At the beginning, he supported Zhang Anshi's large-scale opening of the sea, essentially because his brothers and sons were outside the vassal domain. With the help of this opening of the sea, he could not only support their actions in the Western Ocean, but also strengthen their control over it.
Therefore, Zhu Di had more thoughts about controlling his brothers and sons.
Of course, he is also prepared to earn money. Zhang Anshi will definitely earn money if he takes action. The key question is how much money he can earn.
In his mind, it would be great if he could increase his annual income by one million taels of silver.
Only now did Zhu Di realize that things were starting to get a little uneasy.
At this time, he looked at his grandson.
He waved to Zhu Zhanji and said, "In that case, why didn't your uncle come to report the situation at the customs?"
Zhu Zhanji said: "Your Majesty, Yu Qian is a smelly and tough person. He usually only cares about customs matters. My grandson heard that he doesn't want to make friends with anyone. Even my uncle, if it were anyone else...
I used to work in Chang Shi's Mansion, but now I am out to work on my own, so why wouldn't I go to see my uncle every now and then in the name of reporting to build a closer relationship?"
"But my grandson heard that he rarely even went to the county prince's palace. All the reports were said to be submitted to the customs until the customs made a general ledger. I think... my uncle may not know the inside story."
Zhu Di couldn't help but become a little interested and said: "Is there such a person in the world?"
In fact, Zhu Di saw a lot of unreasonable people. Many scholars were like this, pretending to be aloof.
But this kind of aloofness, with Zhu Di's knowledge, can actually be seen at a glance. It is just a name for himself, or to show his character.
It's just an act to cater to others and act like a gentleman!
But people like Yu Qian who immerse themselves in work while turning a deaf ear to others are rare.
I saw Zhu Zhanji continue: "This Yu Qian used to be a civil servant, but my uncle recruited him to the palace, first made him a secretary, and then suddenly granted him the power of customs. At first many people thought that,
This person lacks experience and is afraid that he will make a mistake. But he didn’t expect that the customs office was really planning to build it for him..."
Zhu Di raised an eyebrow: "Zhang Qing has his own method for employing people. You should learn more."
Zhu Zhanji said: "Yes, Sun Chen knows. In fact, Sun Chen is also learning how to employ people."
Zhu Di's interest became even more intense at this time: "Oh?"
Zhu Zhanji said: "It's like building a canal. There are hundreds or thousands of people below. Who knows how to build a river, who is good at driving strong men, and who is upright, can be used as logistics. Such people can only be selected.
With the right people in the right positions, my grandson can get twice the result with half the effort."
"But if you hire the wrong person, you will definitely be in trouble. Something will happen here today, and something will happen there tomorrow. In the end, all the trouble will fall on the grandson, and he will be very annoyed."
Zhu Zhanji paused and continued: "So in daily life, Sun'er has gradually learned to observe carefully when doing things. He looks at people's strengths and weaknesses. He doesn't show his emotions first. If he meets someone he thinks he can use,
, so I deliberately appointed him to take care of a small matter first, and if he can still handle it well, I will give him a big responsibility."
After Zhu Di heard this, he happily said: "My grandson is going to become a spirit."
After receiving the praise, Zhu Zhanji also became happy.
Zhu Di's mood suddenly became brighter and he dined with Zhu Zhanji. When Zhu Zhanji was about to leave, he showed a look of regret and gave him a few verbose instructions to teach him to take care of himself before letting him go.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty the Emperor and Grandson, you are very powerful." Yi Shiha said with a smile.
Zhu Di knocked on the imperial eucalyptus and said: "Any movement at the customs must be reported."
Yi Shiha said: "I obey the order."
Zhu Di added: "There is also Yu Qian, I need to pay attention to it."
"yes."
Zhu Di stood up, put his hands behind his back, and said, "There are tens of millions of taels of silver. There are so many levels in the Ming Dynasty, how many can earn so much money?"
Yi Shiha smiled and said, "This is the credit of His Highness the Prince of Wuhu County!"
Zhu Di nodded, and couldn't help but said depressedly: "Why didn't I think of it at the beginning?"
He shook his head but remained silent.
Whenever Zhu Di is concerned about anything, Yi Shiha can always quickly grasp the focus and gather a large amount of news at the same time.
Soon, all the eighteen generations of Yu Qian's ancestors were investigated.
"Your Majesty, a few days ago, Chengyang Marquis seems to have had a rift with the customs. In addition to that... there is also..."
Zhu Di just listened quietly.
After a long time: "Where are the customs accounts?"
"This..." Yishiha said with a look of shame on his face: "It's hard to say, people from Dongchang can't get into the customs. The people in this customs are all selected by Yu Qian, one by one
All……"
Without waiting for Yi Shiha to continue speaking, Zhu Di said: "Wine bags and rice bags."
He was also speechless when he lost his temper.
Zhu Di said: "This Yu Qian is really powerful. He built this customs house like an iron barrel, airtight! This guy... doesn't look like a scholar, but he looks like he was born in a royal guard."
Yi Shiha smiled awkwardly.
But Zhu Di's joke was not funny.
At this time, Yishi Haze said: "Your Majesty, these accounts should be released after the summer tax collection is completed."
The summer tax collected every year is a top priority.
Zhu Di only nodded, and then said: "It's time to take a closer look at summer taxes, customs duties... and the taxes of the eighteen provinces in the world."
Yi Shiha said: "But... I know that the current income of the eighteen provinces... this year should be quite a lot."
"Huh?" Zhu Di glanced at Yi Shiha.
"The Ministry of Household Affairs has issued a note and is urging all prefectures and counties across the country to collect money and grain...
.”
Zhu Di said: "What kind of fame is this?"
So Yi Shiha said: "Nowadays, the hearts of the provinces are unstable, and many people are spreading the new policies of the Taiping Prefecture. It's just because... the taxes paid are high, that's why Your Majesty supports the division of land."
Yishu paused for a moment and continued: "He also said that if this continues, sooner or later all the land in the world will be divided among His Highness the Prince of Wuhu. And Xiabu Tang... just takes advantage of His Highness the Prince of Wuhu,
I would like to warn all the prefectures and counties in the world not to do this thing of picking up sesame seeds and losing watermelons. You have to pay some taxes on hidden fields, and you can also levy some of the silver taxes that are usually hidden. I want to show you, Your Majesty.
Even if there is no distinction between places, it is still possible..."
When Zhu Di heard this, he couldn't help laughing: "Interesting, this is very interesting."
In the past, the gentry concealed their land and did not need to pay taxes on this land. After Zhang Anshi's New Deal, the land was divided, and the middlemen of the gentry and scholars were eliminated, so taxes increased greatly.
Now encouraging the gentry to pay money and grain is equivalent to borrowing Zhang Anshi's knife and putting it on everyone's neck, forcing everyone to make compromises.
If you don't compromise, Zhang Anshi will come to divide the land.
But if there is a compromise and taxes are increased significantly, maybe... everyone still has a glimmer of hope.
This was obviously some kind of expedient measure, but who would have thought that Zhang Anshi would become a trump card in Xia Yuanji's hand.
Zhu Di thought for a while and said, "I'm afraid these gentry may not be willing to listen, right?"
Yi Shiha said: "As far as I know, it is quite effective. The parents and officials in various prefectures and counties got the note from the Ministry of Household Affairs and took this opportunity to negotiate with the local gentry. Most of the gentry nodded and knew this."
For my sake, there is no other way. But...even though everyone nodded, but..."
"But when it falls on them, it becomes a different situation?" Zhu Di snorted coldly.
Yi Shiha smiled and said: "Absolutely...so some people made trouble, but it was still smooth."
Zhu Di nodded and said, "Xia Qing is quite capable."
Yi Shiha said: "I remember that a few days ago... Duke Xia has been teasing His Highness the Prince of Wuhu County."
Zhu Di raised his eyebrows: "Huh? Is there any?"
Yi Shiha said: "He always contradicts His Highness the Prince of Wuhu County. Every time... it's mostly like this. The more this happens, the more rude His Majesty and the Prince of Wuhu County become, so... they attack the scholars again. Ever since
When the gentry in the eighteen provinces and counties heard this, they were all frightened. Today is the time to purge the scholars in Taiping Prefecture, but one day, it may be their turn."
"But the gentry were afraid, but at the same time they were more convinced of Xia Gong. They all said... Xia Gong was speaking for them and racking his brains to preserve the seeds of scholars. For this reason, he really worked hard."
Yi Shiha said: "Because of this, the scholars and gentry in the world are both afraid and grateful for Duke Xia's kindness. Therefore, in the Ministry of Revenue, after Duke Xia issued the note, everyone was willing to accept it."
Zhu Di snorted coldly and said: "What the hell... crooked ways. The dignified Minister of the Ministry of Finance has crooked thoughts every day."
Yishiha thought for a while and said: "Xia Gong has no choice. He knows the benefits of the New Deal, but he also knows that the New Deal will hit the gentry like him the hardest. They are like little daughters-in-law, and it is difficult to have both ends. If he can't break it,
We can't make contingency changes. As the Minister of Household Affairs, I'm afraid he won't be able to survive for a day."
Zhu Di put his hands behind his back and felt that what he said was indeed reasonable. He nodded slightly and said, "Then let's wait and see what the final result of his expedient measure will be."
Yi Shiha said: "Yes, the slaves are also watching."
Yi Shiha couldn't help but feel lucky for himself at this time. He had known about Xia Yuanji's matter for a long time. Dongchang was not a vegetarian after all, but he had been suppressing the matter and was not in a hurry to report it immediately.
It's like shaking out a baggage. The baggage cannot be shaken out immediately, but has to wait.
When will you wait? You have to wait until a time when you are not doing well in things, and your Majesty gets angry and blames yourself for not doing things well. At this time, you can raise it appropriately.
This attracted His Majesty's attention and changed the topic.
At the same time, I also sorted out the doorways inside to give His Majesty the impression that I am quite capable.
Of course, the most important thing is that this matter also involves money and food. Your Majesty is getting old, and he doesn't care much about fighting and killing. But when it comes to money and food, he still has his original intention.
…………
to late September.
It was a hot summer day and Nanjing was so hot and humid that no one in the household was willing to stay in the small office room. Staying in the office room was like being in a furnace, which was really unbearable.
rise.
Everyone likes to crowd in the hall. There is a strong breeze in the hall. When the wind blows, you feel refreshed.
"Xia Gong, Hu Gong is here."
After receiving the report, Xia Yuanji immediately stood up and said, "Let's go and greet him."
But not long after he got up, before he had finished his hair, he saw Hu Guang, already wearing a cool shirt, walking in slowly.
Xia Yuanji greeted him.
Hu Guang smiled and said: "Mu Xiu is at home today and does not have to go to the palace to be on duty, but I am still a little worried, so I came here to see Duke Xia."
Hu Guang respected Xia Yuanji very much. Xia Yuanji was the Minister of Household Affairs and was his senior. Of course, they also had another level of identity, they were both from Jiangxi.
Xia Yuanji said at this time: "Mr. Hu, please sit down."
Hu Guangdao: "A few days ago, I went to Honglu Temple to meet Duke Xie, who is planning to return to Java. Alas... after so many years of friendship, I really can't bear to see him leave."
Xia Yuanji seemed to have thought of something at this time, his face was a little complicated, he hesitated for a moment, and then said: "This Jie Gong... seems to have some bad rumors."
Hu Guangdao: "I know what you want to say, and I have heard a little about those rumors. But I firmly believe that Jiegong is not that kind of person, and he will not murder his fellow villagers. These rumors, how can they deceive people into doing coolies?
Etc. It is probably because Mr. Jie offended too many people in the beginning, and now some people are taking this as revenge. Alas...the worst thing about the world is that three people become tigers, and the common words make gold."
Xia Yuanji said: "What did Duke Xie say?"
Hu Guang said calmly: "I only talked about old times, asked if my relatives were alive and well, and asked some about the situation in Jiangxi. Of course, I also said a few things... Although I am an official in the court, the current atmosphere is...
But I can’t say it well, like a cunning rabbit has three burrows.”
Xia Yuanji said: "Does he still want to invite your relatives to Java?"
Hu Guang shook his head and said: "You should also consider it for me. Jiegong always takes one step at a time and sees the next three steps in everything he does. Sometimes he is too worried."
Xia Yuanji: "..."
Hu Guang smiled and said: "Okay, enough gossip, have you calculated the money and food for each prefecture and county?"
Xia Yuanji said truthfully: "Still calculating."
"I wonder if Duke Xia's method is effective?" Hu Guang looked worried.
Some people in the court were completely confused about Xia Yuanji's so-called method, while others had probably guessed it but didn't say anything.
But no matter what they guessed or not, everyone kept silent. However, Xia Yuanji and others couldn't say it clearly, but they explained it to Hu Guang.
Hu Guang is such a person. In fact, there are not many people who are harmonious with each other, both inside and outside the court. However, everyone trusts Hu Guang. Yang Rong is willing to talk to him about personal matters, and Xia Yuanji is also willing to talk to him about his feelings.
Even His Majesty was quite indulgent to him occasionally.
Hu Guang, like Xia Yuanji, actually has complicated thoughts. Personally speaking, they hate the New Deal, and even say they are afraid of the New Deal.
But as a court minister, I have to admit that the New Deal solved many important issues for the court!
Especially for money and food, it is really useful.
Under this ambivalence, Xia Yuanji could be said to have tried his best.
So Xia Yuanji said: "Don't worry, Mr. Hu, the money and food in each prefecture and county will increase a lot this time."
Hu Guang's eyes lit up, he couldn't help but feel a little more excited, and said: "Really? Mr. Xia...this is what you said..."
"That's what I said." Xia Yuanji said: "Judging from the official documents handed over by many prefectures and counties, many hidden fields are now willing to accept grain. In addition...there is also a silver tax, which has also increased a lot.
"
Hu Guang's face calmed down and he said: "If this can be done, I will be relieved. From this point of view, to solve the problem of money and food, we do not necessarily have to rely on the New Deal. As long as the scholars and gentry in the world can understand the court, we can still solve the problem of money and food."
Serious trouble."
He couldn't help but stare at Xia Yuanji and said: "Xia Gong, tell the truth, can this growth exceed that of Taiping Prefecture or other prefectures in Zhili?"
Xia Yuanji pondered for a while and then said: "It's hard to say, but one thing is certain. It should not be far apart."
"Okay." Hu Guangda was overjoyed, and his face even suddenly became a little brighter, and he said happily: "I have said before that the New Deal is nothing great! What they can do, we can do too, haha... the Ministry of Household Affairs...
Bian, I have to ask Mr. Xia to take more trouble..."
After saying that, Hu Guang stood up and said: "As for me, I have to invite some officials and censors..."
Xia Yuanji said: "What is Hu Gong going to do?"
Hu Guang said happily and with a bit of pride: "The fragrance of wine is not as good as the alley. This time... if the taxes of the eighteen provinces can be greatly increased, of course everyone must prepare a memorial to announce the good news. In addition, there are also
We need to praise him, otherwise... Xia Gong's hard work will be in vain."
Xia Yuanji smiled slightly. He understood what Hu Guang meant. Hu Guang was well versed in the rules of the court.
Only by properly expressing and praising things like this can we create a great momentum.
In this way...the money and food for the imperial court were solved, and the gentry could breathe a sigh of relief.
So Xia Yuanji smiled and said, "Then I'll trouble Mr. Hu."
"It's time to thank Mr. Xia." Hu Guangdao: "If it wasn't Mr. Xia who worked so hard to support the overall situation, I'm afraid... well..."
The two looked at each other, quite moved.
The current situation is so difficult, especially for people like them who eat at home and sleep at home in the west. One can imagine the hardships involved.
The two agreed, and Hu Guang was about to leave.
But at this moment, a civil servant suddenly came in a hurry and said hurriedly: "Xia Gong, Xia Gong... Zhejiang Chief Envoy's money and grain have been calculated."
When Hu Guang heard this, he immediately took back the steps he had taken, paused, and then stopped.
Xia Yuanji was also a little anxious, so he said: "Get it."
But when the things were delivered, Xia Yuanji took a breath of cold air and looked solemn.
Hu Guang also came up, and both of them stared blankly at the pile of account books that was half a person tall.
Xia Yuanji finally couldn't stand it anymore and couldn't help but gritted his teeth and said: "I told them a hundred times but I still refused to listen. I taught them to use Taiping Mansion's method to convert money and food, but they turned a deaf ear."