I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 618 I can draw a bird!
Zhang Juzheng's eyes wandered between Zhu Yijun and Hu Rugong, thinking of a solution in his mind.

Well, when the emperor was lecturing on "Political Economy" in Xiyuan, he mentioned a sentence:

“Politics is a field full of intrigues and requires compromise; business is a field full of deception and requires trust.”

What is Compromise?

Compromise means mutual concessions. You make a step, I make a step, and the goal is achieved.

What is trust?

Trust is an exchange of interests. You contribute a little and I contribute a little, and everyone benefits. When we are in the same boat, we can trust each other.

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard with his fingers and made up his mind.

"Hu Futai, Luanzhou does not belong to your Zhili, it belongs to the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhang Juzheng first put on a show of strength so that it would be easier to bargain.

"Okay, it belongs to the Ming Dynasty. Does that mean that Zhili is not the Ming Dynasty? If it is placed in Zhili, will the cabinet run away? Do they have to take it in and make it a direct subordinate?"

"Hu Futai, I just told you that Luanzhou is one of the three pillars of the Ming Dynasty's national strength and people's prosperity. A strong country and a prosperous people are the requirements that the emperor has put forward to his subjects like me. How can we achieve it?

Then you must control the three horses well, adjust the direction in time if you take a detour, give them a whip if they slack off, and feed them with grass and water if they are hungry and thirsty.

Can Zhili do these things? If it can't be done, the cabinet must do it, and only the cabinet has the ability to do it.

Therefore, it is imperative that Luanzhou be directly under the cabinet. "Hu Futai, don't try to stop a chariot with a mantis arm!"

Hu Rugong was not to be outdone, "Prime Minister Zhang, I am weak and cannot stop the car. Luanzhou belongs to Zhili and the Ming Dynasty. The cabinet officials are one level higher and can crush people. If you want to take it away, we in Zhili can do nothing about it. So please help me calculate the labor and money that Zhili has spent on the construction of Luanzhou over the years. Prime Minister Zhang, please.

From now on, our bridges and roads will be our own, and Luanzhou will be directly under your cabinet, and we will no longer be one family with Zhili. From now on, Luanzhou will pass through our Zhili territory, but please pay the road maintenance fee."

Hu Ruguang also made his attitude clear. It is not impossible to upgrade Luanzhou to a Zhili Prefecture, but it depends on whether your cabinet can provide enough benefits.

If the benefits given are not enough, then we will have something to negotiate. Even if your cabinet wants to take it away by force, we will just wait and see. We will all compete with each other in the future.

Zhang Juzheng was distressed.

I understand Hu Rugong's position.

As the head of Zhili Province, he must safeguard the interests of Zhili, otherwise he will not be able to gain a foothold in Zhili and no one will listen to what he says.

If he could confront me and get enough benefits for Zhili in the promotion of Luanzhou to Zhili Prefecture, so that the three departments of Zhili and the counties under it would all benefit greatly, then his prestige in Zhili would soar, and his words would be final, which would be regarded as a great political achievement.

Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but look at Zhu Yijun again.

Now I also see the emperor's far-reaching intention of appointing a governor with a special status in each province.

With such a governor who has direct access to the emperor's ears and can ignore the cabinet, each province will be able to protect its own interests as much as possible.

A struggle between the central government and local governments?

interesting.

Since Emperor Taizu, all dynasties, from the emperor to the officials, have not paid much attention to the local areas. They all felt that apart from collecting enough taxes, there was nothing worth paying attention to in the local areas.

Most of the attention is focused on the central government, and officials being transferred to other places are often considered to be demoted.

Since the emperor took power as the crown prince, he has gradually changed this political tradition.

He granted many powers to local governments, including people's livelihood, municipal construction, road traffic, and later on, he came up with the most incisive power of economic construction.

After several years of influence, the wise men in the court all realized that the land tax was becoming less and less important to the Ming Dynasty. What was important was to increase taxes, such as commercial taxes, tariffs, salt taxes, and stamp taxes.
As the economy developed, these taxes rose sharply and exceeded the land tax. With money, the court could do a lot of things and officials could achieve a lot of political achievements, which would lead to promotion.

If we want to increase tax revenue, we must continue to revitalize the economy. If we want to revitalize the economy, the role of local governments becomes very important, and they gradually gain the confidence to compete with the central government.

For example, now, he is competing with Hu Ruguang for Luanzhou. Zhili can bargain, but will never let go unless it gives enough benefits.

Was this possible before?

When the six ministries gave the order, the local authorities were terrified. Even if they had resistance, they would only pretend to obey in secret and would not say no so blatantly!
Interesting, central and local!
Although he, the prime minister, seemed to have more power than the previous prime minister, he was actually subject to various constraints. Why? Because the emperor had released more power and fostered more forces.

Zhang Juzheng looked at Zhu Yijun frequently, which made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"Master Zhang, is there any stain on my face?" Zhu Yijun asked.

Zhang Juzheng was stunned, "No."

"No, then you guys continue talking, just pretend I'm not here."

Zhang Juzheng found it both funny and infuriating. The emperor was allowing the central government and the local governments to complete their first confrontation and exchange of interests, setting an example for how the two would get along in the future.

But how do you set this price?

If I take the initiative, I will easily be slaughtered by Hu Ruguang.

Zhang Juzheng thought about it and realized that it was pointless to let the matter stand still, so he took the initiative to say, "Hu Futai, the cabinet will not take Luanzhou away for nothing. The cabinet took a heavy industrial base from Zhili and gave you a light industrial base."

After spending a long time with Zhu Yijun, new terms came to my mind fluently.

When Hu Rugong heard this, he knew the main point was coming. "Please ask Prime Minister Zhang to tell me about this light industrial base."

Then let me hear if the price is suitable.

"The cabinet is writing a five-year economic development plan for the Ming Dynasty under the order of the emperor. I can make the decision to plan a textile center in Tianjin."

"Textile center?"

“Yes, there are many saline-alkali lands in the areas of Hejian, Zhili and Tianjin. It is not suitable for growing grain, but it is OK for growing cotton.

This prime minister asked officials from the Agricultural Science Institute of Sinong Temple to visit the two places and help Zhili plan a cotton planting plan, and then asked the Ministry of Revenue to arrange a sum of support funds and introduce some preferential policies.

Help Zhili build textile mills, cotton cloth mills, and printing and dyeing factories in Tianjin, and directly use steam engines. "

Hu Rugong immediately interjected, "Prime Minister Zhang, the steam engines of the Imperial Observatory are in great demand."

"I will go and ask for a few, I believe the Prince of Dongyuan County will give me some face."

Zhang Juzheng said with full confidence.

The Imperial Observatory is special in that its director is appointed by the Emperor himself after being nominated by the Council of State Council. However, it is listed in the catalogue of central budget and final accounts units of the Ministry of Revenue, and the salaries and allowances of its officials are all funded by the national treasury.

Of course, the Imperial Observatory is now extremely wealthy, from the scientific research leader Huang Daolin to ordinary craftsmen and technicians, all of them have made a fortune from patent research and development, but who would complain that the imperial grain is not delicious?

So Zhang Juzheng said this with confidence.

Hu Rugong nodded with satisfaction, "Prime Minister Zhang, how big a textile base does the cabinet plan to build in Tianjin?"

"Compare it to Shanghai's textile base."

hiss!
That's really amazing. The price Zhang Xiang offered is quite reasonable.

Hu Rugong continued, "With such a large scale, I am worried that the cotton from Hejian and Tianjin alone will not be enough. Cotton likes sunshine, and it will not grow as well in the north as in the south, and the yield will certainly not be as good."

Zhang Juzheng smiled and said, "Don't worry. The reason why I put the textile base in Tianjin is to make use of Dagu Port. After one or two years when the textile base factories are built and the trade route to Tianzhu is open, we can directly use the cotton from Tianzhu."

Hu Rugong's eyes lit up. This was a good idea.

Zhang Juzheng really got the idea when he accompanied the emperor on a tour of Kailuan this time!

He thought about it and came up with another question: "Prime Minister Zhang, building a textile base is good, but how to sell it? I am worried that Tianjin's cotton cloth cannot compete with Shanghai's cotton cloth." Of course they cannot compete with Shanghai's cotton cloth. They have been doing this for several years and have long figured out how to lower costs. How can you compete with them when their cloth is good and cheap?
Zhang Juzheng waved his hand and said, "Why would we fight with Shanghai for Tianjin's cloth?"

"Export to India?"

"Don't bother. Tianjin's cotton cloth goes directly to the North China market, including Zhili, Liaodong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, and hundreds of thousands of herdsmen in the southern part of Mongolia! With such a large area and so many people, isn't it enough for Tianjin Cotton Cloth Factory to consume?"

Hu Rugong couldn't hold back any longer, his mouth curved into a crescent shape, and he smiled.

"Zhang Xiang really has a comprehensive understanding of the Ming Dynasty's economy. He came up with such a good idea right away. Zhili, Shanxi, and the areas south of the Great Wall are indeed the market for my Tianjin Cotton Mill."

It is a consensus that Shanghai cotton cloth is cheap and good. However, under the current transshipment conditions, Shanghai cotton cloth may lose money when transported to the north by land or water, so only sea transport is the most cost-effective.

However, shipping by sea must land at Dagu Port, and Dagu Port is located in Zhili.
Well, it’s best not to have thoughts that are detrimental to unity.

This is the last card played secretly, and the card played openly is the cabinet. Prime Minister Zhang, you said you would support us, and you must come up with a policy to support us.

For example, the Han and Mongolians are one family. In order to repay the Mongolian tribes who have been guarding the border for the Ming Dynasty, the tax rate of the Tianjin Cotton Factory, which mainly supplies them, was reduced by ten percentage points.

As long as these ten points were in place, the Tianjin Cotton Cloth Factory could keep Shanghai Cotton Cloth out.

My heart moved.

Hu Rugong stroked his goatee and continued, "Prime Minister Zhang, the cabinet took Luanzhou away. It was a crane that laid golden eggs, but now they have only given us a quail. We don't know how many eggs it can lay.

Even if it can lay eggs, they will only be that big.

Prime Minister Zhang, I really cannot explain this to the people of Zhili!"

It’s not enough, Zhang Xiang, you need more money!

Zhang Juzheng saw through his clumsy trick at a glance. "Dushui Temple is drawing up a five-year water control plan. I will go back and talk to Pan Shiliang, asking him to list the Wei River (Hai River) as a key project in the five-year water control plan.

Pan Dushuiqing has always kept the Wei River Basin in mind, and has always wanted to manage the Wei River, Baigou River, Lugou River, together with Sanjiaodian, Deshengdian and Baiyangdian as a whole.

Tianjin now has Dagu Port as a seaport and a canal, connecting both the river and the sea, making it an important transit hub for the capital. Managing the Wei River basin is an important measure to ensure access to the river and the sea, and it is imperative.

It is included in the key projects of Dushui Temple's water management plan. The cabinet will focus on supporting it and allocate special funds in the annual budget. "

Hu Ruguang thought about it and felt that it was almost ready.

The cabinet took Luanzhou, invested money to support a light industrial base, and then built a hub center, and spent money to manage the Wei River Basin, which was a major concern of Zhili. That was enough money.

Hu Rugong knew that it was inevitable for Luanzhou, Taiyuan and Shanghai to be directly under the cabinet. The emperor specially asked Zhang Xiang to have a three-party meeting with him to help himself and Zhili.

How much money you can get from Prime Minister Zhang and the cabinet depends entirely on your own ability.

Evaluate now, enough is enough, if you force it any further it will not be worth it.

Hu Rugong bowed and said, "I am deeply moved by Zhang Xiang's concern for Zhili. I will tell the governor of the province this good news later.

Zhang Juzheng smiled and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As the Prime Minister, what I do is to take things from local governments and bargain with them.

But this governance philosophy is very interesting.

The next two are Taiyuan. Who is the governor of Shanxi? He Qiming and He Yingqi, who were Jinshi when they were co-examiners of the imperial examination in the 38th year of Jiajing.

Besides, this matter can be asked to be discussed by Zhang Xueyan. He has served as a councilor and governor of Shanxi, and has a say with the Governor-General of Shandong Huo Ji, He Qiming, and the Provincial Government of Shanxi.

Taiyuan is done, then it’s Shanghai.

The current governor of Jiangsu is...Oh my god, it's Hai Rui, Hai Gangfeng! Zhang Juzheng's scalp tingled and his back felt cold.

Twelve days later, Zhu Yijun, Zhang Juzheng and his entourage returned to the capital after their eastern tour.

That morning, Zhu Yijun swam ten laps in the swimming pool, changed his clothes, and as it was still early, he staggered to Qionghua Island.

In a pavilion on the island, Queen Xue Baoqin, Imperial Concubine Song Liuli, Concubine Wang Laner, and Dong Linglong were playing Mahjong.

In a waterside pavilion not far away, Xu Youlian, Zeng Wan'er and Ge Xiuyun were learning to sing Kunqu opera.

There was the clattering of cards being drawn here, and the humming of songs over there. Zhu Yijun walked in. The concubines stood up in a hurry, and he waved his hands quickly, "No need to be so polite! Just continue playing your games!"

After the concubine finished her ceremony, she sat back down with a smile on her face.

Zhu Yijun first listened to the singing of Xu Youlian and the other two, and said, "Yes, good, you sing well."

Xu Youlian asked in surprise: "Your Majesty, how can I sing well?"

“They all sang well, from beginning to end.”

Zeng Wan'er giggled: "Sister, what can our emperor hear? He just listens to vocal music for fun."

Zhu Yijun also laughed, "Haha, that's right, I just like a lively atmosphere."

He slowly walked to the pavilion, looked at a few hands, and then turned to look at the waterside pavilion, "I just realized that there are seven of you, and you can't even play cards at two tables."

Before he finished speaking, Xue Baoqin and the other three looked at him in unison. Their eyes, half angry and half resentful, seemed to be asking, "Your Majesty, do you really want to get two tables of sisters together?"

Zhu Yijun felt the sharpness of the four pairs of eyes and laughed, "Who among you is good at painting? Give me a hand."

Xue Baochai tilted her head slightly and asked, "Why does Your Majesty ask this? I can paint in fine brushwork."

Song Liuli said: "I can paint some landscapes."

Wang Lan'er said, "I can paint some flowers and plants."

Zhu Yijun's eyes fell on Dong Linglong.

Dong Linglong was born in the grassland, what could she draw? But she was unwilling to be outdone, and in a hurry, she replied: "Your Majesty, I can only draw a bird."

Ah!
They are all talented.

"I want to design some new clothes. I can draw ships, cannons, guns, and machinery. I can scribble a few strokes, but I need to be able to draw figures to draw clothes, which I can't do. I need help."

"Your Majesty can also design clothes?"

"Of course, it's a craft passed down from my ancestors," Zhu Yijun tugged at the clothes on his body, "The set of Yanju clothes I'm wearing was designed and approved by Grandpa the Emperor himself."

At Feng Bao’s mansion in the east of the city.

Feng Bao returned to the backyard and after listening to his confidant's whispered story, his eyes gleamed with coldness.

"Pan Yinglong is a gentleman. That bastard is an ungrateful bastard."

"Godfather, do you want it?"

"Have you read "Zheng Bo Defeats Duan Yu Yan"?"

The confidant was stunned and quickly replied: "My son has read it. It is a famous article in Zuo Zhuan."

"Read it and then copy it three times."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)