Time soon came to the next day.
Following the movement of the pilot ship, the mighty fleet formed a long queue and sailed towards the north.
The cannon as thick as a bowl on the bow gave off a hint of cold air.
In addition, there was a blood-red dragon flag hanging on the mast. It immediately gave people a feeling of terror.
When all the people making a living on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal saw this flag, they either turned around and left, or hurriedly pulled their boats to the shore for fear of colliding with this huge fleet.
The fundamental reason why everyone avoids this fleet like the god of plague is that the bloody dragon flag represents that this fleet is a government transport fleet, and anyone who dares to intercept this fleet can be "killed without mercy."
Although the surrounding ships saw the fleet and chose to give in, the soldiers guarding did not dare to relax at all.
In the cabin, a group of strong men were rocking the oars in an orderly manner.
Unlike in the past, when everyone was lifeless, these strong men would still make jokes from time to time.
"Have you heard that the imperial court has increased the expenses for us? After two months of traveling back and forth, we can earn one silver coin in the future. As long as we transport it three or five times, my dilapidated house can be demolished and rebuilt. "
A strong man said with a smile.
"Haha, I also heard that it is going to increase, but it should start from next year. This time we will transport 80 copper plates and 10 kilograms of grain for two months."
Another strong man said slightly disappointed.
The current price of grain in the Ming Dynasty is very tight by the court. Usually it is 1 copper coin per catty. Even when the economy is in recession, the price of grain does not exceed 12 copper coins per catty.
The value of 80 copper plates and 10 kilograms of grain is only about 90 copper coins, which is still one-tenth less than 1 silver coin.
"Everyone, please be satisfied. Don't forget that we are considered laborers. In the past, we had to prepare our own food, not to mention the money. After His Majesty ascended the throne, not only did the laborers take care of the food, but they even distributed the money. You guys What else is there to be dissatisfied about? The land at home has been harvested and planted. In two months, my family will have a better New Year. What else can I be dissatisfied about?"
At this time, an older man said.
"Uncle Tie, what you are talking about is how old you are. Now it is reasonable to give money to work. Your Majesty has said, "Every man is responsible for the rise and fall of a country.
It is the responsibility of all people of the Ming Dynasty to pay taxes and perform labor according to law, but it is indeed the responsibility of the court to provide adequate labor.
The people of the world are miserable. They have worked hard for a year and cannot even have enough to eat. To make them bear the burden of labor to provide their own food is not something that a heavenly country should do... "
"You're a fool. Believe it or not, I'll take care of you when I get back." The man everyone called Uncle Tie said.
"You've all been led astray by Mr. Storyteller, haven't you? There's nothing wrong with giving money to do things, but people, you should know how to be grateful, and don't think that the money given to you by the court is what you deserve. Don't think that outsiders give you 2 silver coins a month, and the court only gives you money. Half a silver coin a month is cheating you.
You must know that the court does not owe you anything. "
"For thousands of years, there has been a court that has really cared about the life and death of me and the lower class people. If His Majesty hadn't taken the lead, and you had to pay for work, how could you have enough to eat in the winter??
I can say it bluntly, if the imperial court had not suppressed and stabilized the selling price of grain, do you believe that grain could rise to 10 copper coins per catty in winter? "
