"For now, remember your heart."
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, slowly put the letter into the envelope, and then stuffed it into his arms.
Then, he stood up, looked at a clerk, and asked, "What do these other carriages look like?"
The waiter said: "Mr. Huang, if you want to see it, you can go there. The carriages are connected to each other, and you can walk from beginning to end."
"Okay, let's go take a look."
"Okay, Mr. Huang, you go with me."
Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, and the man led the way.
Then someone opened the door between the carriages and took Zhu Yuanzhang along to introduce each carriage.
The waiter said: "Mr. Huang, this is a VIP carriage. You need to apply for an annual pass to enter. The cost of each carriage is one tael of silver. Although the price is expensive, compared to a carriage, raising a few horses requires artificial fodder every year. The cost is pretty cheap.”
Zhu Yuanzhang walked along the road and looked at the carriages around him.
This carriage is different from the Tianzi carriage that I just sat in. Instead, it is divided into soft seats, and there is a small table in front of each seat.
Most of them were businessmen wearing silk and satin, sipping tea.
"It seems that Li Xiao has canceled the rule that the merchants we arranged are not allowed to wear silk. He is trying to encourage consumption. I heard Gao Chi say that the more you consume, the richer you will be. This is also Li Xiao's philosophy," Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself.
Zhu Yuanzhang stipulated that people could wear silk and satin, but merchants were not allowed to wear silk.
But in fact, ordinary people couldn't afford it, and businessmen had money but couldn't.
Previously, it was to suppress the status of businessmen and prevent everyone from wanting to do business.
If you look at it according to Li Xiao's thoughts, there is indeed something wrong with his rule.
Just as I was thinking about it, I came to the remaining carriages.
The clerk continued to explain patiently: "Mr. Huang, all the remaining carriages are ordinary carriages. They cost one penny a trip and are great value for money. People who want to go shopping in the city or go to work mainly take this trip. trains. Soon our route will be extended. And once the track is built further, freight trains will also be operational."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly.
Being able to get to Peiping quickly for just one penny is indeed worth it. After all, people travel by themselves, and the journey is long, and they may encounter dangers such as bandits and thieves along the way.
There are more people in the remaining carriages, and the seats are more densely packed, mostly ordinary people.
Zhu Yuanzhang discovered with sharp eyes that many people now wore silk, and even cloth clothes were of good quality.
Moreover, the faces of these people did not have the old rustic look of facing the loess and back to the sky, and their mental outlook seemed to have become very different. Zhu Yuanzhang could not help but prick up his ears to listen to what they were talking about.
"Aunt Zhang, your silk is beautiful. Where did you buy it?"
"Haha, I bought this at Zhangji Clothing Store last month. It was a big deal, with a 20% discount. This piece of clothing only cost twenty taels of silver. Look at the material and feel it."
"That's great. When you get to Peking, you can take me to see it too. My daughter is getting married next month. I want to pick out some clothes for her as a dowry."
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly. It seemed that the people's life was indeed getting better.
You can buy silk clothes when the price is two taels lower, and the people are rich and are willing to buy silk clothes for two taels a piece.
"Hey, isn't this Zhao Erlang? Why are you going to Peking?"
"Didn't I go to Beiping Middle School not long ago to interview as an arithmetic tutor? We went there and gave it a try, and got the job as a middle school tutor. This time we went to take up the position."
"Young master in middle school, your salary is not low, right? After the reform in Beiping, your ancestral arithmetic knowledge has been put to use."
"Hey, the treatment is really good. I have a monthly salary of ten taels. I heard that there are also various white sugar, brown sugar, white wine and other benefits during the holidays. I didn't expect that my ancestral skills can only be used as an abacus. Now I can I owe this job to Mr. Li Qingtian."
"Hey, I envy you. Unlike the Confucianism I studied, even the imperial examination has been canceled in Peking, and vernacular literature is vigorously promoted. This ability is considered useless, hey."
"The times are changing. With your talent, you can try to write in vernacular. Your literary talent will definitely be good. You can also take the provincial examination and become an official in the Beiping Prefecture. If that doesn't work, you can also apply for a middle school Chinese teacher. The salary of a wife in Peiping is better than that of an official in the imperial court."
"Yes, times have changed and you have to adapt. To be honest, I have been reviewing the vernacular and the content of the official exam at home for more than half a year. This time I am going to Peking to take the provincial exam. If I fail, I plan to go to a middle school to try. Lucky for you, it would be nice to be a wife like you."
"Haha, it turns out that Brother Lin had a plan for a long time. This is very good. I wish you high school and work as an errand in the Peking Yamen. Your salary will be several times better than that of the errand of the imperial court."
Two young people were talking about their future.
Naturally, Zhu Yuanzhang heard it.
Zhu Yuanzhang finally understood. Did Li Xiao directly destroy the imperial examination system?
Hey, I didn’t ask Li Xiao to change the imperial examination, why did he cancel it?
Is this so-called provincial examination just an imperial examination specifically for officials?
What kind of college is this middle school? It also teaches arithmetic?
Is it better to be a master in Peiping than to be a servant in the imperial court?
Zhu Yuanzhang didn't think too clearly and decided to go to Peking to find out more.
After wandering around for a few more times, Zhu Yuanzhang discovered that some were looking for a future, some were going to work, and some were going shopping, all of which were different.
In short, the people on this car seemed to be in high spirits, with energetic faces, and they were all enjoying life.
You can never see this in other places.
People in other places, under their own systems, live on only one-third of an acre of their own land from birth to death. They live in disgrace and can see the end of their lives at a glance.
Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang always felt that everyone would be safe this way.
Could it be said that this is the prosperous age in Li Xiao's mind, where everyone is full of hope for the future?
Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but think of this idea.
"Okay, let's go back."
Zhu Yuanzhang gave an order and returned to his carriage again.
After returning to the Tianzi carriage, he looked at Zhang Tiezhu and waved: "Tiezhu, what did you do before?"
In his opinion, only farmers would take the name Zhang Tiezhu.
This person was definitely not a wealthy businessman before.
Tie Zhu said with a simple and honest smile: "Back to Mr. Huang, when I was young, I used to farm and raise chickens. I know some skills on how to raise chickens."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Why have you become rich now?"
Tiezhu replied truthfully: "Five years ago, there was a company in the district that suddenly raised a kind of white-feathered chickens. I asked my little one to help take care of them. This kind of chickens is really strange. It can be out of the cage in sixty days and grow. It’s big and fat, and the price of the chicken will soon go down, and people can afford it.”
"What?? Sixty days to get out of the cage??"
Zhu Yuanzhang was surprised and said, "Is this true?"
No wonder the price of chicken has dropped. It turns out there is a type of poultry that grows meat quickly.
"of course it's true."
Tie Zhu nodded: "Nowadays, what people can eat most is chicken. Mr. Huang, haven't you noticed? Now this Peiping native has a rosy complexion, is in good spirits, and has fewer illnesses, just because he can often get meat." Caused by.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly realized.
No wonder I just went to other carriages and saw that the people were in good spirits, and one of the reasons was that they often had meat to eat.
Zhu Yuanzhang knew this well. People who often eat meat are in better health than people who cannot eat meat. There is no doubt that! !
"Go on!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood.
"okay."
Zhang Tiezhu said with a smile: "A year later, wasn't the first Ming Dynasty Entrepreneurship Training Base held, and it was announced in the newspaper.
It is said to be free study. After successful graduation, you can get a loan from Daming Bank.
Didn't the little one want to know some skills in raising chickens? He also learned it at this large chicken farm, so he went to participate.
After successfully graduating, I borrowed a hundred taels of silver as capital and opened a small chicken farm. Unexpectedly, the people's lives also improved. The chicken farm business was booming and grew bigger and bigger.
Now I have some wealth. I am really grateful to the reforms brought about by the prefect, so that I, a farmer, have encountered good times, and I am where I am today."
Having said this,
There was a smile on Zhang Tiezhu's face, a smile of satisfaction.
Zhu Yuanzhang finally understood that this was the history of a counterattack by a small man. He seized the opportunity, turned over from a farmer, and made money.
But it’s not too bad. With that large chicken farm and white-feathered chickens, the people also benefited from eating cheap chicken.
"Can you tell me how much silver you can earn in a year?"
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly asked.
"this"
Zhang Tiezhu hesitated for a while and then said: "You are a distinguished guest of Magistrate Li. There is nothing I can't say. After excluding the salary of the chicken farm workers, you can make a profit of 10,000 taels of silver every year."
"What!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned. Can a chicken farmer earn 10,000 taels of silver a year? ? ?
How many chickens do you need to raise? ? ?
Zhang Tiezhu hurriedly explained: "What we sell is not expensive, but we produce a lot. These white-feathered chickens grow meat quickly and come out of the cage quickly. Hundreds of thousands of chickens are released from the cage every year. On average, each person in Peiping eats one chicken every five days." A chicken.”
After finishing speaking, he said humbly: "By the way. In fact, after paying the business tax, it's not much, it's better than ordinary people, haha."
"I see. This is chicken that everyone can eat."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slowly, suddenly realized something, and said: "You just talked about commercial tax, how much is the commercial tax?"
Zhang Tiezhu said: "The business tax is high. For the profit of 10,000 taels of silver, we have to pay 5,000 taels of silver. In addition to our large scale, we also borrowed money from Daming Bank to expand our business. We pay taxes every year and repay the bank's interest." , I only got three thousand taels of silver."
"Five thousand taels of silver tax??"
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly realized it again! !
He probably understood that education in Peiping would be free, soldiers would be given subsidies, and the number of staff in the government offices would be increased. These expenses would be very large.
For this kind of expenditure, all taxes such as poll tax and land tax are exempted.
He has never figured out where this huge expenditure comes from? ? ? ?
But now, Zhu Yuanzhang finally understood where Beiping Mansion's huge expenses came from! !
Most of it probably comes from commercial taxes! !
The commercial tax in the Ming Dynasty was thirty tax per person.
That is to say, a businessman can only collect one tael of tax if he earns thirty taels.
As for Beiping, this is 50% tax! !
It took away half of the merchant's profits and used them for government expenses!
At this time, all Zhu Yuanzhang's doubts were easily solved, and everything was clear at once! !
No wonder Li Xiao was able to do so many drastic things, it was all because of this!
Increasing commercial taxes has always been something Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to do, but he has never been able to do it, unable to implement it, and unable to collect it at all.
Not only is it a problem to collect!
Increasing commercial taxes will also lead to collective protests by businessmen, and they will exploit the people even more, causing Zhu Yuanzhang to fail in increasing commercial taxes many times.
Li Xiao, Li Xiao, you are not simple.
Not only did you accomplish what we have always wanted to do, but you even did it better, and directly took away half of the merchant's profits. You are more ruthless than us!
Businessmen are meant to earn money from the people.
It should be taken from the people and used by the people!
Okay, great! !
Zhu Yuanzhang asked excitedly, "Is the tax rate for all merchants the same as 10% tax and 50% tax?"
Zhang Tiezhu explained: "No, small merchants and hawkers do not collect business tax. Only larger merchants do. It is also divided according to grades. For small businesses, if the profit reaches 10,000 taels, it is the highest standard. Ten taxes five."
"I see."
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and nodded.
Small businessmen and hawkers are actually equal to the people, not businessmen.
When such people collect taxes, there are too many people and it is difficult to collect them.
The second one is that they are just supporting their families.
During the conversation,
The train whistle sounded "wuwuwu".
Unknowingly, we have reached Peiping.
Zhang Tiezhu reminded: "Master Huang, we are now in Peiping."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said: "Zhang Tiezhu, look at your pocket watch. How long has it been used?"
Zhang Tiezhu took out his pocket watch and saw that the departure time was nine o'clock and it was now ten o'clock.
He smiled and said: "Master Huang, one hour, that is, half an hour."
"It's half an hour so fast."
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang fell in love with this iron knot even more. The journey was almost 150 miles.
Even if Beiping has paved asphalt roads, it will take six or seven hours to reach Bieping by horse-drawn carriage without stopping. By the time we reach Beiping, it will be dark.
And this train only took half an hour to arrive, and it stopped for a while in Daxing Town. If it had not stopped, it would have been faster!
"Okay, Erhu, let's get off the car and go to Beiping City to have a look!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood, got up excitedly, and walked out of the car.
Seeing that Mr. Huang had no intention of keeping him, Zhang Tiezhu also knew how to measure his position and cupped his hands and said: "Mr. Huang, please go slowly. Please contact me if you need anything."
Although I don’t know the identity of this old man, but he can be called the number one VIP in the sky, how can he be a simple person? ?
After getting off the train, I was kindly escorted out of the train station by the train station clerk.
Zhu Yuanzhang discovered that there were many carriages parked outside the train station. These were not private carriages, but carriages used to solicit business.
"Let's go to Peiping. Let's go to Peiping. It's twenty cents for a carpool and one cent for a chartered car."
"There's still one left to go to Peiping."
"You two gentlemen, are you going to Peiping? Come and take my car. I'll drive safely."
Because the train station is outside the city and still a long way from Beiping City, there are many carriage drivers here to solicit customers.
Zhu Yuanzhang saw that many people were willing to spend money to ride to Peiping.
Only a few choose to walk.
The world in Beiping is changing with each passing day, which is surprising.
Carriages are generally private, so Daming is probably the only one in the world that is provided for others to use.
The life of the people of Peiping has indeed improved, and now they can all ride on carriages!
There are places to spend money everywhere, but there are also many ways to make money.
At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking to himself, this money is indeed circulating very fast. In this theory, Zhu Gaochi said that Li Xiaoti said that the more money flows, the better people's lives will be.
Li Xiao, Li Xiao, how did you develop such a brain and know so much? I really want to open your brain and see what's inside.
"Private a car."
Erhu took out a silver note and handed it to an empty carriage.
"okay."
Under Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze, the carriage driver accepted the Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes without hesitation, which shows that the treasure banknotes were indeed recognized by the people!
After getting on the carriage, the carriage drove towards Beiping City.
Not long after, they arrived at the foot of Beiping City.
Huo!
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes immediately lit up.
I remember the last time I came to Peking was more than ten years ago.
Now this is Peiping.
Why is this city wall so high? !
It was different, it was really different. The material on the city wall was very neat. Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but walked over and touched it. It was hard, very hard!
Erhu hurriedly asked the people passing by around him. There was an endless stream of people entering and leaving the city gate, one after another.
Faced with Erhu's question, the native of Beiping City who was asked said with a smile: "This city wall has been demolished and re-widened a long time ago. Now the area of Beiping City is more than double that of before. The city wall is made of reinforced concrete." Even a cannon cannot break through the soil."
"What? Beiping City has doubled in size??"
Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely surprised.
It's only been five years, how can you actually achieve this?
How much labor will be required to re-expand it in a short period of time? Will it arouse public outrage like the canal dug by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty?
Oh, by the way, Li Xiao has canceled his labor service now.
I'm afraid they were all contracted to build by businessmen.
Could it be said that this method can improve efficiency?
Will it not cause complaints from the people?
"Erhu, try smashing this city wall."
Zhu Yuanzhang ordered, he felt that the city wall felt very hard to the touch!
Ancient city walls were made of stones, bricks, soil, wood, glutinous rice paste and other materials. They are easily peeled off by wind and sun, and often require maintenance.
Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the surface of the city wall was as hard as stone.
I just don’t know what the internal structure is.
"It's Mr. Huang."
Erhu nodded, took out a hammer from his sleeve, and hit the city wall hard.
He was so strong that on the fifth blow, the wooden handle of the hammer broke and the hammer head flew out. The city wall was fine, but some of its skin fell off.
"Mr. Huang, this wall is hard."
"Ah, who the hell did this?"
While Erhu was talking, a scream came from the distance.
Apparently the hammer flew out and hit the person on the head.
The man covered his bleeding head, looked around, and saw Erhu running towards him with a broken piece of wood in his hand.
"Committing a murder on the street, come on, follow me to the watchman's office!"
"Brother, do you think this money is enough for the doctor?"
Erhu thought to himself that he was wrong, and hurriedly took out twenty taels of Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes and handed them over. Anyway, this money can be reimbursed later by Zhu Yuanzhang. He was the one who ordered the wall to be smashed.
"You can't hurt people casually even if you have money."
The man looked at the twenty taels of silver and his voice became softer.
Erhu took out another twenty taels and said, "Look, buy some more supplements."
The man smashed it, took the forty taels, and whispered: "Be careful next time."
Then he took the money and left in a hurry, probably to see the doctor.
Sure enough, money can make the world go round, and this is an eternal truth no matter where it is.
"Mr. Huang, this wall is hard."
Erhu said what he had not finished just now.
"Who, who destroyed public property???"
Before he finished speaking, a few more watchmen came and looked at the wall.
Good guy, the skin of the city wall was hammered off.
The gong shouted: "Destroying public property will result in a fine of ten taels."
Helpless, Erhu had to take out another ten taels of silver to settle the matter.
Then he said: "Master Huang, this wall."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand: "Stop talking, we can see that this wall is indeed strong! But the watchman seems to be everywhere. How many watchmen are there in Peiping?"
Public security has always been a concern for Ming Dynasty. People often find their bodies lying on the streets and dumped in the wilderness, but the murderer cannot be found out.
There are not enough manpower!
Zhu Yuanzhang once wanted to strengthen public security and increase the number of people in the yamen squad room.
But because the treasury does not allow it, it cannot be done.
Now that I see it, there are watchmen everywhere in Peiping. The security here is probably very good!
"With such good public security, the people can live their lives with peace of mind."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and walked towards the city with his hands behind his back.
Soon, he was stopped by the soldiers guarding the city.
Required to register floating population.
Ever since, Zhu Yuanzhang went to register in a temporary shed nearby.
The staff in this small shed are the dormitory staff of the dormitory area in Beiping City.
In this small shed, there were many people queuing up, a long queue.
Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself, maybe the population from other prefectures have flowed into Peiping, right? ?
A quarter of an hour later,
Finally it was Zhu Yuanzhang's turn.
When Huang Ba's identity was revealed, there was another surprise.
The room attendant in charge of registration stood up in surprise, stared at Zhu Yuanzhang and said respectfully:
"It turns out to be Mr. Huang, the most distinguished guest in the world!"
"You are the most important guest of the magistrate of Beiping City."
"Wait a moment and go to the Yamen immediately to get you the most noble Supreme Gold Card."
Another dormitory member immediately pedaled a bicycle with a large 28-bar handlebar and ran very fast.
Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned by this.
That strange thing with two wheels, with just two feet kicking, can actually support people running without falling down? ?
Amazing, so fucking amazing!
Of course, it’s still far behind the train.
Not long after, the boy came back, holding an exquisite wooden box in his hand, and bowed and respectfully presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang.
"Mr. Huang, this is the supreme gold card that is used throughout the city."
"If you hold this card and make purchases at any larger merchants in Peiping, the bill will be charged directly to Master Li, the prefect."
Zhu Yuanzhang took the box and opened it.
Inside this exquisite box, lying quietly is an exquisite card made of pure gold, golden!
It is carved with magnificent images of mountains and rivers.
This made Zhu Yuanzhang feel very comfortable.
This Li Xiao has always been thinking about us, and his arrangements are quite thoughtful.
"By the way, who else owns this Supreme Gold Card?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.
"This is the only one, it's unique." The dormitory member replied.
"Um."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and accepted the card. Although he knew that Li Xiao was flattering him, it was very comfortable!
If we spend money ourselves and charge it to his account, do we think we have no money?
How much can we spend
Hey, that’s not right!
This guy Li Xiao has been in Peiping for many years, so he must be very rich.
He must be killed severely!
Zhu Yuanzhang thought this and couldn't help but smile knowingly. He planned to go to some watch shop later and buy the most expensive pocket watch. He had wanted that pocket watch for a long time.
Aren’t you, Li Xiao, rich? Let’s buy another one for Erhu.
Erhu has been loyal to us for so many years, and I won’t treat him badly no matter what.
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly thought that when the two tigers bought the train tickets just now, when they took out the Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes, their expressions were a little expectant. Is this child thinking that he can make some money?
Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a little guilty
"Farewell to Mr. Huang, please go slowly, Mr. Huang."
Surrounded by several dormitory members, Zhu Yuanzhang was sent to the city.
Oops!
Once entering the city gate.
Zhu Yuanzhang's attention was attracted by a large building that came into view not far away.
The background of the building is engraved with a map of thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, with a few large red characters written underneath:
Welcome to Peking!
The building is magnificent and gives people a shocking feeling.
Many people were watching around, and there were children playing around the building.
There were too many people and it was very prosperous.
Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but grin when he saw this scene, especially the welcome to Peking gives you a sense of belonging.
He couldn't help but look around. The various buildings not far away were particularly neat, and the shops were all arranged in rows, with a unified gray and white ink tone.
The streets are smooth and clean, and people wearing orange clothes occasionally pick up garbage with pliers and put them in trash baskets they carry with them.
Where can you see any dirt on the ground?
All the scenes come into view, forming a picture. This is a city that is several times more prosperous than Nanjing, like a prosperous scene with raging fire! !
"My Lord Tianhuang, this is more prosperous than the capital city."
Even Erhu on the side couldn't help being shocked and sighed.
Walking further, a huge square appeared. A tall flag was erected on the square, fluttering in the wind, and the Daming flag was flying on it.
Zhu Yuanzhang guessed that this square should be able to store troops on weekdays.
There are also small vendors selling some toys.
There were many children playing with paper kites in the square. The bamboo dragonfly flew into the sky as soon as the children rubbed their hands. It was so lively!
Across the square, there were many bearers pulling rickshaws along the street.
One of the strong young men pulled a cart and came to collect customers. He looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and the two and said, "Sir, do you want to take a rickshaw?"
"rickshaw?"
Zhu Yuanzhang took a look at the car. It was an open car with two large wheels, a roof above it, and a handle in the front, which was pulled by manpower.
"How to sit?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.
"It depends on where you go. The farther ones are more expensive, and the closer ones are cheaper. One mile is thirty cents. If you rent a car, you will get two cents for half a day."
The porter wiped his shoulders with a white towel and shouted, simple and honest.
"Let's charter a car."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Two cars are included."
"okay!"
The porter was overjoyed, and then he called a companion and invited Zhu Yuanzhang and Erhu into the car.
The porter asked: "Sir, where are you going?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "The best restaurant in Peiping."
Zhu Yuanzhang was not familiar with Peking, so he thought it would be good to have a cart driver to lead the way.
"okay!"
The porter exerted his strength and then pulled Zhu Yuanzhang to run.
Along the way, Zhu Yuanzhang kept looking at the scenery on both sides.
I found that Peiping has changed a lot. The roads are wider, the streets are clean, people are coming and going, and the people are wearing good clothes.
What a big change! So big!
It is really more prosperous and classy than Nanjing City.
"Before, we were thinking of moving the capital, why not just move the capital to Peking?"
An idea suddenly popped into Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.
There was no way, it was too prosperous here, Zhu Yuanzhang thought of moving the capital here, it would be more advantageous when the Ming Dynasty expanded its territory to the north.
Of course, this thought just passed by and I didn’t think about it deeply.
Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but feel sad when he saw the young man pulling hard in front of him.
I thought to myself, now people don’t farm anymore.
There are so many ways to make money.
Doesn't this kind of human-powered cart treat people like animals?
No, we have to ask this young man if he is willing.
Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Young man, what is your name?"
The porter smiled and said, "Sir, everyone calls me a coolie, but I am just a coolie."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Coolie Qiang, what did you do before?"
The coolie said forcefully: "I used to be a tenant."
If you are a tenant, you don't even have a field. Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Why did you change to pulling a cart?"
The coolie smiled and said, "Isn't this a change in Peiping? Later, the fertilizer factory hired people, so I went to work as a worker. I saved some money last year and switched to driving a rickshaw."
Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Is it harder to be a worker than to pull a rickshaw?"
"No no no."
The coolie smiled and said: "It's much easier to be a worker. This rickshaw is the hard work. Every day after pulling people, you fall into bed and sleep."
Zhu Yuanzhang asked curiously: "Then why did you change your career to pulling a rickshaw?"
The coolie was so strong that he said, "We don't want to either. It's just that my mother was paralyzed last year, and my brother is also sick and needs money for medical treatment. The burden of the family is all on me alone. I have no choice but to earn more by pulling a cart."
"I see."
After listening, Zhu Yuanzhang fell into silence.
Although this coolie pretends to be a horse to pull a rickshaw.
But for him, it was a good thing.
At least I still have this fast-paying livelihood.
If a tenant in another place encountered something like this, his mother and brother might not be able to survive.
But now, he can make money through hard work and shoulder the important responsibilities of the family.
Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but think back to his childhood.
At that time, his family were also tenant farmers.
Most of the harvest throughout the year was handed over to the landowners.
The whole family didn't have enough to eat.
My mother starved to death, and my father also starved to death.
Several brothers and sisters almost starved to death.
At that time, if a rickshaw was pulled for him, he could earn thirty cents for one mile.
Zhu Yuanzhang felt that at that time he could hold off for a whole day and wake up from his dreams with a smile, because his family no longer had to starve to death.
yes
Recalling Zhu Yuanzhang's childhood, his eyes suddenly lit up.
If everyone were like this coolie, even the landless tenants, even the desperate ones.
At least he can work in a factory as a worker.
Or you can pull a rickshaw to earn a bite of food, and you can earn quite a lot.
Will anyone rebel? ? ?
No, absolutely not! !
Putting himself in his shoes, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that if he could earn this kind of money at that time, he might be able to pull a rickshaw for the rest of his life, and he would not have any thoughts of rebellion at all.
He can't, nor can Tang He, nor can Xu Da.
Those old brothers may live an ordinary life.
A coolie pulling a rickshaw is enough to support a paralyzed old woman, a brother who is ill in bed, and a whole family!
Only people who are desperate and in danger would think of rebelling!
If this world could be like this for everyone
Who in the world will rebel?
Zhu Yuanzhang became more and more excited as he thought about it, and kept looking at the surrounding streets.
But they saw that the restaurants were full of customers, and the people coming in and out of the shops were all common people. The entire city of Beiping lost its restraints and began to flow.
"It's flow"
Zhu Yuanzhang felt that his mind was spinning constantly, and everything around him was circulating like a snake eating its tail.
"It's Gao Chi's theory"
"No, this is Li Xiao's idea!"
"Money flows in different ways and constantly generates value."
"He is putting his conjecture into practice, and he did it!"
The more Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it, the more frightened he became, as if he had discovered a new world.
After he ascended the throne, he read countless history books. Although the system he established was very old-fashioned, his mind was not old-fashioned and he knew everything!
"Master, the restaurant has arrived."
At this time, Coolie Qiang and his partner parked the rickshaw in front of a high-end restaurant, and Zhu Yuanzhang got out of the car.
"Masters, what do you want to eat?"
Immediately a waiter greeted me warmly.
"The more frugal you are, the poorer you are, the more you can be rich through consumption. In fact, we have already used it, but not as thoroughly as Li Xiao." '
Thinking like this, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said: "Bring us the best private room and the best dishes."
"okay!"
The guy was overjoyed.
Half an hour later.
Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with his meal. He ate two hundred taels of silver for one meal, including the most expensive items such as bear paws, abalone, and ginseng soup.
Then, he took out the Supreme Gold Card and slapped it on the table.
That's it.
This consumption was successfully recorded in Li Xiao's account.
"Walk."
After leaving the restaurant, I got on the coolie's rickshaw.
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Go to the best watch shop."
"Okay, sir."
A quarter of an hour later,
Coolie Qiang took Zhu Yuanzhang to the watch shop again.
Entering the store, Zhu Yuanzhang found that there were so many clocks.
They are all big and small, and there are also those small pocket watches that the shopkeeper has.
"Sir, what are you looking for? Our store is the largest watch shop in Beiping City, for you to choose from." The shopkeeper saw that there were distinguished guests and received them personally.
"Show us the most expensive one."
Zhu Yuanzhang looks very rich.
It doesn't cost money anyway, so it's also promoting the economy.
"The most expensive"
The shopkeeper smiled, pointed to another model on the counter, and said, "Yes, I have it. I'm afraid you might think it's expensive, so why don't you take a look at this pocket watch."
"No, take the most expensive one." Zhu Yuanzhang said.
"Are you sure?"
The store owner was a little happy.
I thought to myself, if I could really sell that watch, it would be a favor to the prefect Li.
The clocks in this store are all made by watch factories.
They are all wind-up clocks.
The most expensive mechanical watch is something that cannot be produced in this era.
Li Xiao was thinking that he could make money using the system.
What he earns is his personal money.
That's right, it was Li Xiao who bought it from the system and put it on consignment here.
"Look at this sir"
The shopkeeper of the watch shop carefully took out a box, placed it in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, and introduced: "This is a Seagull mechanical watch. It is worn on the wrist and does not need to be wound. It can keep time. It is very accurate, with an error of one month." No more than a second.”
Zhu Yuanzhang was immediately attracted by this thing and asked: "What is the meaning of not having to wind it?"
The shopkeeper picked up a handle, took out a clock at random, inserted it, rotated it, and then explained: "You see, this is the winding. It needs to be wound every once in a while to have the power to move."
Then he pointed to the mechanical watch and said: "This mechanical watch is not needed. You just need to wear it on your hand. It will keep telling time and give you the most accurate time."
"It turns out that these watches still need this to move."
Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't put it down and touched the watch and said: "But this watch is not needed. It's so amazing. How much silver?"
The shopkeeper slapped his hand and said, "This is the number."
Zhu Yuanzhang: "Five thousand taels?"
The shopkeeper said: "Fifty thousand taels."
Zhu Yuanzhang: "."
It is indeed very expensive, this is not ordinary expensive! ! !
It’s a sky-high price!
Zhu Yuanzhang felt that even he couldn't afford it.
His internal funds (the emperor's private money) were only thirty thousand taels of silver!
In this way, Zhu Yuanzhang took out the Supreme Gold Card and placed it on the table.
The shopkeeper's eyes widened
"It turns out that this is the No. 1 VIP in the sky. I don't know the truth. Please put this watch away. Come on, I will help you put it on."
Immediately afterwards, the shopkeeper enthusiastically put the watch on Zhu Yuanzhang's hand and taught him how to use it and correct the time.
With a mechanical watch on his hand, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't put it down.
This way, you can see the time at any time.
This is very popular with people like Zhu Yuanzhang who have a relatively good sense of time.
In fact, this watch was sold here by Li Xiao and recorded in Li Xiao's account, which is equivalent to the left hand and the right hand.
The shopkeeper felt that he had gained nothing.
But soon, the shopkeeper smiled again, smiling brightly.
Because Zhu Yuanzhang packed three more pocket watches, he planned to take one back to his fourth son, one to his grandson Gao Chi, and keep the other one for himself.
In addition, he also picked out a pocket watch worth two thousand taels for Erhu.
I still used the Supreme Gold Card.
Although I didn't get any cash, the gold card was credited to the prefect's account.
It's like I earned eight thousand taels from the prefect, so I'll have to pay him sooner or later. The prefect won't default on his debt.
"Master Huang, how can this happen?"
Erhu was a little flattered, but it could be seen that he also liked this exquisite pocket watch very much. He would be able to calculate the time better when he went out to do errands in the future.
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "What's wrong? You and Li Xiao are old acquaintances, so just treat it as a gift from him."
Hearing this, Erhu sweated on his forehead.
Speaking of which, he and Li Xiao were indeed old acquaintances.
The big pit Li Xiao fell into five years ago was his idea and was dug by others.
Ah this
After leaving the clock shop, Zhu Yuanzhang was in a better mood. He would raise his wrist from time to time and look at the time. It felt so weird!
Erhu obviously also loves the pocket watch and takes it out from time to time to play with it and check the time.
The people passing by all looked enviously.
These days, those who have pocket watches in their hands are either rich or wealthy!
After leaving the clock shop, I got on a rickshaw.
Zhu Yuanzhang thought that when he came to Peking this time, he could also see his granddaughter Zhu Ningyun.
It’s not a good idea to be empty-handed, so just buy some expensive gifts.
"If you are a coolie, go to the best gold and silver jewelry store!"
"okay!"
"The coolies are strong, so what other expensive places to spend money on?"
"I asked the right person. It must be magnificent. It is opened by Li Xiongzhi, the steward of the Duke's Mansion. The worst bottle of wine in it costs fifty taels of silver."
"Splendid? Wine? We haven't drank it yet. Let's go and have a look."
"okay."
soon,
Zhu Yuanzhang discovered that this splendid place was a gold sales cave, and consumption was expensive.
There are also enchanting dancers dancing on it.
Singing: Beiping at night, Beiping at night, this is a city that never sleeps
How could Zhu Yuanzhang endure this atmosphere?
After sitting for a while, Erhu and I left.
"You're good Li Xiao, no wonder you said five years ago that you couldn't stay in a brothel."
"What's the difference between your splendor and a brothel?"
"However, as you said, making money from rich people is a good way."
The sky grew dark.
The moon is like Mount Emei, and the stars are dotted.
But the commercial streets in Peiping are brightly lit, and the people still enjoy it.
Food stalls, barbecues, night markets.
There are still many people going out for shopping at night!
Watchmen wear plainclothes and patrol constantly to prevent crime.
His noisy and noisy, but it looks very peaceful.
Zhu Yuanzhang watched this scene and sighed:
Changed, everything changed!
The flowers are like brocade, the flowers of flowers, the car is horse, laughter.
Is this the prosperous world! !
Even the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the wealthy Datong is far less!
The other side.
Zhejiang Cengang County, the place where the pirates are stationed in the base camp, occupied the king!
Five years later, Zhu Gaozhang faded his childishness and matured a lot.
However, this war was the first time he.
This night, this is his third time to attack the city.
This is not the third night attack, and it has also announced failure.
Zhu Gaozheng led the soldiers and retreated again.
"Dad, the child is not fighting, please ask the father Wang to punish it."
Zhu Xi frowned slightly, holding the idea of training his son, and said:
"The third child, attack tomorrow, you can't attack again, interrupt your legs!"
Zhu Gaosui: "."
Zhu Gaozheng's face was hard, thinking about what scenery was the Temple of the Snow Mountain.
Now. Hey, let's not mention it
Brother -in -law, big sister, second brother!
The third brother wants you.
(End of chapter)
