"Mountain Chief, Jin Wanfu has been taken away by people from Dali Temple. According to investigations, he knew that Zhang Xiongfei borrowed money to hoard food and drive up food prices, but he still chose to lend money because he accepted two beautiful Hus who were sent by Zhang Xiongfei. Ji, those two Hu Ji have been dismissed, and the six thousand guan that Jin Wanfu lent to Zhang Xiongfei has been recovered. I will have someone send a message back to the headquarters of Yanhuang Bank as soon as possible, and transfer a gentleman with both virtue and skill to Xinfeng County. Take on the role of bank manager~!"
On the field ridge outside Liyang County, Li Ke came to Li Zexuan and cupped his hands.
They spent the night in Weinan County after killing locusts yesterday, and set off at dawn this morning. They are currently killing locusts in Yueyang County. Along the way, they borrowed more than 20,000 chickens from Xinfeng County. Weinan County has borrowed more than 10,000 chickens. People in Yueyang County have spontaneously started sending their own chickens to the county government after reading the "Datang Daily" today. It is expected that Li Zexuan and the others will be able to " Absorb "20,000 chickens!"
This is the snowball effect. The Tianji Brigade is like a snowball. The affected states and counties in Guanzhong not only eliminated the locusts, but also continued to grow in strength as they continued to absorb the chickens sent by the people along the way!
"The more fertile the soil, the easier it is for corruption to breed! Yanhuang Bank manages countless amounts of money, and the bank manager is a fat man in the eyes of countless people. Today we can sanction one Jin Wanfu, but in the future there will be hundreds of thousands more Jin Wanfu, how will you deal with it when the time comes, Xiao Ke?"
Li Zexuan turned around, looked at Li Ke with a faint look and said.
When Li Ke heard this, he couldn't help but be startled. Obviously he agreed with the first half of what Li Zexuan said, but he really hadn't thought about how to solve this problem. After a moment of silence, Li Ke cupped his hands and said, "Please teach me how to solve this problem." ~!"
Li Zexuan sighed, put his hands behind his hands and said: "We can't always punish a corrupt bank boss when we find one. You and I don't have that time. This is like His Majesty and the officials in the court. Your Majesty has to deal with everything on weekdays, so what? Do you have time to investigate whether the civil and military officials below are corrupt? But in the Tang Dynasty, corrupt officials are rampant because of this?
No! Because the imperial court has a censor's desk, there are dozens of censors who are meticulously exercising their responsibilities of supervising all officials! Therefore, Weishi believes that Yanhuang Bank also needs a self-monitoring department within it, specifically to monitor whether there is corruption in banks everywhere! In this way, it is possible to prevent people like Jin Wanfu from appearing again! "
In fact, he had thought about this problem as early as the establishment of the bank, but at first the bank's scale was limited to Yunshan, so he did not worry much about corruption. Later, Yanhuang Bank was recognized by Li Er and the officials in the court, and was affiliated with the Ministry of Household Affairs. After completely becoming a "state-owned" large bank, it began a period of rapid expansion!
Under the rapid expansion of anything, there will be many hidden dangers. The same is true for Yanhuang Bank. Jin Wanfu is just the tip of the iceberg. Li Zexuan believes that there must be many people like Jin Wanfu who use power for personal gain and corruption in Yanhuang Bank in various counties in the Tang Dynasty. Corrupt scum!
Catching one and then dismissing the other to investigate obviously cannot completely solve the problem. The only correct way to solve the problem is to improve the existing system and prevent this phenomenon from happening again from an institutional perspective!
Hearing this, Li Ke suddenly realized: "Thank you, Chief! Then when this locust extermination operation is over, Ke will go back to Chang'an to gather people and set up a supervisory department in Yanhuang Qianqian Bank to regularly verify the accounts of each county bank and irregularly." Send supervisory officials to places to conduct unannounced visits to assess whether local bank bosses have done anything illegal!"
Li Zexuan nodded and said: "This is the best! Otherwise, if there are too many people like Jin Wanfu, it will not only cause heavy economic losses to the bank, but also cause the bank's reputation among the people to plummet!"
At this point, Li Zexuan's face flashed with anger, "Huh! Fortunately, this matter did not become a big deal and was strangled in the cradle in time to collude with grain merchants and drive up grain prices. Otherwise, our Yanhuang Bank would probably be criticized among the people." Everyone shouted for beating! Xiao Ke immediately made Jin Wanfu's example a typical one and issued an internal official notice in Yanhuang Bank to let all bank bosses take a warning. Otherwise, like Jin Wanfu, not only will his reputation be ruined, but he will also be imprisoned. Disaster!"
Yanhuang Bank was founded by Li Zexuan. When he saw someone destroying his hard work, of course he was heartbroken and angry!
Li Ke looked solemn, and said with cupped hands: "Don't worry, Chief, the internal official documents were sent out yesterday, and the shopkeepers of each bank should receive them in the next few days~! In addition, what should be the name of our bank's internal supervision department?"
Li Zexuan pondered for a moment and then said: "The bank involves gold and silver, so let's call them the Golden Guards! The Golden Guards must not only have civilian personnel who are good at investigating and analyzing accounts, but also military personnel who are good at arresting and fighting. This department must have We must be both civilized and military, and cultivate both internally and externally, because the scale of Yanhuang Bank will become larger and larger in the future~!"
"this....!"
After hearing this, Li Ke opened his mouth in surprise. Apparently he didn't expect Li Zexuan to play such a big role, "Chief, this matter involves military affairs. I'm afraid I need Father's permission before we can proceed!"
Li Zexuan nodded and said: "That's natural! Yanhuang Bank is just a financial institution at best. Of course, it does not have the power to form an armed force. But precisely because the bank is a financial institution, it needs a strong force to ensure its internal and external security. It’s safe, so I’ll leave this matter to you, Xiao Ke, for your Majesty’s instructions! The future Golden Guards must not only be able to uncover the corrupt scum within the bank, but also protect the bank from being invaded by outside lawbreakers!”
He definitely did not create this Jinyiwei just for pranks. The daily cash flow of Yanhuang Bank is very considerable. Money can move people's hearts. Everyone likes money. People inside the bank may think of embezzling money, but criminals outside the bank may think of embezzling money. You may want to come to the bank to steal money. If you don't take precautions as soon as possible, something will definitely happen one day!
For example, modern banks not only have banks such as the China Banking Regulatory Commission to supervise and manage banks, financial asset management companies, trust investment companies and other deposit-taking financial institutions, but they also have bank security to protect the safety of the bank! Yanhuang Bank is similar to a modern bank, and of course it also needs corresponding supervision and security departments!
Hearing this, Li Ke thought carefully in his mind for a moment, and then he handed over his hands and said: "What the mountain chief said is reasonable. After we return to Chang'an, Ke will personally report this matter to his father!"
Li Zexuan nodded and said: "Well! The top priority is to exterminate the locusts first! The Tianji Brigade is getting bigger and bigger now. Xiaoke, you must do a good job of overall coordination and arrange tasks for each team in advance to ensure that we exterminate the locusts. The speed is getting faster and faster, otherwise wouldn’t the chickens that the people lent us have been in vain?”
For the Tianji Brigade, the increase in the number of chickens is not entirely a good thing. The expansion of the scale will put higher requirements on the commander! For example, a team of 5,000 chickens was previously asked to kill locusts in 1,000 acres of fertile land in half a day. But now the total number of chickens has increased, and each team will be assigned more chickens. If we still follow the previous If tasks are divided according to speed, there will be a waste of resources. However, if too many tasks are divided, it will also affect the overall progress of the Tianji Brigade!
The actual commander of the Tianji Brigade is actually Li Ke, so Li Zexuan said this.
Li Ke solemnly raised his hands and said: "Don't worry, Commander, Ke will definitely weigh all factors and assign tasks to each team!"
"Well! This is the best! After killing the locusts in a while, let's make some preparations and go directly to the next county - Jingyang County. Let the magistrate of Yueyang County deliver the chickens lent to us by the people in a while!"
"Yes! Chief Shan!"
.................................................
On the first day of the Tianji brigade's "expedition", locusts were wiped out in two counties, and the size of the chicken flock increased to 350,000!
On the second day of the Tianji Brigade's "campaign", the locusts were cleared in two and a half counties. The reason why it is said to be two and a half counties is because only half of the locusts in the third county were cleared. It became dark, and Li Zexuan and his party had to We stayed there and waited until dawn tomorrow to continue killing locusts. That day, the size of the chicken flock increased to 410,000!
On the third day of the Tianji brigade's "expedition", locusts were wiped out in three counties, and the size of the chicken flock increased to 470,000!
At noon on the fourth day, after the Tianji Brigade had eliminated the locusts in Xianyang County, the Tianji Brigade consisting of 500,000 chickens was divided into two groups. The 200,000 chickens were led by Li Zexuan and set off westward, and the other 300,000 chickens were sent to the west. Led by Li Ke and Cheng Chumo, the chickens marched eastward, along the Yellow River, and wiped out locusts in various affected states and counties!
"Good news" spread frequently, and the size of the Tianji Brigade is also increasing day by day. The people in the disaster area who were originally in despair and helplessness due to the locust plague, after seeing the good news about the Tianji Brigade in the "Datang Daily", they instantly became happy. Infinite fighting spirit was ignited, and various disaster-stricken prefectures and counties throughout the Guanzhong region launched vigorous disaster relief operations one after another!
At the same time, various departments of the imperial court had already taken action. The Twelve Supervisory Censors were sent by Li Er to conduct administrative inspections in the twelve affected states, focusing on strictly investigating those officials who failed to provide disaster relief and even made money by taking advantage of the locust plague. !
And behind each inspection censor was a long team of food transporters. Some of the food transport teams even relied on the power of the Yanhuang Chamber of Commerce. This can be regarded as the second honest government-business cooperation in the history of the Tang Dynasty (the first time Last year, the imperial court sent a fleet south to exchange for food, and many private merchants participated.)
As for the source of these grains, they all come from Taicang, the largest granary in Chang'an City. Taicang is regarded as the royal granary. Its main function is to provide royal consumption, rewards, official salaries, military supplies, and government accounts. Although Taicang's main function is to serve the ruling center, it also has some positive effects. For example, whenever there is a famine, Taicang will use grain to replenish Changpingcang to curb the skyrocketing grain prices, and will also sell some grain at low prices to provide relief to the victims.
Last year, the imperial court sent a fleet south to exchange grain, which directly filled Taicang. Now Taicang has 600,000 shi of grain, and Hanjiacang in Luoyang stores millions of shi of grain. It can be said that the current large Tang has enough confidence to deal with this locust plague!
Due to the onset of the locust plague, the effects of food shortages in various places had not yet had time to show up. The imperial court transported part of the food to various states and counties, mainly to tell the affected people in the Guanzhong area that the imperial court had the strength and ability to help them tide over the difficulties. In this kind of situation In the face of a major natural disaster, sometimes if you say ten thousand words, it would be better to bring out white flowers of rice to make the people feel at ease!
Therefore, the food in Taicang is not only for disaster relief, but also to stabilize people's hearts and stabilize food prices!
Li Er not only wants to stabilize food prices in words, but also in action!
............................
On the evening of the fifth day of the "expedition" of the Tianji Brigade, Li Zexuan and his team arrived in Yongxian County. Li Zexuan finally met his old friend Wang Renbiao whom he had not seen for many days!
"Haha! I have been away from you for nearly half a year, Xiaoxuan. I never thought that you and I would meet again under the current circumstances. Renbiao really doesn't know whether to be happy or sad about this situation!"
At the end of last year, Li Er issued an order to appoint Wang Renbiao as the governor of Qizhou, and ordered him to go to Qizhou to take up his post at the beginning of this year.
Qizhou belongs to Gyeonggi Province, also known as Fengxiang Prefecture. It has nine counties under its jurisdiction, and its seat is in Yong County where Li Zexuan and the others are now located!
"You should feel sad for the people when it comes to natural disasters, and feel happy when you meet as a friend. There is no conflict between the two!"
Li Zexuan smiled and said.
Wang Renbiao's eyes lit up and he couldn't help but sigh: "Xiaoxuan, you are still as cheerful and open-minded as ever!"
After sighing, he suddenly looked solemn, bowed solemnly, and said: "Today, as a mere governor, I represent the 400,000 people of Qizhou. Welcome Xiaoxuan and your Tianji Brigade~!"
Li Zexuan quickly helped him up and said: "Brothers, why are you so polite! Besides, locust extermination and disaster relief is the responsibility of Tianji Brigade. We are just exterminating locusts according to the route we made before departure. Even if you are not Renbiao The governor of Qizhou and the Tianji Brigade will also come to Qizhou~!"
Wang Renbiao shook his head and said: "No matter what, I will support Xiaoxuan's love for you! After a long journey, Xiaoxuan, you must be tired, so come with me back to the Governor's Mansion to rest!"
Li Zexuan thought for a while and refused: "No, killing the locusts is important! In fact, I am not very tired along the way. After all, I have martial arts skills. The most tired are these children!"
Wang Renbiao couldn't help but cast his eyes on the children in the field who were holding loudspeakers and directing the chickens to march. They were all sweating like rain. But they were all still enthusiastic, which made him couldn't help but sigh: "Lantian County is really a place of outstanding people. With a noble and knowledgeable Marquis like Xiaoxuan here, these children will definitely have a bright future in the future! I have made people Prepare meat, throat soup and heat-relieving soup. How about I treat the children to this meal tonight?"
"this......"
Li Zexuan was about to refuse, but was interrupted by Leng Yuyao next to him:
"Master Marquis, please don't refuse! After my young master learned that you were going to Qizhou today, he started sending people to prepare these things yesterday. Yuyao knows that you are not short of the food money, but my young master also wants to do his part. Your wish will come true!"
Li Zexuan had no choice but to think for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Okay! It's costing you Renbiao~! In fact, Renbiao, you are now the governor of a state, so you should put your official duties first and don't have to go out of the city to greet us in person!"
Wang Renbiao laughed and said: "Xiaoxuan, you and I are brothers, why are you so polite!"
The same words were answered by different questions, and the two couldn't help but look at each other and smile.
"Okay! I won't be polite to you~! Prepare twenty watermelons for the children tonight!"
"Haha! No problem! I'll send someone to buy it right now!"
....................................
Miaoshuwu
