First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 512

It would be difficult for ordinary people to find out more, but Zhang Ximeng's wife is Jiang Nan. Coincidentally, Jiang Nan also works under Queen Ma.

So Zhang Ximeng knew a little bit about Ge Cheng. He was born as a scholar.

However, he was weak in body and bones. After joining the army, he was not acclimatized and almost died.It was Empress Ma who bought medicine after knowing that many people in the army were sick, which saved Ge Cheng's life. Later, when she learned that Ge Cheng had studied and knew how to settle accounts, Empress Ma asked him to help plan the military supplies.

Ge Cheng is loyal, conscientious and conscientious, and has never made a mistake.

People like this can be found everywhere in the military and court.

So why does Lao Zhu respect Queen Ma?

The relationship between husband and wife, Empress Ma's character and integrity, these are all visible.And what is invisible is the terrifying influence of Empress Ma.

At this point, she is not much weaker than Zhu Yuanzhang.

At the beginning, Zhu Di still wanted Zhang Shuning to be the chief historian, but obviously, even if Zhang Shuning was named the chief historian, he was the one who really made the decision.

In Daming's chess game, there are only about three and a half people who are qualified to make moves.

Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhang Ximeng, everyone knows this, and the other is Empress Ma, who is also the one who is often overlooked.

As for Li Shanchang, this person can only be counted as half a person at most, no more.

What makes Zhang Ximeng so powerful is not only his unparalleled layout ability, but also his knowledge of what things cannot be mixed up. This includes not only Zhu Yuanzhang's bottom line, but also Empress Ma's bottom line.

Don't look at this queen empress, who is gentle and gentle, and her mother is respectful to the world.If it made her feel uneasy and felt that her family was threatened, she would get angry, and she would definitely be three points more terrifying than Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhang Ximeng didn't want his son to get mixed up with Zhu Di, and he also had this scruple in him.

And this kind of thing, he can't tell anyone.

Husband and wife, father and son, monarch and subject, brothers... no matter how close they are, they all have their own space domain, and if they violate it casually, they will suffer backlash.

But since Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, and Empress Ma has no objection, Zhu Biao still has this letter... It can be said that the time, place and people are harmonious, Zhu Xiaosi, hurry up and cut the meat!

Zhang Ximeng was all smiles, and came to Prince Yan's mansion on his own initiative for the first time.

Zhu Di greeted Zhang Ximeng, his face changed, and he secretly glanced at Zhang Ximeng, feeling very uneasy, he could only smile and said, "Sir, I'm learning to compose poetry recently, why don't you please take a look at my poems, sir?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Tell me, let me hear what good poems you can write!"

Zhu Di thought for a while, and then said: "When I was hunting, I looked at Yanshan Mountain from a distance, and I thought of four sentences." After finishing speaking, Zhu Di cleared his throat, and said loudly: "Looking at Yanshan Mountain from afar is dark, and the top is fine. Thick at the bottom, you want to turn Yanshan over, thin at the bottom and thick at the top."

Zhang Ximeng was slightly taken aback, and then said seriously: "Zhu Di, don't say that you can compose poetry in the future, really, I'm thinking of you."

Zhu Di was stunned for a while, and then said: "Sir, then, how about I learn how to write lyrics? Sir should be a master at writing lyrics, please teach me!"

Zhang Ximeng hehe said: "Okay, as long as you finish the business first, I will teach you if you want to learn. Anyway, you are idle if you are idle."

At this moment, Zhu Di was stunned, and he said bitterly: "Sir, you are also asking for money for the emperor! I am still a child, and I have not even married. It is not easy for me to support such a large palace by myself. !"

Speaking of which, Zhu Di was going to use his trick of crying poor and cheating again, but it was a pity that he met Zhang Ximeng.

"Zhu Di, I won't talk about other things. As far as I know, the silver deposited from Korea alone is 150 million taels! These Korean families are not big, but they can't last for so many years. The land is exhausted to fish, everyone is full of fat, just seeing you get rich, I can't hold back."

Zhang Ximeng leaned forward and said, "Zhu Di, if you don't want to cooperate, how about I help? In terms of making money, I'm no worse than you!"

Zhu Di looked at Zhang Ximeng foolishly, and didn't even bother to cry and be poor. The divine book in his hand was just a random handout written by this man. I'm afraid no one will know how powerful this Mr. Zhang is.

The most I can do is to cut leeks, but with this shot, even the roots of the leeks are gone!

"Sir, no matter how difficult it is for me, in order to relieve my father's worries, I am obliged to do my best. It's just that the money was deposited by others, and I want to keep it for them. It is not mine and cannot be embezzled." .”

Zhang Ximeng shook his head with a smile, "Zhu Di, you have a small structure. They deposit silver. According to the logic, you must give them gold and silver. This is no problem. But if the new imperial envoy issues an order, you are not allowed Gold and silver are freely circulated in the market, and it is illegal to transport large quantities of gold and silver without approval. In this way, those Korean nobles who come to withdraw money, as long as they take gold and silver from the bank and leave this gate, they will be arrested. Captured. In the name of stealing gold and silver, beheaded directly, and then the head can be hung on the city wall."

Zhu Di was dumbfounded and stared at Zhang Ximeng dumbfounded.

"Sir, you, you are too ruthless! Isn't this an open robbery? If it gets out, other Korean nobles who want to save money will not dare to come, so what should we do?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "You're confused again, aren't you! Of course we won't rob money, but due to regulations, the silver can't be transported out. They want precious banknotes, so that's a little bit. And we can give them good interest. Besides, it’s the same way to buy things with precious banknotes, so there’s nothing wrong with that! Moreover, the issue of gold and silver is only a temporary regulation, and when the time is right, we will allow them to transport it away.”

"Then when is the right time?" Zhu Di asked stupidly.

Zhang Ximeng thought for a while, "It's hard to say, maybe it will take Hongwu 100 years!"

Zhu Di was speechless after a pause.

He just lowered his head silently, and became more honest.

He has learned the lesson, and there is still a huge gap between himself and the top experts. If he wants to learn the master's magical skills, he has to work harder.

"Sir, in this way, we got the money, but, but I can't give it to my father directly! Then I'm at a loss!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "It's not difficult. If you have money, you can use it to buy the bonds issued by Li Xianggong."

Zhu Di hesitated again, "Well, what's the use of this?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "It's not easy. Bonds are also a commodity. If you buy more, you will naturally be admired. As long as you can sell 500 million more, Li Shanchang will have an explanation. Although Lao Li is old I don't want to have too much contact with the prince, if you help him pass the test, he will still give you convenience."

Zhu Di nodded immediately, "Thank you sir for your guidance, Zhu Di understands, I will set aside 30 silver to buy national bonds now! Then I will write letters to my second and third son...Anyway, I have tried my best, and I ask them to do the same." Filial piety!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded slightly, very good, this awareness is very good...Zhu Xi and Zhu Yan, you can't let these two things stay out of the matter, fight with brothers, and fight with father and son.

Blessed and afflicted together.

As far as Zhu Di's character is concerned, he is really the best successor.

"Simply teach you a few more tricks! Didn't Your Majesty stipulate that the goods from the north and the south must be delivered in Beiping? You can order that their money transactions must be placed in the bank designated by Beiping. There is a considerable amount of living money. Then you take this money to invest in the project of Zongzheng Temple, acquire the shares of Liujiagang Shipyard, and transfer the money to Zongzheng Temple. Then Zongzheng Temple can hand over the money Give it to your mother, and then lend it to Zhongshu Sheng from the internal funds to solve the problem of shortfall, that's all."

Zhu Di was stunned for a while, and finally made things clear.

"Sir, okay, can't I just give the money to Father Huang and the others? Why bother?"

Zhang Ximeng snorted, "I still haven't learned enough! Giving it directly is private, it's just embezzlement. If something happens, can you, Zhu Di, still be able to secure the position of King Yan? I let you buy Liujiagang Shipyard, that's because As commerce and trade become more prosperous, the business of the shipyard will get better and better. If you buy it now, you will only make money. Banks in Peiping invest money and get rich returns. The credit of Peking Bank. Do you understand this time?"

Zhu Di thought for a while, then nodded quickly, overjoyed, "Sir, you are really a master of masters, you can turn stones into gold with just a simple move. By the way, sir, why haven't I seen you use it before!"

Zhang Ximeng snorted coldly: "It's not that I haven't met you! Okay, you can experience the mystery here, and I can't teach you too much."

After Zhang Ximeng finished speaking, he got up and left.

Zhu Di, who got the advice, was very happy, but he still didn’t think it was enough. Think about it, most of his capital now is the deposits from Korea. Although Zhang Ximeng gave him advice, these people can still get it out of the bank Treasure notes.

Do you have any good idea to make them give up gold and silver, or even never mention it again!

"Your Highness, it's actually not difficult to achieve this step. As long as Xin Tun kills them all, it's over!" Huang Zicheng said in a muffled voice.

Zhu Di was shocked, "You, do you still have a bit of literati's kindness and benevolence?"

Huang Zicheng had no choice but to smile bitterly, "Does Your Highness hope that the humble official will continue to be a rotten scholar who can only talk about it?"

Zhu Di quickly waved his hand, "That's not acceptable! Huaxia Yidi, internal and external laws are different, this is justified. It's just that we can't let Xin Tun openly kill. If we kill all those bastards, Korea will not belong to us. Just kill a few sacrificial flags first."

Huang Zicheng was stunned for a while, "Your Highness is really brilliant!"

Chapter 712 Zhu Di's Sense of Accomplishment

Zhu Di went to Lan Yu to discuss the plan to release Xin Tun and eliminate the creditors... At this time, all eyes in the whole of Beiping were on the Peking University Hall.

Zhang Ximeng's residence is not far from Peking University Hall. Standing in the courtyard, he can see that this is a magnificent building.Bold, majestic, and formidable weather, the atmosphere of a world-renowned university is undoubtedly revealed.

Although there is no official enrollment yet, people pass by here every day, pointing and joyful.

Many parents would take their children, pass by the school, point to the inside, and tell their children that it is the best school in Ming Dynasty. When they grow up, they must work hard to get in. From then on, they will honor their ancestors and change their schools.

In addition, there are many teenagers who came from the countryside. They came to Peiping with their dreams in mind, preparing to take the exam. As long as they pass, they can become a member of this top school.

Read and study, work hard, and change your destiny.

For a teacher, this is also the greatest joy.A person who is in a high position and who is in a good position, this kind of success is his own after all.

Only by promoting the success and letting more people experience it together can the sense of accomplishment be doubled and super doubled.

Zhang Ximeng patiently sorted out the textbooks and handouts, carefully considering the details one by one. He knew that the foundation of the students in Peiping was even worse, far inferior to Jimin School. He had to devote more energy to ensure that everyone could understand and understand. .

Time passed day by day, and the preliminary admission results of Peking University came out.

The first batch, a total of more than 300 people, was lucky enough to enter the school.

These people can be called the essence of the tens of thousands of scholars in Beiping!

In Shanhaiguan, the sound of gongs and drums, the sound of firecrackers, the waving of colorful flags, and the sea of ​​people.

A total of 23 students passed the assessment and could enter Peking University, and among them was Hu Dahai's second grandson.

That's right, Lao Hu already has three grandchildren, but among the three grandchildren, the third is still young, while the eldest is much more straightforward. Unfortunately, he failed the exam this time.

Even if it is the eldest grandson of the Duke of Yue, it is not acceptable to be unqualified.

After all, Lao Hu didn't have a seizure, he just called his eldest grandson and went out with him. They arrived outside Shanhaiguan, and all the candidates who passed had to go to Peiping.

Hu Dahai brought over a maroon horse, which was his mount, and it was also a BMW bestowed by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Lao Hu led the horse, passed by the eldest grandson, and stopped in front of the second grandson.

"You didn't do well in the exam, I won't blame you. But your second brother did well in the exam and gave me face. He earned his dignity. Don't be jealous! You can earn it back next time!"

After finishing speaking, Lao Hu grabbed the second grandson's arm and shouted, "Get on the horse!"

The kid subconsciously stepped on the stirrups, exerting all his strength, but his legs were short, so he was still a little short.At this moment, Hu Dahai pushed his butt hard, and the little guy got on the horse smoothly.

He looked around again, and suddenly he was a lot taller, his face flushed with excitement.

At the same time, the other 22 students also got on their horses.

Those who led their horses and kicked them, without exception, were all generals from Shanhaiguan, and the minimum was an official of a thousand households.

The people next to him, apart from being astonished, all looked envious.

It's so embarrassing!

Lao Hu looked at these children, his face could not contain the excitement.

"After the recovery of Yanyun, this place was still desolate. Over the years, we have built piers and forts to resist the Mongols' invasion. We also started farming, drying salt, and building schools! The big guys are non-stop, never resting! Now Our children and juniors have passed the examination and entered the Peking University. The children in the army have also gone to study!"

Hu Dahai couldn't help waving his fists, "From now on, the children in the army can also be full of knowledge, and become officials in the court, become ministers, and become prime ministers!"

Old Hu shouted excitedly: "What Zhang Xianggong promised back then has been done! He is now in Beiping, waiting to help teach our younger generations! The warriors have not failed Daming, and Daming has not failed us! All these years of hard work are worth it !"

Having said this, Hu Dahai couldn't help the tears in his eyes, stared back again and again, and finally shed.

This iron-like man is crying!

At the beginning, when the land of Yanyun was restored, the heroes were rewarded.

So many people want to seal their wives and shade their children and enjoy themselves.Only Hu Dahai took some people and stayed behind.As Lao Hu said, they have hoes in one hand, swords in the other, and occasionally pick up shovels, saws, fight wars, build cities, farm...they never rest for a moment.

The ground under their feet was soaked with their blood and sweat.

In order to cut trees, build the Great Wall, and fight bravely against the Mongolian tribes, just outside Shanhaiguan, over the years, 750 or six soldiers have been buried here.

Their graves can be clearly seen on the city wall of Shanhaiguan.

Every year during the Qingming and Winter Solstice, there are special people going to offer sacrifices.There are also an endless stream of ordinary people.

Everyone has never forgotten them, and among the students who passed the assessment this time, three of them had fathers who died as soldiers.

Relying on the care of their uncles in the army, they grew up smoothly, were able to read and write, and performed well until they passed the examination and became members of the Peking University.

At this moment, they were also sitting on horseback, led by the lieutenant general, and they set off from Shanhaiguan on the road to Peiping.

The same scene also happened in Xifengkou, Gubeikou, Juyongguan, Zijingguan...and many other Guancheng villages and towns.

This time, nearly 500 military students passed the assessment, more than one-third of the admitted number.

It is no exaggeration to say that this Peking University is for the children of the army.

Not to appease anyone, but really, they deserve it.

These soldiers took back the land of Yanyun, which had been lost for hundreds of years.

He worked tirelessly and sacrificed himself to guard the border.

To be honest, the Ming Dynasty in history did owe some of these soldiers.

Nine border towns, millions of military households, they don't want a stone of grain or a tael of silver from the court.Life after life, they went on and on, relying on their flesh and blood to protect the beautiful mountains and rivers of the Central Plains.

For the children of military households, what have they gained?

The tax that is twice as heavy as that of a common household, the constant threat of life and death, the unchangeable fate of life after life, and the tragic situation of being enslaved by generals and reduced to slaves...Even after the abolition of the Kaizhong Law, even the food supply has been reduced. This problem caused many military households to flee.

In the end, the military household system simply collapsed, and soldiers had to be recruited to guard the border.

This is what has happened historically.

When Zhang Ximeng has the right to formulate rules, the burden on military households is greatly reduced, taxes and taxes are exempted, land reclamation is encouraged, and the upper limit of land can be relaxed.