Crazy at the end of the Ming Dynasty

Deng Qifan raised his wine glass and congratulated Wu Shigong: "Congratulations, my lord! Although it was a bit of a thrill this time, it didn't suffer much, but it gained a lot. After my lord returned from the expedition, the students never congratulated me, so I'll borrow a glass of wine today." , Lord Congratulations on returning with a big victory!"

Wu Shigong hastily raised his wine glass and finished it off with Deng Qifan.Then he said with a smile: "Brother Yuan Jin, today is a family banquet, so don't be restrained. As far as personal friendship is concerned, it doesn't matter whether you are superior or inferior. But this time, have the accounts of the internal account come out, and how much have we seized?"

Deng Qifan immediately put down his wine glass and replied: "In addition to the 1000 taels that He brought back from Xuzhou, a total of more than 4000 taels of gold and silver was obtained. Except for the small part left for our Runing Army's own use, the rest are in 41% of the market price was given to Sihai Commercial Bank, and more than 7000 taels of silver were taken. However, the antiques that Chang Jing obtained from Zhang Thief were not counted separately. They had to be transported to the north and south of Beijing before they could be sold at a good price. But looking for I have seen some court offerings from pawnshops, and they can sell for more than 10 taels. The rest is 22 shi of grain."

This number far exceeded Wu Shigong's psychological estimate, so he immediately said with a smile on his face: "It seems that He Fei is doing well! I thought it would be good if he could squeeze out ten thousand taels, but I didn't expect to be able to get so many." , if this kind of thing happens again in the future, we will leave it to this kid!"

All three of them laughed, and Wu Shigong then asked: "Have the military pay and pensions for the expedition been paid?"

"It's all delivered." Deng Qifan nodded.

"Is the cash enough?" Wu Shigong asked again.

"The warehouses of our Runing Army, Sihai Commercial Bank, and Qianzhuang were emptied again." Deng Qifan laughed, "However, He saved the money brought by the boss, and the grain brought back by Chang Jing was used as a reserve. A batch of food stamps have been issued, so it is barely enough. It’s just that the flow of water is tight temporarily, but as long as the goods are sold, I will be alive soon. There is nothing serious!”

Wu Shigong felt relieved, because this time the soldiers of the Runing Army would have to pay nearly 20 taels of silver for the double salary and pension.This amount of money cannot be defaulted, and it needs to be distributed in time after returning.But the Runing Army's seizures this time were mainly goods, and there was not much cash, so he was always worried that the Runing Army's money would be tight again.

However, Wu Shigong still reminded Deng Qifan: "Then the pensions for the casualties and strong men of the city guards in Ningling County have also been distributed?" As for the young and strong casualties in Ningling County, the Runing Army also completely followed the compensation standards for their own soldiers this time. to distribute.Wu Shigong was afraid that his subordinates would be in short supply, otherwise, the common people who would fight side by side with the Runing army would definitely have concerns.

"It's all delivered!" Deng Qifan nodded again.

"Then what about the spring plowing and the repair of damaged houses and roads these days?" Wu Shigong asked another question that he cared about.

"Officials at all levels are catching up on this matter! Qiao Shoubei and Jiang Dajiang are also running here and there to watch this matter. It is the newly established Tuntian Zhuangzi, some of them can't catch up with the solar terms to grow cotton. This needs to make the shopkeeper pay more attention. .”

Wu Shigong shook his head with a smile and said: "Chang Meng's place is also difficult, and the unowned land in the encirclement is often arguing with the local area. And it needs to use manpower to build Zhuangzi. If it really can't keep up with the solar terms, let Chang Meng plant it too, just less Yield! Let’s not worry too much about it in the first year.”

"En!" Deng Qifan nodded in agreement.

"Also, the area around Fucheng needs to be tidied up even more. When Shopkeeper Zheng and Ma Ershao come over this time, take care of the people who can come into contact with them. Tell these people not to talk nonsense. The distinguished guests we have finally invited, Don't scare them away." Wu Shigong ordered again.

fine.This time, the peasant rebel army threatened the area controlled by the Runing Army on three fronts.The time to cross Runing Mansion and invade Guide Mansion happened to be around the Spring Festival, and the shopkeepers and principals of Minhai Commercial Bank and Majia Workshop all returned to their hometowns for the New Year at this time.

After they came over these days, at most they could only understand some of the situation, and they couldn't intuitively feel that the peasant rebel army passed so close to the city of Runing Prefecture, so the Runing Army could still do something to make up for it.Otherwise, who would dare to do business in a place where personal safety is not guaranteed?

"That's right!" Deng Qifan also nodded. "The military expansion and repairs cost a lot, so we should look for more sources of income. We can't just focus on immediate matters. Long-term maintenance of troops is the most important thing! What Chang Jing said is very true! So the students are going to save all the extra money and food for future use. future needs."

"You don't have to be so stingy!" Wu Shigong shook his hand. "Taking advantage of the fear this time has brought to the gentry, let's use some silver and open the insurance business first. Although this business seems to lose money in this war-torn place, as long as the risk is estimated correctly, If our Runing Army strengthens its protection, this insurance company will be a golden bull in the future! No matter what, our Runing Army will never allow any enemy troops to set foot on our territory again."

Deng Qifan is now also influenced by Wu Shigong's thought of emphasizing business.He also said with a smile: "Then simply open up the stock exchange and futures exchange that Chang Jing mentioned. We only need to be an intermediary for those places, just use some venues and warehouses, and the required silver is not much." , our Runing Army can still afford these expenses."

Having decided on this important matter, Wu Shigong asked Deng Qifan again: "Brother Youyou (Zhang Xuebin) has returned from Yingzhou?"

"Fortunately, I didn't disgrace my life!" Deng Qifan laughed, "I have spent more than 3000 acres of land, and there is even a field of more than [-] acres on the bank of the Huaihe River. Can Changjing feel at ease now?"

"Relax! Reassure!" Wu Shigong laughed loudly.Zhang Xuebin did a pretty good job this time, originally Wu Shigong thought that the Runing Army needed to take care of the Yingzhou area, but Zhang Xuebin managed this major event without spending a penny.Although there was a reason why the Runing Army refused to leave and threatened the new officials in Yingzhou, Zhang Xuebin's flexible wrists were also indispensable.

"Then brother Youyou is home now?" Wu Shigong asked again.

"I've only been back for a day, and I'm resting at home today." Deng Qifan replied.

"We can't let him rest anymore." Wu Shigong sighed, "There is one more important thing that needs him to do it! Another 2 taels will be spent from the accountant, and he will go to Guide and Runan with Director Fu. "

"My lord, please tell me!" Deng Qifan frowned, he had always complained about Wu Shigong's extravagance.

"It's just to appease those gentry! This time they have lost a lot of property outside the city, and our Runing Army has not fulfilled its responsibilities. Just run around, pay a visit, and give some small profits to show the strength of our Runing Army It’s just my heart.” (To be continued..)