Chapter 18: Lure and Coercion (Part 2) Three-in-one Chapter
"You have misunderstood. This time we meet, I want to do a business with you."
When they heard the word "transaction", many Shanxi merchants couldn't help but get excited out of business instinct.
But more Shanxi merchants looked a little more wary.
The basis of business is fairness, so how can there be any business to discuss between officials and businessmen? But it's either a power-for-money transaction or a euphemism for blackmail.
Thinking of the latter possibility, many Shanxi merchants were already secretly thinking about countermeasures. The power of Shanxi merchants is not only deeply rooted in Shanxi, but also has many spokespersons in the imperial court. Although Zhao Junchen is deeply favored by the saints, Shanxi merchants may not be afraid of Zhao Junchen if the demands are too excessive.
Therefore, after looking at each other, Guo Linxiang still stood up on behalf of all the Shanxi merchants and asked: "I wonder what kind of business you are talking about? If there is a place where we can be useful, as long as we can do it, we will do it." decline."
Zhao Junchen could naturally hear the expectation and caution in Guo Linxiang's words, and without explaining much, he just took out a memorial from his sleeve, handed it to Xu Qingyan next to him, and then said: "Now that our country is in a financial situation, you must also understand We all know that it is a troubled time, and money is used everywhere. In recent years, it has been difficult to make ends meet. I am trusted by your majesty and serve as the Minister of Household Affairs. I am also in charge of the internal transportation treasury. Regarding the matter of loyalty to the emperor, I have always been worried about this situation, but after thinking hard day and night, I finally came up with a way. In the past few days, I have written a memorial and prepared to submit it to your majesty. However, I am still young and have no experience. Shang Qian, there are always things that are not well thought out. Thinking that you know the most about this money matter, I took the liberty to invite you here, hoping that you can help me give advice."
While talking, at Zhao Junchen's signal, Xu Qingyan handed the memorial to Guo Linxiang.
Looking at the memorial in his hand, Guo Linxiang knew that this was the business Zhao Junchen was talking about. So after being polite, I opened the memorial and looked at it carefully.
Then, in just a moment, Guo Linxiang's hands holding the memorial began to tremble, his face flushed, and he was obviously extremely excited.
Seeing Guo Linxiang's expression, other Shanxi merchants were both expecting and curious. They didn't know what was written in Zhao Junchen's memorial that actually made Guo Linxiang, who had always been mature and prudent, so excited.
Seeing all the Shanxi merchants looking impatiently, staring closely at the memorial in Guo Linxiang's hand, but worrying about the rules and not moving to look at it together, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly, waved his hand and said: "You're welcome, move on. Just watch it step by step so that you can give me some advice."
After hearing what Zhao Junchen said, a group of Shanxi merchants confessed to Zhao Junchen, and then quickly walked to Guo Linxiang and looked at the memorial in Guo Linxiang's hand.
Then, just like Guo Linxiang, all the Shanxi merchants couldn't help but get excited when they saw the contents of the memorial. Zhao Junchen could even clearly hear the rapid breathing of the Shanxi merchants.
………
This memorial by Zhao Junchen is about the reform of salt affairs in Sichuan.
Salt is a necessity for people's lives, and it is also the most profitable commodity in this era.
Both Shanxi merchants and Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants actually started out by selling salt. At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, established the "Kaizhong system", that is, merchants were responsible for transporting grain to important border areas such as the northwest, north, and northeast, while the court handed over They were given a salt guide as compensation. Only with a salt guide could merchants go to salt-producing areas to collect salt and sell it in designated areas.
Under the implementation of the "Open Central System", merchants from Shanxi who were closest to the borders, as well as merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang who were located in salt-producing areas, rose rapidly.
In other words, at the very beginning, merchants from Shanxi, Huizhou and Zhejiang were all salt merchants.
However, with the weakening of the control of the Ming Dynasty and the rise of Ming merchants, the "Kaizhong system" gradually changed its appearance, and salt merchants also divided into different models, namely border merchants and internal merchants. The main businessmen are merchants, who can get salt by paying money. The internal merchants are mainly Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, who are responsible for guarding the salt field and collecting salt.
As a result, in order to obtain salt, Shanxi merchants provided a large amount of money to the court every year, and their relationship with the court became closer and closer. They gradually developed into a bureaucratic business group and had various business privileges; while Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants because With the right to guard the salt field and obtain salt, they gradually began to sell private salt as their main means of profit and became a smuggling group.
When the business strategies of the two major business groups were completely different, their conflicts began to gradually emerge. That is, the salt trading of Shanxi merchants was suppressed by Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants. Even if they had salt quotas issued by the imperial court, they could not buy from them. How much salt is taken from the saltworks. Although Shanxi merchants took another path and began to develop northwest transportation trade, Sino-Russian border trade, and banknote bank business, the rate of making money was not much slower than that of Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, but they watched helplessly as a large source of wealth was cut off in their hands. , it is impossible to say that they are not unwilling.
However, the salt fields are controlled by Zhejiang and Huizhou merchants, and the strength of Zhejiang and Huizhou merchants is not weaker than that of Shanxi merchants, so Shanxi merchants have nothing to do.
But now, Zhao Junchen's excerpt pointed out another way for them, that is, Sichuan Salt
According to Zhao Junchen's excerpt, private salt is now rampant and the price of official salt remains high. People are buying private salt and abandoning official salt. The government has repeatedly banned it. In this case, it is better to increase the production of official salt and lower the price of official salt. , compete with private salt to increase the court's income.
The salt fields in Huizhou and Zhejiang are already mature. If you want to increase the production of official salt, you can only start with Sichuan salt.
The salt wells in central Sichuan have always been a salt-producing area. However, today's Sichuan does not yet look like a land of abundance in later generations. The development of salt wells is not only technologically backward, but investment is also small. There is also joint suppression by Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, so Sichuan salt can only be sold to Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and western Hunan. Coupled with transportation restrictions, Sichuan salt was not taken seriously by people in this era.
According to Zhao Junchen's suggestion in the memorial, if you want to develop Sichuan salt, you must introduce technology and funds from other places. When the imperial court's money was tight, the only ones who could provide such technology and funds in this era were Hui merchants, Zhejiang merchants and Shanxi merchants. Considering that Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants already control coastal salt fields, Shanxi merchants are the first choice to develop Sichuan salt wells.
………
How profitable is salt in this era? Even though the price of private salt is lower, the profit is more than double. In addition, salt is a daily necessity and the sales volume is huge. It is completely the most profitable business in this era.
The world is bustling, all for profit, and the world is bustling, and everyone is for profit. After seeing the contents of Zhao Junchen's memorial, I thought that once the Shanxi merchant group controls Sichuan salt, it will be able to get rid of the suppression of Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, and make large sums of money. The money for pens is about to roll in. How can Shanxi merchants not be excited?
On the other side, seeing that all the Shanxi merchants had finished reading the memorial and were so excited that they forgot to speak, Zhao Junchen coughed lightly and asked slowly: "Everyone, what do you think of my idea?" Is there anything inappropriate?"
Zhao Junchen's words were like a drop of cold water falling into boiling oil, waking up the Shanxi merchants and causing a huge commotion.
"Sir, your idea is extremely wonderful and thoughtful. I am far less knowledgeable and knowledgeable than you, so how can you find any imperfections?"
"Your Excellency's strategy is really beneficial to the country and the people, and will have lasting results. I have often heard people say in the past that Your Excellency is a contemporary national scholar, and now I finally believe it."
"Please rest assured, your Majesty, the Shanxi merchants and we will definitely support such a plan. Anyone who dares to oppose is the collective enemy of the Shanxi merchants and us."
The Shanxi merchants were no longer as reserved as before, they were all excited, and their replies were noisy. However, Zhao Junchen did not express any position, he just sat there with a smile, quietly listening to the flattery of the Shanxi merchants.
Seeing such a scene, as the leaders of the Shanxi merchants, Guo Linxiang, Chen Xinggong, and He Zeng looked at each other and coughed together, interrupting the Shanxi merchants' words and allowing them to calm down a little. one time.
Regarding Zhao Junchen's memorial, although Guo Linxiang, Chen Xinggong and He Zeng were also very excited, they did not lose their minds. They all still remembered that Zhao Junchen came to them this time for business, not for business. To become a living Bodhisattva.
Although, at this time, many Shanxi businessmen looked at Zhao Junchen as if they were looking at a living Bodhisattva.
After the Shanxi merchants finally calmed down, He glared at them and said solemnly: "How can you be so decent in front of adults? If you break the rules, if others look down on you, it doesn't matter if you are embarrassed. Don't do it." It’s embarrassing for us Shanxi merchants.”
After hearing He Zeng's reprimand, the Shanxi merchants realized that they had been messed up and complained one after another.
On the other side, Chen Xinggong bowed to Zhao Junchen and said: "Your Excellency's plan is certainly excellent, and it is a great opportunity for us Shanxi merchants. Although Your Excellency's original intention is only to serve the country, I and others Shanxi merchants have received such benefits, but they would feel sorry if they did not repay you, sir. If you need anything, sir, just ask us, and we will never refuse."
After hearing what Chen Xinggong said, all the Shanxi merchants nodded in agreement.
In the business world, only when you lose can you gain something. Shanxi merchants have always understood this very well. Once they gain control of Sichuan Salt Wells with Zhao Junchen's help, no matter what kind of reward they give Zhao Junchen, it will be worth it in the eyes of Shanxi merchants.
Seeing the expectant looks in the eyes of all the Shanxi merchants, Zhao Junchen smiled slightly and said slowly: "My plans are all for the sake of the emperor and the court. How can I ask for rewards from you for this? What you said is to see It’s too low of a rank.”
Guo Linxiang looked determined and said: "Your Excellency, you are overly concerned. How can we dare to underestimate your devotion to the country? Your loyalty and patriotism are not only seen by us, but also by the people all over the world." .”
It was obvious that he was telling lies with open eyes, but he attracted the response of many Shanxi merchants, and Guo Linxiang continued: "It's just that we have received such a great favor from you for nothing. If we don't repay it, in the future, if others say that we are If Shanxi merchants know their kindness and refuse to repay it, then they will not be able to defend themselves. Please be considerate."
Zhao Junchen shook his head with a smile and said: "The reform of Sichuan Salt is only my opinion. Not to mention that it has not been submitted to His Majesty. Even if it is submitted to His Majesty, it is still open to debate whether His Majesty can agree. In this case, how can I have any favors from you?"
Guo Linxiang smiled and said: "Your Majesty, we are all aware of the importance of your position in His Majesty's heart. How can Your Majesty not approve of your Majesty's proposal? What's more, we Shanxi merchants also have some friends in the court, and we will definitely do it when the time comes. Will support your Excellency, so how can your plan not be successful?"
Zhao Junchen sighed and said: "Even so, after I came to Lu'an Mansion to inspect on behalf of the emperor, I had concerns about this matter."
Hearing what Zhao Junchen said, all the Shanxi merchants couldn't help but feel nervous. Chen Xinggong quickly asked: "Sir, what are your concerns? Why don't you tell us, and we will always find a way to solve it with our concerted efforts."
After Zhao Junchen came up with the idea of restructuring the Sichuan salt industry, Shanxi merchants knew very clearly that they would definitely fight for the control of Sichuan Salt, and they would definitely attract resistance from Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants. In the confrontation between the two sides, Zhao Junchen's attitude is very important. He does not belong to any party, but he is quite favored in front of Emperor Deqing. His words are very weighty. His attitude determines the outcome of this struggle. .
Although Zhao Junchen took the initiative to propose the restructuring of the Sichuan salt industry, if he went back on his word or even turned to support Huizhou merchants and Zhejiang merchants, Shanxi merchants would have no choice but to watch their financial path ruined.
This was also the reason why Zhao Junchen dared to reveal the Sichuan Salt Service restructuring plan to a group of Shanxi businessmen.
Therefore, for all Shanxi businessmen, Zhao Junchen must not have any worries at this time. Even if he has worries, Shanxi businessmen must do everything possible to dispel Zhao Junchen's worries.
On the other side, seeing the Shanxi merchants expressing their opinions, Zhao Junchen nodded with satisfaction and said, "Everyone also knows that the locust plague is not only spreading in Lu'an Prefecture, but has also begun to spread to the entire Shanxi Province. Once it cannot be controlled, it will inevitably bring disasters." Large-scale chaos, Shanxi is your fundamental place. Once there is chaos, how can you find the time to develop Sichuan salt wells? It will inevitably be delayed. In this case, it is better to leave the Sichuan salt affairs to other businessmen Process..."
Seeing that the Shanxi merchants looked nervous, they wanted to speak, but Zhao Junchen continued: "Unfortunately, I am determined to lead the people of Shanxi to eliminate locusts, but I have been questioned by the government and the people..."
At this point, the Shanxi merchants still didn't understand the truth. Guo Linxiang stood up first and said: "Sir, you are killing the locusts for the sake of the safety of the people of Shanxi. Unfortunately, some people are pedantic and superstitious about the locust god. It is actually against your lord. We are aware of these things and have been worried about this. But please rest assured, there are still people who listen to what we people say, and we will do our best to help you. Your lord is far-sighted. Waiting for help, there will never be any resistance in culling the locusts."
He Zeng nodded in agreement and said: "Even if there is resistance, sir, don't worry, I will handle it for you, and I won't bother you."
A group of Shanxi merchants also responded.
"That's the best." Zhao Junchen nodded with a smile, then frowned and said, "However, my concern is not just that. Now because of the locusts, the people of Lu'an Mansion There is also no harvest. The imperial court is determined to provide relief, but it is more than willing but not able to do so. Although there is a lot of relief food and grass distributed, there are more victims. Once chaos arises due to this... Hey, great chaos since ancient times has always originated from refugees... …”
Before Zhao Junchen finished speaking, Chen Xinggong stood up and said: "Please rest assured, sir, we still have some surplus food in our hands. The current locust plague in Lu'an Prefecture is the time for us to give back to the people. We will never let Lu'an Prefecture No one in the territory will starve to death."
Guo Linxiang thought more carefully and continued: "What's more, once the Sichuan salt affairs are handed over to Shanxi merchants like us in the future, Sichuan will also need a lot of manpower, and they can just be selected from the victims of the Lu'an Prefecture. In this way, It is even less likely that trouble will arise in Lu'an Mansion."
Zhao Junchen smiled, nodded with satisfaction, and said: "In that case, I have nothing to worry about. I will present the memorial to Your Majesty as soon as I return to the capital. However, Sichuan Salt Affairs involves all aspects, so it is bound to There will be some objections, and when the time comes, you should also contact more officials close to you. The provincial officials are too weak to accomplish anything."
"This is inevitable, please rest assured."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's promise, all the Shanxi merchants were overjoyed and agreed in unison.
After Zhao Junchen pondered for a moment, he added: "But, then again, the reason why I proposed the Sichuan salt reform is because I want to increase the court's revenue, so you must first ensure the court's tax revenue in the future, otherwise it will be inevitable in the future. The one who later recruits people to talk about.”
Guo Linxiang assured: "Of course, we know that you are now in charge of the household department and in charge of the world's money and food, so we will not embarrass you."
Zhao Junchen nodded and said with a smile: "In this case, I have nothing to say. By the way, the senior squires from all over Lu'an Prefecture have gathered at the magistrate's Yamen in the past few days. I am ready to meet them. Let them discuss the locust plague, are you interested in going with me?"
The Shanxi merchants looked at each other and knew that Zhao Junchen wanted to use them to persuade the elderly squires. He was asking Zhao Junchen for something, so there was no reason not to agree, so they all nodded in agreement.
………
On the way to the magistrate's office, Zhao Junchen sat in a sedan with his eyes closed and meditative. Xu Qingyan followed on foot beside the sedan, and a group of Shanxi merchants also sat in sedans and followed behind.
Not long after leaving, Zhao Junchen heard Xu Qingyan complaining outside the sedan chair: "Master, how profitable is the salt business? Why did you hand it over to those Shanxi businessmen for no reason?"
Obviously, Xu Qingyan has endured such complaints for a long time. For Xu Qingyan, how could he give away his profitable business to others?
Zhao Junchen shook his head and smiled: "You have calculated too carefully. To develop Sichuan salt wells, you need a lot of silver, sufficient mining opportunities, and even rich connections. We are not prepared enough, let alone Besides, Sichuan is far away from the sky and we don’t have time to take care of it. In this case, it’s better to leave it to those Shanxi businessmen.”
Xu Qingyan's voice was filled with pain as he said, "But it's too easy for them."
Zhao Junchen said: "We have to take a long-term view. We have gained a lot this time. It can even be regarded as killing multiple birds with one stone. Not only will there be no resistance to disaster relief in Lu'an Mansion, but we can also earn a good reputation because of it. More importantly, young master, I am now determined to recruit a group of cronies and allies in the court and local areas. Those businessmen have money and food, and they will help with disaster relief. The officials of Lu'an Mansion will receive a lot of benefits in addition to disaster relief. And they will attribute these benefits to us. After the locust plague is over, if we take credit, they will be in the same boat as us from now on. And after making good friends with those Shanxi merchants, they can also get the help of those in the court. Thanks to the goodwill of officials who have good relations with Shanxi merchants, we will not be considered weak in the court from now on."
Xu Qingyan said: "But if this happens, wouldn't it offend those Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants?"
Zhao Junchen said calmly: "If you make friends with one group of people, you will inevitably offend another group of people. It depends on how you choose. What's more, I will have my own means to make peace with them in the future."
Xu Qingyan naturally believed in Zhao Junchen's words. He only felt that after Zhao Junchen was hit by stones, his methods seemed to be more sophisticated.
However, Xu Qingyan's temperament of not being able to afford early gains without profit still made him a little uncomfortable with what Zhao Junchen had been doing these days, and he said softly: "But in the final analysis, what we earned this time is all empty, what are the actual benefits?" I didn’t even catch it, so all my hard work was in vain.”
Zhao Junchen laughed and said: "Don't just focus on money. Sometimes, some virtual things are much more useful than real things. What's more, we may not get any actual benefits from this trip to Lu'an Mansion."
Xu Qingyan quickly asked: "How to fish it?"
Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "You will know in a moment."
…
In fact, the reason why Zhao Junchen planned to hand over Sichuan Salt Wells to Shanxi Merchants for development was not only for disaster relief and to make good friends with Shanxi Merchants Group, but also had deeper considerations.
Regarding the merchants of this era, whether they were Shanxi merchants or Hui merchants and Zhejiang merchants, Zhao Junchen had both a favorable impression and a strong dislike.
I like it because businessmen in this era are active in thinking and have a long-term vision, and they have consciously begun to cultivate their own spokespersons in the court, and can even promote their spokesmen as the chief ministers of the cabinet, such as Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Siwei. In Zhao Junchen's view, this may not be a manifestation of the ideological awakening of the bourgeoisie. If the time left to them was not too short, the Ming Dynasty might not be able to evolve from a feudal dynasty into a more advanced social system.
But compared to his favorable impressions, Zhao Junchen actually disliked them more.
Zhao Junchen knew very well that the Ming Dynasty was to some extent destroyed by these businessmen. Their smuggling and tax evasion prevented the Ming Dynasty from spending money for a long time. Their interference in court policies even made Emperor Chongzhen lament that "being an official is like a business." Moreover, under the influence of these businessmen, internal strife was serious in the middle and late Ming Dynasty. In the court halls, officials fought with officials, and emperors fought with officials. Behind them were mostly major business groups.
The most important thing is that these businessmen groups have never had national consciousness in their eyes. Needless to say the Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants, the reason why Japanese pirates and pirates were repeatedly banned in the Ming Dynasty was the reason behind the support of the Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants. Many anti-Japanese heroes, Under the manipulation of Huizhou and Zhejiang merchants, they were imprisoned on trumped-up charges. Many loyal and patriotic court officials even had to commit suicide in protest, such as the famous anti-Japanese hero-Zhejiang Admiral Zhu Wan.
Compared with Zhejiang merchants and Huizhou merchants, although Shanxi merchants had a closer relationship with the Ming Dynasty court, they did a better job. After the Ming Dynasty cut off the mutual trade with Jianzhou Jurchens, Jianzhou Jurchens were short of iron and food, and they would have been criticized by the Ming Dynasty. The Chao Dynasty was dragged down, but the reason why it survived in the end was because Shanxi merchants secretly supported them through smuggling.
The reason why Zhao Junchen handed over Sichuan salt wells to Shanxi merchants was also to divert their attention.
If the attention of Shanxi merchants is directed to Sichuan, perhaps they will not look down on the profits from smuggling with Jianzhou Jurchens. After all, the situation in the Ming Dynasty is not good now, and the current Khan of Jianzhou Jurchens still loves Xinjue. Luo Xuanye, if Zhao Junchen has a chance, he will do it to prepare for a rainy day.
"Businessmen in this era, merchants from Shanxi started their fortunes because of their privileges, and merchants from Huizhou and Zhejiang made profits from smuggling. They are not serious businessmen. After making profits, they never thought about capital accumulation. Instead, they built houses and bought land. Used to squander... Fortunately, in later generations, some people still regard them as business representatives of the Ming and Qing Dynasties..."
Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen couldn't help but shook his head.
Unconsciously, Zhao Junchen already had the idea of reforming the businessmen of this era.
While Zhao Junchen was thinking secretly, Xu Qingyan reported: "Master, please see Guo Linxiang."
Zhao Junchen had guessed Guo Linxiang's purpose and said casually: "Well, let him come."
Not long after, Guo Linxiang hurriedly came to Zhao Junchen's sedan chair, following step by step as the sedan chair moved forward.
Zhao Junchen opened the curtains of the sedan and asked with a smile: "What does Boss Guo have to do with me?"
Guo Linxiang replied respectfully: "Sir, I just discussed it with other Shanxi merchants. In order to avoid unnecessary disputes in the future, we also concentrated our efforts on one place to increase the mining of Sichuan salt, and decided to use financing. Establish a salt store and call it Kyushu Salt Store."
Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, and said: "Jiuzhou Salt Shop, what a good name, and quite impressive."
Guo Linxiang smiled and said: "That's not because of your care. In order to repay you, after discussion, I decided to give half of the shares of Jiuzhou Salt Bank to you. Please don't refuse."
Doing stocks means spending nothing and getting dividends from the shares.
Zhao Junchen hesitated: "Half? Is that too much?"
It's not that Zhao Junchen refused, there are indeed many Bancheng shares. After all, it is not an ordinary salt shop, but a group of Shanxi businessmen working together, and will control the entire salt production in Sichuan in the future.
But Guo Linxiang shook his head and said: "It's only half a percent, but it's not much. You deserve it, sir."
With that said, Guo Linxiang took out another roll of banknotes from his sleeve, handed it to Xu Qingyan under Zhao Junchen's gaze, and said, "This is also a small gift, please accept it with pleasure."
With that said, Guo Linxiang bowed and left without waiting for Zhao Junchen to speak.
Xu Qingyan glanced at the banknote in his hand, flicked it with his hand, and said in an excited and affirmative tone: "Master, it's another hundred thousand taels of silver."
Zhao Junchen closed the curtain and sat back in the sedan. He didn't look very excited, but said softly: "What am I talking about? How could there be no good for us this time..."
"Young master is wise"
………
When Zhao Junchen led a group of Shanxi merchants to the prefect's Yamen, a group of senior squires had been waiting for a long time.
Not only them, Zhang Daoquan and the more prominent magic stick witches and Taoist priests in Lu'an Mansion came to the Yamen almost at the same time, waiting to meet Zhao Junchen.
As for the rumor that Zhao Junchen intends to preside over the culling of locusts in Lu'an Mansion, these senior squires have heard about it. From the bottom of their hearts, they disapprove, not only because they are afraid of the revenge of the locust god, but also because doing so will It is detrimental to their interests. After all, after the locust plague, the victims will be displaced, and their land will be expanded as a result.
However, I thought Zhang Daoquan and others were their supporters, but after asking for information, I found that all the people from various sects in Lu'an Mansion supported the culling of locusts, including the host of the Locust Temple.
The senior squires tried to find ways to deal with the officials they knew, but they were told that all officials who opposed the eradication of locusts had been dismissed from office.
At this time, the senior squires felt that it was hard to go against the general trend.
When Zhao Junchen summoned them, they saw a group of Shanxi merchants who were respectful to Zhao Junchen. The elderly squires found in despair that their last supporter could not be relied on.
On the other side, after meeting these senior squires in the hall of the prefect's Yamen, Zhao Junchen did not show any politeness, but directly asked: "I want to destroy the locusts. Who among you has any objection?"
As Zhao Junchen's words fell, Liu Changan, who had been waiting aside for a long time, took the lead and said: "My Lord's move is to serve the country and the people wholeheartedly. It has hundreds of benefits and no harm. I absolutely agree with it."
After the words fell, all the officials responded.
Zhang Daoquan did not fall behind others, and also said on behalf of a group of religious people: "Your Majesty, culling locusts is a good deed, which can save countless people. We, the five religions, will definitely support you."
After Zhang Daoquan finished speaking, all the monks, Taoists, witches and magicians also claimed that he was right.
Guo Linxiang also said: "Your Majesty's move is really a blessing to our Shanxi Province. How can we, the people of Shanxi Province, disapprove of it?"
A group of Shanxi merchants also responded.
Then, Zhao Junchen turned his attention to the squires and elders.
The squires and elders looked at each other in shock, feeling that they were surrounded by enemies on all sides and that the general trend was unstoppable. In the end, no one dared to speak out against it, which was why Lin Lin Luo Luo had to do so.
If Zhao Junchen used inducements to gain support from Shanxi merchants, then he used coercion for these gentry and elders.
Seeing that no one responded, Zhao Junchen laughed and said: "In that case, starting from tomorrow, the government will take the lead, and the whole Lu'an government will work together to extinguish the locust plague. Tomorrow, I will personally preside over the ceremony. I know, you guys Some people are worried about the revenge of the Locust God. I will pray to the gods of heaven and earth tomorrow. If God wants to punish me, I am willing to shoulder the punishment and will never blame others."
