my brother-in-law is the prince

Chapter 308
Zhang Anshi took a closer look and his eyes lit up.

This is……

Zhang Anshi's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help pursing his lips.

Might be really rich.

Zhang Anshi's eyes were straightened, and he stepped forward slowly and said, "Where did you bring these...?"

Deng Jian said: "Yes, at the beginning, whenever I saw the local natives eating and using them, I brought back their seeds. Other crops are fine, but this thing..."

Zhang Anshi walked closer, squinting his eyes, and said, "How about this thing?"

Deng Jian frowned and said, "I had someone taste this thing, but...but I found it inedible."

Zhang Anshi said: "Of course it can't be eaten, this thing can't be eaten indiscriminately. How much have you planted?"

"A lot of plants have been planted." Deng Jian said, "This thing is easy to feed, but it is cultivated for winter, so...according to your method, I used a greenhouse to cultivate it. There are more than 100 acres of land here to plant this."

Zhang Anshi nodded and said: "I'll go in and have a look. By the way, come some more people to pick for me."

Deng Jian said suspiciously: "This thing seems to be inedible."

"Of course I know, just pick it, pick off all its leaves, and then do it according to my method."

A few days later, Zhang Anshi asked people to build a barn in the farm.

There are roasting pipes inside, and the stove is set outside, and the leaves are placed in the barn until the leaves turn yellow.

Then after processing, people shred the leaves.

Zhang Anshi asked someone to take another roll of paper, and rolled up the shredded leaves.

Deng Jian stood aside, looking at Zhang Anshi strangely.

Zhang Anshi smiled and said, "Bring fire."

Jian Ying, who was also standing curiously at the side, hurriedly fetched kindling.

Zhang Anshi put one end of the rolled-up leaf in his mouth, pointed the other end at the fire, and sucked it in, and then felt dizzy.

"Drunk." Zhang Anshi coughed desperately.

Deng Jian was taken aback, and quickly patted Zhang Anshi's back lightly, and said with concern: "What's the matter, what's the matter?"

Zhang Anshi quickly shook his head: "No, it's nothing. Damn..."

Immediately, Zhang Anshi exhaled a puff of smoke.

With his body, he has never smoked this thing before, so the reaction is quite strong!
Zhang Anshi was very careful the second time, he only inhaled cautiously, and he didn't rush into his throat, he just inhaled slowly, the familiar feeling from the previous life was only a little bit.

Still holding a rolling cigarette in his hand, Zhang Anshi sighed and said, "This is not a good thing, it is harmful to health."

Deng Jian: "..."

Zhang Anshi sat down immediately, and said to Jian Ying, "Bring me a pair of tea."

Jian Ying hurried away.

Deng Jian finally couldn't help but asked, "What is this?"

"Smoke, the thing you planted is tobacco leaves." Zhang Anshi didn't hide it from Deng Jian.

Deng Jian said, "Poisonous?"

Zhang Anshi thought for a while, and still said truthfully: "There is probably."

Deng Jian's face changed: "Then you still..."

Zhang Anshi smiled wryly, this thing is indeed harmful to health and can easily cause cancer.

But... Is there cancer in this era?
Theoretically speaking, in this era when the average life expectancy is only [-] to [-], [-]% of people should die before cancer appears.

So... In theory, this should not be considered harmful to health.

So Zhang Anshi said: "Actually, it's not that poisonous, it may shorten your life for a few years."

Deng Jian's face changed slightly after hearing this.

"Of course, the premise is that you live long enough. But then again, drinking alcohol will shorten your life. This thing is similar to alcohol."

Only then did Deng Jian's face soften a little.

"All in all, just kill me, don't touch this thing." Zhang Anshi said.

Deng Jian said with a bitter face: "This kind of harmful thing, if I knew it, I wouldn't bring it back."

"That's not right." Zhang Anshi shook his head and said, "You can't say it like this. I would rather everyone smoke this than everyone drink. This thing...is made of leaves, and it doesn't take up too much arable land, and that Alcohol is brewed from grain, and it takes up a lot of arable land."

"All in all, you continue to expand the planting for me, as much as you can plant, and the leaves you pluck, all treated in this way."

Deng Jian said, "What are you using it for?"

"Business." Zhang Anshi didn't hide anything from Deng Jian, and continued, "Okay, I'll bring back a batch of tobacco leaves, so you can continue to cultivate and raise seedlings. I will be of great use then."

Deng Jian opened his mouth, wanting to say something, and finally nodded.

Now, he has absolute trust in Zhang Anshi, not to mention, he has always had an instinctive love for the child he brought up.

Immediately, Zhang Anshi went to the Forbidden City excitedly.

……

In the Forbidden City, Zhu Di sits tall.

Yang Rong, Hu Guang, Jin Youzi, Xia Yuanji, Jin Zhong, Minister of the Ministry of Justice Jin Chun and others gathered here, but all of them had extremely ugly faces.

Zhu Di's eyebrows sank: "Is this serious?"

"Yes!" Xia Yuanji, Minister of the Household Department, smiled wryly, "Since the fourth year of Yongle, Fujian has been plagued by a severe epidemic, which has been difficult to eradicate. Fujian's chief envoy has reported repeatedly, but...so far..."

Yang Rong is from Fujian, and he is the clearest about this matter. What broke out in Fujian is the plague.

He sighed at Zhu Di, and said, "Especially the two prefectures of Jianning and Yanping, which are the most serious. So far, the imperial court has recorded that 37 people died."

Zhu Di became more and more anxious. In fact, he had read all these reports, and he had issued decrees time and time again, asking the local government to do everything possible to eradicate the epidemic.

But the actual situation is not optimistic.

Especially now... even more pessimistic.

Hu Guang said with a sad face: "Your Majesty, just yesterday, in Yingtian Mansion, someone found a family died suddenly. When Wu Zuo went to check, the symptoms were the same as those of the epidemic in Fujian. Yingtian Mansion sent people to investigate and found out. People... have returned to Beijing from Fujian by boat not long ago..."

Zhu Di frowned and said, "From Fujian to the capital, with such a distance, I'm afraid he would have died halfway, so why is there a problem now?"

Hu Guangdao: "The biggest possibility is...there were dead rats in the boat, which were infected halfway through."

Zhu Di took a deep look at Hu Guang: "Then what do you mean... this capital... I'm afraid the plague is about to break out?"

In Fujian, although the plague occurred intermittently, especially in the early Ming Dynasty.

But after all, Fujian has fewer densely populated places, and Fujian is mountainous, so the plague is not easy to spread.

But if it appeared in Nanjing City, it would be completely different. There are millions of soldiers and civilians in the whole of Nanzhili.

Zhu Di stared at Hu Guang, and continued: "Is there any chance of luck?"

"I have asked Ying Tianfu to pay close attention." Hu Guang said worriedly: "I just hope that there will be no problems."

Zhu Di frowned, and said, "Don't spread the word about this..."

Zhu Di paused, and then said: "If not, I'm afraid that the soldiers and civilians will be frightened. Once people are panicked, big things will happen instead."

"Yes."

Several cabinet ministers and ministers nodded, all showing worried looks in unison.

But right now, we can only take one step at a time.

However, they knew about the plague. This plague had been recorded since the Southern Song Dynasty. When it was severe, it might leave ten rooms empty.

At the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, because of years of wars, the plague was very rampant and the damage was great. It was only a short period of time, and it was difficult to eradicate it.

Fortunately, in this era, transportation is inconvenient, and the plague only affects one area, so it is difficult to spread.

But if you arrive in Nanjing, it's hard to say. After all, it's the capital, and it's a densely populated area. Once something happens, it's not a joke.

And this plague, no matter whether you are a high-ranking official or an ordinary person, once it breaks out, there will be countless casualties without distinction.

You must know that at this time, on the other side of this continent, the plague was raging, directly causing casualties of 5000 million people. This is the famous Black Death in later generations.

And this plague was also one of the reasons for the demise of the Ming Dynasty. When the Ming Dynasty perished, due to the large-scale reduction in food production during the Little Ice Age, there were many refugees, a large number of people moved, and many people starved to death, which led to the final transmission of the plague. When we arrived in the capital, the situation in the entire capital was appalling.

The imperial court has always been helpless against this epidemic, but once it spreads to the capital, the situation may be even worse.

Zhu Di's furrowed brows could not be relieved for a long time. He seemed to have prepared for the worst, and quietly said: "Think of a way to allocate more food from the north to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the capital to prevent it from happening. Besides... strengthen Defense inside and outside the capital.

As he spoke, his brows furrowed deeper. At this moment, he was a little worried about the safety of Empress Xu and her grandson.

"That medical officer...what's his name?"

Everyone, you look at me, I look at you, and look at each other.

Zhu Di was about to speak, but at this moment, an eunuch hurried in and said, "Your Majesty, Duke Wei is asking to see you."

"Quick announcement."

Zhang Anshi walked in excitedly, with a cigarette in his hand, looking quite embarrassed.

But as soon as he entered the hall at this time, he immediately felt that the situation was not right, so he immediately hid the cigarette with his sleeve without hesitation, and turned to look respectful, as if to salute.

Zhu Di waved his hands and said, "Don't be too polite, Zhang Qing's family, why are your sleeves still smoking?"

Zhang Anshi looked down, but saw the curling green smoke billowing from his sleeve, he hurriedly extinguished the smoke, and said: "I...made a little thing..." He immediately changed the topic, saying: "Your Majesty... is it Are you discussing politics? The minister will wait later..."

"No, you are right here." Zhu Di stared at Zhang Anshi and said, "Do you know about the plague in Fujian?"

Zhang Anshi couldn't help but smiled wryly, of course he knew about this, it had been going on for several years.

But even he has nothing to do.

The essence of plague is spread by fleas on rats.

In fact, it is not impossible to prevent and control the plague. For example, if we try our best to eliminate the rats and maintain cleanliness and sanitation, at least... some plague can be alleviated.

But in fact, this is impossible. In this era when everyone is hungry, sewage is flowing, and most people live in thatched huts, the so-called extermination of rats and fleas is simply a joke.

Fortunately, the plague in Fujian has not spread due to traffic restrictions.

Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty, I have heard a little bit about it."

Zhu Di continued to stare at Zhang Anshi and said, "There are also signs of plague in the capital."

Hearing that the plague had spread to the capital, Zhang Anshi couldn't help but change his face...

Obviously... the plague that only spread in Fujian in history had a deviation, and the reason it spread to the capital... is most likely... the businessmen's exchanges are more frequent than before, which may have exacerbated the spread of the plague.

Zhu Di looked at Zhang Anshi, his eyes obviously showed a bit of expectation, and then said: "Zhang Qing is good at curing diseases, is there a solution?"

Zhang Anshi said in embarrassment: "I am stupid, and there is nothing I can do to those who are infected with the plague."

Zhu Di showed disappointment.

In fact, he also knew that if it could be cured, Zhang Anshi would have gone to treat it excitedly, so why did he let the situation in Fujian happen?

After thinking for a while, Zhang Anshi said: "However, I...have thought of a method that may be able to prevent it."

Zhu Di's eyes widened slightly, and he asked in surprise, "Why didn't you say it earlier?"

"I can only do my best, but in fact, I'm not sure." Zhang Anshi said hesitantly, "I hope that in Jianning Mansion... I will give it a try."

Now the monarchs and ministers have nothing to do. At this time, someone is willing to come out and try something, not to mention that this person is Zhang Anshi, even Zhang San and Li Si will definitely agree.

Zhu Di said, "Do you need manpower?"

Zhang Anshi shook his head: "I just ask Jin Yiwei to take charge of this matter."

"Okay." Zhu Di said: "I will give you all the conveniences. If it really has miraculous effects, there will be countless people alive. It will help the building to collapse and turn the tide from collapse."

Zhu Di said with piercing eyes, "You can handle this matter yourself."

Then he wrote to all the scholars and monks: "This matter...don't spread it lightly, and definitely don't leak it."

"According to the order."

…………

Zhang Anshi was also in a hurry at this time. His Majesty said that signs of plague also appeared in the capital.

His family, young and old, are all in the capital!Once the plague is caught, all efforts are in vain.

In the past, he didn't expect to be able to prevent and control the plague in Fujian, but now... he finally had a solution.

So people quickly called Chen Lilai.

He looked deeply at Chen Li, and said: "There is one thing, I need to go to Fujian, it's very important, I need people who are willing to work hard."

Chen Li didn't even think about it, and immediately said: "Let the humble nephew go, this kid is pretty good."

His nephew, Chen Daowen, made a great contribution last time, and now has a thousand households.

Zhang Anshi has an impression of Chen Daowen, and thinks that guy does a good job.

However, he was not a conscienceless boss, so he said very honestly: "Do you know the situation in Fujian? There is a plague there."

Chen Li's face changed slightly, but he still said: "This boy Daowen, anyway, he gave birth to a son last year, and his humbleness and his today are given by you, my father-in-law. As long as there are successors in the Chen family, there is nothing to worry about. If the father-in-law is worried, humble and go with Chen Daowen."

Seeing Chen Li like this, Zhang Anshi shook his head: "You are old, don't take risks lightly, just let Chen Daowen go, don't worry, I have my own way."

As usual, they called Chen Daowen again, sat down to eat together, and explained the situation clearly.

Chen Daowen did not hesitate at all, and agreed. He rested overnight according to Zhang Anshi's instructions. On the next day, a carriage was loaded with a load of goods, and he set off with the dozen or so captains he had selected.

Zhang Anshi immediately ordered to start to increase the cleaning of garbage in Qixia and the three counties, and to find a way for people to fill up the puddles.

But right now.

A letter was sent to Ningguo Mansion.

"En House..."

Wu Huan hastily handed a letter to Jian Yi.

Jian Yi looked up at Wu Huan and said, "What's the matter?"

"A letter came from the court."

Jian Yi looked suspicious, because Wu Huan looked very cautious.

If it's an ordinary letter, it doesn't have to be like this.

Jian Yi nodded, took the letter, only glanced at it, then put the letter down, looked up at Wu Huan and said, "Something is going to happen in the capital."

Wu Huan frowned and said worriedly, "What happened?"

Jian Yi said, "The plague is about to break out."

Wu Huan took a deep breath, and then said: "If this is the case... that's a big deal? Enfu, we need to make plans early and plan ahead."

Jian Yi shook his head and said: "You can't make any plans. Your Majesty strictly orders not to leak it. Sending this letter has already taken a great risk."

Wu Huan subconsciously said: "But I don't know who it is..."

The conversation suddenly stopped here, he didn't continue to ask, he seemed to feel that it was inappropriate to ask, and instead said: "Since that's the case, Enfu, what should we do now?"

Jian Yi squinted his eyes: "The only way to be prepared is to raise food. If you find a way, then you can find a gentry."

Wu Huan couldn't help but said embarrassingly: "A few days ago, in order to resettle the refugees, I begged my grandpa to sue my grandma to get [-] stone grain. Now... I really can't squeeze it out. Everyone is complaining, saying that they can't live on."

Jian Yi was a little angry, and said angrily: "Taiping Mansion has obtained four or five times as much food as before. There are seven counties under Ningguo Mansion, and the arable land is more than double that of Taiping Mansion, but there is still demand for [-] stones of grain. tell?"

Wu Huan said: "Zhang Anshi's violent expropriation has provoked the wrath of heaven and people, but Enfu, such a thing that gentlemen despise, if Enfu does it, it will be despised by the common people."

Jian Yi suddenly came to his senses, he reflected on his behavior, and Wu Huan was right.

So he took a deep breath and said, "Hey...forget it, let's think of a way, no matter what, teach the counties to raise some food."

Wu Huan had no choice but to say: "Yes, the students will go to mediate for a while."

……

Zhu Di strictly kept it secret, but in less than a day, news spread in the capital that the plague had appeared.

For a time, people panic.

So rumors began to spread, and some rich families fled first.

Zhang Anshi was called back to the palace early in the morning.

At this moment, Zhu Di was furious.

When Zhang Anshi entered the palace, Zhu Di yelled: "How did I say that? This is a top secret, to prevent people from floating! But how long has it been? The whole capital will know."

Zhang Anshi looked around, and saw that the ministers from yesterday were still in the hall.

I saw Zhu Di said again: "Who leaked the news and ignored the country and the country? Nowadays, let alone the plague that kills people, just because people are panicking, I don't know how many people will be killed."

Zhu Di was obviously very angry.

After all, this is a matter of personal confession, but in the blink of an eye, the news spread, and there are noses and eyes.

Zhu Di scanned everyone, thinking about the person who might spread the news.

He sneered and said, "Investigate, thoroughly investigate, if we don't find out today, I will never forgive you lightly."

Yang Rong calmed down at this time, and his thoughts were clear: "Your Majesty, the matter has come to this point, now it is time to find a way to calm the people. What's more, if the people flee everywhere, if they also have the plague, then the nearby counties and counties may also be killed." Suffered."

Zhu Di took a deep breath, tried to suppress the anger in his heart, and then said in a deep voice: "What's the use of Anmin now? There are already an endless stream of people leaving the city. But how can such a big epidemic Where did you escape to? It's just that I never expected that the news would leak out so quickly. I asked repeatedly, but it still leaked out. Aren't you all disciples of saints? Could it be that you haven't heard that Junbumi lost his ministers? , If you don’t keep secrets, you will lose yourself, and if you don’t keep a few things secret, you will be harmed?”

"Your Majesty, I will wait for death."

The little anger that Zhu Di had finally suppressed burned up again.

He was already jumping in a hurry, and his interrogative eyes flicked over everyone.

"If you don't find out today, no one will be able to leave the palace." He yelled loudly before taking his seat again, looking at Zhang Anshi who had just entered, and saying, "Zhang Qing, come and investigate."

"Yes." Zhang Anshi calmed down.

He took a deep breath and looked around. He was very clear that almost every minister present was an important minister in the court, and His Majesty was anxious to know the result today. If he was careless and wronged someone, he would Oops.

So he said: "Your Majesty, I hope...to get some information about rumors from outside."

Zhu Di said: "You don't need to fetch it, it's too bad, you give it to him."

Yi Shiha nodded, then took a report and sent it to Zhang Anshi.

He smiled at Zhang Anshi and said: "This is some information that Dongchang collected from outside. Although it is disorganized, it has everything to say, but the slave... I have read it carefully, and I really can't see anything famous."

Zhang Anshi nodded, looked down at the report, and then frowned.

The information in it is indeed very mixed, and there are both true and false news, some of them have their own nose and eyes, some are deliberately exaggerated, and some...the news is more accurate.

Zhang Anshi read it carefully several times before raising his head and said, "Your Majesty, I dare to say that this news... spread from Ningguo Mansion."

Zhu Di was taken aback.

Yang Rong and the others also looked at Zhang Anshi suspiciously.

Hu Guang couldn't help but said: "Duke Wei, you have to check carefully."

Jin Chun, Shangshu of the Ministry of Punishment, changed his face slightly: "Yes, this matter is of great importance, how can you just make such an assertion with just a few words, if you make a mistake, there will be a catastrophe."

Zhang Anshi glanced at Jin Chun unceremoniously, and said: "I say so, of course I have my reasons, and Jin Butang doesn't need to remind me kindly."

Zhu Di actually thought that this matter might not be found out, and the reason why he was furious and wanted to find out immediately was actually just an indiscriminate utterance under extreme anger.

But who would have thought that Zhang Anshi seemed to have an idea after a short effort.

(End of this chapter)