On a summer afternoon, in the Humble Administrator's Garden, the vegetation was listless, and cicadas were chirping one after another. In the study, Zhao Hong was reading the memorials on the New Deal from various places on Jiangnan East Road, frowning slightly, thoughtfully.
Wealth is the foundation of military affairs. Training troops and good governance cannot be achieved without free money.
This reminded him of a famous saying and truth from later generations:
Money is not everything, but nothing is impossible without money.
The Southern Song Dynasty was poor and weak, had no war horses, civilian officials commanded the troops, and had inherent military deficiencies. Although he "invented" firearms, if the Southern Song Dynasty could not make an economic breakthrough, it would be stuck at best and unable to expand externally.
Without a breakthrough in the economy, there will be no breakthrough in the military. They complement each other and are closely related.
The reality of the proliferation of Huizi in the Southern Song Dynasty (too many banknotes were printed) made him restless, but he had no choice.
Trying to improve a country's economy overnight is tantamount to wishful thinking. Only if the New Deal is fully implemented in all areas of the Song Dynasty can there be a turn for the better.
After the New Deal clarified official administration and implemented economic boundary laws, it took advantage of the general environment to build factories, encourage mining, build roads, bridges and docks, and prosper all industries...
Without ten years of hard work, I'm afraid it won't be effective.
Observing his words, Wang Gang, the envoy of Jiangnan East Road, who was sitting quietly beside him, reminded him softly.
"Your Majesty, next year will be a boundary change. Now that Jiangnan East Road is implementing the new policy, is Your Majesty going to implement a boundary change on Jiangnan East Road?"
Although the back taxes paid by Jiangnan East Road amounted to more than 20 million yuan, it was already insufficient for military training, road construction, and the development of industry and commerce. To solve the problem of the proliferation of banknotes and soaring prices, the New Deal must be implemented throughout the Song Dynasty.
"Changing boundaries can affect the whole body. Changing boundaries on Jiangnan East Road alone may not be enough, and..."
There were too many banknotes on the market, and they were circulated throughout the Song Dynasty. Just one Jiangnan East Road banknote can be recovered, and it is impossible to prevent outsiders from coming in.
"Could it be that His Majesty wants to change borders after implementing the New Deal in the Song Dynasty? Does the imperial court have enough gold, silver and copper coins to back it up?"
Wang Gang understood and continued to ask.
If you want to change the world, you don't have enough reserves, and it's a bit too hasty.
"We don't have hundreds of thousands of coins. Where can we get the reserve? Does it fall from the sky?"
Zhao Hong shook his head and said angrily:
"After the wars in the past few years, the imperial court has been impoverished and the treasury is empty. This is why I first implemented the New Deal on Jiangnan East Road to build a model for a country, and then implemented it throughout the Song Dynasty. Sichuan Road and Liangzhe Road , plus a Jiangnan West Road, will be the top priority of next year’s new policy!”
Sichuan's taxes accounted for 30% of the entire Song Dynasty, and together with the two Zhejiang roads, they accounted for a total of 60%. Next year's new policy will be implemented in Sichuan and Zhejiang Provinces one after another. In addition to Jiangnan West Road, which has a population of over 10 million, if the New Deal is successfully implemented on these three roads, the entire Song Dynasty will survive.
When the time comes to change the world, the predicament of overflowing gossips may completely change!
“Your Majesty’s vision is high and far beyond my reach!”
Wang Gang smiled broadly and complimented Zhao Hong.
Liangzhe Road has a population of more than 2.2 million households, Sichuan Road has more than 2.3 million households, Jiangnan East Road has more than 1 million households, and Jiangnan West Road has more than 2.2 million households, adding up to about 7.8 million households. Calculated as a family of five, the population is 39 million, accounting for More than 60% of the total population of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Sichuan Road, Liangzhe Road, and Jiangnan West Road, the next three roads have large populations. If the New Deal is successfully implemented, the reform of the Song Dynasty will have initial results, and then it only needs to be consolidated and developed.
Sichuan Road in particular not only has a large population and tax contributions, but is also the entrance to the frontier. No wonder it is the focus of the emperor's next step in implementing the New Deal.
"Your Majesty transferred Cui Yu back to Sichuan, probably for the sake of Sichuan's new policy."
Wang Gang couldn't help but ask.
The emperor watched as he took ten steps at a time. Each step was vigorous and thoughtful, which made him secretly amazed.
"I hope I didn't choose the wrong person."
Zhao Hong nodded, his expression solemn.
Cui Yu was just standing in front. To open up the situation, we still need to send Minister Fan Zhong and the Anti-Corruption Branch to come forward, but I'm afraid that won't be enough.
"Sichuan, Sichuan! The foundation of the country is what worries me!"
Zhao Hong murmured to himself, secretly worried.
Ever since the last Sichuan envoy An Bing ran Sichuan, Sichuan's officialdom has been monolithic. Even if Cui Yushang, the later Sichuan envoy, took office, it may not be able to shake the foundation. Not to mention Zheng Sun, who failed more than succeeded.
It seems that there are some things that require the emperor himself to take action in order to change the overall situation.
Wang Gang muttered secretly. The emperor's words spoke to his heart.
The New Deal must not be impatient or hasty for quick results. The emperor did not act rashly and knew how to proceed step by step. Next year's boundary change may be delayed.
But is Sichuan really so important?
"Wang Qing, next year the New Deal will be implemented on Sichuan Road and Liangzhe Road, and Jiangnan East Road will provide officials. It is your duty to do so! You are the one who deserves the most credit!"
Zhao Hong laughed, breaking the dull atmosphere.
The implementation of the New Deal on Jiangnan East Road gave birth to a group of experienced officials, and these officials were seconded to each other to ensure the continued implementation of the New Deal.
"Your Majesty has a far-sighted vision that I cannot match. If other departments need relevant officials, I will do my best!"
Wang Gang sincerely complimented Zhao Hong.
ten thousand years is too long, fight for now. The implementation of the New Deal on Jiangnan East Road has just stabilized, and His Majesty is already thinking about its popularization in the coming year.
He hasn't settled down yet, so the emperor won't transfer him to other jobs, right?
"Wang Qing, your skills in flattering people are beyond my reach."
Zhao Hong made a joke about Wang Gang.
"Jinling is our capital in the Song Dynasty and an important town in the southeast, second only to Lin'an City. The foundation of the country is in the southeast, and the foundation of the southeast is Jiankang. The majestic mountains are the city, the Yangtze River is the pond, and the transportation by boats, cars, and canals is divergent. . Wang Qing continues to sit on Jiangnan East Road and the herdsmen train their troops, so that I can feel at ease."
Although the Jiangnan East Road New Deal is being implemented in an orderly manner, its consolidation in the next few years is also crucial. Without an official like Wang Gang in charge, how could he rest assured?
"I am frightened. I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness in knowing this."
Zhao Hong was kind and had no airs, and Wang Gang became bolder.
"Your Majesty, Sichuan is far away from the southeast. I have heard that Sichuan scholar-officials are xenophobic, especially An Bing, the former Sichuan envoy. It is difficult for court officials to hold important positions and they are often marginalized. Your Majesty's plan to implement the New Deal in Sichuan may not go smoothly. "
"Wang Qing, what else do you know?"
Zhao Hong was startled and asked directly.
The officials sent by the imperial court dared to exclude and act recklessly, and they really regarded Sichuan as their own back garden. What An Bing did was beyond his expectations, and it can be said to be a fool's gall.
In the great Song Dynasty, does Sichuan still want to be independent?
"Your Majesty, An Bing is the former Sichuan Zhizhi envoy. His eldest son An Guizhong is in charge of Sichuan Zhizhi driver Yiwen, and his second son An Gongxing is the transfer envoy of Tongchuan Road in Sichuan. He is from a distinguished family and is extraordinary."
"Wang Qing, keep talking!"
Zhao Hong immediately became interested.
He had heard about Sichuan's officialdom, but he didn't expect that there were so many ways.
"Your Majesty, Wei Gao from Pujiang, another famous family in Sichuan, Wei Liaoweng, the minister of war, Gao Dingzi, the commander-in-chief of the Sichuan Consulate, brother of Wei minister, Gao Taishu, the magistrate of Lizhou, Gao Jia, the magistrate of Mianzhou, etc. Two from Sichuan The largest aristocratic family is difficult to shake. In addition, these families are in conflict with each other..."
There was something in Wang Gang's words, his eyes were playful, and Zhao Hong blurted it out.
"Wang Qing, you and I, monarch and minister, don't hesitate, just say what you have to say!"
In front of state affairs, there is nothing to hide.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Wang Gang cheered up and continued speaking.
"What?"
Zhao Hong couldn't help but be startled.
"Tongchuan Road Transfer Envoy An Gongxing is Wei Shilang's son-in-law?"
The son of An Gongxing, the transfer envoy of Tongchuan Road in Sichuan, who was appointed as the envoy of Sichuan, An Bing, was actually the son-in-law of An Bing, his confidant and minister of the Ministry of War, Wei Liaoweng.
Why didn't Wei Liaoweng talk as endlessly as Wang Gang? It seems that he has never talked to himself about the Sichuan officialdom.
Zhao Hong was subconsciously disappointed.
"Your Majesty, there are rumors that An Gongxing is corrupt, violent, and angry. Your Majesty wants to rectify the government in Sichuan. I'm afraid the first person to be dealt with is this person, or An Jia."
Wang Gang saw Zhao Hong's frown and quickly changed the topic.
"Your Majesty, the Sichuan Wei Gao family are all noble people. As for the Sichuan An family, I only heard about it through hearsay. I am afraid that Cui and Cui Xianggong know the details more clearly than I do. Although Cui Xianggong is an official, Your Majesty still wants to Let him break the monolithic situation in Sichuan, otherwise he alone, even with the assistance of the Anti-Corruption Department, may not be able to influence the overall situation."
Wang Gang's words were serious and thoughtful, and Zhao Hong knew it and nodded appreciatively.
"Wang Gang, I saw you right! You are not only a capable minister, but also a loyal minister. What I want to hear is the truth, the truth!"
Cui Yu stayed in Sichuan for five or six years, and served as an envoy to Sichuan and a high official in Xinjiang. From Cui Yu's mouth, he will naturally learn more. However, Cui Yu was always an outsider, and it was difficult for Sichuan scholar-bureaucrats to return to their hearts.
Perhaps An Gong can be used to make a fuss about corruption and bending the law.
"Your Majesty is so flattering that I cannot bear it!"
With the emperor's approval, Wang Gang boldly spoke again.
"In addition, your Majesty wants to implement the New Deal in Zhejiang and Zhejiang. It is best to transfer officials from outside to the court. The relationship between officials in Lin'an City is intricate, and officials protect each other. Your Majesty makes a holy decision."
Lin'an City is located on Liangzhe Road, at the foot of the emperor. The influence of court officials on Liangzhe Road is huge, so it is best to transfer them from outside.
He knew that the emperor wanted to do great things. If that was the case, why didn't he add fuel to the flames and check for omissions?
"Wang Qing, tell me what you have to say!"
"Your Majesty, the ruling minister Hu Ju is greedy. This person does not need to be a minister. Ge Hong, the minister of the Ministry of punishment, including your majesty's close ministers, the censor Zhongcheng Chen Duanchang, Lin'an governor Wu Jing, etc., may all have flaws. He must be in charge of the new policy of the two Zhejiang roads. , not just officials, but also ministers."
Wang Gang borrowed the word "Zhengchen" from Zhao Hong and said it one by one, which made him feel frightened.
For more than half a year since he took the throne, those upright and sanctimonious ministers, like his teacher and ruling minister Zhen Dexiu, seemed to have not proposed any good ways to govern and strengthen the country.
"Wang Qing, you are a great talent and can be called a national scholar! I know what to do! Please!"
Zhao Hong poured a cup of tea himself and laughed.
Wang Gang was cautious and capable, and he was a minister of the imperial court, but he didn't know why he was not well-known in history.
I don’t know if this has anything to do with him re-employing him and appointing him as the envoy of Jiangnan East Road?
However, Cui Yu arrived at Jinling City to meet the Holy Spirit and had to have a good talk with him.
As for the Liangzhe Road, it is necessary and necessary to send a ruthless person to come over.
After careful calculation, there are many capable people from the famous Wei Gao family in Pujiang, Sichuan. Should we transfer them from Sichuan to Liang Zhejiang? This would not only break the monolithic officialdom in Sichuan, but also open up the situation in Liang Zhejiang. Wouldn't it kill two birds with one stone?
Zhao Hong was thinking a lot, but Wang Gang took the tea, held his hands respectfully and said with a smile:
"Thank you for your compliments, Your Majesty. However, I like to work in the local area, and serving as an official will benefit the country. Speaking of which, I learned a lot of ways of doing things from Your Majesty, which opened my eyes. I thank Your Majesty."
He told the truth. In terms of business development, Zhao Hong can definitely be called his teacher.
Promoting the "economic" development of a place with key "projects", developing five-year plans, etc. are absolutely impressive and impressive.
"Okay! In this case, I will never force it. You and I, the king and my ministers, let's work hard together!"
Zhao Hong laughed, satisfied.
Since this official has a local ambition, let him serve the country and the people well and benefit the country.
