double?
Zhang Anshi was so shocked that he was speechless at this moment.
You must know that the base number of Taiping Prefecture is much higher than that of other places. It is very scary that such a high base number can double.
After a pause, Zhang Anshi regained his voice and said, "Does customs tax include it?"
Gao Xiang shook his head and said with a smile: "The numbers of the Customs and Taiping Prefecture are not the same. Even if I want to add the number of the Customs, I'm afraid I won't have the number of the Customs."
Zhang Anshi thought so too.
In other words, once the number of customs is added, the number will far exceed double.
Zhang Anshi became excited all of a sudden and said: "Hurry up and count it out. I will give it to Yu Qian below and ask him to clarify the accounts immediately. In addition, someone must be sent to check the treasury. The actual number of accounts and treasury must be clear and detailed."
Gao Xiang said: "Yes."
Zhang Anshi then warned: "These days, you have to work harder. Every amount must be clear and clear! It is said that the first bird will be struck first. This amount is too big, and it will inevitably make people jealous. We must guard against subtle mistakes.
Lest anyone pick something out and make a fuss about it.”
"yes."
Zhang Anshi thought for a while and then said: "Let the people from the Di newspaper come. I want to write an article myself and teach the Di newspaper to print it."
"Article?" Gao Xiang was stunned for a moment, then looked at Zhang Anshi speechlessly.
Writing articles is not the specialty of His Highness the County Prince, not to mention...it is written personally...
Gao Xiang hesitated for a moment, feeling that he could still struggle for a while, so he said: "How about I lower the official to polish it...or ask the assistants of the Changshi Mansion..."
Zhang Anshi waved his hand: "I need to write it myself. You don't understand this kind of article!"
Gao Xiang's face was a little stiff, but he was helpless.
Zhang Anshi watched Gao Xiang go, and then he bit his pen and concentrated on thinking until midnight. Then he wrote an article and had someone rush him out.
…
Early the next morning, Zhang Anshi, who had only slept for more than two hours, cheered up and hurried to the East Palace.
Without Zhu Zhanji, the East Palace became much colder. Every eunuch was tiptoeing around, and it was eerily calm.
Zhang Anshi went to see his sister first. Mrs. Zhang was very happy to see her brother whom she had not seen for a while. She smiled and said: "You, it's been a long time since I came here. You have grown up and your wings have grown hard."
Zhang Anshi said: "Sister, aren't I sharing the worries of your majesty and brother-in-law? Why did I not get any favors in the end?"
Mrs. Zhang said: "Anyway, whatever you say is up to you. Whatever you say, it doesn't matter. It's up to you."
Zhang Anshi nodded like a chicken pecking rice, thought for a moment and said, "Brother-in-law's health seems to be a little bad."
Zhang's smile suddenly faded, and she said worriedly: "These days, he has to go on a diet, and he does look bad. Your Majesty saw that he was fat, and gave him repeated orders..."
As she said this, Mrs. Zhang shook her head, expressing concern.
Zhang Anshi said: "My brother-in-law said that he doesn't eat much on weekdays, but no matter what, he can't lose weight. Obesity is indeed prone to many diseases..."
"Really?" Mrs. Zhang's expression became even more solemn.
In fact, in this era, obesity is a blessing, so people have a welcoming attitude towards obesity.
But the prince's problem is that he is too fat, which has caused physical inconvenience.
As for the dangers of obesity, in fact, no one seems to be really willing to understand it in this era.
Zhang Anshi then talked about the obesity problem one by one.
Mrs. Zhang nodded frequently and said: "It seems that my father is right. Those imperial chefs who were given to the East Palace..."
After saying that, her eyes darkened: "You really have to rely on these cooks."
Zhang Anshi said: "I wonder what my brother-in-law eats on weekdays?"
Mrs. Zhang said, "I'll have someone give you the recipe tomorrow."
Zhang Anshi responded.
After saying goodbye to Zhang, Zhang Anshi went to see Zhu Gaochi quietly.
Zhu Gaochi was reviewing the draft in Zhan Shi's mansion at this time.
As the emperor got older, some trivial matters naturally had to be left to the prince to handle.
When Zhu Gaochi saw Zhang Anshi coming, he couldn't help showing joy and said, "Here you come?"
After that, he winked at the eunuchs.
The eunuchs retreated.
Zhu Gaochi raised his eyes and looked around, and finally saw no other people. He asked anxiously: "Have you brought the things I asked you to bring?"
Zhang Anshi said straightforwardly: "I didn't bring it."
Zhu Gaochi: "..."
Zhu Gaochi's full expectations suddenly dissipated without a trace.
How disappointing this is!
Zhang Anshi said in a deep and profound tone: "I just went to see my sister. She is also very worried about her brother-in-law."
The disappointed expression on Zhu Gaochi's face suddenly disappeared again, and he said anxiously: "You didn't say anything to your sister, did you?"
Zhang Anshi shook his head: "No."
Zhu Gaochi took a breath and said, "Hey, I'm very hungry."
Zhang Anshi said: "Brother-in-law, I thought about it carefully. If brother-in-law continues like this, there is no other way. I'm afraid... his life will be shortened."
Only Zhang Anshi dared to say this, otherwise no one would dare to say this in front of Prince Zhu Gaochi.
Zhu Gaochi said with a straight face: "How can you say such depressing words?"
Zhang Anshi knew that his brother-in-law was just pretending to be serious, so he was not afraid, so he asked: "Brother-in-law, have you lost weight these days on a diet?"
Zhu Gaochi said truthfully: "I have gained two kilograms."
Zhang Anshi became increasingly worried.
He knew very well that if nothing unexpected happened, his brother-in-law might only have a few years to live.
At present, the biggest cause of short life is most likely obesity, and other diseases caused by obesity may be the culprits.
Zhang Anshi then sighed and said: "Why is diet ineffective? Could it be..."
"Okay, okay..." Zhu Gaochi said angrily: "Don't always mention food..."
Zhang Anshi could only say: "I'll just think of a way."
Zhu Gaochi added: "In these days, I have also learned some business methods from Scholar Yang Pu, and used business to enrich the blood and bones of the world, just like human blood, filling people's flesh and bones. Now we know that we must encourage industry and commerce
, it is not easy at all. We need docks to speed up the flow of commerce. We need roads and even better railways to greatly reduce transportation costs. We also need cheap land to prevent the land from being occupied by the gentry.
, the lion opened his mouth. It also requires a large number of hired workers. Ordinary labor is fine, but it is impossible for industry and commerce to rely on labor that is completely illiterate. It needs a large number of people who can read and write, and who are well-informed...
…”
Zhu Gaochi continued: "Not to mention, it is necessary to ensure that the officials are relatively clean, ensure that they can clear the roads, and eliminate bandits...all these needs. If it is accomplished, it will be worthy of great efforts in all dynasties.
It’s a matter of writing a book.”
Zhang Anshi said: "In the beginning, everything was difficult at the beginning, but in the end, everything became mutually beneficial."
Zhu Gaochi became interested: "They complement each other?"
Zhang Anshi nodded and said: "Let's talk about bandits and bandits. This world is full of bandits. Throughout the dynasties, even in the most prosperous times, bandits and bandits have never been eradicated in all parts of the world. However, when the world is stable, in the mountains
There are fewer bandits in the past, and at most they only dare to loot some villages. In unrestful years, there are more bandits, who often gather tens of thousands of people to attack cities and seize territory."
"But in the final analysis, these are people who really can't survive without land. They have to go to the mountains to become bandits in order to survive. They are a huge harm to the world, and they are also a big harm to industry and commerce. These people who are doing business and smuggling goods
, once you encounter bandits, not only will all the goods be lost, but your life will not be guaranteed. This will greatly increase the cost of circulation. But once industry and commerce can rise, it means that industry and commerce can absorb a large number of people who have lost their land.
As for the refugees, let them work and support their families. Over time, who will be willing to live in the mountains, eat and sleep, and become precarious thieves?"
Zhang Anshi saw that Zhu Gaochi was listening to him very seriously, and continued with a smile: "It's the same with studying. In the past, you could only get fame by studying. But for ordinary people, it's so difficult to get fame. If you can't pass... it means everything.
It's all in vain. But now, reading has more uses, and the people are more motivated. What's more, the workshops are not as good as those in the countryside. The people farming in the countryside can't get out of a ten-mile radius all year round. It's not an exaggeration to say that they are ignorant.
.”
"But there are tens of thousands of people working in the workshops, coming from all over the world, gathering in one place for production, and exchanging information from all over the world. Even though many people... are illiterate, they know a lot about the world.
The knowledge in this world is far beyond that of ordinary people. The so-called knowledge, the so-called learning, is essentially information. People stay in their places of origin, and information transmission is blocked. But with the rise of industry and commerce, information between each other
, it grows like crazy. If my brother-in-law is interested, he can go to the workshop and talk to the craftsmen. He will find that they are well-informed and have nothing like the appearance of tenant farmers and ordinary farmers.
"
After hearing this, Zhu Gaochi said happily: "Listening to what you said, I have a deeper understanding of this matter."
He was thoughtful, and suddenly raised his brows. He reached out and touched his forehead, showing an uncomfortable look: "Hey... my head is a little dizzy again. Someone's coming, someone's coming..."
Obviously, he was very weak.
Zhang Anshi hurriedly called a eunuch and asked a few questions, only to find out that such a situation had already happened.
Zhang Anshi had no choice but to let Zhu Gaochi rest, and then left worriedly.
The next day, Donggong sent someone the recipe for the meal.
Zhang Anshi was surprised when he saw it, and hurriedly put the recipe away without mentioning it when he entered the palace.
…………
The new Di Bao can be said to have stirred up a thousand waves with one stone.
Zhang Anshi wrote an essay himself, severely satirizing the so-called political achievements of Zhejiang Chief Envoy.
The general meaning is that they rely on the so-called gentry's self-consciousness to hand over more money and grain, which is very similar to the so-called handing over of gold and silver for exoneration in the Han Dynasty to expiate crimes.
Not only would this not last long, but over time, the gentry and scholars who had paid more taxes would sooner or later have to resort to clever tricks to inflict their losses on the poor people.
The final result was that although taxes increased by a few percent, officials and officials took this opportunity to gain political achievements, and the gentry and scholars did not suffer losses. The real victims were ordinary people.
This article can be described as extremely harsh, and it even shows no mercy at all.
The direct target was the Chief Envoy of Zhejiang Province.
That is, Jiang Xiu, who has just been appointed as the Prince's Young Master and is now in the limelight.
Everyone has read the Di newspaper.
Zhang Anshi's jealous face can be said to be very popular.
But it seemed that Zhang Anshi had hit the weak spots of many people all at once.
As a result, many people jumped on the bandwagon.
Zhu Di looked at the newspaper and remained silent.
He pondered, his eyes uncertain.
Wenyuan Pavilion and the ministers of various ministries looked at Zhu Di in the high position, but they all said nothing.
Then he watched Zhu Di slowly...put down the Di newspaper in his hand.
Zhu Di then said: "It makes sense. Zhang Qing kindly asks me to order someone to go to the Chief Envoy of Zhejiang Province to check the accounts. Please see... is there any problem with this?"
Yang Rongdao: "Your Majesty, it is not impossible that I have read the article by His Highness the Prince of Wuhu County. In this case, it is always good to check it out. This is also to prevent the slightest change. If it is true..."
Hu Guang immediately said: "But everyone in the market is saying that His Highness the Prince of Wuhu County hates Jiang Xiu and replaced him as a capable official, so this article is written... Please be aware of the details."
The so-called market opinions are mostly based on comments from netizens of later generations.
Anyway, everything is undecided, so let’s remove the netizens. If the netizens are wrong, then they are despicable and shameless.
Zhu Di looked at Yang Rong, then at Hu Guang, smiled slightly and said: "Words from the market? Are there already rumors in the market?"
"Your Majesty, after the newspaper was sold, the world was shocked and everyone was talking about it. It is rare for the prince of the dynasty to directly criticize the prince, young master and chief envoy of the dynasty. What's more, what the article said
The crime is serious and extraordinary." Xia Yuanji stood up and said: "This matter is extremely involved. If the court does not respond, it will inevitably become more and more uncontrollable."
Zhu Di smiled and said, "What do you think of Xia Qing?"
Xia Yuanji immediately made a decision: "Check the accounts, check them out. The Zhejiang Chief Envoy will check them out, and the Taiping Mansion will also check them out. In this way, the rights and wrongs will naturally be revealed in broad daylight."
Zhu Di looked at him with a half-smile but not a smile: "Ducha?"
Xia Yuanji said categorically: "Check it all!"
Zhu Di asked: "Who will check?"
Xia Yuanji said without hesitation: "I am the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, so I should be responsible for this matter."
Hu Guang also immediately said: "This matter involves a lot, I can investigate it thoroughly on behalf of your majesty."
Yang Rong then said: "Your Majesty, I can do it too."
Zhu Di looked at the ministers who were eager to try. There was no emotion or anger on his face. He just heard him say: "What a big battle!"