Chapter 146 The officials were furious! They never agreed! Gu Yan angrily scolded Xu Qing
night, result
News from the imperial court.
It spread throughout Wei Kyoto almost instantly.
The people began to discuss various things.
"Let businessmen serve as officials? Isn't this the most ridiculous thing in the world? This is impossible!"
"Yes, these businessmen are all cannibals. If they become officials, our people will suffer even more."
"It's absolutely impossible. It's unacceptable for a businessman to be an official. We absolutely cannot agree to it."
"Why should major academies give priority to admission? What will happen to me and other descendants of poor people?"
"Yes, all major academies give priority to admission, but this is not enough."
"I don't know who came up with such a bad idea."
"I guess it was suggested by the Ministry of Finance, right?"
"Master Xu has full responsibility. Wasn't it the one who proposed it?"
"I didn't expect Mr. Xu to collude with businessmen?"
When the people discussed it, their first reaction was not to agree, and they firmly refused to agree. They already hated merchants, and now they would be unhappy if they gave them official positions.
So I was extremely opposed to it, and even tried to find out who came up with this bad idea.
Some people secretly said that it was promoted by Xu Qingxiao, with various rhythms, hoping to make people insult Xu Qingxiao.
But as soon as he finished speaking, the people came back to their senses.
"You damn fart, this can't be promoted by Mr. Xu."
"That's it, how could it be introduced by Mr. Xu? What Mr. Xu hates the most is these businessmen."
"Yes, yes, it is absolutely impossible for Master Xu to do it."
The people simply did not believe that this was promoted by Xu Qingxiao.
But the next moment, as the announcement was posted, it was confirmed that Xu Qingxiao was responsible.
"Look, I said it was Xu Qingxiao."
"Yes, it's Xu Qingxiao."
"I didn't expect that he would actually collude with businessmen."
Someone spoke up and accused Xu Qingxiao.
But immediately the voices of the people sounded again.
"You damn farts. Mr. Xu is taking the blame. How could he do such a thing? You are so stupid. Mr. Xu has offended so many people. There is obviously someone behind this matter who wants to take advantage of the opportunity to mess with Mr. Xu.
"
"Everyone, please don't be fooled. We people all know who Mr. Xu is."
Someone shouted loudly to support Xu Qingxiao, and this statement instantly received a large amount of support.
"That's right, that's right, Mr. Xu can't be this kind of person."
"That's right. Mr. Xu is an honest official. How could he do such a thing?"
"I'm still wondering, Mr. Xu has done so many things and offended so many people, why no one bothers Mr. Xu. It turns out that Mr. Xu is here waiting for him."
"Everyone, let's not be fooled. Let's just wait and see what happens. I feel like someone wants to take this opportunity to make us hate Mr. Xu. Let's speak with our conscience. Mr. Xu is dedicated to the people, will he harm us people?"
"Yes, let's talk about this waterwheel project. I made a special trip to Nanyu Prefecture. There used to be a lot of wasteland in Nanyu Prefecture, but now they are all used. The water source is sufficient. Now Master Xu wants to produce in large quantities, but there are some treacherous officials.
We don’t want to see our Wei Dynasty prosper and collude with enemy countries, so we can’t be fooled.”
"Support Mr. Xu, don't talk nonsense, ask yourself, how many great Confucian scholars speak for the people? Mr. Xu speaks for the people. If we misunderstand Mr. Xu and are fooled, then we are all sinners."
What I have to say is that Xu Qingxiao's public opinion in Kyoto is simply overwhelming. As long as it is something Xu Qingxiao does, the people unconditionally support and believe it. But if someone slanders Mr. Xu, they will never allow it.
Whoever said Mr. Xu was not good just wanted to harm Xu Qingxiao.
Suddenly, some people secretly felt very complicated. They wanted to lead Xu Qingxiao's rhythm and make the people despise him, but they found that it didn't work at all.
As long as you say something bad about Xu Qingxiao, a group of people will immediately come to trouble you.
How can we play this? It’s totally out of the question.
The discussions among the people basically fell into an endless loop.
event occurs
Is it Xu Qingxiao?
Yes or no?
No? Then curse him to death.
Are you lying? There is something wrong with you. Come here, this guy dares to insult me, Mr. Xu. My fellow citizens, catch this guy and send him to the Yamen of the Ministry of Punishment. He dares to slander the imperial official.
Those are the two results.
Many people are tired. They spend their days spreading rumors and taking the lead without any pressure at all.
But when it was Xu Qingxiao's turn to spread rumors, everyone was confused. Even if it was Xu Qingxiao's job, they wouldn't take it. It's not that they are not brave enough, it's mainly because these people are really capable of arresting people.
Who can withstand this?
And at the same time.
There were also many voices in the capital of the Wei Dynasty.
In the secret room.
King Huaining and three others were sitting there. King Zhenxi had already gone back. He was the vassal king and could not stay in Kyoto for a long time.
"Xu Qingxiao is really stupid. He even opened up an official career path for businessmen and wanted to sell his official position to make money. How can a person like him be hailed as an eternal genius? A three-year-old child can't come up with such an idea, right? What's even more ridiculous is that
, Hunjun actually agreed to it, how ridiculous.”
"Well, Xu Qingxiao earned money by selling her official position to make up for the shortage of money for the water tanker project. The fact that the fool agreed is enough to prove that she is a fool."
The two of them spoke and sneered in turn.
But Prince Huaining did not smile, but frowned.
"This foolish king would rather sell his official position than promote the waterwheel project. Aren't you vigilant yet?"
Prince Huaining said this.
He was still thinking about the waterwheel project. The Wei Dynasty created an eternal legend and openly sold officials to businessmen. If this spread, it would be simply embarrassing.
The Empress is not stupid, but she insists on doing this, which proves that the Empress cares deeply about this waterwheel project.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be like this.
Selling an official position? This is simply a big joke. When the Wei Dynasty was poor, Emperor Wu failed in the Northern Expedition and the country was extremely poor, so he never thought of selling his official position.
In the end, the empress actually agreed. Although she said that she would not give power to businessmen, in the final analysis, she still sold her official position.
What's even more incredible is that the empress actually allows the descendants of businessmen to be given priority in admission to major academies. This can definitely arouse public outrage.
The common people were already miserable and hoped to cultivate a descendant who could make a comeback by studying. As a result, descendants of businessmen were given priority in admission. Major academies had a limited number of students admitted.
How can the people not be angry if you give such priority again?
"King Huaining, we all understand what you are saying, but the problem is, once this matter is completed, there are countless businessmen in the world who are willing to give money. If they can't afford ten million taels, how can they not afford ten thousand taels?
?How to stop this?"
"Yes, this fool is almost certain to win the waterwheel project. What can we do? Is it possible to stop her?"
"The sale of official positions involves the country, the country, and may even shake the country's foundation. It is a good thing for us, and I do not agree to stop it."
The two of them were a little curious and looked at Prince Huaining.
It's not that they don't understand, it's that they know that the waterwheel project did help Wei, but so what? Now that the empress is selling her official position publicly, what can they do?
You said stop it, but how to stop it? The Empress of Wei made a mistake on her own initiative, you can't possibly remind her, right?
So what did they become?
Brother, we are going to rebel. We wish the empress would be more stupid. Now that someone is making mistakes on their own initiative, and you are going to remind them, aren’t you sick?
The two of them answered like this, and Prince Huaining couldn't help but think deeply.
Indeed, the most troublesome thing about the waterwheel incident now is the silver issue, but the empress of Wei actually did a stupid thing and wanted to sell her official position.
For civil and military officials, this is not a good thing.
But for them, it's a good thing.
Don't want to stop it.
But if they don't stop it, the waterwheel project will inevitably be implemented. This is a dilemma and a headache for them.
Prince Huaining remained silent.
He glanced at the two of them and knew their inner thoughts in an instant.
Obviously, they were eager for something to happen to the Empress and made this wrong move.
But he knew better than anyone else that the waterwheel project would never be implemented, so there was no way he would let the empress make this move.
Although he hoped in his heart, he didn't want it to be at this time, nor for this reason.
But he didn't continue to speak.
The reason is also very simple, because it is impossible for the six ministries to agree, and it is impossible for the generals to agree.
In a word, why do you agree? Let businessmen have official positions? Can they stand it? Can military generals stand it?
Especially for the Confucian scholars in the Wen Palace of the Great Wei Dynasty, to be honest, there are not enough places for admission to the academy every year, so they still give priority to the descendants of these businessmen? Isn't this the most ridiculous thing in the world?
The imperial examination itself strictly prohibits cheating, and this kind of backdoor thing is even more prohibited.
Will those great scholars agree? If they agree, will they still dare to call themselves great scholars?
So he kept silent because this matter was simply impossible and he was not panicked at all.
So what if Xu Qingxiao comes forward?
No matter how good the relationship is, it is impossible to get all the civil and military officials, including the Confucian officials of the Wei Dynasty, to agree honestly.
What to promise?
Thinking of this, Prince Huaining spoke.
"Okay, if that's the case, let's just wait and see what happens."
There was no need to waste time on something that was impossible to do, so he got up and left directly.
The other two nodded, said nothing more, and gradually left.
And the Great Wei Kyoto.
The officials who had returned were talking a lot. The six ministers were still in the palace. They were role models for all officials in the world and could not leave.
Some of the princes also stayed, and only a few came back to spread the news.
The dignitaries of the Wei Dynasty also frowned a little this time.
I know that the Wei Dynasty is facing a lot of troubles now, and I also know that His Majesty wants to promote the waterwheel project.
But the question is, is there no need to do this? Buying and selling officials? If word of this spreads, how will the Wei Dynasty behave in the future?
People all over the world are discussing this matter and are extremely resistant.
This matter is a headache for the powerful.
Because the empress's attitude was very obvious, she was too decisive, and the officials' attitude was also very obvious, they just refused to agree.
It can be said that a shocking storm is about to happen, and there may even be bloodshed in the Great Wei Chaotang.
If the empress continues to insist on her own way, someone will definitely be bloodied and forced to die.
If something like this really happened, it would be a huge stain on the empress's reign.
However.
For businessmen all over the world, especially the eight major businessmen, they were in an uproar after hearing the news.
The conditions offered by the imperial court were too tempting.
Within the Shanxi merchant clan.
Dozens of clan elders and big shopkeepers from all over the place gathered.
They rushed back to the clan as quickly as possible, even using things like the Immortal Teleportation Array, just to get back as soon as possible.
Inside the synagogue.
An old man was holding a dragon-headed walking stick. He had disheveled hair and looked like a lion, with a strong aura.
"Meet the clan leader!"
"Meet the clan leader!"
Everyone who entered the hall bowed deeply to the old man. This man was the leader of the Shanxi merchants. It can be said that the entire Shanxi merchants basically obeyed him and had absolute control.
After the twenty-seventh person entered, the old man spoke out.
"Half an hour ago, news came from the capital of the Great Wei Dynasty that His Majesty opened the way for officials and merchants to give official status to merchants."
"You should have known about it on the way, right?"
When the clan leader spoke, he did not appear particularly excited or agitated, but spoke extremely calmly.
"We'll find out later."
"Got it."
"Chief, how do you plan to deal with it?"
Everyone nodded, and at the same time they were a little curious and wanted to ask the clan leader what his plan was.
"The imperial court gave official positions, which has never happened before in ancient times."
"If it's just a false name, it doesn't matter, but this time, I see through the root of it."
"Your Majesty wants to integrate the world's chambers of commerce. From now on, there will be no such thing as the Eight Great Chambers of Commerce. There will only be one Great Wei Chamber of Commerce. At that time, many things will be decided by the imperial court, and we cannot be so casual."
The patriarch of the Shanxi merchants was very smart. He knew in an instant that this was a way to integrate the world's chambers of commerce, and it was not just a matter of lack of silver.
As soon as these words were said, everyone couldn't help but frown. They were the big shopkeepers and several clan elders from various places. They were all human beings. They figured out the problem in an instant.
"If that's the case, then I'd better not participate."
"Yes, we are not under the control of the imperial court now, but if we join the Wei Chamber of Commerce, we will have to obey the imperial court in the future and put ourselves in shackles for no reason. Isn't this asking for trouble?"
"Well, that's what I think too. It's better not to participate and you don't need these benefits."
Everyone opened their mouths. Since they knew this was a pit, they stopped jumping in and stayed away.
However, the leader of the Shanxi Shang clan shook his head and sighed.
"If you can stay away, I won't let you come here."
"This is a conspiracy, a huge conspiracy."
"The move of the Wei Dynasty is not aimed at our eight merchants, but against all the merchants in the world. Together, the eight merchants and us are as rich as the enemy. We really do not need the small favors of the Wei Dynasty."
"But businessmen all over the world need it. Just the priority admission to academies in various places is enough for countless small businessmen to join."
"And all cooperation with local governments will be given priority to facilitate their business. I'm afraid that in a few years, these small businessmen will make a lot of money."
"But these are not problems. Even if you are given an official position or a title, it is not a problem. The problem is that all the merchants in the world have joined the Wei Chamber of Commerce."
"The Great Wei Chamber of Commerce is the first chamber of commerce. The eight major merchants combined can compete at most 50-50, but there is a fatal problem."
"Once any of the eight major merchants is ordered to stay, the blow to us will be fatal. Don't you understand?"
He spoke out and analyzed the whole thing.
Yes, the favors given by the court, priority in business, admission to academies, official status and titles.
In the eyes of the eight great merchants, these things are all imaginary, even extremely imaginary.
They can earn money without the help of the court, and they can hire teachers from the four major academies to teach their descendants without the help of the court. As for official status and titles, they are all empty.
Why do you want this? The dignified leader of the Jin Shang clan is no match for an earl. No match for a marquis?
This is obviously impossible.
But what really made him feel the crisis was the destruction of balance.
The eight major merchants occupy half of the country, and all the small merchants can occupy half of the country if they gather together. If everyone competes, it will be okay. It is just a little conflict in business, but at least they are free.
But what should I do if one of the eight great merchants is ordered to live in peace?
"The clan leaders are both members of the Eighth Shang Dynasty. Logically speaking, they should share the same hatred and hatred, and they understand this right? Why are they willing to join the official businessmen?"
Someone frowned and couldn't help but say this.
But when the words were spoken, the clan leader snorted coldly.
"It's the nature of stupid businessmen to pursue profit. They are indeed unwilling to accept the imperial edict, but if the imperial court asks them to help them annex us, do you think they will agree?"
"Find the eighth and seventh chambers of commerce and ask them to annex the above six to make them the first and second chambers of commerce. Do you think they are willing?"
The leader of the Shanxi Shang clan spoke directly and reprimanded.
When the latter heard this, he immediately shut up.
As for other people's faces, they also became ugly.
Indeed, the eight major merchants can compete with the World Chamber of Commerce, but the problem is that you cannot prevent others from surrendering. It is not impossible for your teammates to cooperate with the imperial court and annex themselves.
After all, the person who knows you best must be your enemy.
The eight major merchants all know what dirty things the other has done. If they really want to fight each other, how can they not be able to defeat them with the support of the imperial court?
Once it becomes a climate, it will be a disaster for them.
"What does the patriarch mean?"
A clan elder spoke up and asked with a frown.
"I have already drafted two letters, and handed one to the other seven merchants, asking them to wait and see what happens, and not to join the Wei Chamber of Commerce yet. Whether they listen or not is up to them."
"The second letter has been sent to Xu Qingxiao. We Shanxi merchants must join, and I have prepared ten million taels of silver to buy my grandson a first-class position."
"Since you join the Wei Chamber of Commerce, you must have a place. There are six positions. Excluding Xu Qingxiao, there are still five positions left. This means that no matter what, the three major chambers of commerce will be kicked out."
"As long as we occupy a position, although we are restrained by others, it is nothing more than entering from one pit to another. Although Xu Qingxiao is arrogant, he also understands the situation. He does not dare to attack us easily."
"Otherwise, what will the world's merchants think of him? We can take advantage of this opportunity and take the initiative. By then, this Great Wei Chamber of Commerce will most likely become our Shanxi merchants' chamber of commerce."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is possible that we will encounter a crisis, but it is also possible that the Shanxi Chamber of Commerce will truly become the number one merchant in the world."
"What do you think?"
The Shanxi merchants gave a lengthy analysis and expressed their thoughts.
He wants to join the Great Wei Chamber of Commerce. Not only does he want to join the Great Wei Chamber of Commerce, he also wants to win the first rank.
He has a long-term view. This Great Wei Chamber of Commerce will inevitably cause an influx of merchants from all over the world. If he wins the first rank position, he will be qualified to negotiate.
Once it's ready to be served, it's all easy to say, it's just a roundabout way of switching to another person.
But if this opportunity is lost and other chambers of commerce take over, it will be even more troublesome.
Five locations, eight major chambers of commerce.
This alone actually makes people want to take action.
At this moment, several voices sounded outside.
"Report, there is a letter from the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce!"
"Report, there is a letter from the Sulin Chamber of Commerce!"
"Report, there is a letter from the Hui'an Chamber of Commerce!"
As the sound rang out, someone quickly delivered the letter.
The leader of the Shanxi Shang clan opened the letter, and after just one glance, his expression changed.
Everyone was a little curious and couldn't help but look at the Shanxi Shang clan leader, but they didn't dare to ask directly.
"These guys guessed the same thing as me."
"They told me to hold on tight, not to join the Wei Chamber of Commerce, and wait and see what happens."
He threw the letter on the ground and didn't even read the other two letters.
Who can become a chamber of commerce? Which one is not cunning? Which one is not thoughtful? While you are scheming against others, others are actually scheming against you.
"Okay, the matter is settled like this. No matter what, there must be one Shanxi merchant who is a first-class merchant official."
He spoke out, determined the target, and said no more.
And at this moment.
Kyoto of the Great Wei Dynasty.
In Shouren School.
Chen Xinghe dragged a sandbag towards Xu Qingxiao's room. He tried his best and his face turned red, just because the things inside were too heavy.
"Junior brother! Junior brother!"
Chen Xinghe's voice made Xu Qingxiao couldn't help but go out.
Seeing Chen Xinghe like this, I couldn't help but be curious.
"Brother, what is this?"
Xu Qingxiao was curious.
"How did I know? Didn't I attend the Taiping Poetry Club yesterday? A woman suddenly came to me and said that she knew you and asked me to give these things to you."
"I've just brought it back. Please check it out quickly. I'm exhausted."
Chen Xinghe didn't know what it was, but when the Taiping Poetry Club ended, a masked woman gave him this bag of stuff and said that it must be handed over to Xu Qingxiao.
After that, he left without saying anything else.
Chen Xinghe, who was unaware of the situation, dragged these things back forcefully.
"Let me see."
Xu Qingxiao was really curious.
He opened the sandbag.
Several things suddenly appeared in my eyes.
There is an oval gold stone, an emerald green and huge tree block, a purple jade stone that is completely dull, a jade box, and a light golden bag.
What the hell is this?
"Junior brother, please check if it's yours. If it's not, you'll let Yang Hu lose it later. Senior brother, I'm exhausted. I'm going to rest first, otherwise I won't be able to bear it."
Chen Xinghe didn't care whether it belonged to Xu Qingxiao or not.
If yes, Xu Qingxiao can take it by himself. If no, let Yang Hu lose it and he has to go back and rest.
"Senior brother, go and rest."
Xu Qingxiao nodded, then casually picked up the things inside.
After picking up these things, Xu Qingxiao closed the door directly.
Before Xu Qingxiao could speak, the voice of the Ancient Alchemy Scripture rang out.
"Meeting gold from the sky! The sixth-grade spiritual wood heart, the ten thousand-year purple chalcedony, the Yin Ming sand, and I can also feel the Burning Valley Spiritual Flame."
"I really saw the right person. You found the ingredients for the seventh-grade realm-breaking pill so quickly. It's not bad."
Dan Shen Gu Jing’s excited voice sounded.
But Xu Qingxiao was shocked.
This is actually the material for the seventh-grade realm-breaking elixir?
Is this impossible?
He looked carefully and found that they matched.
For example, the meteorite gold is so strong that even if you use your inner energy, you can't shake it. There is also the spirit wood heart. When you touch it with your hands, an inexplicable energy pours into your body, making you feel happy.
"Who brought me these things?"
"Does anyone know if the Ancient Alchemy Scripture is in my hands?"
"Is it the White Clothes Gate?"
Xu Qingxiao frowned, and he immediately sensed the crisis.
The Ancient Alchemy Scripture is a treasure left by Emperor Wu. If someone knew that he had obtained the treasure left by Emperor Wu, wouldn't it be a big trouble?
Xu Qingxiao was the first to lock the white door.
But soon he frowned and shook his head.
It couldn't be the Baiyi Sect. If it was the Baiyi Sect, why would it be like this? Furthermore, how did they know the recipe for the Breaking Realm Pill?
etc!
Suddenly, Xu Qingxiao thought of a possibility.
It is even said to be the only possibility.
"That cultivator?"
Xu Qingxiao remembered that she had only told one person about the secret of the elixir, that is, the woman in the book of words.
But Xu Qingxiao just talked nonsense and never thought that the other party would really look for her.
It's true, it takes no effort at all.
For a moment, Xu Qingxiao was inexplicably confused about whether to laugh or cry.
I did this completely unintentionally.
"To be able to gather all this information in less than a month, this person's identity is probably very scary."
"I lied to her. If she finds out, I'll probably be in trouble. No, no, I can't have any contact with this woman."
"If there is really contact and it is revealed to be a scam, it will probably be in trouble."
"When I become a great scholar in the future, I will go to your door to apologize."
Xu Qingxiao really didn't mean it. He was just joking. If the other party is willing to help him, it's best. If he doesn't want to, it doesn't matter.
Unexpectedly, the other party collected the materials for the seventh-grade realm-breaking elixir in less than a month.
Some are helpless, and some are dumbfounded.
But I have to say, it’s actually pretty cool.
Isn't this a free pick?
"Senior Alchemy God, how can I give you these things?"
With everything in hand, Xu Qingxiao didn't show any pretense and directly asked about the ancient alchemy scripture.
"I'll get it myself."
The ancient Dan Shen Jing was very excited, and it instantly swelled dozens of times, and then gathered a suction force to directly suck all these things into the body.
"My little friend, I will give you the Realm Breaking Pill in seven days, just wait."
After absorbing the ancient Alchemy Sutra together with the sandbag, it suddenly returned to a small furnace and stood on the desk without any luster, just like an ordinary ornament.
Seven days later, seventh grade?
Ness.
Xu Qingxiao has always been a little melancholy about the realm of martial arts. After all, the Wei Dynasty was so busy that he had no time to practice, especially after martial arts was suppressed by Confucianism.
It is even more difficult to practice.
And the demon inside his body was ready to move, hanging like a sword above his head, making it difficult for him to sleep or eat well.
Naturally, Xu Qingxiao hopes that she will break through the realm as soon as possible.
Not to mention too much, you will be satisfied if you upgrade to the fourth rank. In the martial arts of the fourth rank, you are basically invincible in the Wei Dynasty. Then you can upgrade Confucianism to the realm of the great Confucian of the world and the fourth rank.
The world is run rampant and tyrannical.
Unless it is a first-grade great demon or a first-grade great devil, otherwise, whoever comes will die.
And at this moment.
A figure came quickly.
It is the figure of Li Shouming.
"Teacher, there are some people outside who claim to be representatives of Shanxi merchants, Huizhou merchants, and Ganxi merchants. They have sent some of these and asked you to take a look."
Li Shouming walked over quickly and presented a stack of files to Xu Qingxiao.
He is now a disciple of Xinxue, so naturally he comes to the school when he has nothing to do, and helps Xu Qingxiao when he has something to do. If nothing happens, he just handles his own affairs, enlightens himself, and so on.
"good."
Xu Qingxiao took the file.
Eight copies in total.
It is an application dossier sent by eight major merchants.
Fill it out completely, and they are all willing to pay ten million taels of silver to buy a first-grade official position.
Ah, this.
Xu Qingxiao was a little speechless.
He knew that the Eight Great Merchants would definitely guess that he would dig another hole, and a big hole at that.
It stands to reason that it is impossible for the eight major merchants to submit their application documents so quickly. At the very least, they have to wait for the World Chamber of Commerce to join one after another. They are a little panicked before they choose to join, right?
Why did they come together at the same time?
Looking at the files on the table, Xu Qingxiao fell into deep thought.
Soon Xu Qingxiao figured it out.
"These businessmen are really wary of each other."
"Oh, but this is good, it saves trouble, and it's better than expected."
Xu Qingxiao figured out the reason.
Isn't it just that the eight merchants are wary of themselves?
This is good. It is a few months ahead of schedule. Originally, according to Xu Qingxiao's plan, the eight major chambers of commerce would stand still and wait to see what happens. They would only feel the crisis after they found out that all the merchants had joined in one or two months.
What I didn't expect is that these eight businessmen are very sharp and know that it is a trap, but they also know that the last person to fall into the trap is the most unlucky.
"Shou Ming, returned the files of Hui merchants, Gan merchants, and Shanxi merchants, saying that they were late. The other five merchants did not want to answer for now. They said they would reply in two days."
Xu Qingxiao said, there are only six first-grade official positions.
One for me, and the other one must be for Zhang Ruhui. As for the remaining four, not to mention all of them are my own, but at least two of them must support me, right?
Otherwise, wouldn't he become a polished commander?
It doesn't matter if you let them dry for a while.
Just less than an hour after His Majesty's decree was announced, these people had already sent application files, which is enough to prove that they all want to join.
Xu Qingxiao's current idea is how to earn 80,000 taels of silver when there are only four positions.
kindness.
Four positions can earn 80,000 taels of silver. No one can be missing. If one is missing, 10,000,000 taels of silver will be lost.
Who is willing to do this?
The original reason for setting up six was that Xu Qingxiao wanted to create a sense of crisis. At the same time, he was worried that the eight major merchants would not be able to fill up their troops temporarily, but now it seemed that he was worrying too much.
This means not knowing yourself and the enemy. If the overall situation of the eight major merchants was known, Xu Qingxiao might set up three positions to make them even more nervous.
As for how to earn 80,000 taels of silver from four positions, Xu Qingxiao naturally has a solution.
"Okay, teacher, the students will come over now."
Taking the application files of the three Shanxi merchants, Li Shouming left quickly.
And soon, representatives of Shanxi merchants, Hui merchants, and Ganxi merchants passed the news back almost immediately.
As for the other five businessmen, they also passed on the news immediately, but they were in a very good mood. There was no other reason. After all, they lost three competitors.
It was at this time.
Officials appeared one after another, carrying a large number of boxes, and delivered them to Shouren Academy one after another.
This is an official mission from the Ministry of Punishment.
"Sir Xu, these are application files submitted by businessmen in Kyoto."
The official from the Ministry of Punishment spoke up and told Xu Qingxiao what it was.
And Xu Qingxiao nodded.
"Shou Ming, go to the Ministry of Accounts and ask someone from the Ministry of Accounts to come over and settle the amount of the application file."
Xu Qingxiao gave the order directly.
If your apprentice doesn't give orders, why should you keep him? To serve him?
"OK!"
Li Shouming didn't care. Since he made his speech, he has been happy every moment, especially at the Taiping Poetry Meeting yesterday, where he let out a vicious sigh and was so happy that he couldn't say more.
At the moment, he is willing to do whatever Xu Qingxiao asks him to do.
But after Li Shouming left, a figure walked into Shouren Academy.
It is the figure of Zhang Ruhui.
Zhang Ruhui was so excited that he almost cried when he learned that he had been granted the title of second-rank official and businessman and also obtained the status of baron.
Although it's not the first grade Xu Qingxiao said.
But the second grade is enough.
Second grade!
Throughout ancient and modern times, how many people in the Wei Dynasty could become second-rank officials?
This is a top-notch official in Kyoto.
Naturally, Zhang Ruhui immediately came to thank Xu Qingxiao.
"Good brother!"
"Good brother!"
"Please accept my respects from Brother Yu."
Zhang Ruhui walked directly into Xu Qingxiao's room and bowed deeply to Xu Qingxiao, his body trembling with excitement.
I saw Zhang Ruhui coming.
Xu Qingxiao couldn't help but smile.
"Brother, you're welcome."
"This is what my brother deserves. It has nothing to do with my stupid brother."
Xu Qingxiao smiled.
Zhang Ruhui was not stupid, so he naturally did not believe this. Without Xu Qingxiao, he would never have donated 10 million taels of silver, and he would never have become a second-grade official.
"Only a wise brother is polite. Brother Yu will remember this kindness in his heart."
Zhang Ruhui was so excited that he couldn't say anything. He could only say these words.
The voice of Xu Qingxiao sounded.
"Brother Xian, brother Yu wants to ask you, are you satisfied with the second-grade Xian brother?"
Xu Qingxiao asked.
Zhang Ruhui subconsciously wanted to say he was satisfied, but the next moment, he was stunned because he heard another meaning of Xu Qingxiao's words.
"What do you mean, brother Xian?"
Xu Qingxiao was not tactful and spoke directly.
"Donate another 50 million taels of silver, and you will be considered for the first-grade position. The eight major merchants have already applied for it, but Yudi has not agreed yet."
"These people are outsiders after all, Brother Xian. If the Great Wei Chamber of Commerce joins the Eight Great Merchants, Brother Xian should know what this first-grade one means. He can add an extra fifty million taels and help Brother Yu with one more thing."
"The position of first rank is given to the wise brother."
Xu Qingxiao spoke seriously.
For someone else's ten million taels of silver, Zhang Ruhui could give him a discount, but not too low, not too low. A 40% discount was the limit. After all, there were definitely people who wanted the remaining five positions.
One is ten million taels of silver.
Xu Qingxiao wouldn't have done this if he didn't want to win over his own people and ask Zhang Ruhui to do something for him.
"Thank you very much, dear brother. Please rest assured, dear brother. From now on, if you need to use brother Yu, just ask."
Zhang Ruhui is not stupid. Since Xu Qingxiao said it so directly, he is also generous.
I agreed directly.
The eight major merchants have to join. With this alone, the great Wei officials and merchants will surely succeed. But what is the concept of occupying the first rank by oneself?
Even if you have the right to speak, it will be impossible if you are not developed by then. As for adding another 50 million taels, this is completely reasonable and reasonable.
Others paid 10 million taels, but I saved 40 million taels. What I saved is a profit.
Why didn't he agree?
As for Xu Qingxiao asking him to do things, let alone one thing, he did all ten.
"OK!"
"Brother Xian, you can go back and prepare some silver now, then write an application dossier and give it to Brother Yu."
"At the same time, I will use 10 million taels to purchase the land of major counties in the Wei Dynasty and all the bookstores, including printing workshops. It will be of great use to me in about a month. Of course, if it is more than 10 million taels, my brother will pay for it first, and my stupid brother will not
Let my brother lose money."
Xu Qingxiao spoke and asked Zhang Ruhui to handle the matter.
Acquired a bookstore plus a printing workshop.
Bookstores are not uncommon, but there are not many of them. The same is true for printing workshops, which are generally provided for readers. Ten million taels can buy more than half of Dawei's bookstores and printing workshops.
Not much in itself.
"Okay, no matter how much it is, Brother Fool will handle it well. As for whether there is a loss or not, Brother Fool has no idea. From now on, there will be as many virtuous brothers as there are Fool brothers."
Zhang Ruhui didn't even ask what Xu Qingxiao wanted to do, and directly agreed.
Faced with Zhang Ruhui's attitude, Xu Qingxiao was also satisfied, but she still said one more thing, what's yours is yours, what's mine is mine, he doesn't want to get involved in the interests, and an official must be at least honest.
"Then brother Yu, go now."
Zhang Ruhui didn't say much and left directly to attend to Xu Qingxiao's errands.
"Walk slowly."
Xu Qingxiao nodded.
Zhang Ruhui left immediately.
After Zhang Ruhui leaves.
Xu Qingxiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Because the sword of the people's hearts is about to be forged.
Once the casting is successful.
What bullshit, Prince Huaining.
What bullshit are the vassals everywhere.
What bullshit is the Great Wei Wen Gong.
They are all hot chicks. It is estimated that when the time comes, even the empress will have to give in to her.
Of course, this was just Xu Qingxiao's own twist. If this were the case, she would be in danger.
That's it.
Time passed little by little.
In the court of the Wei Dynasty.
Many officials still sit in the main hall.
People outside were still cursing and wanting to know who had the bad idea.
However, in Shouren Academy, boxes were delivered one after another.
Officials from the Ministry of Accounts worked overtime to settle the accounts.
The Taiping Poetry Club has a banquet today, but because of this incident, it will be postponed for a few days.
After all, the court is already quarreling, why do you care whether you have a Taiping Poetry Club or not?
There were talented people from ten countries who wanted to leave the Wei Dynasty and thought of going back.
But the Ministry of War refused to let them go, and Xu Qingxiao issued an order that they could not leave.
This time the talented scholar from the Ten Kingdoms was a little depressed.
I wanted to curse a few words, but I didn't dare.
I can only hide in my apartment and find a few friends to complain on my own.
Late at night, eight merchants sent people to invite Xu Qingxiao to the banquet, but Xu Qingxiao refused one by one, especially the three merchants from Shanxi, Gansu and Huizhou, who simply disappeared. The other five merchants at least said to see them next time.
As a result, the three merchants of Shanxi, Gansu and Huizhou were a little depressed.
Arrived the next day.
Shouren School.
Just after the Ministry of Household Affairs had just cleared all the applicants in the capital.
I thought I could go home and rest.
As a result, boxes of application dossiers appeared again.
It is an application file for dozens of castles around Kyoto.
The household department started working overtime again.
On this day, His Majesty did not go to court. The officials sat there all day and were very weak, but the Empress did not care at all.
It also made the officials even more angry.
This day passed quickly.
But the most uncomfortable thing is the Ministry of Finance, because while they are counting the money, the Ministry of Punishment sends out application dossiers in boxes.
This speed is too fast. When did officials from various places work so efficiently?
After careful inquiry, I found out that it was not sent by official messengers, but by businessmen from various places who paid for it.
These businessmen are afraid that they will not get it if they arrive late.
In the end, Xu Qingxiao had to let everyone in the household department settle the accounts. Anyway, the minister of the household department was fighting with the empress and had nothing to do with it.
Now the largest official in the Ministry of Revenue is Xu Qingxiao.
But it’s useless even if all the household department comes. With three shifts, it’s totally not enough.
Boxes piled up one after another.
There was really no other way. Li Shouming brought a group of scholars. After learning the arithmetic method, he could start calculating the next day. Although the calculation was slow and the calculation had to be repeated several times, it could still be greatly reduced.
pressure.
Ever since.
Five days in a row.
The Empress's birthday was postponed for several days.
During these five days, the empress did not go to court.
The civil and military officials couldn't stand it anymore. They went on a hunger strike and sat in the hall. Some officials even howled and threatened to be killed in the hall.
But he was stopped by the guards and sent directly back to the mansion, telling him that he would die at home, and there was nothing more to do after that.
After all, dying in the Jinluan Palace will at least leave a name for eternity. How bad it is to die at home, especially when you see your wife, children, and two elders. Who wants to die?
finally.
Two more days passed.
The boxes were finally not delivered in dozens or dozens like before. The number was reduced by 70 to 80%, and most of them were businessmen from relatively remote places.
However, the application files piled up like a mountain, and two additional places were requisitioned as document warehouses.
This day.
All the civil and military officials finally returned.
They really couldn't stand it.
At the same time, I also know one thing.
The Empress is serious this time. There is no point in being stubborn like this. At least she needs to see His Majesty, right?
Plus the country has so many things to deal with.
It's better to go back first and wait until we see His Majesty.
Anyway, this matter can be canceled at any time. As long as the money is confiscated, everything will be easy.
Thinking of this, everyone left one after another.
Some people took the lead to leave, especially the six ministers who left one after another. Everyone realized that it would be a fool's errand to stay here.
But this time, the civil and military officials were very angry.
I'm really angry.
The face of Liubu Shangshu was as black as coal.
All the generals also looked ugly.
This is an extremely rare scene in the Wei Dynasty.
All civil and military officials have some common enemies.
They are really angry.
No joke at all.
Even when he was about to leave the palace, Chen Zhengru left a message.
"The way of government and businessmen! Don't set a precedent!"
"Otherwise, the country of Wei will be in danger!"
Chen Zhengru is very serious, and this proves it.
He is dead!
It is impossible to allow the empress to open up the way of government and business.
And his voice also reached the ears of the empress.
Outside the Yangxin Hall.
The empress looked at the blue sky.
Poker face.
But the next moment, her eyes fell on the north.
That is the direction of Shouren Academy.
Outside the palace.
The six ministers went back temporarily to deal with official business first.
Gu Yan remained silent.
He came to the household department.
I wanted to send someone to call Xu Qingxiao.
But when I arrived at the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Affairs, I was shocked to find out.
There is no one in the household department.
This made him a little confused.
Up and down, no one is there?
Where have they all gone?
I stayed in Jinluan Hall without eating or drinking for seven days, and you went to relax?
Good guy.
You are really crazy, crazy, crazy.
Gu Yan was already angry, but now it exploded.
He went to inquire and learned that all members of the household department had been transferred to Shouren Academy by Xu Qingxiao.
This time, the anger became even greater.
Xu Qingxiao is really brave. Do you think he can come up with something?
Didn't you think of such a method?
It was so bad that when everyone went back today, they looked at me strangely.
Now that the Ministry of Household Affairs has been transferred away, major national affairs will not be handled?
Why are you going to Shouren Academy?
What a nonsense! What a nonsense! What a nonsense!
Gu Yan was angry.
This time he was really angry.
He walked towards Shouren Academy with great momentum.
Although he valued Xu Qingxiao very much, he couldn't let Xu Qingxiao be so careless.
The way of government and business? I bet you Xu Qingxiao can figure it out?
I will never agree to this even if I die.
Xu Qingxiao, you really went too far.
unacceptable!
The Great Wei is still the Great Wei after all.
A court is a court after all.
Are you, Xu Qingxiao, great because of your talent?
Can you do whatever you want with just a little bit of talent?
Today, I will scold you, Xu Qingxiao, to wake you up and let you know that the Great Wei Chaotang is not something you can do recklessly.
Gu Yan roared in his heart, and he was already convinced that he would never allow the government and merchants to know about it even if he died.
It’s impossible even to die to agree!
Death! No! Can! Agree!
That's it.
Gu Yan walked very fast and was very angry.
A quarter of an hour.
He came to Shouren Academy.
Sure enough, everyone in the household department didn't know what to calculate.
There are also a group of scholars.
"I met Gu Shangshu."
When everyone in the household department saw Gu Shangshu coming, they all shouted.
"Humph! Do you still think of me as a minister in your eyes?"
"We'll see how I deal with you later."
Gu Yan spoke indifferently.
he is very angry.
"Where is Xu Shouren?"
Gu Yan ignored this group of people and directly searched for Xu Qingxiao.
Soon I discovered that Xu Qingxiao was in the room, wondering what to write.
At that moment, Gu Yan pushed open the door with force and came directly to Xu Qingxiao, with an old face full of anger.
"Xu Shouren!"
"Do you know what you're doing?"
"you're too."
Gu Yan roared angrily, the sound was so loud that it could be heard both inside and outside.
He was really angry, otherwise he wouldn't be like this.
But just when Gu Yan was halfway scolding, Xu Qingxiao threw a thick stack of bills in front of Gu Yan and said.
"Gu Shangshu, don't scold me first, and then speak after you read it."
Xu Qingxiao looked a little tired. He calculated the general ledger for five days and finally calculated the amount of about 70%.
The remaining 30% will be settled gradually this month.
Gu Yan, on the other hand, frowned, but he didn't scold him. He would just take a look first before speaking.
He wanted to see what tricks Xu Qingxiao could pull off.