"Ms. sir, given our family's situation, if you no longer serve as an official, there may be monsters and monsters that will come to make things difficult for us."
"When you returned home to observe mourning for three years, there were many people who wanted to take advantage of our family's property. At that time, the oil business almost fell into the hands of those people."
Li Zhen thought for a while and said.
In fact, a large part of the reason why the Liu Jin family is able to support an extremely huge industry is because Liu Jin is the chief minister of the current cabinet, holds great power, and is a popular figure in front of the emperor.
Therefore, no matter what the business is, the business under this command can go smoothly. No one dares to deliberately make things difficult. If ordinary people want to make a big business and industry, it is definitely not easy.
Perhaps the industry has already been coveted by others before it has even started to grow, and in the end, most of them may end up making wedding dresses for others.
This is the reality. Although they all seem to be gentlemen on the surface, in fact, they are not much different from nature's law of the jungle.
In the soil of the East, if there is no one in the government, you will not be able to hold on to the huge wealth in your hands. This is why those salt mountains in the south of the Yangtze River used to desperately support themselves after making money from food.
The reason why the family's children go to school to take the imperial examination.
Because they know this very well, having money is nothing, having power and money is the right thing.
I'm afraid even Liu Jin himself is a little confused about how huge the industry under Liu Jin's command is now, because these industrial managers and persons in charge under his command have great autonomy and can decide whether to expand, increase production, invest, and make mergers and acquisitions.
It can be said that the industry under his command is constantly expanding and growing every moment.
Once such a huge industry loses the support of Liu Jin, a towering tree, it will inevitably arouse the covetousness of wolves, tigers and leopards from all over the world. How many jealous people there are.
Of course, Liu Jin had already considered this clearly a long time ago.
"There will definitely be an impact, but it won't be to that extent."
"Most of the properties under our command are joint ventures with the emperor and the noble families of the country. Even if I no longer serve as the chief minister of the cabinet, I still don't need to worry too much."
"In addition, many of our industries have actually been moved overseas and managed by a few children, so we don't need to worry too much."
Liu Jin smiled and shook his head and said.
Liu Jin had been thinking about this aspect from the beginning when he started to set up business. Of course, this was also derived from some entrepreneurial and business ideas of later generations, and he attracted the emperor and the nobles of the DPRK to do business together.
Not only can the business become bigger, but it can also prevent others from having the idea of selling one's own business, and even Liu Jin himself can become an official and achieve great success.
Without the inextricable connections formed by the huge industry, would the British Duke, Ding Guogong, Cheng Guo Gong, and Australian Guo Gong stand on their side without reservation?
That is definitely impossible.
In addition, these industries of Liu Jin are new types of capitalist industries and industrial industries. There are too many people following Liu Jin. They are the emerging bourgeoisie of Ming Dynasty. Liu Jin is the representative of the emerging bourgeoisie, so naturally they must support it.
Liu Jin, supported many of Liu Jin's reform measures.
Because supporting Liu Jin means supporting one's own industry and the development of capitalism, and Liu Jin has never let everyone down. Liu Jin is indispensable for the rapid development and growth of capitalism and industrialization in the Ming Dynasty.
In general, Liu Jin had already formed an intricate and complex network of relationships with the emperor, nobles, and the emerging bourgeoisie of the Ming Dynasty through various interests and methods.
It has long been entrenched and difficult to shake. Even if Liu Jin is no longer the chief minister of the cabinet, the family's industry will not be greatly affected.
Liu Jin was no longer the chief minister of the cabinet, but he was still the Duke of Liao in the Ming Dynasty. He was still hereditary and could still have a huge influence on the Ming Dynasty.
Of these ministers in the court, nine out of ten ministers were promoted by Liu Jin, and they were all hard-working officials. Even if they were no longer in power, they could still have influence.
In addition, the Liu Jin family has a large number of marriages. Liu Jin himself married the sister of Ding Guogong, who was Liu Jin's uncle. The Li family of Li Hui, the former Minister of Rites, and the Liu Jin family were also married. Li Zhen was
The current sister of the head of the Li family.
In addition, Liu Jin's eldest son was married to a British prince. Liu Jin and the current British prince were in-laws. Liu Jin's younger son married the only sister of the current emperor, the only beloved daughter of the emperor.
There are also several other sons of Liu Jin, even if they are overseas, they have complicated marriages. The third son in Tianzhu not only has a huge influence in the Western United Trading Company, but also married the daughter of Prince Ning, although Prince Ning has many daughters.
, but this is also a marriage.
Although Liu Jin's second son married a woman from an ordinary family, he performed very well in South Africa and was already appointed as the next governor-general of South Africa, taking charge of this huge colony in South Africa.
At the same time, many industries in South Africa belong to the Liu family, and their scale and profits are extremely amazing, but outsiders simply don’t know about it.
Liu Jin's fourth, fifth and sixth sons are also overseas, and have huge influence through marriages with many big families overseas and in the Ming Dynasty.
At the beginning, Liu Jin sent all his sons overseas to let them work hard overseas. His development strategy has been a great success so far.
Each of the five overseas sons has slowly grown into a towering tree, and they no longer need Liu Jin to protect them.
As for the eldest son and the youngest son in the Ming Dynasty, they don't need to worry about anything.
The current Liu family is no longer a poor family with a small population and no one to rely on thirty years ago. It has slowly grown into a huge family covering the world. In the Ming Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty's overseas colonies
, the vassal states all had huge influence.
"Ms. sir, are you worried that your great achievements will shock your master?"
Xu Waner thought for a while and said.
She thinks more deeply than Li Zhen. If she only considers her family's affairs, it seems that Liu Jin dare not quit at this time and should continue to work.
With Liu Jin's situation, there is no problem if he continues to work for more than ten years, and his family can continue to be glorious for a long time.
But as the saying goes, the peak must decline, the moon waxes and wanes, and the water overflows, Liu Jin must have understood it, and he must have been thinking about this issue.
It can be said that our family is already extremely prosperous now. If it continues to develop, it will just be like that. It is impossible to say that it will become even more prosperous.
Now, taking advantage of the fact that both the Supreme Emperor and the Emperor are very good to Liu Jin and have a good relationship with him, retreating bravely may be a truly smart person.
If we have to continue like this, the emperor will be suspicious in the future, or he will have other thoughts, or he will wait for the change of dynasty.
If you retreat at that time, I'm afraid you won't be able to do so with dignity.
Looking at the history of China for thousands of years, it is already a very good ending to be able to retreat bravely. The emperor has been ruthless since ancient times. Although he has a good relationship with the emperor now, he is a popular person in front of the emperor.
But I don’t know how many times in history we have fallen out with each other, and every time we have learned a bloody lesson.
For example, Emperor Han Jing of the Han Dynasty, in order to quell the rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms, he killed his teacher immediately. Moreover, his teacher didn't know anything beforehand, but he was stripped and beheaded on the way to court.
The emperor's ruthlessness can be said to be extremely cruel.
There are countless things like this in ancient and modern times.
My family has developed to this point, and has become entangled in both the government and the public. It is difficult to say that it will not arouse the emperor's suspicion. Even if it does not happen at first, it is hard to say in the future.
Taking advantage of the current rapids and retreating may be a wise move.
Xu Wan'er thought of a lot in a short period of time. Coming from a top wealthy family, she is extremely sensitive in this regard. This is also the despair that wealthy families like them should have, and it is also the way to survive that can continue.
Loyalty is very important, ability is also very important, but more importantly, don’t let the emperor doubt you.
"There are considerations in this regard."
"Both British Dukes Zhang Mao and Li Dongyang issued such warnings to me, and I have always kept them in mind."
“When our family has reached this level, it’s time to retreat and slowly disappear from everyone’s sight.”
Liu Jin nodded and said.
"Of course, in fact, I have been an official for thirty years and I am already tired of it."
"My ideal is to turn the Ming Empire into a prosperous, rich and powerful empire by my own ability. Now that this ideal has been realized, I have no regrets in my life."
"So I want to take advantage of the fact that I can still walk around the world to see the great rivers and mountains in the world and appreciate the customs and customs of all parts of the world."
"When I am really old and can no longer walk, I will return to my hometown and return to my roots. This life will be considered complete."
After hearing Liu Jin's words, Xu Waner and Li Zhen finally understood that Liu Jin wanted to resign and go home to retire. This was a decision made after careful consideration for many reasons.
When development has reached its extreme, it is one aspect to retreat from the rapids. Liu Jin has realized his life ideal and has no regrets, which is also another aspect. Wanting to travel around the world and have a look is also another aspect.
"Ms. sir, no matter what decision you make, we will support you!"
Xu Waner and Li Zhen looked at each other and said very solemnly.
Liu Jin is someone they have always admired.
From the time they met Liu Jin, they were first attracted by Liu Jin's appearance, and then impressed by Liu Jin's talent. They have been married for many years and have been together for thirty years. They are also admired by Liu Jin's integrity and talent.
There have been many officials who have reached the level of Liu Jin since ancient times, but there are very few people who can be as upright, talented and capable as Liu Jin and push the Ming Empire into a prosperous age.
They feel that their life is worthwhile, because being able to marry an eternal great man like Liu Jin will have no regrets in their life.
What's more, Liu Jin has always been very affectionate towards them. Other ministers in the court may have wives and concubines at home, but Liu Jin has always only had the two of them, and he never takes concubines, let alone goes to a brothel.
Drinking flower wine or something.
So at home, they have always listened to Liu Jin, and no matter what decision Liu Jin makes, they fully support it.
"Well, thank you ma'am!"
Liu Jin smiled and nodded.
"My husband should accept all the women sent by the emperor and treat them as concubines. The two of us are old and have lost our beauty. We must be dissatisfied with you, my husband."
"Look back, our sisters will look for some beauties for your husband to come back."
Xu Waner looked at Liu Jin, thought about it and said with a smile.
"Yes, yes, sir."
"You are already old. If you don't cherish the next few years, you will be powerless after you reach sixty."
Li Zhen also said with a smile.
"Ahem~"
After hearing this, Liu Jin couldn't help but became speechless. What more could he ask for if he had a good wife and husband at home.
At this time, the housekeeper of the house hurriedly came over and said, "Sir, Duke Dingguo has called."
"Um!"
Liu Jin nodded and hurried to his study room to answer the phone.
"Hello, I'm Liu Jin!"
"Liu Jin, why are you thinking of resigning when you are doing well?"
"I'm tired of being an official. I want to travel around the world. Come over to my place later and let's have a good chat."
"I see."
Liu Jin just hung up the phone, and the British father called again, asking the same thing.
Then Yang Yun, the Duke of Australia, also called and asked Liu Jin to think carefully. Once Liu Jin retreats, the impact will still be great.
Liu Jin answered endless calls one after another, but Liu Jin always said the same thing on the phone, that is, he was tired of being an official and wanted to travel around the world and see.
It is not convenient to talk about big things on the phone. Although this thing is convenient, it is sometimes not safe. Information can be easily eavesdropped. If you want to talk about secret content, you still have to talk about it in the past.
In the Kunning Palace of the Imperial Palace, Emperor Hongzhi was listening to music leisurely.
Since his abdication and loss of sight, Emperor Hongzhi gradually fell in love with listening to music. The advent of the phonograph also allowed Emperor Hongzhi to listen to various songs from all over the world.
Although the gramophone has only been around for a short time, the technology has developed very fast. Nowadays, there are many record stores in Ming Dynasty, which specialize in finding people who can sing well to record records and sell them.
This business was very prosperous and developed extremely rapidly, which also greatly stimulated the development of Daming Music.
"His Majesty!"
At this time, Zhu Houzhao came over. The young eunuchs and maids saluted quickly, but Zhu Houzhao signaled them not to make any noise so as not to disturb Emperor Hongzhi's enjoyment.
"Come here as soon as you come, why are you sneaking around?"
However, Emperor Hongzhi still heard it. His hearing is now very sensitive, his eyesight is slowly recovering, and he can already see some light. The imperial doctors also estimate that Emperor Hongzhi will be cured in a few years.
"Father!"
"I'll help you beat your legs."
After Zhu Houzhao heard this, he immediately smiled playfully, and then he quickly and diligently beat Emperor Hongzhi's legs.
The relationship between father and son was very good. Zhu Houzhao looked like an emperor outside, but in front of Emperor Hongzhi, he changed into a playful and smiling face.
"You are the emperor after all, so please pay attention to your image, okay?"
Emperor Hongzhi said with a smile.
"I am the Emperor, and father, you are the Emperor's father."
"It is only natural for a son to be filial to his father."
Zhu Houzhao said with a smile.
"You, I don't know you yet."
Emperor Hongzhi laughed, then thought for a moment and said, "Is there something wrong?"
"Liu Jin said today that he wanted to resign and go home to retire. He is only fifty years old. He is as young as someone in their thirties. So he just said he would go home to retire. Do you think it's weird or not?"
Zhu Houzhao also talked about Liu Jin's resignation.
"Are you sure?"
When Emperor Hongzhi heard this, he didn't think there was anything surprising.
"No, how could I approve it? I have only been on the throne for two years, and there are still many places where he is indispensable."
"He said that he was already fifty years old and knew his destiny. He wanted to take advantage of his health to travel around the world, see the great rivers and mountains, and appreciate the customs and customs of each place."
Zhu Houzhao said with some doubts: "Father, tell me what Liu Jin is thinking in his head. I don't doubt him, nor do I distrust him. If he resigns properly, what kind of world will he see?"
"Haha, this is Liu Jin. He is a smart man and a disciple of a master. He always knows how to do the right thing at the right time."
After Emperor Hongzhi heard this, he suddenly laughed after thinking about it.
Emperor Hongzhi has always admired and trusted Liu Jin very much. Of course, Liu Jin also deserves his trust. Although he has always had huge industries and wealth, he has always been loyal to himself and devoted himself to national affairs. The Ming Dynasty
It is precisely with his help that today's prosperity is possible.
Even now, Liu Jin still impresses Emperor Hongzhi. At this time, Liu Jin proposed to return to his hometown for retirement, which meant retreating bravely.
"Father, what do you mean by this?"
Zhu Houzhao thought for a while and asked.
"Liu Jin has reached the point where he is now. He has no progress and no title. If he wants money, he has plenty of money. If he wants power, he can't want to be the emperor, right?"
"In this case, now that he is a smart man, he certainly knows what to do. He is retreating from the rapids."
"Of course, I think Liu Jin, a disciple of a master, really wants to travel around the world and see things. He is different from ordinary people."
“The average person pursues power and wealth, but they don’t know what they want to do after pursuing power and wealth. Do they want to rely on power to govern the country and make the country prosperous, or do they just want to gain power and be subject to others?
respect."
"Liu Jin is different. He wanted to make the country stronger and more prosperous, so he became an official and a high official. Because when he became a high official, his influence became greater, and he was able to change the world even more.
country and realize one’s ideals in life.”
"Why is Liu Jin so rich? He really loves money. No, the industries he founded are actually to promote the development of Ming Dynasty in this emerging field and industry. They all play a leading role, but
He casually created some industries, and they were already extremely huge."
"So I think Liu Jin may have realized his ideals in life as he said. He wants to see other places around the world while his body is still good, and by the way, he will retreat bravely."
Emperor Hongzhi gave Zhu Houzhao a detailed analysis. Emperor Hongzhi knew Liu Jin very well and knew very well who Liu Jin was and his life goals and ideals.
"I see."
Zhu Houzhao nodded, now he understood.
"He is really different from ordinary people."
"It's different, so I think you should let him go. People who can keep him can't keep his heart."
"What's more, the Ming Dynasty has developed to this point, and it doesn't matter if Liu Jin is missing. There are so many talents, and Wang Shouren is no worse than Liu Jin. They are all geniuses through the ages."
"Liu Jin has done enough for our Zhu family and the world, and made enough contributions. He has no ambitions, so he should have a good ending."
Emperor Hongzhi let out a long sigh.
Emperors have been ruthless since ancient times, but Emperor Hongzhi can be regarded as an exception. He was kind-hearted, very kind, and treated his ministers very well, and all of them were able to die a good death.
In his opinion, Liu Jin should have a good death because Liu Jin made a lot of contributions to the country of Ming Dynasty.
Of course, it is also a good thing for Ming Dynasty that Liu Jin retreats bravely.
"I understand. If Liu Jin mentions this matter next time, I will do it."
After Zhu Houzhao listened, he thought about it carefully and nodded in agreement.
PS: Two chapters combined into one chapter, too lazy to separate~~