my brother-in-law is the prince

Chapter 246
Zhu Di stood up.

He sighed, and then said: "Hey... I was once sent by Emperor Taizu Gao to Fengyang, the central capital, to experience the hardships of the people and know the hardships of the people. After that, I fought in Liaodong, and I knew that the soldiers fought in the freezing weather. What a painful time it was. Only then did I know that money and food are fundamental to governing a big country and prospering the community.”

When he said this, he paused, but the next moment, he looked at Zhang Anshi fixedly, and said, "Tell me about the coin casting."

Zhang Anshi then said: "Your Majesty is kind enough to pay for the sufferings of the common people. After hearing this, I feel ashamed... There are several advantages to making money, one of which is... seigniorage."

Zhu Di raised his eyes and said, "Like a treasure?"

"It's not as obvious as treasure notes." Zhang Anshi patiently analyzed: "Pure gold and pure silver are softer. For example, although this gold coin is one tael, in fact, it is nine cents and three cents in gold. The same is true for silver coins. However, when the gold and silver coins are issued, they are calculated as one or two taels. This is because in order to increase the hardness of the gold and silver coins, I ordered the craftsmen to add other materials to them to make them stronger."

Zhu Di frowned, and said with a little hesitation: "The gold and silver cannot be paid in full, can the soldiers and horses accept it?"

"Yes." Zhang Anshi said without hesitation, with a determined expression on his face: "If the opponents of silver dollars and gold dollars are pure gold and pure silver, the common people will not dare to accept it. But in fact, after investigation by the minister, most of the Gold and silver have a lot of impurities, and the transaction is extremely inconvenient, and the cost of this kind of tediousness is astonishing."

After a pause, he continued: "The gold and silver coins are exquisite in workmanship and of excellent texture, and they use the formula carefully prepared by the minister, so... at any time, just wipe them and they will be as shiny as new. The people have no reason not to accept it."

Zhu Di nodded and nodded. Zhu Di believed Zhang Anshi's words. If this guy was not sure about something, he would not tell him.

At this time, he couldn't help lowering his head slightly, looking thoughtful, and then slowly said: "How much silver can one silver coin earn?"

Zhang Anshi immediately said: "Excluding the cost, I can earn five percent."

Hearing this, Zhu Di suddenly looked at Zhang Anshi again, frowned and said, "It's only five cents? My Daming's fire consumption is at least two or three cents, and the unscrupulous ones have four or five cents."

Zhang Anshi hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, that is the work of corrupt officials who lack virtue."

Zhu Di was stunned, he suddenly remembered, yes, I am the Holy King.

I saw Zhang Anshi said again: "Although five cents is small, if all the coins in the world are minted by His Majesty, the profits here will be huge. Besides, this is just an appetizer."

"appetizer?"

Zhang Anshidao: "Issuing this, the most important thing is to lay a credit foundation for the silver and gold coins. In this world, the most valuable thing is credit."

Zhu Di smiled and said, "Is it your trick in the bank?"

"It's a little different." Zhang Anshi said.

Zhu Di frowned, lowered his head slightly thoughtfully again, and then said: "Actually, I don't know much about these things. It's just the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty. I'm afraid that if I don't agree, even if I issue an edict, it will mostly be obedience and disobedience. "

Zhang Anshi also knew that what Zhu Di said were very realistic problems, and if these problems were not resolved, it would be difficult to accomplish anything.

Of course, Zhang Anshi was well prepared for this, so he said calmly: "It's easy, then don't issue an edict, and simply bypass the Taige and the Sixth Department, and hand it over to the firm for casting."

Zhu Di couldn't help being surprised and said: "The commercial bank casts and distributes it by itself?"

"Why not!" Zhang Anshi said, his face full of confidence.

Zhu Di pondered, and said in his mouth: "Is it possible?"

"It's not feasible, but it's also feasible." Zhang Anshi said dumbfoundingly.

Zhu Di raised his eyebrows and said, "Why?"

Zhang Anshi said: "Since ancient times, bad coins will eliminate good coins. If the banks of commercial banks issue these gold and silver coins, if the common people get them, they will definitely collect them and are reluctant to use them. They would rather find a way to use the broken silver with more impurities. Spend it."

After a pause, Zhang Anshi continued: "But if this currency has an anchor point, it will be different."

"Anchor point?" Zhu Di felt that the more he listened, the more confused he became.

Then, with a big wave of his hand, Zhu Di said simply and directly: "Just say it straight, is it feasible or not?"

Zhang Anshi was also direct, and said, "It's possible!"

Zhu Di glared at him, "Why did you say it was not feasible just now?"

A trace of embarrassment appeared on Zhang Anshi's face, and he immediately said: "I just revealed some difficulties."

"It's difficult." Zhu Di still stared at him and said, "I just want the result."

Zhang Anshi had no choice but to say: "I will do my best."

"Let's try it first," Zhu Di said.

In fact, Zhao Wang Zhu Gaosui was at the side, and he was even more confused.

Zhu Di is considered financially illiterate, and Zhu Gaosui obviously inherited Zhu Di's excellent genes, and he is even worse than illiterate.

At this time, Zhu Di, who had been playing against Zhang Anshi for a long time, heard the son, glanced at Zhu Gaosui, and said, "Get ready quickly. After two months, you will be ready to go. When the time comes, I will give you a strong trip. You will have four guards." , Wen Youjie, Jin and other 64 ministers, if they are in Java, they can't make meritorious deeds, and they will be ashamed to be my sons!"

Zhao Wang had just been scolded by Zhu Di, and he was already in lingering fear. Hearing Zhu Di's menacing words at this time, he dared to say nothing, and could only say yes in a hurry.

Zhu Di is a person whose temper comes and goes quickly. Seeing that Zhu Gaosui had a good attitude and his face gradually softened, he said again: "These days, come and walk around the palace more often, and spend good time with your mother, queen, and you. Brother Huang, when you were seriously ill, he worried about you, so you should visit him more often."

Zhu Gaosui hurriedly said: "Observe the order."

Zhu Di took a deep look at him, then patted him on the shoulder, with a rare expression of his father's concern for his son, and said: "Hey... my son has grown up, it's time for you to experience it yourself."

As he said that, Zhu Di showed a look of loneliness, after all... still has feelings.

Zhu Gaosui also seemed disappointed, but he still said: "My son must be no worse than the second brother."

Zhu Di nodded: "Go, go, it's time for me to take a rest, today I was startled and gave me a headache."

He turned around and waved his hand like a fly.

Zhang Anshi and Zhao Wang Zhu Gaosui bid farewell together.

After leaving the hall, Zhu Gaosui said to Zhang Anshi cautiously, "I am very grateful for the kindness of saving my life."

On the contrary, Zhang Anshi smiled and said: "No need, no need, I still have something to do, His Highness King Zhao, next time, I will visit again."

As he said that, Zhang Anshi looked anxious, but he walked out of the palace quickly.

And outside the palace, there was already a group of guards waiting for Zhang Anshi.As soon as Zhang Anshi came out, someone immediately led the horse forward.

Zhang Anshi got on his horse and waved his whip without hesitation: "Drive..."

…………

"You mean..."

At this time, Yao Guangxiao was frowning while talking, and he continued: "This An Shi... is actually trying to make a fire? He is quite courageous."

This is a small temple in the inner city.

At this point in time, the sunset glow had already emerged with a gentle light, and it was getting late.

Yao Guangxiao is the head of the Senglu Department, and he may accept the emperor's summons at any time, so on weekdays, he has to stay in a small temple in the inner city, and only goes back to his old nest in Jiming Temple when he is busy.

Now in this small temple, although it is in a busy city, it is extraordinarily quiet.

Today in his small temple, a guest was ushered in. It was Jin Zhong, Shangshu of the Ministry of War who had just been assigned.

Jin Zhong's expression was a bit exaggerated, and he said: "Yes, the old man was shocked at the time, this guy... really didn't know what to do, he was going to fight against all the officials in the world, such a person will not end well! No wonder In the past few days, I have seen Zhang Anshi Yintang turn black, so it is like this, I expect this kid will have a bloody disaster in a few days."

Yao Guangxiao smiled and said: "Amitabha, you old donkey, how can you curse people like this? Zhang Anshi is still a child after all, so I don't know the depth of it. My Buddha is merciful, and poor monks hate such things. Hey, don't mention him, don't mention him Lah, he is going to die...and don't let the poor monk see him."

Jin Zhong obviously didn't intend to stop there, and said: "Speaking of which, if this matter can be done, it will really be a great achievement."

Yao Guangxiao calmly said: "It can't be done, such a drastic change, the resistance encountered is extraordinary. Back then, Wang Anshi was just a small repair, and it didn't do anything good. What's more Is that so?"

Jin Zhong smiled wryly and said: "Everyone says they don't love money, but everyone loves money like life. Everyone talks about the righteousness of spring and autumn, but everyone only knows how to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages. Things in the world are bad because of this. Full of absurd words, full of fame and fortune."

Yao Guangxiao glared at him and said, "Who are you scolding?"

But Jin Zhong said: "Whoever is such a person, who will I scold?"

Yao Guangxiao frowned, and finally said quietly: "That's good, that's good."

On the contrary, Jin Zhong seemed a little depressed.

He was just a mere physiognomy warlock, and his status can be described as humble.

But it happens that the best policy that I can even see is opposed by those who are full of benevolence and righteousness.

Although he has seen through the world situation long ago, he still couldn't help feeling uneasy after witnessing all kinds of strange things.

It's just that there is no way to find someone to resolve it. The only person who can tell a thing or two is the monk in front of him.

Yao Guangxiao knew what Jin Zhong was thinking, but he seemed indifferent: "You, after all, you still haven't figured it out. You want to do everything, and you want to achieve anything. This is of course good, but you don't have superpowers, and there are people everywhere in the world. What you want to do?"

"The poor monk is different from you. From the perspective of the poor monk, as long as a person accomplishes one thing in this life, it is enough to comfort his whole life. The poor monk has already done this thing. There is no regret in this life. There is only one thing. One thing that makes the poor monk worry about is whether there will be any relics burned after death, but unfortunately...by then, the poor monk will never see it."

Old Jin Zhong blushed: "I don't want everything to come true, and everything goes according to my own wishes. It's just...it's nothing to see the officials eating at both ends, all fat and oily."

Yao Guangxiao said: "If you can't see it, just escape into the Buddhist door. After you escape into the Buddhist door, as long as you accept that all living beings are suffering, you will be born to suffer. When everything is empty, your heart will be peaceful."

Jin Zhong gave him a contemptuous look, and said with a sneer, "You monk, you have a reputation as a villain outside, but you are actually a rat."

Yao Guangxiao was not angry, but just smiled, noncommittal.

But at this moment, a little novice hurried in and said, "Marquis Annan is here to visit."

As soon as these words came out, Yao Guangxiao, who was still calm, became slightly stiff.

Jin Zhong: "..."

After their eyes met, Jin Zhong immediately stood up and said, "Where is the back wall of your temple?"

Yao Guangxiao roared, "Quick, get out of the way, don't let him in."

The little novice couldn't help but be astonished.

He often heard Master Yao talking about this Marquis of Annan Zhang Anshi. Master Yao was good at appreciating all kinds of people. The Marquis of An Nan is already a rare figure that Master Yao can look up to. Why did he react so excitedly when he came to visit today?

Just when the little novice was astonished, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside, accompanied by Zhang Anshi's voice: "Master Yao, I miss you so much."

The loud voice reached Yao Guangxiao's ears directly.

Yao Guangxiao looked like he was about to suffocate.

Jin Zhong on the side seemed to be very powerless for a while, put away the bewilderment just now, and finally sighed, lamenting again and again: "I was wrong, I was wrong, I thought it was Zhang Anshi who had a bloody disaster, now look, it is you My Yintang has turned black, and I have the appearance of a catastrophe."

After finishing these words, Zhang Anshi had already stepped in.

Zhang Anshi looked at the two people here, grinned immediately, and said courteously: "Look, Master Yao, what did I bring you? This is the best tea, and the price is more expensive than gold. I usually can't bear it." Eat... ah, Jinbutang is here too?"

Yao Guangxiao clasped his hands together, squinted his eyes slightly, and bowed his head to chant sutras.

Jin Zhong smiled wryly and said, "Marquis Annan misunderstood the two of us!"

Zhang Anshi said innocently: "Why, why did I miss you when I came here to visit? What are you talking about?"

Yao Guangxiao's face was livid, and then he opened his eyes, glared at him and said, "Stop pretending."

Zhang Anshi still looked innocent, and with a bit of grievance, said: "This is unreasonable. I came to visit with good intentions, but in the end, not only did I have to shut the door, but now I am still so harsh."

Jin Zhong also looked at him angrily and said, "Marquis Annan, don't pretend to be confused."

Zhang Anshi put the tea leaves aside, he was not polite, and followed the example of the two, kneeling down on a futon.

Jin Zhong said: "Did you just come out of the palace?"

"That's right." Zhang Anshi said, "I just came out of the palace."

Jin Zhong's face became even uglier, he gritted his teeth and said: "You came to this temple just after you came out of the palace, isn't that telling the world that you have a conspiracy with us?"

Zhang Anshi planned to be innocent to the end, and said, "What's the plot?"

Jin Zhong was furious, and unconsciously raised his voice: "Hmph, you said you wanted to mint coins when you saw him, and then you met His Majesty in private, and you turned around and came here... Who can't understand? Zhang Anshi, you I missed the monk and the old man."

Zhang Anshi said: "Jin Gong, this is because you are unreasonable."

Jin Zhong said angrily: "You still have to quibble!"

Zhang Anshi said calmly: "I came to this temple, where Master Yao rested, and I didn't go to your house! Even if it was a mistake, it was a mistake to Master Yao. What does it have to do with Jin Gong?"

Jin Zhong was taken aback for a moment, and then suddenly laughed: "Yes, your matter has nothing to do with the old man. The old man just happened to pass by. Oh, I'm sorry, Marquis Annan, the old man misunderstood you. It's okay, sit down, Come, go and make that tea and eat it."

Yao Guangxiao could only silently smile wryly.

Too pit.

All the people in the world were afraid of Yao Guangxiao, thinking that Yao Guangxiao was a monstrous monk, and some even believed that Yao Guangxiao had a bad stomach, after all, he was the one who instigated the rebellion of the vassal king, and had always been giving advice behind Zhu Di's back.

Today, Zhang Anshi directly announced the matter of minting coins, and the city was full of ups and downs, but as soon as this guy left the palace, he immediately ran to Yao Guangxiao. Yao Guangxiao knew that he would not be able to clean up if he jumped into the Yellow River now.

It is entirely conceivable that people would only think that this must be a bad idea concocted by Yao Guangxiao and Zhang Anshi.

And it is very possible that Yao Guangxiao was instigated by that demon monk.

This is really...inexplicably becoming an accomplice, and based on the impression of Yao Guangxiao, people in the world may even think that Yao Guangxiao is the mastermind!
Zhang Anshi looked at the frowning Yao Guangxiao, and said with a concerned expression, "Master Yao, are you okay?"

Yao Guangxiao sighed, then fixedly looked at Zhang Anshi, and said, "I want to give you money."

"What?" Zhang Anshi asked in surprise, "What does this have to do with money?"

Yao Guangxiao said seriously: "You deliberately dragged the poor monk into the water, and you still want to do business without money?"

Zhang Anshi did not continue to argue, but simply said: "You tell me the number."

Yao Guangxiao said, "Let's go with fate."

The word resignation, sounds casual, but it has a lot of mystery.

Zhang Anshi said timidly, "I've been relatively poor recently."

Yao Guangxiao glared at Zhang Anshi: "One fate is 5 taels."

Zhang Anshi: "..."

It wasn't until Zhang Anshi nodded that Yao Guangxiao showed a friendly look: "Marquis Annan... what do you plan to do with the coinage?"

Zhang Anshi didn't hide anything, and told them what he said to Zhu Di here again.

Yao Guangxiao frowned and said, "This is very difficult, but... since you plan to continue, then you will not stop doing it, and you must kill others first..."

Zhang Anshi nodded and said: "When it comes to killing one to warn others, I came here specifically to ask Master Yao for advice. After all... I don't understand such things."

Yao Guangxiao gave Zhang Anshi a meaningful look.

But Jin Zhong stood up at this moment: "Forget it, you guys talk. The old man has something to do..."

Zhang Anshi hurriedly said: "Jin Gong, you don't have to go. It's useless to go now; just now I saw your carriage and horses, and I specially called your groom to put your carriage beside mine. It's been so long..."

The meaning here, understand!
Jin Zhong was stunned for a moment, then sighed resignedly and said, "Then I'd better listen to you, how should I kill to make an example."

…………

The mint officially opened, and the craftsmen have already been trained. This is Zhang Anshi's consistent work style, so-called planning for a rainy day!

On that day, the bank began to use silver dollars, gold dollars, and copper dollars for settlement.

After hearing this, many people couldn't help feeling that it was something new, and went to get it.

After taking a closer look, I was surprised to find that the quality and fineness of this coin are much better than many popular gold and silver.

The most important thing is that it is very exquisite. For ordinary merchants and ordinary people, they are willing to accept it.

Of course, acceptance is one thing, but there are very few people who actually trade with others.

Merchants and common people in this era will subconsciously collect silver coins with better quality.

Of course, Zhang Anshi had anticipated this situation a long time ago, so he was not in a hurry, he was slowly waiting for the opportunity.

It's just that for many people, this is unacceptable. Fortunately, at this time, more people just wait and see.

The third day of July in the fifth year of Yongle.

The Zhang family's mansion has begun to take shape.

Of course, this scale is only the foundation, and the foundation is so deep that it has exceeded the scope of the house.

When Zhang Anshi is not busy, he walks around the construction site, feeling relaxed and happy.

But at this time, news came that the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas were flooded.

This time, Jiangxi was the hardest hit, and it is said that starvation has already begun.

In fact, disasters are the norm for Daming. Daming has a vast territory, and it would be a strange thing in a year when no place was affected by disasters!
But Jiangsu and Zhejiang are a little different. This is an important grain producing area of ​​Ming Dynasty, but the meaning is different.

The reason for this is that the water network in this area is dense, and the transportation of grain is convenient. Through water transportation, the loss is extremely low. If grain is transported from Henan to the capital, so many people eat and drink all the way, and this hundred catties of grain can be sent to the capital. Forty or fifty catties in Nanjing is not bad.But in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it can reach about [-] catties.

A few years ago, the Songjiang catastrophe had already severely damaged the vitality of the imperial court.

Now... Jiangsu and Zhejiang have been hit by a disaster again, which makes the whole court can't help but worry.

This year's autumn grain may not be handed in on time, and the court even has to try its best to allocate money and grain to the relief. This input and output may cause a huge deficit in the court's grain reserves.

If the money is in short supply, the imperial court can still put it badly, and simply issue Daming treasure banknotes indiscriminately to tide over the difficulties.

But if there is a shortage of food, it will be a big deal.

For this reason, the palace decreed that the emperor and the empress should set an example. Before the disaster eased, all food and clothing expenses in the palace would be halved.

As a result, ministers also expressed that they should save money on food and clothing.

Zhang Anshi was miserable. As a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty, he had to start saving food.

Don't drink anymore, eat less meat on weekdays, although rice is enough, but Zhang Anshi has always been used to eating and drinking, after a few days like this, he really feels that he can't bear it.

Of course, it's okay to eat secretly on weekdays.

As a result, Zhu Yong and Qiu Song secretly came to look for the eldest brother every day. As the descendants of the government, they strictly implemented the standard of lowering the food. After all, this is also an attitude. If they are exposed by the censor, It will inevitably cause trouble.

Zhang Anshi sighed and sighed with emotion, and then let out a haha.

In the backyard of the Zhang family, a barbecue grill was secretly set up. Several chickens had already been peeled clean, and now Zhu Yong was turning over the grill with an iron skewer.

The chicken marinated in spices is roasted over a warm fire, and the tempting taste buds are released little by little.

The smell of the meat was so strong that Zhang Anshi couldn't help swallowing, and said: "If it wasn't because you want to grow up, I wouldn't be willing to join hands with you. The people are too miserable. I heard that there are people in Ji'an Mansion who starve to death. This is a land of fish and rice."

Zhu Yong's eyes were fixed on the grilled chicken that had been roasted to a golden color, but he said in his mouth, "Brother, do you want to eat it or not?"

Zhang Anshi seemed to have tears in his eyes, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Eat, I want to live strong and supplement my brain nutrition, my brother will rely on this brain to walk in the rivers and lakes."

After all, he snatched a chicken that looked freshly roasted from Zhu Yong's hand, regardless of the fact that it was hot, he tore it up with his hands.

Zhu Yong said dissatisfiedly: "Everyone says to save money on food and clothing, but I heard that everyone is secretly eating meat, so we are unlucky. My father said that other people can eat meat secretly, but Cheng Guogong's mansion does not." Same, how many eyes of the censor are watching..."

Zhang Anshi said: "Stop rambling, do you think they don't keep an eye on Big Brother?"

"Brother...is it safe here? There are hundreds of guards outside, and no flies can fly in." Zhu Yong said with a smile.

Zhang Anshi ate the chicken with gusto, but still couldn't help but said with emotion: "Hey, I can't eat meat by myself, so many people will starve to death. I will ask Zhu Jin to go to Jiangxi Chief Envoy to recruit When some refugees come, it can be regarded as going through the difficulties with everyone..."

As he was talking, someone came in a hurry outside: "Master Hou, Master Hou..."

It was Zhang San who came.

Zhang San excitedly said: "Master Hou, there is the farm, there..."

Zhang San looked out of breath, couldn't help taking a few deep breaths, and then said again: "Eunuch Deng please...please...he said...he said..."

Zhang Anshi asked in surprise, "Deng Jian?"

"Yes Yes……"

Zhang Anshi immediately stood up in surprise, he seemed to have thought of something, his sad eyes just now were a little bit brighter now.

He casually threw aside the leftover chicken bones in his hand, and said, "Let's go, take a look. Also, put out the fire."

Let's talk, led the people, and rushed to the farm excitedly.

Here is the field of dozens of acres of experiments.

At this time, many farmers here are gathering together.

People looked suspiciously at the lush 'crops' under their feet.

It's just that there are more people, but there are many doubts.

This thing... Can it be eaten?

It's unheard of to look so weird.

Deng Jian looked calm and composed. He carefully looked at the crops and walked carefully between the field ridges, as if he wanted to find traces of weeds.

But at this moment, someone exclaimed loudly: "Eunuch Deng, Eunuch Deng, Lord Hou is here, here..."

Deng Jian was unaware of this. He was covered in mud and dusty bunt clothes that were convenient for working. Looking at him now, he was not much different from a farmer.

The sun and rain for nearly half a year had already changed him into a different look.

(End of this chapter)