The banquet has already been set up, and all the officials have taken their seats, waiting for Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong.
After making an excuse and taking a seat, Zhang Kentang had a conversation as usual, and then the banquet started. Sitting at the main table were Governor Zhang Kentang of Fujian, Chief Envoy Bao Hongjiu, Deputy General of Fujian Zheng Zhilong, and Staff General
Ding Yunyi and others. Ye Yuan, the prefect of Quanzhou, was also assigned to the main table because he was Ding Yunyi's brother-in-law.
Zhang Kentang asked about the situation of the bandits in the Central Plains, and couldn't help but sigh: "You and I are still in peace in Fujian, but there were a few rebels in the past few years, and they calmed down in more than a month, but the Central Plains is in such chaos
, these bandits are far more harmful to the court than pirates."
As soon as these words came out, those officials claimed that it was true.
"When the rogue bandits entered Anhui, it was as if they were entering an uninhabited country. Huoqiu, Yingzhou, and Fengyang were defeated one after another, and the imperial mausoleum was also damaged. This was a great shame for our court. Although the rogue bandits were fierce, the lack of military preparation in these places was also serious.
The important reason shows how important it is to rectify the local military preparedness." When Zhang Kentang said this, he changed the topic: "Although there are no rogue bandits in Fujian at the moment, we must be on guard against them. I have thought about it a lot and want to hold a drill to test each department.
What do you think?"
In fact, he was mainly asking Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong, but both of them remained silent.
Zhang Kentang smiled and said: "Our navy in Fujian is dominated by naval forces, and there are only two most powerful naval forces in Fujian. One is Deputy General Zheng's and the other is General Ding. What I mean is that Deputy General Zheng's navy
Mainly, with General Ding Shen's navy as the auxiliary. I wonder what you two think?"
Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong looked at each other, and they understood Zhang Kentang's thoughts very clearly.
The imperial court put Zheng Zhilong in charge of the Fujian Navy, but did not clearly state whether the Huben Guards, who were personally appointed by the emperor, would be under his control. Zhang Kentang put Zheng Zhilong's navy in charge, just to deliberately provoke conflicts between the two.
But he never expected that these two former rivals had already formed an alliance before arriving.
Zheng Zhilong coughed dryly: "What Fu Shuai said must be done, but my navy is indeed in some difficulties at the moment. The pirates at sea seem to be rampant recently. Therefore, most of the ships are patrolling, and I am afraid that they will not be able to assemble for a while.
What I mean is, let’s wait until next year.”
Kentang Zhang was a little unhappy. He turned his attention to Ding Yunyi. Ding Yunyi also said: "I have been away from Taiwan for a long time, and I really don't know what is going on with the Huben Guards Navy at the moment. I mean we will talk about it next year. Furthermore, in the blink of an eye, this year
It's over now, I don't mind waiting a little longer if I want to come to Fushuai."
Kentang Zhang didn't expect that the two people's answers were exactly the same. He was silent at the moment, picked up the wine glass and took a sip.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, the chief envoy Bao Hongjiu said hurriedly: "Next year, next year, today we welcome General Ding Shen. Come, come, everyone has a drink."
Zhang Kentang cursed an idiot in his stomach and reluctantly raised the cup to drink. Ye Yuan, who was opposite him, had his eyes rolling around and didn't know what he was thinking about.
Zhang Kentang put down his cup: "General Ding Shen, today is a happy day. There are some things that I shouldn't have said today, but after you return to Taiwan, these things should be taken care of, and I have to say them."
"Please give me your instructions, Commander-in-Chief." Ding Yunyi said respectfully.
Zhang Kentang nodded: "General Ding Shen, I heard that after you arrived in Taiwan, you greatly reduced the local taxes. This is good to win the hearts of the people. But what about the court taxes? You still have to pay them.
. This year Fujian will have to hand over not a penny less than a tael of silver. The imperial court is also using troops at the border and suppressing bandits in the Central Plains, so it is counting on this small amount of money handed over from various places. In the past, Taiwan was stolen by the red barbarians, so it was not necessary to levy it.
But now Taiwan belongs to the Ming Dynasty. Ding Shen will control Taiwan and Penghu is a priority, and he always knows how much money he has to hand over."
Ding Yunyi cursed in his heart. He had worked hard to regain Taiwan and was dedicated to reducing taxes on the people, hoping that they could survive the disaster years safely. However, he did not expect that on the level of court taxation, Kentang Zhang openly raised the issue and moved the court's big hat.
What should I do if I come out?
Ding Yunyi suddenly stood up: "Commander Fu, Yunyi is brave and willing to plead for the people of Taiwan!"
"Please give me your life? What kind of life are you asking for?" Kentang Zhang asked slowly.
Ding Yunyi couldn't control that much anymore: "Returning to Fushuai, since the Hongyi people stole the country, the people in Taiwan have been in dire straits, and the people have been helpless and helpless. The harvests have failed year after year, which has made Taiwan even worse. Now the Taiwanese people don't even have money to eat.
Where can I pay the taxes? Yun Yi begged the commander-in-chief to spare them money! In this way, the people will surely be grateful for the kindness of the commander-in-chief and the court. This is what Yun Yi said from the bottom of his heart."
Zhang Kentang knew that what Ding Yunyi said was all the truth. If this incident between Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong had not happened, it goes without saying that Ding Yunyi would have tried his best to be exempted from taxes even if he lost his black yarn, but there is no way now. The stability of Fujian is relatively
Everything must be important.
Zhang Kentang had a straight face: "Ding Yunyi, I know that you have made great achievements in the Central Plains and are highly regarded by the Holy One, but does this mean that you can do whatever you want? Taiwan is difficult? Isn't the imperial court more difficult than Taiwan? You don't know, then
Let me tell you! This year the imperial court is expected to have an annual income of 12.8 million taels, and it is expected to spend 12.1 million taels! Will there be any savings after paying it back? It can save 700,000 taels of silver. But you don't
You know, the imperial court has to repay the owed border taxes this year! Do you know how much border taxes the imperial court has owed over the years?"
All the officials were silent, and Zhang Kentang said slowly: "Up to now, after years of arrears, the imperial court owes 6,819,029 taels only for side payments! The amount of money saved by the imperial court is not even a tael.
It’s not even a fraction! The court has exhausted all ways to get money, but there is still such a huge deficit. Tell me, what should the court do if it even defaults on taxes?”
"When the tax was formulated, Taiwan was not included in the calculation." After Zhang Kentang finished venting, Ding Yunyi said calmly: "Taiwan has just paid the money that should be paid to Hongyi, and suddenly it has to pay money to the court. Is it possible?
Are they really allowed to sell their sons, daughters, and land? When it comes to taxation, Ding Yunyi has something to say. Taiwan is different from other places."
He paused and continued: "In the forty-sixth year of Wanli, when Nurhaci rebelled against the Ming Dynasty, the court's Liao salary increased sharply by 3 million taels. Therefore, the tax per mu increased by 3.5 cents, and the world's tax increased by more than 2 million. The following year it was increased again
Three centimeters and five cents. The following year, the Second Ministry of Military Industry asked for an additional two centimeters. After nine centimeters were passed, an additional tax of 5.2 million was added. In the third year of Chongzhen, another three centimeters were added to each acre beyond the nine centimeters.
They also levy 'assistance rates' and 'training rates'. But even if all taxes are added up, they are only 20% of the people's income. Normally, the people can afford it. But what about Taiwan?"
He glanced at the officials: "It's not that we don't know about the bitter cold in Taiwan. People have been cultivating fields for a year, and God doesn't help them. They can't even fill their own stomachs. The taxes levied by Hongyi have exceeded 50% of the people's income.
Above, now that the imperial court is levying taxes again, will the people of Taiwan still have a way to survive? Are they going to have another uprising in Taiwan after the Central Plains bandits?"
As soon as these words came out, all the officials were shocked and their eyes fell on Zhang Kentang.
I only expected that the governor would be furious. But I didn't expect that Zhang Kentang said nothing. After a while, he cast his eyes on Zheng Zhilong: "Vice General Zheng, you are familiar with Taiwan, what do you think?"
"General Ding Shen is right." Zheng Zhilong's words surprised everyone. He once again sided with Ding Yunyi: "Zheng Zhilong mobilized the people from the mainland twice to move to Taiwan, giving them three taels of silver and one cow. But now
As far as Zheng Zhilong knew, the tens of thousands of people who had moved there had already run out of money, and their cattle were gone. Where did they go? Sold! Cattle are the life of farmers. Unless they reach the point where they really can’t survive, who would give up their cattle?
Sell it? Taiwan, I really can’t survive.”
Ding Yunyi simply showed his courage: "Spring is coming in a blink of an eye, and Taiwan is facing another disaster year. In order to reassure the people of Taiwan, Ding Yunyi decided to allocate food for disaster relief before going to the Central Plains. But where can we get the food? What to do with such a huge gap?
?It’s nothing more than me, Ding Yunyi, who lost everything and sold his house and wife. I don’t want help from Fujian. I know it’s just as difficult in Fujian. I’ll find a way on my own, but suddenly there’s a tax? I’ve sold all the cattle, what else can I sell? Fushuai,
It’s not that I don’t listen to you, and it’s not that I don’t know the difficulties of the court, but you have to give me time and wait for the people to calm down and come here!”
This time it was strange, and the officials thought to themselves how Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong actually got along with each other today, speaking as if they were wearing the same pair of pants.
Kentang Zhang did not find it strange that Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong, two people who were so at odds with each other, described exactly the same situation in Taiwan. It was thought that Taiwan had reached the point where it was unsustainable.
I tried to figure out the imperial court's thoughts and let Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong continue to be hostile to each other. It seems that I used it at the wrong time this time. Maybe I made a mistake.
Thinking of this, he raised his head and said, "Everyone, the wine has been served and the dishes have been served. You all have to take care of the place, so please disperse first. Ding Yunyi stays here. I have something to ask you."
It was never thought of a good banquet ending so unhappy.
After the officials dispersed, Zhang Kentang asked: "Xiang Wen, is the situation in Taiwan really as bad as you said?"
"We can no longer use the word bad." Ding Yunyi nodded and said, "Commander Fu also heard what Zheng Zhilong said just now. After Ding Yunyi went to the Central Plains, why didn't Zheng Zhilong take action against Taiwan? Because he knew that Taiwan could not hold on anymore and no one would come.
Take over this mess. Fushuai, you must not impose taxes, otherwise Taiwan will rebel!"
Kentang Zhang's eyes twitched: "I planned to hold a banquet for you, but I didn't think carefully about it, and you were wronged."
"Ding Yunyi is not wronged." Ding Yunyi said loudly: "The main thing is to allow Taiwan to spend a few years in peace and recover its strength. Ding Yunyi is willing to accept no matter how great the grievance is."
Kentang Zhang nodded slightly: "I understand, the taxation issue is postponed, you can go back to Taiwan first."
Ding Yunyi walked out. He knew that Zhang Kentang was not targeting him this time. It was just his own anxiety that made the atmosphere become like this.
Kentang Chang is a good official. After learning the true situation in Taiwan, he will not be stubborn.
As soon as he went out, he saw that Ye Yuan was waiting for him and wanted to talk. Ye Yuan had already nodded in front of him: "Let's talk as we walk."
The two got on the horse and walked for a while. Ye Yuanxian finally said, "Xiang Wen, have you reached an agreement with Zheng Zhilong?"
He is an old man, and he can tell at a glance that the relationship between Ding Yunyi and Zheng Zhilong has changed.
Ding Yunyi nodded and briefly explained the alliance with Zheng Zhilong.
"It's good to buy you five years in this way." Ye Yuan had no objection to the alliance at first: "But Zheng Zhilong spoke for you like this on the Taiwan issue because he received a tip that Taiwan will have another disaster year next year.
I really don’t want to go to Taiwan at this time and waste my money.”
Only then did Ding Yunyi realize that what he originally said, "Why doesn't Zheng Zhilong take action against Taiwan? Because he knows that Taiwan can't hold on any longer and no one is willing to take over this mess." It turned out to be a prophecy. No wonder Zheng Zhilong was so capable when he formed an alliance with him.
Feel free to let Taiwan go.
His abacus was good, and he was put in charge of that random stall in Taiwan, throwing away money, while he watched the good show on the side, and seemed to have given Ding Yunyi a lot of face.
When Taiwan's strength recovers and the five-year alliance between them expires, it will not be too late to take action at that time.
The thoughts of these people are really deeper than the last, and you will fall into their trap if you are not careful.
Ding Yunyi temporarily put these thoughts behind him: "Brother-in-law, what is the real situation in Taiwan now?"
Ye Yuan was a little excited at first: "Since you left, all the generals have stuck to their guns. Qin Yun and Su Yang Qiuyuan each visited Taiwan and spread your reputation to other places. At the same time, Su Yang Qiuyuan also actively carried out self-rescue before the disaster, and achieved some results.
.As for the unfavorable situations that reached Zheng Zhilong’s ears, they were all deliberately spread by Su Yang Qiuyuan. This man is very capable."
Ding Yunyi smiled with satisfaction, and Ye Yuan continued: "The maritime trade with Luzon is also going very smoothly, and there is a lot of money. They say that there is no business with Luzon. In fact, the dry silk people there are waiting for me, the Ming Dynasty Merchant Ship, etc."
Their eyes are red. Now that someone has arrived in Luzon, how can they not treat it as a treasure? Therefore, they will accept all the goods sent from Taiwan."
"Okay, very good." Ding Yunyi was overjoyed: "As long as the road to maritime trade is smooth, there will be a lot of money to be made, and everything will be easy to handle if you have money!"
I couldn't finish talking about Taiwan at the moment, so I had better go back to Taiwan and see it with my own eyes. Ding Yunyi thought about it and told him about marrying his wife in Suzhou.
When Ye Yuan heard this, he nodded repeatedly: "Okay, okay, I have known about the Deng family for a long time. It is a famous Confucian family, and it is a perfect match for the Ding family. You did the right thing.".rt