With the lessons learned from those before, there are not many merchants in Zhejiang who dare to maliciously lower the price of raw silk.
The price of raw silk has also gradually rebounded, and along with the surge in silk prices, it has gradually reached a peak.
At this moment, in Zhejiang, the Chief Envoy is in the office.
Zheng Michang was sitting behind the desk, listening to the report from his subordinates: "Sir, the price of a pound of raw silk on the market has risen to three to two or five yuan, and the supply is still in short supply!"
"Those loom owners with thousands of looms at home are all rushing to send people to buy raw silk from the people and recruit weavers in large numbers!"
After listening to the report from his subordinates, Zheng Michang waved his hand and said: "Well, I know, you can go down!"
After the subordinate left, Zheng Michang supported his chin with one hand and began to calculate: "Nowadays, the price of silk has been rising all the way. According to the current market price, a piece of high-quality silk can at least Sold for fifteen taels of silver!"
"After excluding the intermediate costs, the profit will be several times higher. Do you want me to take this opportunity to cooperate with the wealthy gentry and build some looms, silk shops, etc.?"
While Zheng Michang was still thinking about this matter, he heard a knock on the door.
Seeing that the thoughts in his mind were interrupted, Zheng Michang frowned slightly, and then ordered: "Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, and the door of the room was pushed open.
Then, a subordinate came in, lowered his head, and reported respectfully: "Your Majesty, Chief Envoy, someone has been sent from the Governor's Mansion!"
After Zheng Michang learned the news from his subordinates, he nodded and said: "Well, I know, let him come in!"
"Yes, sir!"
After the subordinate responded, he quickly left.
Not long after, an official from the Governor's Mansion entered the room under the guidance of a subordinate.
As soon as the official from the Governor's Mansion entered the room, he looked in the direction of Zheng Michang, bowed to him and said, "I have seen the Chief Envoy!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang nodded slightly, then looked at the official of the Governor's Mansion, and asked: "Tell me, why did the governor send you here?"
The official from the Governor's Mansion heard the words and responded without hesitation: "Reporting to the Chief Envoy, the Governor asked me to tell you that I will discuss matters at the Governor's Mansion later!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang nodded and said in response: "Well, please tell the governor and I will be there immediately!"
"Yes, Lord Chief Envoy!"
After the official from the Governor's Mansion left, Zheng Michang looked back, called his subordinates, and said in a deep voice: "Prepare the sedan and go to the Governor's Mansion!"
Ever since he saw Zhao Zhenji's methods, Zheng Michang gradually recognized this, the newly appointed governor-general of Zhejiang Province and governor of Zhejiang Province.
Putting aside everything else, from the fact that Zhao Zhenji was given the right to kill first and report later, it can be seen that his future future is immeasurable.
Maybe, after a few years of local experience, Zhao Zhenji, like Hu Zongxian, will return to the capital to serve.
With the experience of governing local areas and Zhao Zhenji's status as a concubine, it is not difficult to join the cabinet.
Moreover, now that the imperial court's triennial plan is approaching, he, Zheng Michang, still wants to get a good evaluation from Zhao Zhenji!
…
After the sedan stopped at the gate of the Governor's Mansion, Zheng Michang was seen getting down from the sedan. While the guards came in to report, he began to consider the feasibility of the previous idea again.
"Well, after Shen Yishi set himself on fire, the looms and silk shops he left behind were replaced by Mr. Yan Ge and others. Should I start from him?"
At this moment, the guard who had gone in to report quickly came to Zheng Michang, leaned down, and reported respectfully: "Mr. Chief Envoy, you can go in. The Governor is waiting for you in the meeting hall!"
"Oh, I see!"
When Zheng Michang heard this, he responded in an incomprehensible manner and made a gesture to walk into the Governor's Mansion.
At this moment, He Maocai's voice came from not far behind him: "Old Zheng, wait for me!"
Zheng Michang followed the sound and saw He Maocai hurriedly getting off the sedan and waving in his direction.
Then, He Maocai came to Zheng Mi Chang in three steps and two steps at a time, and said breathlessly: "Old...Old Zheng, why are you walking so fast? I...I saw you all the way away!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang stroked his forehead helplessly, and then walked straight to the Governor's Mansion.
"Old Zheng, wait for me!"
Then, Zheng Michang looked away from He Maocai and asked: "By the way, Lao He, how did you handle the case that the governor gave you earlier?"
When He Maocai heard this, a look of confusion appeared on his face, and he turned around and said, "Are you talking about the case of the Yuan family in Jiaxing?"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang nodded, and then said: "Yes, exactly!"
When the words fell, a look of helplessness appeared on He Maocai's face. He sighed and said slowly: "Oh, what else can I do? Just keep dragging it. Anyway, this is what the governor meant!"
Afterwards, Zheng Michang and He Maocai were chatting away and walked into the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion.
The Hangzhou magistrate who was waiting aside saw Zheng Michang and He Maocai arriving. He quickly stood up from his seat and bowed to the two of them.
"I have seen the Chief Envoy and the Inspector!"
Hearing this, Zheng Michang and He Maocai nodded slightly to the official and sat down in their respective seats.
Tongzhi is the deputy position of the prefect, with a rank of five. It is set up according to the situation and has no fixed number of personnel. It is mainly responsible for local salt, grain, poaching, river defense, coastal areas, river engineering, water conservancy and many other aspects of affairs.
Since Ma Ningyuan, the prefect of Hangzhou, committed suicide in prison, the imperial court has not yet sent a new prefect of Hangzhou to take office. Therefore, all affairs of the Hangzhou government are currently handled by the same prefect.
…
Soon after, Zhao Zhenji was seen entering the meeting hall of the Governor's Mansion with steady steps.
Seeing Zhao Zhenji's arrival, everyone stood up from their seats, leaned down, and said in unison: "I have seen the governor!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji glanced at the people present, waved his hands, and ordered: "You don't have to be so polite, sit down, everyone, sit down!"
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After everyone responded, they sat back on their chairs.
After that, I saw Zhao Zhenji sitting at the top. After looking around, he said slowly: "I called you here because I have something extremely important to tell you!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, he paused for a moment and continued: "Not long ago, the imperial concubine Shen gave birth to a son for your majesty. For this reason, your majesty Long Yan was very happy and decided to exempt the people from taxes for one year!"
As soon as Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Zheng Michang could see a look of shock on his face that could not be concealed, and he couldn't help but shout: "What, exempt the people from taxes for a year!"
Zhao Zhenji took in the expression on Zheng Michang's face, nodded, and repeated what he said before: "Well, you heard it right, the imperial court plans to exempt the people from taxes for one year!"
After the news was confirmed, Zheng Michang lowered his head and said silently to himself: "Is the national treasury so full now?"
Zheng Michang has not forgotten that when the treasury was empty, the Chief Envoy under his command could only barely maintain operations.
After all, the amount of money issued by the imperial court for official entertainment was only a pitiful amount. Sometimes, Zheng Michang even had to pay for it out of his own pocket.
Nowadays, perhaps because the national treasury is becoming increasingly abundant, the amount of money issued by the imperial court for official entertainment has increased several times compared to before.
Although the number is still small, it can already support the daily operations of the Chief Envoy without having to pay out of pocket.
In addition, the emperor showed extra mercy and increased the salaries of officials.
Therefore, even if you are the lowest-ranking ninth-rank official, without spending a penny, your monthly salary is enough to support yourself and your family, and you can even have a savings at the end of the year.
Zhao Zhenji seemed to see what Zheng Michang was thinking. He stroked his beard and said with a smile: "When I was still in the capital, I heard that the national treasury was getting richer and richer. The treasury was even expanded because there was too much silver in stock. once!"
When Zhao Zhenji said this, he pondered for a moment, and then continued to add: "If I remember correctly, the expansion of the treasury was personally presided over by Mr. Xu Ge!"
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, the faces of everyone in the meeting hall were filled with shock.
After all, they have been accustomed to living in poverty and breaking a penny in half to spend it.
But suddenly one day, someone told them that the imperial court was rich and even expanded the treasury because there was too much silver in stock. How could this not shock them?
The whole thing is like, suddenly one day, a billionaire comes to you personally and says that you are his long-lost child.
Therefore, faced with this shocking fact, it took everyone some time to fully digest the news.
Seeing that the topic was getting further and further away, Zhao Zhenji coughed twice and brought the topic back on track: "Anyway, your next task is to pass on the news that the imperial court exempts people from taxes for one year, and everyone will listen. do you understand?"
When Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, everyone immediately responded without thinking: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
After that, Zhao Zhenji looked in the direction of Zheng Michang. After pondering for a moment, he asked: "By the way, what is the current price of raw silk on the market?"
When Zheng Michang saw Zhao Zhenji asking him about this matter, he did not dare to hide anything. He immediately told all the information he had received from his subordinates: "Your Majesty, the price of a pound of raw silk in the market has risen to three dollars." Two or five cents, and demand exceeds supply!"
"In addition, those who own looms and machine rooms are recruiting weavers in large numbers to produce silk!"
Zhao Zhenji, who was sitting in the main seat, nodded after listening to Zheng Michang's report and said slowly: "Well, the price of silk is rising all the time. As long as silk can be produced, you can make money!"
Later, Zhao Zhenji saw Zheng Michang hesitating to speak, waved his hand, and asked: "Master Zheng, do you have anything to say to me?"
Seeing this, Zheng Michang nodded and slowly stood up from his seat, with a worried look on his face: "Master Governor, right now, the price of a pound of raw silk has risen to as much as three taels and five cents. Those The mulberry farmers who planted mulberry seedlings before have already made a lot of money!"
"In addition, those weavers who recruit a large number of weavers also offer very high wages. The wages they offer are even more than what ordinary people can earn by growing food for a year!"
"I am worried that not many people will be willing to grow food next year. If this continues, the country may be shaken!"
After hearing Zheng Michang's worries, the expression on Zhao Zhenji's face became solemn. Then, he looked away from Zheng Michang and turned to speak.
"Well, when I come down later, I will report these situations to the court truthfully!"
Seeing that his proposal was accepted by Zhao Zhenji, a flash of excitement appeared on Zheng Mi Chang's face, he leaned down and respectfully responded: "Yes, Lord Governor!"
After that, Zhao Zhenji seemed to suddenly remember something. He looked at He Maocai aside and asked: "By the way, Mr. He, how did you do with the case I assigned you earlier?" ?”
He Maocai heard what Zhao Zhenji said, and after thinking about it for a moment, he stood up from his seat and responded.
"Your Excellency, the Governor, in recent times, the Yuan family in Jiaxing has asked people to entertain me from time to time, and sent me a lot of money. I hope that I can be noble and let Yuan Kui, the young master of the Yuan family, go. I was politely rejected by my officer!”
"At present, the facts of the case have been ascertained, and the witnesses and material evidence are all there. As long as you give the order, the governor, the subordinates can deal with him at any time!"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji looked away from He Maocai, nodded slightly, and then ordered: "Well, let's continue to delay for a while!"
When He Maocai heard this, he immediately looked stern and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
Then, Zhao Zhenji stood up from his seat, faced everyone, and gave instructions: "I still have official business to deal with. If there is nothing else, everyone should leave!"
"As ordered, Lord Governor, I will resign immediately!"
As soon as Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, everyone in the room stood up from their seats one after another and bowed to him.
Soon, everyone left the meeting hall one after another, and then Zhao Zhenji was seen retracting his gaze and walking towards the study of the Governor's Mansion.
Zheng Michang's previous words made him very concerned. After all, the price of silk was rising all the time, and as long as he could participate in it, he could make a lot of money.
Everyone is profit-seeking, and when they see others making money, they can't help but get involved. However, if the people in Zhejiang plant mulberry seedlings, the output of food will be greatly reduced.
When there is a shortage of food, it will be fine in good years, and you can still buy it from neighboring provinces. Once there is any natural or man-made disaster, food prices will skyrocket. If you are not careful then, it will lead to tragedy. You know, Sang You can’t eat the seedlings!
After thinking about this, Zhao Zhenji suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, then sat behind the desk, spread out his paper and pen, and planned to truthfully inform the court about the current situation in Zhejiang.
"Your Majesty, the price of silk has been rising all the time. A piece of high-quality silk can be sold for as much as fifteen taels of silver. The increase in the price of silk has also caused the price of raw silk as a raw material to skyrocket. Now, a pound of raw silk costs The price has reached three to two or five cents!"
"When the common people see the profits from this, they will flock to plant mulberry seedlings. I am worried that there may be a shortage of food in Zhejiang in the future. The imperial court has always implemented a policy of focusing on agriculture and suppressing business..."
When the last word fell, Zhao Zhenji breathed a sigh of relief. After the ink on it was dry, Zhao Zhenji called his subordinates and said in a deep voice: "Send this memorial to the capital immediately without delay!"
When the subordinate heard this, he did not dare to be negligent in the slightest. After solemnly receiving the memorial, he immediately leaned down and responded in a deep voice: "As you command, Lord Governor!"
…
Perhaps because of the approaching triennial plan of the imperial court, after Zheng Michang returned to the Chief Envoy, he immediately sent people to convey the news that the imperial court had decided to exempt the people from taxes for one year.
After this, many policemen appeared in the city and posted notices all over the streets.
After the officers who posted the notices had gone away, some people boldly stepped forward to check the contents of the notices.
"What's written on it? Could it be that the government wants to collect taxes again?"
"Let me take a look too, oh, don't squeeze, don't squeeze!"
After a while, many people gathered at the place where the notice was posted, but most of them were illiterate. Even if there were one or two who were lucky enough to be literate, they could only recognize a few words on it.
Therefore, everyone can only look at me and stare at each other.
Later, the crowd grabbed an old scholar who was passing by and asked him to help him read the contents of the notice.
Surrounded by everyone, the old scholar came to the notice with an arrogant look. When he looked at the notice posted by the government, his face was full of disbelief.
At first, the old scholar thought he had made a mistake and rubbed his eyes in panic.
But when he looked at the notice again, he found that the content on the notice had not changed at all.
Immediately, I saw the old man burst into tears, and fell to his knees on the ground with a plop, crying.
"Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise!"
Seeing that the old scholar was so excited, everyone became more and more curious about the contents of the notice. Then, under the constant urging of everyone, the old scholar read the contents of the notice.
After the old scholar read the contents of the notice, the crowd suddenly fell into dead silence, and no one spoke.
"Is this true? Has the court really decided to exempt taxes for one year?"
"Your Majesty is wise, Your Majesty is wise!"
"With one year's tax exemption, we can have a good year this year!"
At this moment, not far away, I saw a group of official servants playing gongs and drums coming towards me. The leader shouted: "Listen up, everyone. Since your Majesty is happy to have a dragon son, he has issued an edict to exempt you from the crime." A year’s worth of taxes!”
Soon, the news that the imperial court exempted taxes for one year spread throughout Hangzhou at a viral speed.
On the other side, Wangjia Village.
Wang Erzhuang looked at the merchants who came to buy raw silk in an endless stream, with a smile that could not be concealed on his dark face.
In recent times, the price of raw silk has been rising all the way, and now, it has risen to three to two or five yuan!
Just by selling raw silk, Wang Erzhuang made money that he had not been able to make in the past ten years. And after making money, he was much more confident than before.
Not only did he send his son to a private school in the city, he also bought a house in the city. From then on, he was also a city resident!
In addition, he also ordered several clothes for himself and his wife at the best silk shop in the city.
At this moment, Wang Erzhuang was seen gently stroking the silk clothes he was wearing. He looked away from those who were carrying raw silk and said with emotion: "These clothes made of silk are so comfortable to wear. No wonder those rich people All the gentlemen like to wear this kind of clothes!”
Wang Erzhuang was not the only one who got rich. The villagers who planted mulberry seedlings with him in Wangjia Village also got rich.
Before this, the villagers who planted rice seedlings in Wangjia Village had a disdainful and gloating attitude towards those Wang Erzhuang who responded to the government's call to plant mulberry seedlings.
In their view, mulberry seedlings are not edible, so planting mulberry seedlings in response to the government's call is extremely risky. This is undoubtedly a loss-making business!
Therefore, to be on the safe side, the remaining villagers chose to plant rice seedlings.
But now, as Wang Erzhuang and those who had previously planted mulberry seedlings became rich overnight by selling raw silk, the remaining villagers could no longer sit still. After all, this was a living example that happened around them.
Therefore, in recent times, an endless stream of villagers have come to visit with gifts, which makes Wang Erzhuang very bored.
After experiencing unprecedented enjoyment, Wang Erzhuang was eager to make more money. He also wanted to live in a larger mansion like the lords in the city, with people to take care of him on weekdays. Dona has several concubines.
Driven by this idea, Wang Erzhuang found those villagers in the village who planted mulberry seedlings with him to discuss.
The result of the discussion is that everyone joins forces to plant more mulberry seedlings next year and sell them at a higher price.
In recent days, Wang Erzhuang has been communicating with these merchants who came to buy raw silk. In the communication with them, Wang Erzhuang gradually realized something.
Once money is spent, there will be no more money, but if money is used to generate money, then there will be countless money to spend!
Therefore, apart from the necessary expenses such as buying clothes and buying a house, Wang Erzhuang did not enjoy as much as others and buy land.
He plans to use the money he earns to make more money!
(End of chapter)
