"I would like to donate 5,000 gu to be used by the emperor!" Before the incense was ready, a fat old man stood up and said positively with a cheerful smile. This man specializes in the livestock business. He has many meat shops in various cities in Tokyo. He transports and sells tens of thousands of sheep, pigs and other poultry and livestock to the capital every year.
Someone took the lead, and then others stood up one after another and pledged donations, ranging from three thousand to seven thousand guan. Each one of them had a positive attitude, but was "stingy" in his actions. Moreover, they observed Murong Yanchao's expression and paid attention to his demeanor.
Murong Yanchao is also a person who likes to make money. On weekdays, he also devotes himself to studying the methods of commodity farming and has contacted many businessmen. Seeing the behavior of these people at this time, it was immediately obvious that these people also played "bargaining" tricks with him when it came to donating funds, and also tested his attitude with the preliminary quotation.
Thinking of this, Murong Yanchao suddenly became unhappy. I thought that his grand uncle, the governor of Kaifeng, would personally invite him to accompany him for tea. After all his good words, he only spent such a "little" money. When did he, Murong Yanchao, become so easy to talk to, and when did his time and face become so cheap?
Of course, more than 20 people, scattered here and there, also have hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is more than the first batch of money allocated by Liu Chengyou. However, Murong Yanchao spent so much effort, how could he be satisfied just like that?
"Haha..." Murong Yan smiled softly and took a sip of tea, which he was not good at.
When he reacted like this, the wealthy businessmen who were good at observing words and deeds couldn't help but feel a twitch in their hearts. Obviously, Mr. Murong Mansion was not satisfied.
"Have you written down all the donations you just pledged?" Murong Yanchao tilted his head and winked at the clerk.
The civil servant understood this, stood up with some "fear", cupped his hands and said: "Please forgive me, I am slow and clumsy, I didn't remember everything..."
"Then record it again!" Murong Yanchao waved his hand calmly, looked around with a cold face, and said, "The time for a stick of incense has not come yet!"
The meaning is obvious, pledge again!
The expressions of the wealthy businessmen present gradually became serious, and they seriously considered how much blood they would have to shed to satisfy Murong Yanchao.
"I pledge a hundred thousand yuan!" While everyone was hesitating, a loud voice interrupted the tranquility of the scene.
Everyone followed the sound and came slowly to see Chang Si. When Murong Yanchao saw him, his black face straightened out, he stood up to greet him, cupped his hands and said, "Why are you here, Mr. Chang!"
Chang Si Lao had a forced smile on his face and said: "The Lord is raising money for the expansion of the city, and I have been ordered to assist in the matter. How can I not do anything other than the Yamen with a golden heart!"
"Mr. Chang deserves to be the elder of Hedong! Come on, please sit down!" Murong Yan was so happy that he led Chang Si to his seat and asked: "Did Mr. Chang really mean what he said about donating funds?"
When asked, although his heart was bleeding, Chang Si still pretended to be cheerful and responded: "In front of the palace, everyone is standing by, so there are no lies. I have been deeply favored by the country, and now I can repay it!"
"Mr. Chang is such a loyal minister!" Murong Yanchao laughed twice and ordered the official: "Make a note of this for Mr. Chang!"
"yes!"
Looking at the pledge book and putting pen to paper, I often think about it like a knife and my heart is in great pain. As soon as this happened, nearly half of his family assets, which he had accumulated over many years of hard work, were gone.
He originally intended not to listen to Guo Rong's advice, but Wang Jingchong's evil wolf was still in Luzhou. The more he thought about it, the more afraid he became. No longer reluctant, he finally decided to spend money to buy peace.
Chang Si's heroic move made the wealthy people present breathe a little faster. One hundred thousand strings, for people like them, is not easy to come up with. Looking at Murong Yanchao's face, he became more and more serious. If this was used as a standard, it would be more than just heavy bleeding.
"Master Fu, I would like to donate 40,000 guan, 3,000 gu each of corn!" At this time, He Fuyin started to fight, bowed and spoke, his face calm.
Seeing this, Murong Yanchao couldn't help but look at him a few times, and he was also impressed by this giant businessman who was active around the powerful. A smile appeared on his face, he nodded approvingly, and said, "This is a righteous businessman!"
"Take note!" Apparently, Murong Yanchao was very satisfied with He Fuyin's performance. He ordered with one finger, looked at him and said, "Don't worry, neither the imperial court nor this government will treat those who have meritorious service ill!"
"Thank you Mr. Fu!" He Fuyin responded respectfully.
After He Fuyin, this donation gathering finally started at a correct pace that satisfied Murong Yanchao. The people invited asked for donations one after another, and the widow also pledged to donate 30,000 yuan.
After the successful conclusion, Murong Yanchao held a banquet in the Yamen to entertain all the businessmen. After "the guests and the host had enjoyed themselves", he let them go back and prepared the money and food pledged.
...
"I heard that Kaifeng Mansion held a donation party, and the proceeds were not stolen. How much was it?" Liu Chengyou asked curiously while walking between the palace rooms.
"According to the report, everyone enthusiastically pledged donations. The amount of money received is about one million guan, and another 100,000 dan of food! The cost of renovation and expansion of Tokyo is enough to last for half a year!" Li Fang reported the data he had written down. With Liu Chengyou.
"It's indeed quite a lot!" Liu Chengyou's lips curled up slightly, with a trace of relaxation on his face, and he sighed: "It's a bit beyond my expectation. I still remember that when I first entered Tokyo, all industries were depressed and the country was poor and the people were poor. I didn't expect this number. Years have passed, so much wealth has been accumulated, and the wealthy businessmen in Tokyo have such wealth in their hands..."
"This is all the result of His Majesty's hard work, stabilizing public order, encouraging farmers and businessmen, exempting excessive levies and miscellaneous taxes, and reviving all industries!" Li Fang complimented.
"Isn't this donation considered excessive?" Liu Chengyou said.
Li Fang replied: "Without the imperial government's policy, how would those merchants be able to gather together? This is an opportunity for them to repay the imperial court!"
"Furthermore, businessmen seek profit and fame. This time, when the government raises funds, it also gives them fame and fortune. How can they actively pledge donations!" Li Fang added, his words unavoidable with contempt for merchants.
Liu Chengyou smiled lightly: "As an imperial uncle, my means of making money are extraordinary. I have the heart to let him serve in the Third Division!"
Of course, Liu Chengyou was just joking. Director Murong Yanchao did not make money, but used his power to plunder money. Such a donation, if not for Liu Chengyou's suggestion, would have been forced according to Murong Yanchao's style, and the businessman would have no fame or profit.
"In addition, the Minister of Industry, Chang Si, donated 100,000 yuan!" Li Fang glanced at Liu Chengyou and reported.
"I have gained a lot in the town for many years!" Liu Chengyou looked calm, waved his hand and said calmly.
After pondering for a while, Liu Chengyou ordered to Li Fang: "Pass on my edict to warn Murong Yanchao that although the bricks, tiles, stone, wood and other materials needed to build the city can be distributed among others, the quality must be strictly controlled. Anyone who cuts corners will be severely punished. No loan!"
"yes!"
When I returned to the Zhengdian Hall, my buttocks were still hot, and the general reported. The imperial censor and Zhongcheng, Bian Guichen and Zhao Li, came together to see him.
Leaning back on the throne, Liu Chengyou glanced coldly at Bian and Zhao. The two stood in front of the emperor with their hands tied, facing the emperor's scrutiny. There was a hint of uprightness in their calm faces.
Liu Chengyou looked away and asked: "The two ministers came together hand in hand. Is it for Wang Jingchong that you want?"
"Your Majesty, it's true!" Bian Guichen responded with his hands raised.
"Wang Jingchong acted arbitrarily and acted arbitrarily in the local area. Everywhere he passed, he used power and violated the rules. He used the law harshly and gathered so much that it was shocking to the world. In the name of an angel, he did things that harmed the officials and abused the people. Now, local officials and people, There are already complaints. This person has ruined the majesty of the imperial court and damaged your majesty's holy name. Please call back this traitor and cruel official and ask him for his crimes to calm people's hearts!" Bian Guichen said: "I have already sent a memorial to your majesty. Listen to your advice!"
Zhao Li also said: "Your Majesty, there is a lot of anger inside and outside Tokyo right now. Local generals and local officials are in danger. Everyone is in danger. If things go on like this, there will be disaster. Your Majesty, you have to work hard to govern so that people's livelihood can be stable. Don't cause chaos in the world because of a treacherous minister!"
"Haha!" Liu Chengyou laughed: "A mere Wang Jingchong can bring chaos to our country. Do you think highly of him, or do you underestimate me?"
"I don't dare!" Hearing the emperor's somewhat rude words, Bian and Zhao subconsciously bent a little.
Taking a deep breath, Liu Chengyou looked at the two of them seriously: "The people Wang Jingchong has investigated, from Jiedu to officials and people, all are based on real evidence. Shouldn't they be investigated and dealt with because they are greedy?"
Bian and Zhao were silent. Seeing that the emperor still looked like he was defending Wang Jingchong, Bian Guixun responded in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, local generals may have done something illegal, so they can send officials to investigate according to the law. However, Wang Jingchong's status is not correct, and he is very careful in handling things. If you don't understand the general situation, your body is not upright, and your behavior is improper, you are a minister who is messing up the government. Please, Your Majesty, think twice!"
"According to the words of the border minister, by using Wang Jingchong, I am breaking the law and disrupting the government?"
"I really don't have this intention! I only hope that your Majesty will take the overall situation into consideration and adopt the best practices to convince people's hearts!"
