“In October of the twenty-seventh year of Kaiyuan, Hebian opened in Guanzhong and requested 3.5 million pieces of silk from Yangzhou Prefecture in exchange for grain.
In November of the 27th year of Kaiyuan, the Huaqing Palace was expanded and 500,000 pieces of silk were requested from Yangzhou Prefecture.
At the end of December in the twenty-seventh year of Kaiyuan, Longyou used troops against Tubo and asked Yangzhou Prefecture to ask for one million pieces of silk to reward the three armies.
In early January of the first year of Tianbao, Tibet invaded, and the northwest military supplies were sent to Yangzhou Prefecture to request one million pieces of silk as a reward for the three armies.
At the end of January in the first year of Tianbao, the inner treasury was enriched for palace expenses, and 500,000 pieces of silk were requested from Yangzhou Prefecture.
At the end of February in the first year of Tianbao, the saint went out to patrol Lingzhou and rewarded Tiele tribes, and asked for two million pieces of silk from Yangzhou Prefecture.
…”
Zheng Shuqing, the governor of Yangzhou, had a summary of imperial decrees in front of him. He had nothing else to do but ask for money.
He sat with blank eyes, no longer thinking about how much money the court had asked for last year.
The so-called "silk" here is actually the price after conversion. It does not mean that Yangzhou Prefecture must provide so much silk.
The things Yangzhou wants to transport to Guanzhong are far more than silk, which can be used directly as currency.
Instead, it includes a large number of handicraft products, including clothing, gold, silver and bronze ware, weapons, lacquerware, jade, paper, etc.
For example, Yangzhou felt hats cost about 3,000 yuan each. They sell well in Chang'an and are commonly purchased by officials. Another example is Yangzhou bronze mirrors, which are a must-have item for women in official families. It would cost 5,000 yuan to sell locally, let alone transport it to Chang'an for sale.
The silk of Yangzhou is also very extraordinary. Someone described it in a record: "It is thin and ashamed of a cicada's wing, and it is ashamed of a feather. However, when it relaxes, the frozen snow mixes with the light, and when it accumulates, the remaining clouds compete with the color."
Due to the climate, Jiangnan is particularly suitable for silkworm breeding and has natural advantages in silk fabrics.
The old book of Tang Dynasty said that Yangzhou is "between the Jianghuai River and the Huaihe River, a big town in Guangling, richest in the world". As far as wealth is concerned, that is first-class arrogance.
However, there are hardships in being poor, and there are troubles in being rich.
Because Yangzhou is so rich, in the Tang Dynasty, Yangzhou has always been the first designated place for every emperor to make "propaganda".
The so-called xuansuo means that the emperor issued an order to ask for goods, special products, etc. from the local area. These are all additional tax burdens. As for the daily rent, they are indispensable.
Zheng Shuqing served as the governor of Yangzhou mainly for this reason. The central government did not expect him to govern the place. In fact, Yangzhou was a place where merchants gathered and it was located at the hub of the south of the canal. There was no need to bother with it. The local customs and customs were also very different from Chang'an.
If ordinary officials do not have the policy of the imperial court, it will be difficult for them to figure out what to do in Yangzhou.
Whenever Datang needed money for important events, he would immediately think of Yangzhou Mansion. Only when Yangzhou Prefecture is not suitable to continue "proclaiming" will other places be considered.
Because of this, even if Yangzhou's merchants receive very little tax revenue and the cost of "entering the port" is not high, the local people will still find ways to exploit merchants and people to support the country.
The money that should be paid cannot be less!
This is the truth, but Zheng Shuqing doesn't understand that the imperial court has been too reckless in "requesting funds" recently! Could this be someone deliberately trying to mess with him?
Zheng Shuqing, who is used to being unfaithful to people and harming my thinking, couldn't help but murmur in his heart.
This series of requests for funds can be said to have emptied the Yangzhou Prefecture's treasury accumulated over many years. Weapons, bronze mirrors, papers, all these things were carried onto the cargo ship.
It would be impossible not to give him the silk and silk he needed, and he could not let the saint starve in Chang'an.
Expanding the Huaqing Palace cannot be done without giving it to the saints. We cannot leave the saints without a place to bathe and soak in hot springs.
To enrich the inner treasury, it is better not to give.
No matter how poor you are, you cannot impoverish the inner garden, and no matter how miserable you are, you cannot suffer the saints. If the saint has no money to use, it would be embarrassing for such a thing to spread.
When the saint went out to patrol Lingzhou, he had already given half of the urgent batch of silk and silk, and the remaining half was probably given to those prairie barbarians.
Let's take it slow first.
As for the frontier troops, they haven’t owed spring or winter clothes for more than once or twice anyway, so let’s pay them first.
Zheng Shuqing, who was in front of the desk, was thinking about it in his mind, and couldn't help but stretch his waist. He was so bitter that he didn't know who to talk to.
I thought that coming to Yangzhou Prefecture was a good thing, but instead of enjoying the colorful world here, I worked hard to make money for the saint and exhausted myself to death.
And things haven’t been sorted out yet!
The imperial court spends money like rivers and seas, while local governments raise money like baht. The more you use, the less you earn, even if it is made of iron it cannot withstand it.
Food for the frontier army was basically provided by the local area itself, but military pay was distributed in the form of "spring clothes" and "winter clothes", and silk or copper coins were rarely given directly.
Bian Town’s hematopoietic capacity is insufficient, so where can we distribute so much silk? We can only rely on continuous input from the Central Plains.
The so-called "spring clothes" and "winter clothes" are not all military uniforms, or even finished clothes. Most of the time, some semi-finished fabrics are sent out and can be made into clothes directly to tailors. The military pay of "a set of winter clothes" includes not only clothes, but also shoes and hats.
There is no guarantee that they are brand new. Used clothes are calculated based on depreciation, which is a system of its own.
If military pay is to be issued, then special goods must be provided, especially silks, brocades and other items that are relatively popular in Yangzhou Prefecture. These are indeed more difficult to obtain, because although Yangzhou Prefecture has many large-scale textile workshops, they have been constantly requested by the imperial court, and there are not many stocks in the government treasury.
It is true that these workshops belong to the state, but many of the weavers in them came to serve in the color service in order to "learn skills", so the mobility of personnel is extremely high! The production efficiency is not high.
The court does not pay wages, and these people are not very motivated to work. In many cases, a new group of people will be replaced every one or two years.
However, the scale of private workshops is getting bigger and bigger, but Zheng Shuqing cannot lead his troops to rob other people's warehouses! In addition to collecting "city tax", other things still need to be used for private transactions, which at most will lower the price.
Commodities are the crystallization of labor, which means that whether it is silk, bronze mirror, or paper, they all require labor to create, and they cannot be created out of thin air!
"well!"
Zheng Shuqing sighed. He was waiting for the official document from the court to liquidate him, and then he could escape from the sea of misery.
As for the military salary that cannot be raised, haha, whoever has the ability can do it, since he is already lying in ruins anyway.
Zheng Shuqing has figured out Li Longji's style of doing things. As long as anyone puts his personal affairs before official business, even if he is punished afterwards, he will definitely not be beaten to death with a stick. Although the court requested a lot of money in the past few months, it was simply unable to complete it.
But Zheng Shuqing has always been "anxious about Brother Ji's concerns", and Brother Ji's matters come first! National affairs come second. If you can do it, do it. If you can't do it, you can only leave it alone.
"Mr. Zheng, the imperial court has sent an envoy."
One of Zheng Shuqing's assistant officers said cautiously. In the study room of the government office, it was so quiet that you could hear the drop of a needle.
"He's still here."
Zheng Shuqing nodded slightly. The imperial court pressed for military expenses twice, but Yangzhou Prefecture only gave him less than one-tenth. It is normal for the central government to order to clean up oneself. If one "does not clean up", then old and new accounts will be settled together in the future!
The consequences are not something he can bear!
Zheng Shuqing came to the lobby of the government office respectfully, and saw Niu Xiantong, an internal minister who was often sent to various places to announce orders, with his head held high and his face arrogantly looking at the beams.
Zheng Shuqing's heart sank. Just by looking at Niu Xiantong's appearance, he could guess the content of this imperial edict.
It's definitely not a promotion.
"Zheng Shijun, please accept the order."
Niu Xiantong said coldly, holding the imperial edict in one hand and passing it over, but he held on tightly and refused to let go!
How can I get orders from you while riding a horse like this?
Seeing this scene, Zheng Shuqing was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.
Since ancient times, my father-in-law has always had a good reputation. This man probably feels that it would be hard to live without accepting money, right?
Zheng Shuqing secretly wondered in his heart, should he give the money or not?
He comes from a well-to-do family and has considerable wealth after serving as an official for many years. Paying money to send away a dead eunuch is no problem at all, just like throwing water.
It’s just that you can give a lot of money, but you can’t give a lot of money. This is a matter of attitude.
In order to exonerate himself, Zheng Shuqing planned to write a letter crying for himself after returning to Chang'an!
If you "reward" the eunuch sent by the palace to deliver the order, what will Brother Ji think if he finds out?
Do you think that he, Mr. Zheng, is having a great time in the colorful world of Yangzhou, and every little bit of it that leaks out from under his fingernails is worth a fortune? So you don’t hesitate to reward eunuchs?
Thinking of this, Zheng Shuqing changed his face and scolded Niu Xiantong righteously: "You are so bold, servant! How dare you ask for a bribe from the governor! I will definitely ask you to give me a copy when I return to Chang'an!"
After hearing these words, Niu Xiantong was stunned for a while, completely confused as to why Zheng Shuqing would say this.
I heard that this person is not an honest official! What kind of big-tailed wolf are you pretending to be here?
"If you don't know what's good and what's good, just wait to be sent to Lingnan!"
Niu Xiantong thrust the imperial edict into Zheng Shuqing's arms, turned around and left!
After he had left for a long time, the assistant officer beside Zheng Shuqing asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, this eunuch is the most narrow-minded. What should we do if he goes back and speaks ill of the saint?"
Do you need a useless piece of shit to remind you of such a trivial matter?
Zheng Shuqing thought of Fang Chongyong, a man who was resourceful and capable of things that others could not do. When that guy came up with ideas around him, he was simply miraculous.
As a result, now that Xiao Fang is away, the assistants around him can handle ordinary chores well, but they are completely useless when it comes to major events.
Don’t be afraid of not knowing the goods, just be afraid of comparing goods. Fang Chongyong is a brat, and he has all kinds of bad ideas in his mind. These ordinary staff members can't even compare to him.
"Okay, okay, I know, you all should stand down."
Zheng Shuqing waved his hand impatiently, feeling extremely fed up.
If it is just a transfer, then through the official document system of the inn, you can get the transfer order in the form of an official letter, and there is no need for the eunuch in the palace to make a special trip. On the other hand, if it is someone from the palace, then this transfer order is most likely the intention of the saint and bypasses Li Linfu.
It's roughly equivalent to "get on the bus first, pay for the ticket later".
Zheng Shuqing opened the silk with a strange look on his face, and then saw an order that puzzled him.
"Go back to Beijing to report on your duties and wait for the election of officials. In addition, hand over the treasury account books to Yang Zhao in person."
Zheng Shuqing said to himself.
The name Yang Zhao is very unfamiliar, and there is no information about what official position this person held before.
If this person is very important, then it is impossible that I, an old official in the officialdom, have not heard of him before.
If this person is not important, then there is no need to stress about asking the former governor to hand over the account books in person. Just follow the official path of the past.
This command of the saint is a bit hard to understand.
"Just wait until Yang Zhao comes."
Zheng Shuqing shook his head helplessly.
The ups and downs of officialdom are often beyond our control. On the surface, it looks beautiful, but in fact, the various risks behind it are really difficult to describe in a word, and it is impossible to deal with them carelessly.
To be honest, being an official is a very annoying thing.
However, he must be this official! Don't take a step back!
Zheng Shuqing's family owns a large amount of land in Xingyang, and they also have a port. There are many shops along the canal bank, which can be said to be a huge family fortune. These interests require the protection of Zheng's children in the officialdom. Otherwise, in less than ten years, everything they own will be eaten up by the new powerful people, and no bones will be left!
This is a story of either advancing or retreating, and those involved have no choice.
Although Zheng Shuqing is "breathtaking", he lives a luxurious and unrestrained life and never worries about money.
Because the money was donated to him by his family, he did not need to reach out to the court's public funds. That would be stupid and dangerous.
When you are an official, you naturally have benefits and official entertainment. How can you do it without money?
Going out to drink with colleagues requires money, holding cultural gatherings requires money, food, clothing, housing and transportation require money to maintain officialdom, everything costs money! Of course, this money cannot be taken from the imperial court. If you take it, you will become a "corrupt official".
"Being an official is difficult."
Zheng Shuqing sighed with emotion, and then put the IOU issued by the government to the local wealthy family into a box, and then prepared to take it away privately and send it to Chang'an to Li Longji.
This was the IOU that Ji Ge urged him to renovate the Huaqing Palace, and he borrowed money from local wealthy households in the name of the government.
Give this to the saint to prove that you have tried your best. As for the next governor, hey, give him some fun.
Zheng Shuqing sneered.
He wanted to know how the saint looked when the next governor complained to him.
Since being an official means suffering, why should you bear it alone? Let’s put some more burdens on the next one!
…
The name of Medicine Spring is very unfamiliar, but it also had another name in later generations, which is the famous "Crescent Moon Spring"!
This place is surrounded by mountains on three sides, called Mingsha Mountain.
A crescent-shaped pool is located in the middle. There is a live spring at the bottom of the pool. You can clearly see the bottom and there are fish.
It is one of the few places for leisure and vacation in Dunhuang.
The officials from the central government chose this place as the "guest house" for supervising the construction of the Mogao Grottoes. It can only be said that these bureaucrats really know how to enjoy themselves and will never wrong themselves no matter how difficult the environment is.
“It’s so pleasant to go boating here in Medicine Spring!”
On the crescent-shaped deep pool, Fang Chongyong was rowing a boat.
Wang Sili, the envoy of the Doulu Army, was sitting opposite him, frowning and having no time to appreciate the beautiful scenery.
Wang Sili never expected that Fang Chongyong was officially appointed as the governor of Shazhou by the imperial court. Of course, the deal is done and there is no possibility of changing this matter. However, Fang Chongyong knew very well that he was not the material to be the governor.
Therefore, Fang Chongyong divided Shazhou's government affairs into three parts very wisely.
In the area of military affairs, such as the soldiers and military food supplies under the control of the governor, Wang Sili sent someone to handle it. Fang Chongyong only acts as a "stamping machine".
Local civil affairs are handled by the state Sima, and Fang Chongyong is still the "stamping machine."
Local trade and commerce are handled by Shazhou Changshi, but Fang Chongyong will personally inquire and participate in every major event.
He almost became a hands-off shopkeeper.
There is no other way. If you don't understand, you should know the numbers and don't force yourself to show off. Fang Chongyong knew his own trade. He could not handle the complicated local civil and military affairs.
However, since he is the governor and has been promoted to a regular official, he must deal with big things. Especially major events related to the local government and the imperial court.
For example, right now, he and Wang Sili were discussing a major matter related to the survival of the Doulu Army.
"The imperial court did not provide spring clothes for this year, and the Doulu Army had an overstaffing of 3,200 men. What can be done?"
Wang Sili asked with a frown.
He is good at fighting, but not good at making money! Without military pay, the Doulu Army will mutiny!
"Is the imperial court so willful?"
Fang Chongyong asked in confusion, he had just heard about this matter.
It's so pitiful, don't blame them for the people in Qiu Ba and the center being beaten to death in this way. The old and new accounts will be settled together.
"What you don't know is that although Bian Zhen never defaults on food arrears, it is a common practice to delay the payment of military pay. Now this time, it is... to mend last year's winter clothes!"
Wang Sili smiled bitterly.
Damn it!
Fang Chongyong's heart thumped and he secretly screamed, "It's not good."
No wonder his predecessor, Wang Huailiang, was punished for trying to embezzle government treasury to pay military pay. It turned out that he was in arrears so much that the border troops were about to mutiny!
When he went to visit Wang Huailiang, although he was in jail, he was smiling, in good spirits, and did not feel unlucky at all.
It turns out there is an ambush here!
This guy is freed, and it’s the next one who fills the hole!
Fang Chongyong sighed, asking for money is just like asking a bank for a loan. When you don't need money, banks are trying their best to lend you money. When you happen to need money, you can't get it even if you beg your grandpa or grandma.
It’s better not to count on the court.
"Don't worry, Commander Wang told the soldiers directly. If you can't get spring clothes, you can come to Yaoquan and tear my bones apart. First, stabilize the morale of the army!"
Fang Chongyong said with great enthusiasm. It's hard to say whether they can get the money, but... if the soldiers of the Doulu Army can't help but mutiny, it will be great fun.
"Fang Shijun is indeed the son of Fang Jieshuai!"
Wang Sili sighed with emotion, feeling a stone fall from his heart.
In order to keep it secret, the two deliberately went boating on the medicine spring to talk secretly, fearing that the news would be leaked and lead to a mutiny among the Doulu Army. Now that Fang Chongyong is confident, Wang Sili can finally have a good sleep without worrying about being torn into pieces by the angry Qiu Ba people at night.
"It's just that the army needs a lot of money. How do you want to do it?"
After feeling at ease, Wang Sili asked doubtfully.
Fang Chongyong waved his hands expressionlessly and said: "It's just a trivial matter. Wang Jun is just going back to comfort the soldiers."
(End of chapter)
