While the "Shang Yang's Reform" held at the gate of Zhengyi City was still in full swing, Li Ran did not stay there for too long because he had more important things to do.
After Li Ran directly handed over the reform at the city gate to Owl Yi, he immediately returned to Ji's home and drove a carriage to the gate of Feng Duan's mansion alone.
At this time, Feng Duan had already heard the movement at the city gate today, and was thinking about "countermeasures", but he did not expect that Li Ran would suddenly visit at this time.
In addition to being surprised, there was also a hint of coldness between Feng Duan's brows that was not easy to detect.
Feng Duan wanted to go out to greet him, but when Li Ran delivered a large box of gifts directly into Feng Duan's house, Feng Duan concluded that Li Ran came with "good intentions". So he felt relieved, and looked at Li Ran who came to visit with a smile and said:
"Oh, what a rare visitor! What a rare visitor!"
"My nephew has been here in Zhengyi for more than a year. I'm afraid this is the first time he's been to Feng Mansion as a guest, right?"
"But, this is..."
Even though he had already guessed what was in the box, he still had to pretend to ask for the sake of face.
Li Ran heard the sound and said quickly:
"What Dr. Boshi said is absolutely true!"
"Li Ran has been in Zhengyi for more than a year, but he has not visited Master Deboshi's house. It is really disrespectful!"
"Therefore, since I am here today, how can I come empty-handed? This is my intention to sacrifice my family. It is really disrespectful. I hope Doctor Boshi will accept it!"
With that said, Li Ran ordered someone to open the box.
The gift is indeed a generous gift. And Li Ran said it very clearly. This gift was given by him as a sacrifice to his family, rather than a political courtesy.
Although Feng Duan saw this gift, he didn't care. After all, as the third person in the Zheng Kingdom, what rare treasures could he not see?
However, these gifts ultimately showed Li Ran's sincerity in wanting to make friends with him. And he himself also intended to make friends with Li Ran, so for him, it was natural that he would not refuse anyone.
"What kind of words are you, my dear nephew!"
"Please come in quickly! Please come in quickly!"
Feng Duan did not refuse the visitor and was very straightforward. He immediately asked his servant to collect the box, and then led Li Ran directly into the living room to sit down.
"Hey, to be honest with my nephew, I have actually wanted to visit my nephew at the Ji Mansion for a long time. However, I am always fettered by many trivial things, which makes me unable to escape!"
After all, Feng Duan had to find some high-sounding reasons to get closer. At least his previous behavior must be explained.
"Furthermore, if the Fumigated Tunnel Alliance that we participated in a few days ago had not benefited from my nephew's mediation and solved this urgent need for me, how could I still be sitting here calmly talking to my nephew now? ?”
Since he accepted Li Ran's generous gift, he had to say something decent.
These words not only expressed gratitude to Li Ran for mediating in the first place, but also hinted that he no longer had the intention to fight with Zichan again. It could be said that he killed two birds with one stone.
After all, he had worked hard in the officialdom of Zheng for many years, and Feng Duan's speaking skills were also extremely superb.
"Haha, the doctor is laughing, but he is just pushing the boat along. The reason why the Xuntun Alliance can be successful, after all, lies in the doctor's sincerity. As for Li Ran, how much credit can he have?"
"Today, everything in our Zhengguo court is peaceful, and it's all thanks to the doctor's ability to understand the general situation. This is really a blessing for the country!"
Of course, Li Ran was not to be outdone and returned the compliment.
The two of them chatted politely for a while, and then Toyodan began to ask insinuatingly:
"I heard that my nephew made a lot of noise at the gate of the city today. Did he do something about moving piles and reducing interest rates? I don't know if this is true or not?"
Li Ran immediately bowed his hands and said:
"The doctor is really well informed."
"It's true."
Feng Duan was startled when he heard the sound and couldn't help but wonder:
"I heard that the money invented by the nephew, although the interest is the source of future profits for the Ji family, but this method is first in and out after all, which is not in line with Ji family's usual style. Therefore, the nephew Isn’t there anyone within the Ji clan who objects to this practice?”
The so-called Zi Qian is to earn interest from loans, just like venture capital in later generations. This is indeed the main way for Zi Qianists to make profits.
However, what Li Ran did now has obviously harmed the interests of the lenders. Therefore, in the eyes of others, this money has now become a transaction in which risks and returns are not equal. In this case, would there be no complaints within the Ji clan?
"The doctor has a clear warning."
"Li Ran and his father-in-law jointly took the lead in the matter of the son's money, and all the funds were borne by the two of us."
"Since we are serving the country and the people, how can we dare to care about the profit? And my father-in-law has always understood the righteousness of the people. My father-in-law has also made it clear that he is bound to do this to benefit the people!"
Yes, the money paid was Li Ran's and Ji Xian's money together, so as long as they didn't say anything, what could the other clan elders say?
Anyway, how much money they can make in the end belongs to Li Ran and Ji Xian. The elders of other clans have not participated yet, so why should they make irresponsible remarks?
Hearing this, Fengduan couldn't help but show a look of surprise on his face, and then praised:
"Well, it is really a blessing for the people to have such a good son-in-law as a nephew!"
"The issue of money will benefit the people. If it can be implemented, our country of Zheng will surely be rich and wealthy and become the richest in the world. This country will be prosperous!"
As he spoke, Feng Duan stood up and bowed to Li Ran.
"Feng Duan is here, on behalf of thousands of people, I would like to thank you for your great righteousness!"
"Oh, I can't do it, I absolutely can't do it!"
Li Ran hurriedly stood up and supported him, with a look of panic on his face.
"However, I have received favors from the State of Zheng. If I am lucky today, how can I not help the State of Zheng in return?"
"Please, doctor, never offend this junior like this."
Li Ran shook his head, his face even more ashamed.
After hearing this, Feng Duan naturally stopped insisting and immediately sat down again.
"The good nephew came to visit today, but I don't know what it is..."
"Oh, that's right."
Entering the main topic, Li Ran's expression changed slightly, and he lowered his voice intentionally and said in a low voice:
"However, I heard that there are many people in Doctor Boshi's fiefdoms who are still quite resistant to Doctor Zichan's new policies, and there are even many malicious slanderers among them!"
"For this reason, Doctor Ran is deeply uneasy!"
"But what has been agreed upon in the court has been so wantonly slandered by these subordinates. If it is spread by the merchants traveling from north to south, how will other countries treat me, the State of Zheng, in the future?"
"Besides, the doctor has also witnessed the matter of my son's money with his own eyes. This is definitely not the intention of Ran and his father-in-law to enrich his own pockets, but he is actually dedicated to serving the people!"
"It's a pity that these subordinates do not understand its meaning and do not realize the benefits of the new policy, so the decree cannot be understood!"
As he said this, Li Ran couldn't help but sigh and look helpless, feeling melancholy for a moment.
But after he said this, Fengduan's face paused slightly, and a faint cunning appeared between his eyebrows.
"What Ziming said is true, but... although Duan has made repeated orders, this matter must not be discussed again. But the people in the feudal city just refuse to obey! Alas, I am also powerless now. "
What he meant by this was that he, Feng Duan, had already conveyed the meaning of Zichan's New Deal, but now the people below didn't believe it themselves, so what could he do about this matter?
This is typical prevarication.
Regarding this, Li Ran was not in a hurry and said without hesitation:
"Therefore, I came here today in the hope that the doctor can teach me through words and deeds and help me sacrifice my clan! If I am lucky enough to receive the doctor's personal instructions, I think these common people will definitely join me."
"What? I'm going to go in person? This..."
"Doctor, don't be anxious, Li Ran hasn't finished speaking yet."
Before Feng Duan could finish speaking, Li Ran immediately interrupted him and continued:
"There are thousands of people in Zheng State. If I only rely on me to sacrifice my family in the future, I will definitely not be able to satisfy these many people."
"In addition, in recent years, more and more refugees have come from all over the world. If we want to resettle them and give them some wasteland to make a living, the money required will be even more complicated."
"So, when the time comes, I would like to invite the doctor and all the ministers to participate in it!"
After all, the only thing that can really move people's hearts is interests.
Li Ran's meaning is very clear. Today, the money is raised by the Ji family, but in the future, if you want to increase the scale, you will still have to rely on the family background of Feng Duan and other officials.
And if this money is managed well, it will obviously be a profitable business. .c0m
So, to Toyoda and others, isn't this just like money falling from the sky?
——
Chapter 195 New Deal, New Atmosphere
In front of the big profit that is visible to the naked eye, even Feng Duan couldn't help but feel a little excited for a moment.
In this era where officials everywhere are harvesting the wool of the common people, it is not surprising that this is the case. But, after all-->>
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How to "wrap wool" is definitely a technical job.
As for today's "Zi Qian", a smart person can tell at a glance that this is definitely an excellent way to harvest the wool without being too embarrassed.
That is to say, it is a policy that is justifiable and beneficial to the people, and it can be carried out in a dignified and high-sounding way, which makes people admire it.
Of course, there is another extremely important reason, and that is that Zichan’s New Deal has already been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people in many other places.
In many of Fengduan's own fiefs, some of the common people also went out to cultivate new fields secretly. In this case, if there is a way to close this loophole, it would be an excellent way!
Although Feng Duan's face was still thinking, deep down in his heart it was as if the river was turning upside down.
After a while, he looked at Li Ran again and asked:
"Has my nephew discussed this matter with Dr. Zichan?"
Although his heart is agitated, his IQ is still there.
How could he, Li Ran, give up such a good thing so easily?
Could there be fraud in this? Could it be another trap set up by Zichan and Li Ran?
Li Ran's wit really made him feel uneasy.
Li Ran heard the sound from the side and knew that this was Feng Duan's fear of him. After they had fought several times, he already had a clear idea of Toyota's thoughts.
"Doctor Boshi, please relax. I, the Ji family, took the lead in the matter of Zi Qian. Now we are preparing to join forces with several other merchants to join in the financing."
"Doctor Zichan only has the power to supervise this matter, but does not have the power to control it. So, why should we discuss this matter with Dr. Zichan?"
This is indeed the case. In the final analysis, Zi Qian is only a spontaneous business transaction among the people. As a minister in power, Zi Chan naturally only has the power to supervise this matter, but how can he control it at will?
You must know that when Zheng Guo was founded, he made an alliance with merchants. Therefore, Zheng's officials really couldn't intervene openly.
Moreover, even if this business may gradually be dominated by senior officials in the future, it is still a commercial behavior after all.
To put it bluntly, as long as there is no forced apportionment and monopoly in this kind of business behavior, there is actually no need for the government to get involved too much.
The reason why Li Ran wanted as many high officials and wealthy merchants to join the game was, on the one hand, to spread as much money as possible, and on the other hand, to prevent the formation of a monopoly.
Hearing what Li Ran said, Feng Duan immediately felt relieved and a smile spread across his face.
"It's so good, haha, it's so good!"
"To be honest with my nephew, I am very optimistic about this man's money. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope that my nephew will not hesitate to teach me!"
"Quite optimistic" means to be ready to enter the game.
After all, when it comes to profitable business, there are few officials in Zheng who are not interested.
"Okay! With Dr. Boshi's words, I feel relieved."
"The implementation of the New Deal is related to the resurgence of the Zheng State, and the issue of money is related to the vital interests of all the officials. Therefore, if Doctor Boshi can help us, why should we, the Zheng State, not be prosperous?!"
Li Ran flattered him again, and his respect was beyond words.
"In that case, I won't bother you anymore, but I still have to go to Dr. Zixi's house..."
"Oh? Is it Si Zixi? Why is my nephew visiting Si Zixi?"
Before Li Ran could finish speaking, Feng Duan couldn't help but frown and asked.
In recent days, Si Hei and him had been having many conflicts, and they had even openly turned against each other in the court. But at this time, Li Ran said in front of him that he was going to visit Si Hei, which naturally made him a little unhappy.
Li Ran heard this and immediately said:
"Of course it's also about money."
"Right now, it's not just the people in Dr. Boshi's fief who know very little about the New Deal. In fact, the same is true for many ministers."
"So, if you want this method to be carried out smoothly...I don't dare not go to Dr. Zixi's side."
After the words fell, Li Ran's face was full of sighs, as if he was helpless about reality and full of worries about the future.
Especially the word "dare not" brought out the uneasiness in his heart to the extreme.
When Rao Shifeng Duan saw this, he couldn't help but snorted coldly:
"That guy Si Zixi has always been stubborn! Humph, if my nephew wants to persuade him, I'm afraid it's hopeless!"
Feng Duan has always kept in mind Si Hei's recent attempts to retaliate against him, so how can he give him a good evaluation now?
The meaning of Feng Duan's words is also quite obvious, that is, he wants Li Ran to know who can really help him in this matter.
At first, he asked Si Dai to recruit Li Ran, and now Li Ran came to visit him. This was a kind of response.
But that Si Hei has always been straightforward and has no sense of worldliness. He has not given you any benefits, Li Ran, so why do you need to put your hot face on your cold butt?
"Thank you, doctor, for your advice. However, I should keep my words and deeds consistent, and I dare not forget the doctor's friendship in helping me."
After hearing Feng Duan's words, Li Ran immediately expressed his attitude.
After hearing this, Feng Duan could only shake his head helplessly, but he couldn't help but think to himself: Anyway, this Li Ran is not my Feng Duan after all, so why should I worry about him?
…
So, after coming out of Fengduan's mansion, Li Ran immediately went to Sihei's mansion again.
However, unlike Lobbying Feng Duan who was perfunctory and full of nonsense, Lobbying Sihei was quite simple.
First of all, on the occasion of the Xuntun Alliance meeting, it was Li Ran who sent someone to report to Si Hei. Just mentioning this incident was enough to make Si Hei "cry with gratitude" to Li Ran.
Secondly, Si Hei himself has no power. Although he occasionally has the blessing of a good hand, his ideas are pure and his routines are simple.
Therefore, it is not difficult to persuade him. The few good-looking maids Li Ran brought are enough.
Therefore, after a brief discussion on Yu Ming's face, Si Hei immediately agreed and promised to follow Li Ran's instructions and spread the news to his own feudal towns to encourage his own feudal clans. The common people tried the New Deal.
Of course, this can also be seen as Sihei's continued show of goodwill to Zichan.
After all, although he is now a minister, he is always ranked at the bottom. Although he is senior, his position is still a dwarf.
In addition, he has completely fallen out with Toyodan, and he is in urgent need of allies.
Since Feng Duan could not be relied upon, Zichan naturally became the only option.
Li Ran knew this very well, but he would not point it out.
…
After going back and forth like this, Li Ran was like a cook trying to untie a cow, opening up all the joints of Zi Qian, and there were no longer any obstacles to Zi Chan's new policy.
Both Feng Duan and Si Hei, on the day after Li Ran came to visit, instructed their governors in various places to start letting the people in the fiefs try Zi Qian and the New Deal.
And this land reform, which was enough to change the entire national destiny of Zheng State, was finally implemented after several twists and turns.
As expected by Li Ran, the elders of the Ji clan immediately figured out the mystery after seeing Li Ran's tricks. As a result, they all changed their oppositional attitudes that day and actively prepared the starting money.
And those "landlords" who have always been the most stubborn, perhaps because of their herd mentality, actually joined in. What's more, some "landowners" even go to the farm themselves in order to "loan" more money.
After all, after losing a large number of tenants, they could only find ways to recruit refugees from various places to enrich their labor force. If you really can't recruit them, you have no choice but to call on the clansmen to go into battle in person.
Therefore, the whole country of Zheng was very lively, and the enthusiasm for farming was also unprecedentedly high.
Of course, whether it is new fields cultivated by ordinary people or "landowners", they will eventually be registered by officials and taxed per acre. Naturally, the office became the biggest winner inexplicably in the end.
And those refugees who fled to Zheng for various other reasons also took on the role of the original "sharecroppers" in large numbers. So, in other words, most of them found their own place of residence as soon as they came to Zheng State.
Such virtuous governance will naturally win a good reputation for Zheng Guo. Therefore, Zichan and Li Ran also became famous for a while because of this vigorous reform.
…
And Li Ran, since the New Deal was launched in full swing, has never rested for a moment.
In order to implement Zi Qian's New Deal, he has personally gone to the countryside several times to learn more about the situation and help the villagers solve their problems.
He even went into battle in person and experienced the joy of working with the villagers together with Ji Le.
The sweat of hard work flowed on his face, but he felt extremely happy in his heart.
He didn't know whether this rather "modern" path could continue to operate in today's era. But at least for now, the situation is quite optimistic.
He sometimes also thinks, if... he can implement this new policy to other places...
While resting in the fields, he also had endless reveries. But he actually knew very well that if he wanted to completely reshape this era from top to bottom, how easy would it be to rely only on this insignificant change?
