First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 471

Li Shanchang was slightly taken aback, "Master Zhang, is it too much?"

Zhang Ximeng said: "Li Xiang, one of our soldiers, from head to toe, including weapons and tents, is less than fifty guan, [-] guan, enough to equip two hundred enemy soldiers!"

Li Shanchang was stunned and silently nodded.

Zhu Yuanzhang said categorically: "This conviction is very fair! It must be written into the imperial edict, and it will be custom-made forever!"

Chapter 655 Zhu Biao's Comprehension

What Old Zhu said made Zhang Ximeng heave a sigh of relief and felt a little relieved.In fact, he doesn't care if Li Shanchang turns his back on Xianyu, nor does he care much about how the court's power structure will change after adding a commercial department... These real gains and losses, in Zhang Ximeng's view, 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 Households kept pace with each other.

At the same time, severe crimes were laid down for smuggling and tax evasion.Almost on the same level as treason.

Even if the eight imperial merchants who rely on smuggling appear in the future, facing this heavy ancestral system, they must be afraid and dare not take a step beyond the thunder.

Zhang Ximeng really hoped that the emperors and ministers of the Ming Dynasty, the civil and military officials and the public, could devote some energy to carefully study the industrial and commercial finance and taxation, and the road of agriculture has reached the extreme.To what extent can intensive cultivation 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 set up a Ministry of Commerce explained many problems in itself.People of insight and business talents in the world will surely emerge in endlessly.

Zhang Ximeng did not doubt this.

In fact, many people say that the Chinese people are a farming nation that rejects commerce and the sea, which is not necessarily fair.

After all, in the southeast coast, Susong and other places, including Zhejiang, Fujian, Huizhou, Yangzhou... There are a considerable number of outstanding businessmen, and there are even more warriors who dare to fight the sea.

They can conquer the sea, and they can do business.

Even hundreds of years later, they are the most shrewd and capable businessmen.

The problem that restricts them is that within the framework of this ancient country, there is no chance for businessmen to reach the sky.

From the design of the imperial government system, the channel for businessmen to speak was blocked.

And business development needs rules, which need someone to maintain.

In desperation, merchants could only take shelter of civil servants, thus forming a pattern in which scholar-bureaucrats and business gangs were both inside and outside of each other.They colluded together, and their power was as huge as the sky, and no one could shake them.

Zhang Juzheng, who is as strong as the regent, why does he only dare to play a whip, and dare not increase business taxes?

It's not that he doesn't dare, but that he really can't play.

If he handed over the business tax to the Ministry of Households, or the local yamen... there is no doubt that these officials who don't understand business at all will definitely mess up the business tax.

If Zhang Juzheng set up a new yamen to collect commercial taxes...then there is no doubt that when he made a suggestion, the army on the side of the Qing emperor would immediately take action.

You are a mere courtier, dare to destroy the ancestral official system, will you abolish the emperor next time?

Against a traitor like you, I can't hesitate anymore, I have to fight hard!

Some things can only be done by Zhu Yuanzhang, and Zhang Ximeng is the one who can persuade Zhu Yuanzhang.

Finally, the shortcomings of industry and commerce have been made up, and the future can be expected.

Zhang Ximeng was in a good mood, sitting in his seat with a smile on his face.

Now that the tone has been set, the next step is to try the case and punish the criminals severely, so there is nothing to say. Zhu Yuanzhang can do a good job.

But when Zhang Ximeng was about to watch the fun, Lao Zhu suddenly said, "Prince!"

Zhu Biao was stunned, and quickly bowed, "The child is here."...

Old Zhu said earnestly: "What you said earlier is quite insightful, and my father is very pleased. You should also be familiar with government affairs now and be a good heir. The Beiping case will be handed over to you. Father hopes You uphold the laws of the country, punish criminals severely, and give the common people of the world a proper explanation!"

Without waiting for Zhu Biao to say anything, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand directly, "Okay, let's all back down!"

Good guy, Zhu Yuanzhang has learned to delegate power. Although it was delegated to Zhu Biao, it is unprecedented.

Could it be that His Majesty is also preparing for the future?

"Anyway, I don't think so much about my old bones." Li Zhen was straightforward. As Zhu Yuanzhang's old brother-in-law, he didn't think he could outlive Zhu Yuanzhang.

After all, Li Jinglong followed Zhu Di. From the perspective of age alone, Li Zhen and Zhu Yuanzhang are almost two generations.

"I don't think about anything. If I work hard for a few more years, I can double the royal property, and then I can rest assured." Li Zhen said: "Mr. Zhang, this time I have put my old face, my family and my life on the line." You can find a way to take care of Gu Wenzhong and his father and son, and the generations of my Li family will be entrusted to you."

Zhang Ximeng also laughed, "I said, old man, I just want to study behind closed doors, and I don't even care about private matters. If you want to entrust, you should find Mr. Li!"

"Li Shanchang? He may not be able to live longer than me!" Li Zhen squinted at Zhang Ximeng, and said with a chuckle, "You don't understand, as an old man? This is a big day, it's just a gamble... Your Majesty is the owner of the casino. Head, you Zhang Xianggong is the shopkeeper who designed the gameplay, and the other officials, including Li Shanchang, are just sitting in front of the table to play, besides them, there are a lot of people who can't get on the table."

Li Zhen sighed: "Li Shanchang and those people win and lose, but you, Mr. Zhang, will never lose money. Is the old man right?"

Zhang Ximeng frowned, and said in a low voice: "Old man, you can make a price, how much can you forget this?"

Li Zhen laughed in astonishment, "Let my grandson worship under Zhang Xiang's door!"

"Li Jinglong?" Zhang Ximeng shook his head immediately, "Another condition!"

Li Zhen shook her head resolutely, and sighed: "Mr. Zhang, you can think about it slowly. The old man has a strict mouth. As long as he is not drunk, he will not talk nonsense. As for the conditions, I am afraid that I can't change them. After all, I am worried about that grandson.

Dear, this chapter is not finished, there is another page ^0^, there is nothing to be afraid of. "

After finishing speaking, Li Zhen left gracefully, looking at his back, Zhang Ximeng couldn't help but sigh, you really have a vicious eye, you are so accurate!

Separated from Li Zhen, Zhang Ximeng was about to go to the province, but after a few steps, Li Shanchang followed him.

Old Li smiled all over his face, "Master Zhang, let's discuss something."

Zhang Ximeng smiled helplessly, "Brother Li, now that the courtiers are discussing privately, don't they have to betray anyone?"

Li Shanchang smiled and said: "This time we joined forces, everyone knows that if we hide from others, we will appear guilty, why not stay together and have a good discussion."

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "That's what I said, let's go to the Ministry of Education!"

Li Shanchang hesitated for a while, and finally nodded.

The two of them arrived at Zhongshu, and after taking their seats, they quickly went straight to the point. The matter to be discussed was also very simple, that is, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Commerce, who should be chosen! …

From the perspective of qualifications and ability, the most suitable person is Jiang Nan. She has enough grades, and has experience in the branch bureau, has managed military supplies, and also assisted the development of the Central Plains.It can be said to be rich in experience, as it should be.

But the problem is stuck in her identity.

"Zhang Xiang, look, this proposal was made by the two of us. If Mrs. Zun is chosen, I'm afraid there will be some comments...Of course, I don't mean to snatch the Ministry of Commerce. If you push another person, whether it is I will support anyone."

Zhang Ximeng had a smile on his face, "Brother Li, you don't have to be in trouble, as I said before, all important positions must be recommended by the big guys, and then the most suitable candidates will be sent to His Majesty as much as possible. I am really honored to be selected!"

Li Shanchang was taken aback, he never expected that Zhang Ximeng would say that!Lao Li's proposal to discuss this matter was really to save Zhang Ximeng.All fools know that even if they don't avoid suspicion, it is impossible to choose Jiang Nan!

What Lao Li meant was to leave the position of the commercial department to Zhang Ximeng's people and continue the alliance between the two... After all, the power of the left and right teaming up is really too great.

What happened in the courtroom today has already explained the problem.

As long as the two of them are willing to cooperate, Zhu Yuanzhang has nothing to do.

But the problem is that Zhang Ximeng is not on the road... Jiang Nan is really going to take over the Ministry of Commerce, and the people in the Ministry of Commerce will definitely be afraid.

It will be inconvenient for you Mr. Zhang. You can't let your wife be busy 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 taken too many things for himself, including writing history, writing books, and the next great edict, promoting commercial legislation, and cultivating talents...

Almost all of these matters are related to the country, and they are no easier than the government affairs of the DPRK and China.

Zhang Ximeng really needs to breathe a sigh of relief.

Correspondingly, the alliance between Zhang and Li ended regrettably before it lasted for half a day.

Li Shanchang touched his nose and was speechless.

Mr. Zhang, you are too outrageous!

Above the court, there have never been secrets.

Li Shanchang kindly invited Zhang Xianggong, but the two said goodbye after a short talk. Although they didn't know the specific content, they were just candidates for Shangshu of the Ministry of Commerce.

It can only be said that Zhang Xianggong is too shameless.

When Zhu Yuanzhang was having dinner, he heard from Zhu Biao that Lao Zhu had finished eating, but he ordered, "Put another bowl!"

Empress Ma glared at him, "It's late at night, eat so much, don't be afraid to save food!"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, "You don't understand! This news is for dinner, we have a big appetite and a good mood!"

Empress Ma had no choice but to watch Lao Zhu eat a big bowl full of rice. Then Zhu Yuanzhang asked Zhu Biao, "Do you have any ideas? How will this case be resolved?"

Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, and then said: "If you go back to the father, I'm afraid there will be a massacre."

Old Zhu was stunned, "It's rare that you have murderous intentions! But the case is too much?"

Zhu Biao nodded, "Father, this case involves the three divisions in Beiping, and Zhao Yong, the commander of them, actually owns slaves and maidservants privately. There are dozens of them!"

"What?" Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. If he smuggled military rations, it would endanger the safety of Ming Dynasty, and if he took slaves privately, it would shake the foundation of Ming Dynasty!

After all, since Zhang Ximeng put forward the people-oriented principle, it has become the common sense of the Ming Dynasty that everyone agrees under the Son of Heaven... Under this rule, brothels in various places were shut down and slaves were released.

In the end, there was a military general who raised slaves privately, what on earth was he going to do?

Do you want to rebel?

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, "Father, my son is unwilling to kill, but there are always people who regard the national law as nothing!" After a pause, Zhu Biao asked softly: "Father, you, you also have this kind of confusion, right? "

Chapter 656 Song History Book Complete

Confused?

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't tell. Whether it was going to battle to kill the enemy or suppressing corruption with an iron fist, Zhu Yuanzhang did it with peace of mind. Even if people's heads rolled and blood flowed like rivers, he never hesitated.

Could it be that this is a gift from heaven?

of course not.

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang knew very well that his hesitation, hesitation, fear, and cowardice all disappeared completely during those years of wandering.

In other words, cowardly and hesitant people simply couldn't survive those difficult days.

Indeed, as Mr. Zhang said, what seems common to Zhu Yuanzhang is an unimaginable hell for the prince living in a favorable environment.

If you have seen tens of thousands of people starve to death, and the bones of the dead, how can you care about the decapitation of thousands of people?

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a while. He felt that maybe he really couldn't ask his son like he asked himself... Zhu Biao should have his own way and his own way of governing the country.But in the end how to go, Zhu Yuanzhang is not so clear.

"Take history as a mirror. If you have time, go to Mr. Zhang's place and follow him to study and understand the truth. Maybe you will come to a conclusion." Zhu Yuanzhang said in a low voice.

Zhu Biao was startled, and nodded in agreement, but he knew that Zhang Ximeng was very opposed to following him in everything.It seems that Zhang Ximeng really hopes that students can subvert themselves, surpass themselves, and come up with something that catches his eye.

It's just obedience, only looking for answers from books and other people's mouths, it is doomed to fail.

Zhu Biao has a feeling that perhaps he should find his own way, but he is also confused, and he also doesn't know which direction to work hard...

Zhu Biao tried to ask Zhang Ximeng for advice, but after Zhang Ximeng listened, he looked up to the sky and laughed, "I can only say that His Highness has already surpassed many people when he realized this matter... As for the answer, I don't need to be the emperor and sit on the dragon chair. Your Highness asked me why?"

Zhang Ximeng said: "Your Highness, if you go to the street, go to the Confucius Temple. There are many fortune-telling gods in rags who come to show you the way, so that you can get promoted and get rich? Will you believe it? They If you have that ability, why don’t you get yourself an official uniform to wear? So, when His Highness asks me, it’s like asking Yu Blind!”

Zhu Biao said with a sullen face: "Mr. is naturally transparent, but those gods in rags don't even want to lie to smart people like Mr.!"

Zhang Ximeng clapped his palms and laughed, "That's it. I still need to revise books here. Is your Highness interested?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, "I still have to deal with the case, and I will ask my husband for advice later."

He got up, patted his butt, and left quickly. Although he didn't get an answer, he was less confused after all.

Zhu Biao began to deal with the Beiping case. In fact, many officials who were arrested and imprisoned were Zhu Biao's old acquaintances. When he was in Peiping, these people were all under Zhu Biao's command.

Among the Hanlin literati who were relegated from Yingtian, there are senior officials in the court and old officials in the Yuan court. Their backgrounds are very different, but almost without exception, they are all big corrupt officials.

Take Qian Yongren as an example, this guy actually got greedy for more than [-] taels.

"You used to be a minister of the Ministry of Rites, full of poems, books and articles, don't you know how to be ashamed?" Zhu Biao asked angrily.

It is rare that Qian Yongren did not cry for mercy, nor did he try to argue hoarsely, but said helplessly: "Your Highness, I believed what you said when I was still in Yingtian. But after I went to Shandong, all I left I climbed up and regained my position. Then I went to Beiping and became the chief envoy, and I discovered that everyone thinks so."

"My subordinates are all dedicated to climbing up. They racked their brains and gave me gifts. The people below also gave them gifts. Those who gave them were called unscrupulous, and those who gave them were called earth-shattering! At first I didn't dare to accept them, but later I found that if I don’t accept it, the people below will be disobedient and won’t do things for me!”

"Why?" Zhu Biao interrupted suddenly, "Is it so difficult to be an innocent person?"

Qian Yongren was stunned, and then said helplessly: "It's really difficult. Those old officials of the Yuan court are all like this. Giving gifts is almost the only way for them to climb up. As far as I know, some people even Give my wife to Shangguan, so as to make Shangguan a good friend!"

"Shameless!" Zhu Biao scolded angrily, "For a black hat, don't you even want to be a human?"

Qian Yongren pondered for a while, thought carefully and said: "Your Highness, the Yuan court ruled the Central Plains for a hundred years, and the land of Yanyun was dominated by the Hu people for hundreds of years. I heard that when Genghis Khan raised his troops, he killed Looting, looting all the women into the tent. Mongolian nobles, most of them are cruel and violent, robbing their daughters, robbing their wives, and so on. Although Beiping has been taken back, there are still many things that need to be changed from scratch , I’m afraid it won’t be solved in a few decades.”