First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 514

Don't look at Zhang Ximeng's lectures all over the world, it seems so amazing, but the people above the court still need to look at our old Li.

Qi Tai, Lian Zining, Huang Zicheng, and Fang Xiaoru... If Jing Qing and Huang Guan are brought in after a few years, Zhu Yunqi's six king vajras will be assembled.

Even now, the four heavenly kings are gathered together to solve the problem of lack of money in Beiping, which is quite worth looking forward to...

Chapter 714 Only Taxation Can't Escape

When Huang Zicheng was in Jimin Academy, he was an auditor. Qi Tai and Lian Zining were called teachers, and Fang Xiaoru was a fresh graduate.

But now these two teachers don't have that kind of thought anymore, not to mention that they are not much different in age, Qi Tai took the lead and said: "I am honored by the emperor's grace, and His Majesty bestowed the name. I am also in Jimin Academy, and I am so fortunate to be taught by Zhang Xiang! Now When we arrive at Peking Academy, we have to risk our lives and break out into the world, no matter what, we have to raise money to run the academy well!"

His statement was approved by Lian Zining, indeed.

Huang Zicheng also breathed a sigh of relief, "Since we are of one heart and one mind, there is nothing difficult to do. Your Highness has already obtained a sum of money from Gao Li. Now it is time to release Xin Tun and continue to squeeze. There are also Jurchen tribes, Duoyan Mongolia... All in all, no matter what, we must be ruthless!"

Qi Tai pondered for a while, and said helplessly: "Although it may not be suitable, for the current plan, only the barbarians like Ku Yi Ku are left."

As soon as they finished speaking, Fang Xiaoru, who had been silent all this time, suddenly said, "I disagree! Northern Xinjiang is already uneasy, and if you do this again, if there is a series of disasters, the people will be the unlucky ones!"

Huang Zicheng said: "When the school is established, the students will benefit, and the people will also benefit! What's more, Yue Guogong and the others all mean the same thing. Brother Fang, aren't you being too pedantic!"

Fang Xiaoru snorted, "Senior Brother Huang, what you said seems to be reasonable, but it is not reasonable. I have no objection to tossing outsiders and collecting money. But now there is money at your fingertips, why don't you take it? What's the reason? "

Fang Xiaoru questioned Huang Zicheng with strict righteousness.

Huang Zicheng was taken aback, "Brother Fang, don't talk nonsense! Beiping is rich, why are we so embarrassed?"

Fang Xiaoru sneered, "Why not? It's just that you don't have the guts!"

"courage?"

Huang Zicheng couldn't help laughing, "Brother Fang, are you going to be aggressive? I am now one with Peking University, and I am dedicated to running the school without any second thoughts! Just say what you have to say!"

Fang Xiaoru nodded, "Okay, now that I've said that, I won't go around in circles... Beiping is prosperous in business and trade. I've seen it for a long time. Timber, medicinal materials, silk in the south, tea, livestock in the north, ore, everything is in Peking. Convergence. After I checked, the commercial tax in Beiping is not much, what is the reason for this?"

This question stopped Huang Zicheng. He was stunned for a while, and then slowly said: "Beiping has always been barren. In order to recuperate and restore people's strength, business taxes are not high. Moreover, there don't seem to be many officials in Beiping. There are only left-behind officials. Even if you want to To collect taxes, there are not so many people!"

Fang Xiaoru sneered, "So that's it! I thought it was because I was afraid of the rich and powerful, so I didn't dare to do anything!"

Huang Zicheng stared at him, "Brother Fang, don't be eccentric, we are the teachers of the school, why should we interfere with taxation?"

Fang Xiaoru was even more disdainful, "Don't dare to touch taxes? But dare to use troops abroad? Which is the bigger issue? Forgive me for being stupid, I still can't figure it out!"

Huang Zicheng was at a loss for words. At this time, Lian Zining heard some clues, "What's going on? The Jimin School is located on the shore of Poyang Lake, where the laneways of the Ganjiang River and the waterways of the Yangtze River converge. Over the years, business taxes have been collected. The amount is increasing day by day. Many students in Jimin Academy have passed the business exam and entered the tax department. Could it be that there is no proper tax collection here in Beiping?"

Qi Tai also said: "Yes, if the tax can be collected, we can live better."

Huang Zicheng pondered over and over again before saying, "You are all experts too. Business and taxation have always been involved too much. Honorable officials, civil servants, scholars, since ancient times, whoever gets involved in taxation will end badly. Shang Yang is far away. , the closest ones are Yang Yan and Wang Anshi. We don’t even have a decent official now, but we get involved in this kind of thing, I’m really afraid that even if we have a hundred heads on our necks, it’s not enough to chop off!”

After he finished speaking, Fang Xiaoru stood up directly.

"I, Fang Xiaoru, don't have a hundred heads, but where righteousness lies, even if I die a hundred times, I don't regret it! I'm going to see His Royal Highness King Yan now, and ask for an official position!"

After speaking, this one strode out.

As soon as he arrived at the door, he heard someone calling him from behind. It turned out that Lian Zining followed him.

"How can you let the students die in the front, but the teacher is afraid of the sword and avoiding the sword in the back? If you want to kill your head, start with me practicing Zining!" He happily patted Fang Xiaoru on the shoulder, very satisfied.

At this moment, another human said: "Why are you the hero? Let's go together!"

Qi Tai also followed.

The three of them were about to find Zhu Di, and Huang Zicheng also followed.

"You guys, isn't this embarrassing me!"

Fang Xiaoru snorted coldly, "Do you know why you are only worthy of being an auditor? It's because of your habit of being a gentleman!"

Huang Zicheng was stunned and speechless, his facial features distorted... It seems that this is not the first time he heard this, Zhu Di said it before, could it be that I really look too much like a scholar-bureaucrat?

That's why you are afraid of business tax issues?

"Forget it, I'll get mixed up with you, and when I go to the guillotine in the future, I won't be able to hide even if I want to. Let's go together, go together!"

……

"Taxation?"

Zhu Di thought about it seriously, "Can this thing be faster than robbing Korea?"

Huang Zicheng said helplessly: "His Royal Highness, since the liberation, Beiping's discipline has been weak. The year before last, the treasury was short of money, and grain was stolen and sold. Didn't they kill a lot of people?"

Only then did Zhu Di remember, "That's right, that was my case. That's right. At that time, only corrupt officials were punished, and so many business taxes were not collected! Dare to owe me money, it's really boring! You say Well, what should I do to raise the tax?”

Fang Xiaoru immediately said: "His Royal Highness, now there are four important places in Beiping, one is Dagu Port, which is responsible for shipping; the other is Tongzhou, which is used for river transportation; The market is responsible for the delivery. As long as you keep an eye on the surroundings, it is not difficult to collect taxes."

Zhu Di looked at Huang Zicheng, and Huang Zicheng nodded, "That's true, but do you want to think about it, Your Highness?"

Zhu Di rolled his eyes, "What are you thinking about? Is there any tax in this world that I dare not collect? Now I will give you tokens for the four of you, one for each, and let me take care of it! No matter who you meet, don't you dare? Pay your taxes and get caught immediately!"

Qi Tai, who had been silent all this time, suddenly said: "Then Your Highness must prepare a spacious place!"

Zhu Di was startled... Could it be so serious?

No matter what, let's move!

The next day, the four were fully armed and immediately dispatched.

All the guards assigned to them are royal palace guards. This group of people only listen to Zhu Di's orders, and they are definitely the best sharp blade... Huang Zicheng asked for orders to go to Shanhaiguan. This guy is still a chicken thief. After all, they are dealing with Liaodong businessmen. It's just a group of Jurchens, so don't worry too much about it.

Qi Tai went to Dagukou to monitor the maritime business.

Lian Zining originally wanted to stay in Beiping. He knew very well that there were many and trivial things in the city, and he was afraid that Fang Xiaoru would not be able to get them.

But Fang Xiaoru resolutely stayed in Peiping, the more difficult it was, the more he had to face it.

This guy deserves to be a stubborn guy, the kind who admits death, never turns back, never regrets.

Lian Zining could only tell him to be more careful.

Fang Xiaoru nodded vigorously. He proposed this method, but he already had some clues.

His first target was the Zongzheng Temple's office in Beiping.

When Fang Xiaoru led the men and horses to kill them, the people inside almost laughed out loud.

They looked at Fang Xiaoru, not angry, but amused.

"This little official... How old are you this year? Are you twenty? Do you know where this is! Zongzheng Temple manages the wealth management business for the palace, and you dare to come here to find trouble? Even His Royal Highness King Yan would not Come here and add to the chaos!"

The person snapped angrily, "Aren't you going back?"

Contrary to his expectations, Fang Xiaoru did not show the slightest fear, but said indifferently: "His Royal Highness Yan didn't dare to come, but it doesn't mean I didn't dare to come either. I obeyed the law of King Daming!"

The man was stunned for a moment, but couldn't help but nodded and said: "Okay! Be selfless, right? Then let me tell you, we are here to discuss the delivery of the Liujiagang shipyard with King Yan, and this matter is out of Peking's business! That's fine, you You can go back."

Fang Xiaoru still stood there, unmoved.

The man frowned, "Why, you can't understand? Do you have to fight against Zongzheng Temple?"

Fang Xiaoru laughed and said, "You guys are indeed here to talk about the shipyard, but why did you bring another thousand bolts of high-quality silk to Peiping in private? Two days ago, you sold it to a Hu merchant, and the total amount was [-]." Baochao. This person is still in Beiping, do you want to invite him to confront him?"

The official of Zongzheng Temple was taken aback, "You, how do you know?"

Fang Xiaoru laughed and said: "If you want people to know, you have to do nothing yourself. In the name of negotiating business, you carry goods privately and sell them for profit. You don't pay taxes! Even if this matter comes to the Zong Renling, it's your fault." crime!"

In an instant, the official lost all confidence, hurriedly bowed and said: "My lord, come in first, let's talk slowly, how about it?"

Fang Xiaoru shook his head, "No need! For the fine silk, [-]% of the tax should be paid, and another [-]% should be added due to arrears, and the total is [-] guan. Now that you pay it, I will go to Wenzongzheng Temple and say that you are paying the tax." Pay the taxes... If you don't pay, I will write to the Ministry of Punishment and the Yushitai to deal with you by smuggling the soldiers!"

Fang Xiaoru is not talking nonsense. The students of Jimin Academy guard Poyang Lake and are very clear about business and taxation.What's more, Fang Xiaoru's father was demoted to Lingnan, and he also took care of this matter, and he has rich experience.

The official of Zongzheng Temple couldn't stand it anymore.

"I, if I pay the tax, I will lose money! I can't explain it!"

Fang Xiaoru sneered contemptuously and said, "I can't blame me for this. You should have raised the price of silk! In the end, you are greedy for money and profit, and sold the treasure bestowed by God to Daming at a low price! This is a lesson!"

Dude, totally ruthless.

A quarter of an hour later, Fang Xiaoru walked out with the tax money in his hands, and the soldiers who followed Fang Xiaoru all gave their thumbs up secretly.

This little Master Fang, although young, dared to pull out his teeth, even dared to ask for money from the Zongzheng Temple, what a formidable young man!

"Go, go to the next house!"

Fang Xiaoru was in Beiping, checking the taxes everywhere, without any courtesy... Soon, the whole of Beiping was in chaos.

Those with a little power are looking for people all over the world, thinking of a way, we must stop this lunatic!

Zhu Di came back from hunting during the day, and as soon as he entered the palace, he met the official from Zongzheng Temple waiting for him.

"His Royal Highness, everyone is doing business for the prince, but they just want to fill up the family a little bit. It's not easy for us to come so far! In the end, your people took [-]% of the money! You let the officials go back Ying Tian, ​​how do you face your colleagues!"

Zhu Di was stunned for a long time before he understood what was going on. He frowned and murmured, "What's going on? I'll leave you [-]%?"

Chapter 715 Zhu Di Bows His Head

The officials of Zongzheng Temple almost went crazy when they heard what Zhu Di said.

You understand, it is Zongzheng Temple, and it is the business of your old Zhu family. We are all one family, one family!

"Your Highness, my minister..."

Before he could say more, Zhu Di suddenly said: "I remembered, Li Jinglong is by my side, let him talk to you about this."

Zhu Di patted his butt and left.

Zongzheng Temple is managed by Li Zhen, he is Li Jinglong's grandfather, it is really suitable for him to come forward, how can one of his own not take care of his own?

This one waited here for a while and even drank some tea.

About half an hour later, suddenly some guards rushed in, and two of the burly men took him down directly.

Li Jinglong came in from behind and snorted coldly: "What! It's not enough to leave [-]% for you! Then you don't want anything, smuggle goods, catch me!"

This guy was stunned. He never expected that Li Jinglong wanted to arrest him?

"Young Master, Young Master! You can't do this! When you were full moon, I hugged you! Young Master!"

Li Jinglong was full of impatience, "What are you talking about! Drag it out!"

The guard dragged the man away without saying a word.

Li Jinglong touched the sweat on his forehead, full of helplessness.

Zhu Di's grandson is so worthless!

In fact, Li Jinglong knew this person, and he was indeed Li Zhen's subordinate. He seemed to be from Sizhou, and he and Li Zhen were fellow villagers.

Normally, Li Jinglong would definitely not do anything to him.

But not today!

When Zhu Di went to the back, he called Li Jinglong over.

You have followed me to Peiping for so long, and you don't have any serious official positions, that's not okay.

I will now appoint you as a taxpayer to be responsible for tax collection. If you do well, I will mention the commander to you, and I will be the commander in a short time.Waiting for the Duke who will pick up your father in the future, of course.

Given such a big piece of cake, it was natural for Li Jinglong to do his job well.

"I, can I not be the one, or let Hua Wei be the one first?"

Zhu Di smiled and said: "Of course it's fine, but you have to remember, if you don't want to, I'll write a letter to Father, saying that you are useless and a worthless snack. Think about it, even I can't look down on you." , who else will reuse you? Your life is over! And your father was still in Peiping a few days ago. I told him that Li Jinglong is hopeless. Hurry up and have more children while you are young, or the Li family will be over. ! Tiger father and dog son, one generation is not as good as one generation..."

"Shut up!" Li Jinglong exploded in anger, "Zhu Di, I regret knowing you the most in this life!"

Zhu Di chuckled, "I really like you as a relative, come on!"

Li Jinglong was too lazy to talk nonsense.

Even if you kill Zhu Di, you have to clean up those bastards first!

Li Jinglong set off bravely and directly took down the people from Zongzheng Temple.

Even the royal clan is useless, how can other yamen be able to handle it?

Fang Xiaoru checked one family after another... the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Education... almost no one in these court offices was spared.

Every day someone came looking for Zhu Di, but Zhu Di had already made up his mind, so he didn't care about these bad things, he just became the shopkeeper and went hunting outside the city.

All the affairs in the city were handed over to Li Jinglong, the tax officer of thousands of households.