Even Zhu Youtang did not expect that the promotion of mining and mining tax collection in the court would go so smoothly.
It turns out that these ministers don’t turn against me whenever something goes wrong?
How come this time I know that the mining tax should be exchanged for their salary banknotes first, and everyone seems to be withered? But they came out to oppose it! I am still waiting to debate with you how to benefit the country and the people.
After the court meeting is over.
After Zhu Youtang returned to the Qianqing Palace, his expression was full of emotion: "I thought that many people in the government would oppose it, but who would have thought that everyone seemed to agree with my order for Bingkuan to open the mine. Now the difficulty lies with Bingkuan himself. I hope he can find out the location of the mineral vein through the Feng Shui he has learned."
Dai Yi smiled and said: "Mr. Zhang knows astronomy and feng shui, how can he not find it?"
"Okay, I'm going out to watch a show. What's the show today?" Zhu Youtang asked.
This time Xiao Jing reminded: "It's Romance of the West Chamber."
"Oh, I once read the script of Romance of the West Chamber, but I said it was all about folk men and women, and there was no sense of family and country. The martial arts scripts written by Bingkuan earlier should also be adapted into plays. I want to show them on the stage. Seen on.”
Zhu Youtang didn't like folk operas about love and love.
Given his identity and status, he prefers to watch "exciting" movies. Even if there is no blood and flesh on the stage, it can at least make him feel the virtual grandeur.
Xiao Jing said: "I will tell Mr. Zhang."
"Yes." After Zhu Youtang nodded, he ordered the arrangements for leaving the palace. He wanted to leave the palace before noon. According to the plan, he would not return to the palace gate until sunset.
…
…
Zhang Zhou did not need to accompany the Holy Driver that day.
It was not his idea for the emperor to go out to watch a play, but the Queen Mother Zhou's order. Zhu Youtang did this more out of "filial piety". As for what play to watch... Zhang Zhou can plan it.
But whether the person Empress Dowager Zhou likes has a chance to get close to Zhu Youtang depends on Zhu Youtang's own taste.
Zhang Zhou received the imperial edict that day, allowing him to mine.
Moreover, the rules for mining are explained, and it also shows that there are people who can discover coal, iron ore and saltpeter mines. If they want to be loyal and dedicate the mines to the court, they can also go through Zhang Zhou's hands.
This is tantamount to a bombshell for private businessmen.
Especially those merchants who have their own mining needs. Some of them have actually discovered mineral veins, and some of them have mined privately and have been questioned by the court. Now the court has given them an opportunity to turn from "illegal" to "legal", but how to tell Zhang Zhou contacted and donated the mines, and there will be an explanation for how much of each company's profits will be divided in the future.
Zhang Zhou went to see Jiang Dezhong.
"Son-in-law, you don't know. As soon as the news came out today, I have been visited by an endless stream of people. They all know that I am helping you mine. Otherwise, you can set a price and determine how much money a mine will cost! As I think about it, the price for large mines is 3,000 taels, and for small mines, it ranges from 500 taels to 1,000 taels. What do you think?"
Jiang Dezhong is a businessman.
When he knew that Zhang Zhou had the power to certify illegal mines into legal mines, he wanted to realize Zhang Zhou's power.
Zhang Zhoudao: "Father-in-law, I hear what you mean is that you plan to make money."
Jiang Dezhong said in surprise: "How can he be good even if he doesn't make money?"
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "But the problem is, I helped him register with the government in those mines. If he produces ore, how much will he give me? The court asked me to use the ore veins to refine steel, cast cannons, and make gunpowder. These mines will help me complete it. These?"
"this……"
Jiang Dezhong only thought about making money, and serving the imperial court did not seem to be within the scope of his thinking.
These are all things besides making money.
Zhang Zhoudao: "Let's put it this way, if you want to open a mine, you can open it yourself. I want to search everywhere to see if there is a suitable mine. I must not compete with the people for profit. Those who want to contribute to the mine must also worry about it."
Save it, gold will not fall from the sky to them, nor will it fall to me."
Jiang Dezhong said in confusion: "If there is a ready-made mine, you don't want it. Do you want to open it yourself? When will this open?"
"My father-in-law doesn't seem to believe in my ability." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
"Well..." Jiang Dezhong really didn't believe it, "Xian son-in-law, people say that you can do calculations and even communicate with ghosts and gods. I don't know why they have such ideas. Since you are so capable, how could you do it before?
Will you be... so depressed?"
Zhang Zhou thought to himself, you old man Jiang is really good at soul torture.
If I hadn't been so depressed and had the Gongyuan Shihao hanging around my neck, nothing would have happened to me now.
"Do you understand what it means that everything will turn to its extreme? Do you understand what it means to bring life back to life? How can we survive if we don't leave it to death?" Zhang Zhou said, "In short, you don't have to worry about mining. Please take a good look at the coal mine in Xishan. I will check it out soon."
, open more mines, and don’t think about lining your own pockets.”
"My dear son-in-law, if you start mining, of course I will help you..."
"No!"
Jiang Dezhong was so anxious.
He thought Zhang Zhou was here to bring him business and money, but he found out that Zhang Zhou was here to settle accounts with him.
Zhang Zhou seemed to have no intention of cooperating with him when he opened the iron mine this time.
…
…
Hanlin Academy.
Zhang Zhou came to check on the proofreading of the "Da Ming Hui Dian", and by the way met Cheng Minzheng and Lin Han who were working hard here. They were helpers hired by Zhang Zhou, and they themselves were somewhat incompatible with the Hanlin Academy system.
After all, Lin Han is about to become Zhang Zhou's father-in-law.
Weng and son-in-law went together to the library where classics were stored.
"Why haven't I seen you recently? Is the DPRK very busy?" Lin Han asked.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "I'm quite busy. I have to start mining again today."
Lin Han nodded.
This time, Lin Han got a lot of money from his salary. Although Lin Han was usually aloof and arrogant, he was under a lot of pressure to support his family. He saw that his children and their families only lived in the dormitory of the Imperial College after they arrived in Beijing.
How much pressure there is... and because he still has wives and concubines to support.
Lin Han's favorite thing to do in his later years was not studying books or anything like that, but actually... giving birth to children.
Now it seems that Lin Han is old and frail, but when Zhang Zhou thinks that this old guy only gave birth to his last son, Lin Tingji, in the sixth year of Zhengde, he knows what it means to be old and strong.
If I take your concubine's daughter as my concubine, don't look down on me. Who is more noble than the other?
Scholars, don’t you just talk about drinking, sex and wealth?
"What's the situation in the northwest?" Lin Han actually asked Zhang Zhou seriously about the situation in the northwest.
Zhang Zhou smiled.
In the past, Lin Han was an academic right minister of the Ministry of Rites, and his job was to teach and educate people. But now Lin Han seems to have realized that after the "Da Ming Huidian" is written, his official position will be further promoted.
It is very possible that he will have the opportunity to take charge of his own affairs in the DPRK.
It means "be a happy person from tomorrow on, feed horses, chop firewood, travel around the world, and care about food and vegetables from tomorrow on".
Lin Han used to be a bit indifferent to what was going on outside the window, but now he finally started to care about the situation in the court.
"The situation in the northwest is not bad. It is imperative to suppress traps, but the focus of the imperial court is on Pianguan. Before Wang Dehua and Zhu Zhijie went to Pianguan, His Majesty ordered them to change their offensive and defensive thinking. If the prediction is correct, they will stand at Pianguan.
After establishing a foothold, we will immediately send troops to surprise the Tatar camp and drive the Tatars out of the vicinity of Pianguan. There may be battle reports in the next two days..."
Zhang Zhou then told Lin Han about the situation in the northwest.
Lin Han said: "Aren't you afraid of defeat if you send troops rashly?"
Regarding the matter of marching, Lin Han did not adopt a condescending attitude when asking questions. Perhaps he also knew that no matter how famous he was in academic circles, when it came to matters such as using troops, he was just a novice layman.
Zhang Zhou shook his head: "For Your Majesty, national prestige is more important than other things now. The border officers will be able to understand this mentality, and even if the troops are not sent smoothly, they will not be held accountable too much. On the contrary, those who are timid and talk about using defense as offense
, they will all be replaced in the end."
"oh."
Lin Han nodded to express his understanding.
From Zhang Zhou's words, he understood that the emperor's intention now was to send troops and no longer cower in defense.
He needs others to explain this kind of thing to him... There is no way.
This is why he likes to talk about court affairs with his prospective son-in-law recently.
There is no way, who makes Zhang Zhou the person who can best grasp the emperor's mind?
And he, Lin Han, did not follow the path of a traditional civil servant. If he wanted to be promoted to the rank of Sixth Secretary of the Capital or a full-time minister, he had to understand the emperor's thoughts, because from a follow-up perspective, it was the emperor and Zhang Zhou who promoted him.
Yes, if he doesn't know how to stand in line, he will be like Cheng Minzheng. A big black pot will fall from the sky at any time.
…
…
At the entrance of Zhang Mansion.
Zhang Ye and Zhang Ping's father and son came to visit them since noon, but no one allowed them to enter or even get close to the gate.
In the end, the two of them could only squat in the corner, each holding a stack of "gifts" in his hand, and waited until sunset when they finally saw Zhang Zhou's carriage stop.
"Second brother..."
Zhang Ye rushed forward shamelessly, but was stopped by Jin Yiwei. Two men came behind him and grabbed the collars of the two men, almost pushing them to the ground and giving them a lesson.
Fortunately, these two guys always come out to show their faces recently, and everyone around Zhang Zhou knows them, so they don't have the nerve to do anything.
A toad jumps on the instep, but it is disgusting if it does not bite.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Brother, eldest nephew, you two haven't returned to Nanjing yet? Is there still a way for you to survive in the capital?"
Zhang Ye said with a mournful face: "Well, your sister-in-law heard that you are now prosperous, so she asked someone to bring some money for us to stay here for a few more months to see if we can maintain the relationship between brothers."
"Hey, brother, don't blame me for talking about you. You are a grown man who has been away from home for a long time, and your family's money is still managed by a woman. Aren't you worried? If you go back, your sister-in-law will kick you out..."
"Bah! Hey... Second brother, you are reminding me, how about you, for the sake of brother, allow the eldest brother to return to Nanjing earlier for business?"
Zhang Ye wanted to get close to Zhang Zhou, but he could only talk to Zhang Zhou about the bad things in his family from a distance of three feet and was blocked by others.
"Visitors are guests, let them in."
This time, the Zhang family and his son brought gifts, but Zhang Zhou did not stop them and let them enter the yard.
The Zhang family father and son finally had the opportunity to set foot in the Zhang family's yard, and they were invited in. For Zhang Ye, not to mention how excited he was, he probably felt like "My second brother has finally forgiven me, and I will definitely start a new life in the future."
"sit down."
Zhang Zhou had no intention of letting Zhang Ye and his son enter the house, but just greeted them in front of the stone bench in the yard.
But Zhang Ye didn't care anymore, walked over and sat down.
"Second brother, you have really prospered. Such a big courtyard, close to the palace gate, costs at least several thousand taels of silver, right? The encouragement I gave you at the beginning has really come to fruition! Think about it, when you were down and out,
Can my brother refuse to save me from death? I tried so hard to help you turn around, and when you couldn't eat, didn't I give you two hundred coins..."
Even Zhang Ping next to him frowned after hearing this nonsense.
Could this father be any more false in his words?
Second uncle is not a fool. Will people listen to your nonsense?
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Brother, just tell me what you have to say. What, are you seeking fame or profit this time? Are you trying to inherit my house?"
"No, no, no..." Zhang Ye said hurriedly, "Second brother, you are currently in a high position in the court. I heard that they are all first-class officials?"
"No, it's just a false position. I'm just a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy." Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
"That's awesome. Our ancestral tombs are smoking. Why don't you help us two brothers repair their ancestral tombs when we return to our hometown? The ancestral hall at home should also be repaired... My parents left when they did.
Morning, it’s all because of my brother’s poop and pee…”
"Wait a minute, brother, my parents passed away not a few years ago, right? Are you bullying me for not being smart?"
"Uh... But I didn't treat you badly as a brother, right?"
Zhang Ye found that this younger brother seemed not to be fooled as easily as before.
In the past, my younger brother would listen to whatever I said, and at that time, my younger brother was very pedantic.
Why are you acting like a monkey spirit now?
"Oh, brother, let's not bring up the old things, right? It hurts the feelings of brothers. If you have something to say, you'd better say it directly, and get out of here as soon as possible. Maybe before I die of old age, I will still remember you a little bit when I think of you as my elder brother."
Zhang Ye blinked.
"How do you say this...Second brother, it's like this. I heard that you have a job as a royal guard and an official position. Today, I also heard that you are going to start a mine? You can give me some benefits, and don't ask for anything else. Let me
After I get back, it will be fine if I can work with your sister-in-law."
Zhang Ye then knelt down to Zhang Zhou and said, "Look at it this way, my brother-in-law has never given you anything before, but your eldest nephew has never offended you. He remembers you as the second uncle in his heart. You keep him?"
In the capital, give him an errand. Think of it as leaving a chance for me, Zhang’s eldest son and grandson, to get ahead. What do you think?"
Zhang Ye's words are deeply affecting.
Zhang Ping next to him was very moved when he heard this.
When a son pulls on his father's clothes, it probably means, Dad, let's not beg this second uncle anymore. We can't afford to embarrass him, so let's leave early.
This scene made Zhang Zhou think of that boy Zhang Jun.
The two cousins are somewhat of the same temperament. They both understand "filial piety and etiquette" and are the "filial sons and virtuous grandsons" of the Zhang family.
"Brother, I only let you in for my nephew's sake. Otherwise, why do you think I would waste this talk with you? Find someone to kick you out of the capital, and I will beat you out if you come back again. Do you think
Is there still a chance to gain a foothold in the capital?" Zhang Zhou smiled.
"Okay, okay. Zhang Ping, do you hear me? Let's have a good time with your second uncle from now on." Zhang Ye said to his son seriously.
"Yeah." Zhang Ping didn't mention how excited he was.
My father sacrificed his ego and lived his life against the wall without losing face. He finally pushed your son and me to the edge of glory, while he himself had to go back and continue to endure the torture of my mother.
Such a spirit of sacrifice is truly touching.
Zhang Zhou said: "I am short of an apprentice in my shop. I have a monthly salary of two yuan and I have to take care of my own food and lodging. Do you think my eldest nephew can endure this hardship?"
"ah?"
Zhang Ye and his son looked at Zhang Zhou together.
What about insulting people?
Two dollars a month? You have to take care of your own food and lodging? You have to pay an apprenticeship?
"Oh, brother, you should broaden your horizons. I am working for His Majesty. The things that come out of my hands, such as the mighty gunpowder, the mighty long-range cannon, etc., are all the most powerful weapons in the Northwest Army.
If you can study with me for two years, you can work as an official in the Ministry of Industry."
Zhang Zhou was painting cakes for the Zhang family and his son again.
When Zhang Ye heard this, he turned back to look at Zhang Ping and said, "Son, did you hear what your second uncle said? Follow your second uncle and work hard. As a father, I will go back to your mother first."
"Father, take your son back with you."
Zhang Ping originally thought that he would be able to achieve great success. Even if his second uncle did not give him any position as a member of the Imperial Guard, it would not be too much to give him a general banner, a small banner, etc., right?
In the end, he was given an apprenticeship?
Or someone who makes gunpowder?
I'm afraid I don't know how I died later, and whether my body will be intact after death is another matter.
"Brother, it seems that you two have not reached an agreement. How about you two go back and discuss it for two more days?" Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
Zhang Ye was not polite, stood up and said sternly: "Zhang Ping, you have grown up now, you should also take responsibility! It is rare that your second uncle appreciates you and wants to keep you by his side to cultivate you, let alone be an apprentice, even if you are moved from
It is also a kind of kindness to do the hard work! From now on, if your father is no longer with you, your second uncle will be your father! You must honor him well!"
Zhang Ping: "..."
Now the son also understands that his father is planning to throw him away so that he can go back to his mother-in-law.
This is being treated as a burden by my father.
Zhang Ye said to Zhang Zhou with excitement on his face: "Second brother, my unsatisfactory son will depend on you from now on."
"No problem." Zhang Zhou smiled.
Zhang Ye lamented, turned around and left: "Son, follow your second uncle well. I will come back to pick you up as my father."
"Father……"
…
…
After Zhang Ye left, he packed up his things and prepared to return to Nanjing.
Zhang Zhou arranged for his nephew to stay in his workshop and went there that day and gave him two taels of silver.
"Zhang Ping, your father and your mother are confused. I don't think you should be confused." Zhang Zhou said, "Although they are both nephews of the Zhang family, you should know what kind of material you are. If you stay and work hard, you should go back and continue to work."
Your eldest young master, you make your own choice. If you are still there when I come back tomorrow, it means you have made a good choice. From now on, just do it well with me!"
Zhang Ping's face remained calm.
When Zhang Zhou came back the next day, Zhang Ping's bedroll had long been gone.
His father discussed with his second uncle to sell him, but he would not betray himself. He still wanted to go back to his mother, become his eldest son and grandson, and continue to live a life of no worries about food and clothing. He would still be waiting for his inheritance in the future.
