Great Qing Dynasty talker

Chapter 156 Rounding was invented by Confucius, do you understand?
The Yan fleet continued to sail forward. Gao Congsheng, the transport judge, was a little nervous. He was actually sweating in the cold weather.

Everyone in the Salt Transportation Department's yamen is above level 6, and everyone has escorted private salt.

Youbasi gets 5% of the profits, and the rest of his subordinates share it equally.

This time it was his turn, and something happened.

He stood in front of the deck and muttered:

"Blessed by Bodhisattva, if this trip is safe and sound, I will pay 10 taels of incense money when I return home."

The attendant next to him was very uneasy after hearing this.

Because the year before last, he also heard Master Gao pray like this, but later, he forgot about it.

I have never been to a temple to offer incense! !
This is a big taboo. Will a Bodhisattva hold a grudge?

Just as the two of them were having their own secrets, they suddenly screamed at the same time.

Ahead, a naval warship suddenly appeared, flying the flag of the Taihu Association.

It turned out to be a shuttle boat. The hull had been rolled sideways, revealing the muzzles of six black guns.

……

"fire."

On the deck, a short and stocky man raised his sword and shouted.

Instantly the hull shook and smoke filled the air.

There were screams everywhere on the salt boat.Gao Congsheng also fell into the water and struggled desperately.

Over there, the shuttle boat turned around and fired another round of cannon.

The rush boat was the main warship in the inland river navy of the Qing Dynasty. It was made of pine and fir and its performance far exceeded that of the sand ship.

It carried a hundred men and more than ten artillery pieces.

There are also muskets, rockets, javelins, cupping and other weapons.

The man who directed the artillery fire was called Bu Letai, who was originally the commander of the Jingzhou garrison.

He had just been demoted here due to the "Uncle Pan's words disrupted the whole city" incident and took over as the chief officer of the Taihu Association.

Two hours ago, he received a secret report that many private salt dealers were passing through his defense area.

This is a piece of heaven-shaking wealth, a military achievement delivered to your doorstep.

Bu Letai, eager to make a meritorious deed, immediately mobilized his troops and happened to collide with the private salt fleet.

Seeing that two salt ships sank, the other ships were frightened, and they lowered their sails obediently and accepted inspection.

……

On the shore, a large group of green soldiers and guards rushed over.

Some of them heard the sound of cannons, and some came to take credit because they received a tip.

Bu Letai was in a good mood. This time, the court was going to reward him.

"Arrest the person and go to the governor's office. I will ask for credit and reward for you."

"Thank you sir."

A group of sailors also just arrived three days ago.

They were originally mostly soldiers from the Dagukou Division and the Dongting Lake Naval Division.

He excitedly sailed the warship into the Xujiang River, preparing to drive all the way to the city to show off his majesty.

The prisoners, as well as the salt ships, were also taken over.

The green camp soldiers and officers were shouting and screaming all the way, it was so lively.

Gao Congsheng was fished out with a hook, sickle and gun. His face was earth-colored, and he was thinking about how to confess his identity all the way.

Did he kill the private salt dealer, or did he bite him to death?

Bu Letai showed off his power all the way, bragging to his soldiers how powerful he was in Jingzhou.

He is the biggest in the whole city.

He said the water of the Yangtze River flows west, but no one dares to say it flows east.

He wanted to visit a brothel, and all the girls in the city had to go out of business and wait for him.

……

Fukangan was not in the Yamen, but was said to have gone to Fubiao Camp to watch the musketry training.

So Buletai, who was bored, simply interrogated the prisoners himself:
"Who is in the hall?"

"Forget it, let's fight first."

The brave soldiers raised their scabbards and beat him hard.

Gao Congsheng was beaten until his whole body twitched, and he quickly shouted:
"Stop fighting, we're on our own."

"Put it off, be dishonest, get beaten."

Bu Letai had a bad temper and actually went to court by himself and gave him a punch.

Gao Congsheng was dying: "I am the official of the imperial court, the sixth grade transportation judge of the salt transportation of the Huaihe River."

The person next to him immediately confirmed: "Stop fighting, we are also on duty to eat food."

Buletai was stunned, sweating profusely on his back.

No matter how stupid he is, he has heard of Lianghuai Salt Industry, because Jingzhou also belongs to the salt production area of ​​Lianghuai Salt Field.

Stirring a hornet's nest again.

Salt transportation, water transportation, and river transportation were the three major profit-making industries in the Qing Dynasty.

These three yamen are all shady, all money, all murderous.

……

"You bastard, you dare to pretend to be an official of the imperial court. Beat me."

Buletai suddenly jumped up.

The soldiers don't understand, so they just fight.

The room was full of blood and wailing. Gao Congsheng had stopped moving and passed out.

Buletai grabbed him and kept shaking him. When he saw his eyelids raised, he quickly shouted:
"Change your words quickly, change your words quickly."

"Is it so difficult to admit that you are a private salt dealer? Huh?"

Fukangan finally walked to the door and stared angrily at the chaos in the house.

"Buletai, what are you so crazy about?"

"What's the matter?"

He had just been called back from the shooting range, saying that he had captured the people who transported salt from Lianghuai to Huaihe.

Since the matter was serious, he immediately rode back.

At this time, Fucheng was already full of rumors:

Officials of the Lianghuai Salt Transport Envoy were caught selling illegal salt by the wise and powerful governor.

From now on, the price of this salt will be greatly reduced.

How much?Half of it.

The people spread the news wildly with joy, I believe this is not a rumor.

During the prosperous days of the Qing Dynasty, he was indeed considerate of the people.

We can put 2 more taels of salt in our bowl.

……

Fukang'an sat in the study, frowning. He wished he could chop up this reckless man Buletai.

As soon as he took office as the chief officer of the Taihu Association, he exposed the shady story of the Lianghuai Salt Transport Envoy.

How did this end?

He might as well have killed all the people on the spot and then announced that they were private salt dealers, which would have made him innocent.

The old housekeeper came and quietly closed the door.

With a worried look on his face, he said: "Third Young Master, there is a lot of commotion outside."

"So, you can't keep a low profile?"

The old housekeeper nodded silently and sighed.

The Lianghuai Salt Service has too many accumulated shortcomings.Moreover, he was deeply involved with many important officials in the imperial court.

This is a black hole!

……

"Go and invite Zhu Gui."

"Whoo."

Half an hour later, a small sedan came carrying Zhu Gui.

Fukang'an ignored the pleasantries and asked directly: "Master Zhu, have you heard about it?"

Zhu Gui took off his warm hat and said calmly: "I just heard about it. It has spread inside and outside the yamen."

silence,

Zhu Gui suddenly spoke: "I suggest you report the truth to the emperor."

"True?"

"Yes, don't hide anything, don't exaggerate, don't make wild assumptions."

Fukangan thought for a while: "Okay."

"By the way, I have something to ask Master Futai for confirmation."

"What's the matter?"

"Weigetang Li Yu, what are you going to do, Mr. Futai?"

Fukang'an's eyes suddenly became fierce and sharp, staring at Zhu Gui, and said unkindly:
"Master Zhu, I don't understand. How much benefit have you taken from him? You have to protect him like this."

Zhu Gui showed no fear:

"Futai be careful, I have never been greedy for money in my life."

"I favor Li Yu because this year's taxes in Jiangsu must not be missed. Not only must they be completed in time, but they must also be completed in excess of the quota."

"And now, he is working for the court."

"This is the collection account book."

……

Snapped,
An account book was thrown on the table.

Fukangan picked it up and browsed through it roughly.

A few lines of bright red numbers made him dizzy and seemed full of ridicule.

The transit tax of Xujiang Wharf has been paid 83400 taels.

It is expected that within half a year, another 240000 taels can be handed over.

In Wu County, Changzhou and Zhenze counties, Weigetang took over the money and grain. It has collected 5 shi of grain and white rice and 8 taels of grain (in exchange for silver).

"Master Zhu, have these been put into storage?"

"I have verified it myself. If Futai doesn't believe it, he can send someone to check it again."

Fukangan said nothing, his eyes gradually softened.

"A powerful man is so loyal to the imperial court?"

"Yes, it's embarrassing to say." Zhu Gui took a sip of hot tea and said quietly, "I did my best to collect money and food for the court, and the people below did not cause trouble. I am fair and just, not greedy or plundering. This is not loyalty." ?”

Fukangan also fell into a huge confusion.

He realized that he could not do anything to Li Yu in the short term.

Otherwise, we will take the blame for the collapse of Jiangsu!

He also knows a little about how poor the Ministry of Finance is now and how short of money the emperor is.

It seems that Zhu Gui has to be given a promise.

He laughed:
"Don't worry, Mr. Zhu. I won't pursue Li Yu anymore."

"Futai has an elegant temperament, and he is really the prime minister's heart."

……

After leaving the governor's office, Zhu Gui sat in the sedan and sighed.

Instruct the officials:

"Go and tell Li Yu that he can go about his business with peace of mind. No one will make things difficult for him for the time being. Help him manage the money and food well this year, and I will recommend him to be a real-time county magistrate."

The official went away with a smile on his face. This time, he could get a small reward of dozens of taels.

Mr. Li is a generous person, and when friends come to visit him, he is never empty-handed.

Everyone in the yamen hopes to deal with Mr. Li, especially on official matters.

Timely rain in Suzhou!Taihu Hubaoyi!
Arriving at Lijiapu,
Li Yu was not here. After delivering the message,
I still got 30 taels of travel expenses, and even stayed for a meal of wine and meat.

With Zhu Gui's verbal guarantee, Li Yu no longer has to stay on Xishan Island and control all affairs.As Taihu Lake thawed, he began to move around and do something big.

Take charge of the grain supply!

According to the royal law of the imperial court, civilians who collect money and food must be beheaded.

However, rules are just rules.

There were so many regulations in the Qing Dynasty. Apart from not allowing open rebellion, some of them were actually implemented.

……

Vig Hall,
A large number of people were mobilized, and after opening up the links between states and counties, it became the only officially recognized agency for collecting grain.

Zhu Gui actually lied.

The account book shown to Fukangan showed that the money was real.

But Caoliang is fake and only exists on paper.

And the reason why he dared to be so bold was not for Li Yu, but for himself.

Qianlong put him in the position of Jiangsu Chief Envoy, which was the final test.If he performs well, it will be in full compliance with his wishes.

He will go to Beijing and become the imperial advisor to the next emperor.

To achieve this goal, he needs to overcomplete the two spring and autumn collections of money and grain this year at all costs.

Wu County, Wangting Town.

Surrounded by a large number of guards, Li Yu watched the food requisition site from a distance.

Town entrance,
To the south is the government grain collection office, and to the north is the Weigtang grain collection office.

They all set up tents and were in full swing.

The yamen servant beat the gong and shouted: "Fathers and fellow villagers, please hand over the grain."

An old man looked at it for a long time, hesitating.

How does it feel that Li Kui and Li Gui came at the same time?

"My lord, can we pay food to both parties?"

"Yes, free choice."

"The household registration will be canceled this year. Will it be handed over directly to the government?"

"Yes, you have caught up with the good times. The great master sympathizes with you."

The old man nodded, feeling relieved in his wrinkles. Without middlemen making the difference, the people would naturally be less exploited.

At least, I can save three to five kilograms of white rice.

No more, I dare not think about it.

In the Qing Dynasty, one must be content.Those who are dissatisfied are easily struck by lightning.

……

Hundreds of people looked on in fear.

Should it go to the south or the north?No one dares to stand out, for fear of being the standout and being slaughtered.

The yamen servant cursed fiercely:

"Hurry up, you guys, the food collection team is in a hurry. If you haven't paid in an hour, just wait and pay double."

"Bring me the hourglass."

The countdown is on, and the pressure is on the people.

At this time, Mr. Qian, a gentleman from this town, came with square steps in his arms, his fifth concubine Pan Saiyun.

The people gathered around quickly:

"Mr. Qian, you are very knowledgeable. Please give me an idea."

"That's not nonsense. Just look at Hu Xiao and hand it over to that side."

The people suddenly realized it and rushed to see the dendrobium.

Looking at it this way, it's amazing.

The dendrobium in the south, with the word "official" on it, is huge!The dendrobium in the north is not attached and is two circles too small.

Look at people again,
The ones in the south all wear official clothes, their faces are red, and they look very formal at first glance.

The ones from the north were dressed in a mess, and they looked like temporary workers.

……

A young man gritted his teeth, pushed the wheelbarrow to the north, bowed his head and said:
"In Wangting Town, Zhang Gou Sheng, a low-class household, pays for the emperor's food."

A clerk who looked like a bookkeeper flipped through the fish scale volume and said kindly:

"400 pounds, let's get the dendrobium here."

on a unicycle,

Remove the sack, untie the rope and pour it into the dendrobium.

After shaking it gently, I used a ruler to scrape off a layer. The capacity of each dendrobium is 200 kilograms.

Zhang Gou Sheng looked at the white rice nervously and poured it into the dendrobium.

My heart was in my throat, I was afraid that the clerk would say: "It's not enough."

He weighed 400 pounds four times at home.

The scale beam is only high, not low, and there is no chance of making a mistake.

The clerk came over and said as if he were hearing fairy music: "400 kilograms, all together."

Then take a ruler and scrape the extra layer on the surface into the sack.

Weighed it and threw it to him.

"It's 5 pounds too much. Let's take it back and eat it."

"Master, is that enough?"

"That's enough, give him an official ticket."

Bang, Zhang Gou Sheng folded the official ticket stamped with a big red seal carefully and put it in his arms.

……

The people behind rushed forward.

You are innocent, please hand it over quickly.There are not many benefits that we ordinary people can encounter.

In half an hour, nearly all 560 households in Wangting Town collected grain.

However, there are still people who like to take the unconventional path,
A simple and honest man, Zhao Laosi, went to the grain collection office in the south.

"Dad, aren't we at a disadvantage?"

"You don't understand, you have to find a regular place to handle our affairs in the Qing Dynasty."

"What?"

"Because on the surface we suffered losses, but actually we made profits."

Zhao Laosi, his back bent, pushed the wheelbarrow to the south without looking back.

"My lord, Mr. Zhao Laosi of Wangting Pavilion, please hand over the imperial rations."

The bored servants who were drinking tea and drinking water all turned their heads and stared at Zhao Laosi.

The leader spit out the melon seed shells and said, "Brothers, it's time to do business. Wait."

A group of people pushed Zhao Laosi away.

He took out his knife and cut open the sack, poured rice into the dendrobium, pouring it in while sprinkling it, very generously.

"Dad, the rice sprinkled on the ground is also ours."

"Shh, be quiet."

Zhao Laosi was still bent over and smiling.

The car was empty and empty sacks were thrown on the ground.

The leading officer shouted: "Kick the cow to death, it's your turn."

"okay."

A tall, strong man stood up from the couch.

His right foot was wearing a pair of thick cowhide boots with iron on the front, giving off a fierce gangster aura.

"Get out of the way."

After running for 5 meters, boom, he kicked Hu.

The rice noodles that were originally flush with the mouth of Hukou collapsed a lot.

The officer opened the fish scale book and said:

"Zhao Laosi, your family has 5 people and 8 acres of land. You should have paid 590 catties. Round it up and you should pay 600 catties."

"You just handed over 410 pounds today, which is not enough."

"Rounding up, there is still 200 kilograms of white rice left. Go home and move it quickly."

……

Zhao Laosi knelt down and shouted:

"My lord, that's not right. I weighed you at home and there is no shortage."

"If you are bold and troublesome, fight them out."

The guards beat him so hard that Mr. Zhao was rolling on the ground and vomiting blood.

"My lord, please do me a favor and calculate the difference of 180 kilograms, right? I've been educated and can do the math."

"It's okay, why are you studying? Why bother yourself? Rounding was invented by Confucius, do you understand?" The officer squatted down and said with a smile, "I have never read a book, and I am still doing well on a horse. I want to give you a message. Come on, Liu Xiang doesn’t study."

What happened to Zhao Laosi blew through Suzhou Prefecture like a typhoon.

The most remote villages took him as a warning and took the time to go to Weigetang to hand over the imperial rations.

If you're late, you'll be in trouble.

Because Weigtang has played new tricks again,

At each place, the first 50 households who turn in the money will be rewarded with a fine iron farm tool.

The steel mouth is shiny, take care of it and it will still be there after you leave.

Everyone in the village doesn't like it and can't put it down.

So, I started waiting in line early.

Moreover, if you are late in paying the grain, you must go to the government in person if you want to pay it again.

Inside and outside, hundreds of kilograms of grain can be lost.

In this way, unless it’s someone who really can’t reveal the truth,

Other families will pay their food as soon as possible to save money later.

Hey, it's all Confucius' fault. What he invented is rounding, it's too profound.

……

The task of collecting grain was completed extremely efficiently and quickly.

Every time we go to a place, after collecting grain,
The people from Weigtang hired villagers temporarily.
Help carry the sacks to the nearest river, to the moored boat.

Suzhou has a dense water network, and having enough boats can save you a lot of trouble.

The final destination is Cang Street in Fucheng and the newly built Dacang in Xujiang Park.

For this,

Li Yu told everyone that this was to bring some benefits to everyone.

Mixing in some 8-year-old rice and then adding lime will not affect it.

Even if the high-quality white rice is delivered to Tongzhou warehouse, money must be paid according to the bad regulations.

Otherwise, it will be classified as inferior rice.

Instead of doing this, it's better to keep an open mind and I'll make the first move.

……

The officials nodded in agreement without feeling any guilt.

Because this batch of rice is for the soldiers of the Eight Banners in the capital, not for the royal family, princes and officials, adulteration will not affect loyalty to the court.

Flaglers, eat hardcore crops for free,
There is no need to eat it so well, just wash the rice a few times before putting it in the pot.

Li Yu's reasons seemed quite reasonable to even the timidest granary official.

So I mixed in some white pebbles, and at first glance there was nothing wrong with it.

Li Yu discovered an interesting phenomenon,

People in the Qing Dynasty often had no sense of guilt for harming people from other regions.

If he harms others and protects his own interests, such a person will not only be morally sound, but will also be praised as a saint by everyone.

This is a complex phenomenon that is worth studying and exploiting.

(End of this chapter)