Guangzhou Fucheng, Post House
Jia Heng and Chen Xiao returned to the post house, walked into the study, and sat down.
Chen Xiao raised his eyes to look at the young man across from him and said softly: "It is indeed a good idea for you to establish the Customs and Taxation Department. But is Liu Shenzhen able to take on the important task?"
Jia Heng put down the teacup, smiled and said: "He and Uncle Lin are of the same year. Since Uncle Lin strongly recommends him, I guess there is a reason."
The girl is aware of the worries, worrying that if he is busy making wedding dresses for others, these bureaucrats will become his wings.
After pondering for a moment, he said: "Improving the weight of the Shibo Lifting Department shows a public spirit."
"Then the money collected from customs duties will be used to support the Guangdong Navy?" Chen Xiao asked, "If you don't keep it for rectification."
Jia Heng said softly: "It's not time for the Guangdong Navy to rectify their situation."
Returning to the Guangdong Sea, at least he has to wait until the first battle with the Donglu is over. Now that he can leverage the local gentry forces in Jiangnan, he already feels that there are many obstacles and it is not appropriate to make any extra trouble.
When he arrived in Shenjing, he was still the one who defined the importance of the Guangdong Navy. As long as he said that the Guangdong Navy was located in a remote area and the main force of the national struggle was to fight the enemy in the north, then the Guangdong Navy could logically Usher in disarmament.
Wu Tao, the Yuehai Navy, could only rely on him, and this person was originally a subordinate of Duke Xiaorong. He would be free to rectify the Yuehai Navy comprehensively later.
Chen Xiao frowned and said, "There is no guarantee that the governor of Guangdong and the feudal lord will intervene."
Jia Heng said softly: "Don't worry about this, they can't interfere."
Chen Xiao picked up the tea cup, took a sip of tea, and said nothing more.
At this moment, a surprised voice was suddenly heard from behind the bead curtain, saying: "Brother Heng, are you back?"
While he was talking, a girl with a plump face and fair cheeks walked in quickly from outside. Her plump and white face was filled with a smile, and she said, "When did Brother Heng come here?"
Jia Heng looked at the girl with snowy face and jade skin, and rosy cheeks, smiled softly, and said, "Sister Baoqin, I just arrived."
"Is everything going well over there in Haojing?" Baoqin sat down and said softly with concern on his face, "I heard that Brother Heng led his men to fight with the Portuguese."
Jia Heng said: "It went well. We will go to the inn to meet your father later and return to Jinling in a few days."
Xue Baoqin nodded slightly and asked curiously: "Brother Heng went to Haojing, did you see Nona?"
Jia Heng said softly: "Yes, I have seen him, but I am not very familiar with him."
Xue Baoqin said softly: "A few days ago, I wanted to go to Haojing, but Brother Heng didn't allow it before. I don't know how the Hongyi cannon was used to fight the war."
Jia Heng looked at the girl and chuckled: "This journey was bumpy and bumpy, and there were also battles. It was a lot of hard work. Sister Xue, don't think it's just for fun."
Baoqin was not as playful as Xiangyun, but probably out of curiosity, maybe interested in naval battles.
Xue Baoqin nodded and said, "Dad said so too."
"How is your uncle feeling well?" Jia Heng asked with concern.
Bao Qin said: "Dad is getting well over there. Yuan said that he will be leaving soon. I said that Brother Heng will go back to Jinling in a few days. We can go back together. Daddy said that it would be good to go together so that we can have someone to take care of us on the way."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "We will return to Jinling within a few days of staying here."
Xue Baoqin then looked at Chen Xiao, who was holding a tea cup, and said softly: "Sister Xiao, it's almost noon, is it time to cook? I haven't eaten anything cooked by Sister Xiao in the past few days, and I feel like nothing tastes good. ”
A smile appeared between Chen Xiao's eyebrows and he said in a clear voice: "I'll do it for you later."
Jia Heng smiled and said, "You don't want your sister Xiao to rest either. She is very tired from this trip. I will make dinner for you later."
Baoqin lowered his head slightly and said with some embarrassment, "I forgot about it."
While Jia Heng and Bao Qin were talking, the guards from the Jinyi Palace came in and reported, "Sir, the Xue family master and Mr. Xue Biao are here."
Hearing that Jia Heng was back, Xue Jun and his son Xue Biao also came from the inn to visit. While they were talking, the father and son came to the back hall of the post house.
Jia Heng stood up, faced Xue Jun across from him, and said with a smile: "My uncle's face looks much better."
Xue Jun also smiled and said: "I have been recovering a lot with the decoction these past two days. Have you sorted out Ziyu's affairs with Hao Jing?"
The conflict in Haojing cannot even be called a war. The armed conflict in a small area has no special significance as a national war.
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Everything is in place. I said that we will prepare the ship to return to Jinling in the past few days. My uncle has been traveling among the Western Yi countries in the past few years. Have he ever seen any fresh weapons made by the Yi people? For example, firearms Those weapons are stronger than my big man."
"Making utensils?"
Jia Heng said: "It cannot be underestimated. Some things still have merits, such as the advantages of firearms. If it continues to develop like this, it is unknown whether it will become more advanced in the future."
Xue Jun smiled and said: "Firearms are important weapons for the military and the state. How to use them is left to important officials like Ziyu to think about."
As he spoke, he asked curiously: "Today, everyone in Guangzhou is discussing Ziyu's plan to open the sea?"
Jia Heng said: "Opening the sea for trade and rebuilding the Shibo Tiju Division can also be regarded as restoring the ancestral system. The sea was opened for trade during the Taizong and Longzhi years."
Xue Jun twirled his beard under his chin with his hand and said in agreement: "Nowadays, the Western Yi countries have frequent maritime trade, but I, the Han Dynasty, have not done much foreign trade in recent years."
Jia Heng said: "That's what I mean, especially since our country's silk and tea can be sold to the Western Yi in exchange for some special products from the Western Yi."
At this time, China has missed the great voyage and has fallen a big step behind. Now is the time to catch up. For example, when the time comes, Australia can completely overtake it.
Xue Jun nodded and said: "Tea, silk and porcelain are very popular in the Western Yi countries."
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and then said: "When the sea ban is lifted, I would like to invite my uncle to help set up and run a company."
Well, he wanted to set up an ocean-going trading company, not to engage in slave trade, but to help run commerce and continue economic wealth.
Hearing this, Xue Yun looked confused and asked: "Company?"
Jia Heng explained: "Gong means the wealth of several people, and Si means operation. In fact, they are chambers of commerce and firms for engaging in ocean trade. However, the names are different, but the meaning is roughly the same."
Xue Jun has been to many places. If he can help run a chamber of commerce and engage in ocean trade, it will be easier to do whatever he wants to do after he has the financial resources.
Xue Jun was surprised and said: "Ziyu wants to do business."
The leader of the Jia clan in front of him must have had this idea in mind when he opened the sea for business.
Jia Heng said: "Since we are opening up the sea for trade, we need to have contact with the Western Barbarians. It is inconvenient for our country to send officials there, so we can instead use the Chamber of Commerce to go to the oceans to carry out trade and find out the internal details of the Barbarians and Di. This will also make it easier for them to come and go. "
It's hard for him to interfere too much in matters of ocean trade, so it would be best to let in-laws like Xue Yun help manage it.
The matter between him and Baochai will eventually be revealed to the Xue family, and then they will truly be a family.
Xue Yun happily agreed: "This is also a good idea."
Among the four major families of King Jia Shi and Xue, the Xue family's position was originally dependent on the Jia family. Now that Jia Heng has become a popular minister in the court, Xue Jun has no objection.
Bao Qin whispered: "Brother Heng, do you want to do business with dad?"
Jia Heng looked at Bao Qin and said with a smile: "Yes, sister, do you want to come over and help me?"
When Bao Qin heard this, she felt ashamed, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her bright apricot eyes under the willow eyebrows saw the shame, and said: "I don't care much about the family business, just let my brother help you. "
What does it mean if she goes to help?
Jia Heng turned to look at Xue Biao and said to Xue Jun: "Uncle, will my cousin take the imperial examination or do business in the future?"
Since Xue Jun helped him with his maritime trade business, he would reciprocate the favor and help Xue Jun advance in his official career.
Seeing the mention of his son, Xue Jun looked at Xue Biao and said: "I think both the imperial examination and business are fine, but the two rankings are not that easy to pass. It is also good to wait for two years and take over the clan's business. "
Jia Heng chuckled and said, "That's fine, but with the reputation of being a candidate, it's cheaper to go out and do things. I think with my cousin's literary heart, it will be easy to win the imperial examination. Even if he is a Jinshi, he will have a chance."
The Xue family originally started as an imperial merchant, but Xue Jun traveled extensively and visited many countries. He had an open mind and obviously did not regard merchants as a despicable profession.
But hoping that his son will become a successful man may not fail to make his son's career in the imperial examinations progress.
Sure enough, after hearing Jia Heng's words, Xue Jun said softly: "Those Jinshi are all Wenqu stars in the sky. If they are not so easy to pass the exam, I don't have any hope."
Their ancestors were also descended from Ziweishe, but when it came to their brothers' generation, they failed despite repeated attempts and simply took over the family's imperial business.
Several people talked, and in the evening, they gathered together to have dinner.
Jia Heng finished dinner and escorted Xue Jun and Xue Biao and his son out of the post house. He had just returned to the flower hall to sit down and heard about the visit of Guangdong General Wu Tao.
After a previous military conflict in Haojing, although the Guangdong Navy Division suffered many casualties, it maintained its reputation in front of Jia Heng, the Minister of Military and Aircraft.
Jia Heng walked to the flower hall and saw General Wu Tao of Guangdong sitting on a wooden chair with a black backrest in the brightly lit hall. There was a smile on his round, fat face. He stood up and held his hands. He said: "I have met Uncle Yongning before."
Jia Heng looked at Wu Tao and said in a gentle tone: "General Wu does not need to be polite. This battle with Hao Jing will enhance the prestige of our country. General Wu and all the navy generals have worked hard."
Wu Tao hurriedly said humbly that he didn't dare, but judging from the unconcealed joy on his face, it was obvious that Jia Heng's words were very useful.
The two sat down to talk again.
Wu Tao cast his eyes eagerly and asked with a smile: "I heard that Uncle Yongning will return to Aurous Hill recently."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "Now that the Hao Jing matter has come to an end, there is no point in staying here any longer. There are still a lot of military affairs waiting for me to handle in the Jiangnan Camp."
This time he returned not only with cannons, but also with Portuguese craftsmen and family members. These people first settled in Jinling, then took a boat to the north of Shenjing to produce fire cannons, and then installed them as soon as possible in Guoyong camp. Machine camp.
If the Jurchens lead troops to invade the border again, then the Beijing camp will definitely have to raise its troops to the north. The time left for him... is running out.
Wu Tao said: "The official also said that he would invite Uncle Yongning to stay in Guangdong for a few more days and have a good look around. Since Uncle Yongning is involved in military affairs, I have no choice but to give up."
"I'm busy with military affairs, and I don't have time to wander around." Jia Heng nodded, looked at Wu Tao who was about to speak, and asked, "General Wu, you might as well speak up if you have something to say."
"Everyone in Guangzhou is discussing the opening of the sea for trade. I heard that the reason was that Yong Ningbo sent a memorandum to the central government. I wonder how Yong Ningbo planned the opening of the sea?" Wu Tao asked tentatively, as if he was worried about the other party. The young dignitary had a misunderstanding and explained: "With the opening of the sea for trade, pirates and merchants will rise together, so our navy in Guangdong can respond and take precautions in advance."
The young man in front of me was a high official in the imperial court, and he proposed to open the sea, so he probably already knew the economic matters well.
Jia Heng held up the tea cup in his hand and said softly: "Waiting for the imperial decree in the past few days, if everything goes well, the Guangdong Navy, I mean to dispatch a group of elite soldiers and strong generals to the Customs and Taxation Department. I will I will choose it myself.”
He doesn't have the energy to organize the Guangdong Navy now, but no matter how busy he is in the Customs and Taxation Department, he still has to promote some people.
Wu Tao's eyes flashed and he asked, "What does Uncle Yongning mean by customs?"
Customs and Excise Department? What's going on? Opened a new office?
Jia Heng pondered and said: "The Yamen responsible for opening up the sea and collecting taxes has more authority than the Municipal Ship Tribunal. In the past few days, I will have people conduct a comprehensive inspection of the generals of the Guangdong Navy and the Guangdong Dusi Guards Station, and select honest and upright generals." , placed under the Customs to assist in anti-smuggling operations.”
After Wu Tao heard this, he understood the role of this customs office. It seemed to be more powerful than the Shibo Lisi Department. He said, "Uncle Yongning, is this customs office under the jurisdiction of the governor's office or the chief secretary?"
Judging from this, Uncle Yongning did not intend to simply hand over the Shiboti Judicial Division to him and the Guangdong Navy.
Originally, what the Guangdong Navy general thought was that once he obtained the power to arrest smugglers and robbers, with the strength of the Guangdong Navy, wouldn't the city ship division be at his disposal? The original intention was to take back all the initiative from the Chief Secretary.
But now another yamen has been added, and the official rank is probably not low.
Jia Heng said: "The imperial court may still be discussing this matter. I don't know what to do yet. General Wu need not worry too much. The customs money promised to be allocated to the Guangdong Navy will not be short. The imperial court will definitely pay attention to the Guangdong Navy in the future." It will be put to great use, and General Wu’s training and supervision of the Guangdong Navy must not be slackened in the future.”
Seeing such vague words, Wu Tao had some doubts in his heart, but he still said with determination: "Don't worry, Uncle Yongning, the Guangdong navy only relaxed after a long period of peace. Now that the court has said that it will move, Then we won’t disappoint the court.”
Jia Heng nodded and said: "The ships that were sunk due to the war before should be imported into sailing ships. They should be purchased with money. Don't be vague. There are also pensions for the fallen officers and soldiers in this naval battle. General Wu has ordered people to deliver them in the past two days." Come over and make a book so that I can report it to the court."
"Thank you, Uncle Yongning." Wu Tao nodded, and after listening, he said his goodbyes and left.
After sending Wu Tao away, Jia Heng returned to the study in the back hall, where he saw a bright and bright study, with girls in a green skirt and a red skirt sitting opposite each other, talking.
Jia Heng asked: "What are you two talking about, so eager?"
Bao Qin looked at Jia Heng, with a look of joy on his white jade face, and said: "Brother Heng, I asked Sister Xiao for advice on cooking skills, and Sister Xiao has agreed to teach me."
Jia Heng smiled and said, "That's good. Sister Baoqin will learn cooking from your sister Xiao. Whoever marries Sister Xue in the future will be blessed."
Baoqin: "..."
Is Brother Heng talking about her or Sister Xiao?
At this time, Chen Xiao looked at Jia Heng with bright eyes under Liu Ye's slender eyebrows. There seemed to be a few clusters of orange candlelight dancing. His voice, which was originally as cold as melting ice and snow, became a little softer and asked: "Is Wu Tao gone?"
Jia Heng sat down and said: "He has left. He came here to intervene in the opening of the sea. It won't be long before he understands what he is doing."
As long as the customs is established and a group of Guangdong navy is assigned to patrol maritime affairs, it will not be long before the customs becomes an independent paramilitary force. It will not be easy for the original Guangdong navy to continue armed smuggling.
Moreover, the 30% of the tribute tax paid through the customs was also a means for him to gradually control the Guangdong Navy. If Wu Tao colluded with his generals to smuggle armed forces, then it would be the time to rectify the Guangdong Navy.
Chen Xiao said: "That's fine."
She also understood the importance of this matter now, and her cousin was indeed very scheming.
Xue Baoqin listened to the two people talking, Shuixing's bright eyes under Cuiyu's dark eyebrows blinked, pinched the handkerchief, and felt a little confused.
Time flies, and six days pass before you know it.
Regarding the opening of sea trade and the establishment of a customs and taxation branch, the imperial edict was also sent to Guangzhou by express delivery from the central center for 600 miles. Under the spotlight, the details were revealed. The general idea was to prepare for the establishment of a customs and taxation branch, with the Chief Secretary of Guangdong participating in politics. Liu Xiaoyuan was granted the title of Censor of the Capital, recruited a staff, and was stationed in the Fucheng office of Guangzhou. The former Municipal Bureau of Transport was appointed to be responsible for taxation.
The Minister of Military Aircraft and Yongning Bojiaheng allocated elite soldiers and generals from the Guangdong Navy to form a tax police and maritime surveillance department for dispatch by the tax branch to arrest smuggling and theft.
Governor's Yamen
Zhou Zao's hand holding the official document trembled slightly, his face was livid, his eyes were cold, and he said: "What a great Uncle Yong Ning! This is starting a new business in Guangdong!"
The establishment of a customs and taxation branch, under the political control of the Guangdong vassal, and the addition of the title of capital censor, will completely monopolize the fat sea trade, and they will not get any profit or water.
Where to put him, a great official in the border area?
He said that Uncle Yongning had not come to look for him in the past few days.
Seeing that Zhou Zao's face was not good-looking, Master Liang quickly persuaded him: "Dong Weng, please calm down. Uncle Yongning didn't stay for long. I heard that the Yi people brought from Haojing and their families got on the ship and loaded a batch of junk." He is in rags and ready to return to Jinling. When he leaves, we will put out lanterns for our nephew, as usual."
Zhou Zao snorted coldly, suppressed the anger in his heart, and asked: "What do the Yuehai Navy think?"
"The Guangdong Navy has just fought a battle with Hao Jing, and everyone is preparing to take advantage of Jia's influence to ask for credit and flattery." Chief Liang said softly: "Now 30% of the tax money is used to provide soldiers' pay for the Guangdong Navy. These soldiers all admire Uncle Yongning."
Zhou Zao's eyes were dark and he said: "I am the governor who is also in charge of food and wages! The Guangdong Haihai Division allocates silver from the customs, does it not use the vassal's silver?"
Chief Liang advised tactfully: "Dong Weng, I didn't say that. The Guangdong vassal is still coordinating part of it. Now that we are using the navy to fight the Donglu, it seems to have become the general trend of the country. Shunchang will perish."
"What a whim! Leading ships and troops on expeditions, but the Jurchens are not fools. As long as they send a partial army to stop them, they will be in trouble. How many times in the Sui and Tang Dynasties did the land and water troops invade, and how many troops were sent to Goguryeo? How many times did they succeed?"
Chief Liang lowered his voice and said: "Dong Weng, he is now the Minister of Military and Aircraft, and he decides the political strategy. Who can stop this before it is completely defeated?"
Zhou Zao's face was as solid as iron, and he said quietly: "There are no heroes in the world, so I only made Shuzi famous!"
A young man who is not as good as a weakling is sitting on the throne and deciding national affairs, but a good minister like him is living in Guangdong Province. It is so unclear how to appoint someone.
Seeing that Zhou Zao's eyes were gloomy and uncertain, Master Liang couldn't persuade him any more.
(End of chapter)
