People in Hongwu, from heavenly master to emperor master

Chapter 549: The sick tiger comes out of the mountain, currency reform

In Hu Weiyong's eyes, Lan Yu was just a straw bag.

Maybe he was very brave on the battlefield, but when he returned to the court, this guy was about the same as Chang Mao.

Compared with Xu Da's stability and Chang Yuchun's affinity,

He, the so-called rising star among the second generation generals of the Ming Dynasty, is not worth mentioning at all.

He didn't even know who his real backer was.

Without Zhu Biao, he would have been dealt with by Lao Zhu long ago, but he didn't understand such a simple truth.

Not only did he not understand, but he also felt resentful toward Zhu Biao.

If even a word of this was spread, the emperor would probably have to carefully consider his relationship with Zhu Biao.

But it's also because he's a fool that he has value.

Although Hu Weiyong smiled proudly, he enlightened Lan Yu:
"His Highness is punishing you because you killed someone. If you fall into Xu Da's hands, I don't know what punishment you will receive.

He gave you a hundred sticks, but he didn't kill you, and he even gave you medicine.

The general shouldn't take this to heart. "

"How can this small favor compare to the death of my nephew..."

Lan Yu brought up the old things again and gritted her teeth.

Hu Weiyong was behind him, smiling even happier.

"General Lan, what I said last night are just clues that I found out by myself. They should not be taken as true. General, it is best to check it yourself!
In fact, the prime minister suggested to the general that it is best to pretend that this incident never happened...

After all, even if you determine the truth, nothing will change? "

Every word he said was heart-breaking. Lan Yu clutched the quilt tightly and said nothing.

"Hu Xiang, where are my nephew's bones?"

"The true form of that corpse is left by others. General, when he returns to the court this time, he should go and identify it. If it is not Chang Mao, it would be best..."

"Thank you, Mr. Hu!"

Lan Yu silently accepted Hu Weiyong's kindness. Seeing that the heat was almost over, Hu Weiyong took the initiative to say goodbye and leave.

Lan Yu was left alone, enduring everything silently.

In a few days, it will be the day for Xu Da and others to return to the court.

Zhu Biao took away Yao Guangxiao, and together with Xu Da and Zhu Di, he returned to the court.

Lan Yu was sent back all the way as a prisoner, but Zhu Biao took pity on his mobility difficulties and had a special carriage to escort him.

city ​​gate.

"Zhang Yi, you really don't want to come with us?"

"Your Highness, Pindao will also go all the way south, but he will go along the coast to have a look..."

It goes all the way down from the coast of Beijing, passing by Tianjin, and heading towards Shandong.

Zhang Yi has long been willing to travel around the country, and this time he came out to find resources.

Although he knows exactly where and what is on the map of later generations.

But after all, in 500 years, there will be some changes in the mountains and landforms, which he needs to measure with his own feet.

"Okay, there will be guards in uniform who will be responsible for your safety along the way, and...

You passed through Shandong and returned to Nanjing from Jining! "

"Your Highness is afraid that someone in Jiangnan will recognize Pindao?"

Zhang Yi smiled. The more Zhu Biao reminded him, the more it meant that the recent atmosphere was not very good.

A gentleman does not stand behind a dangerous wall, and Zhang Yi is not a reckless person. He nodded and agreed to Zhu Biao's request.

"Your Highness, go first!"

Zhu Biao nodded when he heard this, turned around and waved.

His team began to head south.

Zhang Yi pulled the reins and said to the Jin Yiwei beside him:

"Excuse me, my lords!"

This time he did not take a carriage, but rode a horse directly, preparing to quickly go to Tianjin...

The two teams disappeared into the distance, and Hu Weiyong stood at the city gate to see them off, half-smiling but not smiling.

He stared at Zhang Yi's leaving figure and clenched his fists tightly.

……

"very good……"

Yingtianfu, the imperial palace.

In late summer and early autumn, there is already a hint of coolness in the air. ,
However, the emperor was in a very good mood at this time because of the two memorials in his hands.

It is said to be a memorial, but in fact the two articles combined contain approximately more than [-] words.

There is no nonsense in the whole article, only a lot of practical information, which also represents the good intentions of the people who wrote these two articles.

"Where is Yao Guangxiao?"

Zhu Yuanzhang put down his article and asked Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao said:
"He has returned with his son and is waiting outside!"

Lao Zhu put down the article, but couldn't help but pick it up and read it again and again.

He felt more and more that Yao Guangxiao was exactly the talent he had dreamed of.

However, thinking of Zhang Yi's prophecy about this person, Lao Zhu finally felt a little uncomfortable.

A person with anti-ambition is not liked by the emperor.

Even though he hasn't done anything yet...

"What do you think of this person?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was very fond of Yao Guangxiao's abilities, but he still had grudges after all.

Zhu Biao heard this, thought for a while and said:

"This person's talent is no less than that of Mr. Li and Mr. Liu..."

"How does that compare to Hu Weiyong?"

"Far better than that!"

Zhu Biao answered this question without hesitation:

"Hu Weiyong has good abilities and is conscientious.

But compared with Master Yao, he seems to lack some spirituality! "

Spirituality sounds very fantasy, but Lao Zhu understands it.

Sometimes, those mysterious and mysterious feelings are exactly the gap that separates geniuses from ordinary people.

Can it be like Wang Guangyang?

In fact, his ability is very high. If we talk about military merit, he may not be worse than Liu Bowen.

But in Lao Zhu's opinion, Wang Guangyang was just a bit inferior.

Zhu Biao can feel the difference in Yao Guangxiao, which proves that this person is indeed good.

"Then do you think he can use it with confidence?"

Zhu Biao thought for a while and said:

"My son thinks that this person can be used. Father, it was the younger brother of the Zhang family who warned this person of danger, and now it is the younger brother of the Zhang family who recommends him!

Since Zhang Yi said this person could do it, Erchen thought it was okay! "

This is the truth, but Lao Zhu is not satisfied.

"This shouldn't be said by a future emperor. Do you want Zhang Yi to teach you how to do things?"

When Zhu Biao heard this, he immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing and quickly lowered his head.

"I don't trust Zhang Yi, but a king has a king's code of conduct. If you only judge a person based on Zhang Yi's judgment, then are you the emperor, or is Zhang Yi the emperor?"

"What my father taught me is..."

Zhu Biao's attitude in admitting his mistakes is also excellent.

Lao Zhu nodded with satisfaction and said:

"Let him in..."

The eunuch went out, and after a while, a Taoist priest was invited in.

Lao Zhu looked this person up and down. Yao Guangxiao was dressed in a blue Taoist robe, but he didn't have much of an image of immortality.

He is thin and has a dignified appearance, but his pair of triangular eyes somewhat destroys his immortality.

But he seems to be indifferent to worldly affairs, which makes people feel very contradictory.

When Yao Guangxiao saw Zhu Yuanzhang, he was still neither humble nor overbearing, and was not intimidated by the emperor's momentum.

Lao Zhu nodded, this person is indeed good.

However, his face was expressionless and he just pushed the article written by Yao Guangxiao to the front.

"Did you write this article?"

"Your Majesty, it's Pindao!"

"I have known Zhang Yi for ten years, but I have rarely heard him praise someone so highly. Even if he is like Liu Ji and Li Shanchang, Zhang Yi has some objections!
And when he recommended you, he was very kind in his words. Master Yao, I am very curious about your ability.

Please tell me the benefits of this article..."

Yao Guangxiao's expression remained unchanged and he said:
"Actually, Pindao has written a lot, but in the end he only has the central idea of ​​controlling the gap between the rich and the poor. As Master said, if wealth is hidden among the people, the world will prosper.

And the widening gap between rich and poor is a sign of national subjugation!

Master knew that His Majesty wanted to issue Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes, and was worried that Your Majesty would not exercise restraint, so he recommended Pindao to come over...

This article by Pindao talks about the way to hide wealth among the people! "

When Lao Zhu heard this, he laughed angrily:

"That bastard Zhang Yi, you co-recommended you because you're afraid that I don't know how to control myself?
Then why does he believe that you can control me? "

Lao Zhu's words made Zhu Biao couldn't help but sweat break out on his forehead.

Does Yao Guangxiao really dare to say that he would not let Zhang Yi do it and cause death for himself?
"The poor monk can't, but what the poor Taoist wants to do is to control the emperor!
Therefore, Pindao felt that my master was unloyal and would not come forward to do anything that offended others, but left it to Pindao.

If your Majesty is looking for trouble, you can go to my master yourself and don't implicate me! "

Seeing him dumping the blame in a serious manner, Lao Zhu and Zhu Biao couldn't help laughing.

Yao Guangxiao does have an inexplicable quality that makes people approach him.

This is probably the reason why he was able to achieve great success in his original destiny.

Zhu Yuanzhang found that just as he was making jokes, he became much less wary of him.

"Can……"

Yao Guangxiao suddenly changed the topic.

“In his position, he will seek his own government!

If His Majesty really approves of Pindao's article, he wants Pindao to implement monetary policy.

The poor Taoist man is trying his best to behead the emperor, but he still has to control the emperor..."

The atmosphere in the imperial study suddenly became solemn, and Zhu Biao also broke into a cold sweat.

Lao Zhu stared at Yao Guangxiao with serious eyes, but he only saw that the other party was ordinary and not affected by Zhu Yuanzhang at all?
"You are not afraid of death?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked, and Yao Guangxiao said calmly:

“Afraid of dying worthless!
If your Majesty asks me if I am afraid at this time, I am afraid!
If Pindao wins His Majesty's favor and presides over the currency reform, Pindao will not be afraid! "

"What a Yao Guangxiao who is not afraid of death, hahahaha..."

Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Yao Guangxiao's answer and smiled instead of getting angry.

"No wonder Zhang Yi would recommend you to pursue his political career. If you can do this, it will be really good...

I also read your article and understand what you mean. Come and give me a seat! "

Zhu Yuanzhang asked the eunuch to bring a chair for Yao Guangxiao to sit down.

"Tell me about monetary policy..."

"These things are all taught by the master, but I also have my own understanding. Your Majesty..."

Yao Guangxiao thought for a moment and explained to Zhu Yuanzhang the principles of economics that Zhang Yi had instilled in him: "First of all, what is currency...currency is the general equivalent..."

Yao Guangxiao once told Zhang Yi that the most difficult part about currency reform was convincing the emperor.

No one likes the power in their hands to be limited, and issuing currency is precisely to control the desires of the emperor.

Starting from the earliest shells, Yao Guangxiao clearly explained the nature of currency, and also explained the seigniorage tax if the imperial court invented currency.

Harvesting the people with inflation is a temptation that no one in power can resist.

But if a rising dynasty cannot control this, its credibility will be ruined. What is even more serious is the political instability caused by the gap between the rich and the poor after the people are harvested.

Zhu Yuanzhang listened very carefully and asked Yao Guangxiao questions from time to time.

"Your master once said that changing dynasties is nothing more than losing the way for people in the world to ascend.

What Yao Guangxiao said about the gap between rich and poor generally means the same thing. I understand!

Regarding currency, may I consider your opinion? "

Yao Guangxiao was stunned. Did Zhu Yuanzhang accept his opinion so quickly?
On his way here, Yao Guangxiao had already made full preparations to persuade Zhu Yuanzhang.

Lao Zhu accepted it before he even used one tenth of the means he had in mind?

“It is certainly the king’s wish to do as he pleases, but the king also has the responsibilities of a king.

I won’t say anything pretentious about letting people live in peace.

Even for the long-term peace and stability of the Ming Dynasty, the emperor must also understand the principle of moderation.

Does Yao Aiqing think that I am just a person who doesn't know how to control myself? "

Yao Guangxiao was thoughtful. Before he came, he really thought so, even if Zhang Yi told him that he might have misjudged the emperor.

This is actually no one’s fault. Zhu Yuanzhang used fierce methods in power.

This often makes people think that he is a person who does not know how to give in. ,
"Prince, what I say is also for you..."

While Lao Zhu was talking to Yao Guangxiao, he did not forget to educate Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao quickly stood up and expressed his acceptance.

"Don't look at me like this. Although I don't have the magnanimity of Taizong, I'm not a fool either!
When Zhang Yi persuaded me to reform the clan system, I followed suit.

In fact, I have always hoped that someone could remind me that I used to expect Liu Bowen, but he has resigned.

Later, I felt that your master was good, but he refused to become an official in the court.

Now that he has pushed you to me, I will give you a chance.

I want to see how you control me!
Yao Guangxiao! "

Zhu Yuanzhang shouted, Yao Guangxiao understood and quickly knelt down to Lao Zhu:

"Chen is here!"

"Since you said that currency issuance should be independent of the Ministry of Accounts, I will let you try and leave the currency issuance to you!
But you have to do this well, and I will support you in establishing the bank you mentioned!
You, Yao Guangxiao, are the first president of this bank. Yao Aiqing, please don’t let me down. I have a crush on you! "

Yao Guangxiao heard this and bowed his head in agreement.

Yao Guangxiao wrote clearly about the bank's structure, authority, and restrictions.

He was not afraid that Lao Zhu would not trust him, but he was afraid that Lao Zhu would not be able to clearly distinguish between powers and responsibilities.

Since Zhu Yuanzhang gave him enough trust, he listened to Zhang Yi and went ahead.

Yao Guangxiao was not interested in becoming an official of the Ming Dynasty.

But it was Yao Guangxiao who changed the world.

"The child named Fang Xiaoru should be a direct descendant of your training. I heard that the prince recommended him and said that he is also a talent, so let him follow you.

Also, if you think there are suitable students, no more than ten, you can join them all! "

Zhu Yuanzhang showed his extreme trust in Yao Guangxiao in preparing the bank.

Yao Guangxiao was a little surprised, but also a little moved.

Since the emperor trusted him, there was no reason why he should not work hard to do this.

"Sir, thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Go and make a plan for me. You can enter the palace at any time and report to me..."

The so-called bank was a central bank established by the imperial court. This was the first time in Ming Dynasty or in China.

Zhu Yuanzhang had not thought about how to grade Yao Guangxiao for the time being, so he simply took it slow before talking.

Yao Guangxiao took Zhu Yuanzhang's orders and was still shocked when he went out.

The emperor is no longer simply cooperating with him, but is fully cooperating.

It's just a reward for himself. Lao Zhu gave him a quota as an official, which means that ten students from Spring and Autumn College can bypass the imperial examination, leap over the dragon's gate, and rise to the top.

As the handler, Yao Guangxiao had just entered the officialdom and had gained ten direct descendants that he could rely on.

Yao Guangxiao was confused.

"Father, you seem to be too kind to this person..."

Zhu Biao was also puzzled by Zhu Yuanzhang's decision.

"Zhang Yi mentioned Yao Guangxiao to me. He once mentioned that this person does not admire power and is very loyal to the fourth child.

Since I am going to use such a person, I must give him enough power.

Let him return to his heart so that he can serve me! "

Zhu Biao was thoughtful. In short, this is Zhang Yi's judgment on Yao Guangxiao.

Although he is unruly, if you are sincere to him, once he convinces you, he will be more loyal than anyone else.

"It depends on whether I can conquer this sick tiger!"

"If he is a sick tiger, my father must be an Arhat who is lying on the back of a tiger!"

Zhu Biao gave Zhu Yuanzhang a little flattery, which was very helpful to Lao Zhu, but there was still a trace of doubt in his heart.

After Yao Guangxiao returned to Beijing, Zhu Yuanzhang's reforms began immediately.

According to Yao Guangxiao's design, or Zhang Yi's simplified design for later generations of central banks, the authority to issue Ming Dynasty banknotes was assigned by the emperor to the newly established central bank.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not call it the central bank, but the Baochao Bureau.

Yao Guangxiao, who presided over the Baochao Bureau, directly became a third-rank official.

This airborne third-grade one immediately caused a tremor in the court.

As soon as the Baochao Bureau came out, the first thing that was affected was the authority of the Ministry of Accounts.

The Ministry of Revenue has lost the power to issue banknotes, or in other words, the task of issuing banknotes all over the world needs Yao Guangxiao to manage it.

The act of issuing money is not scary in itself.

The scary thing is that the Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes are anchored to the tax revenue of the imperial court and the money in the national treasury.

The silver and grain equivalent to the national treasury are the anchors of Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes.

Theoretically, the Ministry of Accounts would also have to borrow money from the Baochao Bureau.

This suddenly shocked the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty.

It would be fine if the emperor separated out an organization, but that person was Yao Guangxiao.

A person who had never experienced the imperial examination and was not even a Confucian became a third-rank official.

The crowd in the court instantly became excited, and they flew towards Zhu Yuanzhang like snowflakes.

Lao Zhu ignored this and let Yao Guangxiao do the hard work.

A month later, Yao Guangxiao submitted his plan to Zhu Yuanzhang, regarding the anchoring of the currency and the plan to issue the currency.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied. The first batch of Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes was quickly distributed to the people through the Bao Banknote Bureau.

The means of issuing banknotes is naturally through salaries.

When the officials received the grain and some banknotes distributed by Zhu Yuanzhang, they were all stunned.

Even if the emperor declares that Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes can be used as currency, someone still needs to approve it?

If the things in your hands become waste paper, the issuance of currency will be meaningless.

However, Yao Guangxiao quickly announced one thing, that is, at the Baobao Bureau, Ming Dynasty Baobao can be exchanged for silver according to a certain ratio.

It is equivalent to saying that Yao Guangxiao used the silver in the treasury to endorse the treasure banknotes.

For a while, the officials who were dubious began to go to the Banknote Bureau to change.

When they got their own silver from the Baobao Bureau, they still looked in disbelief.

Once Zhu Yuanzhang decided to do something, he did not lack determination.

Some of these officials spent the Ming Dynasty treasure notes, and the businessmen and common people who got the money also went to the treasure banknote bureau to exchange for silver.

With a stroke of his pen, Yao Guangxiao all agreed.

"Do you know how much money you have spent on me these days?"

More than ten days after the first batch of treasure notes were sent out, Zhu Yuanzhang finally couldn't bear it and called Yao Guangxiao to the imperial study room.

"Your Majesty feels that the Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes cost you money, which proves that you yourself do not regard those papers as money.

If you don't have confidence in yourself, how can you let people believe in you? "

Yao Guangxiao's words left Zhu Yuanzhang speechless.

Issuing Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes was so troublesome. It was much more difficult than he originally imagined.

No wonder Yao Guangxiao said that he came here just to control the emperor.

“Your Majesty, if this thing doesn’t have the credit endorsement of the imperial court, it’s just useless paper!
Your Majesty wants to see immediate results, which is certainly a good idea!
But if you don’t have confidence yourself, how can the people have confidence?

If the people want to run, let them run. Anyway, the currency sent out by Weichen is limited at the beginning, and there is a possibility of being run!
Whether it's the people or the ministers, as long as they exchange it a few times, they will stop trouble and gradually accept the Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes in their hands!
What I have to do now is to build people's confidence in the court...

If your Majesty can't bear this, you can ask someone else to do it! "

Zhu Yuanzhang was almost angered by Yao Guangxiao's words, but it was difficult for him to endure it.

"You are just as bad as your master!"

When Yao Guangxiao heard this, he, who had always been calm and calm, rarely smiled.

It seems that it was a great honor for Zhu Yuanzhang to compare him with Zhang Yi.

After all, Lao Zhu did not interfere with Yao Guangxiao, but fully supported him.

Compared to the Ming Dynasty banknotes that he issued as soon as his mind got hot, he looked forward to the future that Zhang Yi and Yao Guangxiao painted for him.

If paper money could become a mature currency, it would not only be usable within the Ming Dynasty, but could even be exported.

The hidden benefits of coinage are limitless.

But if you want to turn the Ming Dynasty treasure banknotes into a currency that everyone trusts, you need enough restraint!

Yao Guangxiao did not disappoint Zhu Yuanzhang.

In the first month, [-]% of the treasure notes issued by the treasure banknote bureau were exchanged for silver.

In the second month, only [-]% was left.

In the third month, this ratio became [-]%.

Zhu Yuanzhang was finally able to resist the tide of bank runs, which was a headache, with the support of abundant silver in the national treasury.

"It's done?"

"The first step is done!
Congratulations to Your Majesty..."

Yao Guangxiao resisted the pressure and finally completed the first step in his plan, allowing Ming Baochao to establish initial credibility.

He himself also showed a very rare smile of relief.

"You have done a great job in this matter!"

"No, this was only possible because of the foundation laid by the Ming Dynasty. Without Japanese silver, I would not have been able to do this!"

Yao Guangxiao gave the credit to Zhu Yuanzhang at the right time.

Lao Zhu stared at him, his face uncertain.

……

"One hundred pennies?"

Yingtian Mansion has gradually entered winter.

The carriages and horses accompanying Zhang Yi rested on the roadside and had a meal.

When he received a Ming Dynasty treasure note from the shopkeeper's money, he couldn't help but laugh.

(End of this chapter)