Unconsciously, twenty days have passed since the day Zhao Junchen made the bet with Zhu Heyu. //.//
Although the deadline is getting closer and closer, Zhao Junchen still has no movement. In the eyes of many people, Zhao Junchen's performance may have given up.
Admitting defeat means that Zhao Junchen has committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. This crime is no joke, and Zhao Junchen will naturally not admit defeat.
In fact, on the fourth day after the establishment of Yuerongfang, the Yizi that Zhao Junchen mentioned was already created with the efforts of the craftsmen.
However, Zhao Junchen did not rush to implement the "money-making plan". Instead, he asked the craftsmen to continue working hard and make several different types of soap according to his ideas.
After receiving the reward, the craftsmen were full of energy. After more than ten days, other kinds of soaps were also produced.
Now, several different types of soaps were placed in front of Zhao Junchen.
Xu Qingyan, on the other hand, stood aside and explained the different functions of these types of soap to Zhao Junchen.
"Master, look at this yellow pancreas." Xu Qingyan pointed to the piece of pancreas on the far left and said, "This piece of pancreas was first made according to your recipe, Master. I tested it and found several Among the pancreas, it has the strongest ability to remove scale and dirt.”
Zhao Junchen picked up the piece of soap and looked at it carefully. He found that it was quite similar to the soap commonly used in later generations. It had a slightly crystalline feel, was square and square, and was light yellow in color overall.
Zhao Junchen asked: "How much does this pancake cost?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "Master, it's just a five-guan note. It's very cheap. If it's manufactured on a large scale, the cost can go even further."
Zhao Junchen nodded, expressing satisfaction.
According to today's prices, one tael of silver is roughly equivalent to two hundred guan notes. The cost of three or five guan notes is indeed not high, even lower than the cost of ordinary soap locust.
Zhao Junchen plans to sell this kind of soap to ordinary people. Although the specific price has not been decided yet, because the cost is not high, it is expected that ordinary people can still afford it. After all, this kind of soap is much easier to use than saponin. .
Seeing Zhao Junchen put down the yellow pancreas, Xu Qingyan pointed to the pieces of pancreas of different colors in the middle and said, "Master, these pancreas were made according to your instructions. Milk and flower juice were added in the specific proportions." Nowadays, craftsmen are not sure about it, so its ability to remove dirt and dirt is not as good as the previous one. However, using it to wash your body is not only the most comfortable, but also leaves a light fragrance that lingers for a long time. The craftsmen call it fragrant pancreas. "
Zhao Junchen picked it up and took a look. The soaps of different colors exuded various light floral fragrances and had a smooth body shape. They were much prettier than the first kind of soap.
After Zhao Junchen put down the soap, he smiled and said: "This kind of soap will be sold to those rich people in the future. It doesn't matter if it has poor cleaning ability. Those people don't have to do dirty work, and how can they get so much on their bodies?" Dirt? As long as it can be made, the specific proportion can be studied slowly in the future, no need to worry. "
After a pause, Zhao Junchen asked again: "How much does this pancake cost?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "Because it requires a lot of rich flower juice and is relatively difficult to make, the cost of this kind of soap is a bit high, about 20 guan."
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "It's already very low. The future price of this fragrant pancreas will probably not be less than one hundred guan notes."
Then, Zhao Junchen picked up the last piece of soap. Different from the previous ones, this piece of soap was dark brown in color, neither moist nor crystal clear. It had no aroma, but had a strong medicinal taste.
Seeing this piece of pancreas, Xu Qingyan showed a look of pain on his face and said: "Master, this is the medicinal pancreas you asked the craftsmen to make. It contains ginseng, angelica root, polygonum multiflorum and other medicinal materials. It is difficult to grasp the proportion of ingredients, so the descaling ability The worst is only equivalent to ordinary soap locust, but the cost of each piece is no less than two taels of silver, and it is difficult to keep the cost down."
Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "Don't complain about the high cost. If you sell one piece of this soap, you will earn at least more than a thousand yuan of ordinary soap, and you don't have to worry about not being able to sell it."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen asked again: "Have you seen a doctor?"
Xu Qingyan replied: "I have consulted famous doctors in the capital. This medicinal pancreas contains tonic, blood-activating, and moisturizing medicinal materials. If used for a long time, they dare not say whether there are any benefits, but it will definitely not harm anyone."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "That's good."
After understanding the functions of various soaps, Zhao Junchen patted Xu Qingyan's shoulder and said, "It's been difficult for you these days. You should have a good rest these days. If you want to play, just go to the accounting office to collect money."
Xu Qingyan shook his head and said, "I still want to follow the young master."
Zhao Junchen laughed and scolded: "You, what's the good of being my follower?"
Xu Qingyan just smiled and said nothing.
There is no doubt that Xu Qingyan is a villain, but at this moment he smiled very innocently.
Zhao Junchen suddenly remembered something and said: "When we follow His Majesty on his southern tour this time and happen to pass by Yangzhou, let's take Old Master Xu to the capital for retirement. Old Master Xu has been very kind to me and is also your father. We should also do it." Do your best to be filial."
Xu Qingyan was scolded by Master Xu when he was young. Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, there was a look of reluctance in his eyes, but he still missed him more. He lowered his head and whispered: "Thank you, Master."
Zhao Junchen shook his head and said softly: "Whatever you want to thank me for, I should have done it without Old Master Xu, and without you and me today."
Just as the master and servant were exchanging feelings, a servant of the Zhao family hurriedly arrived and reported to Zhao Junchen: "Sir, the Minister of Rites, Zhan Shanchang, and the General Envoy, Tong Huan, have asked to see you, saying that there is something urgent."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "Let them come in."
While talking, Zhao Junchen returned to the main seat and sat down, while Xu Qingyan also put away various kinds of soaps.
………
Not long after, Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan hurriedly arrived at the main hall of the Zhao Mansion under the guidance of the servants of the Zhao Mansion.
Under Zhan Shanchang's persuasion, General Secretary Tong Huan officially surrendered to Zhao Junchen.
Different from the humble Zhan Shanchang, Tong Huan is a little older, nearly fifty, with an ancient face and informal smile, giving people a deep feeling.
"I've met Mr. Zhao."
After arriving in front of Zhao Junchen, they both bowed and saluted.
Zhao Junchen did not stand up to greet him, but his expression was quite gentle. He raised his hand and said, "Didn't I tell you? You two are of the same rank as me. You don't need to be so respectful. Sit down and talk."
After Zhan Shanchang sat down, he smiled and said: "Sir Zhao, you will be promoted to the Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs in ten days. It is appropriate for Mr. Tong and I to salute you in advance."
Zhao Junchen was stunned for a moment, looked at Zhan Shanchang twice, and chuckled: "Nowadays, everyone in the government and the public believes that I will definitely lose the bet between me and the prince. I didn't expect that you would be right to me." I'm so confident."
Zhan Shanchang looked more respectful and said: "They don't understand Mr. Zhao, but I do. Mr. Zhao, you are here these days. It is obvious that you have a plan in your mind and you are sure of victory. We are convinced of Mr. Zhao's methods. Naturally, I am a hundred times more confident.”
Zhao Junchen smiled and shook his head and asked, "You two are so anxious to come to me, but has there been any progress in the fraud case in the three provinces?"
In fact, although Zhan Shanchang was chatting and laughing with Zhao Junchen, anyone could see the anxiety and urgency in his expression.
When Zhan Shanchong talked about business, he became serious and replied: "Sir, it is indeed true. According to the information obtained by the official, with the joint investigation of the three ministries, the fraud case in the three provinces is now irrefutable, and it is difficult to change it. Now, I am afraid that the information from the officials of the three ministries has been submitted to His Majesty."
Zhao Junchen said leisurely: "After such a long time, there should be results."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen asked Zhan Shanchang: "Did the three provinces who studied politics confess you?"
Zhan Shanchang shook his head and said: "No, the official has already told them that if this matter is too implicated, it will be of no benefit to anyone. If they are blamed, their families will be able to live in peace. They Now I have no other choice, so I have been keeping secret, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold on for long.”
In fact, Wen Guanliang also said these words to Zhan Shanchang. In essence, everything Wen Guanliang did to Zhan Shanchang was no different from what Zhan Shanchang did to the academic affairs of the three provinces. They were sacrificing others to protect themselves. But at this time, Zhan Shanchang said these words with a matter-of-fact expression.
After Zhao Junchen sighed secretly, he turned to Tong Huan and asked, "How are you doing over there these days?"
Tong Huan stood up and replied: "As Mr. Zhao expected, I have reported all the grievances and public movements in Qiuwei of the three provinces to His Majesty in the past few days. At first, His Majesty's instructions were harsh, but in recent days, they have disappeared. Replied."
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "You should do this. The General Affairs Department is responsible for the responsibilities of the people from all over the world to express their opinions and complain about grievances. This is the time for you to do something. However, after you made such a fuss, Your Majesty It’s time for him to calm down.”
While talking, Zhao Junchen looked at the sky outside the house and saw that it was afternoon. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Zhan Shanchang who was uneasy and said with a smile: "You don't have to worry. Since the time is ripe, I should go to your majesty." Come on, if nothing happens, this matter will be settled tonight."
Seeing Zhao Junchen say this, Zhan Shanchang couldn't help but be overjoyed and bowed to thank him repeatedly.
After chatting with Zhan Shanchang, Zhao Junchen turned to Xu Qingyan and said: "Send someone to send a message to Mr. Wen, saying that I will entertain him at Tianhai Tower tonight. He gave me so many gifts a few days ago." I rejected all the invitations with excuses, but now it’s time for a showdown.”
………
After sending Zhan Shanchang and Tong Huan away, Zhao Junchen took the pancakes and immediately went to the palace to see Emperor Deqing without any delay.
As a favorite of Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen had no obstacles in his audience.
As always, Emperor Deqing received Zhao Junchen in the imperial study.
After entering the imperial study, Zhao Junchen looked happy and kowtowed to Emperor Deqing: "I have asked Your Majesty Hongfu to increase the revenue of 200,000 taels of silver for the Ministry of Household Affairs. I have made all preparations."
In the past few days, Emperor Deqing was not happy. Because of the fraud in Qiuwei in the three provinces, the people were in an uproar, and the reputation of the imperial court took a sharp turn. After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, he was slightly stunned, and finally felt better. He frowned and asked : "Oh? Are you ready? Why haven't I received any news? You have been trying to keep me quiet these past few days, and now you are finally willing to tell me?"
Emperor Deqing looked majestic and would scare many people when he asked questions normally. However, as his favorite, Zhao Junchen was treated differently. Although he was slightly complaining, he spoke with a smile and obviously did not really blame him. .
Zhao Junchen stood up and said with a smile: "Back to Your Majesty, I'm not trying to show off a few days ago. I'm really not ready yet and I don't dare to let Your Majesty rejoice in vain."
Emperor Deqing nodded and said: "I have always been at ease with you in doing things, and I have never blamed you for this. That's all. Let's not talk about this anymore. What is the way to increase the income of the Ministry of Household Affairs? Tell me quickly."
In a certain respect, Emperor Deqing was a "poor emperor" and was very interested in everything about silver.
Zhao Junchen did not dare to delay. After getting the consent of Emperor Deqing, Zhao Junchen had the soaps he brought sent to the imperial study.
Looking at the soaps of different colors and shapes, Emperor Deqing looked puzzled and asked: "What is this? When you talk about the method of increasing the income of the Ministry of Household Affairs, is this the thing you are referring to?"
As he spoke, Emperor Deqing looked strange, as if he didn't believe it.
He had heard rumors before that Zhao Junchen wanted to use saponaria and rouge to increase the revenue of 200,000 taels of silver for the Ministry of Household Affairs, but in Emperor Deqing's view, that was just a rumor, and Zhao Junchen should not be that stupid.
But looking at these things that are somewhat similar to soapberry, I can't help but wonder, did I think highly of Zhao Junchen before?
Seeing Emperor Deqing's expression, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said: "Your Majesty, these things are called 'Yizi'. They are similar to the soap locust we usually use, but the effect is much better. I can guarantee that you will use them." It is absolutely easy to increase the revenue of two hundred thousand taels for the Ministry of Household Affairs. Of course, we will need your Majesty's help to make a few decrees before this can be done successfully."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued: "As for the efficacy of this thing, please forgive me. Can I ask Eunuch Zhang De to help me demonstrate it to your Majesty?"
The eunuch serving Emperor Deqing today is Zhang De, who had met Zhao Junchen several times.
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing still nodded to Zhang De, although he had doubts on his face.
After Zhang De came to Zhao Junchen, at Zhao Junchen's order, another young eunuch went to fetch a basin of water.
Then, in the imperial study, under the guidance of Zhao Junchen, Zhang De actually started washing his hands in front of Emperor Deqing.
After a while, he finally finished washing. After Zhang De wiped his hands clean with a cloth, he looked at his hands with a look of disbelief on his face.
Zhao Junchen seemed to have expected Zhang De's reaction. He helped Zhang De pull his sleeves to his elbows, and then said to Zhang De: "Eunuch Zhang De, I would like to trouble you to show your Majesty the efficacy of this item.
Zhang De looked at his hands, still in a daze. After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, he nodded subconsciously, walked to Emperor Deqing's side, and handed his hands to Emperor Deqing for viewing.
Emperor Deqing didn't take it seriously at first, but after looking at Zhang De's hands, he was stunned.
Zhao Junchen pulled up Zhang De's sleeves, exposing half of his arm. With the comparison, the effect was even more obvious.
I saw that Zhang De's hands that had been washed with soap were now extremely white and even more fragrant. Combined with the upper half of his arms that had not been washed, the effect was even more striking.
Originally, although Zhang De was just a eunuch, his status was not low. He had always been pampered and his body was washed frequently. It was already clean. The half of his arm that had not been washed with soap was not considered dirty.
However, compared with the hands washed with soap, Emperor Deqing actually felt that Zhang De's arms seemed to have not been washed for many days, and they were actually black and white.
Emperor Deqing subconsciously took Zhang De's hands and looked at them carefully. He couldn't help but think that Emperor Deqing's own hands became the object of comparison, but he found that as an emperor, his hands were no cleaner than Zhang De's.
On the other side, Zhao Junchen explained to Emperor Deqing: "Your Majesty must have seen the efficacy of this soap. Although the soap locust we use today has a cleaning effect, it is not very effective against many old dirt." , there is absolutely no way, over time, the color of those old dirt actually becomes the color of our skin. However, these soaps are different. Use them to cleanse the body, and any old dirt can be cleaned away, making the skin more comfortable."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "It is conceivable that after using this soap, no one will use soap locust anymore. However, the cost of this soap is not higher than that of soap locust. Your Majesty, you can Think about it, you have nearly tens of millions of subjects, and if only half of them use a piece of this kind of soap every year, that’s a lot of money.”
These words of Zhao Junchen were quite tempting, at least Emperor Deqing was tempted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ps: I was busy at work the past two days, and the updates were a little sparse, so I didn’t dare to recommend it to everyone. Now that the update speed has resumed, I would like to ask, do you have any recommendations?
c
