Lao Zhu's words made Zhang Ximeng relieved and a little relieved. In fact, he didn't care whether Li Shanchang turned around, nor did he care much about how the power structure of the court would change after adding a commercial department... These realities
In Zhang Ximeng's opinion, gains and losses are all trivial matters.
What really excites him is that the Ming Dynasty fundamentally incorporated commerce into the management system, and the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Household Affairs kept pace with each other.
At the same time, severe charges were laid against acts such as smuggling and tax evasion, which are almost on the same level as rebellion.
Even if there are eight imperial merchants who make a living by smuggling in the future, they will still be afraid of this heavy ancestral system and dare not take a step beyond the limit easily.
Zhang Ximeng really hopes that the monarchs and ministers of the Ming Dynasty, as well as civil and military officials, can devote some of their energy to carefully studying industry, commerce, finance and taxation. Agriculture has reached its extreme. How far can intensive farming be achieved?
Next, we must break through from industry and commerce and walk on two legs.
The fact that the imperial court was able to establish the Ministry of Commerce speaks for itself of many problems. There will certainly be an endless supply of insightful people and talented people in the world who can do business.
Zhang Ximeng has no doubt about this.
In fact, many people say that the Chinese people are a farming nation and reject commerce and the ocean. This is not necessarily fair.
After all, there are a considerable number of outstanding businessmen on the southeast coast, such as Susong and other places, including Zhejiang, Fujian, and even Huizhou and Yangzhou, and there are even more warriors who dare to fight the ocean.
They can conquer the sea and they can do business.
Even hundreds of years later, they will still be the most savvy and capable businessmen.
The problem that restricts them is that within the framework of this ancient country, there is no opportunity for businessmen to reach heaven.
The design of the imperial official system blocked the channels for businessmen to express their opinions.
Business development requires rules and someone to maintain them.
The businessmen had no choice but to take shelter from the civil servants, thus forming a pattern in which the scholar-bureaucrats and the merchant gangs were both internal and external to each other. They colluded together, and their power was as huge as the sky, and no one could shake it.
How come Zhang Juzheng, who is as powerful as the regent, only dares to use the whip method and does not dare to increase business taxes?
It's not that he doesn't dare, it's just that he really can't play.
If he handed over the commercial tax to the Ministry of Household Affairs or the local government... I have no doubt that these officials who don't understand business at all would definitely turn the commercial tax into a mess.
If Zhang Juzheng sets up a new yamen to collect commercial taxes... then there is no doubt that as soon as he puts forward the suggestion, the Qing army will immediately take action.
You, a mere minister, dare to destroy the ancestral official system, and then you will depose and establish the emperor?
We can no longer hesitate to deal with rebellious officials and traitors like you, we must strike hard!
There are some things that only Zhu Yuanzhang can do, and Zhang Ximeng is the one who can convince Zhu Yuanzhang.
We have finally made up for the shortcomings in industry and commerce, and the future is promising.
Zhang Ximeng was in a good mood and was smiling wherever he sat.
Now that the tone has been set, there is nothing more to say about trying the case and punishing the criminals severely. Zhu Yuanzhang can do a good job.
But just when Zhang Ximeng was about to watch the fun, Lao Zhu suddenly said: "Prince!"
Zhu Biao was startled for a moment, then bowed quickly and said, "The child is here."
Lao Zhu said earnestly: "What you said earlier is quite insightful. My father is very pleased. Now you should be familiar with government affairs and be a good prince. I will leave the case in Peking to you. My father hopes
You uphold the laws of the country, severely punish criminals, and give a proper explanation to the people of the world!"
Without waiting for Zhu Biao to say anything, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand directly, "Okay, everyone, please retreat!"
Good guy, Zhu Yuanzhang actually learned to delegate power. Although it was delegated to Zhu Biao, it was unprecedented.
Is it possible that His Majesty is also preparing for the future?
"Anyway, I'm an old man and don't want to worry about that much." Li Zhen said simply. As Zhu Yuanzhang's old brother-in-law, he didn't think he could outlive Zhu Yuanzhang.
After all, Li Jinglong followed Zhu Di, and purely from the age point of view, Li Zhen and Zhu Yuanzhang are almost the same generation.
"I don't want to think about anything. If I work hard for a few more years, I can double the royal property, and then I can take care of myself in retirement." Li Zhen said, "Xiang Zhang, this time I have staked my old face, my fortune, and my life. .You can find a way to take care of Gu Wenzhong and his son, and the generations of my Li family will be entrusted to you."
Zhang Ximeng also laughed, "Sir, I just want to write behind closed doors, and I don't even bother to take care of the provincial affairs. If you want to entrust me, you should ask Mr. Li!"
"Li Shanchang? He may not be able to outlive me!" Li Zhen glanced sideways at Zhang Ximeng and chuckled: "Don't you understand? This world is just a gambling game... Your Majesty is the banker who runs the casino. Boss, you, Mr. Zhang, are the shopkeeper who designs the gameplay. The other ministers, including Li Shanchang, are just sitting at the table in front of you and playing. Apart from them, there are a lot of people who can't get on the table."
Li Zhen sighed: "People like Li Shanchang, some lose and some win, but you, Mr. Zhang, will never lose. I'm right, right?"
Zhang Ximeng raised his eyebrows and said in a low voice: "Old man, please give me a price. How much will it cost to make you forget this?"
Li Zhen laughed in astonishment, "Let my grandson become a disciple of Prime Minister Zhang!"
"Li Jinglong?" Zhang Ximeng immediately shook his head, "Change other conditions!"
Li Zhen shook her head decisively and sighed: "Xiang Zhang, you can think about it slowly. I have a strict mouth. As long as I'm not drunk, I won't talk nonsense. As for the conditions, I'm afraid I can't change them. After all, besides worrying about my grandson, , there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
After saying that, Li Zhen left gracefully. Looking at his back, Zhang Ximeng couldn't help but sigh, you really have a sharp eye and you can see so accurately!
After separating from Li Zhen, Zhang Ximeng was about to go to Menxia Province, but after he took a few steps, Li Shanchang followed him.
Lao Li smiled all over his face and said, "Xiang Zhang, let's discuss something."
Zhang Ximeng smiled helplessly and said, "Brother Li, now that the courtiers are discussing in private, don't they need to betray others?"
Li Shanchang smiled and said: "We are joining forces this time. Everyone knows that if we hide from others, it will make us feel guilty. Why not just get together and have a good discussion."
Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "There is also a saying that you should go to Zhongshu Province!"
Li Shanchang hesitated for a while and finally nodded.
The two of them arrived at Zhongshu, and after sitting down, they quickly got straight to the point. The matter to be discussed was very simple, which was who to choose as the Minister of Commerce!
From the perspective of qualifications and abilities, the most suitable person is Jiang Nan. She is of sufficient rank, has experience in running a branch, has managed military supplies, and has also assisted in the development of the Central Plains. She has rich experience and deserves it.
But the problem lies in her identity.
"Xiang Zhang, you see, this proposal was made by the two of us. If your wife is chosen, I'm afraid there will be some discussion... Of course, I have no intention of robbing the Ministry of Commerce. If you recommend another person, no matter who it is, I fully support everyone."
Zhang Ximeng said with a smile on his face, "Brother Li, actually you don't have to be embarrassed. As I said before, all important positions must be recommended by everyone, and then as many suitable candidates as possible will be sent to His Majesty. If Zhuo Jing I would be honored to be chosen!"
Li Shanchang was startled. He never expected that Zhang Ximeng would say that! Lao Li proposed to discuss this matter to give Zhang Ximeng face. All fools know that even if they don't avoid suspicion, they can't choose Jiang Nan!
What Lao Li meant was to leave the position of the Ministry of Commerce to Zhang Ximeng and continue the alliance between the two... After all, the power of the left and right joining forces is too great.
What happened in the court today clearly illustrates the problem.
As long as the two of them are willing to cooperate, Zhu Yuanzhang has no choice.
But the problem is that Zhang Ximeng is not on the road... If Jiang Nan really wants to take over the Ministry of Commerce, people in Zhongshu Province will definitely be afraid.
It will also be inconvenient for you, Mr. Zhang. You can't let your wife work in front of you. You retreat to your home and have nothing to do, right?
Lao Li really didn't guess that Zhang Ximeng did have this idea.
He has already taken on too many things for himself, including compiling history, writing books, the next imperial edict, promoting commercial legislation, and cultivating talents...
These matters are almost all related to the country, and are no easier than the government affairs of the DPRK and China.
Zhang Ximeng really needs to take a breath.
Correspondingly, the alliance between Zhang and Li ended regrettably before it lasted even half a day.
Li Shanchang touched his nose and was speechless.
Zhang, you are so ignorant!
There are never any secrets in the court.
Li Shanchang warmly invited Mr. Zhang, but the two of them didn't talk for long before saying goodbye in a hurry. Although they didn't know the specific content, they were just candidates for the Minister of Commerce.
I can only say that Mr. Zhang was too disrespectful.
During dinner, Zhu Yuanzhang heard Zhu Biao talk about it. Old Zhu had already finished eating, but he actually ordered: "Put another bowl in!"
Queen Ma glared at him, "It's so late at night, you eat so much, you're not afraid of saving food!"
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, "You don't understand! This news will make us appetite and happy!"
Empress Ma had no choice but to watch Lao Zhu eat a big bowl of rice in three or two bites. Then Zhu Yuanzhang asked Zhu Biao: "Do you have any ideas? How to solve this case?"
Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, and then said: "If I go back to my father, I'm afraid he will go on a killing spree."
Lao Zhu was startled for a moment, "It's rare that you can have murderous intentions! But the case is too extreme?"
Zhu Biao nodded, "Father, this case involves the three divisions in Peiping. Among them, the commander Zhao Yong actually privately possessed slaves, as many as dozens of them!"
"What?" Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. If he said that smuggling military rations would endanger the safety of the Ming Dynasty, and possessing slaves privately would shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty!
After all, ever since Zhang Ximeng proposed the principle of people-based rule, it has become common sense in the Ming Dynasty that under the emperor, everyone is unanimous... Under this rule, brothels in various places were shut down and slaves released.
As a result, a military commander secretly kept slaves and maids. What on earth was he going to do?
Do you want to rebel?
Zhu Biao took a deep breath, "Father, I don't want to go on a killing spree, but there are always people who regard national law as nothing!" After a pause, Zhu Biao asked softly: "Father, you, you also have this kind of confusion, right? "