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On the next day, Lin Wei, the Minister of Rites, visited Qian Tong, the Jurchen envoy of Jianzhou, with a strange expression.
After seeing Qian Tong, Lin Wei put on a smile, raised his hands and saluted: "Congratulations to Envoy Qian! Your Majesty's reward for Hou Jin has been decided. Because of Hou Jin's respectful performance this time, Your Majesty is also particularly generous. I have made a rough estimate." Look, your majesty’s reward is worth twice as much as the tribute from Hou Jin!”
After saying that, Lin Wei took out a gift list and handed it to Qian Tong.
Qian Tong was immediately overjoyed, feeling that Hou Jin had indeed taken advantage this time, so he quickly took the gift list and looked through it.
But looking at the contents of the gift list, Qian Tong's expression quickly became confused.
There was a long list of gifts, including ten thousand taels of gold, one hundred thousand taels of silver, ten million taels of Ming Dynasty treasures, thousands of pieces of silk, satin, and silk yarn, and countless rare and luxurious items... They were indeed of great value.
But if we put aside those Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes that are almost like waste paper, the total value of all the items in this gift list is only about the same as the tribute gifts of Jianzhou Jurchen. How can there be two kinds of money as Lin Wei said? Times as much?
Seeing Qian Tong's puzzled expression, Lin Wei's expression flashed with embarrassment, but he still maintained a smile, pointed at the end of the gift list, and said: "Envoy Qian, look at the last item on this gift list. The focus of your Majesty’s rewards this time are all royal tributes from the palace. They can be said to be the most proud creations of our Ming Dynasty in recent years, they best reflect the prosperity and style of our Ming Dynasty, and they are also the most valuable.”
Qian Tong looked down and found a line at the end of the gift list.
——Five thousand boxes each of milk pancreas, fragrant pancreas, and crystal pancreas, and one thousand boxes of medicinal pancreas.
Qian Tong immediately wanted to curse.
Pancreas? Isn’t it just the soap locust used when washing hands and face? Can this kind of thing be regarded as a tribute from the palace to reward the countries?
When Qian Tong was still in Houjin, he had heard that Yizi was invented by Zhao Junchen and was used to cleanse the body. The effect was much stronger than ordinary saponins, and there were many other saponins that were not found For example, crystal pancreas has the effect of lubricating the skin, milk pancreas has the effect of whitening skin color, fragrant pancreas has the effect of adding fragrance to the body, and medicinal pancreas has the effect of strengthening the body and curing diseases.
It is said that after Zhao Junchen invented the soap, it quickly became popular all over the Ming Dynasty. If the common people did not always keep a piece of soap in their homes, they would not dare to claim that they were rich; even wealthy families often kept the soap they usually use. Show off to others and compare with others - the soap you use every day is a crystal one that sells for one tael of silver? What a poor man! That's what my maids only use! I usually only use high-quality medicinal pancreas worth seven or eight taels of silver!
After this mission to the Ming Dynasty, Qian Tong also discovered that both the officials and the people in the Ming Dynasty were much fairer and healthier than he had imagined, and most of them had a natural herbal aroma, which was obviously that of pancreatic juice. Effective.
After Qian Tong himself moved into the Jingcheng Inn, he also used Yizi. The effect was indeed amazing, and he was so impressed that he always wanted to buy more as specialties to bring home money.
Looking at it this way, it makes sense for Lin Wei to insist that these pancakes represent the glory and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.
Thinking of this, Qian Tong's heart moved and his anger decreased a lot. He asked, "Shang Shu Lin, you don't know how much these soaps are worth? Are they easy to sell?"
Lin Wei immediately nodded and said: "Of course the value of these pancreas is extremely high! Even among the people, an ordinary piece of fragrant pancreas and milk pancreas can easily be sold for a high price of three qian to half a tael of silver. As for the crystal pancreas, The value is even higher. The sky-high price of one tael of silver is also in short supply. It is a special product for those rich and powerful families, and there are even more precious medicinal pancreas. The price is often as high as seven or eight taels of silver. High-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen in the government and the public, usually Everyone here is proud of their use of medicinal pancreas. In the eyes of ordinary people, if a person has the unique fragrance of medicinal pancreas, it means that this person's family background is either rich or noble, and he will definitely attract the envy of everyone! It can be said that, In our Ming Dynasty, which kind of soap you usually use represents your status!
The various kinds of soaps that His Majesty gave to Hou Jin this time are even more remarkable. They are all royal items in the palace and are used daily by Your Majesty and his concubines. The materials are more exquisite and the craftsmanship is more complex. The effect is also more wonderful. After careful carving by craftsmen, various patterns emerge. Some soaps are even carved into the appearance of auspicious animals and palaces. They are just like exquisite jade. They are really beautiful and the price is higher than common ones among the people. The pancreas is ten times and a hundred times higher!
Many people from well-off families will try their best to buy a piece of soap used by the royal family at a high price. They are reluctant to use it to clean their bodies on weekdays, so they put it in the main room as decoration. It not only looks good and auspicious, but also adds to the room. Add fragrance, and most importantly, decent scenery! "
After a pause, Lin Wei continued: "This time, Your Majesty generously gave Houjin tens of thousands of boxes of pancakes. Each box contained four pieces of pancakes of various colors. They are all palace treasures and are worth so much." Needless to say, if this batch of soap comes to the public, many wealthy businessmen will rush to buy it at a high price of one million taels of silver."
After hearing Lin Wei's explanation, Qian Tong's anger immediately disappeared and he breathed a long sigh of relief.
This time, Hou Jin's tribute to Emperor Deqing was so heavy because he believed that the Ming Dynasty would not be ashamed. In order to maintain the dignity of the Celestial Kingdom, Hou Jin would definitely repay Hou Jin's tribute several times. When the time comes, Hou Jin You can also make a lot of money.
It doesn't matter even if most of the Ming Dynasty's rewards are just flashy treasures and luxuries. After all, the Ming Dynasty and Houjin have opened a mutual market. After selling these treasures and luxuries, they can still be exchanged for silver to buy a large number of practical materials and bring them back to Houjin. within the territory.
Therefore, after hearing Lin Wei's explanation, Qian Tong immediately felt at ease - since the value of soap is very high and it is an extremely sought-after commodity, he only needs to resell it to get a large amount of grain and grass for the backend. Materials are just a matter of spending a little more effort.
In short, Houjin still made a lot of money this time!
On the other hand, Lin Wei, as the Minister of Rites, often dealt with envoys from various countries, so he naturally knew that envoys from various countries would take the opportunity to do business in the Ming Dynasty every time they paid tribute.
At this time, Lin Wei had already guessed what Qian Tong was thinking just by seeing the change in Qian Tong's expression.
Lin Wei's expression became more and more strange, and he cupped his hands and said: "In that case, I would like to ask Envoy Qian to send someone to hand over the gift as soon as possible. Your Majesty's reward is now stored in the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites. Envoy Qian, you can go to the palace and thank His Majesty." I went to the Ministry of Rites to collect the reward... I am here to inform Ambassador Qian, but it is already getting late. I have to return to the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites to handle official business. By the way, I am waiting for Ambassador Qian's visit, so I will not stay here any longer. Got it!"
After saying that, Lin Wei couldn't wait to leave.
After Qian Tong thought he had received a favor, he smiled and said goodbye to Lin Wei, saying: "Easy to say, easy to say! I also want to thank Lin Shangshu for his efforts this time! When I go to the Yamen of the Ministry of Rites to receive the reward, I will also give you a heartfelt gift. superior!"
Lin Wei nodded and was about to turn around and leave, but when he reached the door, he stopped again.
Then, Lin Wei turned to look at Qian Tong, with a hint of pity in his eyes, and couldn't help but remind him: "There is one thing that I must inform Envoy Yu Qian... all the soap business in the Ming Dynasty, and Salt, iron and other items are somewhat similar. They are all sold exclusively from internal transportation warehouses. If private merchants want to be qualified to sell soap, they must bid at the Ministry of Household Affairs. Only by bidding and obtaining a voucher from the Ministry of Household Affairs can they get the certificate. You can collect the soap from the internal transport warehouse and sell it... In other words, if you, the money envoy, do not have the procedures from the Ministry of Revenue, you cannot sell the soap privately. This batch of soap can only be shipped back in full and cannot be used as payment for others. use."
Upon hearing Lin Wei's explanation, Qian Tong was stunned.
On the other side, Lin Wei saw the change in Qian Tong's expression and quickly added: "Also, Ambassador Qian just said that he wanted to send me a message, so this matter is unnecessary... Just hand over normally! Just hand over normally!”
After saying that, Lin Wei turned around and left in a hurry, leaving Qian Tong alone with his face gradually turning red!
Without a voucher from the Ministry of Revenue, you can't sell soap at will? What does it mean? In other words, the batch of soaps that Emperor Deqing rewarded Hou Jin can only be smashed into his hands?
Could it be said that I was lucky enough to risk my life on my mission to the Ming Dynasty, but in the end I could only get a batch of pancreatic juices to clean my body and return to Houjin?
Houjin was experiencing a food shortage and had no food to eat, so he hoped that he could get a benefit from the Ming Dynasty and exchange it for food for emergency relief. If he only returned to Houjin with a batch of pancakes that could not be sold, What's the use? Is the whole population engaged in sanitation? Pancreas may be useful, but it is by no means necessary for Houjin! Hou Jin's top priority was to keep the soldiers and civilians well fed, not personal hygiene!
Thinking of this, Qian Tong's mind already pictured Xuan Ye's gloomy expression after seeing these batches of soap.
"The Ming Dynasty...does this! How can there be any dignity in the Celestial Empire!"
After holding it in for a long time, Qian Tong, who had not taken any advantage, finally cursed like this!
But other than that, Qian Tong can't change anything.
After all, although Hou Jin did not take advantage, the Ming Dynasty was indeed extremely generous on the surface, and no one could find any fault with it. The value of the things given to Hou Jin was valuable enough, but the Yizi, which accounted for the bulk of the rewards, could not Just selling!
At the same time, Lin Wei hurriedly fled Qian Tong's room because he was afraid of embarrassment, but he still vaguely heard Qian Tong's angry voice venting, and couldn't help but walk faster.
"Fortunately! Fortunately, the money envoy didn't know that the price of this batch of soap is high only because of its scarcity, but the actual cost is only three to five thousand taels of silver... If he knew these things, I would It is really impossible to step down, and the dignity of the court will be lost... Sigh! I don’t know why Zhao Gechen is so stingy, and his methods are so terrible! Hou Jin’s tribute this year is so large, which shows their sincerity, but Zhao Gechen It turned out to be a whim, and he planned to just use a batch of pancakes as a gift in return!
Yesterday, if it weren't for my strong arguments and his Majesty's desire to maintain the dignity of the court, he finally asked the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Internal Treasury to replenish a batch of gold, silver and treasures of similar value to Hou Jin's tribute... ...Otherwise, Houjin’s tribute will all be wasted, and he won’t even be able to get his capital back! "
While thinking secretly, Lin Wei recalled Zhao Junchen's suggestion yesterday!
"Your Majesty, if you don't want Jianzhou Jurchen and other tribes to take too much advantage, but you still want to maintain the dignity of the court, then just give them more false things but not real things! What is false but not real things? ? It’s a priceless thing! It’s something that is unique to my Ming Dynasty but not available to Hou Jin! In this way, these things are priceless to Hou Jin. Naturally, we have the final say on its specific value!
I think that the royal pancreas used by His Majesty and the concubines in the palace is very suitable! Ever since I invented pancreatic juice, it has always been made and supplied exclusively by the internal transportation warehouse. This is not only unique to our Ming Dynasty, but also something that the Jurchens in Jianzhou have never seen before. Moreover, it also has some practical effects and is very popular. All parties are welcome... And the royal soap used by His Majesty and the concubines in the palace is naturally of higher value. No one can refute that it is worth dozens of taels of silver per piece, but in fact its cost is not high. It only costs a few tens of pennies and is easy to make. We might as well use the imperial soap as a reward and give it to the Jianzhou Jurchen and other ministries. Let’s say that this batch of soap is worth millions of taels of silver, and anyone can choose it. Nothing wrong! "
At that time, after hearing what Zhao Junchen said, everyone in the imperial study room was stunned, feeling that Zhao Junchen was too shameless.
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In Zhao Junchen's previous life, he had also read several Internet histories. The protagonists in them were either science men who had a wide range of interests and were able to create and invent many things; It's at your fingertips.
Zhao Junchen also traveled through time, but he was far behind in comparison. He only "invented" two things, one was soap and the other was a printed apple. Moreover, he only provided a general idea, and the specific process was all done by the soapmaker. Responsible for completion with fruit growers.
Fortunately, these two things more or less played a role, affecting Zhao Junchen's fate and even changing the direction of the Ming Dynasty.
Today, Zhao Junchen no longer intends to "invent" anything in a short period of time, but has turned his attention to poetry.
It's a pity that Zhao Junchen doesn't know much about poetry after the Ming Dynasty. Apart from a few naturally domineering poems by ***, there are only two or three poems left.
When Lin Wei and Qian Tong met, Zhao Junchen was standing in front of his desk and wrote down a famous poem from the Qing Dynasty in his memory.
"If life is just like the first time we met, why should the autumn wind draw a fan with sadness? It's easy to change the heart of an old friend, but it is easy to change the heart of an old friend... Lishan's words have passed half the night, and the tears, rain, and bells will not complain in the end. What a bad luck to the man in brocade, Wings and branches linked together to make a wish."
Well, it’s actually only half of the poem, because Zhao Junchen can’t remember the second half of the poem clearly, and there were a few deviations when writing silently. Although it was only a few words that were changed, the artistic conception of the poem was still a little different after all. .
After holding it in for a long time, but unable to complete the poem no matter what, Zhao Junchen sighed and threw the rabbit hair aside.
At this moment, Zhang Yuer pushed the door open and entered the study. She was about to say something to Zhao Junchen, but suddenly she saw the poem in front of Zhao Junchen. After reading it softly, Zhang Yuer could not help but immerse herself in the poem.
What a sad and desolate artistic conception is this?
For a moment, Zhang Yu'er forgot her original purpose and looked at the poem in front of her for a long time, feeling a little crazy.
Zhang Yuer's character and thoughts have always been different from those of ordinary women. Compared with the love between children and the love between men and women, she is more addicted to the feeling of turning her hands into clouds and rain, shaking up the situation in the world, and controlling the destiny of the world - -This is also the reason why Zhang Yuer likes Zhao Junchen, because Zhao Junchen has too many conspiracies and tricks that can reverse Chao Gang.
But at this moment, when she saw this poem, the important point was that it was written by Zhao Junchen, Zhang Yuer suddenly discovered that she actually had some girlish thoughts.
After silently reciting it several times in her mind, Zhang Yu'er looked up at Zhao Junchen. Her eyes were shining and her cheeks were red, and she asked softly: "If life is just like the first meeting, why is the autumn wind sad painting fan... this A poem, written by the master?"
Zhao Junchen was a little ashamed, but after thinking about it, he still said: "It was written by me... but it's only half of the poem. The artistic conception of the second half of the poem is still a bit different, and I'm not particularly satisfied."
Zhang Yu'er stared straight at Zhao Junchen with her bright eyes and said softly: "It's already very good... Being able to write this poem shows your talent and sentiments... Why did you write this poem, sir?"
When asking, Zhang Yuer was full of expectations, thinking that she would hear Zhao Junchen tell a touching and poignant love story, or some beautiful words of love that would make people happy.
However, Zhao Junchen just said calmly: "Of course it is to raise hopes and create some false reputation for myself! By the way, I am chanting my ambitions with poems to see if this method can dispel Emperor Deqing's wariness."
Zhang Yu'er was stunned and asked: "Raising hope? False reputation? To resolve His Majesty's wariness?"
Zhao Junchen nodded and further explained: "That's right! Take the Three Kingdoms as an example. Cao Cao massacred cities and killed countless people. Why can he still be talked about by many future generations? Many scholars can't wait to overturn the case for Cao Cao and defend Cao Cao. Did he praise his virtues? Liu Bei maintained his benevolence and righteousness throughout his life, and even when he was in danger, he carried the people across the river and never left him. But why do some mavericks always think Liu Bei is hypocritical? In the final analysis, it is because Cao Cao is good at writing poetry! These poems are the best means of publicity!
After people read Cao Cao's poems, it is easy for them to develop a favorable impression of Cao Cao. They think that poems can carry forward his moral principles and convey his aspirations. How can Cao Cao be a bad person if he can write such majestic poems that are also concerned about the country and the people? Naturally, he wanted to find excuses for Cao Cao in every possible way... On the contrary, although Liu Bei was benevolent and righteous throughout his life, he did not leave any works, and his personal character was too perfect to make people feel ashamed. Naturally, this would lead to some dark speculations... ...So, Cao Cao is good at writing poems. Even if he massacres people without any calculation, he is still a frank and lovely villain in some people's hearts. Liu Bei is not good at these superficial articles. No matter how many good deeds he does, he will inevitably attract people's attention. Come to criticize, this is the importance of publicity!
So, I was thinking about whether I could write a few poems and essays that could be handed down from generation to generation, so as to further change my image as a scholar and increase the favorability of scholars... By the way, I would also like to write more poems and essays about the love between children. It will make Emperor Deqing think that I have no ambitions, and maybe I can lower his wariness..."
Zhang Yuer: "..."
Hearing Zhao Junchen's tirade, Zhang Yu'er didn't know how to react for a moment. She just felt that her girlish feelings, which had only appeared once with great difficulty, were shattered by Zhao Junchen.
After a long silence, Zhang Yu'er sighed softly and said: "Sometimes, Yu'er also hopes that Master, you will be less calculating in your heart."
Zhao Junchen looked at Zhang Yu'er with a puzzled expression, feeling a little strange. Didn't she always like these schemes the most?
Zhang Yu'er saw Zhao Junchen's confused look, but she smiled bitterly and shook her head, feeling that Zhao Junchen was confused.
But Zhang Yu'er took another look at Zhao Junchen's "poetry", and she really liked it in her heart, so she couldn't help but ask: "Master, would you like to give this poem to Yu'er?"
Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "I don't think it's good enough, but if you like it, take it."
Zhang Yu'er immediately happily put away Zhao Junchen's "poetry" and said: "I think it is good enough, especially if it is written by the master himself, it is even more rare."
It's almost the same as what I copied in my own hand.
But before Zhao Junchen could say anything else, Zhang Yuer's expression suddenly turned serious and she said, "Master, news just came from Luoyang that something big has happened!"
Zhao Junchen couldn't help but frown and asked: "Luoyang? Is it something related to the prince?"
Zhang Yuer nodded and further explained: "It is said that the prince arrived in Luoyang to investigate Prince Fu. There was no progress at first, but suddenly he collected a lot of conclusive evidence, and these evidences were not only about Prince Fu, but also about Prince Fu. To many vassal kings including King Lu, King Su, King Dai, etc.!
By now, the whole of Luoyang was in chaos. The prince had forced the Luoyang government to place everyone in Prince Fu's house under house arrest. He also planned to finish his work in one battle and deal with the vassal kings such as King Lu, King Su, King Dai, etc. at the same time! If nothing else goes wrong, the prince's memorial to impeach all the vassal kings at the same time will be delivered to the capital tonight! "
Hearing Zhang Yuer's report, Zhao Junchen was immediately shocked and felt incredible!
When did Prince Zhu Heyu become so capable?
In just over half a month, it was possible to obtain conclusive evidence of the crimes of many feudal kings at the same time?
During this period of time, Zhu Heyu has indeed matured a lot and has some means and power, but he is not so powerful, right? Even if Bao Zheng and Di Renjie were still alive, their investigative capabilities would only be this far!
At the same time, Zhao Junchen also vaguely sensed a hint of conspiracy.
It seems that His Royal Highness has once again jumped into the trap prepared for him without hesitation!
All in all, whenever he does too much and makes too many mistakes, His Royal Highness is always very positive!
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PS: The long title of this chapter is to complain about myself.
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