The Red Mansions

Chapter 897 Qin Keqing: Ten or eight more, she can afford it...

Beijing Camp, Chinese Army Barracks

Fan Yi cupped her hands towards the boy, and said in a low voice, "I've seen Lord Hou before."

Jia Heng pointed to the chair beside him, and said with a gentle face, "Fan Canjun sit."

Fan Yi cupped her hands in thanks, sat down, and looked up at the boy in the python suit.

Jia Heng said: "Recently there has been heavy snowfall in central Beijing, did the military barracks collapse under the weight of snow?"

A few days ago, he inspected the heating guarantee for the generals and soldiers of the military camp in the camp. Once the coal company is established, it is obvious that it will give priority to ensuring the supply to the Beijing camp.

Fan Yi said: "The camps of the camps have been inspected, and there are no mistakes."

Jia Heng nodded and said: "The Chinese New Year is approaching, and everything in the camp is busy. Fan Canjun often sends people to watch the military discipline. I will often come to watch recently."

Fan Yi nodded and clapped her hands.

Jia Heng gave a few more instructions, and then Fan Yi left the Chinese army barracks.

Chen Xiao said softly: "You counselor, there is an air of resentment under the brow bone."

Jia Heng raised his eyes to look at Chen Xiao, and said softly: "He had a rough life and a fateful life, so he naturally became a little angry when he looked at the world."

Chen Xiao's eyes flickered, and without saying much, she said, "What are you doing next, sitting in the Chinese army's barracks?"

Jia Heng said: "What are you doing sitting here? Of course, go and see the disciples of Zhuyingwei."

Go down to the grassroots to inspect the front-line officers and soldiers, mingle with them, and discover young generals and soldiers. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be useless to come to the Beijing camp?
Jia Heng then watched the training of the various armies and inspected the generals and schools.

It wasn't until near noon that he left the Beijing camp on a fast horse and headed towards a mountain restaurant in Shenjing City. This is a hidden place at the foot of the mountain, which is different from the restaurant built on the street, taking into account both privacy and safety.

Jia Heng and Chen Xiao came to the box that had already been booked, and ordered the kitchen to prepare the dishes.

Jia Heng sat down, looked at the street outside through the window, and asked Chen Xiao, "Have the invitations been delivered?"

"The Zhao family has received it." Chen Xiao said.

Jia Heng nodded, picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, looked at the snow on the street, the pedestrians were sparse, and the eaves and tiles on the pavilions and pavilions were covered with thick snow, because of the warm The sun is in the sky, and the snow has begun to melt one after another, and the snow drops are dripping on the bluestone road.

This time, he not only discussed the coal issue with Zhao Yi, but also intended to win over the elder Zhao Ge a little bit. Since the emperor intends to use him to check and balance the Zhejiang Party, he can't go into battle shirtless in everything, and it won't be long before that happens. He will be slandered by the officials of science and Taoism and even the scholars in the south, and the slander will be added.

As for the relationship between the father-in-law, Qin Ye, and his son-in-law, everyone in the court knows, so it is not easy to come out directly.

Moreover, it is impossible to let the old man charge forward, so it is especially necessary to let Zhao Yi, who is also from Jiangnan, come out to check and balance the Zhejiang Party in some national policies.

In fact, although Zhao Yi is from Jiangnan, he only maintains some relationship with the Zhejiang Party and is not strictly a member of the Zhejiang Party.

Of course, despite this, the emperor took the opportunity to invite Zhao Yi out of the cabinet.

"We still need some scientific officials, otherwise we can do everything by ourselves, it's too unreasonable." Jia Heng thought about it.

And at this moment, Captain Jinyi from outside came into the box, clasped his fists and said, "Master Zhao, Lord Zhao and Lord Qin are here."

Jia Heng's eyes moved slightly, he stood up and said, "I'll go to meet you."

Whether it is the old man, or out of respect for the former cabinet ministers, he should go to greet him.

At this moment, Qin Ye got off the carriage with Zhao Yi beside him, walked to the front along the corridor shaded by pines and cypresses, looked at the handsome young man in a python suit, and said with a smile: "Zi Yu."

Since Jia Heng returned to Beijing, the Taimiao offered captives, stopped the peace talks, and chased the chief assistants. It can be said that the situation in the court is dazzling, like a revolving lantern. Now the position of the chief assistant of the cabinet is vacant, and there are Li Zan, Qi Kun, Zhao Mo and others under him. All the cabinet members, in fact, there is nothing wrong with adding another one to make up five.

Jia Heng walked a few steps quickly, cupped his hands and said, "Yue Zhang, Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Yi cupped his hands and said: "Jia Hou has been waiting for a long time, Mr. Qin and I have been delayed for some time in the government office."

The titles of colleagues above the officialdom are very particular. Jia Heng is titled the first-class Yongning Hou, and Zhao Yi was a cabinet minister after all, and he is also a minister. The name Jiahou not only expresses respect, but also means peers.

Of course, if Jia Heng became the king of the county, there is no doubt that he should call the prince.

Qin Ye stared at the young man with a warm smile on his old face, and said, "Zi Yu just came back from Beijing camp?"

"Today I went to the Beijing camp to inspect some generals." Jia Heng stretched out his hand and invited the two of them to enter the reserved box, and the host and guest took their seats.

Jia Heng said: "Master Zhao, the previous proposal, I think Yuezhang has already discussed it with Mr. Zhao, what do you think?"

Zhao Yi nodded, and said: "Jiahou's proposal is sincerely for the benefit of the country and the people. Now many people in Shenjing use coal from Shanxi and other places for heating and food, but compared to Shenjing with a large population, There are many others, and in northern Shandong and Hebei, many people don’t even know what coal is.”

Jia Heng said: "There are actually difficulties in this matter. First, coal mining is not easy, but there are many exiles in various places. Recruiting miners can solve the problem of unemployment for the people. Second, if the price of coal is too much higher than that of wood, the people may still use firewood to make food. Fuel, of course, coal is mainly sold to rich gentry and wealthy businessmen in the prefectures and counties, priced according to quality, and sold to ordinary people."

In fact, because miners are more organized and disciplined than farmers, it is easy to cause troubles. According to the ruling power of the five arts of controlling the people, it seems that they should not be allowed to gather.

But this was a waste of food because of choking. On this land, it was not that there were no mines before the late Qing Dynasty, and nothing happened in the end.

Those who shake the ruling class are more bankrupt self-cultivating farmers.

Zhao Yidao: "Jia Hou has thought carefully, and the difficulties are basically these. It's just that the Ministry of Internal Affairs controls the coal business now, and the Ministry of Industry can't make the decision alone."

Jia Heng said: "Is it the land of the king in the whole world? The output of the land naturally belongs to the royal family, but releasing rivers, ponds, mountains and rivers is the avenue of sages, such as gold and silver minerals, it is not wrong to mine and store them by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but minerals such as coal should be mined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. jointly developed by the government and the Ministry of Industry."

Now it is actually a measure of rights and interests, and mutual supervision will prevent corruption. The royal family's domestic servants are corrupt, and civil servants are even more corrupt.

Zhao Yi nodded and said, "What Jia Hou said is true."

Jia Heng and Zhao Yi discussed the details of setting up a coal company or laying out a sales network while eating. Neither of them mentioned the Zhejiang Party, but some things were tacitly understood.

At the beginning, the Ministry of Industry presided over the construction of the imperial mausoleum, and Zhao Yi was involved in the case. For this reason, all the cabinet ministers were dismissed. At that time, it was Jia Heng who spoke up for justice, and then Qin Ye was promoted to be the minister of the Ministry of Industry. .

It's just that the wine has passed three rounds, and the dishes have tasted five flavors.

Everyone was drunk, Jia Heng didn't keep Zhao Yi, and sent Zhao Yi to the carriage.

Jia Heng watched the carriage leave with a calm expression on his face, while Chen Xiao walked up to him, looked at the young man, and asked softly, "Where are we going next?"

Jia Heng said, "Go home."

It was getting late, and it was not easy for him to go back to Beijing to work at this time. As for any news from Jinyi Mansion, he was always informed in time.

And while Jia Heng was entertaining Zhao Yi, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, on the other side of the Palace of Qi County, Qi County King Chen Cheng was also entertaining the visiting salt merchant Wang Shouqi from Yangzhou.

In the palace of Prince Qi County, the hall is warm and harmonious. Smokeless rosin charcoal is fired in the charcoal stove, and there are wisps of fragrance exuding wisps of sparks among the flickering sparks.

Compared with the charcoal with the Ruijin beast, it has a stronger smell of fireworks, while the rosin charcoal is used by the clan vassals and dignitaries in the capital.

Chen Cheng, Prince of Qi County, sat on a grand teacher's chair covered with a sable fur mattress, his fat body huddled on the chair, and asked Xu Shaozhen, who had rushed outside, "Have Master Wang and Master Jiang come?"

Xu Shaozhen looked at Duke Qi and said with a smile, "My lord, I'm already waiting in the front hall."

King Qi Jun smiled and said: "Please come here quickly, no, I will go to greet you in person."

Since the county king was awarded the title of Minister of Cangchang, his mood has become much lighter.

In the front hall, Wang Shouqi, a salt merchant from Yangzhou, and Jiang Tong sat down to drink tea, separated by a small table. They looked patient, but their eyes were full of anxiety.

Just as Jia Heng thought, after the reform of the old law in Lianghuai, the life of salt merchants in Yangzhou began to be difficult. The salt merchants with monopoly rights have shrunk sharply in terms of wealth and influence.

There is an urgent need to find a new way out, and the King of Qi County, who had been in contact with them at the beginning, naturally walked into their field of vision.

Chen Cheng, Prince of Qi, said with a smile, "You two old gentlemen, the journey south on pommel horse is exhausting, and it's quite hard work."

Wang Shouqi said: "My lord, long time no see."

Jiang Tong also bowed to King Qi and said, "Caomin has seen the prince."

Last year, the king of Qi was forced to pay the stolen money to the internal funds, and the government was short of money. It was Wang Shouqi and the eight major salt merchants in Yangzhou who generously donated money and raised a sum of money for the king of Qi.

King Qijun said: "Xiao Wang has also heard about Mr. Wang's stay in the south of the Yangtze River. This Marquis of Yongning is indeed a little too much. He also chased back the silver that the emperor's grandfather made on his southern tour. It is really not a way for people to survive."

Wang Shouqi sighed, and said: "It was all because of confusion at the beginning, but now that I have returned to the palace, my heart has settled down."

No matter how resentful you are about this matter, you can't just say a few words and become someone else's excuse.

Jiang Tong also said at the side: "Those are the court's pursuit of the deficit, and we have nothing to say."

They were all frightened, the Duke of Qi was a nobleman from Tianhuang, so it could be said, but they couldn't follow along, otherwise they would not be convinced.

Chen Cheng said in a low voice: "No matter what, this Marquis of Yongning is really too ruthless. He persecuted half of the eight salt merchants, and even came up with a new system of salt law, which is to break the roots of old Mr. Wang." ah."

Hearing this, Wang Shouqi just sighed, feeling inexplicable.

Chen Cheng saw the bitterness on the faces of the two, who dared to be angry but did not dare to speak, and felt that the heat was about the same, so he gave Xu Shaozhen a wink.

Xu Shaozhen smiled and said: "Mr. Wang, Mr. Jiang, my lord admires the business ability of the two old gentlemen very much. Please come into the study to explain."

Wang Shouqi seemed to have just regained his senses, exchanged glances with Jiang Tong who was beside him, and then followed Qi County King Chen Cheng to the study.

Since then, the remnants of Yangzhou salt merchants have formally intervened in the ferocious undercurrent of seizing the throne.

……

……

Ningguo Mansion

When Jia Heng returned, it was late in the afternoon, and the winter sun was warm and warm, shining on people's faces, creating a sense of peace and tranquility all over.

Then in the inner hall of the house, Qin Keqing was wearing a light yellow dress with a towering cloud, holding a book and an abacus in his hand, and was counting the account books with Mrs. Youshi and Third Sister You.

As the Chinese New Year approached, the affairs in Jia's mansion gradually increased.

Qin Keqing raised her eyes and looked at Youshi who was at the side and asked, "It's almost Chinese New Year, has the girl from Daguanyuan's monthly period come out this month?"

You Shi said: "Sister Xue's family is in charge of this area. The uncle said that the rules in the garden are issued by the younger sister of Xue's family. There is no need for Ningrong and Rongfu to take care of them. They are also training their girls. The ability to manage money."

Third Sister You saw doubts on her gorgeous face, her pink lips slightly parted, and said in surprise: "Sister Xue? Where did she get the money? Could it be the Xue family? It shouldn't be."

The girl has been favored by Jia Heng again in the past few days, and the charm revealed in the corners of her brows and eyes almost makes You Shi thrilled, and that face that adds a bit of glamour, is even more glamourous, attracting Second Sister You's peeks frequently .

There are thousands of styles in every frown and smile, and only Qin Keqing can hold her head steady.

You Shi chuckled and said, "How can this come from the Xue family? It seems that the uncle entrusted the shop outside to the Xue family sister and the third girl. She asked me to tell Keqing about the monthly routine yesterday. "

When Qin Keqing heard this, her beautiful eyebrows were fixed, and there was a hint of a smile in her charming eyes, and she said in a clear voice: "This is really well-intentioned."

This does not allow her to issue a monthly report, so who is the head wife?

Third Sister You's eyes flickered, and when she glanced at the beauty with a lotus face and jade face, her bright eyes flickered, and her heart moved slightly.

Qin Keqing smiled sweetly and said: "The garden belongs to the garden. From the Ningguo Mansion as usual, a monthly allowance is allocated to the girls and masters in various courtyards. It can be regarded as a subsidy for the girls in the few rooms."

Hearing this, Youshi frowned and said, "Keqing, is this the double month rule?"

Obviously, she couldn't understand Qin Keqing's operations. Even though Jia's family has a big business and no shortage of money, You's used to be diligent and thrifty in managing the family, and he was used to careful planning and living within his means, so there was nothing wrong with it.

Qin Keqing's soft and beautiful face showed a touch of determination, and said softly: "The girls, if they want to buy something in the mansion or reward someone, it would be better if they have money in their hands."

There should be monthly rules, otherwise, those maids will not talk about whoever listens to someone's words, and let sister Xue torment, but these girls live in the Grand View Garden, talking with their husbands to relieve boredom... This monthly rule should be It was her, Mrs. Yongning Hou, who sent it.

Her salary is several thousand taels a year, and she can afford ten or eight more, hum!

In fact, it was also after Jia Heng gave Baochai part of his property that Qin Keqing felt a little strange.

The financial revenue of the entire Ningguo Mansion, the tenants of the Duke's Mansion, Zhuangzi, and some original shops are all managed by the accountant of the Ningguo Mansion.

Even Jia Heng’s first-class Marquis of Wu, Governor of Jinyi, Minister of the Ministry of War, and Governor of Guoyongying’s monthly salaries (Military Ministers are sent without salary) are all sent by Jia’s mansion to the Ministry of Households to claim them, and then send them to Ningguo Mansion. middle.

This is also the rule in the West Mansion. The edicts, official salaries, land rents, and house rents all go into the public house, and then they are paid out as a whole.

Jia Heng's private money all came from the property he received from the Three Rivers Gang at the beginning, plus the profit from publishing the storybook, this part was drawn independently by him, not entered into the public account, and belonged to his small personal treasury.

It is worth mentioning that, apart from the dividends from Hanmozhai's storybook, Jia Heng has never withdrawn a tael of silver from the account of the Princess Jinyang's mansion.

But now Jia Heng's behavior of letting Baochai take care of the shop is equivalent to handing over his small treasury to the second wife's management, and the main wife has a murmur in her heart.

Youshi didn't understand what he meant, and persuaded: "Two taels is not a lot. The girls in the mansion are two taels a month, and twenty-four taels a year. They are in the garden, so it's not good to spend money carelessly."

Two or two pairs of ordinary families in January may be unbearable, but for the now wealthy Jia family, it is just a small amount of money.

This is actually just pocket money, not living expenses. Food and clothing in the mansion are all provided by the mansion.

As far as the current situation is concerned, in the courtyard of Ningguo Mansion, Qin Keqing's headed wife is paid 20 taels of silver, and because of You Shi's special status, the former headed wife and Mrs. Gaoming also receive 20 taels of silver per month, and Third Sister You is an aunt. According to the rules of Jia Mansion, it is two liang.

Later, Qin Keqing and Sister Feng discussed about adjusting the monthly rate, and unified the monthly rate of the young grandmother to ten taels, so that Sister Feng also changed from five taels per month to ten taels.

In addition, the monthly rate for aunts was increased to four taels, and this amount of money was applied for by the head wife and young grandma from the public in their own names.

The rules in the Grand View Garden are not bad. After the girl entered the Grand View Garden, the Ning and Rong prefectures issued rules respectively at the beginning.

For example, the monthly records of Yingchun, Xiangyun, Xing Xiuyan and their maids are all from Sister Feng.

However, as in the original book, all of Xing Xiuyan's money was detained by the Xing family and sent to Xing's father and mother.

And Xichun and Miaoyu came from Ningguo Mansion, well, Miaoyu had a rule before, like the girls in Xifu, every two months.

However, after all the gold hairpins moved into the Grand View Garden, Daiyu was a bit special. Back then in the Ningguo Mansion in Jinling, Jia Heng ordered the cashier to pay Daiyu 20 taels per month for the head wife. When she arrived in Beijing, Qin Keqing didn't know the details.

But Baochai, acting as Jia Heng's housekeeper in the Grand View Garden, knew it well, and was worried that Daiyu would think too much, so she would pay 20 taels as usual, but this also caused a difficult problem, how much was her monthly prescription, 20 taels?

In the end, she didn't move, she was still two, and it was fine if she was a young lady who hadn't left the court. As for Daiyu, who had no mother to rely on, it was considered a special situation. After all, her father was far away in Jinling, so it was Jia Heng's sympathy.

Qin Keqing looked at Youshi at this moment, and said softly: "Sister-in-law You, follow what I say, there will be nothing wrong."

Seeing the beauty's serious expression, You Shi vaguely understood something, and said softly, "Then I'll tell Sister Xue's like that later."

Secretly thought, this is probably just a battle for dominance between the Grand View Garden and Ningguo Mansion, is this specifically "targeting" him?Give the outside business to the Xue family sister?

Previously, the core business was managed by the eldest girl in the West Mansion. It can also be said that the family surnamed Jia had the money from the private house entrusted to Yuan Chun, so everyone was on guard against it.

But now that a batch of property has been allocated to Miss Xue's family, this is a bit...

Youshi thought wildly, and stopped persuading, and began to pick up the brush and write on the book, calculating in his heart, there were only a few girls in total, ten girls, Chaidai, Lanxi, Yunqin, Wenqi, and Miaoxiu.

Ningguo Mansion does not spend more than 20 taels of silver in a month, and 240 taels a year.

As for Li Wan, he obviously had the Rongguo Mansion to support him, and his wife, Jia Mu specially allocated ten taels of silver.

No, according to what Keqing said, the masters of each house sent out as usual, so does Li Wan count as the master of each house?

Third Sister You blinked her eyes as she listened to the words, feeling strange in her heart.

This double monthly bill, that is, four taels per capita, isn't this the same as her monthly bill?

At this moment, the servant girl outside said: "Madam, the uncle is back."

At this moment, Jia Heng separated from Chen Xiao in the front hall and came towards the backyard hall.

(End of this chapter)