My Brother-in-law is the Prince

Chapter 323: Infinite merit

Chapter 323 Infinite Merits

The entire Nanzhili area occupies a large area, almost accounting for the area of the two provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui in later generations.

And this place is also the core area of Ming Dynasty.

At this time, Nanzhili accounted for 20% of the world's population, and its taxation was the highest in the world.

However, although Nanzhili is large, its mansions are generally small. The mansions of other chief ministers often govern seven or eight counties, or even ten counties and eleven counties.

But in Nanzhili, there are fourteen prefectures under it, such as Yingtian Mansion, which actually only manages two counties, Taiping Mansion has three counties, and Ningguo Mansion is already very large, and it only manages six counties. .

This is naturally because this place is Gyeonggi, with a large population and the most prosperous. It is also out of consideration of checks and balances to avoid a certain government from being too large.

Now, a super big mansion has been born. There are nine counties of Taiping Mansion, and it also belongs to the core area of Southern Zhili, with a population of nearly 700,000 households and a population of more than 3 million. This is placed in the chief envoys. Although the population size is average, compared with the more remote chief envoys, the population is even larger.

His Majesty swiped his pen directly, which is tantamount to establishing a super big mansion in Xiananzhili.

Furthermore, according to the previous precedent of opening a mansion, that is to say, this mansion not only enjoys the treatment of Jingzhao Mansion, which is equal to that of Yingtian Mansion, but also exempts officials from itself.

This is absolutely unprecedented.

Even Yang Rong couldn't help but stand up: "Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate..."

"I think it's appropriate." Without waiting for Yang Rong to say the reason, Zhu Di said: "The people of Ningguo Mansion have been exploited to such an extent that I think it is appropriate and appropriate to merge them into Taiping Mansion. "

Paused, Zhu Di said again: "If one of the ministers thinks that he can take on the post of magistrate of Ningguo Prefecture, he can recommend himself."

As soon as this remark was made, everyone fell silent.

This one is a bit scary.

Jian Yi was ruined, let alone someone else?

So Zhu Di went on to say: "Zhang Qing's family is very good at getting rid of the old evils. Moreover, it always impresses people by relocating the people. What I only sigh is that there are too few people like Zhang Qing's family around me. If there are more, I will Why is this so? You should use him as an example, and tell him what is appropriate or not."

After finishing speaking, Zhu Di looked at Zhang Anshi and said, "Zhang Qing... I will leave the nine counties of Taiping Prefecture to you. You must not be complacent. You still have to do your best and don't disappoint me."

Zhang Anshi hurriedly said: "Yes."

Zhu Di said again: "The affairs of the Taiping Mansion are still the same. If there is anything, you can do it cheaply. You don't have to ask Wenyuan Pavilion and the Sixth Department. You can do whatever you want."

Zhang Anshi said: "Follow the order."

Actually, Zhang Anshi knew that this was His Majesty's obedience to Yao Guangxiao.

If you want to do big things, Zhang Anshi's method will work. Since it works, let Zhang Anshi let it go.

Only by breaking the rules directly and violently can new rules be established.

Of course, this is actually related to Zhang Anshi's identity. If it is someone else, it is absolutely impossible to grant such authority.

It is also fortunate that Zhang Anshi is a foreign relative, the brother-in-law of the current prince, and the uncle of the emperor's grandson.

If Zhang Anshi is a nobleman, I'm afraid Zhu Di will kick Zhang Anshi back to Xinzhou to plant tobacco leaves.

But if it is someone else, I am afraid that I may not be able to rest assured.

What's more, Zhu Di didn't have too much suspicion at first, and he could have a lot of trust in people.

Regarding this trust, Zhang Anshi said sincerely: "I will definitely do my best."

Zhu Di nodded and said: "You continue to settle things here. I will give you three days. After three days, I will send you back to the palace."

"Yes."

Zhang Anshi said goodbye at the moment.

As soon as he came out, someone rushed up and said, "Duke Wei."

Zhang Anshi stopped and looked back, but it was Xia Yuanji.

Xia Yuanji looked depressed, he was cut off.

Originally, when Zhang Anshi attacked the gentry, he meant digging up the grave of his ancestor Xia Yuanji. After all, Xia Yuanji was also a gentry.

Originally confiscated so much cultivated land, Xia Yuanji Zhidao finally had a little comfort, after all, his other identity was the Secretary of the Household Department.

If a large amount of arable land is converted into official land, then the Ministry of Household Affairs can rest assured of spending for many years to come.

But in the end, Zhang Anshi directly robbed the more than one million mu of land.

He smiled bitterly, glanced at Zhang Anshi and said, "So much land...does Duke Wei have any rules? Duke Wei...the management of this land is not easy."

Zhang Anshidao: "I have my own way, don't bother Mr. Xia."

Xia Yuanji had a bitter face, and said: "The imperial court also has difficulties."

Zhang Anshi was obviously not in a very good mood at this time, and said very bluntly: "The difficulties of the court come from those gentry who refuse to pay money and food. Duke Xia doesn't want to fight these **** Shushu, why are you complaining to me?"

Natsuhara Yoshi: "..."

Zhang An Shidao: "All in all, the Ministry of Households should not worry about Taiping Mansion. Taiping Mansion is already very difficult."

Xia Yuanji didn't expect Zhang Anshi to come to cry poorly, he was dumbfounded for a moment, then shook his head at last, and didn't say anything more.

Zhang Anshi immediately went to the front hall of the government office and began to gather people.

But at this time, someone came to report, and Shaoyin Gaoxiang also arrived.

It turned out that it was Zhang Anshi who transferred the officials of the Taiping Mansion. As Shao Yin, Gao Xiang couldn't get away, and finally settled the matter at hand. Fearing that Zhang Anshi would be too busy, he rushed here excitedly.

Hearing that Gao Xiang came here on purpose, Zhang Anshi's face became much calmer, and he said with a bit of concern: "He is quite old, and he is not afraid of being tired on the road. Where did the car and boat go?"

The guard who came to report said: "I'm afraid we will arrive at the ferry in half an hour."

Zhang Anshi said: "I'll pick him up."

For Gao Xiang, Zhang Anshi has gradually respected Gao Xiang.

This person was originally an old fritter, a good hand at dawdling, but now with the encouragement of the Taiping Mansion, he assisted Zhang Anshi to manage the Taiping Mansion with ease.

A person's potential is terrifying. After mobilizing his enthusiasm, Gao Xiang seemed to have opened a new branch of an old tree, dedicating all the emotional intelligence and experience he had learned as an official all his life.

Zhang Anshi rode a horse and came directly to the ferry, just at this time, Gao Xiang's boat had just landed.

Seeing that Duke Wei came to pick him up in person, Gao Xiang blushed. He lived to his age, just trying to save face.

Several civil servants on the same boat also saw Gao Xiang's thoughts, and made a tsk-tsk sound: "Gao Shaoyin, Duke Wei came to pick you up in person, even the ministers of various ministries, Duke Wei is not willing to do this. .”

"Yes, yes, Duke Wei is used to accompanying him, and he doesn't like official etiquette, so I didn't expect him to come in person."

Gao Xiang couldn't help but feel complacent. At this time, his heart was full of joy, but he stroked his beard and said: "Okay, this is Duke Wei who is sympathetic to us, let's go ashore."

After going ashore, greeted Zhang Anshi, Zhang Anshi walked side by side with him.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Anshi impatiently went directly to the topic: "Your Majesty has an order to order the Taiping Mansion to act as the acting agent for the six counties of Ningguo Mansion. The six counties of Ningguo Mansion are revoked."

As soon as this remark came out, Gao Xiang was taken aback, and said in a daze: "Ah, this... this..."

This news was beyond his expectation.

This is equivalent to doubling the population of Taiping Prefecture, while the land has tripled.

He, Shaoyin, has also risen more and more.

Zhang Anshi did not hesitate to praise and said: "After all, Gao Shaoyin has made real achievements these days. His Majesty has seen these political achievements."

"Where, where, it's all thanks to Duke Wei."

"Let's stop exchanging pleasantries. There is another piece of good news, that is... 1.7 million mu of land has been confiscated here, and His Majesty will allow us to dispose of it."

Gao Xiang only felt dizzy, as if a mouse had fallen into a rice jar.

He looked unbelievable, so he said uncertainly: "This... 1.7 million mu?"

But soon, Gao Xiang actually knew it well. Those guys who confiscated Yin Tian, who hid so much land, were justifiable to be copied out.

Gao Xiang is different from Xia Yuanji and others. He is now determined to work with Wei Guogong, and almost hangs all his wealth and life on Zhang Anshi.

For those damned gentry, he doesn't have much good impression, so he copied it, or... should have copied it long ago.

So Gao Xiang didn't have any other nonsense, and said directly: "Then what do you think?"

Zhang Anshi stopped, stared at Gao Xiang, and said with a serious attitude: "This is also the reason why I want to discuss with you carefully. I think carefully... these lands, it is better to give them to the Ningguo Mansion for cultivation. .”

Gao Xiang was taken aback again: "Divided... Divided?"

This is really something he couldn't even think of.

Zhang Anshi said slowly: "With the method of Yongye Field, each household can be given ten mu or twenty mu, which is enough for them to live on. This kind of land is not allowed to be bought and sold, and the land tax is 10% higher than that owned by ordinary farmers. 10% is actually equivalent to the government collecting their rent, which not only increases the government's food tax, but this 10% rent is dispensable, far from being comparable to tenant farmers renting and planting land. And...it also allows themselves to own Smallholders of the land, feel better."

Gao Xiang thoughtfully said: "This way...will there be any troubles? My lord...if we really want to divide it, I'm afraid it will really make people angry."

Zhang Anshi laughed loudly, and continued: "I used to think the same way. Sometimes, I would look forward and backward. But now I understand that unless we don't do anything about personnel, as long as we intend to govern one side with all our heart, there will be a lot of anger. If someone wants to wail, then let them wail! If someone cries, someone will laugh. Don’t pay attention to other noises. If they just wail, that’s fine, but if they dare to do anything other than wailing, teach them Come and ask if my knife is sharp."

Gao Xiang was silent for a moment, and then said: "Then share it. Those who own more than 20 mu of land will not be given the land. Those who have no land will be divided according to males. The best way is to use Yongyetian, and no trading is allowed. The tax is higher than other lands, and the government's food is guaranteed. But... this is not a trivial matter, it requires a lot of manpower and material resources to guarantee it, if not, everyone will inevitably feel unfair."

"This matter... I think we need to call more people from the Taiping Mansion. They are related to people from the six counties, and they are capable of handling things. Of course, it is not easy to solve these things in a short period of time with these people alone. Why don't you... recruit some students from the official school to help, or as a helper. My lord, the matter of land distribution should be cut quickly, and you must not drag your feet."

He paused, then continued: "Once there is a delay, someone may get in the way or make a fuss out of it. Don't underestimate some people, my lord. These people... are really good. They may not be able to accomplish things, but they can always do bad things. "

"So... what I mean by the lower officials is that we first recruit people, pretending to measure the land more accurately, and search for the population. Every household and every field must be clearly understood. When everything is in place, suddenly Publish the list, and try to allocate all the land within ten days, and then grant the land deeds of Yongye Tian to each household, what do you think, my lord?"

Zhang Anshi then said: "Okay, then you can handle this matter, and I will have to work hard for you. You come to sit in these six counties, and it's okay for me to take care of the general direction. If you teach me to take care of these tedious things, I'm afraid I will have a headache. "

Gao Xiang nodded: "The lower officials must first formulate a charter, and... there is no need to discuss this matter with others in advance. When the measurement, manpower and material resources are ready, it will be completed in one go."

The two agreed that with Gao Xiang, Zhang Anshi was much more relaxed.

A few days later, he drove back to the palace with Zhu Di.

And at this time...a funeral is about to begin.

Just before the funeral begins, cremation is also a crucial issue.

Zhu Di personally intervened in this matter, after all... this is Yao Guangxiao's wish, and all he can think of is to burn a relic.

And if the relics can really be produced, it also proves Yao Guangxiao's merits during his lifetime.

If Yao Guangxiao is right, it actually proves that Zhu Di is right.

The two of them share weal and woe.

Being grieved, Zhu Di chose an auspicious day, and personally lifted the coffin, leading the prince, Zhang Anshi and all the officials to Jiming Temple.

In the Jiming Temple, Zhu Di led all the officials to wait here.

Hundreds of officials whispered to each other, but in fact they didn't understand how to burn relics.

It’s just that the ancients, most of them were still in awe of the unknown.

Yao Guangxiao is actually not a good person in the eyes of many people, let alone a virtuous monk.

Even among the market, people call him a demon monk.

Now, finally, the demon monk...is about to start testing.

Zhu Di was pacing back and forth in the Dacheng Palace with his hands behind his back, looking a little anxious.

If Zhang Anshi's method can't be burned, then...

He frowned and shook his head. If so, Master Yao is afraid that he will die in peace!

Zhu Gaochi on the side, his expression was not good, said: "Father, please sit down and rest for a while..."

"No need." Zhu Di shook his head irritably and said, "Hey... I know... many people want to see Master Yao's jokes, hey..."

These days, Zhu Di is in a depressed mood. Even though it has been a few days, Zhu Di still hasn't fully recovered from the grief of Yao Guangxiao's death.

Zhu Gaochi didn't dare to say any more, and just sat down.

In this Jiming Temple, Zhang Anshi built a huge furnace here for the convenience of burning relics.

This huge furnace is completely built on the basis of the fourth-generation steelmaking furnace.

The new steelmaking furnace is no longer a trick like it was when burning relics.

At this time, Zhang Anshi bowed to Yao Guangxiao's corpse first, and couldn't help saying emotionally: "Master Yao... have a good journey."

Immediately, subconsciously wanted to cry again.

Holding back his grief, he said to everyone, "Let's get started."

Yao Guangxiao was immediately pushed into the furnace.

Immediately afterwards, the ignition began.

Soon, thick smoke billowed from the roof here.

Because Yao Guangxiao died so suddenly, before he died, Zhang Anshi couldn't feed him anything in advance.

This brings a lot of uncertainty to the work of burning relics.

but…

Since Master Yao didn't take the medicine, he thought of another way.

Zhang Anshi deliberately opened a small hole in the furnace.

Then...crying: "Master Yao...you are so kind and virtuous, if there is a spirit in heaven, if I did something wrong in the past, you must not blame me. I was young and ignorant at that time."

While crying like rain, he did not forget to take out some powder from his sleeve and sprinkle it on the hole.

"Master Yao, I can't bear you... woo woo woo..."

Zhang Anshi kept pulling out his sleeves and pouring the powder into it little by little.

The captains who were burning the stoves all lowered their heads, not daring to look up.

The three brothers Zhu Yong, Zhang Fu, and Qiu Song who followed saw Zhang Anshi crying sadly, so Zhu Yong stepped forward and said, "Brother, my condolences."

"I'm so sad, you...you come."

Zhu Yong let out an oh, and then he also began to take things out from his sleeves, stuffing them tirelessly into the hole.

After Zhu Yong's sleeves were empty, Zhang Fu also stepped forward.

When he arrived at Qiu Song, Qiu Song seemed to be affected by Zhang Anshi's crying, and his eyes were a little red: "Brother is too affectionate."

"Quick...quick..." Zhang Anshi urged.

Qiu Song said: "I...I..."

He suddenly took out a gunpowder bag...

'Zhang Anshi's crying stopped abruptly, his whole body trembled, and he said, "What are you doing? When did you bring it in?"

Qiu Song hurriedly said: "Brother, don't worry. I've grown up, I'm not stupid anymore, I put things here."

Qiu Song put the bundle on the ground, untied it, and untied it, revealing the accumulated powder in front of everyone.

"Bring a shovel."

Zhang Anshi: "..."

Qiu Song went down with a few shovels, and more than a dozen catties of powder almost filled the opening of the hole, so he had to use a pair of iron tongs to stab it hard, and then it was dredged again.

Zhang Anshi cried again: "My Master Yao!"

Then he looked back at his brothers and said, "Okay, get out, don't get in the way."

"Oh, oh..." The three quickly avoided.

The lieutenants buried their heads lower, only hating why their parents gave them a pair of eyes.

Zhang Anshi continued to say sadly: "Master Yao, you have loved gold and silver the most in your life. Today... these... are not respect..."

Zhang Anshi took out an ingot of gold and stuffed it into the hole.

"Brother, can gold work too?" Zhu Yong couldn't help but stepped forward again.

Zhang Anshi said: "Don't be so long-winded, the gold is stuck, take the iron tongs."

After tinkering with it, it burned for a long time, and Zhang Anshi also cried for a long time, almost crying dry.

Finally... the fire stopped.

It just needs to cool down for some time.

Qiu Song slipped in from the outside and said, "Brother, Your Majesty and all the officials are waiting outside urgently."

Zhang Anshi said impatiently: "I know they are anxious, so tell them not to worry."

Counting the time, the furnace door finally opened and something was pushed out.

I saw that this thing was bigger than a football, but it was covered in dust, so I couldn't tell what was inside.

Zhang Anshi hurriedly ordered: "Quick, quick, carry it out, carry it out."

The captains hurriedly carried the things out.

Zhang Anshidao: "I'll go see Your Majesty first, you guys will wait a while... let the monks carry this to the Dacheng Palace."

Zhang Anshi didn't bother to see what was burnt in the end, so he only told people not to move at will.

This thing is like opening a blind box. It is better to let others open it in person. If it is too clean, it will appear to be disrespectful to the eminent monk.

After Zhang Anshi hurried out of the furnace room, he hurried to the Dacheng Palace.

Seeing Zhu Di, he immediately saluted and said, "Your Majesty... Master Yao... has returned to the west."

Zhu Di showed a little excitement: "He...his bones..."

Zhang Anshidao: "I...please ask the monks to carry it later, we are all mortal bodies, and the monks should take care of it."

Zhu Di nodded, sighed, and said worriedly: "Did something burn out?"

"This..." Zhang Anshi said: "It's hard to say, but I think Master Yao is an eminent monk, so he will be able to..."

As soon as Zhu Di heard this, he lost interest in listening to it, and said annoyedly: "Got it, got it."

Zhu Di walked a few more restless steps, finally calmed down, sat down, and took a sip of tea.

Zhang Anshi leaned obediently and sat under Yang Rong and the others.

Immediately, a distant bell sounded from the temple. Not long after, a group of monks brought something up, only to see that it was covered with a huge white cloth.

Hundred officials saw this and came together one by one.

They either exchanged glances, or were amazed, and there were expectations, and some...wanted to see a joke.

Zhu Di also stood up quickly, he seemed to recall something from the past again, and couldn't help tears rolling in his eyes.

Zhang Anshi was still sitting in his seat, and he didn't expect much about it.

Although I don't know...what the final chemical reaction is, what will be burnt out in the end, but...there are big and round relics.

The monks began to chant.

After chanting, an old monk personally opened the white cloth.

Immediately, monks began to clean up the ashes.

Except for Zhang Anshi, everyone here opened their eyes wide and stared intently.

As the monks cleared up little by little...in this hill of ashes.

Suddenly... a flash of golden light seemed to stab everyone's eyes in this instant.

And this touch of golden light is just the tip of the iceberg.