When Zhu Di saw this, he couldn't help but sneered: "In this case, it is not convenient for you to speak freely in front of me, so let's discuss this matter carefully at the next court meeting. If everyone in Taiping Mansion did not use their lives, how could it be possible?
Do you have today’s achievements? Since Zhang Anshi, the most meritorious minister, everyone needs to describe their achievements..."
After a pause, Zhu Di added: "Just follow Jiang Xiu's narrative!"
Jiang Xiu’s standards…
Zhu Di immediately said: "What if otherwise, a mere Jiang Xiu was given such a generous reward, but the imperial court turned a blind eye to the people in the Taiping Mansion? Wouldn't it be like favoring one and favoring others? In the future, who else will be willing to serve the imperial court, sir?
It’s up to you to figure it out, I’ll finish it here!”
The last sentence was left: "The prince and Zhang Qing are here."
After saying that, he walked away.
The entire palace was left speechless.
Everyone looked at His Majesty's leaving figure and chewed His Majesty's words carefully. There were indeed many difficulties at the moment.
His Majesty himself did not directly issue the decree, but he pushed the matter of meritorious service to the heads of the officials. This clearly gave the officials a huge problem.
But Zhu Di had already walked away quickly. Obviously, he had more important things to take care of.
Zhang Anshi obediently supported the prince Zhu Gaochi and went to the Wenlou.
After only a few steps, Zhu Gaochi was out of breath, but he said with a smile on his face: "This Taiping Mansion is really second to none, but at this time... you must remember that the more this time, the more modest and cautious you must be."
Zhang Anshi nodded obediently.
But I heard Zhu Gaochi say with emotion: "Hey... why didn't I see you so smart when I was a kid?"
Zhang Anshi: "..."
The two of them talked in low voices all the way to the Wenlou.
When they walked in, they saw that Zhu Di was already sitting high in the literary building. After entering, the two of them quickly bowed politely.
Zhu Gaochi looked tired at this time. He was most afraid of walking. After all, his body was too heavy and he stayed in Chongwen Hall for more than an hour.
Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Gaochi, showing disappointment.
He is still satisfied with Zhu Gaochi. Facts have proved that this son is indeed a good heir. He is steady and decisive in his actions. Being gentle is not necessarily a bad thing. Although he has his own opinions on the governance of the world, he is at least a conservative king.
Not a problem, especially in terms of civil affairs, he is even much better than Zhu Di.
However, Zhu Di, who had spent his life in the military, still more or less disliked the image of such a weak body and a big belly, whether it was his own likes and dislikes, or Zhu Di's concern for his son's health.
Zhu Di had no choice but to turn a blind eye to Zhu Gaochi's embarrassment. He deliberately averted his eyes and looked at Zhang Anshi. He took a sip of tea and said, "This Taiping Mansion...how does it have so many taxes?"
Zhang Anshi didn't dare to tell the real reason.
As the only channel between the whole world and the countries all over the world, the entire Taiping Prefecture almost monopolized the trade between the Ming Dynasty and the whole world.
The tax system adopted by Zhang Anshi was not a simple head tax or land tax, but a value-added tax that targeted the production and circulation of commodities.
That is to say, taxes are levied directly at the source of production and circulation. This means that the commodities produced and distributed in Taiping Prefecture for the two capitals and eighteen provinces have all paid taxes to Taiping Prefecture.
On the surface, what Taiping Prefecture levies is nothing more than commercial taxes from Taiping Prefecture.
But in reality? It’s equal to the basic necessities of life for all soldiers and civilians in the two capitals and eighteen provinces! When they buy overseas goods, tariffs are levied by the Taiping Prefecture. And if they purchase goods from the Taiping Prefecture, a value-added tax has been levied.
In the long run, if the eighteen provinces do not carry out new policies, then... Taiping Prefecture's various commodities from overseas, as well as the goods produced and processed by Taiping Prefecture, will continue to be impacted by large-scale trade and production until they
The small-scale peasant economy was completely dismantled.
In this process, Taiping Mansion's taxes will continue to rise. The current 60 million taels of silver are actually just an appetizer.
After all, overseas trade has just begun, and with Taiping Prefecture possessing such a vast market as the eighteen provinces and overseas vassals, the benefits brought by industry and commerce will only continue to grow until the eighteen provinces are completely left behind.
until.
Zhang Anshi put on a serious look and said: "Your Majesty, I think there are three reasons for this."
Zhu Di said: "Let me hear it."
Zhang Anshi said: "First, most of the people in Taiping Mansion are law-abiding and everyone is content with their duties. In addition, the preparations for the establishment of the customs are a great success, which also means that Taiping Mansion's maritime trade strategy
On the right track, this
Second. As for the third one, which is also the most important, it is the result of your majesty’s strong support, so that everyone in the Taiping Mansion can produce and sell with peace of mind, and the military and civilians, etc., are the result of the hard work of everyone under your majesty’s love.”
Lan
After hearing this, Zhu Di frowned: "It's obviously two points, but you have to use me to make up the number. You don't have to show your merit for me. I just picked up one ready-made."
Zhang Anshi said quickly: "Your Majesty's words are wrong..."
Zhu Di frowned.
However, Zhang Anshi said very seriously: "Yin Shi's new policy has been very difficult. Your Majesty must be well aware of the resistance he has encountered. The civil and military officials will not say anything if they do not agree or even oppose it. There are also those gentry and scholars.
If one does not oppose it vigorously, one would like to see the New Deal stillborn."
"Not to mention them, even ordinary people, how many people can understand the New Deal? It is because of presiding over the New Deal over the years that I know today's achievements are hard-won. If it weren't for Your Majesty's ability,
Against all opinions, ignoring the opposition of countless people, and still supporting the minister to continue his work, how could we be here today?"
Zhu Di's face softened slightly. This time he could see that Zhang Anshi's words seemed to come from the sincerity.
However, he was frightened by Zhang Anshi's praise, and he still felt that this guy's skill had increased by a few percent, to the point where he couldn't tell the difference.
I saw Zhang Anshi continue: "That's why when I looked back, I felt lucky. I have something to say, I don't know whether I should say it or not."
Zhu Di nodded towards Zhang Anshi.
After obtaining Zhu Di's permission, Zhang Anshicai said: "I dare to think that if there is such resistance to the New Deal, if it were other emperors, even if they were willing to support it, how many would be able to support it? For example, Song Shenzong didn't also think about it.
The New Deal? But no matter how much we support it, won’t it end in vain?”
"It can be seen from this that if it were not for a hero like Taizu Gao or His Majesty, it would be absolutely impossible to implement this New Deal. The New Deal in the past has always taken away people's jobs and money from others, just like killing their parents.
Could it be that a mediocre monarch or an emperor whose prestige is not enough to intimidate a young emperor can succeed?"
"What I am thankful for is that Your Majesty is still in office. Otherwise, he would have died young!"
After Zhu Di heard this, he just smiled and said: "After saying so much, you are still saying good things about me. I think you are the first to do the credit, but you want to put this credit on my head. I tell you, I don't need to
For these contributions, what I want is money!”
It seems that the word "asking for money" is a bit too naked.
So Zhu Di added: "The most important thing is that only with money can I make the Ming Dynasty permanent."
"Yes, yes, yes." Zhang Anshi praised without hesitation: "Your Majesty's foresight is all for the sake of the eternal foundation of Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Di said: "There are nearly 60 million taels of silver. How much of it needs to be kept in Taiping Mansion for expenditure, and how much of it needs to be sent as internal funds. How much of it is left to your Zhang family. You need to get it from Taiping Mansion as soon as possible."
Come up with a number."
Zhang Anshi immediately understood what Zhu Di meant and said: "I will definitely get it done as soon as possible."
Zhu Di was very satisfied and said with a smile: "You don't have to worry about Taiping Mansion. No one can escape the credit of you and them. In the words of the merchant, they are called our business partners. Once the deal is done, then
It’s time for reciprocity.”
Zhang Anshi hurriedly said humbly: "Everyone in the Taiping Mansion is your Majesty's ministers. How can we talk about being partners? Your Majesty's words make me extremely frightened."
Zhu Di just smiled and said: "The world has changed. There is a new atmosphere. You don't have to be frightened. What are you afraid of?" Lan
After saying that, Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Gaochi: "This gentleman... is your brother-in-law. I am old..."
Zhu Gaochi hurriedly said: "Father, Emperor Long is in good health..."
Zhu Di waved his hand and said: "Don't say such useless words. I know that you and him are like brothers. There are some places where Zhang Qing is not as good as you, but there are also many places where you are far inferior to him. In the future, when many things cannot be decided,
We need to ask him to think of a solution, he has many thoughts and is full of nonsense."
Zhang Anshi: "..."
Is this a compliment or a smear?
Zhu Gaochi could only say: "Yes, I will obey my father's teachings."
Zhu Di sighed: "If one day, I really fail..." Lan
Zhu Gaochi was startled and was about to say something.
Zhu Di glared at him and then said: "You don't have to be frightened. It seems that Zhang Qing learned to be so careful and cautious from you. If you don't teach the good ones, you can just teach them the so-called ways of conducting themselves in the world."
These bullshit theories are of no use except
Apart from teaching people the art of wisdom and self-preservation that is needed to be a servant and a loser, you are of no use to the world. You are the prince and the crown prince, Zhang Qing is the royal relative, the humerus of the imperial court, and the burden of all the people of the world is to maintain you and others.
What’s the use of you guys learning these things?”
Zhu Gaochi hurriedly said: "Yes, I will die forever."
Zhu Di said: "I'm actually not worried about Zhang Qing. There is a saying that good people don't live long, and disasters live for thousands of years..."
When Zhu Di said this, he added: "Zhang Qing, I am not talking about you, I am just making an analogy."
Zhang Anshi smiled: "I understand."
But it’s still heartbreaking! Lan
Zhu Di then continued confidently: "But Prince... your body is too weak, not to mention you are so fat, and the inheritance of your ancestors is all on you. How can you carry such a heavy burden without a strong body?
"
As he spoke, Zhu Di's face turned cold: "I heard that parents of ordinary people all hope that their children and grandchildren will be healthy. In addition to my expectations for you to take on the great responsibilities of the country, I also hope that you will be strong, and
It’s not like this now…”
"A few days ago, I sent many eunuchs and palace maids to take care of your daily life and food. I was trying to think of ways to teach you to be stronger. But today, it seems that the effect is not good. Instead of getting better, you are even weaker.
, people are also getting fatter!”
Zhu Gaochi immediately realized that his father was condemning him.
His expression froze and he hurriedly said: "My godfather is so worried that I will die."
Zhu Di said with a cold face: "Isn't this ineffective? Or maybe you are stealing food every day?"
Zhu Gaochi was so frightened that he sweated profusely and said hurriedly: "My son... no... no... my son... has been trying his best these days. If my father doesn't believe it..." Lan
"Hey..." Looking at his son's trembling look, Zhu Di actually felt even more congested. He couldn't help but sigh quietly: "It seems like this is fate. Could it be that you were born like this? But the relationship between me and you
Queen Mother...is not like you."
Zhu Gaochi's face turned red for a moment, he was ashamed, and wanted to explain or say something.
But suddenly his vision went dark, his fat body swayed a few times, and he subconsciously raised his hand to touch his forehead, with a look of discomfort on his face.
Zhang Anshi saw this and quickly helped Zhu Gaochi.
Zhu Di's face changed slightly when he saw it, and he immediately shouted: "What's going on?"
With great difficulty, Zhu Gaochi calmed down and barely stood still. The dizziness slowly dissipated.
Zhu Gaochi said with a bit of weakness: "My son... My son is fine..." Lan
Zhu Di's face was livid, but he shouted: "Come here, Cui Qian is here!"
Cui Qian was one of the eunuchs in the East Palace responsible for taking care of Zhu Gaochi's daily life, and was personally appointed by Zhu Di.
At this time, Zhu Di gave an order. Cui Qian was originally going to enter the palace with Zhu Gaochi, so he was quickly summoned.
Cui Qian entered the Wen Building and bowed before bowing.
Zhu Di said angrily: "What's going on, Prince? How have you been doing these days?"
Cui Qian cautiously raised his head and glanced at the prince. He knew that as a human son, it was impossible for the prince to tell the truth to his majesty. If your majesty asked, the prince would definitely explain it by saying that his son was in good health.
Now that your Majesty asked about his head, how could he dare to deceive you? So he kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness... In these days, it is true that... I have gained another three kilograms and six taels. In addition to...
In addition... His Highness may be prone to dizziness these days due to his weak body. But fortunately... it is not serious, and he will recover after taking a while." Lan.
Zhu Di took a breath and his expression became more solemn.
This occasional dizziness is no small matter!
What's more, he had tried to make Zhu Gaochi lose weight before, but not only was it ineffective, but the situation seemed to be even worse.
Zhu Di frowned deeply, lowered his head slightly, squinted his eyes, and was worried.
As he got older, he became more and more concerned about the issue of heirs.
But the prince is like this, and the emperor's grandson is young... Zhu Di definitely doesn't want to see this.
Thinking of this, Zhu Di's eyes fell on Zhang Anshi: "Zhang Qing, look, does the prince have any illness?"
Zhang Anshi said: "I... I can't say for sure, but... I do know that people who are too obese are indeed prone to dizziness. This is because people are too obese, and human blood... How should I put this... um..."
"Insufficient energy and blood?" Zhu Di raised his eyebrows and asked.
Zhang Anshi thought for a while and said: "Well, it can probably be called insufficient qi and blood, so that the qi and blood cannot be supplied..."
Having said this, Zhang Anshi pointed to his brain and gestured: "I can't supply my brain, so I have dizziness! In addition to this, there are other diseases caused by being too fat. This is not the only one. If a person
It was fine when you were young, but once you get older, you will be plagued by all kinds of diseases..."
In fact, these diseases will not be a problem in future generations. As long as you go to the hospital for check-ups frequently and seek medical treatment in time, it is not a big deal.
But this was an era in ancient times when medical facilities were extremely scarce, so it was hard to say what happened. In history, Zhu Gaochi should have had a few years to live, which may have something to do with his obesity.
After Zhu Di heard this, he was not only worried but also furious.
Then he looked at Cui Qian and said, "I ordered you to take care of the prince's daily life. Is this how it is?"
Cui Qian trembled and said hurriedly: "I will die."
Zhu Gaochi couldn't bear it and said hurriedly: "Father, it's all my son's fault. It's my son's death that is the fault. Please don't blame him, father."
Zhu Di frowned and glanced at him and said: "Don't let your mother know about today's events. If she knows, I'm afraid she will be even more worried."
Zhu Gaochi quickly said yes.
Zhu Di looked at Zhang An Shidao again: "According to Zhang Qing, is the prince's situation serious?"
Zhang Anshi was an honest man. He thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, the most likely situation is...my brother-in-law may only have a few years to live."
After Zhu Di heard this, he was shocked.
Of course, Zhang Anshi didn't say this to scare Zhu Di, so he immediately said: "So the most urgent thing right now is to lose weight. As long as you lose weight and your body gradually becomes healthy, there is no need to worry."
"But he can make meat even if he drinks cold water." Zhu Di said eagerly.
Zhang Anshi thought for a moment and then said: "I am thinking that this is not the right method. I have seen my brother-in-law's daily life archives, and there are indeed big problems in it. Losing weight is indeed not easy. If you really make up your mind,
There may not be any way to lose the fat on your body.”
When Zhu Di heard this, his eyes lit up and he hurriedly said: "Zhang Qing has something to do?"
Zhang Anshi said truthfully: "We have to work out a charter first, but the process will indeed be a bit painful, and it requires full cooperation from my brother-in-law. If he doesn't cooperate, then he will have to use force..."
When Zhu Di heard this, he actually had an answer in his eyes.
So before Zhang Anshi could continue, he said with a sullen face: "Then use strong ones. No matter what method you use, you have to give it a try. You don't have to worry. Even if you fail, you will never be punished!"