Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 633 Incorruptible
Yun Buxian replied, "The method of giving land tax is also relatively simple. Anyway, those transactions are just for show. As long as we use our own people to trade back and forth, we can make people see a huge trading volume."

“In between, we can also let a few normal transactions in from time to time to help spread the news. In this way, we can maintain a good transaction price while reducing the outflow of silver.”

Pei Yuan slapped his forehead. So that's what they meant by using a shill.

No wonder not much silver was consumed; it turns out the transaction was a complete waste of time.

Pei Yuan thought for a moment and said to Yun Buxian, "You did a good job on this."

"However, I have another question. If we rely solely on these few companies in Quanzhou to prop up the market, it's inevitable that our tricks will be exposed over time."

"Moreover, the transactions are concentrated in our hands, making it difficult to create a ripple effect. If it gradually becomes a one-man show by the Quanzi brand, it won't help the valuation of the Baochao. I wonder if there's any way to address this?"

Yun Buxian, knowing his own limitations, immediately said, "This humble servant is of limited knowledge and dares not speak presumptuously about important matters. I will go and ask Tian Fu later; perhaps he can offer some good solutions."

Pei Yuan waved his hand, signaling him to get to work.

Just as Yun Buxian was about to leave the room, Pei Yuan added another sentence.

"Have Lu Yong find out the Emperor's whereabouts. If he's in the palace, let me know as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Yun Buxian quickly responded.

Pei Yuan quickly washed up, and the steward of the house had already instructed the cook to prepare the meal.

The cook in this residence in Chengqingfang was someone Dou Yu, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Stud, had gone to great lengths to find, and the food he made was indeed delicious.

After Pei Yuan finished eating, the person who had been gathering information returned.

It is said that the emperor went to the Leopard Chamber after leaving the Yongshou Earl's Mansion in a depressed mood.

The Leopard House area held special significance during the Zhengde era.

Besides being a royal zoo and a small-scale training ground, this place was also where Zhu Houzhao kept men.

Basically, Zhu Houzhao kept all his women in the Forbidden City and all his men in the Leopard House.

When Pei Yuan heard that Zhu Houzhao had gone to the Leopard House, he immediately had second thoughts. The matter of the precious paper money wouldn't make a difference of a day or two, so it was better not to spoil the mood at this time.

What if Brother Zhao sees him and gives him a wicked smile, saying, "You've come at just the right time"?

That would be a real disaster.

When Pei Yuan thought of Zhu Houzhao's men, he thought of Zang Xian, the super political broker.

Bi Zhen has been in Beijing for several days now, and it's time to give Zang Xian an explanation.

Moreover, the matter concerning China Soybean Oil Group cannot be delayed and needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

The current conflict lies in the fact that the Jiangnan interest groups involved in oil extraction only want soybeans, not soybean oil.

All they need is a supplier of cheap soybeans.

The entire soybean industry chain supports a vast population. Besides the farmers who toil in the fields, there are also a large number of unemployed young and middle-aged people involved in collecting and transporting the soybeans. All of these people rely on the substantial profits from oil extraction to make a living.

As a result, the other party didn't have to do anything; they just stretched out their knife and tried to take away the most profitable piece of the pie.

The reason they acted so brazenly was that they colluded with the bureaucratic system in the south to intercept all the pressed oil in Baoying Lake.

The conversion of power is so brutal and direct.

After leaving Chengqingfang, Pei Yuan went to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment district) near his old residence in Dengshikou.

When the person was safely seated in the Jiaofangsi, Pei Yuan couldn't say whether he was happy or disappointed.

Was Han Qianhu's oversight just a momentary lapse, or has he completely stopped caring about himself?

Zang Xian arrived quickly this time. As soon as he saw Pei Yuan, he asked with a smile, "Has everything been settled?"

Pei Yuan immediately replied with a smile, "It's already agreed."

Zang Xian was overjoyed. Without caring whose wine it was, he picked up a cup from the table and drank it all in one gulp. Then he asked, "Should I call the person over to meet me?"

Pei Yuan knew he was referring to the downstream buyers of the soybean oil.

Pei Yuan didn't want to get too involved in this matter; at least, he wanted to maintain a public distance.

Moreover, even if someone comes from the other side, they certainly won't reveal the real buyer behind them.

Pei Yuan then said, "Let's just forget about it. The matter of the Luo Sect has already been formally approved by the Emperor, so it's not appropriate for me to get involved in it anymore."

Zang Xian tentatively asked, "What about the deal?"

Pei Yuan said, "I will have a reliable person notify Huai'an. The buyer can just go and pick up the goods. Anyway, they don't care who the other party is. They are eager to get rid of the goods and only care about money."

The two agreed on some details before they were satisfied and began their feast.

During this time, Zang Xian, a broker who made his living from intelligence, also mentioned the recent hot topic of speculation on paper money in the capital.

Zang Xian even mentioned, with great interest, the "Quan" brand, which has begun to emerge in the past two days.

However, Pei Yuan had already taken precautions against this.

Regardless of their funding sources or personnel composition, these thirteen money shops all had a distinct Buddhist background.

Putting aside the matter of helping Pei Yuan buy shares at a high price and cash out, Pei Yuan did not receive a single penny of dividends throughout the entire operation of the fund.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was open-minded and incorruptible.

Therefore, Pei Yuan openly admitted to Zang Xian that he was involved.

However, he also stated that he does not hold any shares in those Buddhist foundations; he merely provides a venue and incidentally offers some compliance advice to those foundations.

Zang Xian smiled and said to Pei Yuan in a half-joking manner, "It's not like Brother Pei Xian's style to not tell lies in front of a true person."

Zang Xian and Li Shishi had a good relationship, so he knew that this guy had swindled a lot of money from Li Shishi.

Pei Yuan knew he had to reveal some of his true identity; otherwise, it wouldn't be believable for him to be pretending to be a saint while simultaneously helping others sell soybean oil.

He smiled and said, "I can't hide it from Brother Zang after all."

"Although these funds have passed through several hands, they all ultimately come down to those high-ranking monks. Without the approval of their underlings, this business can't be done."

Pei Yuan spoke with domineering confidence, but Zang Xian was unsurprised; this was the power of targeted management.

When the Zhenxie Qianhu Office was primarily responsible for managing Nanjing, the monks and Taoist priests in Beijing were naturally free to do as they pleased.

Now that the Zhenxie Qianhu (a military commander) has established a branch at Zhihua Temple, and the deputy commander in charge of northern affairs is the ruthless Pei Yuan, they should show some appreciation.

It's unclear whether Pei Yuan was given a stake or something else entirely.

Pei Yuan leaned closer and whispered, "Those thirteen money shops, although I didn't invest any capital or take any profits, the money they used was mine." "I also took a share of the rent from those funds every month according to the rules, but... it was a bit expensive."

Zang Xian looked at Pei Yuan with new respect after hearing this.

That money was indeed earned cleanly.

He tentatively asked, "I noticed that the Quanzi Bank's purchase price for banknotes is higher than elsewhere. Today, they're even offering 15 strings of cash for one coin. Is there some explanation behind this?"

Pei Yuan deliberately said, "I don't know about that. Didn't they say that the imperial court would start collecting paper money from the seven major customs stations at the beginning of next year? Could that be the reason?"

Zang Xian smiled and said, "Brother Pei is a man of great ability, so it's pointless for him to say such commonplace things."

Pei Yuan chuckled dryly before vaguely saying, "Many people are optimistic about the future of the paper money, believing that its value exceeds that of the fifth year of the Zhengde reign. It's just a matter of time. I don't know much else."

Upon hearing this, Zang Xian raised his wine cup and toasted Pei Yuan.

For someone like him, even this kind of incomplete information is more valuable than detailed roadside information.

Pei Yuan thought he couldn't let himself be taken advantage of.

So I also asked about some things that interested me.

"I heard that Shi Jie wants to officially become the Vice Minister of War, even if he only holds the nominal title. Is there any news on that?"

Zang Xian naturally understood that this was a condition for exchange, and told everything he knew truthfully.

"The matter concerning Shi Jie should be almost settled."

"I heard he has already gathered enough votes for the council. However, his resume is really bad, and there may still be some twists and turns."

As he spoke, Zang Xian commented, "In the Battle of Huangtupo Fortress in the fifth year of Zhengde, the Datong garrison rashly launched an attack and suffered heavy losses. Although this was mainly the responsibility of the deputy general and the commander-in-chief, could Shi Jie, as the governor of Datong and the vice minister of the Ministry of War, really shirk his responsibility?"

"The mutiny that occurred in Datong Town the following year had a greater impact on Shi Jie. After all, the mutinous troops were stationed in Datong."

"He's no good at fighting wars, and he's no good at pacifying border towns. Is the court just going to give him the positions of Governor of Datong and Vice Minister of War for nothing?"

"With such a resume, how can he be appointed as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War? If we really force him into the position, wouldn't the governors and viceroys of the country laugh at him?"

Pei Yuan also felt that Shi Jie was being a bit shameless, and he asked, "Even if we collect enough votes, it's still not enough? Then Shi Jie's efforts were all for nothing."

Zang Xian laughed and said, "I can still do it, but it will take a little effort."

“During yesterday’s court assembly, some foreign envoys mentioned that the bandit leaders of the Haixi Jurchens, Laoshu and Nailiu, frequently robbed their tribute convoys. Other officials also mentioned that the Haixi Jurchens and the Taining Fuyu and other guards repeatedly obstructed the tribute missions of various barbarians. In addition, the Duoyan and other guards have not been able to trade for a long time, so I’m afraid they may have other schemes.”

"Later, the court held a deliberation on this matter. Many ministers were unwilling to cause trouble, saying that the Jianzhou Three Guards had always been docile, and the only ones who were border bandits were the rats of Haixi. However, if we were to use force immediately, it would only provoke them to change their ways. It would be better to appease them first and discuss the matter gradually."

"So, taking advantage of the situation, we proposed that Shi Jie go and appease the people."

"This time, Shi Jie not only received the title of Right Vice Minister of War, but also the title of Right Vice Censor-in-Chief. Furthermore, the court issued a special edict that the garrison eunuchs, governors, and other officials, as well as the generals of all routes, would all be under Shi Jie's command. Those below the rank of commander who disobeyed orders could be executed first and reported later, and dealt with according to military law."

After listening, Pei Yuan understood a little.

Shi Jie's efforts were not in vain.

When Shi Jie went to Haixi to pacify the Jurchens, he was given the title of Right Vice Censor-in-Chief and reinstated as Right Vice Minister of War, but these were both temporary appointments created for specific circumstances.

According to the rules of this era, this operation was considered a diplomatic mission to preach to the barbarians.

Officials responsible for carrying out diplomatic missions often receive exceptional treatment.

For example, when Tang Gao was later sent as an envoy to Korea, he wore the official robes of a first-rank civil official, despite being a compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

In other words, Shi Jie's two titles were not temporary.

The purpose of giving him these two titles is to grant him maximum authority, allowing him to mobilize all available resources to handle this matter well.

If things are handled well, Shi Jie will naturally have a good chance of being appointed as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War after returning to the capital.

If he still can't solve the problems of Haixi Rat and Nai Liu even after being given so much authority, then Shi Jie should just get lost.

Having figured all this out, Pei Yuan suddenly felt a sense of awe towards the top power circles of the Ming Dynasty's officialdom.

That's meticulous, truly meticulous!
When they say they'll support someone, they mean it; they're absolutely unambiguous. Even if someone's resume isn't up to par, they can arrange for a major overhaul right away.

If the rats in the Western Sea are well-behaved, then it's an envoy mission.

If the rats of Haixi dare to bare their teeth, then the rebellion will be quelled.

In the Ming Dynasty, both of these were highly prestigious positions.

Comparing his actions to those of the older generation of politicians, Pei Yuan reflected on his own behavior and felt a pang of shame.

Seeing that Pei Yuan was quite open with him this time, Zang Xian immediately asked about another topic of concern.

"By the way, people outside are saying you're Yang Tinghe's man, is that true?"

Pei Yuan quickly denied it, "How could that be? I am a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, His Majesty's eyes and ears. How could I easily befriend a minister?"

Zang Xian smiled and said, "I think so too."

It wasn't that he trusted Pei Yuan's character; it was mainly that Pei Yuan, a fifth-rank military officer, was far inferior to Yang Tinghe, the Grand Secretary.

To say that these two colluded is like Prince Charming wanting to attack from both sides, and then getting Cinderella to help him launch a pincer attack from both sides.

Zang Xian then inquired further, "How could the imperial examination be such a coincidence? You gave out the lot, and the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet just happened to be selected?"

Pei Yuan didn't want Zang Xian to ask any more questions, so he went straight to the point: "The final rankings were determined by His Majesty."

Zang Xian nodded upon hearing this, seemingly lost in thought.

Pei Yuan wasn't sure if this counted as putting up a bargaining chip, but he still tentatively asked, "Brother Zang, do you think the matter with the Haixi Jurchens is feasible?"

The Haixi Jurchens were not exactly close to the Ming Dynasty; their location was roughly in what is now the Heilongjiang region.

During the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty, before the Battle of Tumu Fortress, Esen and the Mongol Khan Toghtoa Bukha led their troops to attack the Haixi Jurchens.

Tuotuo led an army of 30,000 and crushed the Haixi Jurchens in one fell swoop, and then launched a large-scale massacre.

Many Haixi Jurchen tribes, intimidated by the Mongol Khan's power, surrendered one after another. In the end, Toqto'a captured 40,000 to 50,000 men and women, including more than 20,000 able-bodied men.

From then on, the Ming Dynasty's generations of efforts in the Haixi Jurchen region came to naught, and the three former officials who were originally loyal to the Ming Dynasty were all killed and plundered.

The Haixi Jurchens gradually became indifferent and contemptuous towards the Ming Dynasty.

Pei Yuan still had some doubts about whether Shi Jie could complete the task.

Thinking about Shi Jie's past, I wondered if he was up to something again.
(End of this chapter)