Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 781 Making Excuses
The mining operation in Xishan has been underway for less than a month.

However, Zhang Yanling's privately owned coal mine had already begun producing coal in large quantities, which was then transported to the capital and distributed to various workshops.

Besides fulfilling the daily needs of iron smelting and steelmaking, some of the briquettes were also made into honeycomb briquettes and put on the market... They were immediately warmly welcomed by the gentry of the capital, to the point of almost frantic buying.

Those meritorious officials, in particular, were greatly astonished.

Coal is inherently very difficult to burn, and incomplete combustion can easily lead to poisoning. So why can modified honeycomb briquettes achieve such good results?

Many powerful and influential people already owned their own coal mines in Xishan, and even more wealthy merchants had contracted new coal mines. They all wanted to try out this novel thing and see if it worked as well as Zhang Yanling had demonstrated in Xishan.

As a result, while most households used firewood for daily life, and the wealthy used charcoal, the emergence of honeycomb briquettes made it seem like anyone who didn't buy some would be considered outdated. Burning honeycomb briquettes quickly became a popular trend in the capital.

This brings us to the publicity and marketing tactics that Zhang Yanling arranged for Qin Zhao to carry out...

First, promote it among the nobility and aristocracy, then tell the wealthy commoners, "Look, even the powerful and wealthy are using this. It's safe and burns for a long time. Even if the price doesn't seem so attractive, people are always eager to try new things." At this time, it was early spring, and the weather in the capital was still very cold. Many households needed heating, and the daily demand for firewood was very high, indirectly boosting the popularity of the new product.

Zhang Yanling opened three workshops outside the city that specialized in the production and sale of honeycomb briquettes, located in the east, north, and south of the city respectively.

Large quantities of coal are transported into the three workshops every day, where they are crushed and then mixed with a base material consisting of carbonized sawdust, lime, yellow mud, charcoal powder, and other materials, as well as flammable accelerants composed of nitrates, potassium permanganate, etc. After mixing, the mixture is pressed into shape using molds and then sold to the outside world.

Many households need to upgrade their stoves before they can use them, but the workshops simply and directly launch ready-made stoves for ordinary households to use for heating and cooking... They even sell matching iron kettles and iron pots... In a short period of time, a complete industrial chain has been formed.

Because of its excellent performance, the porous design of honeycomb briquettes allows for complete combustion, extracting all the energy. The burning speed can also be controlled through the air inlet at the bottom, avoiding the hassle of starting a fire every day. For an average household, one honeycomb briquette can meet both nighttime heating and breakfast needs the next morning, making it very economical.

However, ordinary people don't need this right now. It's not that the price of honeycomb briquettes is too high for them to accept... After all, the price of firewood is also outrageous these days.

Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—firewood was listed first, which speaks volumes about its importance in that era. In a megacity like the capital, with a population of millions, the trees on the surrounding mountains had been almost completely cut down. Most firewood had to be transported from other places, keeping prices high, not to mention specially processed charcoal. Charcoal that burned without smoke was even more expensive than most people could afford.

The fundamental reason why ordinary people cannot use honeycomb briquettes for the time being is that they cannot afford the matching stoves, or they think it is unnecessary to buy them at all.

People have become accustomed to living in their comfort zones and operating in a familiar and traditional way, which is difficult to change in a short period of time.

Middle-class families, on the other hand, are more receptive to new things. Often, if one family in a lane uses honeycomb briquettes, others who visit and have spare money will usually buy a whole set.

As a result, vehicles, including wheelbarrows, flatbed carts, and horse-drawn carriages, came and went to the three workshops every day to transport honeycomb briquettes and matching stoves. Some people even became middlemen, buying in large quantities and reselling them at a higher price.

……

……

The booming sales of honeycomb briquettes spurred the rapid development of Xishan Coal Mine.

The businessmen who had previously bought the coal mines were now rushing to start production and wanted to promote this business model nationwide.

After all, Zhang Yanling never intended to monopolize the industry from the beginning. In other words, mining coal and manufacturing honeycomb briquettes were more about benefiting the people, helping them get through the harsh winter, and improving their quality of life.

The profits generated were used by Zhang Yanling to continue developing coal and iron mines, as well as smelting steel, and to raise funds and grain to transport to the south to fund river management.

Zhang Yanling currently holds a prominent position and possesses immense autonomy... precisely because what he does is something no one else can do. Even if court officials attack him, and eunuchs within the palace system want a piece of the pie from his business... but the track that Zhang Yanling has opened up is not one that they can simply enter.

The barrier to entry is just too high!
The amount of money Zhang Yanling could earn was beyond the wildest dreams of others, let alone the ability to imitate it. Even if they invested huge amounts of manpower and resources in research, they always ended up with nothing. As a result, no one was willing to invest in competing with Zhang Yanling anymore. Even if they wanted to get a share of the pie, they would mainly try to curry favor with Zhang Yanling and strive to gain his approval, only then would they have a chance to get a piece of the pie.

Want to eat meat?
Sorry, it all depends on your performance.

Undercurrents were swirling within the capital. With the redistribution of wealth, some Huizhou merchants were getting anxious... especially those like Li Wuwei who had been entrenched in the capital for many years. Most of them did not participate in this coal mine auction, and even those who attended the auction chose to withdraw because they thought the prices were too high.

Looking back, the profits from coal mining are enormous, even forming an entire industry chain, making it virtually impossible to join now.

The policy guidelines have been finalized, and the court's safeguards have been exceptionally well-done, providing comprehensive protection for the interests of merchants. Furthermore, with each coal mine already owned and the court prohibiting outsourcing or transfer in the short term, those large merchants who entered the market late regretted their decision and began attempting to transport coal from other places to the capital for sale.

However, due to the poor quality of the coal, high transportation costs, and lack of advanced technology, they were unable to produce qualified honeycomb briquettes, leaving them in a dilemma.

For Qin Zhao, this was much more comfortable.

Recently, her career has been going very well, with money flowing into her house like water. She has even taken on a "female apprentice" named Sun Chengying. Whether she is good or not is another matter, but she knows one thing: she can't afford to offend this woman.

If Sun Chengying were to become Zhang Yanling's concubine, she would be practically half the mistress of the house, and they would have to treat each other with great respect... Although she also felt that Sun Chengying was not cut out for business at all, and was merely being taken care of by Zhang Yanling for fun.

"The boss."

Xu Gong has been busy with the mining in Xishan recently.

Upon returning that day, he truthfully reported the progress of the mining operation to Qin Zhao: "The mine is already operational, and the first batch of coal will soon be transported to the capital. If all goes well, we can also manufacture those coal briquettes. But I wonder... if doing so will conflict with the interests of the second young master of the Zhang family? Or... should we transport the goods elsewhere and sell them?"

Clearly, Xu Gong was very afraid of offending Zhang Yanling.

Although Zhang Luan is currently on temporary retirement due to illness, this does not change the fact that he has become the Marquis of Shouning of the Ming Dynasty. With the title of nobility, the Embroidered Uniform Guard cooperating with the Zhang family, and Zhang Luan and his son Zhang Yanling enjoying the emperor's deep trust, it means that the Zhang family's power has far exceeded that of the Wan family during the Chenghua era, making them a unique force in the capital.

More importantly, many people depended on Zhang Yanling for their livelihood.

"Need not."

Qin Zhao held the book in his hand, his expression calm, and said, "The Second Young Master said that the business in the capital is not about making money, but about smelting qualified steel through mining so that the people can live a more comfortable life... When more coal briquettes are produced, the price will naturally drop, and the cost of living for the people will be greatly reduced."

“Even in the dead of winter, ordinary people can get by with just three or four coal briquettes a day, which will greatly reduce the money a family spends on cooking. The second young master will not only not suppress such a beneficial thing for people’s livelihood, but will even encourage it. We should also learn from this and not expect to make huge profits from it.”

Xu Gong cautiously said, "If this thing is transported to Liaodong, its price will definitely remain high."

"No."

Qin Zhao shook his head and said, "Actually, the most convenient way to mine in Xishan is to transport the output to the capital. The capital region, with its population of over one million, consumes a huge amount of coal. We can have a stable income and there is no problem of losing money. Why bother? We can send someone to Jianghuai to set up a few workshops there."

Xu Gong asked, "Is all the coal produced in Xishan used in the capital?"

Qin Zhao laughed and said, "Do you think there aren't coal mines elsewhere? The Second Young Master once told me that Liaodong has huge coal reserves, and Jin has even more than Liaodong. In addition, there are also large coal mines in the Central Plains and Qilu, many of which are of extremely high quality. If the Second Young Master were to take a trip to Liaodong, Shanxi, or the Central Plains, how many coal mines do you think would spring up?"

"This……"

Xu Gong stared in disbelief, utterly shocked. After a long pause, he stammered, "Just by walking around, we can find so many coal mines. The people... are truly blessed."

Qin Zhao smiled and shook his head: "I don't know if the common people are blessed, but at least the court is blessed, and we are even more fortunate. No matter what kind of coal mine it is, someone has to invest in its development before it can be used by the people. Recently, the Second Young Master has plans to open iron and coal mines in Liaodong, and we will fully cooperate. If we can build more cannons, then the northern border will be peaceful, and we who do business will feel more at ease."

……

……

Qin Zhao's coal mining is progressing exceptionally smoothly, but the situation with the Sun family... is a long story.

Sun You always felt that his daughter, Sun Chengying, lacked business acumen, which led to the decline of the Sun family.

Previously, the family business had always been managed by his daughter, mainly because Sun You, as the father, was not very good at business. However, Sun Chengying spoke eloquently and could come up with solutions in time when problems arose, so he simply let her be.

Little did people know that Sun Chengying was already quite insightful and capable within the family. If she had stayed in Xingji, with the Sun family's resources and connections, she would definitely have thrived. However, Sun Youfei insisted on developing in the capital. Not only was he unfamiliar with the place, but powerful figures were everywhere, and unspoken rules existed all around. The decline of the Sun family was almost inevitable, and it had little to do with Sun Chengying's abilities.

Now that Sun You has suddenly lost his daughter's help, and his three sons, Sun Boqiang, Sun Bojian, and Sun Boyi, are busy studying for the imperial examinations and have no interest in business... In addition, Sun You lacks the courage to burn his bridges and is unwilling to sell Xingji's assets as start-up capital for projects. As a result, it is even difficult to recruit miners to mine in Xishan.

This greatly worried Sun Chengying, who was living under someone else's roof and had no personal freedom.

He kept trying to get his father to follow his methods, and even begged Qin Zhao for help.

In short, although I had been sold to the Zhang family by my father, I still cared about my family. Now, seeing the Sun family struggling and on the verge of bankruptcy, I couldn't bear to watch any longer and had to find a compromise... While continuing to work for the Zhang family, I would manage the Sun family's business remotely.

That day, Sun Chengying went to Qin Zhao to borrow money.

Qin Zhao, who was doing accounts behind the table, looked up when he learned of Sun Chengying's purpose and asked with a smile, "Sister, have you thought about whether your family will be willing to help you repay this money after you borrow it?"

"I don't understand what you mean, sister," Sun Chengying said, bewildered.

Qin Zhao put down what he was doing, stood up, walked around the desk to Sun Chengying, and asked with a smile, "Then let me put it another way... how does my sister intend to return it?"

Sun Chengying said, "Is Sister afraid that I won't repay what I borrow?"

Qin Zhao didn't hide anything and nodded directly.

This made Sun Chengying feel humiliated.

"My sister is no longer a member of the Sun family, so there's really no need for her to be so attached to the affairs of the Sun family," Qin Zhao advised. "My sister should think about her future... As for the rise and fall of the family, what does it have to do with you, a married daughter?"

……

……

Although the Zhang family temporarily lost the glory of being civil officials, it did not affect their ability to make money for the Ming Dynasty. In particular, the money they earned was directly allocated to Zhu Youcheng.

As for Ye Qi, the newly appointed Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, his situation is rather dire.

He became the least noticeable Vice Minister of Revenue. Not only was it impossible to raise funds from the people, but even within the Taicang and the Ministry of Revenue itself, no one cooperated with him. This forced him to spend almost every day running around, hoping to resolve the crisis through his own efforts. As a result, like Zhang Luan, he was rarely seen in the Ministry of Revenue offices after taking office.

That night, Ye Qi took the initiative to visit the newly appointed Hanlin Academician Xie Qian at his residence.

At this time, Xie Qian had not yet entered the cabinet, but he had begun to gradually get involved in the affairs of the imperial workshops and participated in some advisory work on state affairs in the cabinet. This was also a change made by Xu Pu and Liu Jian after they came to power, which was to make the most of the network of relationships woven by the lecturers of the Crown Prince in order to achieve the goal of the Hanlin Academy officials governing the country.

Although cabinet ministers are not prime ministers, their power is developing in the direction of that of prime ministers.

"Scholar Xie, it is not that I am complaining, but there are some things that are difficult to make progress on."

Ye Qi told Xie Qian about the difficulties she had encountered recently.

After listening, Xie Qian asked, "So, the root of the problem lies in the fact that others refuse to cooperate with Minister Ye?"

Ye Qi shook his head: "The main problem is that I don't have any connections."

Xie Qian, known for his outspokenness, immediately asked, "Then how did the previous Zhang Guozhang manage to become competent in his position?"

"This……"

Ye Qi lowered his head, looking helpless. "All their actions were not legitimate. They either relied on the alchemist Li Zisheng, or on Shanxi and Anhui merchants, and the Zhang family directly engaged in some low-level trades. They even set up weaving workshops in the imperial palace. These... are things I cannot do..."

Ye Qi was very unhappy when she said these things.

It's as if you're saying, "When you recommended me for the position of Vice Minister of Revenue, you didn't tell me that this job is hellish!"

What normal person could think of having the dignified Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue help a treacherous official complete the Yellow River project and raise military provisions for the soldiers of the Nine Garrisons... without having to use the treasury?

Is this torture?

Or are you deliberately giving me a difficult problem so that I'll give up?

Xie Qian said, "You mean that some things can only be advanced and carried out because of Zhang Laizhan's good relationship with the palace. But on your side, because you lack this connection, you can only run into obstacles at every turn?"

"You can say that."

Ye Qi understood that this was an excuse for her incompetence.

He sometimes wondered, if Zhang Laizhan hadn't monopolized all the connections and blocked all the avenues, would I be in such a passive position?

Xie Qian asked, "Then how do you hope I can help you?"

You, Ye Qi, wouldn't come to see a Hanlin scholar like me with no real power for no reason. There must be some unclear purpose behind it, something you want me to help you achieve.

"I hope to gain the support of Grand Secretary Xu and Grand Secretary Liu," Ye Qi said. "I was recommended by both of you to reach my current position, and I hoped to achieve something significant. However, my prestige in court is limited, and I have been unable to make any progress. If you two could lend your full support, it would surely..."

There were some things he was too embarrassed to say too bluntly.

But the meaning is already quite clear.

You pushed me up here to fight against Zhang Laizhan and prove him incompetent... But you can't just let me charge forward alone; you have to take responsibility for the difficulties I'm currently facing.

You can't just leave me there and ignore me.

If I fall from power, will you find someone else to take the fall?

My willingness to be at your beck and call doesn't mean I have no needs and can only be a punching bag.

Xie Qian nodded and said, "Logically speaking, that should be the case. But have you considered whether the cabinet has better means than Zhang Laizhan in raising funds and provisions? Or, what expertise of Grand Secretary Xu and his colleagues do you want to use to help you smooth things over?"

Ye Qi said, "Currently, Minister Li of the Ministry of Revenue does not support the allocation of funds. Since the beginning of this year, the military pay for the nine border regions has been allocated through salt tax revenue, without using the original resources... If a portion could be transferred from the Taicang grain reserves..."

"This is impossible."

Xie Qian immediately refused, "The current situation is that whatever means Zhang Laizhan can use, you have to come up with a better way to earn money and grain. It's not like he can't touch the imperial granary's money and grain while he's in power, but you have to..."

Ye Qi thought to herself, "Does he not want to move?"
That's because of your obstruction; he can't move at all!
Throughout history, officials in the Ministry of Revenue have never been known to use their personal wealth to solve financial and grain problems!

Even the most capable person can't create their own wealth and produce their own food to feed others, right? Wouldn't that be like burning oneself to light up others?
But now that I'm one of yours, shouldn't you change your strict guard against Zhang Laizhan?
Ye Qi said, "But I have no other solutions now."

"What, you've run out of ideas?"

Xie Qian asked in shock, "Can't you follow the same path that Zhang Laizhan took?"

"Are you suggesting that I open some workshops to earn money? Or perhaps open a coal mine in the Western Hills? Or that Your Majesty open a weaving workshop in the palace? The only possible solution is to raise funds from merchants or high-ranking officials in the capital, but without promising them any benefits, how could they easily comply?"

Ye Qi was puzzled.

Xie Qian asked, "What benefits did Zhang Laizhan give to this group of people?"

Ye Qi said helplessly, "The things given are invisible and intangible, but they are effective. Perhaps it's His Majesty's trust, or perhaps it's the enormous influence of their family in the business world! I, Ye, know I can't do that."

Xie Qian asked, "Is that all?"

"It still lacks influence."

Ye Qi said, "It's just some...abnormal relationships being woven between the government and the public."

Xie Qian asked, puzzled, "What's the significance of this? Could you explain it more clearly?"

Ye Qi sighed, "It was the same control that Li Zisheng had over officials of all ranks in the capital when he was in power... Although these people couldn't directly help, they were coerced by him to secretly assist Zhang Guozhang behind closed doors!"

"Ah!?" Xie Qian said in surprise, "You mean, Li Zisheng is not in the capital now, but he can still use his old connections to secretly help Zhang Laizhan?"

"Ah."

Ye Qi nodded.

In Xie Qian's view, this statement was utterly shameless.

You can't poop yourself, but you blame the latrine for being too deep?

Xie Qian shook his head and said, "In that case, I don't have any good solutions... How about this, I'll go and talk to Grand Secretary Xu for you and ask him to help you make some plans."

(End of this chapter)