King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Chapter 154 To measure the land, first fight the hole!
Shandong.

Qufu.

Confucius Mansion.

The contemporary head of the family, Kong Xi, is learning to drink fragrant tea, and his face is full of grace.

in front of him.

Sitting here is Kong Xizhen, the magistrate of Qufu County.

"Shenggong Yan, His Highness Prince Lu is determined to clear the land again this time!

It seems that he is not joking. The new champion Xu Zengshou even said that land deeds will be re-issued to the Qingzhang land, and he also encouraged the people to report the wealthy families for hiding their land! Report and there will be prizes! "

Kong Xixue looked relaxed.

"If he wants to clear the land, then that's up to him! We, the pure family of the Kong family, don't care what the little King Lu does!"

Kong Xizhen said solemnly: "His Royal Highness, Prince Lu, is unusually hard to fool!"

Kong Xixue said indifferently: "We don't have to worry about clearing the land of the Kong family! We don't need to clear the land! I can report it directly to His Highness King Lu! Among them, 20 acres of land are sacrificial fields, and 6 acres of land were rewarded by the emperors of the past dynasties! In addition, After so many years of marriage, our Kong family has only received thousands of acres of land for his wife’s dowry! Why is he paying off his father-in-law? We will repay it to him in full!"

talking.

Kong Xixue smiled again and said: "It's just that whatever he said, whether it's allotment of land, or direct land tax, it won't be collected from our Kong family! After all, His Majesty has said that these fields of our Kong family are all Tax-free.”

Kong Xizhen smiled bitterly.

"If it were just these innocent fields, I wouldn't have to tell the owner of the family here! Don't forget, the more than 400,000 acres of fields invested in our Kong family are now used as school fields or sacrificial fields. It’s tax-free”

Kong Xixue was stunned.

"Why so many?"

Kong Xizhen sighed and said: "This is still the result of my blocking! Otherwise, there will be more!"

The so-called surrender means that some common people dedicate their land to the Confucius family, and they voluntarily become tenants of the Confucius family and farm for the Confucius family.

Because the Kong family was exempted from corvee and land tax.

Moreover, the Kong family's tenancy rent is lower than the national land tax.

Tens of thousands of farmers voluntarily gave their fields to the Kong family in order to evade taxes!
Because of the special courtesy of the imperial court, in addition to conferring Kong Xixue the title of Duke Yansheng, he was a second-rank official with a serious eight hundred qualifications, and he could receive a salary of 758 shi per year.

The post of Qufu County Magistrate has always been held by the Kong family.

This further caused the Kong family to dominate Qufu. After all, the county magistrates were all members of the family, and no matter what the Kong family did, the outside world did not know!

Kong Xixue frowned and said: "In short, it is the Qufu County government that is in charge of clearing the land! Why don't you help cover up those lands!
His Royal Highness, King Lu, cannot allow you to clear the land, so you should get rid of all your own affairs first! "

Kong Xizhen sighed and said, "It would be fine if it were just like previous years, where the imperial court issues an order and the county government implements it, and organizes the land clearing.
Not to mention covering hundreds of thousands of acres, even covering a million acres is no problem!
Now it’s no longer possible!
His Royal Highness King Lu established the Land Clearing Division in Prince Lu's Mansion, with Xu Zengshou, the new top scholar, and Lan Bin, the second top scholar, in charge!

They now patrol various counties and specifically accept reports from people in various places. Once they discover that they have hidden property or other illegal activities, the punishment will be severe.
I heard that several county magistrates have been arrested and questioned!
At the same time, those wealthy businessmen who had concealed their land were also ordered to clear their land again, and were fined an additional 50% of the tax for their concealment."

Kong Xixue frowned when he heard this.

Then, he suddenly hummed: "He, King Lu, can do whatever he wants, but he can't do it to our Kong family!
I am a second-rank official personally conferred by the imperial court, with the title of Duke Yansheng. I have met His Majesty and received courtesy from His Majesty!
No matter how powerful King Lu is, he must respect his father!
Even if he doesn't respect his father, he must respect all the scholars in the world! "

Kong Xizhen disagreed with this.

This is not just once or twice that King Lu has disobeyed His Majesty, so what will be the final result?

Your Majesty has not listened to His Royal Highness King Lu.

Basically, everything goes as expected for King Lu!

Kong Xixue frowned for a long time.

Suddenly he said calmly: "Let's leave this matter like this for now! In short, if the soldiers come to block it, the water will cover it with the soil! If His Highness King Nalu really wants to use force to bully our Kong family, then it will be easy. At worst, I will go and report it to God. Imperial status!
It is the decree of the emperors of all dynasties to give preferential treatment to our Kong family!

Do you know what it is for?
One is, in order to respect the three cardinal principles and five constant principles left by our ancestors, it is a good law that will last forever!
On the other hand, scholars all over the world claim to be disciples of saints! Who is the saint? The saint is our ancestor!

All the scholars in the world are the disciples and grandsons of our ancestors. If we want these scholars to sincerely serve the imperial court, they must respect our Confucius family!
No matter how powerful His Highness King Lu is, he cannot be more powerful than our ancestor!

I heard that this baby just turned 16 this year!
Last time, he borrowed two teachers from our Kong family to go to his Hengzhong Academy to fool around. We thought, firstly, he respected our Kong family enough. After all, he came to hire teachers, and he gave them a lot of restraints!

On the other hand, since Prince Lu’s Mansion has taken root in Yanzhou, our Kong family will have little contact with Prince Lu’s Mansion in the future!

So he asked Yanji and Yanjing to help him!
This is the relationship between us and his family, Prince Lu’s family!
But if King Taru goes too far this time and the land is transferred to the saint’s home, I won’t care about any feelings!
The worst case scenario is to report it to His Majesty and ask Him to teach him a lesson!
Let him know that people with the surname Zhu are not the only ones in this world! "

When Kong Xizhen heard what Kong Xixue said, the corner of his mouth curled up slightly.

In fact.

As a family that has been standing for thousands of years, the Kong family is particularly arrogant because it has been favored and treated generously by successive emperors.

Even for the royal family, I still lack respect in my heart.

Many Kong family members even feel that there are only three most noble families in the world, the Kong family in Shandong, the Zhang family in Jiangxi, and the Zhu family in Fengyang.

The Zhang family of Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi Province have been heavenly masters for generations and have a distinguished status, similar to that of the Confucius family.

The Fengyang Zhu family is naturally Lao Zhu’s family.

In the eyes of their Kong family.

Even Lao Zhu's family is just a small family. The Kong family and Zhang family are the big ones!
It is estimated that the main basis for their belief is that no matter how prominent the Zhu family is now, when the dynasty changes, the ending will be very miserable.

On the contrary, it is the Kong family. No matter who rules China, as long as they are willing to sincerely surrender and accept the other party's canonization, they can maintain their prosperity and wealth forever!

Kong Xixue picked up the tea bowl and gently rubbed it with the lid of the tea cup.

Kong Xizhen knows.

This was the intention of serving tea to see the guests off. He immediately stood up and was about to leave.

suddenly.

Kong Cheng, the housekeeper of the Kong Mansion, hurried in and said out of breath: "Master! His Royal Highness Prince Lu is here!"

Kong Xixue stood up suddenly when he heard this.

"Is this true? Is it really His Royal Highness King Lu?"

Kong Cheng nodded and said: "Yes! The people from Prince Lu's Mansion are waiting outside our Kong Mansion!"

Kong Xixue frowned and said, "People from the Fengyang Zhu family just don't have any rules!
He didn't even understand the most basic etiquette, and he didn't even say a word of warning before he came, which made me rush to greet him! "

Kong Xizhen was stunned when he heard this, and said with a wry smile: "Master, be careful what you say."

Kong Xixue snorted and said, "Let's go. Since he's here, he has to welcome him no matter what. Who made him the vassal king now?"

talking.

Kong Xixue stood up and said to Kong Cheng: "Order my son Yan Qing to lead his younger brothers to greet His Royal Highness King Lu!"

Outside Kong Mansion.

Zhu Tan was sitting in the sedan chair. Opposite him, brothers Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin were sitting.

at this time.

The three of them were competing with each other holding a handful of cardboard.

"Fight the Landlord!"

“Robbing the landowner!”

"I'll grab it!"

Zhu Tan triumphantly took away the three cards in front of the three-person small table and said with a smile: "This king is the landlord!"

Xu Zengshou said angrily: "I have a great chance of winning this round! The landlord gave it to you, it was a waste!"

That's right, the three of them are playing the game Zhu Tan taught them, Landlord!
Zhu Tan snorted softly.

"I have a great chance of winning this game!"

As he spoke, he said with a smile: "Three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine! Shunzi!"

Under normal circumstances, it is difficult for anyone to connect with a normal straight child and take care of it.

Zhu Tan took out two cards and prepared to play pairs in the next round.

Xu Zengshou asked curiously: "Your Highness, this game is fun, but why is it called Landlord Fighting? Isn't the biggest landlord in the world your family? Do you want to fight against yourself?
Four, five, six, seven, eight, ninety, take care! "

After Zhu Tan looked at it, he was stunned and said angrily: "How dare you, Xu Zengshou, who deceives his teachers and destroys his ancestors, and is treasonous, to mock the royal family!"

Xu Zengshou was stunned and said aggrievedly: "Your Highness, didn't you yourself say that the Zhu family is the largest landlord in the world? Why can't I say what you said?"

Zhu Tan snorted: "Can that be the same? If you dare to offend the royal family, when I get back, I will ask Yin Shao to write a memorial for you! When the time comes, your father in Yingtian will know that he will have to spread your ass."

Xu Zengshou said helplessly: "Your Highness, aren't you bullying others? I know I'm wrong, so I can't do it."

Zhu Tan nodded and said, "If you know you're wrong, you have to correct it. Then take back the order you just took care of me!"

Xu Zengshou:
Lan Bin sighed.

"Brother, just get used to it."

Just when the three of them were still fighting against the landlord.

Suddenly, outside the sedan, a guard from Prince Lu's Mansion said: "Your Highness, the middle door of the Confucius Mansion is wide open, and the Kong family has come to welcome Your Highness!"

Zhu Tan nodded and said: "I understand! You are not allowed to interfere with Qi! Zengshou! Otherwise, I will complain about your disrespect to the royal family! One three! I win!"

Finally, Zhu Tan "won" Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin, and got off the sedan triumphantly.

Kong Xixue was stunned when he saw the three of them getting off the sedan together.

He asked Kong Xizhen beside him: "Why are there three people here? I wonder which one is His Royal Highness King Lu?"

Kong Xizhen pointed Zhu Tan to Kong Xixue and said: "The two people who got off the sedan chair with His Royal Highness King Lu are the number one scholar and the number two scholar in this subject."

Kong Xixue smiled slightly when he heard this.

"I can't tell that His Royal Highness King Lu actually respects scholars! He actually rode in the same sedan with these two people. Since he respects scholars, that's easy to say! Scholars in the world regard our Confucius Mansion as a holy place. Think of Lu. His Royal Highness respects scholars, and he will probably also respect our Kong family!"

Soon, Zhu Tan, Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin entered Kong's mansion, greeted by Kong Xixue.

Speaking of which, although Zhu Tan has been vassaling Yanzhou for almost a year, this is still the first time he comes to Confucius Mansion.

The architectural complex of the Confucius Mansion is large in scale and rigorous in layout. The gate is majestic with stone lions standing on both sides. Entering the gate, you will be greeted by a tall screen wall with complex and exquisite carvings on it, which means good luck and good luck. It seems expensive to make.

Passing through the screen wall and the front yard used for living, you enter the middle yard. In the middle is a tall hall called "Dacheng Hall", which is the place where Confucius worshiped. The Dacheng Hall is a majestic building with cornices, carved beams and painted buildings. On both sides of the Dacheng Hall are the side halls and the Bell and Drum Towers, which store Confucius' tablets and musical instruments respectively for use in sacrificial ceremonies.

When Kong Xixue passed by the middle courtyard, he was also full of pride and told Zhu Tan and others the stories and allusions of Confucius.

Kong Xixue smiled and chanted: "Sage Kong is our ancestor, husband of Confucius. He is the hub of morality, the foundation of benevolence and righteousness. He pioneered Confucianism and established the correct line of human ethics. He took benevolence as the foundation and etiquette as the utility. He lectured and preached to his disciples. Of the three thousand, there are two out of seventy disciples, all of whom have matured and benefited the world. His works, such as "Spring and Autumn" and "The Analects of Confucius", will be remembered for centuries and serve as role models for future generations!"

talking.

Kong Xixue looked at the three of them with some pride.

Even if Zhu Tan is not counted, Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin are still scholars, right?
He is also a leader among scholars!

When they come to the Confucius Mansion, it must be like coming to a holy land.
Now I would like to introduce the deeds of Confucius to them, hoping to arouse their admiration for the most holy teacher. However.

Kong Xixue found that neither Xu Zengshou nor Lan Bin seemed to have any feelings about his words.

Kong Xixue was a little angry.

Why are these people like this? Isn't it that your ability to get into first place or second place all depends on the knowledge of my ancestors?

Now when you drink water and think about its source, you should also have respect for my ancestors!
Why do you look so expressionless now?

I saw some silence here.

Kong Xixue continued: "Confucius said: "Those who are unkind cannot stay together for a long time, and cannot enjoy each other for long periods of time. "Show people the importance of benevolence and the great importance of etiquette.

Confucius said: "Learning without thinking is useless; thinking without learning is peril." Encourage people to be diligent in learning and good at thinking, so as to achieve the state of knowledge and practice.

He also said: "A gentleman is always in comparison, but a villain is not in comparison." Guide people to be broad-minded and behave with integrity, which is different from the narrow-mindedness and partiality of villains. These are all wise sayings! hehe."

While talking, Kong Xixue continued to show off.

suddenly.

Xu Zengshou made a "vomit" sound and vomited it out!

beside him.

Lan Bin's face was also full of embarrassment, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead!
Everyone in the Kong Mansion was shocked.

Kong Xixue couldn't help but said: "Why is this, Mr. Zhuangyuan? Why is it happening suddenly? Do you want me to find a doctor for you?"

Xu Zengshou vomited for a while, waved his hands and said, "No need! As long as you stop talking about those things, it sounds disgusting to me!"

Kong Xixue:
It is extremely offensive to say this here.

After all, this is in front of the most holy master, and you are despising his knowledge!

Not only did Kong Xixue look ugly, but everyone else in the Kong family also looked unhappy!

Kong Xixue said in a cold voice: "Why is the No. 1 scholar like this! Didn't you learn the teachings of Confucius and Mencius to get the No. 1 scholar? Even if you drink water and think about the source, you should have respect for the most holy teacher. Why are you so disrespectful in front of him! "

If Xu Zengshou was questioned like this by Furu on a normal day, he would have punched him in the face.

However, Zhu Tan didn't say anything about beating anyone today, and he didn't dare to act rashly. He had to explain honestly: "I don't want to insult any of the most holy teachers! The main reason is that in the six months before the imperial examination at Hengzhong Academy, I was not , I’ve been carrying these things all the time, and it’s so hard that I’m going to vomit!
Even now I feel like vomiting when I hear it! "

Lan Bin also looked pale and said, "Yes. Please stop talking. I feel like vomiting when I think of the days when I was studying!"

When the Kong family heard what the two said, they couldn't help but look at each other.

There are such weird things going on in the world.

This Hengzhong Academy is too cruel to its students!
Seeing the two people reacting like this, Kong Xixue no longer had the intention to introduce any sage teachers.

Then he led everyone into a main room in the backyard.

Kong Xixue ordered someone to make tea, looked at Zhu Tan, and said, "I wonder if your highness would like to give you any advice when you come to the Confucius Mansion?"

Zhu Tan said with a smile: "Any advice! The main reason why I came here is to ask Duke Yan to do something!"

Kong Xixue was stunned and asked, "What's the matter?"

Zhu Tan said with a smile: "There are many powerful people in Shandong. These wealthy households always try their best to hide their land. I think that the Confucius family is the number one family in Shandong. If you take the lead and cooperate with the court, we can clear out our land." Of course, others don’t dare not follow suit!”

Kong Xixue was angry.

This King of Lu really dares to provoke the Kong family!
Later, Kong Xixue suppressed his anger and said with a smile: "Your Highness is joking, why does our Kong family need to hide any land? Aren't most of the fields given by His Majesty himself?

Besides, even if our Kong family clears the land, it’s of no use!
Because all land is tax-free. "

Zhu Tan frowned and said: "Is this the truth, Duke Yansheng? But why did I hear that most of Qufu County is occupied by the Confucius family? All the land belongs to the Confucius family! If it were just the sacrificial fields rewarded by the imperial court, Xuetian, it’s not that big.”

Kong Xixue gave a wry smile and said: "How dare I deceive Your Highness, your Highness? To be honest, these fields are all pure and white!"

Zhu Tan nodded and said: "In that case, let's start clearing the land from the Kong family first! As much as it should be! I will never let the Kong family suffer losses!"

Kong Xixue frowned when he heard this and said: "Your Highness, my Qufu Kong family is not an ordinary citizen. To be cleared of land so casually, isn't it a disgrace? I can never agree to this!"

Seeing Kong Xixue's resolute attitude, Zhu Tan suddenly sneered.

"What if I must clear away the land in Qufu? And the first one must start from the Confucius Mansion!"

Kong Xixue saw Zhu Tan threatening him, so he was naturally not afraid of breaking up.

Immediately he said loudly: "Your Majesty is also a second-rank Yanshenggong granted by the imperial court. He has the right to meet the Holy Spirit and the right to submit memorials to His Majesty! If Your Highness keeps forcing you, I will have to ask Your Majesty to come and protect Kong." It’s home!”

Zhu Tan snorted when he heard this.

"Okay, okay! Move your father out to scare him, right?"

Kong Xixue said indifferently: "It's not a threat, it's just a helpless self-protection!"

Zhu Tan stood up helplessly.

"You win. Since you don't want to cooperate with me, forget it! Zengshou, Lan Bin, let's go!"

Done.

The three of them stood up and left just like that!
Watch the three people leave.

With smiles on their faces, Kong Xixue and others followed Zhu Tan and the others to the door.

Kong Xizhen looked at the backs of the three of them, sighed softly, and said: "Master, we must be careful of His Royal Highness Prince Lu's revenge in the future."

Kong Xixue sneered.

"Our Kong family is protected by His Majesty, and we have the support of scholars all over the world! He dares to try to take revenge!"

On the sedan chair.

Xu Zengshou couldn't help but said: "Your Highness, I have inquired about it. This Confucius Mansion is called Confucius Bancheng! Nearly one million acres of land in Qufu are under the name of the Confucius family!

The life of the Kong family is extremely luxurious!
Kong Mansion has tribute households that supply various specialized needs.

For example, the flower household is dedicated to the decoration of Confucius's house; the pig and sheep household is dedicated to sacrifices, weddings, funerals, and annual celebrations.

Once these Gongna households take on the matter of Gongna, they will inherit it from generation to generation!
Not only Gonna, the Confucius Mansion also has jurisdiction over twelve villages. Each market has a broker. The broker is appointed by the Confucius Mansion for a five-year term and pays a certain amount of tax money to the Confucius Mansion every year!

Speaking of which, the Kong family has become the emperor of Qufu!

If the Qingzhang land cannot start from the Confucius Mansion, I am afraid it will be difficult to deal with the powerful and wealthy households in this Shandong territory!

On the contrary, if the Kong Mansion is taken down first, the other little miscellaneous fish will not be a problem! "

Zhu Tan nodded and said: "I don't know the truth behind this! But don't you see? This Kong Xixue has moved out of His Majesty to suppress me! What can I do? I can only leave first!"

Xu Zengshou curled his lips and said: "When has His Highness ever been afraid of His Majesty? The things that happen to His Majesty every now and then have spread throughout the sky!"

Zhu Tan glared at Xu Zengshou.

Then he snorted coldly and said: "When I came to the Confucius Mansion, I just wanted to be polite first and then fight. Since they are so arrogant, I don't have to worry about anything!"

Xu Zengshou and Lan Bin were puzzled, not knowing what Zhu Tan would do next.
Qufu County.

Confucius Mansion.

Kong Xixue's eldest son, Kong Yanqing, walked in with a smile and a slightly transparent object.

"Dad, look at the rare thing I'm holding in my hand!"

Kong Xixue frowned at the small transparent thing and asked, "What kind of rare thing is this?"

Kong Yanqing smiled and said: "This... is called soap! Haha! It's used for washing things! It can be used for washing clothes, washing quilts, and washing hands! It's much easier to use than soap locust."

When Kong Xixue heard that it was for washing things, he instantly lost interest.

Originally, he thought that what Kong Yanqing was holding was some kind of treasure!

For example, jade or amber or something
Unexpectedly, it was just a thing used to wash things.
Kong Xixue nodded and said, "I understand, let's go down!"

Kong Yanqing was stunned when he heard this, and then said: "Dad, try washing your hands with this soap. It's very useful!"

Kong Xixue frowned and said, "Why wash your hands if you have nothing to do! I just washed them last night!"

Kong Yanqing did not listen to what Kong Xi learned.

He has been favored by Kong Xixue since he was a child, and now he is even more mature.

Immediately he ordered the servant to bring a basin of water. Kong Yanqing said to Kong Xi: "Dad! Come and wash your hands with this soap and try it! It's really easy to use! The child is preparing other important things. Please invite dad." Try washing it first!"

Kong Xixue had no choice but to wash his hands under the guidance of Kong Yanqing.

Under Kong Yanqing's enthusiastic guidance, Kong Xixue finally put his hand into the basin and touched the slightly transparent soap with his fingers.

He gently rubbed the soap in his palms, and the soap immediately turned into a delicate foam, like the petals of white pear blossoms blooming in spring, soft and delicate.

The foam slowly expands in the water, bringing a light aroma that is fresh but not pungent.

Kong Xixue originally washed his hands with soap hesitantly just to satisfy his son's wish.

But when his hands were gently rubbed together with the soap foam in the water, he gradually felt an unprecedented sense of refreshment and comfort!
The foam seems to have magic power, easily taking away the stains and grease on the hands, leaving only the smoothness and softness of the skin itself.

After washing his hands, Kong Xixue raised his palms. The skin on his palms looked clearer in the sun and glowed with health. He involuntarily raised his hand to his nose and took a deep breath. The fresh fragrance seemed to penetrate his heart and make him feel relaxed and happy.

At this moment, Kong Xixue's mentality changed subtly. He looked at the soap in Kong Yanqing's hand, his eyes no longer indifferent as before, but now filled with curiosity and seriousness.

After pondering for a moment, Kong Xixue finally said: "This soap is indeed extraordinary!

It can be washed and it can also make people feel happy. It is really a good thing! Is this kind of thing still available on the market now? "

Kong Yanqing couldn't help but smile brighter when he received his father's approval. He did not answer Kong Xixue's words, but asked excitedly: "Dad! Is this soap good?"

Kong Xixue nodded and said: "Not bad, it's really good! It's very clean, and there's still a light fragrance left!"

Kong Yanqing smiled and said, "My child plans to build a workshop specifically to produce this soap! Then we will sell this soap to all parts of the Ming Dynasty! Our family will have endless money."

Kong Xixue was stunned and said, "Do you know how to make this soap?"

Kong Yanqing shook his head, and then said: "My child doesn't know, but the Taoist priest I know knows! He gave this soap to me and asked me to try it out! He said that the raw materials of this soap are only lard and a few other things. Overall, It seems that the manufacturing cost is not high, but if this soap were put on the market, it would be sold for two taels of silver or even three taels of silver a piece, and it must be very popular, after all, it is so easy to use!"

Kong Xixue frowned and said: "The manufacturing cost is not high, but what about the construction cost of the workshop?"

Kong Yanqing laughed dryly and said: "It is true that the workshop requires a lot of money! But don't worry, Dad! As long as this soap is made and sold all over the country, we will be able to make back our money very quickly, maybe only in Shandong. You’ll get your money back!”

Kong Xixue frowned and asked, "How much does it cost to build a soap workshop?"

Kong Yanqing said: "The Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes are 200 million taels! It is equivalent to 50 taels of silver!"

"what!"

Kong Xixue was shocked when he heard this number!
　I recommend a good book. If you are interested, you can read it! It was written by a young lady! Very imaginative!

(End of this chapter)