The First Gongsheng of Ming Dynasty

Chapter 318 I Check Myself

Zhang Zhou returned to the capital from Datong.

However, just as he set out of the city in the afternoon, he was blocked by a group of people who blocked the way and complained.

Zhang Zhou was riding on a horse. He thought he was a military and civilian gentry who came to see him off. After a group of people approached, they realized that they were taking advantage of him and wanted to sue Zhang Heling and others who had been mining around Datong before.

"Master Qingtian is the master. I waited for the small people to be oppressed, and the good mines were robbed by the villains. They even sent domestic slaves and thugs to beat my small people..."

Maybe Zhang Zhou's official voice was too good before.

The things that were scolded were done by others, and this group of people didn't know whether they were really stupid or pretending to be confused, as if they didn't know that the mining was done by him, the general manager of Xuanda.

Zhang Heling rode on the horse and said with a smile, "There are a lot of people here, did you find the wrong place?"

He had a sarcastic look on his face.

Zhang Zhou got off his horse, walked up to the group of people, and said loudly: "Everyone, you want to find someone to make decisions for you. Please go to the government office. I have resigned from my official position and will return to Beijing soon."

"My lord, you can't just leave like this, our good land has been taken away by villains! They are all those who cannibalize people without spitting out their bones..."

"Who are you talking about?" Zhang Heling couldn't listen anymore, and followed, pointing at a group of people with fierce faces, "I will open your mine! If you have the ability, come to me! I will kill you!"

"It's this villain! I heard that he is a foreign relative, a national traitor of Ming Dynasty! I hope Master Qingtian will make decisions for me and other small people!"

For the first time, Zhang Zhou saw the methods used by local gentry to compete for interests.

It's really like sending people to the mine to rob first, and if they can't rob, they will make trouble. If the local government doesn't dare to take care of it, they will go to the upper echelons to make trouble.

He was already like this before he left Datong, and he believed that when he returned to the capital, the memorials telling him to mine in the northwest to plunder the people's fat and people's anointment would pile up into mountains, and the spitting stars of those ministers alone could drown him.

He suddenly felt that it would be better to open a coal mine in Xishan, at least it would be at the feet of the emperor, and at most it would be arguing with a group of nobles.

It's really that the mountains are high and the emperor is far away. He doesn't talk about the king's law but only about interests.

Zhang Zhoudao: "I have heard your request, but it is useless for you to tell me. There is a Wang Zhongcheng in the city. He is the governor of Datong. From now on, he will be in charge of Datong's local affairs."

At a time like this, Zhang Zhou would of course leave the problem to Wang Shouren.

It cannot be said that if you have the opportunity to win military merits in war, you will go to it, and when there are troubles, let others take care of them.

Moreover, when Zhang Zhou left, he said that Wang Shouren was in charge of mining in the future. As for how to deal with the local egoist gentry, it depended on Wang Shouren's ability.

"My lord, I still hope that you will decide this matter!"

The leader has already come out, and the look of hatred is not directed at Zhang Heling, but at Zhang Zhou.

Dayou, if you don't let us decide, we will fight you desperately.

Zhang Heling scolded: "I'm giving you shame. The mines I opened are all in places where no one is around, and they are all in barren mountains. When did you occupy whose field? Whose mine did you rob? Obviously a group of people saw that I opened mines It went smoothly, so you just want to take it back? Whose Daming do you think this is?"

Seeing Zhang Heling like this, Zhang Zhou almost couldn't recognize him.

The boss of the Zhang family, who was known for being stupid and greedy in Daming, actually started to reason with people?

And this time it was him who took the lead?

It really is that time has changed and the world has changed, making people unable to understand how things in this world are changing.

The leader of the gentry shouted: "You villain! That place is our ancestral property! And we will soon find that mine! It was you who stole it!"

"Damn it, it's easy to talk about bullying me! See if I don't skin you! I opened a mine and said it was yours. Why don't you say that Daming is yours?" Zhang Heling has never been bullied like this to the end. superior.

The gentry instantly lost the gentle aura of wanting to reason with Zhang Zhou, and they all stood up, and those behind even raised their hoes and everything.

"You dignitaries from the capital came to mine in Shanxi. This place belongs to us! Go back to your capital!"

"If you don't hand over the mine, I will fight you!"

Someone really rushed over with a hoe, and wanted to smash Zhang Heling with the hoe.

This man was in his 40s, and he didn't look like he was working in the fields at first glance, but he was hiding in the crowd wearing a coarse cloth and pretending to be an ordinary person. He probably felt that Zhang Zhou was present, regardless of Zhang Zhou. How about the personal relationship with Zhang Heling, at least Zhang Zhou must protect their interests for his own reputation.

That's why he dared to smash Zhang Heling in front of so many guards.

"Shh!"

Zhang Heling was not polite, he directly pulled out a knife, and was about to fight the man desperately when he raised it.

Seeing this posture, the man started to retreat halfway through the rush, but was kicked down by a Beijing soldier.

"kill you!"

Zhang Heling had never suffered such a big loss. This would be like cutting someone with a knife regardless, but Zhang Zhou grabbed his hand.

"Zhang Zhitai, what do you mean?" Zhang Heling stared at Zhang Zhou.

The person who offended me, Shou Ninghou, did not offend you, Zhang Bingkuan?Regarding the matter of mining, it is agreed that I will take the lead in the front, but the problem is that you can't just stand by.

Zhang Zhoudao: "Oh, you are not a small crime for attacking the nobles of Chaozhong! Fortunately, you didn't succeed, otherwise you... and a group of you would not have enough heads to chop off."

Someone shouted: "Master Zhang, how can you help Xiaoxiao?"

Zhang Zhou sneered and said: "I was ordered by the emperor to come to the northwest to control military affairs, but I didn't say that I would help you sort out these messes! If there is anyone who says that the Marquis of Shouning opened a mine and occupied someone's land, please come to the government with the land contract , those mines in the barren mountains and mountains, you'd better have evidence that they belong to you! Otherwise, don't let the Yamen help you!"

"Officials protect each other!"

The gentry, who had been flattering Zhang Zhou, immediately turned his guns around and classified Zhang Zhou as a traitor.

Zhang Zhou greeted, and then Jin Yiwei came out with a knife in hand, and the soldiers of the Beijing camp stepped forward and surrounded a group of people in front of them.

Zhang Zhou sternly said: "Please 'invite' everyone into the city, to the governor's yamen, let Governor Wang straighten you out, and see who is messing around, and anyone who takes the lead in making trouble will not be forgiven! If the local coal mine hurts someone The situation, let the government seal it up!"

"what?"

The local officials and gentry still counted on Zhang Zhou to make the decision. Even if the appeal fails, there will probably be no loss.

But upon hearing what Zhang Zhou said.

Zhang Zhou simply wanted to play "national law" with them.

Ordinary coal mines, not to mention less production, let the coolies carry baskets of coal out after entering the pit. Not to mention that the reinforcement is not firm, and the ventilation inside is also poor, and water seepage and explosions often occur. This is also the case today. The reason why the local coal mines in Datong could not be opened.

It's not because they don't know there are mines, but because they don't have the technology to mine, and the labor cost of mining is too high.

As long as the tenants can farm the land to make a living, who is willing to risk their lives to go down the well?

What Zhang Zhou meant was to let you open mines to give you face. These private mines have been banned repeatedly, and now they are simply seized by the government. Small yamen such as , inspection department, etc. can be pardoned, and now you are directly suppressed by the governor's office, even Shanxi's chief minister will stand aside, let alone the local governments, prefectures and counties, or those military office offices up.

"Take people away!"

Zhang Zhou is not polite either.

Give you a cover, you want to fight for interests, fight with Zhang Heling, and now you are running in front of me to make trouble.

Then I, Zhang, can still give you face?
If I have the backing of the emperor, finding a place to open mines can be called competing for profit with the people, so I stop here, then my ideal of transforming Ming Dynasty has to wait until my next life to realize it?

"Mr. Zhang, you are still awesome." Zhang Heling gave Zhang Zhou a thumbs up.

Zhang Zhou scrutinized Zhang Heling and said, "And you, you've agreed that you'll be in charge of external matters, and you want me to wipe your ass? Don't you want a share in the future?"

"you!"

Zhang Heling also got angry when he heard it.

Is everyone grinning at me?

Is it Zhang Zhou?Calm down and think about it, forget it!Can't fight!
I still have to count on the legendary Zhang Banxian to open mines to help me earn money. For the sake of money, I can't go against him, otherwise he really doesn't care about my money, and it's useless for me to sue my brother-in-law.

"Mr. Zhang calm down, Ben Hou actually wants to teach this group of people a lesson. It's not what you said. No matter how big the conflict is, people can't be killed? If this is the case before, let alone a group of grassroots, even Changning Bo surnamed Zhou So what about that kid? Should we fight or fight..."

Zhang Heling said cheerfully while looking at the person who was taken away by the officers and soldiers.

The generals and officials next to him looked at it, and they would naturally feel that... this trip to the northwest by the Marquis of Shouning really changed his nature.

Facing Zhang Zhou's criticism, accepting it humbly, but still being so kind?

Didn't you all hear before that even the emperor and empress can't rule the Zhang family brothers?Why does everyone have to bow their heads and ears when this Zhang Zhitai comes out?

"Mr. Zhang has a good shot. If I knew it earlier, I would have let you do it." Zhang Heling smiled.

Zhang Zhou got angry and asked his subordinates to bring the horse over, and said, "Wait, you will have to suffer the blows with you when you return to the capital. Did I come to the Northwest to make the country rich and strong for myself? Since there is no sympathy to speak of, then Just come here! Shou Ninghou, when you rest tonight, you will give a memorial."

"What? I'm going to play the memorial?" Zhang Heling looked confused.

Zhang Zhou walked over and said in a low voice: "Just impeach the local gentry for colluding with the government to seek private interests of the court, open many mines and ignore human lives, and even evade taxes. Can you do this?"

"Okay, I'll come!"

Zhang Heling became excited when he heard it.

In the past, others came to impeach me, but now it is finally my turn, Zhang, to turn against the guest!

It turns out that stealing and extortion can still do this?Does this count as... a slap in the face?
Zhang Zhoudao: "In terms of speech, I will help you decide. With your talent... the writing must be simple, and the feelings must be sincere. After the performance, the Minister of Chinese and Military Affairs in the court must feel that you have been wronged in the northwest! And you are in the impeachment. You must take me with you when the time comes."

Zhang Heling was puzzled and said: "If you want a joint name, you can write it yourself, and I can just sign it. Why is it so troublesome?"

Zhang Zhou sneered and said, "When I said a little bit, I was also a little bit involved. I said that I was the leader among those who condoned mining in the surrounding areas of Datong."

"What?"

Zhang Heling was taken aback again.

Zhang Zhoudao: "If you still want to share the money, let me do it. Let's put each other on the opposite side first, so that others think we are in two camps. When we divide the money later, we can just be amicable."

"Oh?" Zhang Heling didn't have that brain.

He didn't think much about what he did before.

Zhang Zhou said viciously: "During the time I was in Datong, I had a thorough understanding of the chain of local interests, so you can pierce it! Didn't they want us to not be able to mine in Datong? Cut off their money first. Otherwise, they really think that we are here to mine mines secretly!"

"That's right, that's right, we came here aboveboard." Zhang Heling said with empathy.

Zhang Zhoudao: "So don't be polite, it's best to clean up the Northwest officialdom as well. By then, you Shou Ninghou will still be a hero of Ming Dynasty, and His Majesty will definitely praise you."

When Zhang Heling heard this, he was able to get money, but he could also vent his anger, and he could even earn credit from his brother-in-law... No matter what, he felt as if he was about to reach the pinnacle of his life. Times are different.

Zhang Heling narrowed his eyes and said, "Mr. Zhang, aren't you worried that you will be criticized for getting too close to Benhou?"

"Scared!" Zhang Zhou was not so polite in front of rough people, "Chaozhong is attacking me more than you now, as long as you brothers don't mind following me."

"hey-hey."

Hearing this, Zhang Heling felt more comfortable. He smiled and said, "That's right, we are all grasshoppers on the same rope, and no one wants to jump away!"

……

……

The people of Zhang Zhou hadn't returned to the capital yet, and sure enough, rumors about Zhang Zhou's mining in the northwest, which caused many local disputes, spread to the capital in an endless stream.

What's different from the past... This time the civil servants seemed very restrained.

In other words, except for those who have no brains, everyone knows that the imperial court is currently tight, and it can't even distribute the rewards for military achievements in the Northwest. The mining tax is also given to the officials first to fold the color salary notes.

Those middle- and lower-level officials are looking for the people's fat and anointing, and at the same time they want to make a good person, and it's nothing to them to change their salaries, so they naturally don't care.

But we...he cares about the money.

At the end of the morning court that day, Mingui, the censor of Zuodu, brought up the matter, especially mentioning that Zhang Heling was mining and even had a violent fight with local officials.

Zhu Youtang asked: "Is it the mine that occupied the place when the Marquis of Shouning opened the mine?"

Min Gui naturally knew it wasn't, but in his opinion, robbing the local land to mine was also a kind of theft, he insisted: "Exactly."

Zhu Youtang said: "Then who let the former mine owner open the mine there? Did he pay taxes to the court? How much is the tax paid every year?"

"Uh……"

Min Gui was speechless.

Zhu Youtang said coldly: "My gentlemen, I have long known that in places with mineral resources, the practice of opening mines without permission has been repeatedly prohibited, and even supported by the local government. Once outsiders intervene, they still want to Gathering people to carry out looting, in the past, for the sake of local stability, I often turned a blind eye to this kind of thing, but it does not mean that I want to condone."

Liu Jian said: "Your Majesty, perhaps the people from the Ministry of Industry will go to Datong to investigate this matter."

"What are you looking for?" Of course Zhu Youtang knew what Liu Jian meant.

Zhang Zhou's opening of the mine is tantamount to putting the mine under the name of a private person, and Zhang Zhou's personal interests have been transferred to the military and political system in the Northwest. The Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of War, and the local government have almost never participated in it, which means that the dominant power is in the In Zhang Zhou's hand.

Before Zhang Zhou opened the mine, people in the court didn't have much opinion on it.

Because they felt... Zhang Zhou might not be able to drive.

Now that the mines are really harvesting, Liu Jian wants to bring these mines into the supervision system, turn the royal mines into the imperial court, and then the imperial court will allocate them uniformly.

But this is obviously not in line with Zhu Youtang's wishes.

Zhu Youtang said: "Bingkuan's opening of the mine was agreed by your family, and you didn't seem to object when you folded the color salary money earlier?"

The ministers present were silent.

"Now the mining in the northwest is to accumulate military supplies for the imperial court. In the past two months, I have heard that there are only a handful of money and food transferred from the Beijing reserve to the northwest. According to the current situation, the soldiers in the northwest can't even get enough food and clothing. If you can’t even eat enough, how can you serve the country?”

Zhu Youtang's attitude is very tough.

It roughly means that there is no need to discuss the matter of mining with me, and I have no room for discussion with you.

Zhu Youtang said: "If anyone makes irresponsible remarks about this, then send him to the mine and experience the hard work of the miners! Retire!"

……

……

The emperor can be said to be extremely protective of Zhang Zhou.

It also made the ministers of the DPRK and China realize that it is useless to try to move Zhang Zhou even a little bit of interest.

But in fact, they can be regarded as "adapted". After all, Li Guang was connected to Zhang Zhou. The emperor's trust in Zhang Zhou was not much higher than that of Li Guang. In addition to interfering with matters such as preaching officials, it can also be related to court affairs.

And no matter how you look at it, Li Guang is more greedy than Zhang Zhou.

In the past, Li Guang had to be given all kinds of gifts, but now Zhang Zhou's side... I have to distribute some money to them, and I even have to be criticized for opening a mine.

Probably... Zhang Zhou was too "kind" to these people.

"In the past few days, Zhang Bingkuan is going back to Beijing. His Majesty has sent someone to ask the Ministry of Officials, saying that he is going to give him the position of Minister of the Six Departments, but he has not mentioned the Duke of Lai and the Bachelor of Attendance. It is estimated that His Majesty wants to use Zhang Bingkuan One person concurrently serves as an errand for the Governor's Mansion, the Sixth Ministry, and the Imperial Academy."

The three members of the cabinet returned to the house, and Liu Jian brought the news.

Xie Qian said with a smile: "It's a blessing not to be Shangshu."

Li Dongyang said: "The servants of the six ministries will probably be headed by the household department and the military department. As for whether it is the left servant or the right servant... it is also for the convenience of them to continue to hijack the military affairs of the Northwest."

"Yes." Liu Jian nodded.

Li Dongyang sighed again: "Now it depends on whether he intends to persuade His Majesty to send troops to the grassland. Even if he sends troops, in my opinion, he still wants to make peace with the little prince of Tatar."

"How?" Xie Qian asked.

Li Dongyang said: "Send troops to deter the little Tatar prince, force him to retreat, and at the same time make the three guards of Duoyan submit to Daming. These results should be more practical and convenient than directly defeating the little Tatar prince."

(End of this chapter)