There are many beautiful lies in this world. They look real, beautiful, and attractive, but like the moon in the water, they are essentially nothing. */.//*
For example, Zhao Junchen's seductive words to Emperor Deqing.
Although the soap made by Zhao Junchen is much easier to use than the soap locust, the cost is not higher than the soap locust. According to Zhao Junchen's estimation, after the production is expanded, the cost will come down. An ordinary piece of soap will cost about Just about half a denarius.
Half a penny doesn't seem like a lot. Zhao Junchen now spends more than that on a breakfast. The amount of money he spent on corruption and bribery over the years is even tens of thousands of taels, but in reality?
During those days in Lu'an Mansion, Zhao Junchen understood the hardships of people's livelihood. He knew very well that in this era, the cost of living among the people was extremely low. The average expenditure of ordinary people, combined, was only two dollars a year. It’s only about two silver coins.
With two taels of silver, even the lowest-grade ordinary soap can only be purchased for about forty yuan.
Under such circumstances, how many people can afford to buy soap?
In fact, in this era, even ordinary soap locust is considered a luxury product in the eyes of the common people. Common people cannot afford the daily cleaning products, homemade bath beans, or even bath beans.
Although there were no less than ten million people in the Ming Dynasty, one-tenth of the people who could afford soap would be considered good.
Of course, what Zhao Junchen said to Emperor Deqing was not a lie, because even if only one-tenth of the common people could afford to buy soap, the money earned from it would still be an astronomical figure.
………
Emperor Deqing did not understand this. He only paid attention to national affairs. As for the actual living standards of the people, they were not among the "national affairs". He could only rely on assumptions.
Just like many people in remote areas thought that the emperor's life was so luxurious that he could eat pork every day, in Emperor Deqing's view, even if the people lived in hardship, they could at least eat a few meals of white flour steamed buns every day. Bar?
Therefore, Emperor Deqing was easily deceived by Zhao Junchen. Although his face remained majestic and calm, his dazed eyes proved that he was already imagining how much money the treasury could increase after tens of millions of people used soap.
The soaps of different colors and shapes placed in front of him seemed to be countless pieces of gold and silver in Emperor Deqing's eyes.
Emperors also love money, especially a "poor emperor".
On the other hand, after Emperor Deqing learned about the miraculous effects of pancreas, Zhao Junchen began to introduce the specific effects of various pancreas to Emperor Deqing.
"Your Majesty, the soap used by Eunuch Zhang De just now is called fragrant pancreas. Its ability to remove scales is much stronger than that of soap locust. After use, it has a fragrant aroma that lingers for a long time. It costs less than two coins of silver. However, if it is sold If so, the price will probably not be less than half a tael of silver, which means that each piece of pancake can make a profit of three taels of silver."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing came back from his fantasy and frowned: "Can the common people afford half a tael of silver?"
Zhao Junchen said with a smile: "This kind of fragrant pancreas is not sold to ordinary people. Your Majesty, you have governed the country well. Now the world is at peace, and there are no less than tens of thousands of wealthy people. A mere half a tael of silver is just a small amount to them." However, considering the limited wealth of ordinary people, I also asked someone to make another kind of soap."
While talking, Zhao Junchen picked up the ordinary soap and said: "Although this kind of soap has no aroma, it is simple to make and costs less than half a penny. It is suitable for ordinary people to use. When sold to the public, the price will never be high. For one piece of silver, the profit per unit is low, but the sales volume is large, and the profit is considerable."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing suddenly nodded with a satisfied look on his face. He nodded and motioned for Zhao Junchen to continue.
In the view of Emperor Deqing, the price was extremely low, and the common people could "definitely" afford it.
Then, Zhao Junchen picked up the "medicated pancreas" and continued to explain: "Your Majesty, this piece of pancreas is called 'medicated pancreas'. After searching for ancient recipes, I asked the craftsmen to make it specially for your majesty. It contains We have prepared dozens of precious medicinal herbs. After long-term use, they can not only refresh and strengthen the body, but also have the miraculous effect of prolonging life. Your Majesty is now in the prime of life, and with the help of this medicinal pancreas, I believe he will be more energetic and live longer."
After hearing about the efficacy of "medicated pancreas", Emperor Deqing perked up. He stared at the medicinal pancreas in Zhao Junchen's hand and asked slowly: "Does this piece of medicinal pancreas really have such a miraculous effect?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said: "How dare I deceive your majesty? This pancake looks simple, but it contains ginseng, polygonum multiflorum, angelica and other nourishing medicinal materials. It is not only difficult to make, but also expensive to make. How can it be without it?" Not the slightest effect.”
In fact, what Zhao Junchen said is complete nonsense. Although Zhao Junchen created this "medicinal pancreas" to please Emperor Deqing, in the final analysis, it was just a simple addition of many precious ingredients when making pancreas. It's just Chinese medicinal materials. Zhao Junchen doesn't know whether they have the effect of extending life.
He only knew that doing so would please Emperor Deqing.
Sure enough, Emperor Deqing was very happy to hear what Zhao Junchen said and said with a smile: "You are loyal and consider everything for me."
However, Zhao Junchen shook his head and said with a serious face: "Your Majesty, you have thanked me. Considering Your Majesty, it is just my duty as a minister. If it is my duty, how can I deserve such praise from Your Majesty?"
When Emperor Deqing heard what Zhao Junchen said, he nodded with satisfaction. Although he didn't say anything, his eyes when he looked at Zhao Junchen were even more satisfied.
Several kinds of pancreas were brought to him. Emperor Deqing took them in his hand and played with them one by one. He felt that the image of the pancreas was pleasant and the fragrance was pleasant. The pancreas was dignified in color and rich in medicinal flavor. He couldn't help but believe Zhao Junchen's introduction. .
And Zhao Junchen continued: "In my opinion, these soaps can be handed over to the Ministry of Household Affairs for special production, and then handed over to designated merchants in various places for exclusive sale. In this way, not only can it increase the income of the Ministry of Household Affairs by more than one million yuan every year Two taels of silver can also prevent the court and the people from competing for profits. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
After Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment, he slowly said: "You just said that you need some help from me, are you referring to the transformation of the Ministry of Household Specialty?"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said: "Your Majesty is wise, and I can never hide your thoughts from Your Majesty."
When Emperor Deqing heard what Zhao Junchen said, he smiled, but did not speak or reply. He just remained silent.
Seeing Emperor Deqing's appearance but no response to his suggestion, Zhao Junchen was puzzled. After thinking for a moment, he finally realized.
In the early Ming Dynasty, there was no distinction between the national treasury and the inner treasury. All the court's silver went into the inner treasury, and it was all the emperor's private silver. However, court expenses, military expenditures, and official salaries were all paid from the inner treasury. The emperors of the court felt heartbroken when they saw their private money being spent like water. Later, in the Orthodox period, the distinction between the national treasury and the inner treasury was finally established. From that time on, the inner treasury truly became the emperor's private bank, while all expenses of the imperial court were drawn from the national treasury.
However, the funny thing is that the emperors of the Ming Dynasty finally separated the national treasury from the internal treasury, but they began to be jealous of the silver from the national treasury. Almost every emperor in the middle and late Ming Dynasty wanted to transfer the silver from the national treasury to the internal treasury. Library.
This is also the reason why Emperor Deqing was unwilling to use the silver in his inner treasury from beginning to end during his southern tour.
In the final analysis, this situation is just a matter of competition between the emperor and the country.
Emperor Deqing did not speak at this time, but was silent. Considering the situation of the Ming Dynasty emperor competing with the country for profit, Zhao Junchen already understood that because the Ministry of Revenue had gained so much income in one go, Emperor Deqing... ...with jealousy.
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen changed his tone and continued: "Of course, the Ministry of Household Specialty is only one of the options. In Yichen's opinion, it might be a better way to hand over the soap to the inner treasury. , Although the production of this soap is simple, the initial investment is also a large amount of money. Compared with the financial difficulties of the household department, the money in the inner treasury is much more abundant, and the results are faster."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing's eyes flashed with joy, but his face was full of hesitation, and he said slowly: "Isn't this good? This pancreas is related to the bet between you and the prince. If it is handed over to The internal treasury is specialized in manufacturing, but the household department fails to increase revenue. Wouldn’t that make you lose the bet?”
At this point, Emperor Deqing pondered for a moment and finally made up his mind and said: "However, Junchen, what you said makes sense. Now that the inner treasury has plenty of money, it is more convenient to hand over the soap to the inner treasury for special production. It might as well be like this Well, this soap is exclusively produced by the inner treasury, but the silver earned is divided equally between the inner treasury and the household department. Every year, the inner treasury earns 200,000 taels of silver from the soap and transfers it to the household department."
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen was moved and kowtowed: "Your Majesty is so considerate of me, I... I..."
While speaking, Zhao Junchen buried his head, looking speechless and choked, but he was already secretly thinking about whether he should carry something like garlic with him in the future. If he could shed some tears at this time, it would be better.
Seeing Zhao Junchen's appearance, Emperor Deqing became even more satisfied and said with a smile: "Get up. You and I, the monarch and our ministers, are in harmony. There is no need to kneel down at every turn. This idea is yours. It will increase revenue for the country and benefit the future. I How can it make you suffer?
Zhao Junchen wiped his tearless eyes with his sleeves, stood up and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
………
After talking with Zhao Junchen, Emperor Deqing knew that his southern tour was now no longer hindered, and the inner treasury had gained a large amount of money. He couldn't help but feel good, and looked at Zhao Junchen's expression, which became even more... He was gentle and said with a smile: "I am afraid that you have been exhausted these days because of this pancake thing?"
The Yizi matter has been resolved, but the main purpose of Zhao Junchen's visit to see Emperor Deqing this time was to deal with the fraud case in the three provinces. Emperor Deqing was in a good mood at this time, and it was time for Zhao Junchen to implement the plan.
Therefore, when faced with Emperor Deqing's inquiry, Zhao Junchen did not reply. Instead, he looked blank, not knowing what he was thinking.
If ordinary ministers were like this, Emperor Deqing would have been furious, but as a favorite minister, Zhao Junchen's treatment would be different, not to mention that Zhao Junchen had just collected a large sum of money for the inner treasury?
Therefore, when Emperor Deqing saw Zhao Junchen like this, not only was he not angry, but he was curious.
On the other side, Zhang De was shocked when he saw Zhao Junchen like this, and said loudly: "Master Zhao, His Majesty is asking you something."
After hearing Zhang De's words, Zhao Junchen finally "came back to his senses" and quickly apologized to Emperor Deqing: "I was distracted when I was talking to Your Majesty. Please forgive me."
Emperor Deqing did not blame him. He just waved his hand and said, "That's all. The king and his ministers are chatting. Why should I blame you for these trivial things? I am curious. You have always been cautious in doing things. Why are you in a trance when you talk to me today? But there are What's on your mind?"
Zhao Junchen shook his head and sighed: "Your Majesty, I don't have anything on my mind. I just heard your Majesty mention the words 'harmony between king and minister' and I felt something in my heart."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing became even more curious and asked: "Oh? Since you are moved by the harmony between the emperor and his ministers, I think it has something to do with me. Please tell me."
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he finally said: "I know that your Majesty has been troubled by the fraud cases in the three provinces in recent days, but if I am lucky enough to serve your Majesty, I am afraid that I will also take credit for the imperial examination fraud case."
When Zhao Junchen mentioned the fraud case in the three provinces, Emperor Deqing's face darkened, but he still asked, "How do you say it?"
Zhao Junchen sighed and explained: "Your Majesty, you also know that although I have some talent in financial management, when it comes to the Four Books and Five Classics, my knowledge in the imperial examination is just ordinary."
Emperor Deqing nodded. He was quite familiar with Zhao Junchen's abilities.
Zhao Junchen continued: "When I took part in the imperial examination, I was still young and had little knowledge. If I were ordinary, I would probably lose my reputation. However, what I didn't expect was that those few college examinations, provincial examinations, and conferences In the imperial examination, I passed the exams one after another, and when it came to the palace examination, I was appointed by His Majesty and became the number one scholar. From then on, I became what I am today and have the honor to serve Your Majesty."
Emperor Deqing frowned and asked: "I know all this, but why do you say that it also involves the imperial examination fraud case?"
Zhao Junchen had a look of emotion on his face and said slowly: "Your Majesty, do you still remember the Jiangnan imperial examination fraud case twelve years ago?"
Seeing Emperor Deqing nod, Zhao Junchen continued: "That fraud case was widely spread among the people. Although Your Majesty used thunderous means to prosecute all the officials involved in the fraud, the impact was too great, and the civil servants also As a result, there were doubts about our imperial examinations, morale was low, and people's morale was low. Even many scholars with real abilities became disheartened after this incident. They would rather teach in their hometowns than take part in the imperial examinations again. In the following few years, In 2016, the number of candidates taking part in the imperial examinations was even lower."
At this point, Zhao Junchen laughed at himself and said: "As the saying goes, if there are no tigers in the mountain, the monkey is the king. But at that time, I was considered a monkey on the mountain without tigers. I took advantage of the scholars' doubts about the court. He has been successful in the imperial examinations one after another, so if I can serve His Majesty, how can it not be the cause of the imperial examination fraud case back then?"
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing's face became more gloomy, and he asked slowly: "I remember that you were only fifteen when you took the college examination, which was eight years ago, right?"
Zhao Junchen replied: "Your Majesty remembers clearly that I took the college examination eight years ago."
Emperor Deqing frowned and said: "Four or five years have passed since the Jiangnan fraud case was reported, and private scholars still have doubts about the imperial examination?"
Zhao Junchen smiled bitterly and said: "More than just doubts? There is simply no confidence. Back then, His Majesty launched a large-scale fraud case in Jiangnan. Although he said that he had done all he could to eradicate evil, it was also known to everyone. According to my estimation, civilian scholars may have arrived. In recent years, the morale of the people towards the imperial examination has been restored, but unexpectedly another fraud case in three provinces has emerged. As far as I know, the academic affairs of the three provinces have now been implicated, and central officials will be implicated in the future. Come on, the morale and confidence that the civilian scholars have just restored will be destroyed again."
Emperor Deqing frowned when he heard what Zhao Junchen said. After a long silence, he suddenly asked: "Zhao Aiqing, what do you think about the fraud case in the three provinces?"
Zhao Junchen bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, the fraud in the three provinces in Qiu Wei is a matter of the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of Personnel. It is not my turn to take charge of it. Moreover, although I have some ideas, I dare not say it."
Emperor Deqing snorted lightly and said, "Just say what I tell you to say. No matter what you say, I forgive you."
After Zhao Junchen hesitated for a moment, he finally said: "In Yichen's opinion, the impact of these fraud cases in the three provinces is too great and the implications are too wide. It is precisely because of this that the court should reduce major issues to trivial matters."
Having said this, Zhao Junchen secretly looked up at Emperor Deqing and saw that although Emperor Deqing's face was gloomy, he had no intention of objecting. He felt relieved and continued: "Your Majesty, you are wise and wise, and you know best. Although the imperial examination is for selecting candidates for the imperial court, the more important purpose is to stabilize the morale of the people and win over the hearts of the scholars in the world. Only when the people's hearts are stable and scholars return to their hearts can the world be stable."
Seeing Emperor Deqing nod slightly, Zhao Junchen continued: "I know that after the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces occurred, His Royal Highness insisted on handling it strictly, but I did not agree, because once this case was handled strictly, the matter would be delayed. The longer it goes on, the more officials will be implicated and the greater its influence among the people. The more people will think that the imperial court is hiding evil and evil, and the people will become more and more unstable."
At this point, Zhao Junchen looked extremely serious and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, everything in this world can be chaotic, but the people's hearts cannot be chaotic, otherwise there will be changes! Therefore, these three provinces' Qiuwei fraud cases , according to the minister's intention, not only should major issues be reduced to trivial matters, but also the mess should be cut quickly and solved in the shortest time. Since the charges of academic administration in the three provinces have been confirmed, they can be killed to calm the people, but killing After investigating the academic affairs of those three provinces, this case can be ended here. If we continue to investigate, it will not be beneficial to the country or the people."
Emperor Deqing raised his brows and said in a cold voice: "If the central officials of the imperial court did not take the decision in this case of Qiuwei fraud in the three provinces, how could the academic administration of the three provinces dare to make the matter so big? If the case was understood in this way, wouldn't it be Are you taking advantage of those corrupt officials?"
Zhao Junchen sighed: "Your Majesty, whether the main culprit in this case is the academic administration of the three provinces or the central government official, the impact on the people is completely different. If the academic administration of the three provinces is the main culprit, in the eyes of the people, it is a high mountain. The emperor is far away, and corrupt officials have bad intentions. If the central officials are also implicated, it will be a breach of trust by the court."
After a pause, Zhao Junchen continued: "I have heard, 'It is difficult to be smart, and it is even more difficult to be confused.' I have also heard, 'It is difficult to be a householder without being deaf or dumb.' These two sentences were not the same when I first heard them. I don’t take it seriously, but the more I think about it over the years, the more I feel that it contains profound wisdom. Your Majesty is wise, and you will definitely understand the truth after thinking about it.”
"It's hard to be smart, but it's even harder to be confused." Emperor Deqing repeated softly, savoring the meaning carefully, and his originally cold and solemn expression finally melted away.
After a long time, Emperor Deqing sighed and said: "Although your words may not be pleasant to hear, they are mature words for the country. After these years of experience, you have made a lot of progress."
Zhao Junchen said quickly: "Your Majesty is too complimentary. I think your Majesty has already considered this idea in your mind. Otherwise, how could you allow me to talk about it at this time? Your Majesty is wise. Even without my words, you will definitely be able to handle it. Good luck with the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces."
Speaking of this, Zhao Junchen sighed with a look on his face and said: "It's just that it's difficult to be a family man, and it's embarrassing for Your Majesty."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Emperor Deqing couldn't help but feel warm in his heart. He felt that Zhao Junchen really thought about himself in everything, and sighed: "Yes, as you said, it is difficult to be a family man without being deaf or dumb. , the world only sees the glory of the patriarch, who thinks about the helplessness of the patriarch?"
After sighing for a few words, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen at the imperial steps, suddenly smiled, and asked somewhat meaningfully: "But why do I feel that you came to see me this time not to talk about pancakes? But for the Qiuwei fraud case in these three provinces?"
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhao Junchen felt a sudden change in his heart and said quickly: "Your Majesty has misunderstood me. I am meeting you this time just for the sake of pancakes. I have never been concerned about the fraud case in Qiuwei in the three provinces." Planning to intervene."
Emperor Deqing smiled, waved his hand and said: "That's all, I just mentioned it casually, you don't have to worry about it. I have never doubted your loyalty, not to mention what you said today was not wrong."
Zhao Junchen didn't know if Emperor Deqing mentioned it casually, but it certainly scared him.
However, after this incident, the emperor and his ministers lost interest in talking. After chatting for a few more times, Zhao Junchen saw that it was getting late, so he said goodbye to Emperor Deqing and left.
However, before leaving, Zhao Junchen secretly winked at Zhang De, and Zhang De nodded slightly in understanding.
………
After leaving the palace, Xu Qingyan had been waiting outside the palace for a long time. When he saw Zhao Junchen coming out, he quickly asked: "Master, has everything been done?"
Zhao Junchen sat in the sedan and said slowly: "It's all done."
Xu Qingyan smiled and said: "Young master is still capable. Such a big matter can be solved easily."
Zhao Junchen smiled softly, but ordered: "Don't drive the sedan yet, I have to wait for news."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, Xu Qingyan was confused, but he still ordered the bearers to continue waiting.
After a while, I saw a little eunuch sneaking outside the Meridian Gate and running quickly towards Zhao Junchen's sedan.
Arriving in front of and behind the sedan chair, the young eunuch said softly: "Master Zhao, Mr. Zhang De and Eunuch Zhang asked me to tell you that His Majesty just issued an order to execute the academic officials of Shanxi, Shandong, and Henan provinces, and to transfer back the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel. , the investigating officer of the Ministry of Punishment, the Qiuwei fraud case in the three provinces is over."
After hearing what the young eunuch said, Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "Thank you so much, father-in-law."
Following Zhao Junchen's signal, Xu Qingyan handed a piece of silver to the little eunuch.
When the little eunuch saw the money, he smiled happily and said repeatedly: "It's right to do things for the adults, it's right."
On the other side, Zhao Junchen also let out a sigh of relief, knowing in his heart that Emperor Deqing also wanted to cut the knot with a sharp knife and directly issued the decree without any discussion in the morning. Otherwise, if this matter was handed over to the morning discussion, it would be a disaster. A lot of trouble.
After the young eunuch left, Zhao Junchen said to Xu Qingyan: "Go back home, we will meet Mr. Wen Geyi tonight, and we have to make some preparations. In addition, send someone to tell Zhan Shanchang the news just now, so as not to worry him. .”
Xu Qingyan nodded in agreement.
………
There are no secrets in the capital or in the court.
The news that Zhao Junchen had saved Zhan Shanchang spread faster than Zhao Junchen imagined.
Within the next day, all the important ministers in the imperial court had received the news that Zhan Shanchang, who even the elder Wen Guanliang could not protect, was actually saved by Zhao Junchen.
What does this mean to the corrupt officials in Manchuria?
A patron of corruption and bribery who can make you feel at ease!
In addition to the senior ministers in the cabinet, the corrupt officials throughout the dynasty actually had another choice of backers at this moment!
And unlike several elders in the cabinet, this patron is younger, more holy, and more promising.
In the next few days, officials in the DPRK who had no backers or who were marginalized by factions turned their attention to Zhao Junchen.
Eager eyes!
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