Red Chamber: Bring Xue Baochai home at the beginning

Chapter 263 The old party died, Xungui was worried

In the past few days, there have been several major events that have shaken the government and the public.

First of all, both the Supreme Emperor and the Empress Dowager fell ill.

For the past few days, Emperor Jingshun was in a mess of clothes.

Except for going to court, most of the time she and Yuan Chun waited in front of the bed.

Show the benevolence and filial piety that one should have.

Secondly, it is the veteran minister Zhao Shunjun, Shangshu of the Ministry of Household Affairs.

A generation of old party pillars quietly joined the cabinet.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that he has completely fallen for Emperor Jingshun.

This also means that the old party of Great Wei has since completely collapsed.

There are no more heroes.

Some people say that it was Zhao Shunjun who turned to Emperor Jingshun that made the Supreme Emperor fall ill from anger.

Feng Yibo had no way of knowing what the real situation was.

What he pays attention to is also different from these people.

Because these two incidents, for other officials, are earthquake-level major events.

Every day, all the ministers discussed two things, and felt that the sky might change completely.

But Feng Yibo thought that the most important piece of news was the last one.

That is, after Zhao Shunjun entered the cabinet, Fei Hong, a cabinet minister, retired and returned home.

Among these three things, Feng Yibo felt that the only one that really had a profound impact was this one.

The first thing is that the Supreme Emperor is getting older and has already lived in seclusion.

Not to mention falling ill, even if he suddenly disappeared, Feng Yibo didn't think there was anything strange about it.

The second thing is that the old party is already lingering on its last legs, and it is only a matter of time before it disappears in the court.

Emperor Jing Shun and Zhang Songyue kept a few of them, which was to save some face for the Supreme Emperor.

And the third thing, seems like an understatement.

Feng Yibo felt that this was really a major event affecting Wei's policy.

Fei Hong was born in the Fei family of Qianshan, and survived three dynasties.

It is because he is the best at economics.

Don't talk about anything else, just talk about the bills of exchange that go through the Great Wei.

It was from the hand of this big man.

During the period of Emperor Tiantai, he became the Minister of the Household Department by virtue of his ability.

In charge of the financial power of the Great Wei.

At that time, the Wei Dynasty was not only under great financial pressure, but the people were also panicking about money.

Fei Hong made a decisive decision and advocated the issuance of bills of exchange.

Not only eased the financial pressure, but also the problem of money panic.

At the same time, it also promoted the north-south trade, making bulk business more convenient.

Even, it almost solved the problem of excessive fire consumption of silver and silver for a time.

The reason for the almost is not that there is anything wrong with the money order.

It was because of various excuses among various departments of the Great Wei to resist.

As a result, cash is still the main currency.

On the contrary, the merchants who deal in large quantities are full of praise for this.

Slowly permeate to the north and south everywhere.

The reason why it was recognized by merchants is also because Fei Hong was very restrained in issuing money orders.

The total amount of the annual bill of exchange is about the equivalent amount of the tax.

This is equivalent to using the tax revenue of the entire Wei Dynasty as a deposit.

To ensure that the value of the bill of exchange will not shrink.

The paper and ink used for bills of exchange are also specially made by Qianshan Feishi.

At the level of this era, after adding some unique secret recipes.

It is difficult to imitate exactly the same.

This also gives the money order a certain anti-counterfeiting function.

Most importantly, if you want to exchange the bill of exchange into cash.

It can be easily realized as long as you are in the capital or a bank under the Nanjing Ministry of Households.

Because only these two places can be exchanged, the cash reserves are also very sufficient.

Most of the time, there is no need to make an appointment in advance.

Of course, you still need to pay some fees.

For large transactions, it is acceptable to pay some handling fees in exchange for greater convenience.

It is much smaller than the fire consumption of transporting back and forth.

Of course, the resistance of various departments of the Great Wei was also related to the fire consumption.

However, it was Fei Hong's prudent management for many years.

The bill of exchange was centered in Duzhong and Jinling, and gradually radiated the entire Wei Dynasty.

Even, it can be seen overseas.

During the reign of Emperor Jingshun, money orders were used more and more frequently.

It is not limited to large transactions, but penetrates into all walks of life.

Before, Feng Yibo especially liked to use money orders.

The premise of likability is trust.

This rudimentary financial system can remain stable.

Relying on Fei Hong's consistent stability.

Now, the person who created this system is about to retire and return home.

Feng Yibo was naturally worried about the future value of the money order.

What he is most afraid of is that the person who takes over will send money indiscriminately because of lack of money.

In particular, the current treasury of the Great Wei State is not rich.

If someone without financial knowledge takes over.

Or knowing the consequences, but can only choose to drink poison to quench their thirst.

That will inevitably lead to the explosion of this crude financial system.

I am afraid that we will face a run on it next.

If you fail to deal with it in time, the bill of exchange may lose its credit.

One of the most dire consequences is that bills of exchange become worthless paper.

In fact, as early as a few days ago, news spread that Zhao Shunjun had fallen to Emperor Jingshun.

Feng Yibo's first reaction when he heard the news was what price Emperor Jingshun paid to recruit him.

Zhao Shunjun has already sat in the household department, so he can be recruited for his position.

The only option left is to join the cabinet.

As for Zhao Shunjun's entry into the cabinet, the greatest possibility is to replace Fei Hong.

After all, the functions of the two are repeated, and they are both from the Ministry of household affairs.

What's more, Fei Hong had long thought of retiring, and had repeatedly requested to retire from the old school.

As long as Emperor Jingshun pushed the boat smoothly, it would be logical for Mr. Zhao Shun to take the throne.

Things were indeed as expected, and they were developing in the direction Feng Yibo was worried about.

Next, it depends on whether Zhao Shunjun's policy on drafts is prudent.

Apart from this reason, Feng Yibo had to prepare for the worst. .

There is another important reason why he asked Donghai County to abandon the draft.

In Irian Island, copper and gold mines were discovered one after another.

Feng Yibo had an idea.

And now, Wei's financial system may change again.

Then this idea can also be properly prepared.

The idea is...

Gold mines and copper mines are money, but it is still a step away from becoming spendable money.

That is, coinage.

The Great Wei has expressly stipulated that anyone who privately mints copper coins will be hanged.

But in fact, there are countless copper coins minted privately, and they have been banned repeatedly.

Especially in the south of the Yangtze River, there are still people who specialize in casting copper coins for a living.

Wa country does not have its own currency, and has used the currency of the Central Plains since ancient times.

This led to a more serious money panic in the Wa Kingdom than in the Central Plains Dynasty.

As a result, many privately minted copper coins were born.

After these copper coins are transported to Japan, they can make five times the profit!
Among them, Tiantai Tongbao has the largest number.

To a certain extent, Dawei's panic about money has a lot to do with this incident.

In addition to preparing to mint Tiantai Tongbao, Feng Yibo also plans to have gold and silver coins minted.

There are many silver mines associated with gold mines.

In addition, Donghai County has accumulated massive wealth through maritime trade and taxation.

If they are all exchanged into cash, the sum of the two should be enough to support coinage.

Regardless of whether the value of the final bill of exchange changes or not, minting coins is also a profitable business.

Moreover, it is illegal to mint copper coins, but it is not within the scope of the law to mint gold and silver coins.

Belongs to a gray area.

It wasn't long before the matter was settled.

Sure enough, Fei Hong died and Zhao Shunjun entered the cabinet.

Of course, Fei Hong also wanted to retire a long time ago, but Emperor Jingshun has been trying hard to persuade him to stay.

Now that I have taken advantage of the situation to go home to support the elderly, I can count myself as retired.

Here, just as Zhao Shunjun entered the cabinet, Feng Yibo received Feng Ziying's invitation.

Feng Ziying personally went to Feng's mansion to invite him to a banquet at his own mansion.

Just say that there is something important to discuss.

"The national funeral is not over, so I dare not have a banquet."

Feng Yibo also wanted to analyze with Li Shouzhong the situation in the DPRK and China after Zhao Shunjun joined the cabinet.

He didn't want to go to Feng Ziying's residence at this juncture.

He walked around with Jia's mansion because it was fine if he had relatives.

If he still walks with Feng Ziying, it will inevitably make people think that he is too close to the founder of the country.

In particular, Feng Ziying's position is unclear, and it is very likely that he is an Infernal Affairs.

Feng Yibo didn't want to get too close to him.

He first gave the reason for the national funeral, and then declined:

"Brother Ziying's kindness, I appreciate it. After a while, call Shang Lian's second brother, and we will meet again."

This is to pull Jia Lian and avoid meeting Feng Ziying alone.

"This is what I said. Although the national funeral is not over, the family banquet is fine."

Feng Ziying heard the words, but persevered.

He put on a posture of "If you don't go, I won't go", and said:
"We are all the Feng family, isn't that just a family feast?"

There are many people with the surname Feng, who are you?

Feng Yibo complained in his heart, but still declined on his face, saying:

"You go, I still have some things to deal with."

Upon hearing this, Feng Ziying hurriedly said:
"No one else but my brother."

Seeing Feng Yibo's frequent rejections, he stopped exchanging greetings, and said directly:
"I know you are still dissatisfied with me for what happened last time, but should you give me a chance to explain?"

After finishing speaking, Feng Yibo only looked at him, but didn't answer.

Now Feng Ziying was in a hurry, so she went straight to it.

He grabbed Feng Yibo's arm and pulled it out.

While pulling, he also said:
"Let's go, let's have a few drinks and it's over, I promise you won't regret it!"

Feng Yibo had no choice but to order someone to prepare the car.

When the two arrived at Feng Ziying's residence, they saw other people in the room as soon as they entered.

It was dressed up by several actors, and a woman greeted her headed by her beautifully.

"This is Miss Yun'er from Jinxiangyuan. She is the best at playing the pipa. I specially invited you here to cheer for Yibo."

Yun'er fluttered generously, but she was not as shy as an ordinary woman.

The two sent Feng Yibo to the upper seat, and Feng Ziying said to Na Yun'er:
"Yun'er, this is my honored guest, Feng Duwei from the Rites Department, you have to treat me well, if Feng Duwei is not satisfied, I will not cheer you on in the future!"

When Yun'er heard the words, his eyes lit up immediately.

Immediately, the whole person stood up and said:

"But Feng Jiaxuan?"

Feng Yibo hid his body slightly, and then said:
"I dare not call it 'Jiaxuan'."

"So, Feng Jiaxuan is indeed a hero in Jiangnan!"

Seeing Feng Yibo acquiescing, Yun'er was pleasantly surprised.

She was born in the south of the Yangtze River, and she had indeed heard of Feng Yibo's name.

Seeing me at this time, it is inevitable that I am really happy.

"Yun'er has heard of your name in Jiangnan earlier, it is a great fortune to meet you today!"

Feng Yibo didn't react much when he heard the words.

He just smiled and cupped his hands, saying:

"Nice to meet you!"

Seeing that Feng Yibo had been perfunctory since he came in, Yun'er was suddenly a little disappointed.

Immediately, she bit her lower lip lightly, and said aggrievedly:

"Feng Duwei doesn't like the slave family?"

Of course Feng Yibo didn't like a prostitute, but he didn't need to say it directly.

Hearing Yun'er's wronged question, he joked:

"It's said that there must be gentlemen in the wind and dust. I don't look down on them, but I'm afraid I won't be able to get rid of them."

Although what he said was interesting, he also tactfully admitted that he didn't like it.

"Uh, cluck!"

Yun'er was taken aback for a moment, obviously understood.

Then he smiled indifferently, and joked:

"It seems that Captain Feng has succeeded?"

In the field of love and moon, it is common to see noble people.

Naturally, Yun'er would not feel dissatisfied because she looked down on her.

Feng Yibo naturally wouldn't make things difficult for Yun'er, so he joked again:

"That's not true. My beautiful wife and concubine barely take care of me, so the fat and water will naturally not flow to outsiders' fields."

"Captain Feng is really interesting."

Yun'er covered her mouth and chuckled, becoming more and more interested in Feng Yibo.

A pair of eyes seemed to have hooks, constantly winking at Feng Yibo.

Feng Ziying thought that Feng Yibo was just a little cautious, so she coughed lightly and said:
"Cough! It's rare for Captain Feng to be honored today, Yun'er won't let you play a ditty for you to drink for Captain Feng?"

When Yun'er heard about it, she was still a little bit reluctant.

She went to the stage, first picked up the pipa and tuned the strings, and then began to sing:
"It's hard to let go of the two enemies, and you're thinking about him when you come here."

She sang a catchy song, and her eyes were like hooks.

Constantly exerting force on Feng Yibo.

"It's difficult to describe the handsomeness of the two of them. I want to book a private meeting in the tea rack last night."

At this time Yun'er sang more and more lingeringly, and her winking eyes were like strands of silk,
I'm afraid that if I change someone, I won't be able to bear it.

But Feng Yibo didn't seem to notice, he still tapped the beat with a light smile.

As if listening to music seriously.

"One was having an affair, the other was looking for it. I got Sancao against the case, and I didn't reply."

"..."

After singing a song, Yun'er bit her lip and came back.

He wanted to lean on Feng Yibo again.

Feng Yibo remained calm and moved slightly to the side.

Seeing this, Yun'er no longer leaned close, just smiled and said:
"What do you think, maybe serving wine to Captain Feng?"

Feng Yibo didn't look at her, but looked at Feng Ziying opposite, and said:

"The song is a good song, but unfortunately the words are too colorful, I can't drink it."

When Yun'er heard the words, she pouted her small mouth and said angrily:

"What kind of words does Feng Duwei like, could it be that of the Qing courtiers?"

Feng Yibo shook his head, still smiling and replied:

"I don't know what kind of gentleman Qing is, but since Miss Yun'er is good at the pipa, how about a song "House of Flying Daggers"?"

Yun'er was taken aback by these words, she looked at Feng Yibo in surprise, and then suddenly said:
"Almost forgot, Feng Duwei has the reputation of 'Jiaxuan', and he should like songs like "Chu Han"!"

"Ambush on Ten Sides" is also called "Huaiyin Pingchu", or directly "Chu Han"

Feng Ziying sighed at this moment, and said helplessly:
"Yibo, why are you so murderous?"

He obviously knew that Feng Yibo didn't really want to hear "House of Flying Daggers".

Instead, express dissatisfaction with yourself.

Immediately Feng Ziying stopped going around in circles, and was about to get to the point, so she waved to Yun'er and said:

"Miss Yun'er, I don't need you here, go down and have a rest first."

Upon hearing this, Yun'er knew that they were going to talk about serious business.

Reluctantly parting now, he said:
"Feng Duwei, if you want to listen to the pipa in the future, you might as well ask someone to send a message to Jinxiangyuan, and I will give you a free one."

Saying that, without waiting for Feng Yibo's response, he led the actors in the house and went out together.

When he came to the door, he turned his head to wink at Feng Yibo, saluted nonuo, and said:
"We are destined to meet again."

Yun'er has tried this trick of showing mercy time and time again.

Unfortunately, this time it seems to be out of order.

Feng Yibo didn't do what she wished, so there was no sign of conflict.

He just nodded to her with a smile and said nothing more.

"Brother Ziying didn't come to me just to show me Goulan Xiaoqu?"

(End of this chapter)