Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Chapter 95 Preparing to Be a Salt Seller, Improving the Sun-dried Salt Method
This can be described as a trouble of happiness. Even Zhu Han did not expect that the effect of beating local tyrants and dividing the land would be so good, attracting hundreds of thousands of refugees in a short period of time.

"What, hundreds of thousands of refugees?" Zhu Yuanzhang was surprised and delighted when he heard that.

"That's right, at least there must be 20 people. The government government wants to help the refugees, and the porridge alone is not enough. Li Shanchang's hair is almost grey." Ma Xiuying said.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was a little panicked.

He had just promised Liu Futong that he would support the Northern Red Turban Army with hundreds of thousands of shi of grain and cloth.

Who knew that when he came back, he would have hundreds of thousands of mouths to eat!

If the promised hundreds of thousands of grain, grass and cloth were given to Liu Futong, the whole army would be hungry.

"This is a big deal, sister, let's discuss it first!" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a frown.

This kind of thing is a matter of life and death. If you break your promise to Liu Futong, you will ruin your prestige and reputation. If there is no food and grass, the refugees you have finally recruited will be disappointed, and the army will also delay its drills.

"I'm fine, it's okay, you go quickly." Ma Xiuying said quickly.

Before Zhu Yuanzhang even had time to change his clothes, he came to the front hall and sent someone to invite Tang He and Li Shanchang.

Soon, Tang He and Li Shanchang came together.

"Marshal, what's the matter?" Tang He asked as soon as he entered the door.

"My sister told us just now that there is a serious shortage of money and food, right?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked directly.

"The commander-in-chief is right, there is indeed a big gap now." Li Shanchang said quickly.

"Mr. Li, then tell us carefully what's going on." Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand and let the two sit down first.

Tang He and Li Shanchang sat on both sides of the hall, and then began to come together one by one.

The cause of everything is the effect of Zhu Han's plan to beat up the local tyrants and divide the land, which is really great.

The refugees that far exceeded expectations poured into their territory. Even if the local tyrants got a lot of food, it was still not enough for these newcomers to fill their stomachs.

"It's a good thing to have more people, but it's a troublesome thing if so many people come all at once." Li Shanchang said.

"If this is the case, then why don't you beat up more bullies and local tyrants and distribute more food, wouldn't there be more?" Zhu Yuanzhang said ponderingly.

Li Shanchang shook his head immediately, "Commander, this kind of thing can't be too much, many gentry families don't have much bad deeds, and they all support our rebel army, if they fight together regardless of indiscriminate, there will be Damage to the reputation of the commander-in-chief is not conducive to attracting scholars to serve."

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang didn't believe that gentry's houses rarely had bad deeds, it's just that some people's houses were better decorated and more rigorous.

Li Shanchang himself is a member of the gentry, so he naturally wants to say something nice for himself.

However, Li Shanchang's words also make sense.

If all the gentry were beaten to death with a stick, it would surely scare away all the scholars.

In this year and month, without scholars, how to organize households, how to teach and educate people, how to collect food and grass, how to clear taxes and taxes, and relying on those refugees who farm the land, it is absolutely impossible to complete these things.

"In that case, we really can't touch them." Zhu Yuanzhang also felt a little helpless.

He thought for a while, then said again: "Then what if we buy food from them?"

Li Shanchang shook his head again, "Marshal, we don't have that much money!"

It turned out that the red scarf army had already implemented the military pay system, and the money in the treasury had to be reserved for the soldiers to pay the soldiers.

The military salary system that has just been implemented for a short time, if it is stopped immediately, it will be a huge blow to the morale of the army.

"It doesn't work either. We don't have any money or food." Zhu Yuanzhang was a little depressed.

"Marshal, I have an idea, I don't know if it will work." Tang He suddenly said beside him.

"Tell me, what is the solution?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Tang He straightened his body and said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "We have a lot of land in our hands. If we can use the land to exchange grain with those gentry, why don't they exchange it?"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he immediately looked like a fool.

Li Shanchang next to him couldn't help it either.

"Tang He, your idea is really a bad idea. Take the land from one group of landlords and sell it to another group of landlords. What are we going to do?" Zhu Yuanzhang was speechless.

"Oh, that's right." Tang He blushed immediately.

"Marshal, we still have a solution, maybe we can try it." Li Shanchang said.

"What method, let's talk about it!" Zhu Yuanzhang said quickly.

"Marshal, we still have some food in stock. If we wait until the autumn harvest, we can increase the tax and collect [-]% more autumn tax. It should be able to cope with this winter." Li Shanchang said.

This method can be said to be more operable.

As long as the most difficult winter is carried through, there will be fewer refugees migrating in the cold and freezing weather, and the food and grass crisis will also be alleviated.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang didn't think so.

After thinking about it carefully, he still shook his head.

"Sir, this method can only be a helpless move, not a long-term solution."

Li Shanchang was also a little helpless, because what he said was indeed true.

"Now it's just July, the beginning of autumn. It will take nearly two months to collect the autumn tax after the autumn harvest is completed. If something happens midway, the food may be cut off, and it will be too late to collect taxes. what."

"Besides, our government office and the Marshal's Mansion have already said that today we will lighten the tax and pay less, and when the end comes, we will increase the tax by [-]%. It is also a shame for ourselves."

"Also, if there is a large number of refugees coming again when the spring starts next year, there must be a shortage of food. No matter how you look at it, it is not a long-term solution."

Zhu Yuanzhang's words analyzed everything, but Li Shanchang was convinced and couldn't say anything to refute.

All of a sudden, the three people in the hall had no idea.

Seeing that the sky was completely dark, there was still no progress.

Zhu Yuanzhang asked someone to arrange a light meal, and the three of them discussed while eating.

Who knows, after dinner, the three of them still haven't come up with a clue.

Tang He put the teacup on the table and suddenly laughed.

"Oh, we are so confused!" Tang He laughed.

Both Zhu Yuanzhang and Li Shanchang were taken aback, not knowing what it meant.

"Marshal, sir, think about it, we have food here, but there is no shortage of food in another place." Tang He said.

"Where?"

"What else can there be? Of course it's Jiangnan! They don't have famines or wars, so the food has gone to the sea!" Tang He laughed.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Li Shanchang suddenly realized.

"Haha, yes, how could I forget them."

"The last time I sent troops to go on a tour, I just got back 100 million grain and grass. If I go there again, even if I can't get 100 million grain, I can get 50 million shi to survive."

Both Zhu Yuanzhang and Li Shanchang breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that they had found a breakthrough.

If he wanted to send troops to the south of the Yangtze River to attack Caogu again, he had to go to Zhu Han to discuss the action.

Because the navy of the rebel army is now all in the Liuhe area of ​​Chuzhou, led by Zhu Han.

"Then let's go to Chuzhou tomorrow and discuss with Qi Wu about dispatching troops!" Zhu Yuanzhang laughed.

Early the next morning, Zhu Yuanzhang bid farewell to Ma Xiuying and others, and led hundreds of personal guards to Chuzhou at full speed.

As the sun was setting, Zhu Yuanzhang had already led his people into Chuzhou City.

When Zhu Yuanzhang came, Zhu Han was also overjoyed.

"Brother, why are you here in such a hurry?" Zhu Han rushed to meet him.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also in a good mood when he saw Zhu Han.

While looking up and down at Zhu Han's taller figure, he said with a smile.

"It's okay if you don't come, if you don't come, we and the brothers will be hungry."

Hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Zhu Han had already guessed eight or nine points.

The situation in Chuzhou and Dingyuan is similar, the local tyrants were beaten to divide the land, but the reputation of the rebel army was blown out.

At the beginning, tens of thousands of refugees flooded into Chuzhou and were resettled with food, farm tools and cloth.

Afterwards, more refugees flooded into Chuzhou, which made the wealthy Chuzhou government office a bit overwhelmed.

Dingyuan is in the north, and it is even closer to the war-torn and famine-torn Central Plains. There will only be more refugees, not fewer.

Sure enough, when Zhu Yuanzhang told the whole story, it was almost as Zhu Han's guess.

"Moreover, not only the refugees, we also promised Liu Futong that we would give them hundreds of thousands of grain, grass and cloth. We have already said our words, so we cannot go back on our word," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Han nodded, obviously agreeing with his elder brother Zhu Yuanzhang's move.

"Liu Futong and his three-way Northern Expedition. After all, we are going to fight against Baoyuan. If we don't send troops, we can still get some food. If we don't get both food, there must be many people who will call us cheap people behind our backs. When the time comes It is not conducive to recruiting talents," Zhu Han said.

It is obviously not a big-scale behavior to care about the food and money in front of him.

"So, we want to discuss with you, and then send troops south to get back a wave of food!" Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Along the way, he had almost thought of the plan.

It was nothing more than the rebel navy marching into the Yangtze River, posing a massive offensive posture, forcing officials in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Mongolia and Yuan Dynasty to send money and food.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Zhu Yuanzhang said the words, Zhu Han shook his head to express his disapproval.

"Brother, no, we can't do this!" Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly looked surprised, "Why can't we do this?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, "Brother, you forgot, not long ago, we just went there and ransacked Jiqing Mansion completely."

"Hmph, such a big Jiqing mansion, such a big province of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, there must be a lot of food, let's go grab another wave, what's the problem." Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Haha, brother, this is different. The last time we got a ransom, we also promised not to attack Jiqing Mansion again for a period of time. If we backtrack, it will damage our reputation." Zhu Han said.

"A bunch of Tartars, what credibility do you want to tell them!" Zhu Yuanzhang disagreed.

"No, even if you are with the Tartars, you still need to give credit, but this reputation is not only for the Tartars, but also for the gentry and common people in the south of the Yangtze River." Zhu Han said.

"Then we are short of food. What should we do? We can't starve our own people to death just to show our credibility." Zhu Yuanzhang felt helpless.

Zhu Han already had his own thoughts on this issue.

"Brother, since there is food in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, let's go buy it!"

"To buy?" Zhu Yuanzhang became impatient when he heard it.

"Yes, go buy food."

"Qiwu, are you talking nonsense? We don't have so much money, and we have to save it for military pay. Moreover, a bunch of profiteers in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, if we buy grain on a large scale, they will definitely raise the price. Even if there is Mountains of gold and silver are not enough for them to drive up prices!" Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily.

The two brothers, wandering for many years, are used to the faces of those profiteers.

The food for survival is basically priceless when it comes to critical moments.

The price of grain that costs five or six yuan a catty on normal days can easily rise to fifty or sixty yuan, which is already a great mercy of the grain merchants.

Zhu Yuanzhang has seen the price of grain soaring hundreds of times with his own eyes.

If the gang of traitorous merchants and gentry in Jiangsu and Zhejiang didn't take knives to rob them and intimidate them, they might sell themselves, and they wouldn't be able to buy much food back.

"Haha, brother, what you said is really true. There is really a good way to deal with these profiteers." Zhu Han laughed.

Seeing that Zhu Han was so calm, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately realized that he must have an idea.

Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed immediately, "Qiwu, do you have an idea?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, and then said, "That's right, brother, I also came up with a solution yesterday."

"What method, tell me quickly." Zhu Yuanzhang hurriedly urged.

I only heard Zhu Han speak slowly.

"Brother, the grain in Jiangsu and Zhejiang is basically in the hands of rich merchants and gentry. In the hands of those Mongolian and Yuan officials in Bolu, there is not much food in stock. Even if we go to grab it, it will take a lot of time. Those rich merchants and gentry are often able to delay."

"So, the fastest and most convenient way is to buy it!"

"However, we are going to the south of the Yangtze River to buy food. We can't use gold and silver. In the years of war and chaos, gold and silver are not so valuable."

"We have to get something of value, just like the food. If they choke us with food, we'll use this to choke their necks."

Zhu Han's words, speaking with confidence, made Zhu Yuanzhang feel itchy in his heart.

"Qiwu, don't worry about us, tell me what is the solution?" Zhu Yuanzhang urged.

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Salt!"

"What, salt?"

This answer was far beyond Zhu Yuanzhang's expectations.

"That's right, it's salt!"

"However, here in Chuzhou and Dingyuan, we don't produce salt at all."

Salt is a good thing. Apart from eating and drinking, the most indispensable thing for people to live is salt.

Therefore, selling salt has become a profitable business.

There are not many famous salt producing areas in the whole world, but there are basically a few.

For example, Taizhou and Yangzhou in Huaidong, Shandong to Cangzhou in the north, Fujian in the south, and well salt lake salt in Sichuan, Shanxi and Northwest in inland areas.

Except for these places, there is basically no large-scale salt production in other places.

Therefore, table salt has become the most in-demand hard currency, harder than gold and silver!
Especially now that wars are raging everywhere, the price of salt is soaring all the way!
During the Taiping period, a catty of salt was only [-] or [-] Wen, but now the salt in Chuzhou has grown to [-] Wen, and the salt in Jiangnan has risen to nearly [-] Wen.

Many poor people can no longer afford to buy salt, and can only buy a little for a long time.

"Brother, we don't produce salt here, but we are close to Yangzhou, which produces salt." Zhu Han laughed.

To say that the most famous salt production place in history, the name of Yangzhou salt merchants must be able to rank in the forefront.

Yangzhou salt merchants did not produce salt locally in Yangzhou, but produced salt in places such as Taizhou Yancheng in the east of Yangzhou.

There are large areas of saline-alkali tidal flats in the area, and the grain output is very low, which is far less cost-effective than reclaiming salt fields to cook salt.

"Yangzhou?" Zhu Yuanzhang immediately realized the problem.

"That's right, it's the table salt from Yangzhou. It's already in chaos there. The local Zhang Shicheng and others raised troops, drove away the Mongolian soldiers, and monopolized the salt output. There are no salt merchants from Mengyuan to buy it." Zhu Han said.

Nonsense, one of the biggest reasons why Zhang Shicheng and others raised their troops was dissatisfaction with the collusion between Mongolian and Yuan officials and salt merchants to squeeze the local salt households desperately.

Now that they have stood up and made the decision, they immediately beheaded all the officials and salt merchants in Mengyuan.

As a result, the amount of salt in Yangzhou is sufficient, but no salt merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang dare to buy it.

Moreover, they have no way to buy it. Zhu Han's navy has already blocked the Yangtze River water transport, and the merchant ships in Jiangsu and Zhejiang don't know how to negotiate peace, and they are all afraid to death.

After all, life is more important than money.

"In that case, is Zhang Shicheng really willing to sell us the salt? We've heard that this Zhang Shicheng doesn't buy into the Red Turban Army!" Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Since Zhang Shicheng raised his troops, he has never used the names of the Red Turban Army or the White Lotus Sect, but has always used the names of his own salt dealers and salt households.

"Hehe, this Zhang Shicheng is not a great talent. It is his luck to occupy Yangzhou and Taizhou. Now he is in a situation where the north and the south are attacking, and he can't sell salt. He will soon be short of food and clothing. We are willing to buy him. Salt, it's too late for him to be happy." Zhu Han laughed.

"However, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are closer to Yangzhou. What if Zhang Shicheng knows our plan and sells salt in Jiangsu and Zhejiang by himself, leaving us behind?" Zhu Yuanzhang was still a little worried.

For this problem, Zhu Han already had a countermeasure.

"Brother, this matter is even simpler. We just need to send a navy to strictly investigate all kinds of smuggling on the Yangtze River, and not allow a piece of wood to be launched into the water without permission. Even if Zhang Shicheng has great skills, without us, he can't even think about selling it. A grain of table salt from Jiangsu and Zhejiang!" Zhu Han said.

After defeating the Yuan army in two consecutive battles, Zhu Han's naval army has already reached a large scale. Although it cannot be said to be comprehensive, it is still very simple to deal with some smugglers who dare to transport goods on board.

"Hahaha, that would be great, Zhang Shicheng will starve to death without us!" Zhu Yuanzhang laughed.

"Yes, when the time comes, let's hold the salt from Yangzhou in our left hand and the grain from Jiangnan in our right hand, let them go east and see who dares to go west!" Zhu Han laughed.

"However, after all, Zhang Shicheng doesn't have our friendship there. I'm afraid it's not very simple to send someone to talk about the salt." Zhu Yuanzhang said again.

It is said that everything is difficult at the beginning, especially when dealing with rebels like Zhang Shicheng, it is even more difficult.

Letting Zhu Han and the others sell salt as a consignment was originally a win-win for both sides, but if Zhang Shicheng felt that he was at a disadvantage, or that he didn't want to take advantage of Zhu Han, a second-hand dealer, it would be troublesome.

Sometimes the face is thrown out, but it is not easy to take it back.

"Brother, I have already selected the person to send." Zhu Han said.

"Who?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked hastily.

"Me!" Zhu Han pointed to himself.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, his expression changed immediately, and he strongly expressed his opposition.

"No, absolutely not! It's too dangerous. That Zhang Shicheng is not from our Red Turban Army. If he wants to ask Meng Yuan for safety, he will tie you up again. What do you think?" Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head and said.

"Brother, in fact, I was also worried about this before, but after thinking about it carefully, I am not afraid anymore." Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang was unmoved, and still strongly opposed it.

"No, no, no, no, no, we would rather not earn the money for the salt, nor the food in the south of the Yangtze River, and let you take risks!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's words warmed Zhu Han's heart again.

However, Zhu Han's decision to go in person was also very firm.

"Brother, don't worry, the morale of the Red Scarf Army is high now, and they just said that they will have a three-way northern expedition. Meng Yuan is already scared to pee his pants, let alone Zhang Shicheng, who dares to tie me at this time, that is Turn against the Million Red Scarf Army! When the time comes, I don’t know how to die.” Zhu Han said.

"Even so, it's still too dangerous." Zhu Yuanzhang still didn't agree.

"Brother, don't worry, I still have one person traveling with me. He has some old friendships with some of Zhang Shicheng's subordinates, and he can help me." Zhu Han said.

"Oh, who is it?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

"Shi Naian!" Zhu Han said.

"Who is Shi Naian?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned, he had never heard of this person before.

"Shi Naian is a Jinshi from Mengyuan. He once served as the governor of the state government. He has many old acquaintances in Yangzhou, which is enough to ensure safety." Zhu Han said.

Afterwards, Zhu Han explained Shi Naian's origin in detail again.

Zhu Yuanzhang was slowly relieved.

"That's good, no matter what, you have to ensure your own safety." Zhu Yuanzhang reminded.

"Brother, don't worry, besides these, I have other means to save my life. Dealing with me is not that simple."

Zhu Han thought to himself, he has been rewarded with a lot of good things for signing in the system recently.

The pistol that was originally carried with him also got a lot of bullets, enough to kill hundreds of armored warriors by himself.

Moreover, he also signed in and obtained a set of concealed stab-proof bullet-proof clothing, which can withstand half-power bullets, let alone ordinary knives, guns and arrows.

Relying on these life-saving artifacts, if anyone wanted to deal with him, he would be able to break through safely with full firepower.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded silently, agreeing.

Early the next morning.

Zhu Han introduced Shi Naian to Zhu Yuanzhang. After some conversation, Zhu Yuanzhang found that Shi Naian's talent and learning were not much worse than Li Shanchang.

"Mr. is indeed a great talent. With you helping Ah Han in Chuzhou, we can rest assured." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

"The commander-in-chief is powerful in all directions, and the soldiers under his command use their lives. This is a great talent. Shi is just playing with pen and ink, dare not dare!" Shi Naian also had a good impression of the young Marshal Du in front of him.

Zhu Han looked at the two talking happily, and was very happy in his heart.

He secretly said in his heart; in history, Shi Naian, in a muddleheaded manner, cast Zhang Shicheng's petty attitude, and repeated his good advice and advice, but was not accepted. He had nothing but ability, but he ended up retiring. Now Shi Naian is taken by us Recruited under my brother's command, in the future when the Ming Dynasty will found a country, maybe I can also become a duke and earl!However, in this way, will the ancient book "Water Margin" die prematurely?

Thinking of this, Zhu Han actually began to feel a dull pain in his heart. It would be a great loss if heroes like Lu Zhishen and Wu Song were missing from Chinese literature.

Subsequently.

Zhu Yuanzhang introduced a strong man with a physique like a tiger and bear to Zhu Han.

"Ah Han, this is the hero we just recruited. His name is Chang Yuchun, and he has the courage of all men. This time, he will go to a distant place and be responsible for your safety!" Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Chang Yuchun's force was almost invincible among Zhu Yuanzhang's personal guards, and he was used as a personal guard for Zhu Han to reassure him.

"Chang Yuchun!?"

When Zhu Han heard this, his eyes widened.

Obediently!
This is the number one fierce general of Ming Dynasty!
In terms of military ingenuity and combat command, Xu Da may be above Chang Yuchun.

However, when it comes to personal brave riding and archery level, Chang Yuchun is definitely at the top of the ranking.

"The last general, Chang Yuchun, met the deputy commander!" Chang Yuchun said in a tone of voice.

It's only been two days since he entered the Red Turban Army's bodyguards, and Chang Yuchun has already heard a lot of rumors about the deputy commander Zhu Han.

It can be said to be really thunderous.

When I saw it today, I thought it was nothing unusual, he was just an ordinary boy, at most he was taller.

"Okay, with Brother Chang's guards, I can really sit back and relax!" Zhu Han praised sincerely.

When Chang Yuchun heard it, he couldn't help feeling proud.

At the very least, the deputy commander Zhu Han's vision of knowing people is still very accurate!
We, Chang Yuchun, have nothing else to do, to protect the safety of a group of people, that is not a piece of cake!
After two days of preparation, Zhu Han was ready to go to Taizhou.

After Zhang Shicheng defeated the Mongolian Yuan army, even with Taizhou as the foundation, all the people in nearby Yanhu also gathered under his command.

However, before Zhu Han had time to set off, the travel plan was unexpectedly canceled.

Because Zhang Shicheng, the head of Yanhu, sent someone himself.

"Zhang Shide is here?"

Upon hearing the news, both Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han were very surprised.

The person who brought this news was Shi Naian.

"Yes, Marshal, Zhang Shide came with an old acquaintance of mine named Cui Changxing. He quietly found my house and came here to report." Shi Naian said.

It turned out that this man named Cui Changxing was Shi Naian's subordinate when he was an official in Qiantang. Later, he was promoted and went to Gaoyou in Huaidong.

"Zhang Shicheng sent someone to come to the door, what exactly is he trying to do?" Zhu Yuanzhang was quite surprised.

Zhu Han thought for a while, and felt that it was nothing more than two things.

"I guess, apart from contacting us to sell salt to the south of the Yangtze River, I'm afraid it's because of our name as the Red Turban Army." Zhu Han said.

"No matter what it is, since this Zhang Shicheng sent his younger brother here, he wants to see him. It's more reassuring than letting you go." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

Zhu Yuanzhang was already very happy to be able to allow Zhu Hanshao to set foot in a dangerous place. He had an inexplicable affection for Zhang Shicheng, who had not met yet.

"Okay, then let's meet Zhang Shide and listen to what he has to say." Zhu Han also smiled.

After a while, Shi Naian led the two men to the Chuzhou government office.

One of the scribes was dressed as Shi Naian's old acquaintance Cui Changxing.

The other person was dressed as a businessman, but his dark face didn't show a bit of pampering and wealth, instead he looked like an honest and honest farmer. This person was undoubtedly Zhang Shicheng's younger brother Zhang Shide.

After some introductions, brothers Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han asked Zhang Shide to sit down.

After a conversation between Shi Naian and Cui Changxing, the two sides finally got to the point.

"Marshal Zhu, although our brothers are in Huaidong, we have to admire the commander's record of fighting against Haozhou Keding and attacking Chuzhou from far away. I wish we could fight side by side with him." Zhang Shide said with a look of admiration.

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang heard it, he understood that this was really planning to use the name of the Red Turban Army.

It turned out that because of Zhu Han, the Red Turban Army's means of conquering the fortified city had been greatly improved. For Meng Yuan, it was simply a disaster.

The Red Turban Army, which is not superior in equipment, was able to repeatedly break through the protection of the city wall, attacking the city and conquering territory along the way, making the momentum of the million Red Turban Army like the sky.

Zhang Shicheng, who is far away in Huaidong, is also very envious of the prestige of the Red Scarf Army.

In particular, Tuotuo, the prime minister of the Yuan army in the Northeast of Huaihe, was eager to make up for his mistakes because of repeated defeats at the hands of the Red Scarf Army, so he wanted to go south to Huaidong to give Zhang Shicheng a soft persimmon.

Zhang Shicheng, who is isolated and helpless, occupies most of Huaidong's land.

But after natural disasters and man-made disasters, except for the mouths that want to eat, there is no trick at all.

Once Tuotuo led the Yuan army to the south, Zhang Shicheng felt that he might have to shovel his family.

Therefore, in this situation, counselor Cui Changxing proposed a strategy. Hearing that his old boss Shi Naian had joined the Chuzhou Red Scarf Army, he wanted to use his connections to join the Red Scarf Army.

In this way, in the event of a tense battle, you can still ask for help from the Chuzhou Red Scarf Army.

After Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han found out the details, they couldn't help but looked at each other and smiled.

This is really good luck!

Just when I was about to doze off, someone brought me a pillow, and it was a velvet pillow.

"Haha, we have heard a lot about Brother Zhang's prestige. Now everyone in the world is crusading against tyrants. In this case, why don't you join us and carry the banner of the Red Scarf Army?" Zhu Yuanzhang said loudly.

When Zhang Shide heard this, he immediately laughed happily.

He sneaked all the way here, but also with apprehension.

When the Red Turban Army was in its prime, I went to seek refuge by myself, wondering if they would make things difficult for me.

Moreover, anyone with a discerning eye already knows that Xuzhou's Tuotuo is preparing to go south to attack Huaidong, and it is obviously a helpless move for him to seek refuge at this time, which makes people feel a little uncomfortable.

However, Zhang Shide did not expect that Zhu Yuanzhang would be so forthright, and instead of embarrassing himself, he happily invited himself.

"Marshal, you really are a real hero, Zhang Shide admires you! From then on, our Huaidong brothers are also the Red Scarf Army!" Zhang Shide immediately climbed up smoothly.

"Haha, okay, Brother Zhang is also a happy person, we like it!" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

All of a sudden, Zhu Han, Shi Naian and Cui Changxing also laughed.

It's just a group of harmony.

Looking at the way his elder brother Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Shide were exchanging arms, Zhu Han couldn't help but think in his heart: Damn, Zhang Shicheng, the famous Chao Qin Mu Chu in history, is really appropriate!

He sent his younger brother Zhang Shide to join him, and his vision is really good.

After some true and false congeniality, Zhang Shide revealed another purpose of his trip.

"Marshal, Huaidong has been suffering years of famines, and the land is poorly brine. Food is in short supply. I heard that there is enough food here, Marshal. I don't know if we can help. It doesn't need much. It only needs 30 shi." Zhang Shide hesitated. Said embarrassingly.

30 shi is not a small amount.

With Zhang Shicheng's soldiers and horses, 30 shi of grain is enough for them to eat and chew for half a year.

Brother Zhang Shicheng planned to hoard food in preparation for the future siege of Yuan soldiers.

"30 shi?" Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, and looked at Zhu Han with a troubled look.

In fact, he was ecstatic in his heart. Now that he asked for it, it would be much simpler.

Zhu Han was also happy in his heart, pretending to think for a while and said: "General Zhang, 30 shi is not a small amount."

Zhang Shide had already heard about Zhu Han's name.

Knowing the words of this young deputy commander, it has the weight to influence Zhu Yuanzhang's decision.

"Deputy Marshal, we don't dare to take the 30 shi of grain for free. We can use salt to pay for the salt produced in Huaidong!" Zhang Shide said hastily.

"salt?"

When Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han heard this, their hearts were already overwhelmed, and the fish themselves were hooked.

"Salt is a good thing, but we can't eat that much salt." Zhu Yuanzhang did not immediately agree with the potential of a profiteer.

"Marshal, salt is a good thing. Even if you can't eat it, you can sell it. Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Huguang and Henan are all Huaidong salt!" Zhang Shide said quickly.

Later, he talked in detail about the sales of Huaidong salt, because he was afraid that Zhu Yuanzhang would not agree.

"Hey, Brother Zhang, it's not easy for you, you are all brothers of the Red Scarf Army, how can you bear to make things difficult for you!"

Seeing that the heat was almost ready, Zhu Han opened his mouth to speak.

When Zhang Shide heard this, his back molars stood out with joy.

"Deputy Marshal, did you agree?"

Zhu Han looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, and then said slowly.

"The brothers in Huaidong are struggling to make a living. Even if we give the 30 shi of grain, it is not a long-term solution."

When Zhang Shide heard this, he nodded helplessly, "Yes, the deputy commander is right. Huaidong killed too much before, and ran away many people. This year, we suffered floods and droughts again, alas!"

"So, in order to help the brothers in Huaidong, I think we should start a win-win cooperation!" Zhu Han said.

"Win-win? What's this?"

Zhang Shide was a little confused, he had never heard of this statement.

"Win-win, that is, you get the food and we get the salt. This means that everyone gets what they need, and it is mutually beneficial for both parties, so it is a win-win situation!" Zhu Han said.

Zhang Shide was Zhang Shicheng's right-hand man. He was not only brave in battle, but also quick-witted. He immediately guessed what Zhu Han meant.

They want to monopolize the salt in Huaidong!

"Deputy Marshal, what do you mean, the exchange of salt for food is a long-term business?" Zhang Shide asked.

"That's right. If it's a long-term business, you Huaidong won't be short of food. As long as you have salt, you'll have food," Zhu Han said.

When Zhang Shide heard this, he fell into deep thought.

They wanted to ask for food, but it was a temporary strategy. If the situation improved in the future, Zhang Shicheng and his brothers would still want to be big salt merchants and sell salt by themselves.

If it becomes a long-term relationship with the Zhu Yuanzhang brothers, it is not very good if they want to break the contract at that time.

In particular, the Zhu Yuanzhang brothers seem to be very capable of fighting, claiming that no strong city can withstand their three-day attack.

Zhang Shide was a little scared, if he turned his face in the future, his brothers would be blamed.

"This is a long-term plan. Otherwise, if our naval forces cross the Yangtze River and accidentally damage a friendly merchant ship during inspections, it will be bad." Zhu Han said with a smile.

When Zhang Shide heard this, he immediately had a calculation in his mind.

"Damn it, this brother Zhu Yuanzhang turned out to be a smiling tiger! Isn't this a blatant threat! You are the strongest on the Yangtze River. If we want to ship salt, we will sink us?"

It has to be said that the situation is stronger than the people.

No brotherhood can compare to coercion and temptation.

Zhang Shide quickly made a decision and agreed with Zhu Han's plan.

If you don't agree, there is nothing you can do. The person who burns his ass is himself, and the person who can't beat him is also himself.

If you don't agree, then you have to hold that pile of salt and go hungry to resist Yuan Jun Tuotuo.

"Okay, then let's fix the price of salt. No matter what price we sell, we will give you a fixed price. Even if we sell at a loss, we will also set a fixed price!" Zhu Han said loudly.

When Zhang Shide heard this, his nose almost turned out of anger, and he thought to himself, "Damn it, I've never heard of any salt merchant selling salt at a loss, so feel free to tell me!"

Now that he wanted to set a price for the business, Zhang Shide became unceremonious.

"Our Huaidong salt is of the best quality, the best in the world, and the price of a catty of salt on board is fifteen Wen!" Zhang Shide said.

"Fifteen coins?"

This time, it was Zhu Han's turn to turn his nose in anger.

Zhang Shide really dared to ask for a price. When the price of salt was cheap, the selling price was only [-] Wen, but now it is good, the price for boarding the ship is [-] Wen.

If you add the cost of shipping and distribution, and the cost of distribution to various places, it will rise to more than 20 yuan a catty.

"No, it's too expensive. Ten cents, I can still accept it." Zhu Han gave a high price.

"No way, deputy commander-in-chief, in normal times, I can sell it for five cents, let alone ten cents, but now that the war is in chaos, there are already fewer salt households cooking salt. Labor costs too much, and if you don’t pay fifteen cents, it’s not going to work at all.” Zhang Shide repeatedly complained.

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but nod at his words.

In fact, table salt is basically a seller's market. As long as there is table salt in hand, no matter how much it sells for, someone will buy it.

The big deal is that when table salt is too expensive, ordinary people eat less and salt merchants earn less.

However, Zhu Han was greatly surprised when he heard the information in these words.

"General Zhang, did you just say cooking salt? Are you still cooking salt in Huaidong?" Zhu Han asked suspiciously.

"Yes, cooking salt!"

"The kind of boiling salt that is used to cut grass and burn fire?" Zhu Han asked.

"That's right, otherwise what else?"

"The method of soaking the bittern by the wind and drying the salt is useless to you?" Zhu Han asked doubtfully.

Since ancient times, the seaside has boiled seawater with vegetation to obtain salt. In this way, not only the labor cost is greatly increased, but also a large amount of firewood fuel has become a bottleneck restricting the production capacity of salt.

"What kind of windmill soaking brine, what drying salt method? I have never heard of it." Zhang Shide shook his head and said.

He is an old salt householder. He grew up by the sea since he was a child. Every day he cuts firewood and cuts grass, and then cooks salt.

"No wonder! No wonder!"

Hearing this, Zhu Han couldn't help laughing, as if he had discovered a huge loophole.

　1w word sent! ! !Seeking to follow up, brothers, don’t raise books, update 2w every day! ! !
　　
　
(End of this chapter)