Great Qing Dynasty talker

Chapter 273: The undercurrent of Prince Wu’s Mansion, the power game

Hu Xueyu thought deeply about it.
The empire is emerging, and the honor of warriors is the most valuable! The most valuable.

The armed forces under King Wu: Guards Corps, 1st Corps, 2nd Corps, 3rd Corps, and Navy.

The Guards Corps is personally led by the prince, and die-hard loyalists and adopted sons occupy half of the officer corps, which is an absolute restricted area.

Lin Huaisheng, the commander-in-chief of the 1st Army Corps, only had eyes for the prince.

The commander-in-chief of the 3rd Army was vacant. Among the two deputy commander-in-chief, Wei Jun seems to be majestic and loyal, but in fact he is hesitant and has no ambition. Li Dahu is the prince's adopted son and is not suitable for friendship.

Liu Wu, the commander-in-chief of the navy, was a direct descendant of Conglong in the early days. Perhaps because he has been stationed on Chongming Island for a long time, he has gradually lost contact with his colleagues in the Lu Division, and he has become somewhat independent.

The only one that can be won over is the 2nd Army!

Miao Youlin is about to take office as the commander-in-chief. He has also served as a green camp officer in the Qing court and has a flexible gene.

Zheng Hean is not bad.

In principle, visitors without braids can enter the government office and get an interview opportunity.

The knife has no blades and the wooden handle is still round. If you are not careful, you can cut your hand!

He slung the musket behind his shoulder, took the post and walked in.

After saying that, he took a furtive look.

……

First communicate it within the Publicity Department, deeply understand it, and implement it conscientiously.

You can say that the gentry are bad, but you cannot say that they are stupid.

Zhao Erhu is a fool.

Soon, these people got the smell. King Wu began to use force to force everyone to stand in line. This was just a show of force!

In front of others, I was so grateful to the prince that I wished I could die for him. There was no point in making friends.

Let the old-fashioned gentry who sit in sedan chairs and have pigtails fully understand what it means to be difficult to enter the government office and look ugly. I experienced the treatment of ordinary people.

Li Ergou, if he were not the adopted son of the prince, he would be able to make some friends.

Then let the brother departments follow suit and implement it.

Right governance is from top to bottom!
Jia Xiaozhen, director of the Publicity Department, immediately understood what Li Yu said.

Whether a person is educated or not cannot be confused with whether he is smart!
Culture can be cultivated, and intelligence is determined the moment you are born. If you have it, you have it, and if you don’t have it, you don’t have it.

After hesitating for a moment, he said:

Prince Wu's Mansion,
Several uninvited guests were welcomed, including Zhao Lixia and three Hangzhou businessmen.

It's just that this person has a simpler mind, and his ambition is on his face, so that everyone knows his "ambition".

"Someone is coming."

Miao Youlin is the Yanling Dao and Zheng Hean is the Taozi.

……

"Strange? Not strange at all. Have you read Journey to the West? This is how Monk Tang studied for Buddhist scriptures in the West."

Visitors with braids can make things difficult for them!
Visitors traveling with horse-drawn carriages will have the privilege of parking in front of the government office.

Treat visitors with and without braids differently! Treat visitors in carriages and sedans differently!
To put it simply, it means giving preferential treatment to the former and neglecting the latter.

To make an inappropriate metaphor:

"Ask about the pension of Zhang Changguang, the staff officer who died in the line of duty. Tell the local government to take good care of the Zhang family. If you have any children or nephews or relatives who are willing to join the army, they can be given priority."

"Master, what are your orders?"

……

A few days ago, all departments and systems under King Wu received verbal notifications:

The Yanling knife has a grid, so you won't cut your hands when using it.

The steward is from the Hu clan in Huizhou Prefecture and has just entered the house.

Serving in the militia ranks has potential, but no investment value.

"Yes."

"Master, I heard that Zhao Lixia, the president of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, wants to marry the prince."

Seeing Hu Xueyu's expression, he was instantly filled with anger.

The guard on guard took a look and saw that none of these people had braids on the back of their heads, and pointed:
"The carriage is parked in the white line area over there. Please go to the signing room and wait."

After pondering for half an hour, Hu Xueyu opened his eyes:

"Why has this world become so strange?"

……

In principle, visitors riding sedans must park outside the street to avoid blocking traffic.

"Master Jun, I would like to see the prince. This is your invitation."

Li Yu summoned four Hangzhou businessmen in the garden.

"Meet the King of Wu."

"No need to be so polite, please get up."

In the pavilion, there is a stone table and some refreshments.

Li Yu and Zhao Lixia were sitting across from each other, and three people were standing behind them.

Such treatment made Zhao Lixia ecstatic. The matter about the country's abbot seems to be reasonable.

Li Yu smiled and said:

"The Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has done a good job, and I have heard about it."

"Thanks to His Majesty, the ban on mining and maritime trade has been lifted. Merchants like us are very proud and feel that this is a prosperous age that has not been seen in thousands of years. We support the Prince wholeheartedly, pay taxes in full, and invest in industry."

"I attach great importance to business and encourage you to take out all the money in the cellar, open more factories, and recruit more people. In the future, there will be no need to go through the imperial examination, and there will be a place for merchants in the court."

The four people trembled in surprise and quickly stood up and knelt down again.

This commitment is groundbreaking.

If the word goes out, not only the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, but also the entire Jiangnan businessmen will buy firecrackers and book restaurants to celebrate.

Zhao Lixia's voice trembled with excitement:

"The prince's enlightenment is rare in ancient and modern times. The common people voluntarily donated 30 taels of military pay. On behalf of all colleagues of the Chamber of Commerce, he also donated 150 million taels."

……

Li Yu waved his hand and motioned for them to get up.

laughed:

"Don't represent casually. Your personal 30 taels will be accepted by the king. Forget the rest."

Zhao Lixia reacted immediately and repeatedly claimed that the prince was thoughtful.

The three businessmen standing behind him also volunteered and donated 3 taels, 20 taels, and 15 taels respectively.

The main theme is an order of superiority and inferiority, and a clear hierarchy.

Li Yu also understood this very well, let alone the 18th century, even if it were another 500 years, we would still pay attention to this thing.

Your immediate boss donates 30, and you donate 30 too.

What do you want to do? What do you mean? Do you understand the overall situation? Are you trying to seize power?
It's like throwing the duel glove in the opponent's face.

If your boss doesn't engage you, his position will be in jeopardy, and it will be regarded by everyone as a sign of imminent collapse.

……

"President Zhao is commendable for his loyalty. I have been busy with military affairs recently and have no time to take care of my children's private affairs."

Zhao Lixia looked embarrassed and said sadly:
"The grassroots understand."

"I heard that Chairman Zhao's house has a beautiful double wall? You can send the portrait to the palace first. As for other things, we can discuss it after the military affairs are free."

"Thank you, Your Majesty for your grace."

Zhao Lixia covered her face with her sleeves and sobbed on the spot.

After more than ten breaths, he wiped away his tears and regained his composure.

The heat is perfectly controlled.

Once the crying has stopped, he has fully expressed his feelings without any pretense. Without wasting the prince's precious time or annoying the prince.

Li Yu put down the tea bowl and asked:
"How is the raw silk market in northern Zhejiang?"

"Back to my lord, the growth rate is astonishing. It has nearly tripled compared to last year. Cao Min led all colleagues of the Chamber of Commerce to invest 3 taels. Currently, it is limited by warehousing and cannot invest any more huge sums of money."

If raw silk is piled in the warehouse for a long time, heat will be generated inside, the silk will turn yellow, and it will be scrapped.

Li Yu nodded:
"Sell the spot goods in batches to Shanxi merchants or officials and gentry in the Qingtong area."

"Yes Yes."

Everyone looked happy, this was another chance to make a fortune.

When they entered the market, they were already at a high level. If you throw it away, you can make a small profit of 7%.

……

However, Li Yu continued:

"With the funds obtained, continue to buy. Buy less spot and more futures."

Zhao Lixia was stunned and asked carefully:

"May I ask your lord, what are these futures?"

"I would like to explain that silkworm cocoons in the Taihu Lake Basin are ripe three times a year. You can discuss with the silkworm farmers, sign a paper contract, book the next round or even the next two rounds of harvest in advance, and pay a 3% deposit."

"Your Majesty is truly a business wizard."

Li Yu stared at the few people calmly and said:
"You don't have to doubt that I have invested no less than 100 million taels. I can tell you clearly that I will make a lot of money in the future. As for the reason, it is Tianzi No. 's top secret and cannot be disclosed."

Everyone raised their hands in unison: "I obey the king's order."

The conversation was coming to an end.

Li Yu stopped talking, picked up the tea bowl and slowly scraped the tea leaves.

Everyone quickly stood up and left.

"President Zhao, stay here for a moment."

……

Zhao Lixia bowed slightly and followed for a few steps.

Li Yu suddenly stopped, turned around and asked:
“Is there an undercurrent surging in Hangzhou?”

He was shocked, considered it for a moment and said softly:

"Yes. There are indeed people who had close ties with the Qing court and corresponded with each other through letters. But ordinary people dare not speculate on who they are."

“Is it just Hangzhou?”

"The common people think that there may be others in other prefectures and counties, it's just a matter of quantity. Bet on both sides and sit on the fence to see the momentum."

"How is Mrs. Liu Zhen?"

"After giving birth to a son, Mrs. Liu Zhen rested in the mansion and rarely appeared in public. She only controlled the entire salt trade in northern Zhejiang." Zhao Lixia paused for a while, then added, "The prince is considerate of the people, and the six mansions in northern Zhejiang The price of salt is fixed and has not fluctuated."

Hearing this, Li Yu smelled:

"Liu Zhen sold the salt to southern Zhejiang (Qingtong District)?"

"I heard it is. She has a good relationship with the officials in southern Zhejiang. The price is slightly higher than that in northern Zhejiang, but lower than the official salt price of the Qing court. The sales are very good."

……

Li Yu was thoughtful and said to himself:
“Has the salt production increased?”

Zhao Lixia did not speak and lowered his head in silence.

"You should step back. When you go back, let your hands be free to engage in sea trade. Only 3 ships are too small. Thirteen ships are about the same. In addition to Haojing'ao, you can also try Manila. Although the distance is longer, the routes are mature. "

"Yes."

After leaving the palace, Zhao Lixia felt a layer of sweat on his back.

This was a successful conversation, a perfect expression of loyalty, and the relationship took another step forward.

However, the last sentence frightened him.

It is rumored that King Wu had a team of "gilded guards who never wear official robes", which may be true.

……

Sit in the carriage carriage,
"President, what did the prince say again?"

"Ahem, of course it's a petty matter between some parents." Zhao Lixia looked mysterious and inscrutable.

One person suddenly realized:
"I will definitely come to ask for a wedding drink when the time comes, and I will also add a little extra to the dowries of my two nieces. Brother Zhao, please don't refuse, this is what I want as an uncle."

Zhao Lixia's eyebrows were full of joy, but she whispered:

"Low-key, low-key, I haven't said anything about this yet."

A fat man next to him smiled and said:

"Brother Zhao, how about I introduce you to a female painter? Her grandfather was once a palace painter."

The other two people quickly echoed:
"This is a big deal. Brother Zhao, you need to give the painter more gold."

……

Li Yu sat in the study and thought quietly for a while.

Today's conversation with Zhao Lixia was to win over people's hearts, go through the process, and give some reassurance.

Let’s talk about whether we want to accept his two daughters!
Making a nest out of yourself is enough to show sincerity.

The unfettered idea of ​​"portraits into the house" was something I just came up with. The main thing is to be cautious and take a look at the other person's appearance first.

It's not okay to sacrifice part of your happiness for the rest of your life for the great cause of the empire!

Li Yu never likes to suffer!

Hangzhou businessmen were bold and expanded greatly during this period, even taking the initiative to undertake mining and road projects in other prefectures.

On the contrary, Suzhou businessmen acted timidly and were too cautious.

Li Yu thought about it for a while and wrote a few notes.

"Give this one to Vice Minister of Commerce Fucheng."

"This one is for Navy Commander Liu Wu."

"Notify Jiang Xinzhou Squadron to prepare warship escort in three days. I want to patrol some areas."

Confidential documents were quickly recorded and asked:
"Which areas does the prince need to inspect?"

"Looking across the river to Jiangbei Camp, on-site inspection of Jiangyin Fort, Chongming Naval Base, Jinshanwei Pier, and finally Xishan Island."

……

Chizhou Prefecture, Anhui,
Agui gathered the remaining soldiers and retreated hundreds of miles in one breath. He retreated to Dongliu County before setting up camp.

There were no pursuers behind him, but out of caution.

He did not stop on the north bank of Yaodu River!
Instead, he led his troops across the river and stationed in Dongliu County, adjacent to the Yangtze River.

Yaodu River is one of the southern tributaries of the Yangtze River.

He was worried that Li Yu's naval warships would cut into the Yaodu River from the Yangtze River and prevent the army from crossing the river and retreating south.

Don’t be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of what happens.

Based on his intelligence analysis of Li Yu Qijia's battle cases, this possibility exists.

The apology letter had been handed over to him a long time ago. Unlike other officials who would be in panic all day long after a bad job, Agui was very calm and didn't even bother to whitewash the results of the victory.

……

“损失新募绿营兵1万9千人，经制之绿营兵5千余人。土尔扈特兵900余人，满洲八旗3人。”

"In addition, 13 French cannons, nine-section ten-inch cannons, and more than 200 horses were lost. More than 4000 stones of food and grass were lost."

In the Baohe Hall,

Qin Si, the eunuch in charge, finished reading the military report in a calm tone.

Qianlong's expression remained as usual, sitting on the dragon chair.

The group of ministers below looked at each other and did not dare to speak.

This is Zhang Jia Agui, the chief military minister who is inferior to one person and superior to ten thousand people. Not everyone is qualified to point fingers.

"Why don't you say a word, dear friends?"

Qianlong was so shrewd that he guessed it with just one glance.

The censors from the Metropolitan Procuratorate all lowered their heads, like guilty students who were afraid of being called out in class.

Emperor's Heart:

In normal times, if any official below level 3 has a slight flaw, you will all be filled with righteous indignation and criticize him, wishing you could make him jump into the river.

Today, Agui doesn’t dare to speak?

……

Qianlong simply said it himself:

"Although Agui suffered a small setback, he had the military merit of killing Bai Lian. The merits and demerits are balanced, so there is no need to punish him."

"The main responsibility for this failure lies with Agui's improper command. Fortunately, most of the losses were Green Camp soldiers, and the imperial court did not harm its vitality."

Speaking of which,

Qianlong deliberately opened his eyes and quickly scanned the hall.

Sure enough, he saw a few pairs of eyes that looked a little bit intolerable and hesitated to speak. I secretly wrote down their names in my heart, waiting to find someone who deserves to be demoted, and who deserves to be demoted.

The reaction of these people shows that they have distracting thoughts in their minds. He is not 100% loyal to me or to the Qing Dynasty.

If they guessed correctly, these people wanted to remind themselves that "Manchus and Chinese are one."

Such a self-righteous slave does not deserve to be in the Forbidden City.

On the other hand, He Shen and Yu Minzhong were very calm and did not even raise an eyelid at the loss of tens of thousands of Green Camp soldiers. The people of the Qing Dynasty were more than hundreds of millions. This loss may not be harmful to the country, but may be beneficial.

……

After it was over, everyone in the Military Aircraft Department began to discuss privately.

"I think the fortress mentioned by General Fuyuan is very interesting."

"Seconded."

"What do you think this means? It means that there are foreign forces involved behind the puppet king of Wu in Jiangnan."

"Not necessarily."

"Oh?"

"Perhaps this false king of Wu once did things on the territory of foreigners."

"It seems reasonable. This person must be a traitor."

……

In the imperial study room,

Qianlong pulled a silk thread, and after a while, the commander of the guards at the stick arrived quietly and knelt down on one knee.

"Check, are Li Shiyao and Li Yu related in their ancestors?"

The guard commander raised his head with astonishment and saw an expressionless face.

"There are widespread rumors in Beijing, so don't believe them all or not. I'll give you 2 months!"

(End of this chapter)