Han Du came to the study and as soon as he opened the door, he saw Xue Xiang and Mr. Jin sitting inside.
He quickly smiled and cupped his hands and said, "Hey, Mr. Xue, Mr. Jin, you are so excited."
"You're welcome, Lord Marquis." Mr. Jin smiled gently and nodded towards Han Du.
Xue Xiang, on the other hand, stroked his beard, glanced at Han Du and Fang Xiaoru, stretched out his hand and said, "Sit down. Xi Zhi should have told you, right?"
Han Du lifted his brocade robe, sat on the chair in an upright manner, smiled and nodded towards Xue Xiang.
Xue Xiang continued: "We don't know anything about business, so it's up to you to find a way. The academy is originally a place for learning, and it should be clean and honest, but it is indeed difficult to move forward without money in this world."
When Xue Xiang didn't enter the academy, he didn't know that the expenses of the academy were so high. Just on students alone, the academy spends hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Now there is a lot more teaching. Although Fang Xiaoru and others are relaxed, the expenses of the academy are even greater.
Each of these courses requires a monthly salary. Moreover, Han Duding's monthly salary is very high. An ordinary teacher can get five guan per month, and the powerful one can even get ten guan.
Coupled with other miscellaneous things, the academy's annual expenses would be 300,000 yuan.
"The Romance of Fairy Wood"
Three hundred thousand dollars!
If it weren't for Han Du's support, this number alone could scare Xue Xiang away. With 300,000 guan, one main hall has to be built, but the academy eats up one main hall every year.
Seeing the three of them staring at him nervously, Han Du suddenly smiled and said, "You can't rush this matter, take your time."
Xue Xiang and others had no intention of urging Han Du, so they nodded and agreed.
Since the racecourse is on the right track, it can still operate on its own even if Han Du is not around. Therefore, Han Du simply spent his time in the academy, thinking about how to make the academy have stable financial resources.
The academy teaches mathematics, physics and chemistry, so you don’t have to think about mathematics. It’s not easy to make money from mathematics. Physics and chemistry are actually not much better than mathematics. After all, Han Du only handed in basic knowledge such as physical mechanics and chemical combustion reactions.
Han Du thought about it for a few days, but he couldn't think of how the academy could make money to support himself.
After thinking about it for a while, he invited Xue Xiang and others to sit down and said, "I have been thinking about it for the past few days, but I can't find any good sources of income for the academy."
When Xue Xiang and others heard this, they immediately looked at each other. I originally thought that they couldn't find a way to make money because they didn't understand business, but I didn't expect that even Han Du couldn't find a way to make money in the academy.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Han Du lowered his head and smiled bitterly. If stable financial resources were so easy to find, they wouldn't be called financial resources.
Nowadays, running an academy is a loss-making business, and one cannot rely on the support of students. Because as long as the Imperial College is admitted, students will not be subject to cultivation. Not only will they not be accepted, but they will also distribute rice to the students every month.
But the reason why the Imperial Academy dares to be so extravagant is because Lao Zhu supports him. Every year, the amount of money Lao Zhu gives to the Imperial Academy is more than 100,000 yuan.
Perhaps because the academy had Han Du's support, Lao Zhu deliberately pretended not to see it. Except for a brand name of the Ming Dynasty Royal Academy, he did not give a penny to the academy.
Seeing that the three of them were a little disappointed, Han Du thought for a while and said, "How about this? How about I take out the winemaking and glass crafts and let the academy set up a few workshops?"
"No, absolutely not." As soon as Han Du finished speaking, Xue Xiang quickly shook his head and objected, "We came to you to find a way, not to poach your corner. It's good to have a way. If there is no way, just It’s not bad as it is now.”
Winemaking and glass are both Handu's industries. Although Han Du was willing to take it out, if Xue Xiang agreed, he would be suspected of taking food from Han Du's mouth.
Naturally, Xue Xiang would never dare to agree.
Not only Xue Xiang, but also Fang Xiaoru and Mr. Jin shook their heads in rejection.
Han Du didn't think it mattered, and he didn't expect such a big reaction from a few people. He smiled lightly and said: "When I said I would give the craftsmanship to the academy, I didn't mean that I don't make wine or make glass."
"This... is still inappropriate." Xue Xiang shook his head, "If the academy is allowed to do this, wouldn't it be stealing business from you?"
Han Du laughed and said: "Mr. It can’t satisfy such a huge demand. This is not considered grabbing business at all, because if ten of us come in, we won’t be able to finish the business.”
Distilled spirits are now a scarce commodity, and although the price is high, there are many people who can actually afford to drink them. But many times now, you can’t even buy hard liquor with money. The Academy's intervention will not affect the price of spirits. At most, the supply will be more abundant.
Xue Xiang and others looked at each other and remained silent. Although Han Du is right, this always feels like taking business away from Han Du.
Han Du saw that several people were still unable to make a decision, so he smiled helplessly and said: "I used to use money to subsidize the academy, and it was not so troublesome. Why did you think it was feasible before, but why can't it be done now?"
Han Du's words are true. When I took money directly from Han Du before, I didn't feel anything. Now that the academy is making money, why is it so coy?
Besides, Han Du is the deputy judge of the academy, and he is the eldest among them all. If I'm sorry, it should be Han Du.
"Then...okay." Xue Xiang, Fang Xiaoru, and Mr. Jin looked at each other and nodded.
Han Du stayed in the academy while he had nothing to do. The physics and chemistry he originally taught were too elementary and the effects could not be seen. This incident also reminded Han Du that if the professor's knowledge is of no value, it may greatly dampen the students' interest.
Therefore, for the sake of the development of the academy, Han Du simply stayed in the academy and continued to teach more advanced content.
...
As soon as Lao Zhu finished reviewing the memorial, Zhu Biao came to see him.
After the father and son sat and had a conversation, Lao Zhu suddenly asked: "Where is Han Du? What is he doing recently?"
Zhu Biao didn't know why his father asked him about Han Du, but he still replied truthfully: "I heard it was in the academy."
"Academy?" Lao Zhu raised his head in surprise and asked strangely: "Isn't he going to build a racecourse? Why did he end up in the academy?"
"I don't know about this, but he sent people to keep an eye on him at the racecourse. I'm afraid he went to the academy only when he had nothing to do." Zhu Biao guessed and replied.
After hearing this, Lao Zhu nodded expressionlessly and didn't ask any more questions.
Seeing that his father had nothing to say, Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment and asked: "Father, I have something that I don't know whether to talk about or not."
"Tell me." Lao Zhu has always been open to anyone who comes to Zhu Biao. No matter whether he is in a good or bad mood, he is willing to listen to Zhu Biao's thoughts. And now Lao Zhu is in a pretty good mood, so naturally he will not refuse Zhu Biao.
"My father's Wanshou Festival is coming soon, and this year is my father's sixtieth birthday. In addition, the Beiyuan Dynasty was destroyed this year, King Anle was captured, and even the national jade seal appeared. It can be said that it is three blessings for the Ming Dynasty. This year It is an auspicious year for the Ming Dynasty. I thought that I could take advantage of my father's Longevity Festival to celebrate." Zhu Biao suggested.
As Zhu Biao spoke, Lao Zhu narrowed his eyes and became happy. You don’t know if you don’t sort it out, but as Zhu Biao said, this year is really a unique year for Daming.
From the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty has gone through many difficulties all the way to the present. There is really no year that has been as glorious as this year. And it coincidentally coincides with Lao Zhu's 60th birthday, which makes this year even more extraordinary.
"Well, it's time to be lively and lively." Lao Zhu nodded in agreement.
Beiyuan was originally a close concern of Ming Dynasty. Now that such a serious problem is gone, Lao Zhu naturally wants to show off. It would be unreasonable for him to remain indifferent to such a big matter. Moreover, if this matter is not publicized, how can we show Zhu Yuanzhang's brilliance, wisdom, talent and strategy?
Thinking of this, Lao Zhu immediately said: "Since this year's Wanshou Festival is a three-day celebration, it should be held, and it should be held in a big way."
Lao Zhu doesn't have to go back to the past. In the past, Wanshou Festivals were almost always very shabby. Lao Zhu had no choice, and the landlord's family had no surplus food. The money spent during the Ming Dynasty's Northern Expedition was like running water. Lao Zhu, who has an empty internal treasury, can only save what he can.
But now, Lao Zhu's internal treasury is full, so he can naturally do whatever he wants.
Since he felt that the Longevity Festival was going to be held in a big way, Lao Zhu would naturally think of the candidate for the ceremony officer. Turning to look at Zhu Biao, he asked, "Who do you think Biao'er thinks can be this ceremony officer?"
Zhu Biao was stunned when he heard this, and then replied awkwardly: "My son thought that this year was an auspicious year, and that my father could take a good rest after working day and night. As for this official... I didn't think about it. Pass."
Seeing that his father was noncommittal about his words, Zhu Biao lowered his head and thought for a moment before continuing to reply: "But according to the practice in previous years, it should be an important minister such as the Six Ministers."
After hearing this, Lao Zhu was silent for a moment and then said: "It's just a ceremony officer, who can't serve as it? Well, let Han Du be the ceremony officer."
Han Du is here to be the one!
Zhu Biao suddenly swallowed his saliva and saw his father's expressionless face. He didn't know why his father insisted on Han Du being the official. However, he still asked aloud: "Father, although Han Du is also a scholar, it can be seen from his daily speech and behavior that he may not be familiar with etiquette..."
The Wanshou Ceremony Officer, among other things, must at least be familiar with etiquette and cannot make mistakes in etiquette.
It's not that Zhu Biao has any objection to Han Du. Han Du would not have any objection to other Zhu Biao, but this is the only one who can't do it. Han Du was always a casual person in front of him, and as a ceremony official, it would not be nice if he made a joke and angered his father.
Zhu Biao excused himself for Han Du, but it was actually for Han Du's good.
Lao Zhu, however, seemed determined to use Han Du.
"If he's not familiar with etiquette, wouldn't it be good for him to take advantage of this opportunity to learn it? He's been misbehaving outside all day long, and it's time for him to learn etiquette."
Seeing that his father had said this, Zhu Biao didn't know that his father was dissatisfied with Han Du's daily rudeness. He must take this opportunity to deal with Han Du. He did not dare to excuse Han Du anymore, nodded and said: "Yes, I will tell Han Du now."
Lao Zhu nodded and agreed with Zhu Biao. After thinking for a while, he added: "Isn't Fang Xiaoru your minister in the East Palace now? Ask him to come and help Han Du be a good etiquette officer."
Lao Zhu was also a little worried that Han Du knew nothing about etiquette, and was afraid that such a rare Wanshou Festival would be ruined by Han Du. Han Du ruined the Wanshou Festival, and Lao Zhu would definitely not spare Han Du. But no matter how merciless he is, Lao Zhu will never be able to kill Han Du because of this.
Damn it, Anqing will definitely start a fight with Queen Ma if that happens.
Zhu Biao also breathed a sigh of relief. With Fang Xiaoru, a famous Confucianist, helping Han Du, there would definitely be no problem.
"Yes, I will do it now."
Without anyone passing on the message, Zhu Biao came to Han Mansion in person. And he didn't come alone, he also brought Han Jingyun with him.
After Han Jingyun became the crown prince, there were very few opportunities to return to the Han Mansion. Now that Han Jingyun is pregnant, his mood is ups and downs. Zhu Biao, thinking about her, took this opportunity to bring her back to Han Mansion to make her happy.
The arrival of the crown prince and crown princess immediately alarmed the entire Han family. In order to welcome the prince and Han Jingyun, the Han family started from the front door and decorated it with lanterns and colorful decorations. It was even more lively than the Chinese New Year.
When Zhu Biao brought Han Jingyun to the Han Mansion, everyone in the Han family stood outside the door to greet him.
Han De and Liu took the lead and knelt down towards Zhu Biao and Han Jingyun, "Greetings to His Royal Highness and the Crown Princess."
"Quickly get back on your feet." Zhu Biao quickly bowed and gave him some help.
And Han Jingyun also quickly took action himself and helped his parents up, "Mom and dad, get up quickly."
The courtesy of a monarch and his ministers cannot be wasted. Although Han De and Liu are Han Jingyun's parents, she is now the princess and the monarch. Therefore, I had to bow to her.
However, Han Jingyun was the daughter of Han Deliu after all, so it was appropriate for her to return the favor after bowing.
Welcoming Zhu Biao and Han Jingyun back to the house, because Han Jingyun missed her mother very much, and she was pregnant now, so she could ask Mrs. Liu about many questions that were difficult to ask outsiders when she first encountered them. Therefore, as soon as he entered the door, Han Jingyun pulled Liu away.
Only Han De, Han Du and Han Shu accompanied Zhu Biao into the inner hall. Mainly Han De and Han De accompanied Zhu Biao, and Han Shu made up the number.
After everyone took their seats, Zhu Biao smiled and told the story about his father's decision to let Han Du serve as the official of ceremonies to host the Wanshou Festival.
After hearing this, Han De and Han Du looked surprised.
Han De was surprised. Although Han Du was a marquis and a superior, his qualifications were not qualified to host the Longevity Festival.
And Han Du was thinking, what does Lao Zhu mean? A slap in the face and a sweet date? He had just received his military power, and now he was appointed as the Wanshou Ceremony Officer.
When the official of the Wanshou Festival held the ceremony, he stood next to Lao Zhu and faced the congratulations of the officials. It was indeed a scene of infinite beauty. But this scenery may be extremely rare for ordinary people, but for Han Du, it is just like that.
"Is it possible for me to be the official of Wanshou Ceremony? I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to take on a big job." Han Du saw Zhu Biao's refusal and said.
Become a ceremony officer yourself? Don't be kidding, I am not familiar with complicated etiquette at all, how can I be this etiquette officer?
Zhu Biao seemed to have read Han Du's thoughts, smiled and said: "Don't worry, my father has sent Fang Xiaoru to help you, there will be no problem."
That's pretty much it! Han Du curled his lips. If Fang Xiaoru, a famous Confucian scholar, is here, I will have peace of mind. As long as there are no problems with etiquette, Han Du is really not afraid of other things on the Wanshou Festival.
Seeing the relaxed look on Han Du's face, Zhu Biao couldn't help but remind him: "This year's Wanshou Festival is different from usual. This year is my father's sixtieth birthday, not only a whole life, but also a whole life. By then, all the vassals King, foreign envoys will come, so this Longevity Festival must be lively and lively, so as not to lose the majesty of the Great Tomorrow."
Han Du nodded to express his understanding.
The next day, Han Du took Fang Xiaoru to the Ministry of Rites.
The Ministry of Rites prepares Wanshou Festival for Lao Zhu every year. They are rich in experience, so Han Du will not let it go.
The Ministry of Rites currently has no minister, and is only managed by Li Yuanming, the Zuo Shilang, which is equivalent to a leaderless situation. Without the Minister taking the lead, the entire Ministry of Rites seemed to have had its backbone ripped out, and it was difficult to become strong.
When facing Han Du, Li Yuanming hurriedly took the lead and said, "Your Majesty, Li Yuanming, pays homage to the Marquis of Zhenhai."
"Master Li, you're welcome." Han Duxu raised his hand.
"Thank you, Lord Marquis." Li Yuanming straightened up and extended his hand to signal Han Du, "Master Marquis, please take a seat. Come and serve some good tea!"
Han Du was not polite. He made some concessions to Li Yuanming and sat down on his right hand.
Fang Xiaoru even sat in the lower position of Han Du.
Soon, the clerk from the Ministry of Rites came in with tea.
Han Du picked up the tea cup, slid it twice along the rim, blew on it, and took a small sip, "Good tea."
Li Yuanming was very satisfied with Han Du's praise, but he still said modestly: "Although this tea is Hangzhou Longjing, what kind of tea has the Marquis never drunk? I'm afraid it's hard to be a good Marquis."
Han Du smiled slightly and said nothing more about tea. I have indeed drank Longjing, and it was better than this. The Longjings in Zhu Biao are all tributes, so they are naturally better than the Longjing in front of you.
But since he was seeking Li Yuanming, Han Du would naturally not be stingy with a few complimentary words.
Li Yuanming was also extremely satisfied with Han Du's attitude.
"I wonder what the important thing is for Lord Marquis to come here today? If there is anything useful that can benefit Xianguan, please speak up and Xianguan will do his best."
Trying his best means that he can meet Han Du's general requirements, but if the requirements are too excessive, it is beyond his ability and he will be helpless.
Although Li Yuanming was satisfied with Han Du's low profile, he had not yet reached the point where he was desperate.
