When Zhu Zi saw his father staring at him fiercely, he knew he couldn't hide, so he simply said it out loud. "Father, my son really didn't do anything. Father should be able to imagine that every performance appraisal is the time when officials are most frightened. Although some officials do well on weekdays, at this time, they randomly As time goes by, they will also become uneasy. At this time, if they know that there is a way to help them, whether it is true or not, they will be willing to come and give it a try."
"For no other reason than to buy peace of mind, they will come to Erchen without hesitation. Moreover, Erchen promised them that if the task is not completed for them, their property will be returned to them intact. Wait until After the official performance appraisal comes out, those who have been promoted and those who have retained their official positions will naturally not come to their ministers again, and those ministers who have been demoted will do what they say and return their money to them. Officials who look to their ministers for everything will do so. No one is dissatisfied.”
Can you be dissatisfied? For those who retained their official positions, it was natural for Zhu Zi to collect money for doing things. As for those officials who were demoted, Zhu Zi was able to return the money intact to them. They were also grateful to Zhu Zi. After all, they had been demoted at this time. Even if Zhu Zi did not return it to them, they would still take Zhu Zi's money. Azusa was helpless.
Lao Zhu suddenly realized it, pointed at Zhu Zi and said in shock: "So, you took advantage of this and made so much money without any effort?"
"This...how can this be said to be taking advantage? It can only be said to be about getting what you need." Zhu Zi smiled awkwardly, not daring to look into his father's eyes, and had no choice but to lower his head.
To each according to his needs... Yes, that is indeed what it seems on the surface. But looking deeper, it turns out that Zhu Zi was trying to trick those officials. Zhu Zi did not put any effort into selling things that originally belonged to those officials, but he still had to make those officials grateful.
If those officials knew this, they would definitely hate Zhu Zi to death.
"Aren't you afraid that those people will know that you have not contributed anything from the beginning to the end, and they will bear grudge against you?" At this moment, although Old Zhu asked this, the original worry about Zhu Zi in his heart disappeared.
Since Zhu Zi did such a thing, it is impossible for him to win over officials. After all, what he did was completely rub the wisdom of officials who always prided themselves on being smart on the ground. Once those officials know about it, they will definitely turn against Zhu Zi. This is nothing to win over.
Zhu Zi shook his head and explained with a smile: "No, they won't know at all whether Erchen has contributed to it. If they can successfully retain their official position or be promoted, they should be overjoyed. Why would they think about Erchen? What did they do? On the contrary, they will definitely think that their son did indeed do something to allow them to retain their official positions."
Lao Zhu pondered for a few breaths and asked doubtfully: "Don't they ask in private?"
Hearing his father's words, Zhu Zi laughed out loud: "After all, their actions were disgraceful and it was too late to cover them up. How could they take the initiative to ask?"
When Lao Zhu heard this, he suddenly realized. Looking at Zhu Zi with a sunny and confident face, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart: Zhu Zi's plan really surprised him. Not only did no one of the three parties, Zhu Zi, the court, and the officials suffer, but Zhu Zi also made a profit. However, Zhu Zi did not do anything illegal. Even if officials gave him money, they did so voluntarily. If Zhu Zi really interfered, there would be another reason to punish Zhu Zi.
It's better now, there's not even a reason.
Lao Zhu looked at Zhu Zi and was shocked that Zhu Zi could think of such a plan. He had never thought about how Zhu Zi, who was good at learning, good at writing articles, and liked to gather some literati in the house to drink wine and compose poems, could become so resourceful.
After thinking about it for a while, Lao Zhu felt a little worried for no reason. He glanced at Zhu Zi and said in a deep voice: "This time, I will spare you and will not hold you accountable. But you should stop doing these things. It would be bad if they knew about it and would hold a grudge against you."
When Zhu Zi heard that his father didn't want him to do it, his face suddenly fell, and he quickly begged: "Goodbye, father. My son is not a feudal lord, so he only has a little princely salary. If he doesn't make up for it himself, he will not be able to do it." How to live?"
"You are a prince, and your salary of 10,000 shi a year is not enough for you?" Lao Zhu frowned, with some displeasure on his face. After all, Zhu Zi is his son. If this word gets out, people may say that he is mean and even treats his own son harshly.
Concubine Ding was immediately startled. Before Zhu Zi could speak, she reprimanded: "What nonsense are you talking about? The prince's salary is the same as that of Ming Dynasty. Why don't you have enough money?"
Zhu Zi, however, looked unrepentant and said reluctantly: "Others have feudal states and taxes, but my sons and ministers do not."
Concubine Ding saw that her son was a dead pig and was not afraid of being scalded by boiling water, but it was not easy to say it clearly in front of the emperor, so she quickly reprimanded: "That's nonsense. Your fifth brother didn't seal the country, and didn't he do any random things like you?"
"Fifth Brother... There are only a few people in Fifth Brother's house? And Fifth Brother only likes to study medical skills. He stays in the house all day long and doesn't go anywhere. Naturally, he can't spend much money." When it comes to money. , Zhu Zi is particularly persistent. Even in front of his father and mother, he is not willing to give up the benefits he has obtained.
Although the muttering voice was small, it was in front of Lao Zhu after all. Lao Zhu was not deaf yet, so he could naturally hear it clearly.
Before Concubine Ding could speak, Lao Zhu raised his hand and said: "Okay, it's really difficult for you because you don't have the taxes of a feudal country. Let's do this, I will give you an additional five thousand stone princely salary. Don't do this kind of thing in the future. ”
On Concubine Ding’s face
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He immediately beamed with joy, knowing that even the prince could not increase his salary casually without making great contributions. What's more, this is still an extra five thousand stones.
Five thousand stones is a lot, and the key is the meaning it represents, which is far beyond what five thousand stones can compare with.
If it were the past, Zhu Zi would definitely agree without hesitation. But now that he has tasted the benefits, he no longer takes the five thousand stone salary in his eyes.
As for honor, what is it? Can it be eaten?
Zhu Zi now only likes tangible benefits and is not interested in frivolous things at all.
So, Zhu Zi surprised everyone and said instead: "How about this, how about my father taking away all the salary from his son, so that he can continue to work?"
Hearing this, Lao Zhu became angry and waved his sleeves violently, "Don't even think about it! In this case, I will give you an additional salary of ten thousand stones. I am telling you, not discussing with you. After you go back, please stop this kind of thing quickly." ”
Faced with his father's toughness, Zhu Zi had no choice but to nod and agree, "Okay..." even though he was reluctant.
Seeing that the emperor and his son had finally reached an agreement, Concubine Ding laughed quickly and eased the atmosphere between them and said, "That's great. Your father is kind and your son is filial. It will be a good story if it spreads."
Seeing that it was difficult for Lao Zhu to get Zhu Zi to lower his head, a winner's smile appeared on his face.
Only Zhu Zi sat on the table extremely depressed, watching his father and mother concubine talking to each other.
After finally surviving until the three of them had dinner together, Zhu Zi returned to his house without stopping.
As soon as he returned, he sent someone to find the housekeeper.
As soon as Princess Tan saw Zhu Zi coming back, she greeted him with great concern. He was worried about Zhu Zi entering the palace today, so he quickly asked: "Your Majesty, why did the emperor summon you to the palace today?"
Zhu Zi waved his hand to stop Princess Tan from asking, "I will tell you this later."
Then he shouted to the people outside, "Come here."
"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
"Go and call Xiao Lizi." The Xiao Lizi mentioned by Zhu Zi is the eunuch in charge of Prince Tan's Mansion. Of course the chief eunuch looked majestic in front of his servants, but in front of Zhu Zi, he was just a slave.
"As commanded."
"My servant pays homage to the prince and the princess. I wonder what the prince has ordered?" After a while, the eunuch in charge trotted all the way to Zhu Zi. He was panting, and it was really difficult for him to run this distance.
Zhu Zi immediately ordered him: "Spread the news immediately. From now on, I will no longer take on the affairs of those officials, and I will no longer do anything for them."
When the eunuch in charge heard this, he looked at Zhu Zi in complete disbelief and forgot to even reply. After all, this is the largest source of income for the palace, so it would be a pity to give it up like this.
"My lord, is this really necessary? It would be a pity to lose such a huge source of wealth."
Zhu Zi shook his head and waved without hesitation, "Go."
"I obey, let's do it now." Seeing that the prince had made up his mind, the eunuch in charge did not dare to say anything more.
Just as the chief eunuch turned around to leave, Zhu Zi suddenly stopped him again, "Wait a minute."
"Your Majesty, has your attention changed?" The eunuch turned back to look at Zhu Zi, his face full of surprise.
Zhu Zi said, "If you release the news, just say that it was because someone impeached me in front of my father that I stopped accepting the news."
"Okay, I'll do it now, slave." The eunuch agreed with great regret and turned to leave. When he lowered his head and walked out of the door, the expression on his face suddenly became ferocious, and he gritted his teeth at those who impeached the prince.
During this time, the palace had this source of income, and the prince's rewards for them were much more generous than before. Isn't it just for this benefit that these people are so busy?
Now there are people who dare to cut off the royal family's financial resources. What's the difference between this and cutting off their financial path?
Princess Tan originally wanted to interrupt when Zhu Zi said she wouldn't do it. After all, such a source of wealth will be gone if it is gone. No one will let it go easily. There must be a reason, right?
But when she heard that she was being impeached in front of her father, Yu couldn't help but become worried.
"The prince was impeached? Is everything okay?"
Zhu Zi raised his head and smiled, gave her a comforting look and said, "What can be the problem? It's just to stop me from collecting money from officials, and I've also been given an additional salary of 10,000 shi."
"That's good, that's good." Yu patted her chest, exhaled a long breath, and let go of her worries.
"Although my father gave the prince an additional salary of ten thousand dan, it is much less than what we earn ourselves."
Yu was also very sensitive about money. Although he knew that this was his father's will and could not disobey it, he still couldn't help complaining about it.
Zhu Zi laughed, reached out and pinched Yu's cheek, and said meaningfully: "There are thousands of ways to make money in this world, and if my father can block one, how can he block them all? "
"My lord, do you still have a way to make money?" Yu suddenly broke down in tears and smiled. She put her hands together and looked at Zhu Zi with admiration.
Zhu Zi felt extremely satisfied in his heart and said triumphantly: "Yes, there are many, just take a look at it. It won't be long before I find another way for you to make money that is no worse than this."
After saying that, he raised his eyes and looked outside the hall, and said with a cold smile: "Impeach the king? I want to see it."
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Look, do those officials hate me more, or hate you for being nosy. "
...
After news came out from Prince Tan's Mansion that he would no longer help the officials to settle matters. There was no reaction at first, just like a drop of water falling into a pond, there were some ripples, but it soon calmed down.
However, as time went by, some officials who knew about it found that without Zhu Zi's help, it became difficult for them to do many things, especially when it came to their private affairs. In the past, when Zhu Zi was willing to take action, although they had to donate a sum of money, as long as Zhu Zi accepted the money, he would definitely do things for them. Even if it doesn't work out, the money will definitely be returned to them.
It can be said that it is a fair transaction and no one is deceived.
But now that Zhu Zi has been impeached, they can't find anyone willing to help them even if they have money.
After all, even when Zhu Ziduo was impeached, the emperor killed the chicken to scare the monkeys. Which official would dare to risk his life to help them?
The emperor was merciful to Zhu Zi because Zhu Zi was the prince. The emperor was never polite to officials like them. He would kill them when they needed to be killed and demote them when they needed to be demoted.
Therefore, a group of officials who were in trouble and were as anxious as ants on a hot pot scolded the person who impeached Zhu Zi many times in their hearts.
...
A huge fleet sailed on the sea, and the scorching sun could not stop Jiang Ming's eager desire to return to Ming Dynasty. Ignoring the persuasion of his subordinates, he insisted on standing on the bow of the ship, holding up his binoculars and looking ahead.
"Woo~"
When the horn sound came from Wangdou, Jiang Ming quickly looked forward with concentration.
"Uncle, there is land ahead."
Jiang Ming didn't even take off the telescope, and a thin black line appeared in his sight. Then he took down the telescope and said without looking back, "We saw it too."
"Woo~wu~wu..."
As the sound of horns continued to sound, a large group of people suddenly appeared on the deck of the fleet, which had been quiet just now.
They had not seen land for more than ten days since they last left the island. Although this time is not their longest record, people sailing on the sea will feel inexplicable excitement every time they see land. Even if the front foot leaves and the back foot sees land, it is the same.
"Give the order, let's get closer and see where we are."
Taking a closer look at the coast, Jiang Ming was very satisfied.
When people on the coast saw the huge warship approaching, they were frightened and ran around telling each other.
"Uncle, what are they doing?" The general beside him was confused and turned to ask Jiang Ming.
Jiang Ming smiled slightly and said: "These are Japanese people. The last time I fought with the Marquis of Zhenhai in the Japanese country, they wiped out tens of thousands of them. Maybe they were frightened by the Marquis of Zhenhai. Now look This will happen to us."
The generals looked at Jiang Ming with admiration when they heard that he could control a huge boat and attack thousands of miles, easily destroying cities and countries. This feeling is enough to make the generals tremble with excitement.
"Uncle, do we want it?"
The general's intention was obviously that he wanted to fight these Japanese people again.
Jiang Ming turned to look at him, shook his head and said: "No, the things we are bringing are what Zhenhai Hou Qian Dingzhu Wan told us to bring back. These things are more important than the Japanese, so we still don't want to get into trouble. "
The general nodded when he heard this and stopped talking. He just looked into the Japanese's eyes, which were full of regret. This general's hometown is Zhejiang. He has experienced Japanese invasion since he was a child and has a deep hatred for the Japanese.
If the opportunity was right, he would not hesitate to avenge his hometown elders, but unfortunately now was not the time.
During this time, Han Du stayed with Anqing at home and didn't go anywhere.
Even the news of Jiang Ming's return to Beijing was only known to Han Du the next day after being summoned by Lao Zhu.
Lao Zhu called Han Du in front of him and said with a smile on his face: "Jiang Ming is back, and he also brought back the rubber you asked for. Not only that, he also brought back some saplings. You see, there is rubber now, you are Why don't you build a steam engine quickly so that I can have a good look at it?"
When Han Du heard that Jiang Ming had finally brought the rubber back, he was overjoyed and quickly replied: "Your Majesty, the rubber has made up for the last shortcoming of the steam engine. However, whether this rubber is suitable for use, I still need to try it. I found out later.”
Lao Zhu nodded and did not urge Han Du. After all, he had already waited for so long, so he was not in a hurry.
Han Du continued to ask: "I dare you to ask the emperor what he plans to do with those saplings?"
"Of course, we should plant it as soon as possible. If it can be planted successfully, then if Ming Dynasty needs rubber in the future, there will be no need to travel tens of thousands of miles to get it back." Lao Zhu is still very clear about this.
The land of the Central Plains has been short of what it needs since ancient times. Now that Ming Dynasty is short of rubber, it might as well plant saplings. After more and more are planted, Ming Dynasty will naturally no longer be short.
Han Du quickly raised his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I think it is best to plant this sapling in Nanyang."
"Why is this?" Since rubber is such a good treasure, of course it must be planted in Daming, so that Lao Zhu can rest assured.
Although Nanyang now belongs to the Ming Dynasty, after all, it has just been surrendered not long ago, and there are still a large number of natives there. Lao Zhu was a little worried about planting rubber saplings in Nanyang.
(End of chapter)
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