Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 575 Testing each other
Jia Lian's way of expropriating land was quite characteristic of the times, and this was what the government could do in those days.

Of course, this incident has certain particularities and is not universal.

After all, no matter from which perspective, the land acquisition process for railway construction is reasonable and legal, and there is nothing wrong with it.

Those gentry who were executed were indeed responsible for murders.

This incident also served as a reminder to many people that whenever the imperial court wanted to build a railway, it was best not to do so with the intention of getting rich all at once.

The imperial court's land acquisition is no joke.

No one made a fuss afterwards. We measured the land properly and you calculated exactly how many crops and trees there were.

Some people who wanted to play some tricks also stopped.

Those wealthy people were cheated half to death, and the common people were just looking for death.

As for the subsequent construction problems, it’s not that no one wants to subcontract the work, but they really don’t dare to do it because they really don’t understand it. However, some work can still be done.

For example, the sand and gravel that are needed are jobs that can be taken over and earn some hard-earned money.

Emperor Chenghui was not at peace yet, as Jia Lian submitted another memorial, which roughly meant that according to the court's laws, mountains, rivers, minerals, lakes and reservoirs all belonged to the court, but many private individuals among the people claimed them for themselves.

The imperial court should reiterate this law and urge government offices at all levels to investigate this matter. If private citizens occupy rivers and lakes, the government should clear them out and reclaim them. If private citizens open mines, they must obtain government approval.

The inexplicable memorial made Emperor Chenghui very puzzled, and he quickly summoned Pan Jixun to ask questions.

After Pan Jixun arrived, he read the memorial and said, "It is true. There are many such incidents among the people. Jia Buqi's meaning is that some local gentry seized the river and the hilltops and did not allow others to mine sand and stones."

Emperor Chenghui understood again. Jia Lian was like this every time. When he wanted to do something, he would first find a legal basis and then take action. As long as the court reiterated this law, it would not be considered as a punishment without teaching.

When I come back to deal with you, if you say you didn't know, then it won't be unfair to you.

Once this matter is officially confirmed, the beneficiaries will first be the local officials. In connection with the ban on taxation of silver and the issue of silver dollars some time ago, Emperor Chenghui nodded.

"Okay, let's do it according to what is written in this memorial. Mr. Pan, take it to show it to the ministers."

Pan Jixu is actually quite annoying too. What kind of person is he? He always hits the mark.

When I left, I was still thinking that I must be cautious about anything concerning Jia Lian in the future and be careful even at the slightest touch.

The cabinet was also very upset after reading the memorials. Jia Lian is quite shady!

Aren't you officials and gentry colluding with the same interests? Okay, I'll create some conflicts of interest for you and see if you can still agree.

Anyway, they just keep their eyes on the landlords and gentry.

This time it's over, but who knows what will happen next time? This kid is really capable of making trouble.

While Jia Lian was making trouble, Li Heng in Shuntian Prefecture also made a fortune and had mixed feelings towards Jia Lian. It's no surprise that he had mixed feelings.

As a popular candidate for the throne, my aunt's sister has offered her all, but this bastard still doesn't like her. They almost became enemies because of their relationship.

Before I could make up for it, that bastard took the initiative to clean up the R&D department. All the relatives who had been planted there over the years were cleared out. This frightened some officials from the Honglu Temple and the Ministry of Industry who were close to me, and they all used their connections to transfer. Those who could be transferred were fine, but those who couldn't were really cautious, fearing that something bad would happen.

Fortunately, Jia Lian turned around to build the railway, and finally he stopped. He had just taken office in Shuntian Prefecture, and now he had a job. He really made a lot of money. No wonder this bastard said, how much money does a poor person have?
Li Heng was a little enlightened. Although Jia Lian was also good at making money, his methods were much more sophisticated, especially the recent memorials. All the officials who were close to the people in the world had to applaud Jia Lian.

Li Heng called his aide Mr. Jiang and after giving him some instructions, Mr. Jiang said that he would do his best to get it done.

Mr. Jiang was actually unsure when he left, and he was quite afraid of Jia Lian. He had come into contact with many officials, but Jia Lian's attitude was the most special.

When others learn of his background, they either try to please him or show him respect. Jia Lian, on the other hand, is very equal. No matter who you are, his attitude is always equal.

It can be seen that Jia Lian meant simple cooperation and not to think too much.

He was definitely unhappy at the beginning, but now the situation has reversed. Mr. Jiang is a little afraid to meet Jia Lian because this man is too shady.

Of course, this criticism is from Mr. Jiang's perspective. It is completely the psychological trauma left by seeing those landlords and gentry suffer misfortune last time. To put it bluntly, Mr. Jiang is the same kind of person as those landlords and gentry. How can he not feel sympathy? Mr. Jiang had the idea of ​​persuading Li Heng to guard against the possibility that Jia Lian might become a powerful official several times, but he gave up in the end.

He was not worried about Li Heng, but worried about Li Heng telling Jia Lian. In terms of danger, the prince was more dangerous, especially the one who was preparing to become the emperor.

In order to please and win over Jia Lian, there is really no pressure in selling an aide.

Upon learning that Mr. Jiang had sent a visiting card, Jia Lian didn't want to meet him very much, but he finally met him in the office.

"Mr. Jiang, right? I'm so busy here that my shoes are worn out. If you have something to say, just say it directly. Don't beat around the bush. For the sake of the Third Prince, I'll agree to anything you can agree to."

The words were very direct, but Mr. Jiang did not feel offended at all. After all, the difference in their identities and status was too great. Looking at the courtyard where Jia Lian was, the staff were all jogging.

"I have a relative who wants to take over some sand and gravel business, but I don't know how to start?" Mr. Jiang didn't dare to mention Li Heng, and only talked about himself.

"That's easy, but there are strict requirements. Someone come and explain it to Mr. Jiang." Jia Lian called out, and an aide came to be in charge of the reception. Jia Lian apologized and went about his own business.

Mr. Jiang and his staff went to sit in the next room. After serving tea, he explained how to do this business. Sand and gravel should be purchased at a standard price and the quality should meet the standard. Secondly, the salary of the recruited workers should be clearly marked for each day of work and no deductions should be made. If anyone comes to complain, once verified, payment will be stopped immediately and compensation will be demanded. This is not targeted at anyone, it is the same for everyone.

Mr. Jiang patiently inquired about it and found out that it was the busy farming season and the price of hiring workers was not cheap. A strong laborer was charged 50 wen a day, and a half-grown child was charged 20 wen a day.

The most important point is that the signed contract cannot be subcontracted. The reason is very clear. The purpose of building railways and engineering projects is to find jobs for the people without property and jobs. When the people earn money and have money in their hands, most of the money they spend will still flow into the market, and finally the court can recover part of it through taxation. If a contractor hires a worker and can earn ten cents from the sand and gravel produced every day, five cents of it will be used as wages.

It is made very clear here. We are not afraid of trouble. No matter where you mine sand, we will always send someone to conduct on-site investigation.

Mr. Jiang understood that the reserved profit from this transaction was still good.

But he was still a little dissatisfied, after all, it was the Third Prince's face, so he expressed his desire to trouble Jia Lian again, said a few words and then left.

Jia Lian was also very polite and really met him. Mr. Jiang said that he would like to increase the purchase price a little bit for the sake of the Third Prince.

Jia Lian explained patiently: "This is not appropriate. I can only guarantee that as long as the product is qualified, the payment will be made on time. By the way, I would like to remind you that there are many businesses that can make money nowadays. There is no need to get involved in the project. It will not sound good if it gets out, and it will be bad for everyone." This is a bit of a warning, because in all likelihood, Li Heng will subcontract the contract if he gets it. This kind of person only wants to make quick money.

Mr. Jiang's expression suddenly changed slightly. He felt bad about being seen through.

So he didn't mention the transaction anymore and reported everything to Li Heng after returning.

Li Heng was naturally unhappy and even a little angry. I earn a little money, so what? The expenses of the palace depended on the little money allocated by the treasury, and life was tight.

He had forgotten that the copper coin business in Japan was brokered by Jia Lian. Although the profit was lower now, it still brought in at least 200,000 silver dollars in revenue every year.

Suddenly Li Heng slapped his forehead and said, "I'm stupid, really stupid! My brain is so stupid."

Li Heng immediately dismissed Mr. Jiang and told him to do other things. He then asked his trusted eunuch to go out and change his clothes.

In the evening, Li Heng changed his clothes and went out to a brothel in the east of the city.

As soon as I arrived, Jia Rong, who was waiting downstairs, led me into the room and upstairs. This place was reserved by Jia Rong tonight.

After taking his seat, Jia Rong asked with a smile, "Your Highness is short of money, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Well, over the years, the relationship between Li Heng and Jia Rong can only be said to have been maintained, but there has not been much progress. He just meets with his trusted eunuchs once a quarter and takes the dividends. The two rarely meet.

"Today I asked Mr. Jiang to meet Buqi, but he was rejected. That's why I had to come to you to talk." Li Heng said with a hint of intention of calling for an explanation.

Jia Rong remained calm and said with a smile on his face, "Your Highness, you are wrong. You must not get involved in any business. At least not openly."

Li Heng then smiled and said, "Well, that makes sense! But I am really short of money right now."

Jia Rong didn't say anything, but he cursed in his heart. From his place, he gets at least 10,000 silver dollars in dividends every quarter. Isn't this enough for you to spend?

"Nowadays, there are many competitors in the bookstore and cigarette business, and the pressure is also very great. It is difficult to increase the profit. If Your Highness is short of money, Rong has a honeycomb coal business. Your Highness can send an accountant there. How about Your Highness taking half of the profit every month in the future?" Jia Rong did not want to cause trouble for Jia Lian, so he took the initiative to give up some of his interests.

Li Heng's smile disappeared immediately after hearing this, and he said coldly: "The Jia family has a lot of businesses that make money. Nowadays, there is no business outside the pass or outside the pass that the Jia family doesn't have a share of."

After hearing this, Jia Rong looked thoughtful. He couldn't possibly tell Li Heng the truth. The business outside the pass and outside the Great Wall was openly led by the Jia family, but secretly many middle and low-level officers in the Beijing camp had a stake in it, right?

This can be said to be Jia Lian’s most secret plan. If it is revealed, someone will die.

Now, let alone the Shenji Camp, at least half of the middle and low-level officers in the three major camps in the capital have been pulled in to participate in various businesses through Ni Er and Jia Rong.

"Well, Your Highness, you tell me a number, and Jia Rong will give it to me every month. Your Highness won't have to get involved in any business." Jia Rong gritted his teeth and decided to bleed a little.

After hearing this, Li Heng hesitated. How much should he ask for? If he asked for too much, he would offend the person.

Even though Li Yuan is in Nanyang now, he can't compare with Li Yuan in terms of official foundation. Jia Lian will directly give it to Li Yuan, and he will be in trouble.

Although Li Heng is now in high spirits, he has a fatal flaw: he has no military power. Emperor Chenghui does not trust any of the princes and will never give them military power. The Dragon Guard is even more closely watching the princes. If anyone dares to win over the generals, they will be the ones who will be in trouble if they are discovered. Didn't the generals who had a good relationship with Li Yuan go to the border to get some advice?

Li Heng certainly knew the importance of Jia Lian, but he also wanted to use this method to see whether the Jia family was willing to make additional investments in him and to what extent.

Because the position of heir is not unique, Li Heng was very cautious when Li Yuan was in power. Now that Li Yuan is in Southeast Asia, he is determined to settle things as soon as possible. So, he also followed Li Yuan's old path and privately won over some powerful people. How to win them over? Of course, give benefits or directly bribe them with money.

This was a huge expense. For example, Li Heng received a monthly bonus from Yue Qi, the Minister of War, which was secretly sent to him. Mr. Jiang was in charge of this matter.

However, Li Heng is personally in charge of Jia Rong's line, and no one can rest assured.

"The annual expenditure of the palace is at least one million yuan." Li Heng decided to ask for a high price, which means one million silver dollars a year. It depends on the attitude of the Jia family.

Jia Rong fell into deep thought immediately after hearing this. Li Heng was not in a hurry. After a while, Jia Rong said, "I can't make the decision on this matter alone. Your Highness, please relax tonight. I will be able to give you a definite answer tomorrow night at the latest." Li Heng was not in a hurry after hearing what he said. He smiled and said, "That's good!"

Jia Rong then knocked on the table, and the brothel's madam came in, followed by a dozen young women, each as pretty as a flower, with a fragrant scent.

Li Heng didn't think about anything else for the time being and immersed himself in the pleasure of sensual pleasures. Normally, he would really be reluctant to spend money to attend the event.

Jia Rong stayed with her for a while and then quietly left. He returned home in the middle of the night and saw Jia Lian, who was still awake. After explaining everything to him, he waited for Jia Lian's answer.

"One million a year, he really dares to ask for it." Jia Lian's face was not good. It was not that he could not afford the money, but if he paid the money according to the number he said, the problem would be endless. Fortunately, Li Yuan did not do it to the extreme and kept a trick. Now it seems that Li Heng is more dangerous than Li Yuan. At least for the Jia family, this is the situation.

"Tomorrow you will pass the message over there that all other subsidies will be stopped and the amount will be reduced to 500,000 yuan per year. The Jia family cannot afford to pay more than this amount." Jia Lian gave a number decisively, which was also a test.

If Li Heng is not satisfied, don't blame Jia Lian for being rude.

(End of this chapter)