My Brother-in-law is the Prince

  Chapter 156 Heaven's Windfall

  In everyone's cognition.

  This Annan is no different from other wild places.

   At best, it is just a small Beiyuan.

  It is unimaginable that there are more than two million stone grains.

  As for Daming's understanding of Annan, it was still hundreds of years ago.

   It is rather like the Han Dynasty people's impression of Jiangnan.

  In Jiangnan during the Han Dynasty, because there were many hills and mountains, and there was water everywhere, the northerners often could not adapt to the environment after entering the south.

  Combined with the low productivity at that time, the south of the Yangtze River was not developed. Therefore, people's impression of the south of the Yangtze River was more of a wild concept, and the grain-producing areas at that time were mainly in the plains of Guanzhong and Kanto.

  The so-called those who win the Central Plains win the world, that is exactly the case.

However, with the increase in productivity, after the south began to enter the large-scale development, coupled with several north-south crossings, a large number of northern Han people entered the south, and new agricultural technologies were applied. This Jiangnan became a land of fish and rice, and the grain output directly surpassed north.

  The same is true of Annan. When the Central Dynasty ruled the four counties of Jiaozhi, it was famous for its barrenness.

  During the Song Dynasty, Annan, Champa, and Chenla were also rich in rice production. However, due to extensive cultivation and no irrigation facilities, the rice was allowed to grow naturally, so the grain output was low.

   But as Annan and other places gradually stabilized, after absorbing part of the northern irrigation and reclamation technology, relying on the excellent geographical environment and fertile land, Annan's grain output was surprisingly high.

   "Where...where did this food come from?" Zhu Gaochi was shocked at first. He was in the Ministry of Households, and he probably knew that the grain that the imperial court could collect every year was roughly around 10 million shi. An Annan was worth 2.3 million shi, which was far beyond his imagination.

  Zhang Anshi glanced at Zhu Di.

  Zhu Di said: "Zhang Anshi, let's go."

   Zhang Anshi then said: "Annan is rich in rice, 40% of the land can produce two crops of rice, and 60% of the land can produce three crops of rice."

  As soon as this remark came out, all the officials were in an uproar.

  What is the concept of three-season rice? It can be harvested three times a year!

  The same acre of land, you sow in spring and harvest in autumn, but people can harvest once a season. This output... is equivalent to directly tripled.

  In Daming, relatively fertile land can only be harvested for two seasons at most, and this is almost the limit.

  I saw Zhang Anshi say again: "What's more... Judging from this report, although there are many mountains in Annan, there is a plain in the north and south of the middle of the country. The scale of its rice fields is by no means smaller than that of Nanzhili."

  Zhu Gaochi said in amazement: "Nanzhili has the most cultivated land in the world, but this Annan has more land than Nanzhili?"

"It's 30% more." Zhang Anshi said: "This is just a conservative estimate. After all, this is the period of Chen Ruizong of the Chen Dynasty in Annan, when he captured the Champa Kingdom and unified the north and south of Annan. developed."

Zhang Anshi was afraid that his brother-in-law would not believe him, and said again: "This time, we marched very fast. When we took down Shenglong, all Annan's granaries were full. Around 1.9 million stone."

   Every year... 1.9 million stone.

   "More than Nanzhili?"

  This southern Zhili...in the Ming Dynasty, its scale was much larger than many provinces, equivalent to the population and area of ​​Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Anhui in later generations.

  The amount of grain collected by the imperial court here every year is much more than that of Jiangxi and Zhejiang, which are known as the land of fish and rice, combined, which can be said to be the highest in the world.

   But now, Nanzhili's grain tax is not as good as Annan!

  In ancient times, food represented population and taxes, and was a symbol of national strength.

  Although the real national strength may not be calculated only by food. But at least Annan, relying on his super high grain production, is known as the Little China, aliased as the Little Overlord of the West, and bullies the Western countries in various ways. (Xiyang in the Ming Dynasty refers to Southeast Asia.)

  Zhu Di looked at the ministers in amazement, all of them showing disbelief.

  Especially the prince Zhu Gaochi, who looked quite shocked.

  Of course he knows that the prince has been in charge of the household department for the past year, and has been devastated every day for money and food.

  Zhu Di was secretly happy, but pretended to be calm and authentic: "Continue to read."

Zhang Anshi then said: "In addition to this, there are 1.32 million taels of silver, and countless other treasures, especially precious things such as spices, including 947 shi. If these spices are sold Go, even if the price is lower, I'm afraid the net profit is a million taels. As for other land and people, let's not count it for now."

   The real gold, silver and spices alone can be worth two million.

  Zhu Di was happy, and said: "This Annan is so rich, I really didn't expect..."

  Zhu Di looked at Chen Ji: "Chen Qing's family keeps saying that it is a waste of money, right?"

  Chen Ji is actually biting the bullet and resisting it, but after careful consideration, Xie Jin is right. At this time, if he can't "stay from one end to the end", he will appear to be at both ends of the head.

  So he said: "Your Majesty, all the conquests have always been a waste of money and people. I just care about the suffering of the people."

  Zhu Di actually nodded: "Chen Qing's family is right."

"what…"

  Many people looked at Zhu Di in disbelief.

  Actually, although there were a lot of seizures this time, the Imperial Academy may not be happy.

   Only Prince Zhu Gaoxu and Yang Rong felt that the pressure and burden on them were greatly relieved.

  But for the vast majority of people, the money is not for themselves, it belongs to the national treasury after all.

  The consequences of the war are borne by the subjects of the world!

   Therefore, it is naturally impossible for a person like Chen Ji to be happy.

  Zhu Di said: "Since it is laborious to mobilize the people, it will inevitably waste the people and waste money, then... let's withdraw the army that conquered Annan. After thinking about it, Chen Qing is right."

  Chen Ji: "..."

  Zhu Di went on to say: "These silver and money and food... are obtained by the commercial bank, and naturally belong to the commercial bank. In the future, I will never work hard in the West, and let the commercial bank do everything."

   "..."

   All of a sudden... I really stabbed a hornet's nest.

   Everyone, look at me, and I will look at you.

   To be honest, this is very unethical.

  Since so much food, silver, and spices have nothing to do with the treasury, what are you doing here to show off?

  Furthermore, the imperial court did not enlist large troops, but let the commercial firms do it. Isn’t the left hand the right hand? Civil servants are also needed in war, but it has changed from the previous requisition to another form of employment.

  It will still cause damage to local production.

  Chen Jizi thought the same as most people, so he frowned and said, "Your Majesty...this..."

But before Chen Ji could utter a rebuttal, Zhu Di suddenly became furious: "What is this? I sent a large army to conquer Annan, and you said that it was a waste of money for the people. But I tell you that the land in Annan is fertile and can bring a lot of money and grain income, but you And I think it’s not good for the country.”

   "Nowadays, I simply let the commercial firm handle this matter, what else do you have to say? In this way... I don't do anything, just let you make offerings like a Bodhisattva, can I do it?"

  Chen Jidao: "The minister is dead, but I just... think... if this is the case, won't it fuel the arrogance of the business?"

   "My Ming Dynasty has always despised business, and a gentleman should cultivate virtue, not seek profit. Now... His Majesty is so conniving with business firms, which is also a kind of harm to the people of the world."

  Zhu Di looked at him mockingly and laughed loudly: "Come on, tell me, what damage did you cause?"

  Chen Ji: "..."

  Zhu Di said: "Did I force the people to serve corvee? Zhang Anshi, come and tell him, the guards who are going to Annan...is there anyone who refuses?"

  Zhang Anshidao: "Your Majesty, you have already asked before you go, and those who are willing to stay can stay."

Zhu Di said: "Look, they are all voluntary. Not only are they voluntary, but also from the report of Zhu Gaoxu and others, the four guards and one battalion are all rejoicing, and everyone is vying to be the first. How can this hurt the people?" ?”

  Chen Ji: "..."

  The hall was completely silent.

Zhu Di continued to stare at Chen Ji, but his eyes became more and more cold, and said in his mouth: "You are the Minister of the Ministry of War, but the Minister of the Ministry of War is a vegetarian. You don't know anything about military affairs. Since you like calculating money and food so much, why don't you just be a bookkeeper?" .”

  Chen Ji was shocked, you know, ministers hate dealing with money and food the most.

  In the sequence of civil servants, the more the ministers who are only responsible for inspecting, compiling, and lecturing are the most honorable, they are called Qingliu, and their future prospects are also unlimited. As for those who deal with money and food, they will inevitably be looked down upon.

  Zhu Di's gaze made Chen Ji's body tremble involuntarily, and he had no choice but to say: "I am guilty of death."

Zhu Di snorted coldly, not only indifference, but also obvious dislike in his eyes, and said: "Wan Shi? I see that you are very dissatisfied. How come Wan Shi? What's the point of keeping a person like you by my side?" Benefits? If you are interested in yourself, you can write a letter to resign. If not, I will issue an order to dismiss you."

  Chen Ji: "..."

  He was terrified in his heart, and he really panicked at this moment.

   After all, he had studied hard in the cold window, and he had survived until today. As a result, His Majesty immediately dismissed him with a light word. This was something he never expected.

  Chen Jiai said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, I will die... Your Majesty..."

Zhu Di said with a cold face: "Speaking of which, I have to thank you. Originally, these spoils, I still thought that no matter what I said, the commercial bank would also allocate some to the treasury, but since you said so, I had no choice but to It is better to distinguish between the commercial bank and the national treasury. The benefits gained from entering Annan this time, every inch of land and gold, will not be given to the national treasury."

  Zhu Gaochi: "..."

  Then, Zhu Gaochi looked at Chen Ji with speechless eyes.

  The other members of the Imperial Academy were also stunned, speechless.

  Chen Ji really felt ashamed at this time, and at the same time he was terrified, and hurriedly wanted to ask Xie Jin for help, hoping that Xie Jin could say a good word for him.

   Xie Jin lowered his head, looking extremely submissive.

   "Your Majesty..."

Zhu Di was full of anger, and directly said with a flick of his sleeves: "There is no need to talk about it today. What are the so-called articles that Qing and others are talking about, what good is it for the country? If everyone is like Chen Ji, the emperor only needs to reduce taxes, and only the so-called Kuanren, what kind of emperor is needed in this world? This is not teaching the so-called emperor's art, this is just teaching me how to be deaf, blind, and a fool."

   After finishing speaking, he raised his legs angrily and walked away.

  Until Zhu Di left the Wenhua Palace, he was still full of anger.

  Yi Shiha hurriedly caught up, following Zhu Di step by step.

  Zhu Di glanced at Yi Shiha, but was amused: "How, how did I perform just now?"

  Yi Shiha said with an admiring expression: "Your Majesty is unpredictable, and this servant admires you."

  Zhu Di clasped his hands behind his back, and said loudly: "If you enter his mother, if your name is not correct, your words will not go well. If these group of grandchildren don't bitterly advise me not to use weapons rashly, I really want to distribute profits to the treasury!"

"Hmph! It's alright now, he's not benevolent, I'm not righteous! Don't they scholars often say that punishing someone without teaching is abusive? I'm just waiting for that **** Chen Ji to speak out. Now it's alright... this Annan will never have anything to do with them again." What's the matter?"

   After a pause, Zhu Di added another sentence: "I have long seen that they are not pleasing to the eye."

   Talking, swaggering, humming a ditty, happily walking towards Ouchi.

  Yi Shiha continued to follow suit, whispering: "Then Chen Ji..."

Hearing this name, Zhu Di seemed to be forced to lessen his joy, he curled his lips and said: "This person...is really annoying, I will save him the last face, if he asks to resign, it's fine. Don’t blame me if you don’t know a person.”

  Zhu Di paused, seemed to think of something, and said again: "After this person resigns, let people watch."

   also failed to understand: "The servant obeys the order."

  ...

  This time, Zhang Anshi is undoubtedly the biggest winner.

  Of course, he hasn't won all of them yet, and he needs to wait for a charter drafted by him to be finalized by His Majesty.

   Occupying the land is not a skill, but extracting oil from the land is the real skill.

  As soon as Zhu Di left, Zhang Anshi hurried forward to help Zhu Gaochi.

  Zhu Gaochi showed a bit of worry on his face, and said: "Annan has so much food...It's a pity that it can't be used for people's livelihood..."

  Zhang Anshi said: "Who said it can't be used?"

  Zhu Gaochi said helplessly: "It's not right to give it all to the firm."

Zhang Anshi couldn't see his brother-in-law always frowning and worrying, so he said patiently: "Brother-in-law, you don't know something, think about it, even though Annan's so much food was given to the commercial company, if you think about it, if Which province has a famine, and this business can transport grain to sell at a low price. In this way, is it beneficial to the national economy and the people's livelihood? With surplus grain, you can feed pigs, make wine,... In short, as long as there are enough products in this world Prosperity is good for the people."

Zhu Gaochi nodded, seeming to have listened to Zhang Anshi's words, and did not continue to say anything more about this matter, but said with concern: "The business has taken such a big profit now, you have to be more cautious, this is like a child If you walk around at night with a gold ingot in your arms, it is inevitable that someone will covet it."

  Zhang Anshi said confidently, "Brother-in-law, don't worry, I am the only one who robs people in this world... how can anyone... No, I didn't rob people, I, Zhang Anshi, don't do such things."

   Two people, you have a word, and I have a word.

  The ministers have dispersed.

  Only Chen Ji was still kneeling here in despair. At this time, an **** came to urge him: "Mr. Chen, please go back."

  Chen Ji had no choice but to stand up in a daze. Thinking of his ups and downs for decades, but now he has fallen into such an end, he felt unwilling and unavoidably resentful.

  He stumbled out of the temple.

  He looked up...but he walked slowly.

  Chen Ji seemed to have grasped the last straw, hurriedly stepped forward, and said in a low voice, "Jie Gong...I...I..."

   Xie Jin smiled and said, "Congratulations."

   "Congratulations?" Chen Ji was taken aback for a moment, and then sullenly asked, "Why did Mr. Xie say that?"

Xie Jin still looked calm, and said: "You spoke uprightly and were dismissed from office by His Majesty. Isn't this worthy of congratulations? After tomorrow, all scholars in the world will know that my Ming Dynasty has a hard-hearted and admonishing minister who fought for the black hat Don’t, but speak up too, how admirable this is.”

  Chen Ji bowed his head, but said painfully: "It's just... from now on... I will be a commoner."

   Xie Jin said: "What about the common people? If you stay in the green hills, you don't have to worry about no firewood! You, there are some things that you can't think about, so think about the good."

   As he spoke, Xie Jin quickened his pace and went to Wenyuan Pavilion.

  Chen Ji still lowered his head thinking about something, his face was cloudy, and finally shook his head and stumbled away.

  …

  A decree urgently ordered Zhu Yong and others to return to the court.

   Only Zhu Gaoxu was left to guard Annan.

  As for Zhu Neng of the Chinese army, he naturally did not mention his return to court.

   And at this time... King Zhao has returned to Beijing.

  His Royal Highness King Zhao received his father's will, and was overjoyed, so he rushed back day and night, with a dusty face, but he entered the palace immediately to have an audience.

   After seeing their parents, they had to coax Zhu Di and Empress Xu to smile, and then they went to live in the Zhao Wang Mansion bestowed by Zhu Di.

  The next day, Zhao Wang Zhu Gaosui came to see the prince.

  The two brothers were naturally close and talked a lot to each other.

  Only Zhu Zhanji seemed to have been left out. In the evening, when he saw Zhang Anshi coming, he hugged Zhang Anshi's leg excitedly and said, "Uncle, Uncle..."

Zhang Anshi picked him up with one hand, gently patted his head with the other, and said, "What's the matter? I was taught by your mother and concubine again? You, you, you, only this time will think of you, uncle, me, really. No conscience, do you know now that uncle is the only one who loves you the most?"

  Zhu Zhanji shook his head and said, "Today I met my third uncle."

  Zhang Anshi was taken aback for a moment, then he remembered that the so-called third uncle was His Royal Highness Zhao Wang, and said, "Oh, and then."

  Actually, Zhang Anshi is really not interested in that Zhao Wang... You know, he is also a restless master!

  Perhaps it was because Zhu Di made a bad start, so that whether it was Zhu Gaoxu or Zhu Gaochi, there was an illusion that I thought I could do it too.

  At this time, Zhu Zhanji bit his finger.

  Zhang Anshi broke his hand out of his mouth.

   But seeing Zhu Zhanji said a little unhappy: "I don't think Uncle San is a good person."

  Zhang Anshi was a little surprised and said: "Hey, how did you see it?"

   "When he arrived in the palace, he burst into tears when he saw the emperor's grandfather, saying how much he missed the emperor's grandfather in Beiping, and cried like he was coughing up blood."

  Zhang Anshi smiled and said, "That's it?"

  Zhu Zhanji said again: "I don't miss Grandpa Huang, even if I do, it's definitely not like this."

  Listening to Zhu Zhanji's little milk voice, Zhang Anshi nodded, and then said: "What else?"

   "When he saw his father, he also cried and said that he missed his father every day."

  Zhang Anshi said again: "That's it?"

  Zhu Zhanji said: "But he didn't miss his second uncle."

  Zhang Anshidao: "I don't miss my second uncle, so is there a problem?"

Zhu Zhanji tilted his head and said: "If he really cares about his relatives like this, shouldn't he miss him together? He misses the emperor's grandfather because he is the emperor, and he misses his father because his father is a prince. He doesn't miss his second uncle. , because the second uncle was convicted, which shows that he is not a good person."

  Zhang Anshi couldn't help touching his head again, and said, "Did you tell your mother and concubine these words?"

  Zhu Zhanji said: "I don't tell my concubine mother. If my concubine knows it, she must say that I am not good."

  Zhang Anshi said with emotion: "Why do you even know what's going on in the palace?"

  Zhu Zhanji said: "I don't want to know either, but... things in Da Nei always spread quickly, I don't want to know... it won't work."

  He drooped his head, looking very upset, as if he was a victim.

  Zhang Anshi said: "Come on, sit down, let's talk about this."

  He put Zhu Zhanji on the stone pier beside the rockery, and then said: "You don't like your third uncle so much?"

  Zhu Zhanji nodded heavily.

  Zhang Anshi said: "Then when you met him, did you treat him well?"

   "I...I..." Zhu Zhanji said: "I don't want to pay attention to him, I just yelled and left."

Zhang Anshi sighed and said: "Look, this is where your skills are inferior to others. No matter what your third uncle thinks, but after seeing His Majesty and brother-in-law, he can be so warm. But you, you are happy How could it be possible to write all the unhappy things on your face."

  Zhang An Shidao: "You think your third uncle is cunning, but you never thought that you are more cunning than them when dealing with cunning people. If he is despicable and shameless, you should be even more despicable and shameless, you know?"

  Zhu Zhanji rested his chin, his eyes sparkled, as if the situation suddenly opened up: "So I will cry when I see my third uncle again, just like I love my third uncle."

  Zhang Anshi said cheerfully: "It's up to you, crying or not is just a means, how to achieve the goal is the most important thing."

Zhu Zhanji hugged Zhang Anshi's thigh at once, and cried loudly: "Uncle, Uncle, I like you so much, why don't you always come to see me, why don't you come for a day...Look at me...I ... I... woo woo woo... I was in so much pain, I felt very uncomfortable, Uncle... You have to come every day... Uncle, I like Uncle to be by my side, I like Uncle to hold me, as long as Uncle is in front of me, be happy."

  Tears fell down, and the skirt of the clothes was wet.

  In the distance... Several serving eunuchs were petrified.

Zhang Anshi was furious, and cursed: "Zhu Zhanji! You are not human, your conscience has been eaten by dogs, you black-hearted thief, you use this to fool your uncle, uncle treats you so sincerely, you and I Playing with your mind? Okay, okay, you are really kind, Uncle never thought that you are such a wolf-hearted person, from now on, I will ignore you again. "

  Zhu Zhanji grabbed Zhang Anshi, and said bitterly: "Uncle... don't be angry, I... I just practiced with Uncle..."

   After finishing speaking, he wiped away his tears and grinned happily: "Uncle, is that so?"

  Zhang Anshi glared at him: "Fuck you...fuck his Deng Jian's mother! If you treat Uncle like this again, don't blame Uncle for being ruthless, you are a guy who doesn't know who is right."

  Zhu Zhanji drooped his head, then shook his head: "Uncle, don't be angry."

  Zhang Anshi saw many eunuchs and maids surrounding him, so he snorted coldly and said in a low voice: "Just now I was soft-hearted and wanted to give you a popsicle, but now I'm angry, so I won't give it. Be a good man."

  Zhu Zhanji didn't feel bad at all: "Anyway, my uncle won't give it."

  ...

   It's mid-July.

  Finally... a team of people returned to Beijing.

  Zhu Yong was overjoyed to return to Nanjing after a long absence.

  The rest of Zhang Fu, Qiu Song, and Gu Xingzu are also returning home.

  The 500 model battalion that came with them all rode horses and were full of energy.

   First go to Qixia’s camp to settle down.

   Then there was a decree, ordering the four people to enter the palace for an audience the next day.

  The **** who delivered the decree specially instructed: "Your Majesty means...a family banquet is prepared in the palace, and a few small heroes are invited to go."

  Zhu Yong said angrily: "You are a small hero, I am a great hero."

  The **** was dumbfounded.

  Zhang Fu persuaded: "Second brother, forget it, forget it, don't be angry."

  Zhu Yong cursed and cursed: "In order to make meritorious service, I even sold my own father and called me a little hero. Damn, father and son turned against each other in exchange for this? By the way, where is the eldest brother?"

"Brother must have a lot of things to do every day. Let's not bother him at this time. He is worried about our affairs in Annan. Now that we are safe, it is rare to be relieved. Let big brother rest, we will be in the camp today Let’s make it right, and enter the palace with Big Brother tomorrow.”

  Zhu Yong nodded: "The third brother is right."

The next day, Zhang Anshi really came. Zhang Anshi's face was red, and when he saw the brothers, he wailed: "Brothers, I miss you all. I don't see you for a day, and I feel that life is better than death... Okay, give me the spirit One o'clock, let's enter the palace, later... While His Majesty is happy, I still have a charter, waiting for him to finalize."

   "Oh... oh..." The four of them tidied up and followed Zhang Anshi all the way out of the camp. They hadn't seen each other for many days, so they had to talk a lot.

  Five people were riding on the horse, you talked to each other, only Qiu Song looked indifferent, as if he had something on his mind.

  Of course, everyone is used to him.

  Enter the palace from the Meridian Gate, and then led into the palace by the eunuch.

   This palace is not something ordinary people can see, only close relatives of the royal family, or ministers who have been personally favored by the emperor, can enter and leave.

  For Zhu Yong and others, this is a great honor.

  As soon as he entered the palace, there was an **** in front of him, it was Yi Shiha, and Yi Shiha looked at the five people with a smile, and said: "Zhang An and others, there is a will."

   Five people saluted.

Yi Shiha said: "Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said: This time the conquering of the barbarians, the families of the Qing have worked hard and made great achievements. With this military merit, how can we not praise Deze and praise the meritorious deeds? , Zhang Anshi is now the Marquis of Annan..."

  Zhang Anshi was taken aback...Is this...letting himself take the lead?

  (end of this chapter)