First Minister of Ming Dynasty

First Minister Section 425

Moreover, most of the successors can't handle this well. They are either being manipulated by the old officials, or the two sides are fighting to the death, and the world is in turmoil.

And using Peng Zaozhu is definitely a clever move. Zhang Ximeng's talent in employing people is even better than Zhu Yuanzhang.After all, Lao Zhu's work is too rough, and Zhang Ximeng is better at delicate operations.

No, Empress Ma asked Zhu Biao to learn this unique skill from her husband.

"Sir, Zhang Shicheng can be regarded as a hero. Let him be in charge of the salt administration, will there be no problems?"

Zhang Ximeng laughed loudly, "Your Highness, can you tell me who will be in charge of the salt administration, you can rest assured? That is a mountain of gold and silver, civil servants and military generals, which one will not be tempted!"

"Then, why choose Zhang Shicheng!" Zhu Biao was puzzled.

"Just because he is Zhang Shicheng!" Zhang Ximeng laughed and said, "Anyone who sits on that chair will have problems, the difference is only the size of the problem. I asked Peng Zao to be the admiral and Zhang Shicheng to be an advisor... just to be sure of them There is no one in the court. Not only no one, but many eyes are staring at them, hoping that they will go wrong so that they can replace them."

Zhu Biao was startled for a while, and then understood.

It was only then that he suddenly realized, "Mr. High opinion! Even if these two people want to be greedy for ink, they will be cautious because of so many people staring at them, and control their own hands and feet?"

Zhu Biao was so happy that he clapped his hands and applauded, but then he said: "Isn't it a bit unkind to these two people to make such an arrangement, sir? Also, are they willing to do their best?"

Zhang Ximeng chuckled, "Employing people! Naturally, calculations are inevitable. Although Peng Zaozhu joined him very early, he still has some people under him. These people are all seniors of the Red Turban Army. They need a place to go. They are not your majesty." The direct descendants are not Xungui's subordinates either. In short, they are in an embarrassing situation. I will give them the salt farm this time, and Peng Zaozhu will work hard to settle down in the old department. And the salt farm is also a good place for them."

"As for Zhang Shicheng... He was indeed a hero in the past, but now he is almost a joke. Managing the salt field is the last step in his life. And salt is related to the people of the world, the common people. He can do well and make a name for himself. It’s also good to save your reputation, it’s a little bit of virtue.”

Zhang Ximeng smiled and said: "These two people may have other thoughts, and they can't avoid some small calculations, but it has nothing to do with the overall situation. If it doesn't go as expected, we can sit back and wait for the good news."

Zhu Biao nodded quickly, his small face was full of admiration... Zhang Ximeng did have a sense of calm and unhurried rhythm in doing things.

It is said that the reform of the salt law and the establishment of a commercial firm are obviously not something that can be done with a single sentence, nor can it be easily resolved by sending a few capable subordinates.

Doing things is never that simple.

Similarly, if this matter is really done, starting from the most basic rules, I'm afraid it won't be clear for ten days and ten nights... Zhang Ximeng just determined some basic rules.

For example, using the sun-salt method, such as abolishing the kitchen households and switching to salt workers, such as opening up the supply, etc.

With these basic things, Zhang Ximeng then brought in Peng Zaozhu and Zhang Shicheng to set up the personnel framework.

Basically, the main problems have been solved, and the next step is to see how it works... If there is a problem, just adjust it immediately.

If there is no serious problem after staring at it for a while, then you can move on to the next thing.

Zhang Ximeng's way of working is very different from Zhu Yuanzhang's doing everything by himself.

If you want to ask Zhu Biao, he undoubtedly prefers Zhang Ximeng's method, without him, it saves effort!

If he was really like his father, he felt that he might not be able to outlive his father!

It's really hard work!

Zhu Biao learns from Zhang Ximeng every day and writes letters to Yingtian... Time flies, and only half a month later, Peng Zaozhu came here, still smiling happily.

Happy event!

What a joy!

The salt business has made money!

If he earned less, Peng Zaozhu would not be so happy. After conversion, it is a full 200 ​​million yuan, and it is only the first batch of income. There will be more in the future, needless to say.

"Master Zhang, Your Highness, tell me, that Zhang Shicheng is amazing."

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "He is an old private salt dealer, so he naturally knows the key to this. It is normal for those salt merchants to be unable to compete with him."

"Not only can't fight, it's like playing with grandchildren."

Peng Zaozhu said vividly that salt is a necessity for the common people.In the Song Dynasty, a catty of salt was about forty wen, and it was even more expensive in Bashu, fifty to seventy wen.

For a strong laborer, ten catties of salt a year costs four hundred cash, which is really a lot of pressure.

In the Ming Dynasty, how much did a catty of salt cost?

Historically, in the Ming Dynasty, the cheapest salt price appeared in the Jingtai period, which was less than two renminbi. In normal times, it was only five or seven renminbi, and rarely more than ten renminbi.

Compared with my Da Song, it is definitely a conscience.

The price of salt in the Yuan Dynasty, especially at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, had already skyrocketed.

Even after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, it was not cheap.

This time in Changlu Salt Field, Zhang Shicheng presided over the salt affairs, the first thing is to reduce the price!

The price given by Zhang Shicheng was two renminbi a catty. As for the selling price, the maximum price could not exceed five renminbi.

After the price was announced, those salt merchants went crazy!

Several of them got up immediately and were about to leave.

"King Huai, you are acting recklessly! Do you want the big guy to pay for his death?"

"Yeah, we need real money and various materials to supply Beiping, and then we can exchange for salt. You keep the price so low, we have no money to supply military supplies."

"Yeah, the Beacon Tower was delayed, and the soldiers lost their food and clothing. Can you, King Huai, take the blame?"

……

This group of salt merchants didn't seem to be afraid of Zhang Shicheng, they talked like crazy, exporting like crazy.

"Shut up for me!"

Zhang Shicheng slapped the table, and said with a sneer, "You think I don't know? Two renminbi a catty, 240 renminbi a stone, and you can sell it for [-] renminbi, which is more than double the profit, which is more profitable than transporting grain!"

"If you hate hard work, I'm not afraid! Just right, there are boats on the canal, and there are also boats on the sea. The grain, cloth, silk, and porcelain from the south of the Yangtze River are often shipped back empty! Bring some specialties and wood at most. Now good It's just right for salt!"

"The most expensive thing about salt is the shipping cost... I calculated it at the saltworks. Changlu can pay five catties of salt for a penny! You can also call grain boats. If you don't want to negotiate or accept the price, then we will work hard." Let’s transport the salt to various places, and then sell it for two Wen a catty!”

Zhang Shicheng said with a chuckle: "By the way, I have another idea here... You said, Your Majesty uses the grain chief to deliver the grain. If we send the salt to Taicang, each grain chief can take some salt back after delivering the grain. What do you think will happen if you distribute it to the people in the grain area?"

The salt merchant's eyes widened and he said in horror: "King Huai, you, you want to kill the fish and destroy the salt law?"

Zhang Shicheng said with a chuckle: "Instead of making you rich, it is better to give benefits to the common people... My proposal is probably only five or five. His Majesty may not agree. Can you bet on it?"

The salt merchants just knelt down, Mr. Zhang, we can't afford to bet on a [-]% chance!

Chapter 594 The Tenacious Zhu Biao

Peng Zao stopped dancing and talked about how Zhang Shicheng dealt with the salt merchants, which was a joy.In the early years, Peng Zao lived at home and lived a bad life. He could only buy the kind of salt mixed with sand and soil. Even so, he was reluctant to put it away. He only added a little more when he was working.

Still can't afford it!

Now think about how difficult it is for ordinary people!

Not to mention that Lao Zhutong disagreed, Peng Zaozhu was willing.

What is the use of grain boats to transport salt, what is it to hand over the salt to the grain chief, send [-] shi of grain, and return [-] shi of salt to the people... Peng Zaozhu felt that all these methods could be used.

The big deal is that the fish will die and the net will be broken. First kill all the salt merchants in the world, so that you can eat people without spitting out bones. This is the reward!

This Zhang Shicheng is also a wonderful person. When he was fighting His Majesty, he was so cowardly that he didn't see it. Now, he is possessed by the god of war, killing all directions, and the measures he proposed are not only ruthless, but also feasible.

If it is sent to Zhu Yuanzhang, it is estimated that there is at least [-]% certainty that it can be executed.

Why don't you really try it?

Faced with Peng Zaozhu's dangerous idea, Zhang Ximeng just wanted to say, whatever you want to say, if I send it up, I will lose!

"Businessmen always like to make compromises. For example, in our room, if you say that the room is too dark and you have to open a window on the wall, some people will object. But if you say that the roof is torn down, someone will come out." How convenient it is to open a window!" Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "With Zhang Shicheng making such a fuss, the salt merchants will probably be much more honest, and our affairs will be much easier."

Zhu Biao was by Zhang Ximeng's side, listening silently, but his mother told him to pay more attention to Mr. Zhang's high-level remarks, keep them in mind at all times, and never forget them.

He felt that the opening of the window just now had to be written down, it was too incisive.

Peng Zaozhu pondered for a while, and nodded quickly, "Mr. Zhang, I've made a note." Afterwards, Peng Zaozhu pondered for a while, and then dared to ask: "Mr. Has it changed completely?"

Zhang Ximeng laughed, "Young Marshal Peng, you have only been in office for a few days now. After you work for a while, you will understand. Then come and tell me about it."

Peng Zaozhu bowed his head and nodded, "Sure, I've made a note, I'm going down now."

He turned around happily and walked away.

Zhang Ximeng looked at the list again, and it was converted to 200 million guan, many of which were gold and silver. Zhang Ximeng looked at it for a while, then suddenly smiled and said, "Your Highness, have you heard of the allusion of the golden house?"

Zhu Biao nodded, "I've heard that it was said by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty when he was a child, but it's a pity that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty still lied. Speaking of it, most of the emperors of the Liu family have a cold nature, whether it is Liu Bang or Liu Che."

Zhang Ximeng smiled lightly, and Zhu Biao's heart shook, "Sir, did your disciple make a mistake?"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "How to comment on the ancients is a great question, and I may not be able to say it to the point. But the key to these four words is not Zangjiao, but the Golden House! Now let's see, what is the Golden House!"

As Zhang Ximeng said, he led Zhu Biao to the warehouse.

When he got here, Zhu Biao felt troublesome. As Zhang Ximeng, didn't he just go in as soon as he said it?

Sorry, it doesn't work!

He inspected the badge three times, verified his identity, and asked to write down the reason for coming here.

Zhang Ximeng also followed suit one by one, but in the reason column, it was written to bring His Royal Highness to meet the world, which made Zhu Biao blush a little.

It seems that he is ignorant and causing trouble for the big guys.

However, this little emotion disappeared immediately after entering the vault.

There are not only the money paid by the salt merchants, but also the money seized from Dadu and Shangdu, and the family property of the rich family in Dadu was seized. All of them add up to several 10 taels.

Anyway, for Zhu Biao, as far as the eye can see, there are golden lights everywhere, which can dazzle people's eyes.

Zhang Ximeng stretched out both hands, grabbed a gold brick, and handed it to Zhu Biao. Zhu Biao grabbed it so hard that he almost fell.

"It's so heavy!" The boy exclaimed from the bottom of his heart.

"Your Highness, in the imperial palace, where gold should be used for decoration, His Majesty mostly uses gilt and gold powder. Brass is even used in the harem. Do you know why gold is so precious?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, "I don't know, please give me your advice."

Zhang Ximeng also smiled, "Your Highness, don't rush to ask, there are so many gold bricks here, you just build a golden house one by one, and see what it looks like."

Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, then nodded quickly, his excitement was beyond words.

Golden house!

That was something that the royal father had never seen before.

Zhu Biao was full of energy. He moved the gold bricks off the shelf and built them up one by one.

At first, I had a lot of fun, but after moving dozens of yuan, Zhu Biao was out of breath. There was no way, this thing was too heavy, a piece of gold brick cost 100 taels, some were 200 taels, and 16 taels a catty. It weighs a lot of bricks.

Zhu Biao's forehead was covered with sweat, and gradually, the muscles of his arms trembled slightly.

But in front of him, the golden house was not built, but a golden wall more than one foot high was built.

Seeing it, Zhang Ximeng smiled and said, "Your Highness, stop busy, sit down and rest!"

Zhu Biao was pardoned and looked around. The only chair was Zhang Ximeng, so he had to sit on the golden wall he had built.

After sitting on it, Zhu Biao suddenly had a very strange feeling, this is gold!

The incomparably precious gold, even the emperor was reluctant to use it more, but he was sitting under his buttocks, how extravagant it is!

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Your Highness, what do you think of these yellow and white things now? Do you think they are very valuable and important?"

Zhu Biao touched the gold brick under his buttocks, confused for a while, "Sir, if you say it is precious, it is naturally more expensive than gold. But after I moved it for a while, I only felt it was extremely heavy, and it seemed nothing special."

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Your Highness, this is why I asked you to come here. There are some things you don't need, but you must be knowledgeable and know what you know. Your Highness will rule the world in the future, and this is even more so. Govern the country and make money, enrich the country and the people, no matter how much you say , in the final analysis, it is nothing more than controlling wealth, rather than being swayed by wealth.”

Zhu Biao's eyes widened, and he nodded quickly. My husband has said a lot of golden sentences recently, which are really important.

"Sir, can you say more?"

"Hmm!" Zhang Ximeng laughed and said, "Let's start with Zhang Shicheng's plan! If he did that, of course he could cause heavy losses to the salt merchants, and even kill many salt merchants. But it may not be true if he does that. Appropriate because it would destroy the circulation of money."

Zhu Biao lowered his head and thought seriously. In fact, he was also thinking about this matter. He made the salt cheaper, and even distributed it to the common people so that they would not be exploited. His father would definitely agree.

But the husband said no, why is that?

"Your Highness, wealth is like water, whichever way it flows represents the interests and the thoughts of the court." Zhang Ximeng sighed: "With His Majesty's prestige means, it is natural to distribute salt to all the people, and everyone will be grateful and obedient. Your Majesty orders, the world is running in an orderly manner, and there will be no disturbances. But if you come to His Highness, how can His Highness have this prestige, this means? After His Highness, what will happen?"

Zhang Ximeng continued: "Even if it is your majesty, does it cost a lot of money to immigrate from Jiangxi to fill Huguang? Do you have to be fully prepared? If it is just a decree, the officials below will not be able to handle things safely, and the people will still suffer. "

Zhu Biao listened carefully, "Sir, what should the disciple do?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled and pointed to the gold bricks under Zhu Biao's buttocks, "What Your Highness needs to learn is to use the word "utility" to promote the development of the world, and to enrich the country and the people by means of business and industry. And if you want to use this method, you must first accumulate wealth. Simply put, you have to have money in your hands before you can take it from the people and use it for the people!"

……

In this treasury, Zhang Ximeng talked eloquently, and revealed the biggest drawback of the Ming Dynasty's founding, and it can even be said that all dynasties had the same drawbacks.

That is, the financial capacity is too weak.