Thoughts come back, and understandings come, but Feng Ziying also knows that she has to act according to her own intentions. Some people are destined to serve as the background of history.
Sometimes you take the wrong first step and there is no chance to look back. Even if you want to, reality cannot give you such an opportunity.
When Lian Guoshi, Fan Jingwen, He Fengsheng and Wu Yan arrived in Yangzhou, they were baptized by Feng Ziying's cold and indifferent words before they had time to wake up from the excitement and joy.
Lian Guoshi, Fan Jingwen and He Fengsheng were still silent, but Wu Di couldn't help it.
He is from Nanzhili. Although he is not exposed to these things due to his status, he still has a painful sense of crisis.
"Ziying, why do you do this?"
Wu Yan's face turned slightly pale. As a young man less than twenty years old, he was poured cold water on his heart just as he felt that he was in the right mood. He looked at Feng Ziying in disbelief.
"Need." Feng Ziying did not avoid it. He could understand the fear, shock and confusion of Wu Zong and even Lian Guo Shi, and even some inexplicable fear.
If it were him, he would also be unable to accept this kind of thing.
"Because the court needs it, we don't have that much time to fight with them again."
Feng Ziying's temperament has hardly changed. He needs to help his classmates quickly recover from the fear, confusion and shock. At this time, good words and comfort are not necessary. It is right for them to quickly accept the reality.
"But, what's the reason?" Wu Di couldn't help but feel a little angry.
He found that Feng Ziying had changed too quickly. In just one year, she had transformed into a ruthless "bureaucrat" who only pursued ends and unscrupulous means.
Is this still the same Feng Ziying who discussed classics, meanings and current affairs with him in the academy, and gave guidance to promote literature?
"Friend Lu, there must be a reason, and it is very sufficient. In fact, you are from Yangzhou. I remember you are from Xinghua. You should know very well how these salt merchants made their fortune. The monopoly privileges granted by the imperial court, no matter how ruthless you are, , if you can use any means to win over the officials of the Salt Transport Department and the salt field, it will not be difficult for you to become rich. Well, similarly, it will not be difficult for the government and Long Jinwei to find out these activities of theirs..."
Feng Ziying's understatement made it even more difficult for Wu Yi to accept. He couldn't help but ask: "Ziying, I understand what you mean. These salt merchants have problems..."
"Yes." Feng Ziying nodded.
"Then why are you targeting these companies?" Wu Yan was furious.
"Because of their attitude." Feng Ziying turned cold. "Don't they have any idea how they can make a fortune? In the past, the imperial court asked them to donate money, but they had no complaints. Now it's the imperial court's turn to ask them to buy Kaihai bonds. Pushing three and blocking, yin and yang are weird, and it’s up to you to decide. Friends Lu, it’s not that I didn’t give them the opportunity to convene and preach in person, and then let others communicate with them individually, so that I have done my best to be benevolent and righteous,..."
"After all, the majority of those who can understand and support the imperial court have changed their attitude, which shows that they are still loyal to the emperor and patriotic. Of course, we must support and support such salt merchants, but for those who have ulterior motives and bad intentions, we ourselves will If you are not clean and want to ridicule others, if you are not punished, how can you convince the public? Where is the majesty of the court? "
Feng Ziying spread her hands and said, "Before you came, I gave them ten days, but there are still some people who have high self-esteem and are stubborn. They feel that they have connections, backgrounds and connections behind them, and even which officials in the government are looking out for them. , then I want to see who has the ability and courage to fight against the imperial government!"
"Besides, Brother Jun Yu, Meng Zhang, Ke Yao, and Lu You, let us make it clear that the Kaihai Bond is a loan pledged by the imperial court with sea tax as collateral, and as an exception, representatives of the merchants who purchased the bond are allowed to select personnel to enter The Municipal Shipping Department supervises the customs collection accounts. Do you think the court is not benevolent enough? These salt merchants would rather store the silver in their own underground silver cellar to mold than lend it to the court for emergencies. Is this loyalty to the emperor and patriotism? The court still has to pay them interest!"
What Feng Ziying said was so reasonable and righteous that it left Lian Guoshi and others speechless. Even Wu Di sighed sadly.
He is from Yangzhou and his family conditions are not too bad. He naturally understands the thoughts of businessmen. Nothing is reliable or trustworthy. Only money and land are the most real.
If they are asked to lend money to the court, they will only think that the court is robbing and extorting money, and it is not like donating money to at least give them an official status, but it is almost like robbery.
Even though Lian Guoshi and Wu Zong have gradually recognized the imperial court's subscription model for sea-opening bonds, they still have doubts.
The sea tax is nominally used as a mortgage, but how much sea tax can the shipping company collect? Can the collected money be used to redeem bonds? This is not the final say of the imperial court.
As for what the supervision agreement is, just listen to it.
But you have to admit that at least the imperial court has upheld the interests of the people, and you, the salt merchant, will not be willing to submit. That means you have evil intentions and ignore your kindness. If the imperial court wants to deal with you, you are also acting on the interests of the emperor.
"Brother Jun Yu, the official sent me a letter asking me to return to the capital. It's mainly about the reclamation work in the east. The affairs here have just been arranged. I'm afraid you have to worry more." Feng Ziying glanced at her face and looked gloomy. Wu Di said, "Long Jinwei will take the lead in this matter. Lu You will not come forward for the time being. Brother Jun Yu will take charge, Meng Zhang and Ke Yao will assist,..."
What they said made Lian Guoshi, Fan Jingwen and He Fengsheng excited and nervous, but also a little worried. Even though Lian Guoshi, the oldest among them, was nearly thirty years old, he had never really been exposed to these matters in a substantial way, and he was still confused. end.
"Ziying, Brother Yu, Meng Zhang, and Ke Yao have never come into contact with this kind of thing before, and this is their first time dealing with Captain Long. To be honest, Brother Yu is not sure. Should he reconsider this matter..."
Lian Guoshi glanced at Fan Jingwen and He Fengsheng, who were worse than him, and finally did not dare to take the job.
I know that this kind of thing is the best training for people, and it can be said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the problem is that this matter is too big and heavy, and I really dare not agree to it casually.
If you accidentally do something bad and ruin your reputation, it's a trivial matter. If you make a mess and have someone clean up the mess, that's troublesome.
"Brother Jun Yu, don't worry too much, let alone worry too much. I won't return to Beijing right away. At least I have to supervise this matter and take action first. It's better for me to bear this bad reputation..." Feng Ziyingneng Understanding Lian Guo's worries, "Long Jinwei's preparations are almost ready. The Gao family, Tan family, and Gui family have to come together at once. When the situation is settled, it won't be too late for me to return to the capital. What will happen next?" It’s up to you, Brother Junyu, to do the hard work.”
Lian Guoshi's body trembled slightly and he quickly shook his head: "Ziying, you misunderstood. Brother Yu is not afraid of taking responsibility and being infamy, but he is really worried that he has no experience in such things, and if he does it poorly, his reputation will be damaged. If Ziying doesn't Abandon, Brother Yu wants to follow Ziying so that he can get familiar with it and get used to it as soon as possible..."
"Yes, Ziying, since we are here with the mission of the imperial court, and the official has explicitly asked us to cooperate with you in handling affairs, how can we be content with such things? As for offending people, or getting infamy, which one Can an official be exempted from this? I remember you also said something, if you are not envied by others, you are a mediocre person, and if you are not scolded by others, you are a mediocre official..."
Fan Jingwen also took up the conversation unceremoniously. Although He Fengsheng and Wu Di were hesitant, they finally agreed with Lian Guoshi and Fan Jingwen's views, saying that they would never abandon public service for personal reasons, let alone be afraid of others' words.
"Oh?" Feng Ziying took a deep look at Lian Guoshi and then at the other three people.
He was a little touched by Lian Guoshi's clear attitude, but it was also expected, because he had been in contact with Lian Guoshi for so many years. Although he had a calm personality and didn't like to be in the limelight, he could still control such important matters.
Fan Jingwen was a hot-tempered man with a strong and impetuous temper, and this was aimed at Jiangnan salt merchants. Although there were also Shanshan and Shaanxi merchants, these Shanshan and Shaanxi salt merchants were actually considered part of the Jiangnan salt merchants, so there would not be too many taboos. Previously, I was just worried that I had no evidence to prove my case.
He Fengsheng is from Huguang, so it's hard to tell. Wu Di is from Yangzhou. Even if he can't get in touch with these inextricable connections now, he may be involved in the future, so Feng Ziying originally wanted to exclude them. He was outside, but his attitude was so firm that it was hard for him to refuse.
"Brother Junyu, Mengzhang, Keyao, Luyou, let's put it down first and then stop the chaos. Such things will inevitably offend many people. Even if we return to the court in the future, we may be subject to various criticisms and impeachments. In the Procuratorate and There are quite a lot of people involved with these people. You should think clearly. I am a dead pig and I am not afraid of being scalded by boiling water. This matter has been handed over to me. The emperor and the cabinet are also keeping an eye on me. That is a retreat. There is no way to retreat, there is no need for you to get involved..."
"Ziying, needless to say, Brother Yu and the others have taken the initiative to come to Jiangnan, so they are mentally prepared. Although Brother Yu feels that some of your actions are still debatable, since you have decided, just do what you want..." Lian Guoshi stopped Feng Ziying's admonishment with a wave of his hand.
"Okay, that being the case, I won't say any more. These three families are going to move at the same time. Su Qianhu will come over to discuss this afternoon. Brother Jun Yu and I are staring at the Gao family, Mengzhang is staring at the Tan family, and Ke Yao is staring at the Gui family. "Family, let's start tonight. I've also contacted Yangzhou Prefecture..." Feng Ziying glanced at Wu Hong again, "As for Lu You, my idea is to wait until the later stages of the disposal, and let Ke Yao and Lu You deal with it." The Nanjing Metropolitan Procuratorate intervened later to coordinate, well, it is estimated that the Nanjing Criminal Department will also intervene..."
Several people were shocked, so fast?
"In addition, I would like to express my displeasure to Brother Jun Yu and you guys. From now on, everyone in this courtyard, including me, will not be allowed to enter or leave, nor will they be allowed to have contact with the outside world until after tonight..."
At this time, Feng Ziying's familiar face seemed to suddenly become particularly strange in the eyes of Lian Guoshi, Fan Jingwen and others.
