Master Kong Zhongni

Chapter 152 Are there any unexpected gains?

Zaiyu and Zigong originally planned to take advantage of the good time in the morning to take a good tour of Linzi City.

But because he was worried that he would not be able to meet Yanzi in the afternoon, he hurriedly booked a hotel in the city, and then sent Zhao Wuxie and Gongshu Pan to Fan Li and the others to take care of them, and then rushed to wait in front of Yanzi's house.

Although the waiting time was long, fortunately Yan Zi's house was not far from the West Market, and they took advantage of this time to check the local prices in detail.

The two of them seemed to have a new understanding of why Yan Zi was still unwilling to move out of here.

Zigong muttered: "Although the market is noisy, there are people coming and going here, people are well-informed, and you can keep track of changes in commodity prices at any time.

Yanzi refused to move out of this place, probably besides advocating frugality, he also had the desire to keep abreast of the living conditions of the people? "

Zai Yu also nodded deeply and said: "If you only know the art of discourse and debate, how can you govern Qi well?
Speech is just a weapon used by Yanzi to persuade the king. If he can't understand the people's sentiments well, how can he come up with a reasonable strategy for governing the country?
Under the order of the emperor, he is responsible for managing the people. If the residence is far away from the people, he will be easily deceived by others.

If he doesn't often go out to buy, how does he know about the rise and fall of commodity prices? "

The two thought about whether they should follow Yanzi's example and move their residence near the market after returning to Tuqiu.

Due to the gradual increase in the number of merchants in the past six months, the original market can no longer fully accommodate the business travelers coming and going.

So Zaiyu has been talking about re-planning the commercial area, and at the same time expanding the residential area and building a number of hostels for business travelers.

Although Tuqiu has only [-] households in name, in fact, if it is divided into small families, these [-] households can be dismantled into [-] households.

Moreover, among the existing [-] households, only [-] households are Chinese living in Tuqiu City, while the remaining [-] households are savages living in the outskirts of the city.

When the expansion of the new residential area is completed, some savages can be selected and moved to live in the city, turning them into citizens.

The savages were transformed into Chinese, so Tuqiu naturally had more soldiers.

Although Zaiyu really wanted to recruit soldiers directly from the wildlings, he had done so before, but he did it in a private capacity before.

Now that he is Dr. Tuqiu, if he openly announces the law of recruiting savages, he will inevitably be attacked by the public opinion of Lu State.

Before the strength is strong enough to challenge the rules, Jae Yu can only try to find loopholes to take advantage of the loopholes, instead of confronting etiquette head-on.

Anyway, Tuqiu is his fiefdom, isn't it just a matter of moving to another house after changing his status as a Chinese?

It's very simple, just find a reason.

There is no need to get into trouble for convenience.

But relying on him alone, the matter of expanding the city cannot be done for a while.

After all, it is easy to give an order, but it is very difficult to execute it.

There are only so few people in Tu Qiuyuan, and there are only two ways to build a large-scale construction project.

Either forced labor, or a lot of coins.

Jae Yu really couldn't bear the heart of forced labor.

After all, he managed to accumulate some popularity in Tuqiu, so there's no need to ruin his reputation just because of this.

Most importantly, he also counted on the people of Tuqiu to spread the reputation of his lenient government and attract those savages in the nearby mountains who did not have registered permanent residence to come and join him.

At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, in a world of great contention, talents are the primary productive force.

If there is no one, what kind of benevolent government is he still exercising? !

But throwing a lot of coins, Zaiyu can't do it temporarily with his current ability.

Although he made a lot of profit from selling books, in order to adjust the price of Tu fur and attract nearby business travelers to trade, he basically didn't have much money left.

His little deposit has been replaced by a full warehouse of grain, salt, iron, and coal.

Although these things can also be used to pay remuneration, it is still necessary to reserve some in case of emergencies.

After all, it is impossible to say that some natural and man-made disasters will happen one day, and it is impossible to have disaster relief without reserves.

Moreover, in order to promote morality and enlightenment in Tuqiu territory, he also issued several laws and decrees referring to the provisions of Zhou Lizhong.

In order to prevent poor families from abandoning the elderly, children and disabled people, Zaiyu specially set up an official position called "Zhangren".

They are responsible for distributing subsidies to the elderly over 60 years old and children under the age of eight, and providing food and a certain amount of meat on a monthly basis.

For those families who are willing to raise orphans, the tax will be reduced in proportion to the number of people they support, and for each additional child they support, the land tax will be reduced by [-] mu.

As for the disabled who are deaf, blind, dumb, dumb, lame, and paralyzed, they can also receive sufficient food on a monthly basis.

It is precisely because of these incentives that the atmosphere in Tuqiu has been greatly improved, and there are no orphans, widows, and beggars.

But although these good policies are good, they all cost real money.

So when Zaiyu wanted to expand the residential area, his pockets suddenly seemed a bit stretched.

Fortunately, good brother Zigong stepped forward at a critical moment, and Tuqiu's policy of attracting investment has achieved initial results.

Zigong bought a lot of undeveloped land in Tuqiu City in one go, and planned to use the resources at hand to build hotels here for profit.

But Zigong is here for business, not for charity.

It is no problem to expect him to develop commercial real estate, but it is a bit unrealistic to ask him to build welfare housing.

For the money in the residential area, Zaiyu still has to find a way to solve it.

Zai Yu was thinking about where to get the money, when he suddenly saw two carriages driving slowly ahead.

One of the carriages was simple in shape with no decorations, so one knew without thinking that it was Yan Zi's car.

And the one next to it looks a bit gimmicky.

The purple curtains, the lacquered wood canopy, and the wind chimes made of colorful pearls and jade are also dotted. When the carriage shakes, pedestrians on the road can hear the tinkling sound.

Zigong frowned and said, "Is this the car of a high official from Qi, or a wealthy businessman? The decoration style is too exaggerated."

Zai Yu observed the way the two carriages were moving, and quickly gave his judgment.

"The owner of this car is either Shangqing Guoxia of Qi State, or Shangqing Gaozhang."

Zigong asked, "How can you see that?"

Zaiyu pointed to the two carriages and said, "Look, the roads in Linzi are extremely wide, and the two carriages can drive side by side, but Yanzi's carriage is always cautiously attached to the back of this carriage.

Obviously, it wasn't that Yanzi's carriage couldn't overtake him, but that Yanzi didn't want to compete with the owner of the carriage.

Yan Zigui is a senior doctor, and he actually takes care of the affairs of Qi State, and he is most trusted by Qihou and loved by the people.

Even Tian Wuyu, the head of the Tian clan who is also a senior doctor, would not drive ahead so calmly when his car ran into Yan Zi.

Therefore, the only ones who can have such a big face are the Guo family and the Gao family who are the "Second Shou of the Son of Heaven". "

Zi Gong thought for a while, then suddenly asked: "Then why can't it be the car of Marquis Qi?"

"Qihou?"

Jae Yu was taken aback by the question, but he thought about it.

It seems that this is also possible!
But what is Marquis Qi doing out of the palace at this time?
Are you planning to travel out of town?
But looking around the car, it doesn't seem like there are any guards with it?

After thinking about it, Zaiyu still felt that it was unlikely that it was Qihou's car.

However, this possibility cannot be ruled out immediately.

Because according to his understanding, Qihou seems to have always been a person who doesn't follow the routine very much.

But if it's Qihou...

With an idea, Zaiyu suddenly had an idea for money.

He asked Zi Gong, "Do you want to make money?"

Zi Gong raised his eyebrows: "Who are you trying to trick?"

"Don't worry about it so much."

Zai Yu said, "Later, let's find out the tone of the person who came here. If you are sure that it is really Marquis Qi, remember to take my word for it."

Zi Gong shivered in fright: "My son! You have something wrong, right? Why is this getting bigger and bigger?

At first, he cheated Master, and later he planned to cheat Yanghu. Why are you all targeting Qihou now?

You must not fool around!If we are seen through and make Qi Hou angry, we will not be the only ones who will be unlucky!

If Marquis Qi angered the State of Lu because of this, even if you and I committed suicide and apologized, we would have no way to explain to the people of our country. "

Zaiyu said disapprovingly, "How can the country be involved?

Besides, even if the one who came was really Marquis Qi, so what?

From now on, you are not Lu Guo's palm.

I am not a doctor of the State of Lu either.

We are just two ordinary businessmen from Lu, as long as you remember this, we will be safe and sound. "

Zigong was about to argue with Zaiyu.

But before he could speak, Yan Zi's carriage stopped in front of them.

Yan Zi got out of the car, smiled kindly and said, "I've kept you waiting for a long time, please come in."

After Yanzi finished speaking, he walked towards the courtyard.

And the ornately decorated carriage also drove past Zaiyu and Zigong without any intention of stopping.

Zigong frowned slightly, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

Although he was a little worried about Zai Yu Hu Lai, after all, he had followed him to do a few big votes, so although Zi Gong was worried, the expectation of making money was still the majority in his heart.

How can he not be depressed when his expectations are now in vain.

But before he finished worrying, he felt that someone was pulling the corner of his clothes.

He looked at Jai Yu beside him, only to see Jai Yu winking at him.

Zigong was startled, and looked in the direction he indicated.

I saw that the ornately decorated carriage didn't go straight along the avenue, but suddenly turned a corner, which seemed to go around the back of Yan Zi's house.

This……

Zi Gong was startled.

broken!

If I can't do it well, I really expected the quilt!

Could it be that the person sitting in the carriage is really Marquis Qi?

The two hurriedly followed Yan Zi into the courtyard.

Yanzi's house is not big, passing through the narrow courtyard, the front is a side hall for entertaining guests.

There are only a few simple tables and desks inside, and rolls of paper books are piled up in front of the main seat made by Yan Zi.

The two sat down at Yan Zi's invitation, and just after drinking a mouthful of physalis served by the doorman, they heard Yan Zi's laughter in their ears.

"I can hear the accents of both of you, so you must be from the country of Lu?"

Zai Yu put down his glass with a smile, nodded and replied, "Nothing can escape your eyes. We are indeed from Lu."

Yan Zi drank his saliva, and chatted casually: "The state of Lu seems to be not at peace recently.

At the beginning of last year, it first fought with Zheng Guo.

In summer, he sent troops to attack Ju.

Within a year, several troops were sent to fight. The people in the country must have had a hard time, right? "

When Zaiyu heard the words, he sighed and said, "Who says it's not? Conquest does not benefit the common people too much!
Since ancient times, countries that frequently wage wars will always be destroyed.

In fact, the State of Lu didn't want to launch a war at first, but the power to decide whether to war or not is not in the hands of ordinary people! "

After hearing this, Yan Zi put down his teacup and asked, "Um...you mean, Yang Hu?"

When Zaiyu heard the words, he didn't speak, but smiled slightly.

When Yan Zi saw it, he didn't blame him, but stroked his beard and smiled.

"Since you think that countries that frequently wage wars will always perish, Ju and Lu have been fighting for the ownership of Yun for a hundred years.

In your opinion, which of them will perish first?"

Zai Yu didn't expect Yan Zi to raise such a question suddenly.

He pondered the reason why Yan Zi asked this question, and then thought of the car driver who was suspected to be Qihou just now, and instantly understood in his heart.

Could it be that Yanzi is testing my ideas and talents, and intends to recommend me to Marquis Qi?
This……

Things seem to be a little out of order.

However, this is also an opportunity to get close to Marquis Qi.

I'll meet Qihou first, and we'll talk about it after hooking up with him.

Multiple connections and multiple paths!

In case something happens in the state of Lu one day, it is not impossible for me to bring Tuqiu directly to the state of Qi.

After thinking about this, Jae Yu's answer became serious.

He thought about the performance of Ji Sheng and others, and replied solemnly.

"I also took part in the battle to capture Yun, so I know the Ju people well.

According to my observations, the people of the state of Ju are changeable but uneducated, greedy for success but fond of hypocrisy, advocating courage and despising benevolence and righteousness.

Scholars are martial but easily angered, impatient and easily discouraged.

Therefore, their ruler cannot be sympathetic to his subjects, and his subjects cannot respect their ruler, and the upper and lower levels cannot be united in one mind, so that the discipline of governing the country is completely lost.

Therefore, the state of Ju must die before the state of Lu. "

Yan Zi nodded slightly, then asked with a smile, "Then what do you think of the State of Lu?"

Zai Yu wanted to answer directly, but he suddenly thought of Yang Hu again, and instantly thought of another bad move in his mind.

He first sighed: "Hey..."

Yanzi asked strangely, "Do you think that the state of Lu is about to perish?"

Zai Yu shook his head when he heard this, and said, "The rulers and ministers of the Lu Kingdom behave in accordance with the etiquette, so the people can barely live a peaceful life.

Education can be promoted, subjects respect the monarch, and the country's discipline still exists.

So I think that the State of Lu can still exist for a long time. "

Yanzi asked, "Then why did you sigh just now?"

Zai Yu said: "Nevertheless, I think the State of Lu still has faults in another aspect. Because this fault is enough to lead to the demise of the State of Lu, so I can't help but sigh!"

Yanzi asked, "Excuse me, where is the fault?"

Zai Yu said: "Small countries like Zou and Teng, they are so small that even a pheasant can run out of their territory, but they can still keep the title of duke.

This is not because of their strength, but because they have long insisted on using small things to make big things and weak things to be strong.

And Song State is just a small country with a radius of [-] li. It is already a mistake for Lu State to approach the powerful Qi State but to get close to the weak Song State.

It's alright for the State of Lu not to respect such a powerful neighboring country as the State of Qi, but it still has to rely on the State of Jin, which is a precursor to the country's downfall.

I have heard that if a country is small but not humble, if its strength is small but not afraid of the strong, if it is disrespectful and insults its neighbors, if it is greedy and clumsy, it will perish.

This is exactly what it says!
I am deeply worried about the fate of the country, but these words of mine will not be listened to by our country's Yanghu after all.

He is in charge of the authority of Lu, but he does such stupid things as angering powerful neighbors.

With such a person in charge of state affairs, how can the state of Lu not perish? "

　For real readers, it is not a problem to vote for recommendation votes and monthly tickets. If these become problems, what kind of readers are they called?

　　——Excerpt from "Zaiyu's Diary"

　　
　
(End of this chapter)