my brother-in-law is the prince

Chapter 156

Chapter 156

in everyone's perception.

This Annan is no different from other wild places.

At best, it's just a small Bei Yuan.

It is unimaginable that there are more than 200 million stone grains.

And Daming's cognition of Annan, in fact, still stays hundreds of years ago.

Rather, it resembles the Han people's impression of Jiangnan.

In the south of the Yangtze River during the Han Dynasty, because there were many hills and mountains, and there was water everywhere, the northerners often could not adapt to the environment after entering the south.

Coupled with the low productivity at that time, the south of the Yangtze River had not been developed. Therefore, people's impression of the south of the Yangtze River was more of a wild concept, and the grain-producing areas at that time were mainly in the plains of Guanzhong and Kanto.

The so-called those who win the Central Plains win the world, that is the case.

However, with the increase in productivity, after the south began to enter the large-scale development, coupled with several north-south crossings, a large number of northern Han people entered the south, and new agricultural technologies were applied. This Jiangnan became a land of fish and rice, and the grain output directly surpassed north.

The same is true of Annan. When the Central Dynasty ruled the four counties of Jiaozhi, it was famous for its barrenness.

During the Song Dynasty, Annan, Champa, and Chenla were also rich in rice production. However, due to extensive cultivation and no irrigation facilities, the rice was allowed to grow naturally, so the grain output was low.

But as Annan and other places gradually stabilized, after absorbing part of the northern irrigation and reclamation technology, relying on the excellent geographical environment and fertile land, Annan's grain output was surprisingly high.

"Where... where did this food come from?" Zhu Gaochi was shocked at first.He was in the Ministry of Household Affairs, and he probably knew that the annual grain harvested by the imperial court was about 1000 million shi, and an Annan had 230 million shi, which was far beyond his imagination.

Zhang Anshi glanced at Zhu Di.

Zhu Di said: "Zhang Anshi, let's talk."

Zhang Anshi then said: "Annan is rich in rice, [-]% of the land can produce two crops of rice, and [-]% of the land can produce three crops of rice."

As soon as this remark came out, all the officials were in an uproar.

What is the concept of three-season rice?It can be harvested three times a year!

For the same acre of land, if you sow in spring and harvest in autumn, others can harvest once a season. This yield... is equivalent to tripled.

In Daming, relatively fertile land can only be harvested for two seasons at most, and this is almost the limit.

I saw Zhang Anshi say again: "What's more... Judging from this report, although there are many mountains in Annan, there is a plain in the middle, north and south of the country, and the scale of its rice fields is by no means smaller than that of Nanzhili."

Zhu Gaochi said in amazement: "Nanzhili has the most cultivated land in the world, but this Annan has more land than Nanzhili?"

"It's [-]% more." Zhang Anshi said: "This is just a conservative estimate. After all, this is the period of Chen Ruizong of the Chen Dynasty in Annan. After capturing the Champa Kingdom and unifying the north and south of Annan, the record of cultivated land. In these years... I am afraid there will be some land was developed."

Zhang Anshi was afraid that his brother-in-law would not believe him, and said again: "This time, we marched very fast. When we took down Shenglong, all Annan's granaries were full. Around 190 million stone."

Every year... 190 million shi.

"More than Nanzhili?"

This Southern Zhili...in the Ming Dynasty, its scale was much larger than many provinces, equivalent to the population and area of ​​Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Anhui in later generations.

Every year, the imperial court collects more food here than Jiangxi and Zhejiang, which are known as the land of fish and rice, combined.

But now, Nanzhili's grain tax is not as good as that of Annan!

In ancient times, food represented both population and taxes, and was a symbol of national strength.

Although the real national strength may not be calculated only by food.But at least Annan, relying on his super high grain production, is known as the Little China, aliased as the Little Overlord of the West, and bullies the Western countries in various ways. (Xiyang in the Ming Dynasty refers to Southeast Asia.)

Zhu Di looked at the ministers in amazement, all of them showing disbelief.

Especially Prince Zhu Gaochi, who looked quite shocked.

Of course he knew that the crown prince had been in charge of the household department for the past year, and was devastated every day because of money and food.

Zhu Di was secretly happy, but pretended to be calm and said: "Continue to read."

Zhang Anshi said: "In addition to this, you need 130 taels of silver, and countless other treasures, especially precious things such as spices, and 940 seven stones. If these spices are sold, even if the price is lower , I am afraid that the net profit of one million taels is not a problem. As for other land and people, let’s not count it for the time being.”

The real gold, silver and spices alone can be worth 200 million.

Zhu Di was happy, and said: "This Annan is so rich, I really didn't expect..."

Zhu Di looked at Chen Ji: "Chen Qing's family keeps saying that they are wasting people and money, right?"

In fact, Chen Ji was just biting the bullet and resisting it, but after thinking about it carefully, Xie Jin was right. At this time, if he couldn't "stay from one end to the end", he would appear to be at both ends of the head.

So he said: "Your Majesty, all the conquests have always been a waste of money and people. I just care about the suffering of the people."

Zhu Di actually nodded: "Chen Qing's family is right."

"what……"

Many people looked at Zhu Di in disbelief.

In fact, although there were a lot of seizures this time, the Imperial Academy may not be happy.

Only the prince Zhu Gaoxu and Yang Rong felt that the pressure and burden on them were greatly relieved.

But for the vast majority of people, the money is not for themselves, it belongs to the treasury after all.

But the consequences of the war are borne by the subjects of the world!

Therefore, it is naturally impossible for a person like Chen Ji to be happy.

Zhu Di said: "Since it is laborious to mobilize the people, it will inevitably waste the people and waste money, then... let's withdraw the army that conquered Annan. After thinking about it, Chen Qing is right."

Chen Ji: "..."

Zhu Di went on to say: "These silver and money and food... are obtained by the commercial bank, so they naturally belong to the commercial bank. In the future, I will never work hard in the West, and let the commercial bank handle everything."

"..."

This time... really poked a hornet's nest.

You look at me, I look at you.

Honestly, it's pretty immoral.

Since so much food, silver, and spices have nothing to do with the treasury, what are you doing here to show off, Your Majesty?

Furthermore, the imperial court did not enlist large troops, but let the commercial firms do it. Isn't the left hand the right hand?Civil servants are also needed in war, but it has changed from the previous requisition to another form of employment.

It will still cause damage to local production.

Chen Jizi had the same thoughts as most people, so he frowned and said, "Your Majesty...this..."

But before Chen Ji could utter a rebuttal, Zhu Di suddenly became furious: "What is this? I sent a large army to conquer Annan, and you said that it was a waste of money for the people. But I tell you that the land in Annan is fertile and can bring a lot of money and grain income, but you And I think it’s not good for the country.”

"Nowadays, I simply let the business firm handle this matter, what else do you have to say? In this way... I don't do anything, just let you make offerings like a Bodhisattva, can I?"

Chen Jidao: "My minister is dead, I just... think... if this is the case, won't it fuel the arrogance of the business?"

"My Ming Dynasty has always neglected business, and a gentleman should cultivate virtue, not seek profit. Now... His Majesty is so conniving with business, which is also a kind of harm to the people of the world."

Zhu Di looked at him mockingly and laughed loudly: "Come on, tell me, what damage did you cause?"

Chen Ji: "..."

Zhu Di said: "Did I force the people to serve corvée? Zhang Anshi, you come and tell him, the guards who are going to Annan... are there any people who refuse?"

Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty, before going, I have already asked, and those who are willing to stay can stay."

Zhu Di said: "Look, they are all voluntary. Not only are they voluntary, but also from the report of Zhu Gaoxu and others, the four guards and one battalion are all rejoicing, and everyone is vying to be the first. How can this hurt the people?" ?”

Chen Ji: "..."

There was no sound in the hall.

Zhu Di continued to stare at Chen Ji, but his eyes became more and more cold, and said in his mouth: "You are the Minister of the Ministry of War, but the Minister of the Ministry of War is a vegetarian. You don't know anything about military affairs. Since you like calculating money and food so much, why don't you just be a bookkeeper?" .”

Chen Ji was shocked. You know, ministers hate dealing with money and food the most.

In the sequence of civil servants, the more the ministers who are only in charge of inspecting, compiling, and lecturing are the most honorable, they are called Qingliu, and their future prospects are also unlimited. As for those who deal with money and grain, they will inevitably be looked down upon.

Zhu Di's gaze made Chen Ji's body tremble involuntarily, so he could only say: "I am guilty of death."

Zhu Di snorted coldly, not only indifference, but also obvious dislike in his eyes, and said: "Wan Shi? I see that you are very dissatisfied. How come Wan Shi? What do I have to stay with a person like you?" Benefits? If you are interested in yourself, you can write a letter to resign. If not, I will issue an order to dismiss you."

Chen Ji: "..."

He was horrified, and he was really panicked at this moment.

After all, he had studied hard in the cold window until today, but His Majesty immediately dismissed him with a light word. This was something he never expected.

Chen Jiwai said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, I will die... Your Majesty..."

Zhu Di said with a cold face: "Speaking of which, I have to thank you. Originally, these spoils, I still thought that no matter what I said, the commercial bank would also allocate some to the treasury, but since you said so, I had no choice but to It is better to distinguish between the commercial bank and the national treasury. The benefits gained from entering Annan this time, every inch of land and gold, will not be given to the national treasury."

Zhu Gaochi: "..."

Then, Zhu Gaochi looked at Chen Ji with speechless eyes.

The other members of the Imperial Academy were also stunned and speechless.

Chen Ji really felt ashamed at this time, and at the same time he was terrified, and hurriedly wanted to ask Xie Jin for help, hoping that Xie Jin could say something good for him.

Xie Jin lowered his head, looking extremely submissive.

"His Majesty……"

Zhu Di was full of anger, and directly said with a flick of his sleeves: "There is no need to talk about it today. What are the so-called articles that Qing and others are talking about, what good is it for the country? If everyone is like Chen Ji, the emperor only needs to reduce taxes, and only the so-called Kuanren, what kind of emperor does this world need? This is not to teach the so-called emperor's art, but this is to teach me how to be deaf, blind, and a fool."

After that, he lifted his legs angrily and walked away.

Until Zhu Di left the Wenhua Palace, he was still full of anger.

Yishiha hurriedly chased after him, and followed Zhu Di step by step.

Zhu Di glanced at Yi Shiha, but he was amused: "How, how did I perform just now?"

Yi Shiha said with an admiring expression: "Your Majesty is unpredictable, and this servant admires you."

Zhu Di clasped his hands behind his back, and said loudly: "If you come into his mother's place, if your name is not right, your words will not go well. If these bastard grandsons don't bitterly advise me, don't use weapons rashly. I really want to distribute profits to the treasury!"

"Hmph! It's alright now, he's not benevolent, I'm not righteous! Don't they scholars often say that punishing someone without teaching is abusive? I'm just waiting for that bastard Chen Ji to speak out. Now it's alright...Annan will talk to them again. It doesn't matter anymore."

After a pause, Zhu Di added another sentence: "I have long seen that they are not pleasing to the eye."

As he spoke, he swaggered, hummed a little song, and happily walked towards the palace.

Yishiha continued to follow suit, and said in a low voice, "Then Chen Ji..."

Hearing this name, Zhu Di seemed to be forced to lessen his joy, he curled his lips and said: "This person...is really annoying, I will save him the last face, if he asks to resign, it's fine , if you don’t know a person, don’t blame me.”

Zhu Di paused, as if he had thought of something, and said: "After this person resigns, let people watch him."

I also lost my understanding: "The servant obeys the order."

…………

This time, Zhang Anshi was undoubtedly the biggest winner.

Of course, he hasn't won everything yet, and he needs to wait for a charter drafted by him to be finalized by His Majesty.

Occupying land is not a skill, but extracting oil from the land is the real skill.

As soon as Zhu Di left, Zhang Anshi hurried forward to help Zhu Gaochi.

Zhu Gaochi showed a bit of worry on his face, and said: "Annan has so much food...it's a pity that it can't be used for people's livelihood..."

Zhang Anshi said: "Who said it can't be used?"

Zhu Gaochi said helplessly: "It's not right to give it all to the firm."

Zhang Anshi couldn't see his brother-in-law always frowning and worrying, so he said patiently: "Brother-in-law, you don't know something, think about it, even though Annan's so much food was given to the commercial company, if you think about it, if Which province has a famine, and this business can transport grain to sell at a low price. In this way, is it beneficial to the national economy and the people's livelihood? With surplus grain, you can feed pigs, make wine, and... In short, in this world, as long as the product If it is rich enough, it will be good for the people.”

Zhu Gaochi nodded, seeming to have listened to Zhang Anshi's words, and did not continue to say anything more about this matter, but said with concern: "The business has taken such a big profit now, you have to be more cautious, this is like a child If you walk around at night with a gold ingot in your arms, it is inevitable that someone will covet it."

Zhang Anshi said confidently: "Brother-in-law, don't worry, I am the only one who robs people in this world... how can anyone... No, I didn't rob people, I, Zhang Anshi, don't do such things."

The two of you have a word, and I have a word.

The ministers have dispersed.

Only Chen Ji was still kneeling here in despair. At this time, an eunuch came to urge him: "Mr. Chen, please go back."

Chen Ji had no choice but to stand up in a daze. Thinking of his ups and downs for decades, but now he has come to such an end, he felt unwilling and unavoidably resentful.

He stumbled out of the hall.

He raised his head...but saw that Jin was walking slowly.

As if he had grasped the last straw, Chen Ji quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Jiegong...I...I..."

Xie Jin smiled and said, "Congratulations."

"Congratulations?" Chen Ji was taken aback for a moment, and then sullenly asked, "Why did Mr. Xie say that?"

Xie Jin still looked calm, and said: "You spoke uprightly and were dismissed from office by His Majesty. Isn't this worthy of congratulations? After tomorrow, all scholars in the world will know that my Ming Dynasty has a strong and steadfast minister who fought for the black hat Don’t, but speak up too, how admirable this is.”

Chen Ji bowed his head, but said in pain: "It's just... from now on... I will be a commoner."

Xie Jin said: "What about the common people? If you keep the green hills, you don't have to worry about no firewood! You, there are some things that you can't think about, so think about the good."

With that said, Xie Jin hastened his pace and went to Wenyuan Pavilion.

Chen Ji was still thinking about something with his head down, his face was uncertain, he finally shook his head and stumbled away.

……

A decree urgently ordered Zhu Yong and others to return to the court.

Only Zhu Gaoxu was left to guard Annan.

As for Zhu Neng in the Chinese army, he naturally didn't mention his return to court.

And at this time... King Zhao has returned to Beijing.

His Royal Highness King Zhao received his father's will, and was overjoyed, so he rushed back day and night, with a dusty face, but he entered the palace immediately to have an audience without any delay.

After meeting his parents, he had to coax Zhu Di and Empress Xu into a happy smile, and then he went to live in the Prince Zhao's mansion bestowed by Zhu Di.

On the next day, Zhao Wang Zhu Gaosui came to see the prince.

The two brothers were naturally close and talked a lot to each other.

Only Zhu Zhanji seemed to have been left out. In the evening, when he saw Zhang Anshi coming, he hugged Zhang Anshi's leg excitedly, and said, "Uncle, Uncle..."

Zhang Anshi picked him up with one hand, gently patted his head with the other, and said, "What's the matter? I was taught by your mother and concubine again? You, you, you, only this time will think of you, uncle, me, really. No conscience, do you know now that uncle is the only one who loves you the most?"

Zhu Zhanji shook his head and said, "Today I met my third uncle."

Zhang Anshi was taken aback for a moment, and then he remembered that the so-called third uncle was His Royal Highness Zhao Wang, and said, "Oh, and then."

In fact, Zhang Anshi is really not interested in that Zhao Wang... You know, he is also a restless master!

Perhaps it was because of Zhu Di's bad start, so that whether it was Zhu Gaoxu or Zhu Gaochi, there was an illusion that I thought I could do it too.

At this moment, Zhu Zhanji bit his finger.

Zhang Anshi pulled his hand out of his mouth.

But seeing Zhu Zhanji said unhappily: "I don't think third uncle is a good person."

Zhang Anshi was a little surprised and said, "Hey, how did you find out?"

"When he arrived in the palace, he burst into tears when he saw the emperor's grandfather, saying how much he missed the emperor's grandfather in Beiping, and cried like he was coughing up blood."

Zhang Anshi smiled and said, "That's it?"

Zhu Zhanji then said again: "I don't miss Grandpa Huang, even if I do, it's definitely not like this."

Listening to Zhu Zhanji's little milk voice, Zhang Anshi nodded, and then said: "What else?"

"When he saw his father, he also cried and said that he missed his father every day."

But Zhang Anshi said again: "That's it?"

Zhu Zhanji said: "But he didn't miss his second uncle."

Zhang Anshi said: "I don't miss my second uncle, is there a problem?"

Zhu Zhanji tilted his head and said: "If he really cares about his relatives like this, shouldn't he miss him together? He misses the emperor's grandfather because he is the emperor, and he misses his father because his father is a prince. He doesn't miss his second uncle. , because the second uncle was convicted, which shows that he is not a good person."

Zhang Anshi couldn't help touching his head again, and said, "Did you tell your mother and concubine these words?"

Zhu Zhanji said: "I won't tell my concubine. If my concubine knows, she must say that I am not good."

Zhang Anshi said with emotion: "Why do you even know about the affairs of the palace?"

Zhu Zhanji said: "I don't want to know either, but... things in Da Nei always spread quickly, I don't want to know... it won't work either."

He drooped his head, looking annoyed, as if he were the victim.

Zhang Anshi said: "Come on, sit down, let's talk about this."

He put Zhu Zhanji on the stone pier beside the rockery, and said, "You don't like your third uncle so much?"

Zhu Zhanji nodded heavily.

Zhang Anshi said: "Then when you met him, did you treat him well?"

"I...I..." Zhu Zhanji said, "I didn't want to pay attention to him, so I just yelled and left."

Zhang Anshi sighed and said: "Look, this is where your skills are inferior to others. No matter what your third uncle thinks, but after seeing His Majesty and brother-in-law, he can be so warm. But you, you are happy How could it be possible to write all the unhappy things on your face."

Zhang Anshi said: "You think your third uncle is cunning, but you never thought that you are more cunning than them when dealing with cunning people. If he is despicable and shameless, you should be even more despicable and shameless, you know?"

Zhu Zhanji rested his chin, his eyes sparkled, as if the situation had suddenly opened up: "So I will cry when I see my third uncle again, as if I love my third uncle."

Zhang Anshi said cheerfully: "It's up to you, crying or not is just a means, how to achieve the goal is the most important thing."

Zhu Zhanji hugged Zhang Anshi's thigh at once, and cried loudly: "Uncle, Uncle, I like you so much, why don't you always come to see me, you don't come for a day...Look at me... ...I...I...Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo , as long as Uncle is by my side, I will be happy."

Tears were falling down, and the skirt of the clothes was wet.

In the distance... the eunuchs who were serving were petrified.

Zhang Anshi was furious, and cursed: "Zhu Zhanji! You are not human, your conscience has been eaten by dogs, you black-hearted thief, you use this to fool your uncle, uncle treats you so sincerely, you and I Playing with your mind? Okay, okay, you are really kind, Uncle never thought that you are such a wolf-hearted person, from now on, I will ignore you again. "

Zhu Zhanji grabbed Zhang Anshi, and said bitterly: "Uncle... don't be angry, I... I just practiced with Uncle..."

After finishing speaking, he wiped away his tears and grinned happily: "Uncle, is that so?"

Zhang Anshi glared at him: "Fuck you...fuck his Deng Jian's mother! If you treat Uncle like this again, don't blame Uncle for being ruthless, you are a guy who doesn't know who is right."

Zhu Zhanji drooped his head, then shook his head: "Uncle, don't be angry."

Zhang Anshi saw many eunuchs and maids surrounding him, so he snorted coldly, and said in a low voice: "Just now I was soft-hearted and wanted to give you a popsicle, but now I'm angry, so I won't give it, you behave yourself."

Zhu Zhanji didn't feel distressed at all: "Anyway, my uncle won't give it."

…………

It's mid-July.

Finally...a group of people returned to Beijing.

Zhu Yong was overjoyed to return to Nanjing, where he had been away for a long time.

The rest Zhang Fu, Qiu Song, and Gu Xingzu were also eager to return.

The [-] model battalion that came with them all rode horses and were full of energy.

First go to Qixia's big camp to settle down.

Then there was a decree, ordering the four of them to enter the palace for an audience the next day.

The eunuch who delivered the decree specially instructed: "Your Majesty means...a family banquet has been prepared in the palace, and a few young meritorious officials are invited to go."

Zhu Yong said angrily: "What a small hero, I am a great hero."

The eunuch was dumbfounded.

Zhang Fu persuaded from the side: "Second brother, forget it, forget it, don't be angry."

Zhu Yong cursed: "For meritorious service, I even sold my own father and called me a little hero. Damn, father and son turned against each other in exchange for this? By the way, where is the eldest brother?"

"Brother must have a lot of things to do every day. Let's not bother him at this time. He is worried about our affairs in Annan. Now that we are safe, it is rare to be relieved. Let big brother rest, we will be in the camp today Let’s make it right, and enter the palace with Big Brother tomorrow.”

Zhu Yong nodded: "The third brother is right."

The next day, Zhang Anshi really came. Zhang Anshi's face was full of red. When he saw the brothers, he wailed and said, "Brothers, I miss you all. If I don't see you for a day, I feel that life is better than death...Okay, give it all to me." Be more energetic, let's enter the palace, later... While His Majesty is happy, I still have a charter, waiting for him to finalize."

"Oh... oh..." The four of them tidied up and followed Zhang Anshi all the way out of the camp. They hadn't seen each other for many days, so they inevitably had a lot to say.

The five of them rode on the horse, and you talked to each other, only Qiu Song looked indifferent, as if he had something on his mind.

Of course, everyone is used to him like this.

Enter the palace from the Meridian Gate, and then led into the palace by the eunuch.

This palace is not something ordinary people can see, only close relatives of the royal family, or ministers who have been personally granted by the emperor, can enter and leave.

For Zhu Yong and others, this is a great honor.

As soon as he entered the palace, there was an eunuch in front of him, it was Yi Shiha, and Yi Shiha looked at the five people with a smile, and said: "Zhang An, everyone, has a purpose."

Five people saluted.

Yi Shiha said: "Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said: This time the conquering of the barbarians, the families of the Qing have worked hard and made great achievements. With this military merit, how can we not praise Deze and praise the merits? , Zhang Anshi is now the Marquis of Annan..."

Zhang Anshi was stunned for a moment... This is... letting himself take the lead?

(End of this chapter)