The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 199 Money Money Money

Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da discussed for a long time and finally formulated a two-step plan.

First, stabilize the internal situation as soon as possible, accumulate strength, and prepare for the war.

Mainly for the military, it must complete the reconstruction as soon as possible and regain its combat effectiveness.

In terms of supplies, it is natural to stock up on military supplies.

We also need to hoard enough cement to quickly build a city after defeating it.

With a city as a base, the follow-up will be easier.

Secondly, it is naturally about opening up the sea. In the past, the opening up of the sea was just for the profit of trade.

Now there is another reason, land.

The Ming Dynasty had many princes and grandsons, and the little territory on land alone might not be enough.

There is still so much land overseas. I heard that some large islands are as large as the Ming Dynasty, which is more than enough to build a kingdom.

However, this matter is still urgent.

To operate the ocean, you need ships and a navy. First, research the ships and build a navy at the same time.

When the navy has almost finished building it, it won't be too late to open the sea.

In short, sharpening the knife will not waste time chopping firewood.

In short, Zhu Yuanzhang once again felt that time cannot wait for us.

There are really too many things to do.

I really wish I could borrow another five hundred years from heaven. If not, fifty years will do.

A few days later, Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the Ministry of War to stockpile military supplies without affecting people's livelihood.

At the same time, the Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Army was ordered to step up the training of the army, especially the former Commander-in-Chief of the Army, to recruit and train naval forces as soon as possible.

At the same time, many second-generation outstanding disciples were sent to various places to reorganize and train the army, which was also training.

People such as Li Jinglong, Mei Yin, Tang Jingye and others were sent out.

Originally, Xu Yungong was supposed to be sent out together, but he was about to get married, so it was postponed temporarily.

Xu Da really wanted to have a grandson. Soon after Xu Miaojin entered the palace, he found a fiancée for Xu Yungong.

His in-law is his own old subordinate Liu Hong, who was awarded the title of Viscount in this grand ceremony.

It's a pity that the word "founding the country" was not added.

Girls are born dignified, with an elegant and gentle temperament.

Because of their father's relationship, the two have known each other for a long time.

Although they are not exactly childhood sweethearts, they are still a bit like childhood sweethearts.

In short, Xu Yungong is very satisfied.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally said nothing and gave many treasures.

The wedding of the two is scheduled for early November.

When the eldest son of Duke Wei gets married, it will definitely be a big deal.

As a good brother, Chen Jingke naturally helped throughout the process.

Zhu Xiongying also came to see his uncle's excitement.

All in all, it’s just fun.

A few days later, the imperial court held an auction, and one hundred sets of glassware were sold for a sky-high price of 4.74 million guan.

Among them, the most expensive floor-standing glass mirror was sold for a high price of 100,000 yuan.

It is said that this mirror has only five sides in the entire Ming Dynasty, two of which are in the palace, one is in the Duke of Wei's mansion, and the other is in Chen Bandu's home.

This fifth side is also the only side that flows out.

Next is a set of glazed stationery, including five pen holders, a pen holder, a paperweight, and an inkstone.

It sold for a high price of 80,000 yuan.

Ranked third is a tea set and a set of tableware, both priced at 70,000 guan.

The rest are not lower than Wan Guan.

At the same time, the imperial court also announced that in the future, all colored glaze wares would be sold through bidding, with only fifty sets per month.

After hearing this number, those who had paid a high price to buy colored glaze were relieved.

This shows that it is difficult to make colored glaze, and the quantity will not be large.

Fifty pieces per month may seem like a lot, but compared with the Ming Dynasty's population of more than 60 million, it is not worth mentioning.

The auction ended, and when word spread about the auction amount, it was no surprise that it once again aroused heated discussion.

Money, this is really a lot of money.

As a result, Chen Jingke's title of prodigal son became stronger.

In the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was also overjoyed when he learned the final amount:

"Jing Ke, the auction method you mentioned worked really well. We sold more than one million yuan more than we thought."

Chen Jingke smiled and said: "Actually, it has something to do with the first auction. The previous betrothal gift was a big enough gimmick to raise everyone's expectations."

“It will be difficult to achieve such a high price again in the future.”

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the list and smiled so hard that he couldn't even see his eyes:

"We'll be satisfied if we can have one million guan every month. That's more than 10 million guan a year. This money is just like picking it up for free."

"With this money, we can do more things."

Zhu Xiongying was also very envious and said: "Hurry up and open up foreign channels, you will definitely make more money."

Zhu Yuanzhang comforted him and said, "Don't be in a hurry, you have to eat your meal one bite at a time, and you have to walk the road step by step."

"Da Ming is not short of money now and can slowly lay out its plans."

At this moment, Sun Fu, the chief eunuch, came over and reported: "Your Majesty, Zeng Shangshu is outside seeking an audience."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this name, his head got big:

"Tell him that we have something to do."

Sun Fu was about to leave when Chen Jingke stopped him and said:

"Just say that His Majesty has official business to attend to, and ask him to wait outside first."

Sun Fu stopped and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, waiting for his instructions.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Let's tell him this first."

"Yes." Sun Fu responded and exited.

In my heart, I couldn't help but sigh again, Chen Bandu's status is really high.

No reason is needed to make His Majesty change his mind.

When I see him in the future, I need to serve him more attentively.

After he left, Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "What's your plan again? Don't you want us to give him part of the money from selling the glass?"

Zhu Xiongying also said quickly: "I won't give him a single copper."

Chen Jingke smiled in his heart, they were truly worthy of being a grandfather and grandson.

The purpose of Zeng Tai coming here was to get a share of Liuli.

Since his wedding to Fuqing, Zeng Tai has mentioned this matter every now and then.

However, he also learned to be smart and no longer mentioned it publicly, but discussed it privately.

But how could Lao Zhu agree? He refused directly every time.

But Zeng Tai was not discouraged and made up his mind to spend time with Lao Zhu.

Lao Zhu had nothing to do with him.

The main reason is that Zeng Tai is an honest official and has strong abilities.

In the past two years, Ming Dynasty has carried out reforms and carried out major projects. He has never had any problems while sitting in the Ministry of Household Affairs.

It can be said that his hard work has paid off. Zhu Yuanzhang thought highly of him.

This time Zeng Tai was not doing it for his own personal gain, but for the benefit of the national treasury, and there was nothing to blame.

So although Lao Zhu had a headache, he was not really angry.

But keeping doing this is not the answer, the problem must be solved.

Chen Jingke said: "It's not easy for Zeng Shangshu. The annual income of the treasury is only so much, but the expenses are increasing year after year."

“He worked extremely hard to ensure that each project went smoothly.”

"It is said that he often quarreled with the people below him over a few pennies, and ended up with the nickname Zeng Laozhi."

"But he has never complained about suffering or tiredness. He is really a role model for all ministers."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "It is because of his hard work and merit that we have tolerated him for so long."

Chen Jingke said: "Zeng Shangshu saw that His Majesty cherishes talents, so he dared to come to visit him again and again."

Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily: "Sooner or later, this old Zeng will look good."

Chen Jingke smiled and said: "There are many opportunities for you to settle accounts with him, but the national treasury may not be able to support it now." "After the reform of the military system, the military pay will have to be borne by the court."

"In order to resettle military households, the imperial court exempted them from taxes for another year."

"Moving people from the south to settle in the north also requires a lot of money and food..."

"And these migrating people are also exempted from taxes for a year..."

"The work of sorting out the Huai River water system has not been completed yet..."

The Yellow River has diverted the Huaihe River and flowed into the sea for three hundred years. It has accumulated so much sediment that it is very troublesome to sort it out again.

Bai Ying estimates that it will take another half a year to complete.

Of course, this is also related to the relatively small manpower used.

A total of only 10,000 servants were used.

Recruiting tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of civilians at every turn is an act of national subjugation.

"We need to form a navy again to stock up on food and grass for the battle against Beiyuan..."

"Fortunately, the newly issued banknotes were used to build the new city, otherwise the national treasury would have been empty."

Chen Jingke counted all the major expenditures of the imperial court and finally came to the conclusion:

"The imperial court's tax revenue has not increased, but its expenditures have increased significantly. The national treasury really cannot support it."

"Zeng Shangshu is also a clever woman who can't make a meal without rice. I really can't do anything without you."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "We have considered what you said, and it will only be difficult for this year and one year."

"Military households and migrating people will start paying taxes next year."

"And there is news from the prince's side that commercial tax collection will start next year."

"The tax revenue for the national treasury will naturally increase by then, and the money will be enough to spend."

Zhu Biao not only built a new capital in Luoyang, he also brought his small economic team there, studying economic and commercial tax issues every day.

After more than two years of research, it’s time to finally get results.

When the commercial tax is launched, and then cooperates with the opening of the sea, Daming's tax revenue will have a large surplus.

But as Zhu Yuanzhang said, the next two years will be hard.

Chen Jingke smiled bitterly and said, "But the past two years have to pass."

"A penny stumps a heroic man, but a lack of money in the treasury will shake people's hearts."

"What I fear most is that it will affect the credibility of the new banknotes."

"What will the ministers think if His Majesty again invests such a large amount of money into internal funds?"

"So, you might as well tell Master Zeng directly that Liuli's share will not be given to him."

"But the national treasury is running out of money. You can use part of it from internal funds to replenish the treasury."

"Let's get through these two hard years together."

"I believe that Zeng Shangshu's ultimate goal is also this."

Zeng Tai has been the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs for three years. During the Hongwu period, the six ministers were replaced very frequently, and few could serve for a full year.

He can do it for three years, which is a record.

May be replaced at any time.

At this time, what will happen even if it comes to Liuli's share?

How much benefit does he get?

It's better to be practical and get some money from internal funds to get through these two years of hard life.

By then Zeng Tai can retire honorably.

This is called starting well and ending well, and getting out of the whole body.

In the Hongwu Dynasty, it was rare to escape unscathed.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly realized and said: "We are confused... Zeng Taiya really wants money, just tell him."

"We can still watch the national treasury run out of money and remain indifferent."

Chen Jingke couldn't laugh or cry. If you didn't protect Liuli's profits so strictly, I would have believed you.

In fact, it’s not Lao Zhu’s fault.

The internal funds are really poor.

Although there are many rare treasures, you can't just take them out and sell them, right?

Isn't that a laughing stock?

After finally getting Liuli's big income, he naturally protected her very closely.

Zeng Tai was also confused because of money worries and did not understand this truth.

He even wanted to ask Lao Zhu for a share of the glass.

If he had directly said that the treasury was out of money and needed internal funds to make up for it, he would have gotten the money long ago.

And Lao Zhu also mistakenly believed that Zeng Tai was really interested in Liuli's huge profits and wanted a piece of the pie.

As a result, the two of them became awkward.

Zhu Yuanzhang then met with Zeng Tai and said that he would fill the national treasury with money from internal funds.

Sure enough, Zeng Tai never mentioned Liuli again.

Instead, he settled an account with Zhu Yuanzhang. This year, the treasury has a deficit of more than 6 million yuan. I hope your majesty can think of a solution.

Without saying a word, Zhu Yuanzhang gave all Liuli's profits to him.

He also withheld more than one million guan from the money to build the new capital and gave it to the national treasury.

So the king and his ministers are all happy.

When the ministers learned that the emperor had contributed money from internal funds to replenish the treasury, they all praised His Majesty for his wisdom.

I also admire Zeng Tai from the bottom of my heart for daring to ask the emperor for money.

Although everyone calls him Zeng Laoji, they all admire this veteran minister from the bottom of their hearts.

At the end of the year, Zhu Yuanzhang recalled all Zhu Biao, Zhu Fan, Zhu Di and Zhu Xi to the capital.

I first told Zhu Biao about the title of king, and Zhu Biao naturally supported it.

This matter was of great benefit to both Daming and the Zhu family, and he had no reason not to support it.

Then Zhu Yuanzhang called Zhu Fan, Zhu Di and Zhu Xi and informed them of the matter.

Zhu Rui was very indifferent to this matter.

He focused all his energy on medicine, preparing to give himself a title like a medical fairy.

As for the feudal king system, let’s wait until the future.

If there is extra land for me, I will take my son over and take charge of it.

If there is no extra land, then I will be a vassal king without any position or power in the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang had known his son's nature for a long time. In the past, he only felt that he was worthless and hated that iron could not be transformed into steel.

It feels pretty good now.

Zhu Fan and Zhu Di were very excited.

I thought I could only be a vassal king in this life, but I didn't expect that I would have the opportunity to establish a country.

What, transforming the suffering of the outside world?

Compared with becoming a true king, this little hardship is nothing.

The State of Qin was sealed in Xiquanqiu (Tianshui), which was still the land of Quanrong at that time.

It took several generations of Qin's ancestors a hundred years to drive away Xirong and officially become the masters of that land.

After dozens of generations of hard work, they achieved the glorious hegemony of unifying the six countries.

If the ancestors of the Qin State were unwilling to leave because they were too miserable, what would happen next?

Looking at these two excited sons, Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied.

"But this matter can't be rushed for the time being. The imperial court must first capture Beiyuan before it can have enough power to support you to expand the territory."

Zhu Fan said quickly: "Don't worry, dad, we know which is more important."

"I will definitely help you and my brother to eliminate all the enemies of Ming Dynasty before we consider the matter of sealing the country."

Zhu Di also said: "Yes, even if you give me a country now, I can't cure it. I still have a lot to learn."

Zhu Yuanzhang said happily: "As long as you understand."

"Lao San, your temper is too arrogant. You must change it, otherwise you will not be able to convince the public."

"Fourth brother, you really need to study more. In the past, we only taught you the art of war, not the way to govern a country."

"You have to study hard in the future and make up for this shortcoming."

The reason why he told his sons about this so early was to arouse their fighting spirit.

At the same time, let these sons learn to govern the country from now on.

So as not to make the governance of the feudal country a mess in the future.

(End of this chapter)