Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 760 Ambition
Early February.

After a long, cold winter, especially after the intercalary first month of the lunar calendar, the temperature in the capital city finally began to rise rapidly.

The streets of the capital were bustling, and this spring, inexpensive and durable fabrics woven in the palace officially entered the market. Moreover, technological innovations in printing and dyeing made the fabrics not only more vibrant but also less prone to fading. Some even featured floral patterns such as peonies, lotus flowers, and plum blossoms.

This was unprecedented for the people of the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

I had only ever heard of wealthy and powerful families who could wear brightly colored clothes when they went out. However, those patterns were all embroidered stitch by stitch by people, and they were very expensive. It was rare to see such exquisite craftsmanship used on ordinary fabrics.

These days, you only need to spend a few dozen or a hundred coins to buy a few feet of fabric, printed with some flowers, and then have it cut by a tailor to become a fine garment. This is incredibly attractive to ordinary families.

Even though the efficiency of weaving in the imperial textile workshops had greatly improved, the price of this printed fabric was still beyond the reach of ordinary people because the spinning jenny and steam looms had not yet been popularized among the common people. It was more affordable for wealthy gentry, landlords, and moderately wealthy families in the capital.

That day, Qin Zhao led Xu Gong and the others on the road, and after visiting several cloth shops and seeing the new fabrics, even she couldn't help but marvel at how quickly times had changed.

"I've finally figured it out. As long as the Zhang family is around, there are endless possibilities. The way people in the capital have changed so much in the past year!"

Qin Zhao said with emotion.

Xu Gongdao said, "The appearance of such a large quantity of cloth on the market at once has caused the price of ordinary solid-color blue and gray cloth to fall again and again. Currently, the cloth transported from the south to the north is piling up on the canal. Some people are even directly purchasing cloth from the capital and transporting it to Liaodong or Shanxi to sell."

Qin Zhao nodded: "The price of cloth in the capital is cheaper than in other places. This was unthinkable before."

Xu Gong asked, "We have two more printing and dyeing workshops around Nanjing. Should we shut them down for now?"

"Let's stop," Qin Zhao said. "Right now, we need to shift our focus to coal mining. Have we clarified what the other companies are thinking?"

Xu Gong quickly replied, "I have spoken to all the merchants from Huizhou who have connections with us. After hearing that you intend to reorganize the Huizhou Merchants Association in Beijing, they have all expressed their support."

"Ah."

Qin Zhao nodded and said, "The Hui merchants are scattered all over the country. If we can bring them together, they will definitely form a powerful force."

Xu Gong still had some concerns: "Li Wuwei and his group control many trades in the capital. In particular, they have readily available business channels. If it involves the sale of rice, timber, or official salt, we will inevitably have to deal with them. In fact, the newly arrived Huizhou merchants are worried that cooperating with us will lead to them being targeted by Li Wuwei and his group."

Qin Zhao said, "I understand. To win people's hearts, we need to bring these businesses together one by one. The Second Young Master mentioned to me before that opening a bank is a big deal. We need to find several, or even a dozen, well-established businesses to enter this industry together."

Xu Gong asked, "Is this matter credible? Once it involves the exchange of silver and even the transfer of funds across regions, the amount of money required will be complicated and enormous. Even if the government agrees, the people below may not accept it. In addition, there are difficulties in transportation... I'm afraid that in the end we will still lose money."

“In this world, no business is as straightforward and direct as making money from money,” Qin Zhao said. “This time, we’re not doing business with the imperial court, but with the Zhang family, or rather, we’re doing business with the emperor. No matter how unreasonable the imperial court is, it can’t interfere in royal affairs. That’s the most powerful backing.”

"Ah."

Xu Gong nodded.

Xu Gong then added, "I've heard that recently, Shanxi merchants have also been gathering in the capital. They've heard the news that the Xishan Coal Mine is going to be sold off, and it seems they also want to partner with the Zhang family to do business. If they get involved, it will have a significant impact on us."

Qin Zhao nodded, looking somewhat emotional. "No matter how much the Second Young Master trusts us, we must share the risks. We also need to realize that our Second Young Master is farsighted. He doesn't take on all the business himself, which means he doesn't hoard the wealth. He lets it slip through his fingers to us, which is a calculated move."

"But……"

Xu Gong said, "This will put us at a great disadvantage in our negotiations with the Huizhou merchants. We need to... gain the Second Young Master's complete trust first."

According to Xu Gong, if we cannot become the Zhang family's most trusted merchants and appear as their front men, who will respect us?
You still want to reorganize the Huizhou Chamber of Commerce?
Does she want to rule over all the merchants in Beijing, and even become the richest woman in the world?
Once others hear that the Zhang family has put their eggs in different baskets, even if your basket has the most and the best eggs, they will still have doubts about you, let alone obey you blindly.

In the business world, you have to be above all others, second only to the Zhang family, and you are the only one who can represent the Zhang family and lay out business matters for them.

Qin Zhao gritted his teeth slightly and said, "Didn't the Huizhou merchants benefit greatly from our relationship with us this spring regarding salt permits? Now that the mines have just opened, the future results are still unknown. The official salt trade is the main source of their livelihood right now. Can't they distinguish between primary and secondary matters?"

Xu Gong fell silent.

Qin Zhao calmed himself down a bit and said, "Although Zhang is only the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he controls the economic lifeline of the entire Ming Dynasty. With such a capable person and the Second Young Master strategizing behind the scenes, it's only a matter of time before he takes over the Ministry of Revenue."

Xu Gong said, "But now everyone is saying that after Zhang Guozhang joins the cabinet, he may put aside the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue."

"It's all just wild speculation."

Qin Zhao said, "The Ministry of Revenue is still under the control of Vice Minister Zhang. Or rather, His Majesty will not entrust the financial power of the Ministry of Revenue to those he does not trust. What is the purpose of the Emperor openly ordering Vice Minister Zhang to investigate the corruption in the Ministry of Revenue's treasury? Isn't it to ensure that Vice Minister Zhang firmly controls the Ministry of Revenue through this means?"

Xu Gong asked curiously, "Then why not promote Zhang Guozhang to a higher position, or at least make him the Left Vice Minister?"

Qin Zhao shook his head and said, "The specific official position is not important; what matters is the amount of actual power they wield. Didn't Li Zisheng hold the highest position in the court as the Commissioner of the Court of State Affairs? Currently, the daily operations of the Ministry of Revenue have little to do with Vice Minister Zhang, but whenever the court needs to transfer large quantities of money and grain or investigate the treasury, it is always Vice Minister Zhang who takes the lead. Isn't that enough to explain the situation?"

"understood."

Xu Gong nodded and said, "I won't concern myself with small matters, but all major matters will be handled by Zhang Guozhang."

Qin Zhao said, "We need to think of a way to get more information from the Second Young Master about the court's financial plans. I think the mining in Xishan is just the beginning. The court will need to cast cannons, transport money and grain to the south, and manage river works. These are all huge expenses. With the Second Young Master's insight, he will surely make more plans."

Xu Gong nodded and said, "The silver in the world will definitely be gathered in the capital and then distributed to the local areas through the imperial court."

Qin Zhao sighed, "I suddenly realize that the silver in the market will soon be insufficient. Perhaps opening a bank and circulating silver notes in the market is an acceptable option."

……

……

The Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Northern Garrison Command.

Zhang Luan sat in the lobby with his hands on the table in front of him. He had been listening attentively to Qin Yun's report, but he soon became sleepy and slumped onto the table, dozing off. Whatever Qin Yun said after that went in one ear and out the other.

After a long while, Qin Yun, who was bowing his head to report, finally finished what he wanted to say. When he looked up, he saw Zhang Luan fast asleep, snoring away.

Qin Yun felt embarrassed by this scene. He thought to himself, "Is Zhang Guozhang so tired from working so hard for the country that he has to come here to catch up on his sleep?"
He dared not go and disturb them rashly.

When Commander Mu Bin entered and saw this scene, he felt helpless. After thinking for a moment, he still mustered up the courage to step forward and whispered in Zhang Ge Lao's ear, "What is your opinion on this?"

"Um!?"

Zhang Luan woke up with a start and found himself still drooling. He quickly reached into his pocket to get a handkerchief, but then suddenly remembered that he was wearing official robes. How could he possibly have a handkerchief inside his official robes?

He wiped his face with his sleeve, looked up, and asked, "Finished?"

Qin Yun nodded and said, "Yes. So far, all the accounts submitted by Taicang are accurate. You mentioned before that you wanted to find some Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) from the Six Ministries who are currently observing government affairs to come and assist in the investigation. Do you think it is still necessary?"

Zhang Luan asked, "Are there many Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) who are still observing the administration and have not yet been appointed to official positions in the Six Ministries?"

"Actually... not many."

Mu Bin answered on his behalf, "If you need someone, just mention it to your superiors, and they can transfer them over."

Zhang Luan pointed at Qin Yun and said, "Pack all those account books and stuff into boxes for me. I'll take them home later to review them."

Mu Bin frowned, looking somewhat puzzled.

On the other end, Qin Yun was very sensible and nodded in agreement.

Because Qin Yun knew that Zhang Guozhang was just putting on an act, and that he would eventually push the matter directly to his youngest son, making the second son of the Zhang family investigate it overnight...

This shamelessness seems outrageous, but they have the confidence to back it up because they have a good son who can be used to this extent.

Mu Bin said, "Grand Secretary Zhang, in the past few days, some people in the court have been asking whether it is still necessary to transfer the funds originally planned for river management, now that the court is preparing to change the course of the Yellow River?"

Zhang Luan rubbed his eyes and asked, "Commander Mu, is this also a problem that arose in the case?"

"No."

Mu Bin quickly lowered his head.

"Then let them worry about it... Do they think I'll divert the money and grain I allocate to river maintenance? It's all about river management anyway. I've got people complete such a huge project as changing the Yellow River's course in one go, which will save a lot of money on river management in the next few years. Why don't they say that? Why do they have to be so calculating with me, insisting on getting things right? Is that really necessary?"

Zhang Luan sounded very displeased.

Mu Bin said, "Since no problems have been found in Taicang so far, do you think we should thoroughly investigate the Tongzhou government granary next?"

“Oh, we should investigate.” Zhang Luan still maintained a evasive attitude, pointing at Qin Yun and saying, “Commander Qin, ask my son Yanling for his opinion on this matter. I think he will arrange for you to investigate. Once you’ve investigated, come back and explain it to Commander Mu. Hmm… It’s getting late, I should go back! This table is really hard, it’s so uncomfortable to sleep on.”

……

……

Li Zisheng, along with Pang Qing and his entourage, trudged southward.

In order to save time, the group did not take a boat, but traveled by land. This was also related to Li Zisheng's fear of death... He had offended too many people in the court and the public. If he traveled by water, it would be easy for his enemies to pinpoint his location. Once his way was blocked on the canal, he would be trapped with no way to escape and could only wait to die.

Therefore, Li Zisheng simply chose to travel by horse-drawn carriage through the prefecture and province, ostensibly to investigate local conditions and understand the people's attitudes toward the Yellow River's course change.

Upon entering Shandong province, Li Zisheng clearly felt physically and mentally exhausted.

Because he did not make a show of himself, the officials along the way did not receive any news and naturally did not greet or send him off. As a result, he seemed to be a thief wherever he went, and often did not stay at official post stations, so he was somewhat homeless.

"Master Dao, why are you doing this?"

Pang Qing himself was also quite overwhelmed. "This journey is even more arduous than the trip to the Northwest. In any case, the Central Plains is a prosperous and bustling place. It is currently the spring planting season, and there are not many people repairing the Yellow River. We might as well slow down."

Li Zisheng was soaking his feet, his face showing signs of exhaustion.

He looked up at the window. Even though it was night and cold, he still liked to open the window to let in fresh air before going to bed.

"Do you know why I always prefer to hold banquets in the courtyard rather than inside the house? Even in winter, I do it this way?"

Li Zisheng asked.

Pang Qing thought to himself, "I don't care why you're asking."

Li Zisheng said, "When I was a child, my family was not well-off, and we couldn't even afford a cotton-padded coat. So I always liked to put myself in a cold environment so that I wouldn't feel too cold after getting into bed."

Pang Qing asked, "Is it this cold in Jiangxi after winter?"

"Do you think the South is that much better than the North?"

Li Zisheng rolled his eyes at Pang Qing and said, "Besides, my cultivation of Taoism was even more arduous later on. Those days were truly unbearable. Fortunately, I not only studied books but also thoroughly understood and integrated the knowledge of Taoism, which is why I have achieved what I have today."

Pang Qing asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

"I'm trying to reason with you."

Pang Qing said, “Only by experiencing great disasters and hardships can one not feel how difficult and wronged one will be when facing difficulties in the future. Look at me, even though the journey was tough, I never complained. On the contrary, you couldn’t stand it after walking with me for a short while. In the Northwest, you traveled hundreds of miles day and night, and I didn’t see you like this!”

Pang Qing said, “Back then, you had just won a military victory and I went to join you with great hope. But now we are going to the Yellow River and Huai River region. If we do well, we won’t gain much merit, and if we do poorly, it will be a disaster. What’s worse, we will have to risk your entire fortune… It’s really unnecessary.”

"No vision."

Li Zisheng shook his head and said, "Do you really think I've given up being an official? You even said that doing a good job wouldn't be a big deal! Let me put it this way, if I can really complete the Yellow River diversion project within three years, then I will be the most outstanding meritorious official in the Ming Dynasty, the person who has made the greatest contribution to people's livelihood since the founding of the Ming Dynasty. I would even have to think twice about giving me the position of Minister of Revenue!"

"..."

Pang Qing was speechless.

I thought to myself, "What are you trying to prove?"
Even if you wanted to be the Minister of Revenue, would the emperor allow it? And wouldn't it be rejected by the civil service?

Li Zisheng said, "You must think I'm having another fit of hysteria, right? Let me put it this way: Lai Zhan has now joined the cabinet. Once he takes power, the Ministry of Revenue will definitely be handed over to me to manage."

Pang Qing frowned and asked, "Really? I heard he's joined the cabinet, but he's still the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. And now the cabinet has another Grand Secretary, I think his name is Liu Jian, the former lecturer to the Crown Prince... That Grand Secretary Liu is a capable man, he won't give way so easily."

"Do you know why Lai Zhan hasn't actually joined the cabinet yet?" Li Zisheng asked and answered himself, "Because His Majesty needs him to stay in the Ministry of Revenue to help the royal family manage its finances. It is this that gives me hope."

"hope?"

Pang Qing frowned even more deeply.

Li Zisheng said, "Exactly! Even if His Majesty hopes that his father-in-law will join the cabinet, he will not forget to keep Lai Zhan in the Ministry of Revenue to keep a firm grip on the Ministry of Revenue in order to prevent the loss of imperial power... It is said that whoever controls the purse strings has the right to speak, which is an age-old truth."

"Isn't it military power?"

Pang Qing asked in surprise.

"Hasn't military power always been in the hands of the emperor?"

Li Zisheng said irritably, "There has never been any dispute over military power in the Ming Dynasty. The problem is that civil officials have never wanted to hand over the purse strings. Otherwise, why would the late emperor have used me?"

Pang Qing thought about it carefully and nodded, saying, "What you said makes a lot of sense, Daoist Master."

Li Zisheng laughed and said, "After my guidance, you've figured it out, haven't you? His Majesty must leave his own people in the Ministry of Revenue! Look, isn't this my opportunity? In three years, when the Yellow River project is completed, Lai Zhan will be the Left Vice Minister, even if he's not the Minister of Revenue. At that time, Xu Pu will be about to retire from the cabinet, and Lai Zhan will definitely be pushed to become the Grand Secretary. I can then take over his position naturally... Haha."

Pang Qing was stunned when he heard this.

He first glanced at the basin of foot bath water in front of Li Zisheng. It had long since stopped steaming, but Li Zisheng didn't seem to notice, as he was still immersed in his beautiful dreams for the future.

"Master Dao, can you stop talking nonsense?"

Pang Qing said, "Controlling the river is no simple task, especially a major project like changing the course of the Yellow River. Is it as easy as you make it out to be?"

Li Zisheng said, "The blueprints are in my hands, and everything is planned out. Do you think I'm going to fight an unprepared battle? Let me put it this way: I've calculated in my mind that any capable person in the court could complete this task within three years. Actually, what I'm thinking is to complete the Yellow River diversion within two years!"

"Don't bother me!"

Pang Qing quickly stopped Li Zisheng's idea and advised, "Master, it's good that you have lofty ambitions, but you also need to know that with the time limit shortened, expenses will increase significantly. With all your assets, even if you put them all in, you might not be able to last three to five months, and that's under the condition of slow work. If you really rush the work... I'm afraid you can't afford it."

"Isn't there someone coming to visit, and my nephew is here too?"

Li Zisheng, on the other hand, is quite optimistic.

Pang Qing sighed, "Even if they could, they would need enough time to raise the money and supplies. Three years would be enough to get them to raise at least a million taels of silver, and there would be a tiny bit of hope. But to expect them to suddenly come up with that much money within two years... do you think that's realistic?"

Li Zisheng suddenly stood up.

With a "crack" sound, the wooden basin was crushed by his foot.

Water spilled all over the ground.

Li Zisheng, seemingly oblivious, retorted, "If Lai Zhan can raise funds and provisions, why can't I? Do you really think that because I've held power for so many years, I don't have any connections? Even if I just produce some dirt on someone, I can get many people to contribute funds and provisions..."

"You wouldn't be thinking of..."

Pang Qing didn't say some of his thoughts aloud.

I thought to myself, "You're clearly extorting me, as if you're afraid I'll die too slowly!"
Now that you've gone deep into the countryside, do you really think those people will reason with you, obediently submit to your tyranny, and give you money and food?

Li Zisheng said, "Those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles. At times like this, you have to show some skill. If I weren't capable, wouldn't it make a difference who else could manage the river? Why does it have to be me personally?"

Pang Qing pointed to the ground and reminded him, "Water has spilled all over the place... It's already night, it won't be easy to dry it..."

“Simple, just change rooms, right?” Li Zisheng replied casually.

Pang Qing said irritably, "At this hour, where am I supposed to find you a room? I guess the only places left are the woodshed and the shared sleeping area."

Li Zisheng glared at him and said, "Where's your room? Here's what we'll do, I'll sleep in your room, and you can move in! Oh dear, how did this basin crack? Quick, someone come and wipe my feet."

"..."

Pang Qing was speechless once again.

He thought to himself, "You, Li, have stopped pretending once you left the capital."

They haven't even tried to extort money from those officials yet, and they're already bullying me. They don't treat me like a human being at all.

(End of this chapter)