eldest son of Ming dynasty

Chapter 316 Feudalism
As governors from all over the country and officials from the three divisions came to Beijing one after another, the emperor's daily schedule became more and more compact, which was actually quite difficult to say the least.

And once the emperor started to work hard, the ministers from all over the country were not much better.

The taxes and grains of the Ming Dynasty are divided into summer harvest and autumn grains, among which autumn grains are the main ones, and the end date of autumn grains is about February of the next year, so the emperor has been looking at the data of autumn grains in various places recently.

Although Zhu Houzhao really wants to see the data increase, he actually controls the pace very much to prevent local officials from extorting money from the people in order to blindly increase these data.

He was only more harsh on officials who could not answer or answered wrongly. As early as when he was still the crown prince in charge of the country, he had asked the six departments to put practice first, and now it was the turn of local officials.

After officials from all over the country came to Beijing, they also started activities for favors, and the restaurants in the capital were very lively.

Literati and talents write poems to celebrate: Gao Lie Qianfeng Baoju Sen, Duanmen Fang Xi Cuihua Lin.Chenyou is not for the Three Yuan Night, the fun is also the same as everyone's heart!

This was written by Cai Xiang, a poet in the Song Dynasty. It means that there are thousands of lamp mountains standing high outside the palace, and countless precious candles are lit, and they will be bright everywhere until tomorrow.

Just like the lively scene in the southern city of the capital.

The emperor opened up his voice and invited important officials from all over the world to discuss state affairs. Various opinions were being put forward. Although the emperor could not adopt every one of them, as long as the court paid attention to it, it was good governance that related to the immediate interests of the people.

"These figures are all human lives." Zhu Houzhao sighed, "The imperial court has withdrawn the people and herdsmen in an orderly manner in recent years, and by raising [-] more horses in the Northwest, there will be [-] families, and [-] to [-] people will be able to live. Out of the sea of ​​misery."

Qiuyun was taken aback for a moment, she didn't expect this to be the case.

Zhu Houzhao was thinking that maybe he should also reflect on it. Since he had brought everyone into the palace, it was better not to neglect them too much, so he didn't drive them away.

Seeing that both of them were pursing their lips, Qiu Yun knew the reason, so he explained: "... I heard from my foreign ministers that the governors and governors from all over the country have been coming to Beijing one after another recently, so Your Majesty is busier than usual. Don't think too much about the two nobles."

Songjiang is adjacent to Jiashan and Hangzhou.

But the officials know that all the shipping departments in the three cities have an access system, and the access system also collects 200 million yuan from wealthy businessmen.

"After the renovation of Anding Garden, by this time next year, I dare to guarantee that His Majesty will get [-] horses every year for this racecourse alone!"

People close to the household department knew about these accounts, so the Shaofu said that there would be nearly a million taels of silver.

Huai smiled and tilted his head, "Fortunately, I'm just afraid that His Majesty won't like us."

Zhu Houzhao didn't even think about it, and said with a smile, "Almost, almost. It's hot here. You're wearing too much clothes. You'd better take off a few, otherwise, your hair will be wet with sweat."

At this time, the status of Hanwen, Minister of the Ministry of household affairs, became prominent.

"Why?" Huaiyan blinked her big eyes and asked.

It's 'that thing',
First of all, Queen Mother Zhang mentioned,
Secondly, the natal family probably heard something outside, so they passed a letter in after several transfers, asking whether the rumors outside were true.

In fact, if it wasn’t for this kind of personality, it would be unimaginable for a person of later generations to stay in the Forbidden City all year round. Not to mention such a small city, many people would go out to travel after staying in a big city for a long time.

The way men and women get along, if you are on the side of giving, all you have to do is very simple, just have a response.

Occasionally, when he was absolutely free, the emperor would rest and not see anyone for a period of time, like a feeling of rejuvenation.

This little nobleman looked quiet, but unexpectedly, his thoughts were bold.

These words moved Qi Chengsui and Wang Bing's hearts.One of the reasons why officials and herdsmen were valued by the emperor was that the people's herdsmen suffered too much for the common people, and if they were not done well, there might be a Hebei uprising.

"Then let's learn it."

He has this character, everyone just thinks he looks like an old urchin, so they all laughed.

Zhu Houzhao put one arm around the other, he raised his head, and suddenly remembered his previous life. At that time, he should never have thought of this day anyway, "Emperor, shouldn't you have the right to say whether you like it or not."

Because of their blood relationship, the Mei sisters are much taller than ordinary people.

Min Gui pretended to be angry and said: "Jizhi is the emperor's teacher, you are bullying the old man like this. The old man is not convinced!"

Qiu Yun thought about it carefully,
To her, the emperor is actually more like a solitary person.

"Okay. I'm too busy these days. Please forgive me, sisters, but your thinking is right. No matter how busy I am, I have to take a bath. This time is not a waste of time. It's good for us to chat about life. .”

"...Your Majesty, what is life?"

The two men have clearly outlined the Shaanxi horse farm in a few words, "... In the 18th year of Hongzhi, Shaanxi had a total of 16.8 hectares of horse pastures, an increase of 3.4 hectares, and a total of more than 1 war horses were raised. 8."

He doesn't care whether Zhu Yuanzhang's descendants are doing well or not.To put it bluntly, there is nothing wrong with being an emperor.He wants to spend the country's taxes on things that are good for the country.

"You guys, shouldn't you?" Zhu Hou looked after them standing a little stiffly, and asked a little funny.

Li Dongyang and Xie Qian, who were the cabinet ministers, sat in the main seat facing south, and said with emotion: "I have lived for most of my life, but I never dared to think that the government will have today's grand scene. If your majesty's silver is not used for the border, then It must be used for the people and for oneself, which is very rare."

In the past two days, some officials have been attending Wang Shouren regarding the matter of the royal heirs. The problem is not serious, but it makes him a little angry. It's not because Wang Shouren can't participate, but because there are so many idiots in the court.

"Your Majesty forgive me. The two concubines and concubines have been enjoying the blessings every day since they entered the palace. They don't know how to serve His Majesty, try their best, and dare not disturb His Majesty when he is busy with government affairs. I also invited Miss Qiuyun to teach my concubines. If it wasn't for this , pampering yourself every day without thinking about how to serve His Majesty, I feel really ashamed."

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Hui'an Garden is also making great efforts to restore it. In the past year, it has mainly been the restoration of the horse grazing pastures, the addition of horse grazing soldiers, the increase of stallions in the garden temple, the inspection of riding officials, and the addition of horse camp castles. All of these have made progress. It's just that the time is short, by the end of this year, at least [-] war horses can be raised."

However, people outside gathered at night, the emperor was too tired, and the holy driver was approaching the harem.

"It seems that His Majesty likes to drink it very much." Qiu Yun also said good things on the side, "In these years, servants and maidservants have been rewarded for serving His Majesty, but there are not many cases where they have personally written on the post."

"Yes." Huai Xiao answered first, "The concubine and younger sister have studied it carefully."

"Your Majesty, do you want to talk about strangers?" Huaiyan who had been silent all this time suddenly threw out another shocking statement.

Boiling a bowl of soup is much more busy than writing four characters.He can still figure this out.

Nowadays, the channels in the palace are either Shaofu or internal money.

The main one is Yang Yiqing. His previous governor of Shaanxi also advocated the restoration of horse administration order.

In the hazy picture, they are neatly dressed, but their faces are probably red from the heat, like red ripe apples.

Serving those two words is probably really hard to say.

In the imperial court, there are quite a few people who have risen to the top because of doing well in affairs, such as Gu Zuo, Minister of the Ministry of Households, Zhao Shen, Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, and Wang Zhi, Minister of the Taipusi.

In addition, there must be river workers!
"...the money in the national treasury goes every year. Official salaries and family lumber, just these, have already gone to seven or eight, and the Northwest has to allocate military salaries. The old man, the big Situ, actually doesn't have much money in his hands. Yes, there was a famine in Jiangxi in the 18th year of Hongzhi, and 20 taels were allocated. I don’t know if there will be floods or droughts this year, and it is necessary to reserve another 30 taels of relief money. Tell me, how do you calculate this account?”

Such a request, and being said so plainly, made the two girls unable to understand.

"Especially in the 17th year of Hongzhi, His Majesty strongly advocated the restoration of Andingyuan. The Maying City built by it has six battalions including Zhongying, Yuanchuan, Chounihe, Yamen, Shixiakou, and Shuangjing. Zhongying used to have a castle, which was originally damaged. , and the foundation is narrow, the renovation expanded 35 feet south of the city, and there was a mountain in the north, which was cut into a wall, and the rest of the walls were repaired. There are 270 steps from east to west, [-] steps from north to south, and a circumference of [-] miles Sixty-four cents; and the four battalions of Yuanchuan, Chounihe, Yamen, and Shixiakou have been damaged for a long time, and they were also repaired by the governor; Shuangjing originally had no castle, so a small fort was built in the camp."

The emperor did this, and the people naturally praised it.

Anyway, no matter how shy you are, it is the emperor's order.

……

"Come here, I'll help you take it off." The emperor did it himself, giving them a passive feeling, so that it wouldn't be so embarrassing.

Of course Zhu Houzhao didn't know that these things were being planned in the harem. He was summoning Shaanxi Governor Qi Chengsui and Taipusi Minister Wang Zhi.

Huai Yan was more gentle, she said softly: "Then we can do something else tomorrow."

Qiu Yun said: "It's also those foreign ministers who don't know how to cherish the body of the dragon. They want the royal heirs to pass it on, but at the same time they always have so many troubles to deal with."

At that time, many courtiers disagreed with this strange access system. As a result, when the emperor said this, Min Gui got excited on the spot. He is a person with personality and is also proud, so he has to show his face when he talks about this at this time.

In addition, Shaofu still has some continuous income, but the amount is not much. In Hongzhi's 18 years, it was only more than 60 taels.

If there is something good at the top, it must be very bad at the bottom.

And to be honest, if someone is willing to serve, why should he drive him away? He shouldn't be that noble hypocrite.

The emperor ordered that all the antiques, calligraphy and paintings be sold for silver. Why would an emperor want such things? He should be Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty.

Internal money is even more imaginative. After the Northwest War last year, the emperor spent 20 taels on Yang Yiqing when he saw it in the open.The rest were not wasted.

Originally, everyone gathered for Wang Jia's reunion in Beijing, but it turned out that the focus of attention was in the hands of the God of Wealth.

Anyway, no matter what, the emperor had to take a bath, and the frequency was very high.The main thing is to see whether Qiuyun agrees or not.

Mei Huaixiao is the elder sister, so she was in charge of everything, and she got up and asked, "How is it? Has Your Majesty drank?"

And the issue that the two of them are most concerned about is that matter.

This idea makes her blush even when she smiles, but she does not deny that it is indeed a solution.

"Yes, little nobleman, besides..." Qiu Yun also moved closer, "Besides, we are all women, so we can talk about anything."

Zhu Houzhao looked at the things in his hands, and while listening to the two of them, he asked: "In the 18th year of Hongzhi, the imperial court ordered the repair of Hui'an Garden. How is the situation now?"

In fact, how could Zhu Houzhao not understand.

"There are, but Ma Zheng is one of the most important government affairs in Shaanxi. If a minister encounters someone who cannot afford to be offended, he can only report to His Majesty." Qi Chengsui can speak.

Huai Xiao and Huai Yan are also able to sense it. The concerns of all parties will naturally form pressure on them. Although they also know that they are from a merchant family and do not expect to fight for anything, it is pressure after all.

"My servant thinks, maybe it will be better after the court meeting in March, but His Majesty doesn't have that much time."

"Get flat." Zhu Hou watched them kneel down with a plop. To be honest, the fragile little girls, one seventeen and one sixteen, were always cautious in their behavior, as if they were afraid of breaking something. Couldn't bear it, "There is no need to say anything else, since you want to come, then come, and help me change my clothes later."

In fact, it is also very simple. After drinking, the emperor wrote four words: sweet and light.

In fact, the two in Yongshou Palace are also trying to find a way,

Huaiyan is still shy, but her character is not good at disobeying other people's wishes, so she said in a voice like a mosquito, "I was thinking, Your Majesty likes to take a bath, no matter how busy you are, you have to take a bath, okay? Sister goes...go..."

Later, Qiuyun sent them a few people, specially picking fishbone.

So the outer long gowns were all removed, revealing the pink bellyband and the arms as white as tender lotus root.The clothes are faded and half ashamed, like hibiscus, cloves are spit out with a smile, and the sweat is light and the clothes are light.Disturb the pile of incense, coquettish and powerless, shallow greetings and deep handing, no one will accept the flair.

Huai Xiao didn't dare to say other disrespectful words, but asked cautiously: "Miss Qiuyun, of course we dare not delay His Majesty's important affairs. However, according to the past years, when will Your Majesty be more leisurely?"

"...Recently, how are you staying in the palace?"

"Sage is invincible, Your Majesty!"

Shaofu’s largest income came from the ransacking of Hongzhi’s home in 17 years. At that time, more than 160 million taels of cash and more than 100 million taels of antique calligraphy and paintings were seized.

Qiu Yun was also a little surprised at the side. At first, he thought that the emperor didn't understand women's hearts, but he was actually quite good at it. Just these four words can make the sisters very happy.

At that time, renting out and collecting taxes will be an income.

"Let's not talk about that. The Mazheng has achieved remarkable results. In the first year of Zhengde, the imperial court will allocate more money to continue to restore the damaged racecourse. You two still have to work harder. When the recovery is successful, let Yang Butang take you Chasing water and grass to the south of Yinshan Mountain!"

Mentioning this way may have an ideal element in his heart, but more he wants to get into the emperor's sight.

Huai Xiao and Huai Yan were slightly disappointed.I remember that the family told them that the women in the palace are most afraid that the stomach will not move after a long time.

The emperor Qiuyun saw was like this, either dealing with state affairs or studying. If he really had time, he would go to the academy. Some time ago, he went to see the city that never sleeps under Zhengyangmen.

In fact, this matter is also a bit difficult.

In the past few days, some officials have asked for silver taels in person.For example, Wang Shouren.

In this way, Mei Huaixiao and Mei Huaiyan were encouraged,
When they were free, they would also ask Qiu Yun what the emperor liked to eat. Later, they found out that they liked fish, especially the fattest meat in the belly of fish.

While talking happily, the two eunuchs came back with food boxes.

Zhu Houzhao asked again: "These grasslands are said to be restored. Didn't someone take away the grain?"

Zhu Hou made it clear, that means, after all, I am also the governor of Shaanxi, the boss of a province.In such a big country, it is impossible for a random person to be bigger than me.

Sure enough, some people cheered and said: "The state owns Min Gui, and the common people are blessed."

He can always entertain himself and make time for himself.

So Han Wen cried poorly, and everyone didn't take it seriously. Min Gui said: "Don't think about the silver in Zhejiang and Fujian. Your Majesty ordered the ministers in Fengtianmen to use the silver in the access system of the Shibo Division for the common people. !"

But the cost is staggering. Inside Zhengyangmen, the construction of the Nightless City is in full swing, and 10 taels of silver are spent every month. In addition, government-run grain merchants and shipyards are also big money-swallowing households.The good news is that the Night City will be completed in half a year. After all, it is not a high-rise building with dozens of floors.

Huai Xiao couldn't bear it anymore and urged, "If you have something to say, tell me. Miss Qiuyun is the same as us, she is sincerely for the good of the Holy One."

Huai Xiaohuai Yan thought to herself, what Miss Qiuyun said is indeed right, as long as the mind is pure and kind and does not make mistakes, the emperor is actually very easy-going and forgiving.

In the sixth year of Hongzhi, Liu Daxia presided over the construction of the Susong River Channel, which achieved remarkable results.

"Because only in this way can we protect what we like, otherwise we will lose it all. I know that you may not understand it, but it doesn't matter. You just need to remember that I work hard every day, and part of it is for you."

I don't know what the process was, anyway, Huaiyan felt that she took off a lot of clothes for no reason and soaked in water with the emperor, and soaking in hot water was really comfortable, as if her whole body was about to go limp.

There was nothing unusual in the misty room at first, until he opened his eyes at a certain gap, and suddenly saw that his figure was not right.

"If the expenses are restrained, most of the difficulties in people's livelihood can be solved. The old man's humble opinion is that the city ship company should give some of the silver taels it earns to the river workers."

No matter how the real folks are, at least now, driven by Zhu Houzhao, the vibrant scene above the court has been revealed.Whether it is Beijing officials or local officials, all officials are talking about good governance.

I haven't been this rich in many years.

With so much money, of course we have to find a way to apply for some.

So there have been many happy events recently, that is, the issue of royal heirs has been mixed in, which made some people start to raise opinions on Wang Shouren.

So in fact, the capital is also discussing the budget recently.

The treasury's money has been flowing out of the treasury recently. To be precise, it is called the budget, and the emperor made a strange move to make the annual budget public.

While taking a bath, he kept his eyes closed and meditated. The emperor didn't want to talk, and the others were just busy with their own affairs.Even Qiuyun is the same, she is not the kind of annoying person who chatters, but she will choose to say or not to say according to the emperor's mood.

Mentioning this, the two of them felt a little sad.

Some officials also asked for taels of silver, such as official roads, post stations, city walls, and temples that were in disrepair, because everyone knew that the emperor had money, and when someone asked for money, they would naturally be tempted.

After several years of restoration, the Shaanxi Racecourse has gradually increased to the Bachuyuan Racecourse.

There must be lively discussions outside the palace,

These places are all plains that are especially suitable for growing grain, but there is still a gap of hundreds of thousands of shi in the taxes between Hangzhou Prefecture and Songjiang Prefecture.This is what Wang Jia said. He is the governor of Zhejiang and Fujian, so he naturally has this selfish intention. In addition, because of the geographical proximity, the conditions of Hangzhou Mansion are not much worse.

"You... how come?"

"En." Qiu Yun nodded, "It's a pity that His Majesty's country is busy, otherwise the two nobles are so hardworking, and with His Majesty's tolerant and easy-going personality, they will definitely come to Yongshou Palace."

Moreover, the cost of the palace has been reduced, and all construction has stopped. Things like building a palace or a pavilion have not been mentioned by the emperor.In other words, there are still about 200 million taels of silver in the domestic funds.

Because of their entry into the palace, Gu's status in Mei Mansion has risen sharply, Mrs. Mei can't wait to treat Gu as her boudoir sister.

"Your Majesty is diligent in government and loves the people, and the people will surely appreciate it."

According to the emperor's rules, don't disturb when dealing with political affairs.They had no choice, so they boiled some tonic soup and sent it to Qianqing Palace.After all, no matter how busy you are, there is still time to drink some soup, right?
To their delight, the emperor not only drank, but also praised each time, saying that the two nobles put their heart into it.

The two sisters Huai Xiao and Huai Yan were really happy and more motivated, "Since His Majesty likes it, let's cook more for His Majesty."

"After Zhejiang came into great rule, Jiashan, Hangzhou, and Ningbo are in need of a sum of money for river construction. As long as a little governance is done, a new Songjiang mansion can be rebuilt for the imperial court."

But Wang Jia smiled and said: "The so-called use for the people depends on how it is used. We are officials to make a living for the people. When we are in front of the king, we also have to talk."

Hearing that the emperor had written something, Mei Huaiyan couldn't help but leaned closer to look at it.

"Can I..." Huaiyan crossed her hands in front of her lower abdomen. She was going to say something, but when she got to this point, she seemed to feel shy.

The key to agricultural production lies in water conservancy.

Ma Zheng is too important, so Zhu Houzhao has always paid more attention to it.

The fish are a bit troublesome, because eating fish is risky, what should I do if I get stuck in a fishbone?
If this happened, everyone in the Mei family would be scared to death.

"That's not necessary. No matter how delicious something is, eating it every day will make you tired." Qiu Yun has learned about this. For the sake of the emperor's appetite, they have studied it for several years. Plant tricks and eat them separately, as long as His Majesty likes it every time, that's the best."

The expenses that have been determined so far or the expenses that have not been determined but are certain, Ma Zheng must be on the list.

"...Actually, it's not impossible. I'm just afraid, the servants. The two nobles have never done the rough work of serving others. If something goes wrong, it will be a disaster instead."

"Drink it!" The eunuch happily replied, "Your Majesty not only drank it, but also wrote a note. Please read it, gentlemen."

Qiu Yun pursed her lips as if thinking, "That...that's fine."

The emperor also has a lot of silver, and many people are also thinking about it.

Except for the treasury.

They probably don't know that Mei Kejia and Gu Dayong shipped another 240 million taels from Zhejiang to Beijing.

"The concubine believes."

Zhu Houzhao soaked for a while, and the more soaked, the hotter he felt, "Wipe yourself."

"Yes."

So the two waited for him to change clothes and get into bed. In the past, Zhu Houzhao only felt that the world was unequal, but he only knew what feudalism is today.

(End of this chapter)