Zhang Anshi raised his head and glanced at Zhu Di, then said: "The lesson learned from Jiangxi's Chief Envoy is that... expecting local officials and gentry to build railways is undoubtedly a trick."
After a pause, Zhang Anshi continued: "Not only that, but once the railway is built, it will be obstructed openly or covertly. There are even people who will take the opportunity to collude with bandits. If this continues, not only will the railway not be built, but the court's money will also be lost.
There are so many people’s sacrifices and sacrifices, but in the end they were wasted.”
"But now... Your Majesty, the time has come. Now... the internal funds and the silver of major commercial banks are very abundant. With enough silver, there is no need to rely on the local government to raise gold and silver, or to transfer the railway funds."
, to impose additional levies on the people, it is better for the imperial court to directly build the railway, starting from Zhili, along the various administrative envoys, all the way to the past, all personnel are recruited by the imperial court, and all along the railway are
The railway will manage it on its own."
"Every matter involving litigation, security, money, food, and school education is all separate from the local states and counties, and the local state government is not allowed to interfere. Not only that, but also set up guards and inspections along the railway line for protection. Since then,
Wherever the imperial court's railways are built, it is equivalent to where your Majesty's tentacles extend. The railways are connected and all operations are handed over to the imperial court. Over time, the local people are taught to be exposed to the railways and their horizons are slowly broadened.
Naturally, the foundation for these rebellions against the Party is gone."
Zhu Di said: "If we follow the Qing family's calculations, this is a grand plan. I'm afraid... only Emperor Qin's construction of the Great Wall and Emperor Sui Yang's construction of the canal can rival it."
Zhang Anshi smiled and said: "The problem between Emperor Qin and Emperor Yang of Sui was the abuse of people's power. But our Ming Dynasty now has enough money and food. As long as the recruited craftsmen, civilians and soldiers are given money and food by the court, we can teach them to eat and drink enough."
, this is not an abuse of people's power, but it gives people many opportunities to support their families. What's more, once the railway is connected, what is needed can be exchanged, local wealth will rise sharply, and the imperial court can tighten its control over the world. Waiting for this railway
The day it spreads all over the world is the day when my Ming Dynasty will be reborn."
Zhu Di took a deep breath.
Zhang Anshi's plan is too ambitious. It is equivalent to setting up a small court directly outside the provinces in the world. In this small court, all the yamen are fully equipped, which is almost equivalent to starting a new business with the help of the railway. Each chief minister
The Railway Department under the Department may be a super yamen that can be on an equal footing with the three local bureaus.
Moreover, this also means that the cost here is also extremely staggering.
It was impossible for Zhu Di not to be a little excited. He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. He pondered: "How much money do you need?"
Zhang Anshi said truthfully: "At the moment, we initially need more than 50 million taels of silver. After that... we may need more..."
Zhu Di frowned, feeling a little distressed, so he said: "This cost is not small."
Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty... If you don't do this, it will not be enough to defeat the great establishment. If this is done, it will be a great achievement. What's more, now... with the help of the New Deal and the railway, Zhili has become increasingly prosperous, and the people can live and work in peace and contentment. Although there are many
The people are still in poverty, but at least there is no one who is hungry or naked."
"But the people of the world, in those places where the mountains are high and the emperor is far away, are still having difficulties and cannot afford three meals a day. Your Majesty, last year, the casualties caused by famine and bandits in various places were numerous, and they were still spread all over the nine provinces and seven provinces.
The sixteen prefectures involve more than 600 counties, and hundreds of thousands or even millions of people die every year due to disease, hunger, and thieves. Now... it is time to solve them all."
After a pause, Zhang Anshi continued: "What's more, these people are high in the mountains and the Emperor is far away. It is precisely because they have this support that they use it to fight against the imperial court. They are called Mingchen, but they are actually traitors. They have violated His Majesty's will in both ways. Your Majesty is still here. They
I dare not resist, but it is true that His Majesty is seriously ill. Once the imperial court is weak, they will definitely start plotting to usurp the throne. The chief ministers in the world are their soil. If this soil is not removed one day, the future will be ruined.
If something happens to the court, it will be their time to plot, and Your Majesty will have to guard against it."
When Zhu Di heard this, he actually started to think about it.
He said thoughtfully: "Is it 50 million taels per year?"
"Yes." Zhang Anshi said.
Zhu Di took a deep breath and said: "You can earn more money, but if in this world... I teach these clowns to spy, I will have trouble sleeping and eating. Please tell me in detail, who is the most suitable person to preside over this Ministry of Railways?"
"
Zhang Anshi really thought about it seriously before he said: "Yang Pu, the minister of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, is a good candidate. He has been in charge of the railway department before, and he is very familiar with it. Naturally...if the emperor's grandson Zhu Zhanji comes to preside over it, it will be fine.
.His Royal Highness has experienced many yamen. Although he is young now, his qualifications are rich enough to be able to stand alone."
Speaking of his nephew Zhu Zhanji, although they have not spent much time together in recent years, as an uncle he always pays attention to this nephew. Zhang Anshi said to Zhu Zhanji who has gone through a lot now.
Very confident.
Zhu Di nodded: "This is a very big thing... Once I want to do this, people in the world will definitely oppose it. But if it succeeds, it will be a great achievement, but if it fails, it will definitely bring a heavy burden to the court and make it difficult."
People make people laugh and are generous..."
As he spoke, he looked at Zhang Anshi with burning eyes and said, "Keep talking."
Zhang Anshi said: "Under the Ministry of Railways, there are still six departments, divided into officials, engineers, soldiers, rituals, punishments, and households. In addition, the Railway Engineering Institute is modeled on the Hanlin Academy, and the Metropolitan Inspectorate is modeled on the Metropolitan Inspectorate.
It consists of provincial railway departments, which recruit craftsmen, civil servants, and guards. They have thirteen guards. Each guard has a railway command department with 7,200 people. Each railway department has inspections, medical schools, courts, and
Jinyiwei Railway Qianhu Station..."
While Zhu Di was listening, he was calculating and weighing in his mind.
Zhang Anshi continued eloquently: "Within one mile along the railway, including all stations and steam locomotives, all criminal cases belong to the Ministry of Railways, and local officials are not allowed to interfere with all inspection matters..."
Zhu Di continued to pace with his hands behind his back, but he listened carefully.
Zhang Anshi said: "There are still many details. I am still thinking of ways to repair them. I can't explain so much at the moment."
This is actually to create a country within a country in every province in the world with the help of railways.
It can be said that he was very ambitious and established a small court.
Zhang Anshi said: "In short, it is a self-contained system, completely separated from the imperial court and the local three departments. Your Majesty, you might as well summon the scholars of Wenyuan Pavilion to discuss it again, but... I am afraid that if the court is held
If it is discussed... many officials will oppose it."
Hearing this, Zhu Di sneered and said: "I can make the decision, there is no need to ask others."
Zhang Anshi smiled and said: "Yes, yes, yes, His Majesty Qiankun is arbitrary..."
Zhu Di said: "You leave the regulations and I... will think about it for a moment or two."
For such a big matter, Zhang Anshi didn't expect to easily persuade Zhu Di.
After all...this thing is too powerful.
Not to mention the massive amounts of gold and silver, this self-contained system alone is unprecedented.
Zhang Anshi then said: "That minister takes his leave."
Wait until Zhang Anshi's leaving figure is no longer visible.
Zhu Di still looked at the charter, thoughtfully.
Yi Shiha stood aside, quietly without saying a word.
Zhu Di suddenly said: "Did you listen to what Zhang Qing just said?"
Yi Shiha then said: "My slave... I have listened to some of this."
Zhu Di glanced at him, leaned back on his chair, and said casually, "Let's talk about it."
Yi Shiha was stunned for a moment, but...he quickly understood Zhu Di's thoughts. His Majesty's temperament is like this. Once he thinks something is feasible, how can he ask other people's opinions?
But when he has something to worry about, he will ask the people around him.
Since His Majesty has concerns, Yishiha must of course follow His Majesty's thoughts and say, "I think...this matter...is a bit big."
Zhu Di only smiled, with something flashing in his eyes.
Yi Shiha knew for sure that His Majesty was obviously very concerned about this charter. This matter... was probably going to be dirty.
Immediately, he just smiled and did not continue.
…………
Zhang Anshi went directly back to his residence, and then stayed in the palace honestly.
After a few days, there was no news, but at this time, he felt quite worried.
According to Zhu Di's impatience, he raised this matter, but His Majesty did not make up his mind quickly, so... the probability of success in this matter is not high.
Zhang Anshi couldn't help but feel melancholy, maybe his work was in vain.
After all, the foundation of the Zhang family is in Xinzhou, but Ming Dynasty also has its own family business, not to mention the issue of whether the New Deal can be implemented. Every day from Jin Yiwei, I get various stories about how the people of the world suffered disasters and were displaced.
The news is enough to make people depressed.
Zhang Anshi is not a person who worries about the world first, but after all... he also knows the principle of achieving great things and benefiting the world.
What's more, he has been secretly planning this charter for a long time.
Now that I see no hope, I can't help but sigh.
On October 15th, Zhang Anshi simply taught his second son Zhang Changnian to settle accounts in the mansion.
This guy is only six years old and can already recite some poems.
It's a pity that he doesn't look very smart, as one plus one always equals three.
"How can you govern the world if you don't know how to settle accounts? In the future, the Zhang family's fortune will be defeated by you sooner or later."
Educating children is indeed the most energy-consuming and the most irritable thing. Even Zhang Anshi, who is so patient, is not immune to this.
Zhang Anshi cursed angrily, and Zhang Changnian shook his head, still looking not very smart.
Zhang Anshi was so angry that he angrily threatened to send this guy to Zhu Yong and Zhang Fu's family for discipline.
Zhang Changnian opened his eyes wide and remained calm.
Seeing that Zhang Changnian was not afraid, Zhang Anshi said angrily: "Just wait. When Qiu Song comes back, I will send you to Qiu Song."
As soon as he heard the word Qiu Song, Zhang Changnian became frightened and had tears in his eyes, ready to cry.
But at this moment, Zhang San came in a hurry and said: "Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Royal Highness is here, here is..."
After hearing this, Zhang Anshi opened his eyes slightly and said hurriedly, overjoyed: "This boy...why is he returning to Beijing at this time? Take this guy away quickly and punish him to copy arithmetic tables."
Zhang Anshi pointed at the youngest son in front of him with disgust.
Zhang San had no choice but to carry Zhang Changnian out quickly.
After a while, Zhu Zhanji came into the hall covered with dust and dust.
"Uncle." Zhu Zhanji has grown taller again and is almost as tall as Zhang Anshi. He is smiling and excited.
Zhang Anshi grabbed him, looked at him carefully, and said: "Oh, my uncle has been looking forward to you day and night. He doesn't think about food and tea, just because he is afraid that you will suffer misfortune outside. How...how did you come back to Beijing?
Well, didn’t His Majesty, after his dragon body was well, give you an edict, telling you to stay in your post without returning to the capital?"
"I don't know either." Zhu Zhanji said: "Suddenly there was an imperial edict telling me to return to the capital. I specially asked people to disembark at the pier in Qixia and come to see my uncle first. I will go to the palace early tomorrow morning to see him.
"
Zhang Anshi said casually: "Zhanji still has a conscience. I don't give you my heart and lungs in vain on weekdays."
After saying that, he had a look of emotion on his face, as if he was reminiscing about the past.
This is how people are. When people grow up, many memories of the past are inevitably cast under a beautiful filter. Zhu Zhanji couldn't help but be a little moved. It seemed that deep in his memory, there were always many uncles who cared for him in every possible way.
scene.
He smiled and said: "Uncle is not old yet, he has already started to be sentimental."
Zhang Anshi said: "You don't understand. My uncle... is very emotional. Come on, come on, sit down first, take a sip of tea, and take a look at you..."
While drinking tea and chatting, a full hour passed.
But at this moment, a eunuch came in a hurry, met Zhang Anshi and Zhu Zhanji, and said: "His Majesty ordered to summon Zhang Anshi, King of Song Dynasty, and His Royal Highness the Emperor and Grandson came to see him immediately. Your Majesty, your Majesty, has been waiting for the day for a long time, knowing that today the Emperor
His Highness Sun was about to come to the capital, but he was waiting around. Unable to wait, he guessed that the Emperor's grandson must have come to the Song Palace first. Sure enough... Your Majesty had guessed, so please invite your two Highnesses to come to the palace to see him quickly."
So the two of them looked at each other understandingly, and they did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly set off to enter the palace.
Zhang Anshi originally thought that Zhu Di should be summoned in the Wen Building or the Wu Building.
Who knew, he would be led to Chongwen Hall.
At this moment, Zhang Anshi felt strange.
When they entered the Chongwen Hall, they saw that Zhu Di had already been enthroned!
What surprised them even more was that they saw all the officials here.
These days, the Jin Yiwei is hunting down rebels everywhere, and many people have been affected. The number of officials has been reduced by 20 to 30%.
At this time, many people still have lingering fears. As survivors, now... everyone is much more honest.
As soon as Zhu Di saw the two of them coming, his eyes always stayed on Zhu Zhanji.
After all, this is the grandson he has not seen for a long time, and he is the grandson he loves the most.
Seeing Zhu Zhanji make a big salute with his own eyes and shouting long live, Zhu Di immediately laughed and said: "Okay, okay, no need to be polite! You kid, I'm calling you back to Beijing. If you don't come to see me first, why don't you go to see me first?"
The Song Prince's Mansion is running away."
Zhang Anshi hurriedly apologized and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this is not my idea. It is His Majesty the Emperor's grandson who made his own decision."
Zhu Zhanji: "..."
Zhu Di was also one of the stingy people. He waved his hand boldly and said: "I have called you here today for one thing only. I have read Zhang Qing's charter in detail. Our Ming Dynasty has been full of shortcomings so far, and now we should improve it."
It has been completely transformed! The so-called great destruction and great establishment are exactly like this. I deeply agree with Zhang Qing’s railway strategy!”
After a pause, Zhu Di continued: "From now on, in addition to the seven ministries of the imperial court, there will be a Ministry of Railways to oversee the construction of railways across the country. All affairs will be carried out in accordance with the regulations. The imperial court allocates money and food every year..."
After Zhang Anshi heard this, he was surprised at first, and then overjoyed.
He originally thought that this matter... was out of the question, but who knew that Your Majesty... was actually right again.
Suddenly, he remembered something. His Majesty suddenly summoned Zhu Zhanji back to the capital, probably for this reason.
Zhu Di said again: "It's just that... I also have concerns. This matter is of great importance. It is no longer as simple as a matter of national foundation. It can only succeed, not fail. Zhang Qing has recommended several candidates, but these people...
They are all ministers of the humerus, but I am still worried. After thinking about it, Zhang Qing should be the minister of the Ministry of Railways after all. As for the emperor's grandson Zhu Zhanji, he will be the left minister, and Yang Pu, the left minister of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
Appointed as Minister of Maritime Affairs."
The strange silence of the officials at this time may be because they have just been severely tempered by Zhu Di. Now whether he supports the New Deal or opposes the New Deal, they are still in a state of turmoil. At this time, who dares to talk?
Zhu Di continued: "It's just that the matter is so big that if I only serve as minister, I'm afraid I still won't be able to control the chief envoys. I've been thinking about it, and I think Zhang Qing should be appointed as a bachelor in Wenyuan Pavilion."
, of course, the chief responsibility is still the Minister. Zhang Qing... This is a heavy burden. If something goes wrong, I will only ask you."
Zhang Anshi: "..."
As a prince, Zhang Anshi actually wanted to step away from court affairs. After all, this was somewhat sensitive.
But now, he has been taught to join Wenyuan Pavilion and serve as the new minister. This is obviously... His Majesty intends to use him as a mule.
The good news is that this time Zhang Anshi can be regarded as a real high-ranking official, and not just as simple as being a prince.
Moreover, this new ministry has great authority. It can be said that it is almost a self-contained system. It directly has the power to compete with the three departments of each province in the thirteen provinces of the world.
But the bad news is...the greater the authority, the greater the responsibility. If you mess up, you may not even be able to clean yourself with the water of the Yangtze River.
What's more... this may inevitably become an excuse for others to criticize you.
After pondering for a while, Zhang Anshi said: "I... obey the decree and will do my best to die."
He didn't refuse, and he didn't play the trick of making three concessions or three concessions. He simply accepted.
At this time, all the officials looked at Zhang Anshi with strange eyes.
Zhu Di said: "Zhan Ji is my grandson. I appoint him as the minister. I not only want to help Zhang Qing, but also want to sharpen him! Zhan Ji, don't let the people of the world be disappointed."
He did not say not to disappoint me, but the people of the world. In fact, there was quite a sense of humor in his words.