Chongzhen Wiretapping System

Chapter 243 Locusts Are Unlucky

After the infantry arrived, Emperor Chongzhen no longer went to cull the locusts with his own hands. Otherwise, Zheng Chongjian, the older governor of the three sides, would have to cull the locusts, and he would not die of exhaustion!But if you don't cull them, the emperor will be culling them. As a courtier, do you have the nerve to stand and watch?
After clapping his hands and wiping off his sweat, Emperor Chongzhen smiled and said to Zheng Chongjian: "After all the culling is over, I will eat these locusts. They are rich in protein and can supplement nutrition!"

After he finished speaking, seeing Zheng Chongjian's stunned look, he remembered the word "protein", which made him unable to understand, so he quickly changed his words and said: "Ants are meat even though they are small. No matter what, locusts are better than ants." Much more, isn't it!"

Hearing this, Zheng Chongjian finally understood, and said with a reluctant smile: "Your Majesty is right, eating these locusts is better than eating turf roots or Guanyin soil!"

After this locust plague, due to timely culling, at least other places can be free from locust plagues, but at least this Jingyang has a great impact on the harvest.Even if there are locusts to eat, they won't be able to eat them for a few days.

As soon as this matter was mentioned, Emperor Chongzhen's expression became serious.He looked up and looked around the mountains and plains, where there were soldiers of the Ming Dynasty and Jingyang people killing locusts everywhere, and said a little seriously: "Here in Jingyang, disaster relief must be done. If food cannot be allocated in time in other places, temporary relief will be implemented." Control, all the grain of the squires must be taken out, and Jingyang rations are controlled, so that no one will starve to death. For those enlightened squires, the government can reward them, and the food they donate will be replenished later. But If someone is short-sighted and refuses to take out the food hidden, you can catch the example and punish him severely. Do you understand?"

"My minister understands that in extraordinary times, we should do extraordinary things!" Zheng Chongjian nodded and agreed after hearing this.

If people were to starve to death, it would give the thieves a basis for rebellion.No matter from which point of view, if people can not starve to death, it is natural to try not to starve to death.Whether or not the squires have any opinions is not important.The emperor spoke, could the power of these country gentry be greater than that of the emperor?
While they were talking, a fast horse galloped up suddenly. Zheng Chongjian turned his head to look at it, and said to Emperor Chongzhen, "It should be a messenger from Xi'an Mansion."

Sure enough, it was the messenger sent by the prefect of Xi'an who came to report two situations.

The first situation is that the assistant minister Zhang Guowei came from the capital quickly and had just arrived in Xi'an.

Emperor Chongzhen was very pleased to hear this news.Calculating the time, it should be that Zhang Guowei came here without any delay after receiving the order.

Drought, locust plague, these things must be dealt with in a timely manner, otherwise, the rebellion in Shaanxi that has finally been put down is likely to resurface.Only if the common people have something to eat, and this is still a place where the frontier troops gather heavily, will there be no more troubles.

Therefore, Emperor Chongzhen sent a decree to Zhang Guowei, asking him to investigate the disaster situation in Shaanxi as soon as possible after rest, and then vigorously build water conservancy, which happened to allow the victims, such as the people of Jingyang, to provide relief with work, which can be regarded as killing two birds with one stone.

The messenger reported the second situation, which was about the bandit Li Zicheng's department.It is said that Li Zicheng shouted "equal land without tax", and opened warehouses to release grain. He bought people's hearts very much, and his power developed rapidly.The common people near Shangluo Mountain all had their hearts attached to the bandits. Although Li Zicheng's men had already entered Henan, the small part that remained in Shaanxi was now showing signs of growing stronger.If it is not eliminated in time, I am afraid that the rebellion will intensify and affect other places.

This is the terrible thing about Li Zicheng's department!Emperor Chongzhen thought in his heart, but fortunately Li Zicheng had just jumped out of Shangluo Mountain. If he was allowed to develop two years later, it would be really difficult to deal with!
Thinking of this, Li Ruolian, the Commander of Jin Yiwei, came over in a hurry and said, "Your Majesty, after checking, there are indeed some people who say that worshiping the God of Locusts is useful. It is said that in other places, local officials organized to cull locusts, but they were impeached by the censor, and then they lost their official positions and were convicted!"

He spoke with a little disdain.Because he knew that no local officials were convicted of killing locusts. This is simply a rumor!After finishing speaking, he added: "Your Majesty, as long as you give the general a little time, the general will definitely find out the person who spread the rumor!"

Hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen's eyes suddenly lit up.Do you still need to find out?What are you doing with so much effort? You don't need to pull it.

Therefore, he directly confessed to Li Ruolian: "Time is running out, there is no need to investigate this matter further, you go to Jingyang County Magistrate, ask him to issue a notice, saying that this is a rumor spread by thieves, I am here, there is no need No officials have been punished for this, but those who do nothing and let the locusts become a disaster are the ones I want to punish! Hehe, the so-called worshiping the locust god, after they all worship, the locusts have already eaten up everything, of course it is Fly away. All of this is a lie, let the people see the true face of the thief, don't believe it!"

Li Ruolian was slightly taken aback when she heard this.He thought that the emperor got the news again through the elusive source.Therefore, without the slightest doubt, I followed the order immediately.

In fact, Emperor Chongzhen certainly didn't know the truth. It might be rumors spread by people with good intentions or ulterior motives, or it might be some people among the thieves who really left messages.

For him, these are not important.The most important thing is to let the people know how to deal with the locust plague correctly, and don't believe in rumors. By the way, you know that the thieves don't look good on them, and they wish they had nothing to eat, so they will be forced to join the thieves' team to make trouble!

Zheng Chongjian could not help being surprised while listening to these conversations.He figured out the truth of it after a little thought, and because of this, he admired the emperor even more. He didn't expect the emperor to take action against the thief so quickly.The quickness of the mind and the cleverness of the means, I believe that there are not many previous Ming emperors who can compare.

After this incident, the story of the emperor personally participating in the culling of locusts will be spread by the people of Jingyang.With such a stark contrast, the common people naturally knew that the emperor was the best for them.And those thieves were originally a scourge, and they are also a scourge now!
He was thinking about it, but saw Emperor Chongzhen turn his head and said to him: "I remember that there are methods of preventing and exterminating locusts in the "Nongzheng Quanshu". Speaking of which, this "Nongzheng Quanshu" is indeed a treasure. I think that every local government official must understand it. You don’t need to go into it, but at least you must know the general content written in the book!”

Speaking of this, Emperor Chongzhen sighed again: "If this is really achieved, these things such as worshiping the locust god will not happen!"

When Zheng Chongjian heard this, he nodded repeatedly.Earlier, he had heard that the emperor had set up a new agricultural department because of the "Nongzheng Quanshu". Out of curiosity, he asked someone to buy a set.So he knew that what the emperor said was true.

In any case, all dynasties have been based on farming, and there have been books on agronomy.For example, "Qi Min Yao Shu" and "Agricultural Book" from the previous dynasty are both, but these books are basically the specific details of farming.However, this "Nongzheng Quanshu" is not all.It is mainly divided into two parts, one is the elaboration of agricultural policy ideas, and the other is the specific details of farming.

If you are an official, it would be a bit of a fuss to understand books such as "Qi Min Yao Shu" and "Nong Shu".But this "Nongzheng Quanshu" is very suitable for officials in charge of the government to read.For example, there are as many as 410 volumes in the "Famine Policy" in "Nongzheng Quanshu". There are [-] kinds of plants that can satisfy hunger with vegetation and wild vegetables.

If the county magistrate of Jingyang had read the "Nongzheng Quanshu", at least he would know how to remedy the locust plague and how to keep the people alive.

Thinking of this, Zheng Chongjian's face became serious, and he played back seriously: "I think what your Majesty said is very true. This set of "Nongzheng Quanshu" should indeed be known to all officials close to the people!"

Hearing what Zheng Chongjian said, Emperor Chongzhen thought for a while, and then he made a decision, and immediately asked people to draw up an order. For the current officials of the Ming Dynasty in the whole world, that is, county magistrates, magistrates, and prefects, etc., they must be handed over. set for familiar reading.In addition, on the Ministry of Officials side, whenever there are new local officials released, they must first be assessed, and the content is the knowledge in the "Nongzheng Quanshu".If the assessment fails, the local government officials are not allowed to be released.

Although this matter seems to be a bit of a fuss, after all, even if the external officials fail the exam, they know that there is this book, and they can look it up when they need it later.However, this is what Emperor Chongzhen wanted to do, to let those close officials know that he attached great importance to this "Nongzheng Quanshu", and it was his basic requirement to be familiar with this book!

After dealing with this government affairs, it was already evening.The sky in the west is fiery red, which means that tomorrow will definitely be another sunny day.

With the army joining in to cull the locusts, by the evening, the culling was basically over.Although there must still be some slipping through the field, it will not take much time to complete it with the people of Jingyang alone.

After this time of "fighting side by side", people in Jingyang and Ming soldiers can be seen laughing and talking everywhere.The dialects of various places may not be well understood, so they explain with both hands and feet.Let people see that the relationship between the army and the people is just like the relationship between brothers.

Zheng Chongjian secretly glanced at all this, feeling relieved in his heart.As the governor of the three sides, he naturally knows how bad the relationship between the army and the people is in this place where the thieves and turmoil began.But what he saw now made him believe that at least the people of Jingyang would basically have no objection and would stand firmly on the side of the officers and soldiers.

It was also at this time that the county magistrate of Jingyang hurried over to the residence of the imperial driver with the gentry of Jingyang, with sweat on his face and official uniforms stuck to his body, and invited the emperor and the emperor to enter the city to rest.

Seeing Jingyang county magistrate like this, he knew that he was also tired all day, and his anger towards him was much less.In addition, it happened that the previous events could be used to offset the influence of Li Zicheng's troops, so he said lightly: "There is no need to enter the city. The people are tired all day, so go back and rest. I and the soldiers are in this city." Camp outside."

To be honest, these Jingyang people are actually very welcome to the emperor to rest in the city.However, they still have a headache for so many troops entering the city.Little Jingyang, with so many troops, how to arrange them?Sleeping on the street is always bad, right? Sleeping in a private house?But even if all the people vacate their houses, it might not be enough, right?There are just so many war horses, I don't know how to arrange them!
After hearing the emperor's words at this time, these Jingyang gentry couldn't help being a little more moved by the emperor's consideration for the people of Jingyang.Coupled with the fact that the emperor even went to kill the locusts for Jingyang himself, their gratitude to the emperor is beyond words.

When they were about to say something, Emperor Chongzhen had already spoken first, and warned the magistrate of Jingyang that he must take care of the aftermath of this locust plague, otherwise he would never forgive him lightly.

Knowing that the emperor would not punish him again, the magistrate of Jingyang county couldn't help comforting himself, but at the same time quickly promised that he would do his duty and be a good parent officer in the future.

After talking about this serious topic, Emperor Chongzhen showed a slight smile and said, "I will lead the army south to quell the rebellion, and we can't wait long. That's all right, how about exchanging the rations carried with the army and the people of Jingyang for the culled locusts?"

Upon hearing this, the magistrate of Jingyang County and the gentry were overjoyed.You know, during the culling just now, many locusts were dug into holes, swept in and buried alive.But if they can exchange food now, at least a lot of losses can be recovered.

Therefore, the Jingyang County Magistrate quickly agreed, and then hurried back with the squires to announce the news.

Emperor Chongzhen watched them leave, turned his head to Zheng Chongjian and Li Ruolian, and He Renlong and Wu Sangui who had returned to him with a smile, and said: "Tonight, I will treat you all to a locust feast! Believe me!" Oh my, this tastes absolutely delicious!"

In later generations, there were locust delicacies in many places.Emperor Chongzhen ate it once when he was traveling.

The soldiers of the Ming Dynasty began to set up camp, and Emperor Chongzhen didn't have to worry about these things. He didn't need to worry about the sacks of locusts being carried to the barracks to exchange for food.At this moment, he asked someone to pick some locusts and started the locust feast.

One method is: pour the locusts into boiling water, cover the pot, and increase the fire. After the grasshoppers turn from greenish-yellow to brown, they are taken out to dry, and their wings are removed and their feet are stabbed.Given the limited time, it was naturally not dried in the sun, but dried, and then fried. The aroma made the waiting civil servants and generals, and even Emperor Chongzhen himself, want to taste it immediately.

Another method is to remove the wings and legs of the locusts, put them on a stick, and roast them slowly over a charcoal fire. When roasting, the locusts should be evenly brushed with cooking oil to ensure that the roasted locusts are burnt on the outside and tender on the inside.Then sprinkle a little cumin powder, salt and other seasonings.The aroma is so tangy that it makes people salivate even more than frying it before.

……

Of course, Emperor Chongzhen did not do these things himself, but after he told them, he had his own veterans in the army to operate them, and he also watched on the sidelines like everyone else.

The night is getting darker, and the sky is full of stars, and the stars are dazzling.The aroma of Yujia's location floated around, making all the soldiers yearn for it. The locust feast made by the emperor seems to be very delicious!
Of course, the handling of locusts on the soldiers' side is not so particular.

When it was about to be ready, Emperor Chongzhen even sent people to the magistrate of Jingyang County and a few active squires to let them eat the locust feast together.

Of course, Emperor Chongzhen moved his chopsticks first, and took a bite of each kind, and he seemed to enjoy it very much, and he said it was delicious.

His words immediately attracted a lot of "grunts".But the civil servants and military generals present here, after a busy day, their stomachs are already growling with hunger.Still being so tempted by the emperor, it was a bit impatient.

After the emperor let them taste it, they couldn't wait to eat it one by one.The civil servants are better, and they pay attention to eating.Military generals, such as He Renlong and others, can't read the food.But even while eating, he kept praising: "It's delicious, it's delicious!"

In fact, at this time, no matter how unpalatable something is, they will still find it delicious!

After that, many people present recalled the delicious food that night, and they all missed it very much.They also made the same locust feast privately, but they no longer had the deliciousness they remembered.Of course, they attributed this difference to the reason why the emperor's royal chef was good.

After this matter spread, it can be said that everyone followed suit.The locust feast that the emperor ate, and so many people praised the deliciousness of the locust feast, it would be a pity if I didn't eat it and taste the taste of the locust feast!
Just like that, with the demonstration effect of the emperor, the locust plague in the Ming Dynasty will no longer have such a big impact in history.

In addition to proper prevention, there are very few locust plagues. There are also many wealthy households who, when they hear that there are swarms of locusts, will immediately offer a reward for buying locusts and have a long-awaited locust feast.

In fact, Emperor Chongzhen had expected this point a long time ago, so he invited the county magistrate of Jingyang and the squires to have a locust feast together at that time, just to let the news spread faster.

But there is one thing that Emperor Chongzhen did not think of.

After he left, the people of Jingyang erected monuments to commemorate the emperor's visit to Jingyang in the places where he culled locusts and where he ate locust feasts.As a result, the literati and inkmen of the Ming Dynasty, as long as there is a nearby way, will come to have a look, commemorate the past of the emperor here, and often compose a few poems.In the end, it became a tourist attraction in Jingyang!

　Everyone is not good enough, I can't add more.Then change and add more rules.As long as I can, I will update twice a day; then I will add one update for [-] rewards, one update for [-] times of rewards, one update for [-] recommended tickets, and one update for monthly tickets of four hundred.In the future, there is no guarantee that there will be two updates every day, but as long as there is an overdue update, if there is no two updates for one day, then it must be made up. Generally speaking, the update is only available on rest days.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)