Chapter 583 Female Broker

Inside the theater.

A new piece of music is being performed on the stage, and guests are gathering. In the private room on the second floor, Zhang Zhou is leaning against the window, drinking tea leisurely, reading a book, and listening to something else. Listen to the opera sung on the stage.

For him, these plays were originally written by him, and he would not be very interested in them no matter what.

However, there were two women, one large and one small, pinching his waist and beating his legs. They were Zhang Lushui and Chang Jin. Next to him, Wang Mingshan was sitting at the table, her hand always pressed on her saber, which roughly meant If you two women dare to act rashly, you will be decapitated in an instant

When the drama outside was reaching its climax, the audience burst into applause, and a woman was leading the way for Liu Gui. He walked down to the door and walked in. It was the Caihuang family who had saved the family because of Zhang Zhou's protection and began to rise in the family.

"I am here to pay my respects to the Duke." When Caihuang saw Zhang Zhou, not surprisingly, she knelt down and saluted Zhang Zhou.

"Yes."

Zhang Zhou nodded and then looked sideways, while Caihuang lowered his head, and his eyes gave people a calculating look.

Then another person came in, it was Chen's daughter.

Because Chen's daughter was an "old acquaintance" with Zhang Zhou, and she was a person working under Zhang Zhou, when she saw Zhang Zhou, she just bowed and saluted, and stood aside.

At the door, Sun Shangqi was also seen, but Sun Shangqi did not come in.

"Get up and talk." Zhang Zhou said.

"Yes."

Caihuang stood up, but still held hands and lowered his head, looking very respectful.

Zhang Zhou said, "Presumably the local officials and gentry in Yongping Prefecture should also know about the previous shipment of overseas goods from Jiangnan. This time, the people from the South, especially those from Yingtian Prefecture, who donated money for shipbuilding, will get their money back at once, and It has also made a lot of profits, what do the local officials and gentry say?"

Caihuang replied with a smile, "Every local family heard about this, and they all eagerly donated their wealth to you, sir, and tried their best to help you build ships. "

"Really?" Zhang Zhou threw the book to the side. Zhang Lushui hurriedly took the book, stood up and put it respectfully back on the table, and then came back and continued to beat Zhang Zhou's legs.

"I dare not make false claims." Caihuang said.

"But I heard that the Yongping Prefecture seems to be a little dissatisfied with me, and some people even want to maliciously slander me." Zhang Zhou said.

Caihuang was shocked and said hurriedly, "It's absolutely not true. Now everyone knows that His Majesty has given Yongping Mansion to you as a fiefdom. From now on, it will be your own courtyard, no matter what Which big family is working for you? How can they not understand the importance of priority and hope that your Excellency will not listen to the rumors outside?"

"Oh, it's just a rumor, then I will. I feel relieved."

Zhang Zhou just smiled, as if he didn't take it seriously at all.

Caihuang’s soul was almost gone after experiencing this scare before.

Zhang Zhoudao "I promised before that the two iron ore mines in the south would be handed over to local officials and gentry to take care of. Is anyone interested in taking over?"

Caihuang Shi said "Every family is rushing to get it, but no one can offer much money, and they are not very good at running iron mines. Finally, the Huang family, my mother-in-law's family, decided to take over."

Zhang Zhou Leng said coldly, "That's why you left such a good business to your mother's family." "Shanghai, after several big families were convicted, everyone was silent. They didn't dare to take over your business casually, mainly because they were afraid."

What they were afraid of, Caihuang didn't say any more.

Zhang Zhou said, "I know, they are all afraid that I will exploit the local people and waste their money, but that's okay. I am afraid that it is right. If the relationship is only based on intimidation and cannot be convinced, then I I should give them some benefits and let them know that I am sincere."

Caihuang also looked a little embarrassed.

She is also thinking in her heart, now that everyone knows that you control the entire Yongping Mansion, how can you show sincerity?

Everyone is scared to death, who dares to cooperate with you?

That is, my family, because

it is my relationship, so we have to cooperate.

Zhang Zhou pointed at Chen’s daughter and said, “What do you have to say?”

Chen’s daughter said, “The output of Datong Coal Mine in the first half of the year has been verified. All the The accounts have also been sorted out. Except for the taxes paid to the local government, the rest will be scattered and transported to various places in the northwest according to your instructions to be used to keep out the cold in winter."

" Very good." Zhang Zhou nodded, "Datong has a lot of coal output, which can not only meet the needs of iron smelting but also charcoal fires in the northwest. This year the soldiers in the northwest should be able to have a warm winter."

More than sixty thousand taels of silver is not much in the first place, but it is a little money to give to the emperor to warm his heart. All quite a lot. In addition to the more than one million taels of silver he had brought back from overseas, Zhu Youtang was now so rich that even Zhu Youtang didn't know where to spend it.

Zhu Youtang had approached Zhang Zhou before to discuss with him where he needed some expenses, and even wanted to leave some for Zhang Zhou to build his mansion, but Zhang Zhou politely declined.

"Where is Xishan?" Zhang Zhou asked.

Chen’s daughter said, “The coal from Xishan is transported to Yongping Mansion and other places every month. The coal used by the capital’s officials comes from Xishan. In addition, the coal used for iron smelting in Xishan is consumed every year. The value is more than 600,000 taels of silver, and the remaining expenses are more than 1 million taels." After hearing this, the Caihuang family next to him couldn't help but feel envious.

Compared with the Yongpingfu iron ore business, it seems that the coal mine business is theMake a lot of money.

Zhang Zhou said, "The next step is to prepare more coal and transport it to the Bohai Sea. Yongping Prefecture will build a seaport and shipyard this winter. A large number of craftsmen and laborers need to spend the winter there. Next The cost of transportation will increase. One hundred thousand taels of silver will be allocated from the previous budget to solve the problem of wood and transportation."

" Yes," Ms. Chen responded.

"Go ahead and bring in the batch of medicinal materials I mentioned before. I will inform you of the rest later."

Zhang Zhou left Chen's daughter behind In the capital, I would do chores for him.

The Chen girl bowed and stepped back. Then Sun Shangqi and Liu Gui also left the door, and the door was closed.

At this moment, Caihuang took out a list from her arms and handed it to Wang Mingshan who was standing aside. Wang Mingshan then handed the list to Zhang Zhou.

"Sir, this is the list of local officials, as well as local officials, etc. All the people who can be used are listed on it. They are all willing to do things for you, sir, and they are here. He has connections in the local area and can do things." Caihuang served as Zhang Zhou's contact person.

In name, Zhu Youtang did hand over Yongping Mansion to Zhang Zhoulai.

But if Zhang Zhou wants to run a mansion, it is not enough to arrange a prefect. In addition to the local large households, he also needs the support of some middle- and lower-level officials, and a complex interpersonal network needs to be established.

Zhang Zhou will not personally handle this matter, but will leave it to an agent.

This person is Caihuang for the time being.

It seems that no one knows the situation of local officials better than Caihuang, and this woman seems to be very ambitious. Not only does she want to be the female head of the Huang family, she also wants to be Zhang Zhou’s white glove and replace Zhang Zhou. Take care of local affairs.

Zhang Zhou just glanced at the list briefly, then put it aside and said, "I don't really want to use these people."

Caihuang said, "Is it possible that you have already There is an arrangement."

"Yes." Zhang Zhou nodded, "The imperial court will arrange for a group of officials to come over. From top to bottom, they will all be new faces. Some old people will be used in the local area, but they are also Those who have to go through selection are only those who take the initiative to express their sincerity. Of course, these people will not completely lose their power. They will be arranged to go to neighboring prefectures and given some almost identical official positions so that they can continue to have the opportunity to gain a foothold. Survive."

Zhang Zhou did not completely break up with the local officials.

Instead, it was decided to relocate them to other places. When they have benefits, they will no longer care about gains and losses.

Zhang Zhouzheng did not want to kill them all.

But Caihuang looked very nervous and said, "I'm afraid outsiders may have some trouble if they are not familiar with local things."

Zhang Zhou said, "You are worried that these people will not I will be under your control, so it’s not convenient for you to give orders.”

“I don’t dare.” Caihuang quickly bowed his head and admitted his mistake.

"Don't tell me this, I will use you, butYou are absolutely not qualified to represent me. It is enough that you have contacts with a few wealthy families, convey my ideas to them, and make them listen to you. The rest of the local government affairs and other matters are yours alone. Is it something you should be concerned about?" Zhang Zhou's tone was also a bit cold.

You, the Caihuang clan, have your own mission, which is to help contact local families.

Instead of thinking about going Control local affairs.

You are not capable, and no one will use you like this.

Caihuang lowered his head and remained silent.

Zhang Zhou continued. He said, "After the Zhao family and several other large families declined, the local family power map will have to be reshuffled. Which family is qualified to gain a foothold in the local area is still a matter of my words." Go and tell them that those who are willing to cooperate should stay, and those who are unwilling to cooperate should move out as soon as possible. I will also buy their fields and houses. Yongping Mansion will become the most important product place in the suburbs of Beijing in the future. "

Caihuang said, "But sir, after all, Yongping Mansion is located in the north, and the conditions are difficult, so it is not suitable for the development of things other than mining. "

Zhang Zhou said, "Next spring, you will know what is going on. The promotion of new crops will first start in Yongping Prefecture. At that time, Yongping Prefecture will become a granary, coveted by people all over the world. By then, the big households in Yongping Prefecture will enjoy the convenience. Of course, if you have any doubts, Or if they don’t want to cooperate with me, let them get out as soon as possible and don’t cause trouble for me. "

"Yes. ”

Caihuang heard the impatience in Zhang Zhou’s tone.

There is an aura of someone who likes to do it, but doesn’t like to do it and get out.

And Zhang As the most trusted minister of the emperor, Zhou now has control over the entire local government of Yongping Prefecture. It seems that Zhang Zhou really has the strength to despise everything.

"Sir, every family in Yongping Prefecture. I also sent some slaves to serve the adults and serve them tea and water. This is also the wish of each family. You see."

Caihuang's next step was to give gifts to Zhang Zhou on behalf of each family. .

It’s not possible to send money directly. If you want to send money directly to the mine or shipyard, it seems that Zhang Zhou doesn’t care about sending him off.

Just send the slaves directly.

Zhang Zhou said, "I'll thank them first. It just so happens that Yongping Prefecture is in dire straits and needs help, so send them to the Bohai Shipyard. There are docks and ports there. If there is a large yard that is responsible for local construction and other matters, then it is directly assigned to the construction department there. ”

The so-called Construction Department is a temporary government office set up specifically for the construction of Bohai shipyards and ports.

This government office is not directly responsible for the imperial court, but rather is run by Zhang Zhou himself. A small yamen was established, but the main errands were actually handled by Jinyiwei. Later, Sun Shangqi became the person in charge of the construction department, and a man and horse from Jinyiwei Qianhu Camp was transferred there to take charge of security and public order.

Caihuang said, "It's fine to send ordinary slaves over, but some of them are better left in the capital for you, sir." ”

Caihuang’s NoodlesHe was a little embarrassed and didn't seem to want to say it clearly.

But Zhang Zhou knew what it meant when he saw it.

It is said that it is a gift for a slave, but in fact it is also a gift of beauty. If it is an ordinary slave, or even some with a happy or miscellaneous status, it will be sent directly to the shipyard to do odd jobs. It is not a pity. of.

But I am afraid that some women are deliberately selected by various families to give him "gifts" to Zhang Zhou. These women do not seem to be suitable for those hard errands.

It should be a canary in a cage.

"They tried all kinds of tricks to win over me. I thanked them first." Zhang Zhou said, "But as a minister of the DPRK, how can I accept gifts from others casually?"

Caihuang said, "Sir, you know the situation of each family. From now on, they will obey your orders. This is their intention and will not affect your reputation. . In name, these are all criminals, and they should be distributed and bought."

"Okay, let's stay in the capital."

Zhang Zhou. Didn't refuse either.

Always being aloof from others doesn't seem to make people feel at ease working for him, so sometimes he has to appear "reasonable".

"After I go back, I will make arrangements for you, the Duke of the Kingdom." Mrs. Caihuang seemed to feel at ease and breathed a sigh of relief.

It is quiet at night.

After Caihuang met Zhang Zhou, she took a small sedan and arrived at a courtyard in the city. After handing the official documents to the gatekeeper, she entered.

In a room, a woman also just got up and tidied up, and came out to see her.

Because it was already late autumn, this woman was not wrapped in many clothes, and her body was still shaking slightly after seeing Caihuang.

"My aunt looks more cheerful and prosperous."

The person Caihuang saw was his younger brother's wife, Huang who had just been divorced by the Huang family. Zhao family.

"Mrs. Cai, you are ridiculous." This woman tried her best to maintain her manners, but she was probably in jail, or even guilty, and could not be strong.

Caihuang said, "I have already inquired about the things you asked me to inquire about. Except for a few people named Zhao who are far away in Jiangnan and don't know the outcome, none of the others are safe." , it was previously said that he would be sent to Liaodong or Northwest, but later the court changed it, and he still stayed in Yongping Mansion, but he was sent to serve in the shipyard with his criminal record. From now on, he will do hard work. ”

Huang Zhao said, "As long as people are still there, there is still humanity. It seems that I can see them again in the future."

"Haha."

Cai Huang's face He said with a proud smile, "Others can see it, but you can't. I have arranged a good place for you. Others will go to Yongping Mansion, while you will continue to stay in the capital."

"You are "Say, am I the Secretary of the International Education Center?" Huang Zhao became obviously nervous.

After all, she was an official lady before and married into a woman, but now she isIt's considered a reconciliation with her husband's family, and it doesn't matter if she has a place to go to in the future. If she enters the Jiaofang Division, she will be reduced to a dusty life, and there will be no peace.

Caihuang said with a smile, "Can you get used to a thin-skinned person like my sister-in-law going to the Jiaofang Division to welcome and send you off? In fact, she is sending you to Cai Guogong, but You won't enter Cai Guogong's mansion, it will be an outhouse at most. As for where Cai Guogong will place you in the future, it's hard to say. After all, you still have a place to stay, which is much better than most of the Zhao family. , they will be slaves and maids from now on, no matter how many days they can survive." Please remember to bookmark, the latest and fastest website for free reading without anti-theft