Chapter 982
: Government Guarantee and Sale
Chapter 982: Government Guarantee and Sale
Jiangnan,
Inside Jiangnanchun Restaurant,
The noise spread far away. Many gentry, noble families, and aristocratic families were discussing it. Even Su Jinkai frowned as he looked at the feng shui map hanging on the wall. He could see a stretch of fertile land, but why did he feel like it was all a deep pit?
Huang Rutai, who was like a "loyal dog" by his side, had completely become Su Jinkai's follower. A few days ago, he spent almost all his family wealth to buy a lot of cloth and grain, which he also stored in the West City Treasury, waiting to send them to the Marquis' Mansion to seek credit. Before they had sent a few ships, they were invited to discuss the purchase of good farmland. The key point was that they were selling salt, so what did they need so much farmland for?
"Master Su, I don't understand what the government is doing. Although every household has the grain they want, the price has already gone through the roof. An acre of top-quality farmland is in this situation now. If you ask for grain, no one will be interested even if you offer silver."
He didn't understand what was going on here. The people sitting on the stage were all the officials of Jiangnan. Except for the future Governor, Lord Zhuang, even the newly appointed Inspector, Lord Su, was also sitting on the stage. Should this have been discussed beforehand?
"Haha, oh, why are you in such a hurry? Let's take a look first. This matter today was discussed by several adults. Let me teach you a trick. The county magistrate of Chunyang County, Xu Changwen, is a student of the Marquis' Mansion and the first in the first class of Hanyuan Hall. Do you know that?"
Su Jinkai did not reveal other letters, but just talked about the interests involved. After all, Huang Rutai was just like himself. He went to Yangzhou and other places to borrow grain. He had been back for less than a day, so it was also a reminder. Huang Rutai widened his eyes and looked towards a table in the north. There were indeed a few new faces, but he didn't know which one was it.
Perhaps knowing what was in his mind, Su Jinkai said something more.
"The young man in the blue official uniform sitting on the west side of the table in the north is him. There is another person beside him. He is a student of Master Nan, the Grand Secretary of the Wuying Palace."
With this explanation, Huang Rutai saw at a glance that the student in the Marquis's Mansion was indeed a man of great bearing and a literary star descended from the earth.
"I have seen it. So, let's buy the land in Chunyang County today?"
Huang Rutai felt a little uncomfortable. If he bought it like this, the food he had collected would not be able to be sent out. Besides, how could he buy it?
"Don't be in a hurry. Just follow my lead. Even if you are buying, you are buying for your master. These acres of land in Jiangnan are worth two hundred taels of silver, let alone a hundred taels of silver. Unfortunately, the court only wants grain this time."
After he nodded, he said no more, which made Huang Rutai even more confused as to how he bought it for the Marquis.
After a while of commotion, many people were clamoring and determined not to pay a penny or a grain of rice. However, many people secretly saw that the tables in front of them were all leaders of noble families, and they were still calm and composed, and they felt strange.
At this moment,
Jia Yucun didn't make a fool of himself and waved his hand.
"Everyone, it's not a big deal to quarrel. Just listen to me for now. Everyone says that the government sells at a high price, but who knows, the government is also in a difficult situation. The Xinbei dike burst, flooding nearly nine counties in the south and north of the river, and the people were displaced. Although the government has disaster relief, the spring planting season is about to pass. Who wouldn't feel bad if the good farmland was left unplanted? That's why the government held today's banquet. Everyone, take a look."
Jia Yucun pointed to the vacant tax fields in the four counties of Jinling. They were all good fields close to water sources. Who wouldn't be tempted?
"Take Chunyang County as an example. Chunyang County has 30,000 mu of taxable land and 20,000 mu of unregistered good land. So this time, Chunyang County has 50,000 mu of good land available for sale. Let's talk about Shangyu County. There are 30,000 mu of taxable land and 10,000 mu of unregistered land, so the total is 40,000 mu available for sale."
Just as everyone was listening intently, Jia Yucun suddenly changed his tone and continued;
"Of course, the government also set a fair price. Since the buyer gets 30% profit, one mu of land is sold at three dan of grain. No matter how the land is resold in the future, the court's share will not change. In addition, the five counties in Jiangbei each have 10,000 mu of land, and they also follow this example. However, the land in Jiangbei is not as good as that in Jiangnan, so the price is two dan of grain per mu."
This was Jia Yucun's backup plan. In this way, the grain that was originally sold for ten stones could now be sold for three stones. The five counties in Jiangbei were not originally included in this list, but if they were all sold at this opportunity, it might not be without his contribution. Therefore, if the price was reduced, some people would be tempted, and it would involve the affairs of the Weaving Bureau, especially with Eunuch Yang watching there. How could he not be careful?
After hearing this, not to mention that everyone in the hall was stunned, even several chief officers were a little stunned. The five counties in Jiangbei were really amazing.
Eunuch Yang looked over and thought that this Lord Jia was really interesting and had talent.
"Sir Shen, this Magistrate Jia is very thoughtful,"
"You are right, sir. Magistrate Jia is dedicated to the public good and is truly a role model for us."
Shen Wanhe said something nice, but he gave a look to his trusted confidant Si Yujin, who nodded and quietly withdrew. Before everyone could come to their senses, the people arranged by Si Yujin started to shout out first.
"Well, Magistrate Jia has really worked hard for the people. I am not talented, but I am willing to share your worries. I don't have much grain in my house, but I have a group of fellow villagers who want to settle down in Jiangnan. The land in the five counties in Jiangbei can be divided among more than ten of us."
It seemed that one person was leading the way. Suddenly, a group of people came around and raised their hands to agree. Jia Yucun was also puzzled. Why didn't they buy the fields in the south of the Yangtze River, but bought the medium-sized fields in the north of the Yangtze River? He was really picky. Suddenly, he thought, maybe it was a deliberate arrangement. He understood in his heart, so he nodded.
"Okay, today the price is clearly marked, you can buy whatever you want, but we're accepting food, not silver, have you thought about it?"
Let me confirm again. There are five counties in Jiangbei, and 50,000 mu is not a small amount. Although they have a large population, each person has at least a few thousand mu to share. These grains are very valuable now.
"Yes, sir. Our grain ship is at the dock. You can send an officer to check it."
The leader nodded repeatedly. He was from the side branch of the Shen family. This time he was ordered to go to the capital to transport grain. He arrived just in time. Seeing this, Jia Yucun no longer hesitated and nodded.
"Okay, in that case, the five counties in Jiangbei will be sold to you. Go to the clerk in the south to sign the contract documents. After the grain is delivered, I will issue you the land contract."
"Thank you, sir,"
A dozen people looked happy, bowed in unison, and rushed to a table in the south. Several clerks had already prepared the contract documents. When people came over, they signed them. This scene also made many gentry eager to act, but they were eager to act after all. After all, these people were unfamiliar, and they didn't know who arranged them.
If these fields are really so easy to buy, why doesn't the government buy them themselves? Also, why don't those nobles mentioned above take action? The trick is unclear for the time being, so everyone hesitated to move and just watched with a smile.
Jia Yucun did not say anything else. He thought it was a good thing that someone had started it. He took a brush from a table under the shadow of the wall and drew a big circle on the geomancy map of the five counties in northern Jiang.
"Everyone, the farmland in the five counties in Jiangbei has been sold out. What's left is the tax land in the four counties in Jinling. The fact that these county magistrates are here is enough to show the sincerity of the government. After all, it's a rare opportunity for them to take the time to come here during the critical moment of disaster relief in the four counties. Who will be the first to choose?"
Jia Yucun's eyes were bright and he looked at the people at the tables in front of him with a smile. He looked at the Zhen family, the Shi family, the Wang family, the Jia family, and the Liu and Zhao families from the aristocratic families. He also took a closer look, but saw that they did not take any action. He frowned slightly and looked at the wealthy merchants. He thought that he could make a move, but no one responded. At this time, his face became ugly.
Thinking about these tax fields, they were only to pay the court and the raw silk of the weaving bureau. As long as he could survive this period, he could get two crops a year, and the harvest of the later one would be all his own. Whether it was a tax field or not was up to him. If he had not run out of food, he would have wanted to buy some. Thinking about the deeds in his house, he was unmoved. He looked at Su Jinkai, the president of Jinling Chamber of Commerce, and asked;
"President Su, everyone says that in Jinling, you are the one with the most food. What do you think?"
Su Jinkai, who was still sitting there thinking, was a little unhappy when being named by Magistrate Jia. These grains belonged to the Marquis' Mansion. If they were really to be given to you, would you dare to take them?
"Ahem, Lord Jia, you must not say that. I am just a servant in the Marquis's mansion, a businessman, how dare I fight for these things? You also know that the refugees were transported north, and these grains were bought with the help of the relationship of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. How dare I touch a grain of food? It's embarrassing for me."
Su Jinkai stood up with a panicked look on his face, and bowed to the adults with a look of sincerity. Not only the adults, but even Huang Rutai beside him was deeply moved. He thought that he was worthy of being the president of the Chamber of Commerce, and he had a lot to learn.
Jia Yucun was slightly stunned. It was true that one should not judge a person by his appearance. Eunuch Yang and others sitting on the main seat on the high platform also frowned slightly. How could they bring up the Marquis' Mansion and the Ministry of Internal Affairs? This was so unwise.
"President Su is joking. Since President Su can't make the decision, forget it." Jia Yucun didn't know whether Su Jinkai's words were true or false. In the spirit of less trouble is worse than more trouble, he was ready to stop the incident. Unexpectedly, President Su bowed and said to him instead of sitting down.
"Wait, Lord Jia, although I cannot make the decision, the Marquis's Mansion does not have any property in Jiangnan. It is well known that the North is short of food. So today, I am here for the future consideration of the Marquis' Mansion and to support the government office. I am willing to contribute a little."
"Oh, I wonder which one President Su has taken a fancy to. I will let President Su choose first."
Jia Yucun was overjoyed. He did not expect that there was another reason. Was it Su Jinkai's own wish or the arrangement of the Marquis' Mansion? He thought about it quickly in his mind and spoke quickly.
Su Jinkai bowed slightly to the adults on the platform, and then continued;
"I am making a move on my own. The people of Chunyang County are simple and honest, and it is not far from my hometown. I am willing to help my fellow villagers. Chunyang County has 30,000 acres of taxable land. Huang Rutai and I, together with the remaining 20,000 acres of cultivated land, will buy all of them."
As soon as this word comes out,
Everyone in the hall was stunned, even Jia Yucun and Eunuch Yang were in disbelief. Chunyang County had a total of 50,000 mu of taxable land. Even if it was three dan of grain, it would require 150,000 dan. These were sky-high prices. Su Jinkai was just a salt merchant. Where did he get the grain? Huang Rutai was just a dog behind Su Jinkai. These two...
Everyone thought a lot and carefully looked at Fatty Su, who was both unfamiliar and familiar. After three days of absence, one should look at him with new eyes. He was really on the list of marquis's mansion.
Jia Yucun was also a little confused. He turned his head to Eunuch Yang who was sitting in the main seat, but saw that Eunuch Yang nodded to him. He breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile:
"Haha, good, good, it's still President Su who has made a big splash. The 50,000 acres of fertile land in Chunyang County will be taken over by President Su and Mr. Huang. It can be considered as a contribution to the people of their hometown."
Speaking is naturally the icing on the cake, but many people in the hall spit on it. Su Jinkai's hometown is in Yongning County. Although it is adjacent to Chunyang County, the hometown elders are so far away. Not to mention that Huang Rutai is from Shangyu County, and they have no relationship at all. Why did he buy the land in Chunyang County? There is something strange about this.
These doubts were only understood by some people sitting in the front. As they all worked for the Marquis' Mansion, Xu Changwen, the magistrate of Chunyang County, was a disciple of Marquis Luo Yun. It was said that it was easier to be an official if you had a strong backer, and that was absolutely true.
Almost at the time when Su Jinkai left for the south to sign the contract, several heads of noble families sitting in the front row, represented by the Liu family, stood up and bowed;
"Sir, since President Su has taken the lead, we can't just stand by and watch. A dozen of us will jointly purchase half of Anning County and Yongning County, 20,000 acres in each county, for a total of 40,000 acres."
Then,
The Zhen family winked at the Shi family, the Wang family, etc., and one of them stood up and said casually;
"Your Excellency the Prefect, we are also doing our part. We have also pledged our right to the 40,000 mu of fertile land in Shangyu County."
Seeing that all the nobles in Jinling City had sold their land, there was less than 40,000 acres of land left. The gentry, wealthy merchants, and country gentry could no longer sit still. They all crowded and shouted to buy. In less than a moment, more than 100,000 acres of fertile land were sold out. It was a rare occasion.
Seeing that the matter was successfully completed, Jia Yucun was even more delighted and announced:
"The good farmland has been purchased. I would like to thank you all for your support. Today I have prepared some famous dishes from the south of the Yangtze River. Please stay and eat and drink well."
"Thank you, sir."
The atmosphere in the hall was lively. As the servants and maids began to serve the dishes, everyone toasted each other. Lord Jing and Lord Su, who were sitting in the main seats, were all very happy. Today, they had solved their worries. If they could plant more spring crops and mulberry trees, it would be a major issue for the court.
"Everyone, today is a great day, thanks to Magistrate Jia's eloquence, especially the unexpected surprise of the five counties in Jiangbei. Come, let's raise our glasses together and toast to Magistrate Jia."
Eunuch Yang's face was ruddy. The land had been sold, the disaster victims had food, and there was also seed for replanting. In addition, half of the land needed to be planted with mulberry trees. The imperial policy of converting land into mulberry trees was now accomplished in his hands. He was overjoyed.
All the officials at the table raised their glasses, and many of them were a little surprised. They had never thought that Magistrate Jia had such talent.
"Absolutely not, Eunuch Yang, all the lords, the credit for this goes to Eunuch Yang, Lord Jing, and Lord Su. I was just a mouthpiece, so I don't have any credit. The reason why it went so smoothly is that Eunuch Yang taught me well."
Jia Yucun stood up, bowed and apologized, but was unwilling to accept it. The few of them pushed and tugged at it, and finally they drank the glass of wine together.
The main table is bustling,
The people in the hall below were in the same mood. Those who bought land felt that they had gotten a great bargain, while those who didn't buy any felt unhappy and unhappy.
Su Jinkai and Huang Rutai, who bought the entire Chunyang County land by themselves, attracted much attention. Many people came to toast and inquire about the news, but most of them rejected them with vague answers, saying that the two were drunk.
"Brother Su, if you really want to buy that much land, I wonder if the Marquis' Mansion is willing?"
Huang Rutai was still worried after drinking a few glasses of wine. The food and fodder in the West City warehouse were all prepared for the areas outside the Great Wall. Now he was misappropriating them to buy land. How would he explain himself if the Marquis blamed him?
Seeing that no one responded, he turned around and saw Su Jinkai sitting leisurely in his seat, holding chopsticks in his hand, picking up a piece of meat and putting it into his mouth, tasting it slowly, without any sign of being in a hurry.
"Brother Su, the situation is urgent. Once the contract is signed, the government will have to inspect the grain. After the grain is transported, the land deed will be reissued. At that time, there will be no room for maneuver."
Huang Rutai was anxious and urged,
"You just can't change your impatience. It's easy to make trouble. Don't you think about why the grain in the West City warehouse has been delayed for so long and not shipped out, but other goods have been shipped out?"
Su Jinkai ate the braised pork again and asked calmly,
"Is there any need to ask? There are so many refugees outside the Great Wall. As the saying goes, food, clothing, shelter and transportation are the most important things. Of course, clothing is the most important. In order to prevent and control diseases, those refugees naturally need to wash and change into clean clothes, but food is indispensable."
How could Huang Rutai not know this? Jinling consumes a lot of food and cloth. He glanced at Brother Su and saw that he was smiling. Could he be wrong?
"That's right. Clothing comes first, and food cannot be left behind. But as far as I know, I don't know when the capital will organize shipping to transport food and grass to the outside of the pass. I think it's the Marquis's hand. So here, we mostly transport cloth, and the food is delayed. Now the rainy season is coming, and it's not a good idea to keep so much food. Why not take this opportunity to leave a lucrative industry for the Marquis' Mansion? Are you still worried about food shortages in the future?"
They are all good paddy fields in the south of the Yangtze River. One mu of land can produce at least three shi of grain. Fifty thousand mu of land can produce 150,000 shi of grain. Even if there is a 30% return, it will take three years to get back the investment. This is still conservative. Anyone would be tempted. Besides, even if there is something fishy going on, who would dare to touch the Marquis's property? This is the reason why Su Jinkai dared to buy it.
Huang Rutai calmed down because of his calm look. Brother Su was right. No matter how many businesses there were, they were not as good as owning the land. He felt it was not right to buy ten thousand acres of good land in the name of the Marquisate, but he could not help it. If they bought it in the name of the two of them, not to mention the officials, even the concubines of the nearby noble families would not be something they could handle. So, they would just take it one step at a time.
"Okay, Brother Su, let me toast you! Cheers!"
"Dry!"
(End of this chapter)