Chapter 531: Strong state

The capital, Li Dongyang Mansion.

Zhong Zhong, the Minister of Household Affairs, came to visit at night. The two met in the study, and Zhong Zhong brought news from Yongping Mansion.

“Some gentry who came from Yongping made a detailed list of the iron ore mines opened by the imperial court in Yongping in the past two years. The local officials protected and connived without reporting to the government, leading to local chaos. After the Chinese New Year, there were several local battles for mines that resulted in bloodshed. The one last month was quite serious. Hundreds of people from both sides participated in the fight. Many people were injured as a result, and some are still bedridden to this day. "Get up"

After Ji Zhong said this, when he looked at Li Dongyang again, he found that Li Dongyang's face was solemn.

Zhong Zhong concluded, "The local government wants to use people from the DPRK to support it and return the mines to the local government."

Li Dongyang said in a cold tone, "It's not theirs, but they want to pick it up." This matter arises from the dispute between the Ministry of Revenue and Huangzhuang, and it is really inappropriate for the cabinet to intervene."

"Bin Zhi, that's it. There are also iron ore mines opened locally, but the output is limited. It’s not very satisfactory,” Ji Zhong added.

"It's not as satisfactory as it is. If you want to take advantage of other people's words, I can't say it. If you think His Majesty will side with the local government, the Chief of Household Affairs can also come and petition for this." What Li Dongyang meant. , it’s not that I don’t support you, it’s just that the emperor is now on the side of Zhang Bingkuan, who is mining, and it is useless to raise it in court.

Zhong Zhong said, "There will continue to be trouble in the local area. I heard that Zhang went to Yongping Mansion this time just for this matter."

Li Dongyang looked displeased. Xin Dao said, "As far as I know, Zhang Bingkuan went east and went straight to Ji Town. He didn't seem to go to the mines." They also looked for people to mine in the area, and even competed with the people for profit, fearing that the two men would be linked together. In addition, many officials and gentry in Yongping heard that Zhang was going to Jizhen, and they also flocked there. They seemed to want to take this opportunity to seek mining revenue. There were already many abandoned mines in the area, and some people wanted to use this for personal gain."

Yongping Mansion, which later became known as Yongping Mansion. The area near Tangshan has always been an iron-producing place, and many iron ore deposits are shallow veins and are relatively easy to mine.

Before Zhang Zhou, it was not that no one had mined iron ore. It was just that the site selection, mining, and smelting technology were backward, resulting in poor output. In addition, there had never been anyone like Zhang Zhou before. Powerful people in the DPRK and China went to mine. As a result, those who had mined in the past ended up abandoning the project either because of production problems or because of disputes with local interests.

Li Dongyang said, "What you mean is that the attitudes of the officials and gentry in Yongping are completely different."

"Yes." Zhong Zhong said, "I have some thoughts. Some of those who fought with Mr. Zhang wanted to collude and make profits."

Li Dongyang sneered.

He now understands that it is impossible for a household minister like Zhong Zhong not to have any conflicts of interest in the local area.

In the past, not to mention being the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, even if it was justAs a minister, a lieutenant, or a minister, he can protect a group of people in the local area and have white gloves to seek benefits for them. Now Zhang Zhou is more likely to offend these officials.

Zhong Zhong is really for the so-called justice

Li Dongyang shook his head and said, "No matter how much profit Zhang Bingkuan has made personally, at least for His Majesty, he is doing it for the border." Army, for the court. Either the situation is really out of control, forcing His Majesty to stop, or Zhang Bingkuan takes the initiative to stop, there is no third way."

"Then. It means”

Zhong Zhong seems to have grasped the essence of Li Dongyang’s words.

Li Dongyang stood up, intending to see off the guests, and said, "That's all. It's best not to go into troubled waters in this matter. There are too many implications behind it, and it also involves the interests of the Beijing camp and the border army." "Fight." Mr. Zhang can retreat despite the difficulties."

"Haha."

Li Dongyang is embarrassed to say that you take it for granted.

The night Zhang Zhou and Zhu Feng arrived in Jizhou Town, they attended a meeting between officials and gentry led by the local governor Liu Yu.

It was nominally a reception banquet, with more than a dozen banquet tables set up. According to Zhang Zhou’s investigation, local officials and gentry had to pay Liu Yu to attend the banquet. A seat costs at least one hundred taels of silver.

Zhang Zhou arrived relatively late. He was originally a guest, and with his prominent official position, there was no need to put on a show.

Liu Yu and others went out to the governor's office to greet him in person, and warmly invited Zhang Zhou to sit at the main table.

As the host, Liu Yuben wanted to fulfill his duties as a landlord, but Zhang Zhou took the initiative to take away the right to speak. When Zhang Zhou stood up, all the officials and gentry present turned their attention to him. .

"Everyone, I have come all the way here for no other reason than for two things." Zhang Zhou made the opening remarks.

Everyone in the room was silent, wondering why Zhang Zhou was so strong, as if he could not get along with local officials. Of course, the imperial envoys who came here in the past did not have as high an official position as Zhang Zhou. So, The group of people also chose to keep a low profile at the reception banquet and let others speak, so as to show the depth of their city. Whether they are loyal or traitorous, honest or greedy, they can always advance and retreat in a measured manner with a dark face.

This was the first time they had seen Zhang Zhou being so public when he came up.

Liu Yu smiled and said, "Zhang Butang has won the trust of the Holy One. This time must be for important matters. We are willing to listen to your teachings."

Zhang Zhou said, "First This matter is for military affairs, which is related to the stability around Gyeonggi Province. You should also know that His Majesty has ordered me to rectify the place. In addition to clearing out some redundant personnel in the local military administration, we must also clear out the past few years. Investigate financial problems and recover losses for the court."

This is a show of force.

The first target is local officials.

Originally, this was also aimed at Liu Yu, but Liu Yu was obviously experienced as an official. He stood up and said, "Zhang Butang said it well. After I arrived in Jizhen, I also found that there are many problems in the local area. The bad government has been reported to the court before. Now that Zhang Butang is here, it can be said to be the kindness of the Holy Emperor to Ji Zhen. With Zhang Butang here, I believe that all of you here are willing to contribute to the stability of Ji Zhen and will absolutely support and "Cooperating."

"Yes, yes," everyone present agreed.

Zhang Zhou ignored Liu Yu's words and continued, "The second thing is that I came here for the mining."

At this point, the scene was completely silent again. .

Because the Santun camp is located in Yongping Prefecture, and in addition to being an important border defense town, it also involves the ownership of the interests of the largest iron ore producing area in the Ming Dynasty, whether it is an official or a local owner. All the prominent figures now want to get a piece of the action.

Liu Yudao, "Zhang Butang, Xiaguan also has some opinions on this point. That's it. After Xiaguan took office, he learned that in addition to the imperial court mining here, there were also many people without the imperial court's permission. , so they mined privately, which caused a lot of disputes."

As he spoke, Liu Yu said loudly to the people present, "Who among you is also mining without the permission of the court? Whether you have violated laws or disciplines, you should report it to the government. Now that Zhang Butang is here in person, you should tell the truth frankly."

No one at the scene will come out to directly discuss the mining with Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "Liu Zhongcheng, let me tell you frankly, I was the one who started the trend of mining in Yongping Prefecture. I also mentioned to His Majesty that there are iron ore mines in Yongping Prefecture, which is just right. To fill the gap in iron used by the imperial court to cast artillery, etc., I then came here to survey several veins to mine them. Will it affect your interests?"

Liu Yudao "You have His Majesty's permission, which means that It's a mine for the imperial court. We are all sensible people, so how can we have any opinions?"

"I don't think so."

Zhang Zhou's words were like a needle hidden in a thread, "The way I see it. I know that there are many local people in Yongping Prefecture who have opinions on the mining matter, and there are even fights. Some people even classify me as a treacherous party in the DPRK. I have never thought about the mining issue. Farming for the benefit of the country and the people will make you so resistant."

A gentleman at the back table said loudly, "Sir Zhang, we are willing to assist you in mining, but please give us a chance."

"Yes." Someone took the lead, and others immediately echoed, "We are also willing to serve the court. Mining is beneficial to the country and the people. Who is not willing to contribute, but the government It’s so tight that it’s not easy for us to open a mine, and the local government wants to recruit a few people to work in the mine, but it’s not allowed.”

Liu Yu stood up and shouted, “Listen to Zhang Butang. "Say, what's wrong with you guys? Are you mining? Have you ever contributed a pound of iron to the imperial court? After all, it's not for your own pockets. This is a public house. If anyone makes trouble, get out."

Zhang Zhouyi looked at Liu Yu thisFrom the posture, you can understand that Liu Yu is flattering to others and strong to others. In fact, he is just a villain with a fierce appearance and a soft heart.

Zhang Zhoudao "Strictly speaking, local mining is allowed, but you must follow the rules and pay more than 20% of the mining tax every year after the mining. If someone intends to exploit you, I will make the decision for you." "

The officials and gentry present immediately exploded.

Of course they have the ability to mine, but they cannot get much benefit from mining.

It’s because they can’t find rich mines and can’t use them to get extremely high profits. The so-called serving the court together is more because they want Zhang Zhou to leave the pie in the sky to them. .

Perhaps they think that as the powerful leader of the imperial court, Zhang Zhou should rely on local power if he wants to steal food from the mouths of local snakes. The more trouble there is in the local area, the more Zhang Zhou will be wary of it. , and then they will give in and change the way of dividing the benefits into a harmonious one.

But Zhang Zhou didn’t get anything from opening the mine, so naturally he wouldn’t divide the benefits.

You have not contributed much, just because you are local officials and gentry, I will spoil you.

"But if anyone wants to threaten the court with the mining matter, it will be detrimental to me. , Don’t blame me for being ruthless."

As he said that, Zhang Zhou picked up the wine glass on the table and drank a whole glass without paying attention to the surprised looks of everyone.

"Zhang Butang, you are too anxious." Liu Yu said and wanted to refill Zhang Zhou's glass.

Zhang Zhoudao said, "I'm too drunk and tired from the long journey, so I won't chat with you here. If you have anything to do, especially if it involves money, or if you have any opinions about me, Just skip the place and report to the court, I am happy to accompany you."

At this point, Zhang Zhou seemed to have completely lost his patience, waving his hands and saying "goodbye"

In full view of everyone, Zhang Zhou came to the banquet and left with Zhu Feng only a short while later.

The people present did not know how embarrassed it was.

Originally, they came to discuss profit distribution, but Zhang Zhou made a strong statement that he would not pay a penny, and at the same time threatened to use strong methods to deal with local officials and gentry, which was tantamount to breaking up with the local government. The situation was very tense.

"Sir, look"

In the end, everyone could only point their finger at Liu Yu.

You are the local governor, and your official position is greater than that of the Yongping Prefecture governor. Now we rely on you. You took our money and let us come to the banquet. Now that there is a stalemate, you will not be the same. Let's get rid of the shopkeeper

Liu Yu is used to seeing scenes. After seeing Zhang Zhou off, he returned to the banquet courtyard and said loudly, "You must have heard that Zhang Budang was concerned about the local mining. , and did not stop it, this is the opportunity given to you. But don’t think about the mining matter, and threaten that the imperial court will make the decision for you.”

Be a bullshit master.

You just take money and don’t do anything

The staff next to Liu Yu saw that the scene was a little out of control and hurriedly defended themselves.Zhi Zhi said, "Everyone has a banquet first. Mr. Liu may have to pay homage to Cai Guogong. I will inform you about other matters later."

Many people wanted to go over and surround Liu Yu to ask questions, but Liu Yu was stopped by Liu Yu. Yu's men were blocked.

When Liu Yu returned to the back hall of the Yamen, he looked very anxious.

"Sir, I heard that something happened in the mine in the past few days." Someone under his command informed him, "It is said that hundreds of people went in vertically and dozens came out horizontally." "

Liu Yu said with an annoyed look on his face, "The people looking at the mine are all Jin Yiwei who eat people without spitting out bones. Did those people screw them alive? How many heads do they have?"

The courtier followed and wiped his sweat and said, "After all, it's all for those three melons and two dates. Not to mention Yongping Mansion, even Xishan and Shanxi are nothing." Not bad, but the people over there are more powerful than here."

Mu Bin's accent is from Shanxi, and he obviously has heard about the excitement of coal mine opening in Datong Prefecture.

But because the Datong Coal Mine is based on the governor of Datong, which is different from the Yongpingfu Iron Mine, which is directly under the jurisdiction of Zhang Zhou, there are very few troubles in Shanxi.

It also has something to do with the fact that Wang Shouren is a strong man and no one dares to offend him.

As for Yongping Mansion, Liu Yu himself has no mining responsibilities. In addition, he does not communicate well with the local government. Yongping Mansion is a suburb of Beijing with powerful officials and gentry families. There were so many that Liu Yu couldn't compete with these big players wherever he went.

Liu Yudao, "I should go to Zhang Butang and leave the mining matter to Jizhen. If the officers and soldiers insist on it, the iron ore produced can also be directly used for the affairs of the border town. This can be said to be a win-win for both parties." Mu Bin said, "I'm afraid Zhang Butang won't spit out the fat he got."

"Huh," Liu Yu said. "The local government won't give it, and the border towns won't give it either. If you want to keep it in your own hands, it's not so easy to go to Zhang Butang and have a good talk."

After Zhang Zhou attended the banquet, he returned Go to the post house.

Zhu Feng followed him into the main hall of the post house and said with confusion, "Brother Zhang, it was very unpleasant to do that before. I'm afraid there will be more trouble in the future."

Zhang Zhou said, "Do you think I am a person who is afraid of trouble?"

"No." Zhu Feng said, "But I thought before that if it were anyone else, they would do a lot of things that Brother Zhang can do." No. The court still needs someone as courageous as Brother Zhang."

Zhang Zhou sat down, and someone offered tea. Zhu Feng wanted to drink it, but Zhang Zhou pressed his hand down.

The meaning is obvious, don’t touch even the wine, food and tea in the inn.

If you have an interest dispute with the local government, you should be careful of the local government trying to get you in trouble or even harm you. The more unpleasant the dispute is, the more you need to be on guard against this.

"I am not courageous, I just don't follow the crowd."

Zhang Zhou said, "The government and the public need some unusual people, such as me. Your Majesty also wants to use me., to break the stagnant water in the court. "

Just as he was talking, Liu Gui came in and said, "Sir, Sun Qianhu is here. "

"Let him in." "Zhang Zhou said.

"Well, it might not be convenient. Liu Guidao said, "Before Sun Qianhu entered the city, he was attacked by someone. There was a fight between the two sides. Sun Qianhu was shot with a bow and arrow." "

Zhu Feng stood up as soon as he heard this and shouted angrily, "Who is so bold?"

In the garrison of Ji Town in Santun Ying, thousands of dignified and well-dressed guards were actually shot at by cold arrows. Injured

Zhu Feng felt that this was an ancient anecdote. If it hadn't been for the Tatar spies, the people caught would have been razed to the ground.

Zhang Zhou. He glanced at Zhu Feng and said, "If you know it's dangerous, let me go and have a look." ”

In the Min Alley, which is less than a street away from the post house, there is a stronghold of Jinyiwei here, and Sun Shangqi was shot in the arm and is bandaging the wound.

I know. Zhang Zhou came to visit him, and Sun Shangqi quickly stood up and saluted.

"Sun Qianhu is so polite. Zhang Zhou walked over to express his condolences, and even helped Sun Shangqi check the wound. "I think it's not serious, but if you were injured for official duties, you won't let it go." From now on, Jin Yiwei no longer has to be scrupulous when doing things. If it's time to be ruthless, just do it. ”

Zhang Zhou’s initial purpose in starting a local mine was not to cause trouble and to keep a low profile as much as possible.

But as the benefits of mining increased, the everlasting The output of Pingfu Iron Mine is nearly equivalent to 80% of Daming's annual iron ore output, and its value is even more difficult to measure in numbers.

Under such circumstances, it is impossible to keep a low profile.

And this time Zhang Zhou came to Yongping Mansion to increase the number of iron mines. In the future, Zhang Zhou plans to directly use the army to guard the mines, and then use the army to transport them to ensure that the supply of Daming iron mines can meet Zhang Zhou's needs.

These are not purely the needs of the imperial court. It was planned and deployed based on Zhang Zhou's idea.

Sun Shangqi said, "Your Majesty, you are serious. Your humble position is just doing your duty. But according to what you said, you have never done anything deadly before. Every time." Every time someone caused trouble, they were beaten with sticks, and the brothers were also complaining. ”

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, “We won’t do it anymore. We will just use firecrackers and artillery.” If you don't use power, how can you shock the world?" Please remember to collect it, the latest and fastest website without anti-theft and free reading