A few days later, the big ship arrived in Xiuzhou!
"Master, is that the sea?" A student named Yu Ying asked excitedly, pointing to the endless blue sea in front of him. All ten students gathered around the deck, standing on the side of the ship, looking across the sea. Coming closer to the blue sea.
"That's right!" Wang Zhong said, "This is the sea!"
"When will we arrive at the port?" Wang Zhong took the waterway from Luqi District, Lushan, Fujian, down the river from Jinling, straight into the sea, and then from Xiuzhou to Mingzhou, all the way south along the coast, heading straight to Quanzhou.
The imperial court established shipping departments in Hangzhou and Mingzhou, specializing in maritime trade. In the offshore area, it had already explored a stable and smooth sea route, reaching Dengzhou in the north and the Southeast Asian countries in the south. It used porcelain, silk and satin from the Song Dynasty. , tea and other items were exchanged with Southeast Asian countries for gold, silver, spices, and precious wood, etc., earning the price difference and making huge profits.
Xiuzhou is the magical capital of later generations, and Mingzhou is Ningbo. There are many salt fields along the coast of Xiuzhou. However, today's salt production does not make salt from seawater, but boils brine into salt. , the process is complicated.
Many salt fields in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Huaihe are like this.
"The boss of the ship said that we can reach Ninghai Town before sunset. Let's rest in Ninghai Town tonight and arrive at Dinghai County, Mingzhou before sunset tomorrow." Wang Erxi was the one who answered Wang Zhong.
Wang Erxi has been traveling all over the country for many years. Although he has never done maritime trade, the Cao Gang grew up with the water and often interacted with caravans at sea.
After the big ship entered the sea, the feeling was completely different from that in the inland river. The sea was extremely windy and rough. Fortunately, Wang Zhong and others had already changed to a large ship that could sail on the sea when they were in Jinling.
Before reaching Ninghai Town, several students suffered from seasickness. Fortunately, Wang Zhong was there to give the students acupuncture and massage, and supplemented them with decoctions, so they managed to survive.
Wang Zhong stopped and visited along the way, sending greeting cards one after another, and sending greetings one after another, in order to get closer to the officials in charge of the ports along the way.
In particular, Wang Zhong visited all the officials from the Shipping Department in Hangzhou and Mingzhou based on the imperial edict of Emperor Jiayou. He claimed that he was a newcomer to the officialdom and asked them for advice. In fact, it was just for management. Communicate and take the initiative to make friends.
By the time Wang Zhong and his entourage arrived in Quanzhou, it was already half a month later. The main reason was the human relationship that delayed them a lot.
The first ten days of October were almost coming to an end, and the big ship Wang Zhong and his party were riding finally sailed into Quanzhou Bay.
In the Quanzhou government office, Chen Jun, the magistrate of Quanzhou, was taking a nap in the back hall. Chen He had been sitting in the position of magistrate of Quanzhou for two years. The next year was the triennial official assessment. However, at this juncture, his mother, who had been appointed magistrate, suddenly died of illness. , the Song Dynasty governed the world with benevolence and filial piety. His biological mother died of illness, so he had no choice but to go home.
Now the autumn harvest has passed, and all the autumn grains have been put into the warehouse. As long as the inventory is completed, everything can be stopped and you can have a good rest.
A knock on the door suddenly sounded, breaking Chen Jun's silence.
"Ming Gong!" The person who came here is Chen Jun's master, an aide, and a confidant. He usually advises Chen Jun.
[An app that has been running stably for many years, comparable to the old book-chasing tool, used by all old bookworms.
Pretend it's not being demoted. "
"Forget it!" Chen Jun waved his hand and said, "I just hope he's not a fool!"
Chen Jun is in his forties this year, nearly half a century old. He is a fairly honest official. He has served in many places. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is well-informed. He has been in the position of Quanzhou magistrate for two years and has taken care of Quanzhou. Everything is in good order, but what I fear most is a young, reckless, ignorant, and stubborn person.
After all, this kind of stupid young man who accepts death has never experienced a real beating. He always likes to hold some unrealistic fantasies in his mind. However, you and him still can't make sense. It's a trouble to deal with it.
It would be fine if you meet some nerds who don't know how to adapt and are straight-tempered, but if you meet someone smarter, it would be really annoying.
Chen Jun can only hope that this newcomer Tongpan will be easy to get along with.
After all, he, the magistrate, is the top leader in the entire Quanzhou. Tongpan is said to be his deputy, but in fact, the tongpan is a position created by the imperial court specifically to suppress and supervise the magistrate. He has the right to write to the magistrate, which is similar to a supervisor. Military, imperial ministers and the like.
After a while, Chen Jun met Wang Zhong in the outer hall.
"I have met Lord Maoshan!" Wang Zhong smiled with a smile on his face and bowed in greeting.
"I'm going to kill you! I'm going to kill you!" Chen Jun immediately looked like he hated meeting him so late. He held Wang Zhong's arms and spoke sincerely: "I've heard for a long time that the new Tong San is a rare handsome man at his age. He was ranked first in high school and ranked number one in the high school. When I saw him today, he was indeed well-deserved and well-deserved!"
"It's just a moment of luck, and I got into the eyes of an official by chance. How can I compare with Ming Gong, who has worked conscientiously for decades, devoted himself to the court and the people, and is really a role model for lower officials!"
After the two exchanged business information for a while, there was no trace of the unfamiliarity of meeting each other for the first time, so they just put their arms around each other and invited them to go to a brothel to have wine and wine, and to be the courtesan!
The names between the two also became "Ming Gong" and "Zi Hou"! The familiarity felt like an elder reunited with his nephew after not seeing each other for a long time.
"I'm new here. I'm not familiar with the place. I'm young and have little experience. I need more advice from you on all kinds of government affairs!"
"Young genius Zihou, let's communicate with each other!"
After another business exchange, Chen Jun inevitably asked about the current situation in Tokyo, and Wang Zhong did not hide anything.
"At the beginning of the year, the two prime ministers of Han and Cai, together with the princes in the court, repeatedly proposed to the officials, asking the officials to adopt the clan's son and set him up as a sacrifice. I didn't want the prime minister of Cai to fall ill just after the summer. I came At that time, I heard that Mr. Cai was seriously ill and spent more time in coma than awake every day. The imperial doctors were all helpless, for fear of..."
Chen Jun was extremely surprised and regretful. Finally, he sighed and said helplessly: "Master Cai is a veteran of two dynasties and a pillar of the country. He has worked hard for the country and the people all his life. He is truly a role model for our generation!"
As he spoke, he seemed to be deeply in love, and he raised his hands and saluted in the direction of Tokyo.
Wang Zhongdao: "Now among all the clans in Tokyo, King Yan and King Yong have the highest voices!"
Chen Jun couldn't help but ask: "King Yan is strong and King Yong is older. I wonder which prince Zihou thinks the official family will choose?"
"If we talk about the legitimate eldest son, there is no doubt about the mother, so naturally he should be King Yong. But if we talk about being wise and capable, King Yan has a reputation as a virtuous person in the court, so naturally King Yan has a better chance."
There is basically no difference between Wang Zhong's answer and no answer, because the few words he said are things that everyone knows, so it doesn't mean he didn't say anything!
However, a smile appeared on Chen Jun's face, and he had some vague speculations about Wang Zhong, a promising new scholar who suddenly chose to be an official.
This is especially true for places in the southeast such as Quanzhou, which are considered relatively remote and barren by most people.
Chen Jun shook his head and said with a smile: "The position of prince is the cornerstone of the country, but you and I are far away in Quanzhou now, and we can't talk!"
Wang Zhong cupped his hands and said: "What Ming Gong said is very true. As the saying goes, one should be in charge of one's own affairs. Since we are far away in Quanzhou, we only need to abide by our duties, govern Quanzhou well, and make the people live a happy and prosperous life. We will live up to the official duties." Thank you for your kindness, the royal court has given you a generous salary!"
The imperial court is high
In order to support integrity, officials' salaries are not low. Different materials are distributed in each season, including ice in summer, carbon in winter, food, cloth, clothes, etc. It can be said that the officials' basic necessities, food, housing and transportation are all considered.
"What Zihou said is absolutely true!" Chen Jun also said to Wang Zhong, cupping his hands.
"Xiaguan has just arrived in Quanzhou and is not familiar with the place. He has to bother Ming Gong to tell Xiaguan about the conditions of the counties in Quanzhou."
"Then I'll tell Zihou!" Chen Jun took a sip of wine, moistened his throat, and then said: "I won't talk about the history of Quanzhou. I believe Zihou must have understood it in advance. Now Quanzhou governs Nan'an, There are seven counties in Jinjiang, Tong'an, Dehua, Yongchun, Qingxi and Hui'an. Among them, Jinjiang County is the seat of the state government, which is also the city of Quanzhou among the people.
Nan'an and Jinjiang are adjacent to each other, only a few dozen miles apart, while Dehua, Yongchun and Qingxi counties are far apart..."
Chen Jun has been in office in Quanzhou for two years. He doesn't know everything about Quanzhou's situation, but he has a general grasp of it.
The wealth, population, and roads of each county include the large gentry families, the large merchant families, and the large families that dominate the local area.
Chen Jun also told Wang Zhong everything about the general situation of land taxation in each county.
Having Chen Jun, a top leader in Quanzhou, explain it more conveniently than Wang Zhong's asking around. Chen Jun also ordered someone to bring a bunch of documents and hand over all the errands of his predecessor to Wang Zhong in detail.
As a deputy position in the state government, the general magistrate handles political affairs together with Quan Zhijun and state affairs. "All matters concerning soldiers and civilians, money and valleys, household registration, tax and labor, and hearings on prison lawsuits can be adjudicated, and they must sign a written notice with the guardian to inform the implementation." "Nominally, he assists the prefect or magistrate to handle government affairs, but all official matters must be signed by the magistrate before they can take effect.
In addition, Tongpan was also given the power to directly report to the emperor the status of all officials at the state, state and county levels.
Whether the officials under the department are good or not and whether their duties are repaired or abolished can be heard through promotion.
It also has the nature of supervision and is known as the "Supervisory State".
It is the real real power.
"To be honest, Ming Gong, this time Zhong went south to Quanzhou. In addition to taking over as general judge, before leaving, the officials also specially ordered Zhong to inspect Quanzhou and set up a salt farm. Ming Gong will see it personally!"
Wang Zhong asked for the imperial edict from Emperor Jiayou. After reading it, Chen Jun immediately said that he would give his full support if necessary.
Wang Zhongdao: "The matter of the salt field still needs careful investigation and careful selection of suitable places. I wonder if there is anyone under Ming Gong who is familiar with the situation in the coastal area of Quanzhou?"
Chen Jun said: "Of course it is! However, Zi Hou first arrived in Quanzhou and was tired of traveling and traveling all the way. It's better to rest for a few days before dealing with these official matters!"
Wang Zhong was also very sensible, and he immediately held up his hands and said, "All you will do is follow Duke Ming's orders!"
"Hahaha!" Chen Jun said: "I will hold a banquet at Danbi Tower tonight to welcome Zihou!"
"Being respectful is worse than obeying orders!"
It's night in Danbi Tower. I look at the graceful lady dancing gracefully on the high platform below against the background of soft silk and bamboo orchestral music. I look at the group of colleagues sitting next to me. She has a delicate appearance and is in the prime of twenty-eight years. Girl, why don’t you know where Danbi Tower is?
Chen Jun, the governor of the state, was sitting at the top. Wang Zhong walked over, bowed his hands and said, "Ming Gong!"
"Zihou is here!" Chen Jun smiled even more.
Wang Zhong said: "I was delayed at home for a while and came late. Don't blame me!"
"It'll be later, it'll be later. If it's important, come on, come on, take a seat!" As he spoke, Chen Jun had already stood up, walked to Wang Zhong, and pulled Wang Zhong to sit next to him.
While Chen Jun took Wang Zhong to dinner and dancing, he introduced to Wang Zhong his colleagues, including the magistrates, county magistrates, chief registrars and other officials from Jinjiang and Tong'an counties.
In the blink of an eye, in a few days, Wang Zhong, led by Chen Jun's staff, accompanied by several scribes and police officers, began to inspect the coastline in Quanzhou one by one. He first went north to Hui'an, inspected along the way, and then went south from Hui'an. It took more than twenty days to complete the inspection and return to Quanzhou.
Knowing that Wang Zhong was back, Chen Jun personally greeted him and asked about the inspection.
Wang Zhong took out a map and circled three places in Quanzhou Bay, and two places each in Hui'an and Tong'an counties.
"So many?" Chen Jun frowned slightly.
Wang Zhong explained: "These are the places with the best geographical locations, and we have asked the local residents in detail this time. The tides in these places are the most suitable."
"Now that Zihou has made up his mind, when should we start?"
Wang Zhong pointed to a place in Quanzhou Bay that is closest to Quanzhou City and said: "The salt field we are going to build this time is different from the salt fields in other places, but we need a lot of help from the public to do this."
Chen Jun said: "That's natural!"
Seeing that it was almost the twelfth lunar month, the Yamen suddenly posted a notice announcing to the village that the Yamen wanted to build a salt farm. Gu called on the people to work, and they would be paid ten cents a day, and they would be responsible for two meals. Quanzhou people and those with a clean financial background could sign up. Young and strong candidates are preferred.
Normally, for things like this, for the imperial service, strong men were forcibly recruited. Some of the meals were withheld, and the people had to pay for it themselves. I had never seen this kind of salary paid to the people.
Not many people in Guizhou are literate, but there are mengtong, a scholar who has read books and can read, who stands by the notice and reads it to everyone, and there are also clerks and policemen who post the notice and inform the villagers of the content loudly. civil.
In just one day, the news spread throughout the villages near Jinjiang County.
At first, the people naturally refused to believe it, but after several entrusters spread the word, some people began to be tempted. Now that it is almost the twelfth lunar month, the New Year is approaching, and it is not the farming season, there is not much work in the fields, so the people naturally want to change. Earn money to supplement the family's income.
After one, there was a second. In just a few days, a full two hundred people were summoned to the tidal flat selected by Wang Zhong. Under the command of Wang Zhong, ten of Wang Zhong's students, and the scribes and agents of the Yamen , began to build saltworks.
With Wang Zhong, the general judge, personally watching over the salt field, the subordinate officials in the yamen naturally did not dare to deduct food from these people at will. Moreover, after work every day, wages were paid out on the same day, with ten copper coins each being a lot.
Even the students, scribes and agents who helped supervise the work were each paid ten coppers per day.
The money received was real. Although there was no meat in the two meals a day, there was oiliness, and they were all dry rice. There was no way the strong laborers were not working hard.
Quanzhou is located on the southeast coast. Although it is the winter month, the weather is not too cold, at least compared to Yangzhou. Not to mention that it is probably already snowing heavily at this time, the sky and the earth are vast, and Bianliang, Tokyo, is covered in snow. Got it
In just over half a month, the salt ponds, sheds, and water diversion and drainage channels in the salt field were excavated.
Jiayou's sixth year passed quietly and unknowingly.
