First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 607

After production, it needs to be stored, transported, and sold...every link consumes huge wealth.

Take Zhu Di for example, why does he owe so much money?

It’s not all about the upfront investment!

Farming, logging, sheep raising, woolen cloth... These very profitable industries are not enough to make up for the shortfall.If it weren't for Daming's lack of these things, Zhu Di would lose all his pants if he didn't develop them.

And these industries that seem to be very profitable are not enough to fill the gap, so what else is really profitable to expand outward?

Robbery?

Maybe, but robbing requires luck, the other party can't resist too strongly, and must be really rich, otherwise you go to rob, people are so pitiful, with snot and tears, and finally throwing ingots to others, that would be a loss big.

Fortunately, in this world, there really is an industry that surpasses robbery, which is full of huge profits.

That's candy!

In later generations, people may think that sugar is nothing, it costs a few dollars a catty, and it is everywhere.People even think that sugar is unhealthy, and food and drink must be advertised as sugar-free.

But today, sugar is different.

In lands like the Central Plains, the people are quite smart and can tinker with maltose and make it into snacks to meet their needs.

But looking around the world, in most places, only nobles and masters can occasionally eat a little honey.

They even regard sugar as a panacea. If you feel sick and have a stomachache, I will give you a bowl of sugar water. When you drink afternoon tea, someone puts a spoonful of sugar in the bowl, but you can put three spoonfuls... Don't doubt, you That is, the nobles among the nobles, the nobles of the old London with the Union Jack, the old Paris with the white flag, and the old Berlin with the black flag, will kneel at your feet and call you big brother.

Of course, places like Dashi and Persia are not much better. You can see how much sugar they use in their dim sum.

Generally speaking, it is really the land of the Central Plains, Wufu Minfeng, and the treatment of sugar is not so crazy.

But that's about it.

Relying on sugar extraction in Lingnan, Zhu Ying not only supported the imperial court with millions of guan in military expenditure, but also successfully won Yunnan, making the territory bigger and bigger, and almost catching up with Zhu Di. The biggest source of income behind him is also sugar.

So to sum up, sugar is almost the place where people like to spend money after they are full... Chai, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea, the eighth necessity, is definitely sugar!

Another point is that most of the Ming people know how to grow food... As for salt, because it is a necessity, without salt, people will have no strength and health problems.

Therefore, neither of these two things should pursue profits too much, so that everyone can have enough food and afford salt.

But when it comes to sucrose, I'm sorry, if you can't afford it, then don't eat it, and if you can't afford it, don't buy it.

Anyway, if you don't eat sugar, it won't matter.

As for what you can afford, just obediently contribute taxes to Daming.

"To sum it up, sugar has a huge demand, a vast market, and lucrative profits... For external development, sugar is almost the first choice besides gold and silver, and it is difficult to have a more profitable business."

Zhang Ximeng explained to Zhang Chengtian, "If Your Majesty can start with sucrose, it is indeed a good choice."

Zhang Chengtian lowered his head, thought for a while, and said puzzledly: "Father, you talk about Tang so brilliantly. Uncle Zhu Ying's place is actually making money, but it's far from the realm you said. What's going on?"

Zhang Ximeng snorted, "What else is going on! Sugar is good, but sugar extraction is too bitter and requires a lot of labor, and the climate in Lingnan is not completely suitable for growing sugarcane, which is better than Lingnan. Quite a few."

Zhang Chengtian became interested, "Father, what do you think is the best place to grow sugarcane?"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "Obviously this place can't be too big, it's better to be an island... because the island is easy to control, throw labor into it, and they can't escape. Also, this place needs to be humid and hot, and the climate conditions are suitable for the growth of sucrose ...If we can find such a suitable place, a mere island can be worth the output of several provinces, it will be a treasure island, and it will be the jewel in the palm of the emperor!"

After Zhang Chengtian listened carefully, he finally understood what his father meant.

"This matter lacks great morality, and Zhu Di is still required to do it. I will not touch it. I have to find a more profitable job!"

Zhang Ximeng rolled his eyes, "Can you find a more profitable business?"

Zhang Chengtian smiled, "It's all about man...Father, you said that if the baby is found, will the old man give you any reward?"

"Reward? I'll reward you for harvesting sugar cane!" Zhang Ximeng said bluntly, "You'd better do something serious, don't think that you can slack off after passing the No. 1 exam, understand?"

Zhang Chengtian was startled, and quickly agreed.He was very happy. In fact, his father cared a lot about his grades.

Don't worry, since you have taken the exam once, there will be a second time. I will not let out the things that are in our Zhang family's hands no matter what.

You can rest assured about this.

As for the next thing, especially making money, I must find a way to make money and make my father dumbfounded. Just wait and see, I, Zhang Chengtian, must be better than blue!

This kid took advantage of the holiday to walk around the streets, not letting go of any clues.

Zhang Chengtian was in Yingtian City, looking everywhere for opportunities to make a fortune.

As for Zhu Yuanzhang, he couldn't wait.

Zhu Yuanzhang issued an order to call a bunch of Mongolian princes over.

There were more than twenty of them, Mongolian princes and nobles, trembling with fear, they didn't even have the courage to look up.

Zhu Yuanzhang said lightly: "We already know that it is indeed coerced by Wang Baobao that we have to fight against Daming. It is not easy for you!"

Mahamu quickly took the lead, kneeling on the ground, weeping bitterly.

"Thank you Your Majesty for your understanding, long live my emperor!"

It was quite quick to change his mind, Lao Zhu said with a smile: "You were wronged, you had to do it, and now you come to plead guilty to us again, do you think we should be rewarded as officials? Let you feel at ease?"

Everyone was startled, they really thought so, but facing Zhu Yuanzhang at this moment, they really didn't dare to speak nonsense.

Mahamu's Chinese is the best, he was stunned, and hurriedly kowtowed: "Thunder, rain and dew, could it be God's grace!"

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help laughing, "Well said! But whoever gets the rain and dew is happy, and whoever gets the thunder is dissatisfied, and even wants to go back and lead the rebellion. Are we right?"

Mahamu hurriedly kowtowed, "The foreign minister dare not! The foreign minister dare not!"

Lao Zhu waved his hand, "No need, we don't like to talk about those circles, let's go straight to the point! We can give you the opportunity to allow you to join Ming Dynasty without being punished, but you also have to show the attitude of being a courtier. Every tribe , If there are more than 10 people, we will give us five thousand young adults, and the rest will have to hand over three thousand, ranging from one thousand to one thousand. If we want these people to do things, you must give them! If you don’t give them, you can’t do it!”

Lao Zhu is full of domineering, beyond doubt.

Among the crowd, Mahamu was born in Wala, and he is powerful. If counted according to the number of people under his command, he must send out 5000 people.

What a pain!

Moreover, if so many people are brought out, the combat power will be weakened, and they might be killed by the surrounding tribes. It is definitely not a careless thing.

"Foreign ministers have the guts to ask, what does Your Majesty want to use these people for?" Mahamu asked boldly.

"What are you doing? Naturally, planting sugar cane and extracting sugar!" Lao Zhu said with a smile.

The princes present, after a while, finally figured out what was going on... Immediately, several people became furious!What a great Ming emperor, we came to surrender, but you used us as coolies.

Had we known this, we would not have come.

Do you really think you are invincible tomorrow?

If you don't agree, just fight!

In a fit of rage, that Mahamu looked to both sides, knelt down again, and said: "The foreign minister is willing to donate five thousand youths for His Majesty's orders!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him, and suddenly smiled and said, "You have given us so many people, are you not afraid that the surrounding tribes will jointly attack and destroy you? Also, don't you feel distressed?"

Mahamu gritted his teeth, "Returning to His Majesty, the foreign minister thinks that being able to serve His Majesty is the blessing of the foreign minister. As for whether someone will besiege, the foreign minister thinks that the Shang Kingdom will not let the minister who is sincerely attached to him suffer!"

Lao Zhu looked at this young man with a smile on his face, he really knows the current affairs, and there will be no limit after a long time.

"You are very smart! Let me tell you that if you want 5000 people, you are not working as coolies, but let these people manage the natives, let the natives grow sugar cane and squeeze sugar!"

Lao Zhu revealed the answer, Mahamu's eyes widened in horror, and the rest of the princes were also shocked!

How do you say this?

It turned out not to be a coolie, but to manage people!

Not only managing people, but also squeezing sugar!

What's wrong?

Sure enough, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said: "Mahamu, you have so many people, we will not give you a penny of military pay. We will give you candy, one person for one year, three stones of candy, do you think it is enough?"

Mahamu was dumbfounded, one for three stone candies!

Still three stones a year!

I want three stones of sugar, take it to the river, take it to Persia, and I can exchange it for ten slaves!

And mastering sugar is equivalent to sitting on a golden mountain.

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

Mahamu kowtowed from the bottom of his heart, and Zhu Yuanzhang still smiled, "Beyond the Western Regions, we will also hand over the sugar business on the Silk Road to you. Remember, as long as you are loyal to Daming, we will not treat you badly." .”

Mahamu kowtowed frantically, bleeding from his forehead, even if Mahamu asked Zhu Yuanzhang to call him father, it would be fine.

But on the other side, Zhang Chengtian took a confession and patted it in front of Zhang Ximeng.

"Father, what do you think of this thing selling for a hundred guan?" The little fat man was triumphant.

Zhang Ximeng was startled for a while, and took it over to see, it turned out to be a confession issued by the Korean public, Li Shanchang, and it was from the magistrate.After thinking for a while, Zhang Ximeng's face turned dark...

Chapter 841 Blackmailing Li Shanchang

"How should Li Shanchang be punished for selling his official title?" Zhang Ximeng said coldly.

Zhang Chengtian rolled his eyelids, shook his head and said, "In my opinion, there is no cure for any crime!"

"why?"

Zhang Chengtian said: "Father, think about it, what he sold was the official title of the Koryo Kingdom, which was under the rule of the Korean Duke, and belonged to foreign feudal vassals, not included in the Ming Dynasty's Kyushu. They were originally different from the rules of the Ming Dynasty. Similarly, overseas vassal states, not to mention selling officials and nobles, even if it is really smashing the bones and sucking the marrow, what can you do?"

Zhang Ximeng's face was sullen, burning with anger, it was indeed the case, originally he was encouraged to go outside, but when he went outside, he would bear all the consequences at his own risk, if he was willing to sell his position, can you handle it?

"No, he sold it to the people of Daming, so we can't control it?"

Zhang Chengtian's face was very dark, "Father, what you love and what I want, I spent a hundred guan to buy the status of a magistrate, and we are also officials. Although Daming does not recognize Gaoli as an official, we are still officials. At home If someone dies, he can be buried according to the etiquette of the Goryeo prefect. Maybe he can fill in the vacancy when he goes to Goryeo in the future. Why don’t you want such a good thing! Anyway, the price is not expensive, I I feel pretty good."

"Father, look at him, Li Xianggong is good at making money. A piece of paper and a big seal can make money all over the world... You have to tinker with His Majesty to squeeze sugar, cultivate land, find labor, and arrange people. Look. Planting sugar cane, harvesting, crushing, transporting, selling... Don't mention the troubles, when it comes to making money, you are really inferior to Li Xianggong, if you have to admit defeat, you will admit defeat, and there is no shame in admitting it."

Zhang Chengtian's face was full of admiration, he was really a little regretful, he blamed himself for being too young, just when he was sensible, Li Xianggong was impeached and left.

If I had known Li Shanchang earlier and learned some skills from him, I would be no better than my own father!

Zhang Ximeng looked at the report in front of him, thought again and again, and suddenly said: "You are now the commander of the Guard Division, I will give you a question, how to kill Li Shanchang... just rely on the matter in front of you!"

Zhang Chengtian was stunned for a moment, and looked at Zhang Ximeng stupidly, "Father, what's the matter with you? Mr. Li didn't break the law, why do you think he doesn't like you?"

"Don't do anything!" Zhang Ximeng snorted coldly, "Stop talking nonsense, kid. The topic is given to you. What can you do to make Lao Li spit out the money he earned, and cut some more meat out by the way!"

Zhang Chengtian was dumbfounded, he realized that his father was serious.

But Li Xianggong didn't do anything against the regulations. How can I deal with an official who sells Korea, what you love and what I want?

Is it framed by design?

Wouldn't that be the crime of looting and harming virtuous ministers?

That's not what nice people do!

nice guy?

So am I a good person?

Zhang Chengtian's thoughts were racing, he thought for a long time, and suddenly came up with an idea, "Father, how about we forge a few confessions?"

Zhang Ximeng remained calm and said with a smile, "What are you going to do?"

Zhang Chengtian rolled his eyes, leaned forward in front of Zhang Ximeng, and said with a smile: "Father, do you think this is okay? I forged dozens of complaints, and then said that Li Shanchang sold them casually, and some people took advantage of their status as Korean officials to commit crimes. In this way Once this happens, I will be able to report to Your Majesty smoothly, and then let Your Majesty issue an order to reprimand Li Shanchang. Before, Your Majesty had no excuses, but now that Old Li has made a mistake, it is only natural that he should be punished!"

Zhang Ximeng finally showed a slight smile, "You said that Lao Li's business brings in money quickly, but what about this business now?"

Three words welled up in Zhang Chengtian's heart: black eat black!

Old Li has worked so hard to get some money, but you are always so ruthless.It's really not easy to cry for Li Shanchang.

"Father, if you tell people to know, are we considered treacherous ministers?"

"Then don't let people know! You don't even have this ability?" Zhang Ximeng asked back: "Let me remind you, your kid is now the commander of the Arch Guard Division, what does the Arch Guard Division do? Are you clear?"

Zhang Chengtian was completely speechless, God is sorry, he really wanted to be a good person.

If one day he learns badly, it must be the dog's father's fault!

But then again, since taking over this job, Zhang Chengtian has been very familiar with it, and he quickly found the trick.

The job of making fake big seals is actually very professional.

For example, Zhu Ying had a good classmate Lu Zhou back then, who was a major in his major, and now he has worked in the Bureau of Banknotes, responsible for anti-counterfeiting of banknotes.

Zhu Yuanzhang's head portrait was designed by him.