Chapter 1094
: Governing a country is like cooking a small fish
Chapter 1094: Governing a country is like cooking a small fish
Laughter echoed continuously from the Rongqing Hall of the Rongguo Mansion.
After Wang Xifeng came out, leading Ping'er and her entourage, she returned to the Pear Garden, still upset and angry. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. On the way, she happened to run into Laiwang. Seeing that his grandmother was still angry, his previously happy face immediately disappeared, and he followed behind.
"You damn lackey, you came here and didn't say a word. What could you possibly keep to yourself?"
Laiwang was so frightened that he quickly yawned.
"Replying to Grandma, after the merchant caravan from beyond the Great Wall returned, Yun-ge was in charge of inventorying the goods at the Chamber of Commerce. Today he had some free time, so he specially brought the account books to check the accounts with Grandma."
Laiwang didn't dare to be careless. He knew what his grandmother had done. All the money that could be used had been poured into it. If there was even the slightest mistake, it would be disastrous!
The summer afternoon sun cast a glaring glare on the courtyard wall, but upon hearing the good news, Wang Xifeng knew that Jia Yun, having finished the accounts, would have already taken care of everything. Thinking this, she immediately dropped her previous mournful expression, her face changing, and her eyebrows slightly raised.
"After all, the tree I planted has borne fruit, so my waiting wasn't in vain,"
After seeing Laiwang and Ping'er stop, he gave the instructions.
"Laiwang, go and call the people inside to wait for a while. Ping'er, go and arrange for all the servants in the courtyard to leave. Don't leave anyone behind!"
"Yes, Grandma,"
The two exchanged a glance, knowing this matter couldn't be taken lightly. They hurried back to the pear orchard, summoned all the serving maids and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, gave them instructions, and then dismissed them all.
After everyone left, Wang Xifeng went back to her room alone, while Laiwang watched from outside the door, observing the movements inside and outside the courtyard.
Once inside the house,
Then they saw Jia Yun standing respectfully in the living room. Upon seeing the Second Mistress enter the room, he quickly bowed.
"Jia Yun greets Second Madam,"
Wang Xifeng smiled, returned to her seat, put down her fan, tidied her hair with jewels, and glanced at Jia Yun. She thought to herself, after his trip to the Northeast, he looked much better—a smart navy blue robe, a bit thinner, but more energetic. He must have had quite a good time.
"Get up, sit down first."
"Thank you, Second Madam,"
Jia Yun lifted the hem of his shirt and sat down in the chair at the east end. Ping'er brought over a teacup and placed it on the table, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. She wondered how much money her grandmother had earned on this trip.
"Was your journey to the border region smooth?"
Jia Yun straightened up, a bitter smile on his face.
"Thanks to my second aunt, traveling within the Great Wall is mostly tiring, but once we reach the border, the roads are difficult, and we often encounter the Marquis's scouts. I've heard that quite a few Tartar scouts have annihilated many caravans; it's very chaotic."
It's no wonder Jia Yun said that; those smuggling caravans almost never left anyone alive. Even if someone managed to escape, having lost their money and goods, their fate was often uncertain.
Fortunately, the Marquis's residence had many mounted guards, so at least caravans on the official roads rarely had accidents.
"Hmm, it's so chaotic. Wasn't it said that the Jurchens were defeated and scattered?"
After all, I knew quite a bit from my aunt's side; I hadn't heard of any Tartar rebellions.
“Grandma, it’s fine if we take the main road. The Marquis’s cavalry patrols there day and night. But if we leave the main road and take shortcuts, we’ll almost certainly never return.”
I'd only heard about the specifics; I hadn't witnessed them myself. Fortunately, I'd made quite a bit of money on this trip. Thinking of this, I took out an account book from my pocket and respectfully placed it on the table.
“Grandma, this trip to the border region involved two round trips for business, and the profits, including principal, have multiplied several times over. However, there's still a commercial tax of half that of the area inside the border region, so the profit from this trip is probably more than double.”
Jia Yun was also puzzled. It was one thing that the taxes paid in the harsh, cold lands beyond the Great Wall were high, but why did the capital also have to pay half of the taxes?
"What? Paying so much tax? Those people are crazy for money!"
Upon hearing that the tax had increased several times over, he was initially overjoyed. However, the next sentence about paying taxes was like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head. With each transaction, half of his income was gone. But upon closer reflection, it became clear that notices had indeed been posted by the Shuntian Prefecture government and the Military Command.
"Grandma, I only found out after I got back and did some inventory with the Chamber of Commerce president. If we don't pay taxes, the goods will be confiscated if we're caught."
This time, the tax collectors were a joint force from the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department. Since the Imperial Household Department was involved, some concessions had to be made.
Wang Xifeng knew exactly what was going on, but so much silver was being thrown away for nothing; who wouldn't feel the pain? She picked up the ledger and carefully examined it, becoming increasingly alarmed with each reading. She hadn't expected such a profitable trip to the borderlands. A smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
"I never imagined that trading would be so profitable. The income from one round trip is almost equivalent to that of a manor outside the city. Even if the annual income is doubled, that's still 60,000 taels of silver, not counting the initial investment. It seems like there's a lot of potential in this business."
Wang Xifeng glanced at Jia Yun again, remaining composed and unassuming, showing remarkable patience.
"Second Aunt is absolutely right. There were quite a few caravans that went out of Luoyue Pass this time, but their profits were much lower than those of the Marquis's Chamber of Commerce. The closest city to Luoyue Pass is Pingyao City. If you want to sell at a higher price, you have to go to Pingyang County City, but that takes more than twice the distance. Only the Marquis's Chamber of Commerce can trade in Pingyao City at the prices in Pingyang County City. So, they get more money and save a lot of time, which is a great advantage."
These words were also a reminder to Second Madam that if they had gone to another establishment, they might not have made such profits. After all, he had accompanied her on the trip and seen things clearly. He figured Second Madam was in a good mood, so he wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
The words had a hidden meaning. Wang Xifeng, after reviewing the account books and comparing them with the goods list, realized it was true; some items were ridiculously expensive. The implication was obvious. She smiled.
"You've really put your mind to this, and you're starting to make something of yourself. I heard the Chamber of Commerce president wants to keep you. What are your plans?"
"Replying to Second Aunt, Jia Yun believes that we should stay in the Chamber of Commerce. Leaving aside the profits from this trade route, just keeping it is incredibly valuable. Jia Yun knows Second Aunt has had a hard life, and if we can earn more money, it would be excellent to help ourselves as well."
That means I should be able to make one more trip this year. After next spring, I'll be able to manage the caravans on my own. As for how to do the trade, I'll leave it all to my second aunt."
This is the key point. If Jia Yun could be in charge of the caravan's trade, wouldn't she have control over all the business? Back then, just two trips a year, even with fewer goods, would yield a profit of nearly 100,000 taels of silver. Even after the family split up, she could still maintain the prestige of the Duke's mansion.
Thinking of this, I agreed almost immediately.
"Good lad, you have this idea. It's not for nothing that your grandmother has been thinking about you. Each time, you should trade goods worth 30,000 taels of silver. Remember what you can take yourself. Also, the Chamber of Commerce shouldn't let us get away with this for nothing. What did the Chamber of Commerce president say?"
After all, they are using the chamber of commerce's trade routes to transport their own goods, so there should be some justification for it!
Jia Yun pondered for a moment, then presented two proposals.
"Second Aunt, the Chamber of Commerce has given us two options. The caravan I'm in charge of isn't very big; it can only carry less than 40,000 taels of silver worth of goods at a time. They'll give us half of their transport capacity. The other option is that they'll let us carry all the goods, but the Chamber of Commerce wants 30% of our profits. Jia Yun doesn't dare to make a decision on her own; she'll have to discuss it with Grandma first."
Both options are guaranteed to make a profit; it's just a matter of risk and how much profit one makes. Wang Xifeng's eyebrows twitched, showing her interest. She said the first option was the safest, but the second meant that Jia Yun would be in charge of the caravan. In that case, whether there was a little more or less cargo wouldn't matter.
"The Chamber of Commerce president is quite generous, daring to give us all of this. However, even if these goods are difficult to handle, we'll still need someone to buy them. I wonder if the Chamber of Commerce has made any promises?"
"Second Aunt, Jia Yun also asked the chairman about this matter. The chairman said that regardless of whether it is inside or outside the pass, as long as the goods are on the list provided by the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce will purchase them all. The chairman of the Chamber of Commerce also left people in the south of Pingyao City and rented a large courtyard. All the goods can be delivered there directly and the transaction will be settled on the spot. If it is Jia Yun, both options are good, but the first one is the safest. Even if we bring more, it will be done privately."
Each time they go on a trade route, adding more people and a dozen or so horses won't be detected. Even if something does happen, it won't cause serious damage.
"You're right, playing it safe is always the best policy. In that case, let's choose the first option. We can just squeeze in a little bit each time we go on a trade route."
"Yes, Second Aunt, Jia Yun knows what's important. Now that he's back, the Chamber of Commerce still needs to contact suppliers again, especially since Jiangnan brocade is in short supply. If you have connections, Second Aunt, transporting these goods is the safest option and won't take up much space. It's expected that we can go again before autumn, and the round trip will be just right." Wang Xifeng agreed with a look of satisfaction after mentioning the next business trip.
"Alright, Yun-ge'er, you've gone to a lot of trouble. When I have some free time, I'll go and talk to Fifth Sister-in-law. There are some things we should discuss. When you go out, be careful; this matter must not be spread. Every time you go on a trade trip, make sure your men keep their mouths shut."
"Yes, Second Aunt, Jia Yun understands. In that case, I'll take my leave."
After discussing it, Jia Yun didn't dare to delay any longer. He hurriedly went back to find the head of the merchant guild and told him about the Rongguo Mansion's conditions, all for the profit of the next business trip.
outside the house,
After Laiwang saw Jia Yun out, he rushed back and burst into the house.
"Grandma, Grandma, Yun-ge has left. When he left, he told me that the things had been exchanged for cash and sent to the west room in the backyard of Ningguo Mansion. This, this."
Laiwang was puzzled. Logically, shouldn't the silver be delivered here? Why was it sent to the backyard of the eldest mistress of the East Mansion? And how did he even get it in there?
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was stunned. Pingping'er was somewhat taken aback, wondering how this could be. Only Wang Xifeng smiled, thinking, "She's really become shrewd, tsk tsk."
"Send it over then. My sister-in-law doesn't usually fight over anything, but when it comes to good things, she'll send them over one by one. After lunch, find some free time to go and check on her. You two better keep your mouths shut. Ping'er, how's that little red girl?"
"Grandma, she..."
In the alleyway at the east entrance of Shuiqiao Street, there are two small courtyards connected together. Although their gate towers are not prominent, they are different from other residential buildings. On the gateposts of each courtyard, which was renovated by the Ministry of Revenue, there is a mark from the Ministry of Works, such as "Jia Zi No. 3" or "Jia Zi No. 2".
To an outsider, it was immediately obvious that the courtyard had been renovated by the Ministry of Works of the imperial court.
Around noon,
Under the bright sunshine, the carriage tracks on the bluestone path led deeper into the alley. Luo Yunhou lifted the carriage curtain and looked around. Just then, he spotted Xu Changwen's courtyard; the vermilion gate had been freshly painted.
It looks festive.
"call"
"My lord, we've arrived."
Once the carriage stopped, Ning Bian gave a few reminders, and the three of them alighted one after another. Zhang Jinyu looked around; the courtyard wasn't large, but it was much tidier than other residences. However, after the renovation, the living space had become somewhat long and narrow.
They tried pushing the door, and to their surprise, it opened with a click. The three of them stepped into the courtyard one after another, their boots making a soft sound as they rolled over the blue bricks. The peony painting on the wall looked as lifelike as a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Further in was the backyard annex, where wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys, indicating someone was cooking. Perhaps hearing the noise, the gate opened, and an elderly woman with silver hair, dressed in coarse cloth, emerged with faltering steps. Upon seeing Xu Changwen, she excitedly shouted...
"My son,"
Almost in tears, Xu Dong's eyes reddened, and he knelt down, kowtowing.
"Mother, your son is unfilial!"
Since arriving in the capital for the imperial examinations and starting his career in Jiangnan, three months have passed in a flash, and he hasn't even seen his elderly mother once. This is truly unfilial of him. But how could the old woman blame her son? She hugged Xu Chengwen and wept bitterly for a while before realizing something was wrong. Seeing her great benefactor, the Marquis, arrive, she thought of kneeling down to express her gratitude.
But Zhang Jinyu, quick-witted and agile, stopped her.
"Madam, you are too kind to me. Xu Changwen is a disciple of this Marquis. Why are you being so formal?"
Helpless, the old woman could only curtsy and sigh.
"If it weren't for the Marquis's patronage, Changwen wouldn't be where he is today. Please, Marquis, come inside. This old woman doesn't have much to offer, but I have some freshly made locust flower cakes. Please, Marquis, try them."
Seeing the old woman's warm hospitality, the group couldn't refuse. Zhang Jinyu gave Ning Bian a look, and they followed her into the main hall.
The main house was quite spacious, and the interior was clean and tidy.
After Xu Changwen left, he helped bring up the tea and cakes. Then, Ning Bian and his men set up a table of food and drink in the main hall.
After three rounds of drinking,
The silence was broken first by Zhang Jinyu.
"The matter in Jiangnan has been thoroughly investigated. As for the rest, it's safe to say that every official in the court, both civil and military, knows the truth. As the saying goes, 'Rome wasn't built in a day,' and if you want to eliminate the problems, you can't do it yet."
Not only is it impossible, but it's also impossible to touch them in the slightest. After all, the Zhen family of Jiangnan still has an old imperial concubine in the palace. At the very least, the Zhen family cannot be touched while the old imperial concubine is alive.
Although the words were heavy, the two men present understood perfectly well that the powerful and aristocratic families of Jiangnan, with the Zhen family at the head and the Eighth Duke as their assistants, had occupied all the richest and most fertile land in the country. In addition, with the minor details of the gentry and powerful families, there was not much left for the court and the people.
However, these people are not people that one or two people can shake. Even the Emperor may have known about this for a long time, but unfortunately, he is powerless to do so. After all, even the Emperor Emeritus is not someone that the Emperor can easily suppress, let alone these nobles and relatives who were all supported by the Emperor Emeritus.
Zhang Jinyu then realized why these people always stood on the side of the retired emperor. They were deeply entrenched, and their loyalty was unbreakable. If things were to happen in the future, the nobles would definitely be the first group to be wary of.
“What the Marquis says is true, but the people within the pass are exhausted and have reached their limit. If the court really changes its mind and implements new policies, then what should we do?”
The so-called new policies were reforms that his father had prepared long ago, relying on civil officials, starting with the assessment of officials, and then implementing the new policies. He had heard a lot about these things, but there had been no news for so long, which meant that his father dared not act rashly.
But after the civil unrest in southern Beijing, could this be an opportunity?
“Your Highness, it is said that governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. The so-called new policies are not just empty words. Take the imperial examination for example, which took almost eight years to be implemented. Even something as small as roll call in the government offices is still treated like child’s play in some parts of the military. So, there is no need to rush. Does Your Highness know about the reforms in the Song Dynasty?”
If we're talking about who was the most high-profile in implementing reforms, it would have to be Wang Anshi's reforms during the Song Dynasty. Many others followed suit with great fanfare, but these reforms often faltered before they were even halfway through, not only failing to continue but also resulting in the dismissal of many officials. There's a lot to learn from this.
The King of Jin's face darkened. How could he not know these things? But every time he asked the Master, these people would only stammer and talk about the way of the sages, which was simply incomprehensible.
"What you're referring to, Lord Marquis, could it be the New Policies implemented by Wang Anshi during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song? Unfortunately, it was too short-lived, and there were essentially no real changes. As a result, the court became increasingly unstable, making it impossible for the already weak and vulnerable Song Dynasty to hold on any longer,"
"Yes, it's because he was too hasty. Let's not talk about the civil officials, Your Highness. Judging from these two cases, if it weren't for the civil officials as their protectors, how could these people, including those nobles, be so bold as to act with impunity? Therefore, the talk of a new policy is utter nonsense."
Zhang Jinyu took a sip of tea, shook his head, and thought that the Great Wu Dynasty was in the same boat. If nothing was done, it could hold on as things stood. But if new policies were implemented, not only would others be alienated, but even the noble families would become disloyal. Who knows, one day, a dozen or so heretical sects might emerge. After all, most of the empire was conquered by those noble families, plus the gentry and powerful clans... tsk tsk, there's no solution.
"So, does the Marquis mean that the world is plagued by great ills, and we can only let it be? Now that we are aware of this, no matter how difficult it may be, we must eradicate these ills. Only in this way, through small accumulations, may one day the way of the sages be spread throughout the world."
Xu Changwen's face was filled with excitement. If everyone could fulfill their duties, what great evils in the world would not be eliminated?
(End of this chapter)