It is the end of the year, and businessmen who choose to come to the capital at this time must of course have prepared enough capital.
Shanxi merchants do not mean that they only engage in business in places like Shaanxi. They always run wherever they are rich.
The Spring Festival in the capital can be said to be the most lively place in the entire Ming Dynasty, and it is also the place with the highest consumption. It is also the time when most businessmen make the most money.
Even though the Qunying Chamber of Commerce swallowed up most of the chamber of commerce's interests, even the soup left after eating the meat was enough to feed many people.
And people like Lan Yu definitely can't just arrest people, but also confiscate property.
"After all, how much is the total?" Lan Yu's face didn't change much and she asked the adjutant.
The adjutant said: "Reporting to the Duke of Liang, the current total amount of all kinds of goods is about two million guan treasure notes. There are still some goods that have not been put in. It is estimated that there are about 300,000 guan treasure notes."
Hearing this, Lan Yu and Cao Zhen suddenly fell silent.
After a long time, Cao Zhen waved his hand and asked the adjutant to go out.
There were only two people in the big tent, Lan Yu and Cao Zhen.
"These businessmen are so damn rich. They can easily get two million dollars. This is the military pay of many soldiers."
"Brother, look at the cold weather, the brothers are very tired, even those from Xiu Mu are back."
"Otherwise, let's share some of the profits with our brothers. A small amount will be enough."
As Cao Zhen spoke, he raised his right hand with a smile, rubbing his thumb and index finger together as if counting treasure notes.
If it had been done before, it wouldn't have taken long, even half a year ago.
Lan Yuhui spoke directly without any hesitation.
Because in the army, there is an unspoken rule for seizures like this, that is, all brothers have a share.
And these captures naturally accounted for the majority of their generals.
In the past, at the end of the day, half of the money was cut off. Some were ruthless, even reaching 60% or 70%, and the rest was turned over to the court.
However, this time, Lan Yu hesitated.
Needless to say, the reason for the hesitation was largely influenced by his grandson Zhu Ying.
Zhu Ying and Lan Yu talked many times, especially about the management of the army.
It is very clearly stated that the treatment of soldiers will be greatly improved, but at the same time, some bad habits must be changed.
Let’s not mention the local soldiers for now, but in the capital’s guard post, after the continuous infiltration of Xuanjia Guards in the past few months, the personal qualities of all the soldiers in the guard posts around the capital have been continuously improved.
At least there will no longer be the situation like in the past where the enemy would plunder some gold and silver treasures without regard to military discipline.
At this time, Lan Yu keenly realized that this time was a very severe test for herself or all the brothers.
First of all, the situation of corruption will definitely be known to Taisun, there is no doubt about this.
Not to mention that this is the capital, even the middle-level soldiers from the Xuanjia Guards will definitely tell the news.
I can't hide this.
Seeing the hesitant look on his eldest brother Lan Yu's face, Cao Zhen couldn't help but urge: "Brother, how do we decide this? You should say something."
"But this is the capital, and it is not good to overdo some things. In my opinion, it is better to withhold 40%."
Cao Zhen was also thinking about it, but his thinking was different from Lan Yu's.
Cao Zhen was a native of Fengyang, Anhui Province. He accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang's cavalry. He benefited from the reputation of his fellow countrymen and also had his own heroic military exploits, rising to the rank of commander.
He was once a general under Chang Yuchun.
When it comes to how high your cultural literacy is, there is no such designation.
In terms of military training, after so many years of fighting, there are naturally many regulations, but overall, it still benefits from the situation.
Ideologically, I also retained the same style as before. Although I was very close to Lan Yu and was under Taisun's command, I actually had almost no contact with Taisun, so my ideas were also very different.
Seeing Lan Yu's hesitation, he thought he was thinking about how much to retain, so he spoke.
When Lan Yu heard this, she shook her head slightly.
Before he could say anything, Cao Zhen said first: "Otherwise, brother, let's keep 30%. This time we have more money, and 30% is enough."
Hearing this, Lan Yu continued to shake her head.
"How about 20%? 20% is fine too. It's Chinese New Year, so it's more or less a wish."
Lan Yu shook her head.
Cao Zhen looked mournful, and finally said: "How about we just keep 10% of it? Twenty to thirty thousand guan, that's a bit too little. Let's divide it among the brothers. We don't have much here."
Lan Yu finally said: "Go ahead and tell me that no penny will be taken from this seizure. Anyone who dares to take a penny will be served by military law."
Cao Zhen was completely stunned.
This, how can this be done?
Not even a penny will be left, and you are not allowed to be greedy for any money.
Cao Zhen didn't even have to think about it. As the report was being reported to the co-ordinator, he estimated that many brothers had already secretly put some valuable things into their pockets.
In the past, I always turned one eye open or closed one eye.
Now what Big Brother means is to ask everyone to spit out the money they have already put in their pockets.
"Brother, this is not appropriate."
After a long while, Cao Zhen said loudly.
Lan Yu stood up. He was tall and strong, half a head taller than Cao Zhen.
There was suppression in his eyes as calm as water, and Cao Zhen couldn't help but lower his head slightly to avoid it.
"It's not that someone wants to cut off the brothers' financial opportunities, but that in today's world, some old habits must be changed."
"The army and soldiers that His Highness wants to see cannot be greedy for money like Mo. This is why His Highness will provide security for the soldiers after they retire."
"I heard from His Highness that after this spring, there will be a series of measures to protect the lives of retired soldiers."
"Even soldiers who have retired due to disability will be taken care of a lot."
"These are things that no matter how much money you have, you can't get them. If the soldiers miss such opportunities because of greed, you and I will be the sinners of our brothers."
Lan Yu said earnestly.
While Cao Zhen listened, his eyes changed.
In his mind, what kind of person is his eldest brother Lan Yu?
In terms of behavior, he and his brother-in-law Chang Yuchun almost completely imitated him.
Being cruel to the enemy is even more cruel to oneself. To be ferocious in the true sense, even when fighting, he is always on the front line.
How long has it been since then? Three months.
It's like a new person.
As the saying goes: if you are close to vermilion, you will be red; if you are close to ink, you will be black.
Is His Highness Taisun's influence on eldest brother really that great?
Perhaps seeing the surprise in Cao Zhen's eyes, Lan Yu said with a sigh and a sigh in her voice: "Brother Cao, the world has changed. Your Majesty the Grand Sun has had little contact with you, and you don't understand many things very well. You will become clearer in the future."
Yes, I will not harm the brothers."
"If we continue to follow the path of the past, no matter how much merit we make, we will gradually be marginalized by His Highness the Grand Sun."
"Whenever you have free time, I suggest that Brother Cao go to Xuanjiawei's barracks to have a look, so that he can know the way forward."
Cao Zhen is actually older than Lan Yu and has higher qualifications than Lan Yu, but in terms of background, there is a huge difference.
Therefore, in terms of title, he has always been called eldest brother. Naturally, eldest brother and eldest brother are two completely different concepts in today's Ming Dynasty.
Sapphires are generally referred to as brothers.
Lan Yu is a smart person.
If you are not a smart person, you will not become a famous general today.
There is an insurmountable gap between famous generals and great generals.
Even in terms of political wisdom, Lan Yu is not inferior to any minister in the court.
The reason why he was killed in history was that he did not expect that Zhu Yuanzhang could really do things so brilliantly and cruelly.
Furthermore, even if he wanted to resist, there would be no chance.
In Lao Zhu's place, anyone who wants to be killed can only die.
In Zhu Ying's communication with Lan Yu, because of the blood relationship, many of his words were relatively direct, without hints and hints, so you can experience it yourself.
For things like being greedy for money, just tell Lan Yu clearly that I can't stand it, and I can't stand it, so I won't do it in the future.
Coupled with the current situation of Xuanjiawei, it has almost become a benchmark, and Lan Yu has also visited it before.
That's why there was such a change in thinking.
Cao Zhen's throat rolled several times as he listened, but he didn't know what to say. He couldn't say it to oppose His Highness Taisun.
It's just the pity on his face that's very obvious.
After thinking for a long time, he finally said, "Brother, otherwise those brothers who have already taken some should just forget about it."
"Now is the Spring Festival, which also makes the brothers a little richer."
Lan Yu shook her head firmly and said: "This is even more unacceptable. They take it, but the brothers below don't take it. What's the point? If you say you won't take it, then they won't take it."
After hearing this, Cao Zhen had no choice but to nod awkwardly.
Subconsciously he touched his pocket, feeling quite reluctant.
That's thousands of coins, and my feelings have to be handed over.
At this time, an official from outside the big tent came to report: "To report to the general, there is a fight between Chen Xing, a hundred households, and Zhang Jian, a hundred households."
Lan Yu frowned and asked: "What caused the dispute?"
The subordinate officer replied: "The two of them had a dispute over money and are currently fighting."
Cao Zhen shouted angrily: "How dare you ignore military discipline. Where is the military discipline officer!"
The subordinate officers did not dare to talk to each other. They were in their own camp, because they were arguing about family matters and it was not war time. Even the military disciplinary officer could only dissuade them.
"Let's go and have a look." Lan Yu said, leading the way and getting up.
At this time, the school grounds were abuzz with excitement, and there were constant cheers and boos.
Many soldiers formed a circle, and inside there were two hundred men fighting in a one-on-one battle.
But it is obvious that the young Chen Xing of the 100th household has been suppressing the 100th household Zhang Jian.
The arrival of Lan Yu and Cao Zhen caused the soldiers to disperse in a rush, and the two hundred households also stopped immediately.
This is Cao Zhen's military camp, and the two hundred households are naturally his subordinates.
Cao Zhen didn't have anything to say. He just stepped up and kicked each other, cursing and saying: "The shame has been thrown to my grandma's house. My family is still fighting for this little money. Why, they are all hundreds of households. I have never seen it."
Treasure money?"
After hearing this curse, everyone's eyes became a little strange, and the atmosphere seemed a little abnormal.
Seeing this, Cao Zhen grabbed a soldier and asked him to explain the situation in detail.
It turned out that the two were not fighting over the money seized by Tan Mo, but Zhang Jian from the Baihu family was discovered by Chen Xing, who was also from the Baihu family, when he was secretly hiding the money.
Then Chen Xing asked Zhang Jian to hand over all the money and not to be greedy in private.
Zhang Jian became angry and took action directly.
Hearing this, Cao Zhen couldn't help but turn his head and glance at Lan Yu, feeling a little shocked in his heart.
Because Baihu Zhang Jian was an old subordinate who had followed him for many years, this may be why the military disciplinary officer did not vigorously stop him, but turned a blind eye.
As for Baihu Chen Xing, he was only recently transferred to his command.
Chen Xing's path is very clear, his predecessor was Xuan Jiawei.
He made meritorious service, but there was no promotion spot among the Xuanjia Guards, so he was assigned here.
Many Xuanjia guards joined various guards in this form.
Naturally, Chen Xing was not the only one who came with him, there were three people from just one hundred households among them.
Otherwise it would have been one-sided long ago.
After Cao Zhen found out, he turned to look at Lan Yu.
Lan Yu nodded lightly.
Cao Zhen understood immediately and scolded Zhang Jian: "You, a hundred households, don't know what the military discipline is? You don't even know how you, a hundred households, got into it, and you dare to take the lead in triggering military discipline."
Zhang Jian muttered: "That was not promoted by you, general."
On weekdays, when Cao Zhen trains troops, he is like a brother. These hundreds and thousands of households are also very familiar with each other. The younger ones have been with them for more than ten years, and the elders have been with them for decades. They have been here side by side all the way.
That's why Zhang Jiancai dared to speak like this.
In front of his elder brother, Cao Zhen felt a little embarrassed and scolded: "Hand over all the hidden money and go to the Military Law Office to get twenty military sticks."
Hearing this, Zhang Jian said rather reluctantly: "Boss, the military stick is fine. Not to mention twenty, thirty is enough, but this money... can you save a little bit?"
Cao Zhen's eyes widened and he said: "How presumptuous!"
"It's not too big or too small, right? Just hand it over if I ask you to. Don't let me fumble around. Be happy."
"People came from left and right to search me, and they took out not a single coin."
The two guards went up with smiles on their faces and said to Zhang Jian of the hundred households: "Brother Jian, don't make it difficult for the brothers. The boss has already spoken."
Another person said: "Yeah, stop hiding it."
The three of them were laughing and joking for a long time, and a lot of money was found.
However, Sapphire's complexion was ashen.
Chen Xing and other members of the Xuanjia Guard stood aside and watched coldly.
Cao Zhen also felt that something was wrong with the atmosphere, but he was asked to be cruel to these brothers. Due to years of friendship, he was unwilling and did not want to.
"Are these still my soldiers of the Ming Dynasty?"
A cold and stern voice came from Lan Yu.
All the playful atmosphere was immediately broken.
The prestige of blue jade in the military, especially among the noble generals in Huaixi, is even greater.
These soldiers who followed Cao Zhen could be said to have been Lan Yu's soldiers.
When the general opened his mouth, the situation changed.
"Hundred households Chen Xing!" Lan Yu shouted.
"My subordinate is here." Chen Xing cupped his fists and saluted.
"Thirty military sticks, execution immediately!"
"I receive the order from the general."
Chen Xing didn't have any scruples. He walked directly to the military judge next to him and took the killing stick from the hand of the military judge. Immediately, a fellow Xuanjia guard brought a stool.
Chen Xing looked at Zhang Jian coldly.
Zhang Jian knew that he probably couldn't escape, so he turned his eyes to Cao Zhen, but Cao Zhen turned his head to avoid it.
As soon as he gritted his teeth, Zhang Jian lay down on him, still saying: "Come on, grandpa is not afraid of this."
Chen Xing snorted coldly, and after Zhang Jian lay down, he hit him hard with a stick.
Zhang Jian couldn't help but groan in pain.
This stick is very uncomfortable.
The usual punishments are somewhat humane, but Chen Xing had just fought with him, so how could he hold back.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Less than ten sticks later, blood began to flow from the corners of Zhang Jian's mouth.
And next, there will be twenty army sticks. If they continue to fight like this, they will either die or be disabled.
The atmosphere in the army became extremely depressed.
Especially those old subordinates who had followed Cao Zhen through life and death, their eyes were red.
However, General Lan Yu is here, who dares to be presumptuous?
The Ten Army Sticks came down again, and Zhang Jian could no longer hold on. However, with the Ten Army Sticks, it was obvious that Chen Xing had begun to hold back.
Many people looked at it and felt a little grateful in their hearts.
The hundreds of families who came from Xuanjiawei have always had trouble dealing with these veterans.
The veterans could not see how these new recruits, who were only a few years old, had risen to high positions and were on an equal footing with themselves because of His Highness the Grand Sun's relationship.
And these soldiers who came from the Xuanjia Guard also had a lot of disdain for these veterans.
There are too many places to look down upon.
Apart from being older, what else can you have?
They were not familiar with all kinds of warfare, and they needed to be disciplined but not disciplined. Many of them took the lead in breaking the rules. Several of them were illiterate and could not read anything in the military manual.
At present, this kind of situation is common in many guards. The Xuanjia Guards, who have the background of Taisun, are familiar with the art of war and can teach tactics, so they can easily attract a group of followers.
In fact, Chen Xing didn't care much about it at ordinary times. The main reason was that the money this time should belong to His Highness the Grand Sun in Chen Xing's opinion.
Chen Xing couldn't bear to touch His Highness the Grand Sun's money.
As the last ten army sticks fell, Zhang Jian was still hanging on for a breath.
Cao Zhen looked at Lan Yu, with a hint of pleading in his eyes.
Lan Yu nodded slightly, and Cao Zhen immediately shouted: "Quick, ask the military doctor to come over."
A group of people stood on top of him and carried Zhang Jian to the military officials.
At this time, the atmosphere in the entire military camp was completely different and became extremely serious.
Lan Yu walked up to the general platform.
After looking at everyone, he said: "Your Highness, Taisun, you are considerate of our military personnel. Your military pay has been rising one after another. The emergence of the retirement system has also given everyone no worries."
"Even if he is disabled on the battlefield, His Highness the Grand Sun will provide money to support him."
"If that's the case, why do you still want to covet His Highness Taisun Mo's money? Do you still feel that you are used to it and it doesn't matter now?"
As soon as these words came out, most of the soldiers lowered their heads in shame.
Once upon a time, when His Highness Taisun increased the military pay for the lieutenants of the army and established a retirement system to protect their future lives, the entire military camp was singing and dancing to congratulate His Highness Taisun.
Now that I think about it, what is the difference between my actions today and those of the villain with white eyes?
There is never a shortage of hot-blooded men in the military camp, and it is the most loyal place.
When Lan Yu finished speaking here.
Suddenly, the sound of money falling to the ground was heard from the crowd.
It was a valuable thing that a certain soldier secretly took.
Once the first person takes the lead, many will naturally follow.
After a while, a large amount of money appeared on the ground of the military camp.
Seeing this scene, even Cao Zhen was extremely moved. Gritting his teeth, he took out a wad of banknotes from his pocket and placed it on the desk in front of him.
Seeing this, Lan Yu didn't say anything more, but just asked the army's money and grain officer to come over to make a record and put it in the warehouse.
What happened in Cao Zhen's military camp was quickly spread to the palace.
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ps: 5,000 words, does it count as 10,000 if rounded up?
Just kidding, if I have to make up for the unfinished work tomorrow, I won’t dare to ask for a monthly ticket. I don’t have the nerve to ask for it. I hope I can gain some dignity tomorrow.