prosperous age

Hearing Zhang Juzheng asked about Yan's family background, Wei Guangde asked suspiciously: "Has Cheng Shoujie sent back a memorial?"

"The official report is still being sorted out. After all, the Yan family's assets are too many and complicated, and they are located in more than one place, but are distributed around Jiangxi and Suzhou."

Zhang Juzheng just said lightly.

Wei Guangde was startled, he didn't understand what Zhang Juzheng meant by telling him this?
Is it just because the Yan family's property is too huge and wants to frighten him, or does Zhang Juzheng know the secret between himself and Cheng Shoujie?

Wei Guangde didn't understand the situation, so he naturally chose to pretend to be stupid.

"Since the result has not yet been reached, what is the meaning of Uncle Brother's words?"

"Although the results haven't come out yet, probably the numbers have come out."

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard and smiled.

Wei Guangde probably understood that it was probably someone sent by the imperial court to Cheng Shoujie's side who had already quietly reported the verified assets back to the capital. Zhang Juzheng probably knew the number from Xu Jie and wanted to show off in front of him.

But this money was accumulated by Yan's family, and the confiscation was also used for internal treasury and household department. Why is Zhang Juzheng showing off?

Of course, Wei Guangde couldn't say that. Instead, he asked directly, "How many assets of Yan's family were confiscated?"

"In Jiangxi alone, Cong Yan's mansion confiscated more than 200 taels of gold, nearly [-] million taels of silver, more than [-] mansions, and more than [-] houses. Isn't it a big deal?"

Zhang Juzheng exclaimed, "This is just Jiangxi. I heard that there are several mansions near Suzhou. I guess I have gained a lot."

"What about the fields?"

Wei Guangde knew that the Yan family was rich, but 200 million taels of silver was amazing, but it was still within the range he could bear.

Thinking about the corrupt late Qing government in later generations, it would be embarrassing if the indemnity was less than eight figures in a war, and nine-figure indemnity is not uncommon.

However, when he came here, Wei Guangde still had some problems that he didn't understand.

In later generations, when he checked the news, he vaguely remembered that after Chuang Wang Li Zicheng dug a well in Beijing, he earned tens of millions of taels of silver just by copying his salary. There are only a handful of people who took out several 10 taels of silver.

Even those honorable families have accumulated several generations, which is a family property of 200 million taels of silver.

Where did the money come from in later generations of China?

Two million taels is a very scary number, but to be honest, compared with later generations, it is really insignificant. Guang Heshen's family property has crushed Yan Shifan many times.

Moreover, his family was still taking advantage of the bad luck of the Yan family. When He Shen fell, it is estimated that those officials would not take less.

Weird, really weird.

"There are more than [-] mu of fields, mountains and ponds, and there are many rare treasures in the house. It is said that some of them are actually recorded by the imperial court."

Zhang Juzheng threw another big bomb at Wei Guangde.

"The thing of the imperial prison? Then why did it appear in Yan's house? It was rewarded by His Majesty? It's not right, so it won't be recorded in the record."

Wei Guangde was a little confused and didn't understand why.

"It's really hard to say, but some people speculate that Yan Shifan got along well with the eunuchs of Shangbao Supervisor in the palace when he was the Shaoqing of the Shangbao Division, and somehow got out of the palace.

You know, there are many authentic works of ancient masters hidden in the palace, and his Yan family is that kind of family, so they naturally flock to them.

Some bold servants in the palace, why not try to replace them for him, and many of the ones left in the palace have already been confirmed as fakes. "

Zhang Juzheng said in a low voice.

"Audacity, really audacity."

Wei Guangde shook his head and sighed softly.

"By the way, Brother Uncle, you also know that His Majesty has been urging us to complete the transcription of the "Yongle Canon" as soon as possible, and the imperial court has been reluctant to expand the transcription staff because of financial constraints.

This time, since the Yan family confiscated so much money, whether some of it can be used to expand the transcriptionists, you and I don't have to urge them to transcribe all day long. "

Wei Guangde wondered if the imperial court had obtained so much money from Yan's family this time, whether to use some of it to relieve their urgent needs.

Zhang Juzheng glanced at Wei Guangde, which made him feel a little strange for a moment.

"Although there is a lot of silver, it must be transported to the capital to belong to the imperial court."

But Zhang Juzheng said some inexplicable words.

"What do you mean?"

Wei Guangde didn't understand for a while, and asked in surprise.

"The Yan family's wealth is too huge. Don't look at collecting so much, but it's hard to say how much can be sent to the capital in the end."

Zhang Juzheng just said lightly.

"Are they so bold?"

Wei Guangde understood the meaning of his words, and was surprised for a moment.

He also wanted to take advantage of the Yan family's property, but he only dared to think of a way on his one-acre three-point land, and he insisted on not being included in the Yan family's account book.

Unexpectedly, Wei Guangde never imagined that even if it was included in the account book, someone would dare to make a decision.

"The matter of confiscation is so big and involves too much, and it will be dragged on for several years, and then many things will be left behind.

Where is the account still recorded, but you don’t know when things are gone?

As for the reminder from the capital, then send some, and transport them to the capital bit by bit. You can always find an excuse, especially those land property deeds. It is estimated that His Majesty will only let the gold and silver be transported back to the capital as soon as possible, and other things will be disposed of by the government on the spot. turn in.

There are many people who pay attention to this matter now, so it will be a little bit better. Don't dare to be too presumptuous. After a few years of climbing, everyone gradually forgets. Look how much money can be sent to the capital. "

Zhang Juzheng kept his voice down and talked a lot, which made Wei Guangde startled and stunned.

"Shan Loan, you are from Jiangxi, and you are also a censor. You should be familiar with Cheng Shoujie. Why don't you write a book for your family and Cheng Shoujie."

Speaking of this, Wei Guangde rarely found a trace of envy in Zhang Juzheng's eyes, "Give it to anyone, this time the officials in Jiangxi have made a lot of money."

Zhang Juzheng actually asked himself to participate in dividing up the assets of the Yan family?

Wei Guangde was a little unbelievable for a while, you Zhang Juzheng is a generation of Ming Prime Minister, how can you give such an idea to others?
If it wasn't for the blink of an eye, when Wei Guangde noticed that Zhang Juzheng's drunken eyes seemed to have a gleam of light, perhaps, he would really have believed his words.

Zhang Ju is digging a hole for himself?
Wei Guangde realized in an instant that he couldn't find the excuse for himself, and deliberately created opportunities for himself so that he could grasp the excuse.

Shaking his head, Wei Guangde said with a mouthful of alcohol, "A gentleman loves money, and he gets it in a proper way. I, Wei Guangde, would rather work with businessmen and make a small profit than take money that is so unconscionable.

In business, although it is shameless for an uneducated person, it is better not to steal or rob, than to be corrupt and accept bribes to earn this ill-gotten wealth. "

After the banquet was over, Wei Guangde, who was sitting in the car, was still thinking about what Zhang Juzheng meant by participating in the division of the Yan family's assets.

Was he involved too?
Xu Jie seemed to love money very much. In later generations, he seemed to have read some articles saying that Xu Jie's family had become the largest landowner in the area and was punished by Hai Rui. Xu Jie would definitely participate in this carve-up feast.

Zhang Juzheng meant that he wanted to drag himself into the water, and then hello everyone?

Grabbing himself to threaten him was Wei Guangde's reaction at the banquet, but now that he is alone in the carriage, he thinks more.

At this time, Cheng Shoujie should have sealed the account books of the Yan family, and sent documents to the local governments to verify and seize the assets of the Yan family in various places.

Indeed, many people will benefit from it, except for Jiujiang Mansion.

The Yan family's things in Jiujiang Mansion have already entered the Wei family's pockets, and the Jiujiang prefect can only hope to see through and can't wait to assist in the investigation of official documents.

Could Xu Jie be so bold as to steal two cents of the Yan family's money?
Wei Guangde was terrified.

Xu Jie seems to be more ruthless than Yan Song.

Suddenly, a person's name appeared in Wei Guangde's mind.

high arch.

Yes, it is the high arch.

Wei Guangde naturally knew that Gao Gong was very dissatisfied with Xu Jie because he often went in and out of Prince Yu's mansion, but what about Gao Gong?

If Xu Jie really did this, Gao Gong would not stand idly by, and would not use this as an excuse to take down Xu Jie.

Therefore, Zhang Juzheng wanted to drag himself into the water, and perhaps Yin Shizhen, Chen Yiqin and others would not be let go.

After all, if that time really comes, there will be too many vested interests, and it will be difficult for Gao Gong to submit.

Wei Guangde felt that he had figured it out. Zhang Juzheng invited him to drink because he really didn't want to drink, but wanted to win him to fight against Gao Gong in the future.

With Yu Wang, Gao Gong's face was too great, so big that Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng were afraid.

Wei Guangde even came to a conclusion from this.

Perhaps, including Xu Jie, many people have realized that Emperor Jiajing is about to die, otherwise they would never dare to make such a mistake.

The emperor's health is not good, even if he finds something, he will often resist the impulse for a smooth political transition, because he doesn't know if his body can last until he disposes of all these people, and then puts a stable country in the hands of others. to the successor.

And a little carelessness can cause huge turmoil.

It has to be said that it was indeed a huge mistake that Ming Chengzu Zhu Di moved his capital to Beijing, which made the Ming court's control over Jiangnan continue to weaken, which was the most prosperous place in Ming Dynasty.

Nanjing was indeed the best capital of the Ming Dynasty.

It lives in the center of the country, radiates in all directions, and has a convenient Yangtze River waterway.

On the second day, Wei Guangde was in the school record hall, and there was a message from Prince Yu's mansion. Tonight, Prince Yu's mansion held a banquet to celebrate Gao Gong's promotion to Minister of Rites.

After leaving the office in the afternoon, Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng went to Prince Yu's Mansion together.

It can be seen that King Yu was very happy. Instead of waiting until the last one to appear as the master of the palace as under normal circumstances, he arrived at the banquet hall early and had a great chat with Chen Yiqin, Wei Guangde and others.

However, Gao Gong, another protagonist of the banquet, made them wait for a while.

It's been almost an hour since Sanya, but Gao Gong still didn't show up in Prince Yu's mansion, and he didn't know whether he forgot or was delayed by something. Even King Yu gradually felt impatient and his face turned dark.

Li Fang and Yin Shizhen had no choice but to quickly send people out to find out where Gao Gong was.

During the banquet, the upper seat must be Yu Wang, and the next seat was vacant, which was naturally reserved for Gao Gong.

Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen sat on one side, Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng sat on the other side, and the four of them seemed to be staring at each other at the moment.

It can be seen that everyone actually complained more or less about Gao Gong, but it was just an inconvenience.

Not long after, a servant finally trotted in to report.

"Your Highness, my lords, Mr. Gao has been delayed by something in the Ministry of Rites, and he has rushed over now."

There was something delayed in the Yamen, and everyone's faces looked much better.

After waiting for a while, Gao Gong finally arrived.

"I'm sorry everyone, there is an urgent matter in the ministry today, and it's Su Qing's fault to keep everyone waiting."

When Gao Gong entered the door, he bowed his hands and apologized to them, and everyone's complexion improved a bit.

On the contrary, King Yu said happily: "The affairs of the state are complicated, and you should also pay attention to your health, sir."

The Lord arrives, and the banquet begins immediately.

Li Fang was outside the door, beckoning the waiter to deliver exquisite dishes one by one, King Yu toasted, firstly to celebrate Gao Gong's promotion.

Not long after, after a few glasses of wine, everyone's mood gradually rose, and they kept toasting to Gao Gong.

"Mr. Gao, what is the matter of the Ministry of Rites today that made you delay for so long?"

In King Yu's impression, in fact, the affairs of the Ministry of Rites are pure and noble, and there are rules to follow if there is any troublesome matter.

No matter what is handed in, it can be dealt with step by step.

In fact, other people are also very curious about King Yu's question.

The Ministry of Rites is not like the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Households, which are prone to various difficult problems. Working in the Ministry of Rites is really idle, similar to the Imperial Academy.

Of course, except for the imperial examination year.

"Hey, the Chief Envoy of Guangdong and the Secretary of Shibo have reported that there are those who are barbarians called Ya Nao He Gui, and they float to the sea to ask for tribute."

Gao Gong said calmly.

When Yu Wang asked this question, he was actually helping him.

After all, several people had been waiting for him here for more than an hour, so they had to give an explanation.

He didn't take the initiative to say it, it seemed a little deliberate.

When King Yu asked, it would be best if he answered again.

"Seeking tribute overseas is not a big deal."

Zhang Juzheng said strangely when he heard the words.

Obviously, he became interested in Gao Gong's words, thinking that if he was only asking for tribute, it shouldn't be a problem.

"It's not a big deal, but after the Secretary of Shipbuilding and the Chief Envoy met with them, they first called themselves Mancijia Kingdom, and then Yici, and then they called themselves Pulidu's family."

As soon as Gao Gong finished speaking, Zhang Juzheng interjected: "Polido's house? Where is that? Why have you never heard of it?"

"Don't say you haven't heard of it, even the old people in the Ministry of Rites said that they saw this Pulidu's family for the first time and called the officials of Honglu Temple. .”

Gao Gong replied.

In this way, several people in the room understood.

When foreign diplomacy is involved, it must not be ignored.

"but."

At this moment, Gao Gong suddenly said again: "A subordinate of the inspector of Guangdong Town has reported that some of the people who came here seem to have appeared in the trench mirror before."

"Trench mirror?"

Wei Guangde exclaimed, Haojing is not the Macau of later generations, but at this moment, official documents are generally named after Haojing.

"Yes, it's the trench mirror, in Xiangshan County, Guangdong."

Gao Gong said.

"This matter has a lot to do with it, maybe someone cheated on the tribute."

Chen Yiqin said.

"Yeah, I think so too, but"

Speaking of this, Gao Gong looked at the crowd before continuing: "The Ministry of Rites still needs to consult the classics to determine whether there is such a Pulidu family in Nanfan Kingdom."

Hearing what Gao Gong said, everyone nodded in unison.

This matter is not small, really can not be arbitrary.

"Then is there a result now?"

King Yu asked again.

"Looking through the classics, there is no such so-called Pulidu family"

Gao Gong said there, but Wei Guangde was silently saying, "Polido's house, Portugal."