Zhu Yuanzhang can see my dreams

Chapter 314 The Goose That Lays Golden Eggs

"Prince Consort, you are also considered a member of our Ministry of War."

Lin Rong pinched his beard and said thoughtfully: "What do you think? Can our Ministry of War also organize a special project to raise some special funds?

As the saying goes, if a man doesn't have a fat wallet, he won't speak with confidence. I have always been spending money like water and have never taken any money from the department!

In the past, the Ministry of Industry was at the bottom of the six ministries, but now it is above the Ministry of Revenue. I am so envious of it.”

Wang Buli was very puzzled: "Warfare is a very profitable business, how can it lose money?"

"Oh, it's easy for you to talk without any pain. Once a war breaks out, military expenses will be spent like water."

Lin Rong immediately complained bitterly, saying that even if His Majesty established the basic national policy of cultivating land and supporting the army without imposing extra burden on the people, three parts would be used to defend the city and seven parts to cultivate the land.

There are also civil transportation, Beijing transportation, and salt permits, which are auxiliary means to make up for the insufficient income from military farming.

Not to mention that money is spent like water during wars, even training on a daily basis requires money.

Even though the Ministry of War is a very important department, it does not hold real military and political power.

Although Lin Rong was a third-rank minister, the power he held was pitifully small.

One is that it is under the control of the Secretariat, and the other is that the Grand Marshal's Office has too much military power.

The Ministry of War has completely become the responsibility of managing logistics.

It was not until Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the Secretariat and divided the power of the Grand Marshal's Office among the Five Military Marshal's Offices that the status of the Ministry of War gradually increased, becoming the most powerful military ministry in all dynasties, even the Qing court could not compare with it.

After listening to this, Wang Buli nodded slightly and said, "Minister Lin, I don't know much about war, but I do have some experience in making money."

"I hope the Prince Consort will be generous with his advice!"

Lin Rong is very tolerant of Lao Zhu's temper and is also a hardworking person.

He was lucky enough to die of illness at his workplace before the Hu Weiyong case broke out. Zhu Yuanzhang gave him an oversized coffin and sent him back to his hometown in Fujian for burial.

"Since Minister Lin can only manage logistics and the like at present, then we should focus on logistics."

“How to write an article?”

Wang Buli said, “Of course, during the war, the Ministry of War was responsible for the transportation of food and fodder as well as the supply of military equipment, but when we left, the carriages were full, and when we came back, most of them were empty.

They couldn't make the trip in vain. The soldiers had won the battle and had a lot of spoils of war. If they wanted to keep them with them, it would not be beneficial in the battle.

The Ministry of War would charge a small amount for transportation and give the soldiers the spoils to take home.

Or the Ministry of War could just spend money to buy the captured items from the soldiers, and there would be no need to pay them on the spot.

Instead, both parties sign an agreement, leave a note for signature and reconciliation, and send the cash directly to the family. After the family receives the exact amount of money, they also have to leave a note for signature and keep.

During this process, the Ministry of War can earn a little money from the transportation costs. In a big battle, a few can get 100,000 people, and there will be no shortage of rewards. The profit is considerable. "

In fact, Wang Buli’s idea was to make use of the post stations that Zhu Yuanzhang had built on a large scale, since the Ministry of War was now in charge of logistics.

After listening to Wang Buli's words, Lin Rong thought for a while and then said:

“The trust issue is difficult, especially since soldiers may die in battle.

They were very worried that some people in the court would take advantage of the dead and not bring the rewards home to them, and that they would die without any evidence.”

"Yes, so we need to keep a copy of the information at the Ministry of War, a copy at the clerk on the scene, and a copy in the hands of the soldiers. We will need to take the time to verify whether they are the same."

"Well, this idea is not bad. It is suitable for the current situation of my military department."

Wang Buli thought for a moment and then said, "Actually, I have another way for the Ministry of War to make money from small countries."

"Oh?" Lin Rong stared at Wang Buli again, "Please tell me more, so I can give you some advice."

"Now that the surrounding countries are weak, Goryeo is being invaded by Japanese pirates. My Ming Dynasty can send some troops to garrison there, but Goryeo needs to spend money to hire them. In this way, half of the money will go to the individual soldiers, and the other half will be arranged by the Ministry of War."

"But Goryeo cannot station too many troops."

Wang Buli pointed to the northwest and said, "The small countries there have suffered from the enslavement of the Mongols. If the Ming Dynasty has the opportunity in the future, we will save those people from the dire straits.

In remote areas where the environment is harsh, more will be distributed to the soldiers, and their spoils can be transported back home through the Ministry of War.

So what does it matter if these barbarians pay some money to the Ming Dynasty? "

Fighting wars to get money.

Lin Rong really hadn't thought about this aspect.

This does not mean to raise Wei Bo's soldiers.

If it gets out of control and backlashes occur, it will be very detrimental to the rule of the Ming Dynasty.

Lin Rong felt that Wang Buli’s first idea was better.

This method of collecting money for supporting small countries in wars is really too radical and is not worth promoting at present.

At least Lin Rong doesn't want to promote this matter.

"Prince Consort, this method is too risky. Let's study the first method in detail and see how to implement it."

Wang Buli shook his head and said, "Minister Lin, you should first think about what the Ministry of War will do with the money after earning it, and then get approval from His Majesty. Otherwise, why would someone from your Ministry of War do this job?"

Lin Rong hissed, that was indeed the truth.

Although the Prince Consort's idea is good, the final decision still lies with His Majesty.

Lin Rong feels that having no money and having money to use but not using it are two different states.

By then, our people from the Ministry of War will be able to speak with confidence!
In fact, the Minister of Revenue Yang Siyi did not even ask Hu Weiyong.

He just didn't want to approve too much money for Wang Buli, so it would be better for him to go to see Hu Xiang in person.

So after Yang Siyi went out to pee, he wanted to push the door open, but he accidentally heard Lin Rong, the narrow-eyed man, asking Wang Buli how to make money for the Ministry of War, so he stopped and stood outside listening.

As Yang Siyi listened, his mind began to become active.

Now it is extremely difficult for the Ministry of Revenue to use the money from the Ministry of Works, and they have to "fight an argument" in front of His Majesty.

According to the previous model, would the Ministry of Works also be able to argue with the Ministry of Revenue in the court?
Xue Xiang is very tough now. No one can even think of getting the money unless His Majesty asks for it.

The first question is whether you understand what it means to use funds for specific purposes?

If you embezzle public funds now, when can you pay them back?

Although the Ministry of Revenue is in charge of levying taxes and managing tax revenue, most of what it collects are in kind and it does not have much money. The issuance of treasure notes has always been under the control of Your Majesty.

So Yang Siyi coughed twice, pushed the door open, and said with a smile:
"My Lord, I may not be able to give you 10,000 strings of cash all at once. We can allocate 4,000 strings of cash to you in the early stage. After you use up all the cash, we can allocate another 5,000 strings of cash. Is that feasible?"

Wang Buli didn't think that he had to get 10,000 strings of cash. After all, there had to be sufficient funding to better motivate these technical people.

All aspects are taken care of, allowing them to devote themselves to research and development and create greater value.

"In that case, Minister Yang, please count the money. I will go back to have lunch after you finish counting."

"Hey." Yang Siyi quickly held Wang Buli's shoulder and said, "My Lord, I actually have a request. My Ministry of Revenue is short of money. Is there any way to get some money for us?"

Lin Rong stood up and stared at Yang Siyi with his eyes wide open: "You are so shameless!"

"What do you mean by shameless? It's all for the Ming Dynasty!"

Yang Siyi pointed at Lin Rong righteously and said, "Big eyes, don't do this for your own selfish reasons."

"How dare you, you cripple, frame me?"

Wang Buli watched as the two department heads started arguing with each other, which almost escalated into a physical conflict.

He just watched the ensuing conflict with interest.

But Yang Siyi couldn't really fight, so he could only smile awkwardly and said, "My Lord, you really just want to watch the fun, why didn't you stop the fight between the ministers?"

"To be honest, I've seen a lot of street fights, but I've never seen a fight between three-grade masters. I really want to open my eyes today."

After Wang Buli's interruption, they all retreated and no one really started fighting, which was uncultured.

"Minister Lin, how can your Ministry of War take all the blame for this matter?"

Yang Siyi also began to complain that although the Ministry of Revenue seemed to be extremely wealthy, it was all an illusion!

After the brothel that Your Majesty ran stopped making money, how could you refuse the Ministry of Revenue's request for money from the Imperial Household?
According to the rules and regulations, this cannot be done!

But the whole world belongs to the Zhu family, so it is normal for Zhu Yuanzhang to ask for money from the Ministry of Revenue.

Wang Buli listened to Yang Siyi's complaints and said calmly:

"Minister Yang, you hold a mountain of gold but don't even know it. How can you compete with Minister Lin, who is a hen that doesn't lay any golden eggs?"

"I hope the Prince Consort can teach me!"

Yang Siyi didn't think at all that Wang Buli's official position was low, and that he was superior because of his status as the son-in-law of the emperor.

On the contrary, through contact he found that this person was not arrogant at all and had a lot of good ideas. He wished that His Majesty would love him so much.

Even Prime Minister Hu had to consider his suggestions.

Not to mention that there is a chair for the prince consort in the hall. This is even more amazing!

"The first one is that you will fully assist the Ministry of Works in repairing the entire Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and do your best to ensure the passage of trade routes.

Then set up several locks on this canal to collect taxes, which is why I asked Your Majesty to give these merchants who buy government bonds some tax exemption conveniences. "

Yang Siyi nodded repeatedly. He had been eyeing the special fund of the Ministry of Industry, but after listening to Wang Buli's explanation, he suddenly understood.

That's simply the Ministry of Works making wedding clothes for the Ministry of Revenue!
"Oh my, I am too narrow-minded."

Yang Siyi stood up and couldn't help clapping his hands, saying, "No doubt about it, we must find time to treat Lao Xue to a meal, and it must be a good meal!"

Lin Rong closed his eyes, too lazy to look at his smug look.

"My Lord, what about the second one?"

"The second one is the salt tax."

"Ok?"

"Everyone knows that salt is a highly profitable business, and the salt tax is divided among 13 departments, which makes it difficult to manage it in a unified manner and prone to corruption.

It would be better if all of them were managed by the Ministry of Revenue, so that people could be sent out from time to time to check whether the salt tax had been paid in full."

Wang Buli smiled and clenched his hands, "With the salt tax in hand, the Ministry of Revenue will be rich as a foregone conclusion."

Yang Siyi grabbed Wang Buli's hand, and the corners of his mouth were about to smile:
"My Lord, please don't say anything nonsense. We are doing this for His Majesty and for the Ming Dynasty. This proposal is really great!"

"Have you counted the money approved for me?" Wang Buli pulled his hand out: "Don't delay me from going back to have lunch."

Yang Siyi immediately shouted outside, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and bring in all the prince consort's treasures."

Then Wang Buli walked away leisurely carrying the small box.

Lin Rong and Yang Siyi stood at the door and watched Wang Buli go away.

“I have to say, it’s true that the waves behind push the waves ahead!”

"Indeed."

Yang Siyi also admires Wang Buli's ideas.

In particular, the imperial court completed the repair of the Grand Canal without spending a penny, and also saved the Ministry of Revenue a lot of expenses.

It turns out that the Grand Canal could continue to make money for the Ministry of Revenue.

The Prince Consort is simply the God of Wealth of our Ministry of Revenue!
You must take good care of it in the future and visit it often.

The head constable Zhong Niu was very familiar with arranging a good meal for the prince consort. He would either go to a restaurant or buy a pig and stew it.

Sprinkle more of the thirteen spices from the Prince Consort's house, and the stewed pork will be so delicious.

So Zhong Niu took his people directly to the pork shop to buy two pieces of meat, and at the same time sent someone to call a cook from the county government to help.

Compared to other people who eat fatty meat, the prince consort likes to chew on ribs.

This skill needs to be done by professionals.

So when Wang Buli returned to the Armory, craftsmen like Lu Hou were drooling around the big pot.

As a group of low-status "labor slaves", they could rarely eat meat.

"The Prince Consort is back."

Everyone quickly stepped forward to salute.

Wang Buli threw the money box to Lu Hou and said, "There are 4,000 strings of cash in it. Put it in the account for now. If it's not enough later, go to the Ministry of Revenue to withdraw money."

Lu Da was knocked unconscious by the small money box and held it tightly with both hands.

Four thousand strings of cash.

Oh my god.

This is too much money. I can eat stewed pork every day.

"You don't have to work today. This is our first meeting, so let's have a big meal. Tomorrow we'll continue to study how to improve the musket."

"it is good."

Lu Hou and others cheered loudly.

The Prince Consort is indeed as magnanimous as the legend says, and his reputation as Jiangning’s timely rain is well-deserved.

Wang Buli was very good at motivating craftsmen, so he told them that there would be rewards for developing new firearms and for giving good suggestions.

In short, now that the money is in place, if you have the ability, come and earn it. If you don’t have the ability, just watch others earn it.

In fact, Wang Buli's words made their heads buzz.

Then, while waiting to eat the delicious stewed pork, Lu Hou suddenly felt that if he could eat like this every day, it would not be a loss at all to sell his life to the prince consort!

Wang Buli also ate from the same big pot and did not do anything special.

The main reason is that I feel that stews like meat are more fragrant when cooked in a big pot.

It’s a pity that there is no vermicelli, otherwise I could have made pork and cabbage stewed with vermicelli.

After eating and drinking, Wang Buli leaned back in his chair and said:
"Zhongtou, bring me the recliner from the county government tomorrow. We'll be staying here for a while. If there's anything going on in Jiangning County, come here and report."

"I understand." Zhong Niu responded quickly.

Some people around were drunk after eating and drinking, after all, they had drunk alcohol today.

It would be so nice not to have to work.

Lu Hou and others have never had such a comfortable life as today. They are all thinking about how they could now live in the Prince Consort's house like other craftsmen.

Only in this way can the good days continue.

Wang Buli didn't think about winning people's hearts, he was too lazy to do such a thing.

When you work, just eat and drink well and do your job.

There is no need to work like a real ox or horse, working yourself to death and getting no benefit.

Especially in a place like this where there is gunpowder, if someone were to do something stupid, wouldn't that be too dangerous?
Zhu Yuanzhang listened to the report sent by the inspector and was no longer surprised by Wang Buli's operations.

Zhu Yuanzhang had seen such low-level means of winning people's hearts before.

But he was a little confused as to why these craftsmen were so sold on Wang Buli's tricks.

Of course.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not very clear about the details of the quarrel between the two ministers, he just heard the sound of quarreling coming from the room.

Then the two of them watched Wang Buli go away.

After all, it was inside the palace, so Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't send the inspector to eavesdrop on their conversation.

It is really easy to see.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang was not in a hurry, but was waiting for the two of them to come and talk.

Zhu Biao snorted and laughed after reading it. Wang Buli always liked to use money to motivate people to do things, but it must be said that it was really useful for many people.

"Dad, when we really have the copper and silver mines in our hands, we will have to reward you with some money from time to time."

"talk later."

Zhu Yuanzhang was very annoyed that the spies he sent to Japan had not yet sent back any news.

It’s like knowing that there is a treasure there, but Japan is not even that big, so why is it so hard to find?
He remembered that some people who were good at identifying mineral deposits were sent on board the ship. Could it be that there were too few people?
As for the spies in Yunnan and other places, there is still no news coming back.

On the contrary, it was because of the road construction in Bozhou and other places that made King Yuan Liang nervous. He sent people out to inquire from time to time and actively prepared for war.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang was not very worried about Prince Liang's preparations for war. Instead of the Ming Dynasty sweeping down each stronghold one by one, it would be better for him to gather all the troops. This way, they could better and more quickly defeat the Yuan soldiers entrenched in Yunnan.

"We still need to be cautious in the war between Yunnan and Japan. Once we find our target, we can destroy them directly with the power of thunder."

Zhu Yuanzhang put his hands behind his back and said, "I am actually looking forward to what Wang Buli can do with these craftsmen to transform the new firearms into and how powerful they are!"

"Dad." Zhu Biao laughed twice: "It was just a casual thing, why do you still remember it?"

"I think the power of firearms is too small. After all, I saw how powerful advanced firearms are there." Zhu Yuanzhang stretched out his hand and sighed:

"If I could possess such a weapon, it would be just a matter of time before I could destroy the Northern Yuan Dynasty, not to mention the other Japanese pirates who dared to invade the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao felt that his father was a little too eager for quick success, but he couldn't say anything and could only nod his head in agreement.

"Your Majesty." The eunuch came in from outside the palace and saluted, "The Minister of Revenue has requested an audience with you. He said he has something to ask."

"Accurate." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said to his son, "Guess why he came?"

Zhu Biao shook the paper in his hand and said, "It's probably money."

(End of this chapter)