I studied in modern times

Chapter 437: The heart-pounding punishment

Baoci Palace.

Zhao Xu sat next to Empress Dowager Xiang and looked at Yan Shouqin, who was kowtowing politely in front of the curtain.

This minister to the Empress Dowager has now gradually grown into a big shot in Bianjing City.

"Strict worship. When you arrive in Chengdu, you must abide by the law and be loyal to the officials. You must not take advantage of your power to bully others, let alone be corrupt and bend the law. Otherwise, the national law is ruthless, and even I cannot protect you! Do you understand?" The Queen Mother told the Queen Mother as usual.

Yan Shouqin paused and said: "Please rest assured, I am the one who goes out with your Majesty, and I will not embarrass you."

Zhao Xu smiled after hearing this.

He knows that just listen to what the ministers say.

It’s not that there are no ministers who are not greedy, but there are very few.

Therefore, as long as things can be done well and done properly, Zhao Xu can only turn a blind eye if they are greedy and take some.

There is no way, the world is like this, you can't force it.

Therefore, Zhao Xu did not give any discipline to Yan Shouqin. He said directly: "Yan Congfeng, when you arrive in Chengdu, you must visit the tea farm more often, talk to the farmers, ask questions, and see their Depending on the technical situation, if necessary, organize farmers to inspect each other's tea farms and communicate with each other. This is not possible behind closed doors."

"No!" Yan Shouqin bowed again.

"I have already issued an order to Beiyuan, instructing Beiyuan to select several officials who are good at making and growing tea to accompany the worshippers. When they arrive in Chengdu, the worshippers must cooperate with them sincerely. If any of the gardeners are confused, please order them. For its size and clarity.”

As a dynasty that wanted to get involved in any business, the Zhao family naturally owned a tea garden that belonged to the royal family, which was Beiyuan.

Beiyuan Tea Garden is small in scale, but it has a layout in famous tea-producing places in prefectures and counties all over the world.

Moreover, as a royal tea garden, Beiyuan's tea growing, tea picking, and tea making technologies have reached the state of the art and are truly the best in the world.

The kind of Jiancha currently on the market that costs two taels of gold per cake is produced by Beiyuan.

As for why Beiyuan is so powerful?
Of course, if something is good from above, it will be replicated below.

The official families of the Song Dynasty were basically literary youths, and their personal artistic qualities and attainments were very good.

Things like tea, which the emperor drinks every day, can naturally be rated as one, two, three, four, or five, or six, seven, eight, or ninety.

No one can fool them at all.

Therefore, the emperor's needs forced Beiyuan to continuously improve his skills.

The emperor had plenty of manpower and material resources, so it was completely understandable that Beiyuan's technology was the best in the world.

In addition, the same thing happened in another thing.

Song Ci!

More than 900 years later, the five famous kilns of the Northern Song Dynasty are still sought after by countless collectors, and each piece is valuable.

Especially Ru kiln...

A piece of broken porcelain can be sold for 10,000+.

And Ru Kiln is the masterpiece of that bastard Zhao Ji.

In other words, tea cannot be passed down from generation to generation.

Otherwise, if the top-quality Jiancha tea cake made by Yibing Beiyuan could appear in its entirety in modern times.

It is enough to make all tea experts regard it as a treasure and go bankrupt.

Maybe it could even become a treasure of a national museum.

Because this thing was prepared using countless complicated processes.

Even now, it is full of color, fragrance, and exists like a work of art.

The tea soup brewed by this thing is white, pure and flawless in color. As long as you stir the tea soup with a spoon, the camellia will cling to the edge of the tea cup.

So even a little cabbage bird who doesn’t know how to order tea can use this cup!
Zhao Xu drank a lot in his previous life.

But now, he chooses to sell these tea leaves to make money.

One cake contains two taels of gold!

As many as you give out, there will be as many people as you can take over.

Some people are even willing to pay a premium!

A fool would not sell!
Not only did Zhao Xu order the top-grade Jiancha to be sold externally, but he also did the same with the next-level tea.

Only a few are left in the palace as rewards for ministers and for the use of the two palaces.

This made his reputation among the scholar-bureaucrats rise again.

Frugality for personal use is the standard for a wise king.

Of course, Zhao Xu couldn't let go of Beiyuan's various tea-making techniques and experienced officials and craftsmen accumulated over more than a hundred years.

As early as the beginning of the year, he had already issued an edict, ordering Beiyuan's department to organize relevant tea growing, picking, and tea making technologies.

He also selected a few old craftsmen and gave them official status as an incentive.

He has also long wanted to promote Beiyuan's technology.

Of course, it is impossible for private farmers to learn high-end tea-making technology now.

There is no need to learn.

Tea is a volume business.

What is needed is a standardized and controllable process.

Therefore, what Zhao Xu ordered Beiyuan to sort out were those technologies that ordinary people could do.

At the same time, let Yousi classify them according to steps, and let the old craftsmen compile these steps into a jingle in plain language.

This time Yan Shouqin went to Chengdu, and Zhao Xu ordered the craftsmen to accompany him.

Of course, the cakes are also very good at painting - if you can really make Chengdu gardeners learn the relevant methods of growing and making tea, you can raise a son to be an official when the results are achieved.

This is the dimensionality reduction blow.

We are not afraid that they will not contribute, and we are not afraid that they will die if they fail to do so.

Be an official!

And to give his son an official position!

In a society like the Song Dynasty, for ordinary people, even if it cost them their lives, it was enough.

The heroes in Water Margin tie their heads to their belts, don't they just want to be officials?
Yan Shouqin listened and bowed sincerely: "Your Majesty told me, I will remember it. When I arrive in Chengdu, I will abide by His Majesty's decree and will not change a word."

"Good!" Zhao Xu laughed.

Empress Dowager Xiang also laughed.

She looked at Zhao Xu, feeling extremely happy.

Because in her opinion, there is only one reason why Sixth Brother treats this matter so carefully: Aiwujiwu!

Yan Shouqin is the person next to her. If he goes out this time and makes a contribution, it will certainly make her look good.

Therefore, Brother Six took great pains to make Yan Shoiqin perform meritorious service, even bringing out Beiyuan's technology and officials!

Really rare!

It should be noted that Beiyuan has been the imperial palace for centuries.

All of these technologies are strictly protected.

……

Yan Shouqin exited Baoci Palace step by step. Feng Jing, who had been waiting at the entrance of the palace, finally entered the palace at this time and reported: "Empress Qizou, everyone, Zhongshu Sheren and the palace companion Xing Shu have handed in the message. I beg you to see me."

Zhao Xu looked at the Queen Mother Xiang, who nodded slightly to him: "Sixth Brother has state affairs, so go ahead and do your business first."

"Yes!" Zhao Xu stood up, saluted the Queen Mother, and then led Feng Jing out of Baoci Palace.

"What's the matter with Xingshu?" Zhao Xu asked.

Feng Jing replied: "It is said that it is related to Beilu."

"Oh!" Zhao Xu counted the time and almost understood, so he quickened his pace.

A quarter of an hour later, he returned to Funing Hall.

Xingshu was already waiting at the entrance of the palace.

When he saw Zhao Xu coming back, he immediately stepped forward and saluted: "I respectfully wish your Majesty a long blessing."

Zhao Xu nodded and said, "Xingshe is exempt from courtesy."

"Come into the palace with me and talk."

This is a private meeting, of a private nature, and does not need to be as formal as in a court or palace.

The emperors of the Song Dynasty actually spoke and discussed matters with their ministers in private very casually.

After all, being serious in court is already tiring.

It would be too hard and unbearable to talk to ministers in private and still have to put on airs.

But Zhao Xu could do whatever he wanted, but he couldn't be rude about punishment and punishment. He followed Zhao Xu respectfully, bowing his body every step of the way, and entered the Funing Hall.

Zhao Xu led him to the side hall of the East Pavilion.

This is the place where Zhao Xu practices calligraphy and copies books and posts every day.Zhao Xu sat directly on the special mattress given to him by Feng Jing and his men, and then said to Xing Shu, who was reserved, "Sit down, this is my private resting place. No need to be formal, just feel free to do it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xing Shu bowed respectfully before sitting on a small stool brought over by Feng Jing.

Zhao Xu didn't care, and just asked: "Is there any letter from Beilu?"

Xingshu lowered his head and replied: "Your Majesty is wise."

"What did Beilu say?" Zhao Xu asked.

Xing Shu then reported to Zhao Xu what he knew in Dutingyi.

After hearing this, Zhao Xu had a smile on his face.

This is good news!

The nobles of the Liao Kingdom were so greedy!

"In other words, Beilu will soon ask me for another 20 Guanjiao Zi!"

"That should be the case." Xing Shu replied.

"Good!" Zhao Xu rubbed his hands: "I originally thought that no matter how good Beilu is, it might take three to five years before the budget exceeds the budget."

"Now it seems that Beilu will exceed its budget within this year."

Xing Shu blinked his eyes as he listened, swallowed his saliva, and couldn't help but ask: "Your Majesty, what should Beilu do if he overspends?"

Zhao Xu smiled.

All the money is spent, what should I do?
This is a good question!

He chuckled and replied: "If the common people are short of money, they can borrow it from their neighbors. Although Song and Liao belong to two countries, they are from the same family. How can I turn a blind eye to the fact that these brotherly countries are short of money?"

"Of course we can borrow some temporarily to tide over the difficulties."

"Of course..." Zhao Xu laughed: "There still needs to be some interest."

"Da Liao is my dearest relative and friend, and we have a good relationship as one family."

"I will also give you some preferential treatment and charge as little interest as possible."

"Nowadays, the Song Dynasty provides convenient low-interest loans, with an annual interest rate of two cents. If the Liao Dynasty borrows money from me, I only need one cent of interest!"

"The money borrowed can be deducted from next year's payment limit."

Zhao Xu said with a bright smile.

I deeply feel that I am really the best good person in the world and a good friend of Daliao.

As for your question, how could he give money to the Liao people?

Answer: Print it!

300 million coins have been printed, which is not bad at all.

Anyway, now Jiaozi has a good reputation, good liquidity, and a good turnover rate.

Xing Shu listened and felt frightened.

He quietly calculated in his mind.

Originally, Song Liao Jiaozi and Song Dynasty had already collected more than 15 yuan in handling fees.

Falling into the hands of the Liao people, there were only 280 strings left.

If you are from Liao, you can borrow money from Song Dynasty.

For example, if it is 100 million guan, the official seal is 100 million guan, and a tax of almost 5 guan is collected first. The Liao people actually get more than 94 guan, but they have to pay back 110 million guan.

Moreover, it will be directly deducted from next year's payment quota.

Will the Liao people agree?

The most troublesome thing is what happens after they agree.

Although Xing Shu doesn't understand economics, let alone finance, he can figure it out even if he is a fool.

If the Liao people continue to do this, the snowball will snowball and they will owe more and more debts.

Sooner or later, it will happen that the money they owe exceeds the annual payment amount.

This is too dangerous!
This made Xing Shu frightened, but also inexplicably excited.

He suppressed the fear and excitement in his heart and asked: "Your Majesty, Beilu has never had faith. If..."

Zhao Xu looked at him, looked at the minister with a smile, and said, "This is where I need your help."

"Minister?" Xing Shu felt his face turn red and his heart beat faster.

At this time, Zhao Xu naturally had to come to terms with Xing Shu.

We can't let him wander aimlessly.

Therefore, Zhao Xu looked at Xing Shu sincerely and said: "Of course! You should slowly find an opportunity to talk to Minister Beilu about the benefits of issuing new Jiaozi based on gold and silver."

The current Song Liao Jiaozi is doing a good job.

With Sui coins as the principal, 300 million Guanjiaozi were issued.

For Liao people, this is a wealth amplifier.

Zhao Xu looked at Xing Shu and said, "Of course, you should pay attention to the methods and methods, and let the Liao people 'think' of this possibility themselves."

Most politicians with normal intelligence will be suspicious of what others say, and will speculate on whether the other party has a conspiracy.

However, just change the method and let them get this result through their own thinking.

Then the offensive and defensive momentum changes.

Zhao Xu had to be reserved and reserved.

"This can't be done!"

"I can't do this kind of thing!"

"Where are you! You've hurt me!"

Xingshu listened with excitement.

He took a deep breath and bowed sincerely: "Your Majesty, you are wise!"

This is really seeking the country!

As long as it succeeds, the Liao people will hand over the wealth of their country to the Song Dynasty with their own hands.

And what did the Song Dynasty lose?
So far, it seems like there is nothing to lose.

Maybe even make some.

At least, the annual annual coin expenditure is exempted. The silver and silk cloth that should have been sent to the Liao Kingdom have now become premium luxury goods and old tea and second-hand goods that could not be sold in the first place and would rot in the treasury. Tea.

As for Song and Liao Jiaozi, because everyone in the world knows that it has Sui coins as the principal and the credibility of Song and Liao is endorsed, it is simply the best and most convenient currency in the world.

Nowadays, Jiaozi has been widely used in Bianjing City and has become a star of commodity trading.

Every day at Jiaoziwu, there are people exchanging copper coins, and there are also people buying Jiaozi with copper coins, silver, and gold.

Kaifeng Mansion's lack of money has been greatly alleviated.

Then, the Liao people may send their gold and silver to the Song Dynasty in the future to continue to exchange for these commodities.

Xingshu felt as if his brain was not enough.

He admired the officials who could come up with this solution.

The only problem is-according to the current situation of the Liao people.

Sooner or later, they will reach the point where even if they send all the gold and silver in the country to the Song Dynasty, it will not be enough for them to squander.

by that time……

If the Liao people take risks...

After all, as long as the creditor is killed, there will be no debt.

Right?

　Note: According to records, Beiyuan in the Northern Song Dynasty had extremely strict requirements and standards for growing, picking, and making tea.

　　Moreover, there are dedicated officers and soldiers to supervise.

　　Just like picking tea, tea pickers need to set off as soon as the fifth watch arrives and stop picking before sunrise.

　　The emperor even issued working standards specifically for tea-picking and tea-making workers. For example, in the second year of Zhidao, Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty issued an edict stating: From now on, only the hands and paws of the hand towels should be washed and new clean clothes should be washed. If the officials violate the rules, they will be punished. crime!
　　The process of making tea is strict, including more than ten processes: steaming tea, pressing tea, grinding tea, making tea, and yellowing.

　　In addition, top-grade tea leaves also have top-grade processes.

　　For example, the kind of golden two-two-one-cake tea requires a master craftsman who has been doing this for more than ten years, and is carefully baked over charcoal fire for more than ten days. The heat must be controlled to perfection, and the baked tea cake will turn purple in the end. It’s considered top quality.

　　PS, the current tea technology of the Northern Song Dynasty is actually not abnormal. By the Huizong period, Beiyuan's tribute tea was as good as Ru Kiln.

　　Not only were tea-making and tea-picking workers required to keep clean and tidy at all times, they were also required to shave off their beards and hair.

　　There are also new top-quality tea cakes such as Yuyuan Yuya and Wanshoulongya.Lustful and extravagant to the extreme.

　　PS: The author has recently suffered from laziness and is fighting resolutely... It is actually winter, which makes my shoulders and back hurt.

　　I don’t feel like writing when it hurts, I will overcome it!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)