Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 824 Easy to Talk To

Zhang Yanling did not want to complete the Yellow River project by delaying payment, but it was very difficult to transport goods worth more than one million taels of silver to Kaifeng Prefecture, Guide Prefecture, Xuzhou and Huai'an Prefecture in Henan Province and Southern Zhili Province within the next six months.

This meant that some of the money and grain transportation had to be carried out through merchants, specifically Huizhou merchants and Shanxi merchants who temporarily joined the effort.

The shortfall in funds and provisions was to be filled not only by Zhang Yanling's profits from mining and trade, as well as by the confiscation of stolen goods and assets from corrupt officials, bandits, and thieves in Nanjing, but also by a certain amount of lending from merchants.

To put it bluntly, Zhang Yanling's first major business deal with his money exchange was to finance the Yellow River diversion project through loans. This deal essentially involved leveraging the imperial court's prestige to borrow money from the public, and then repaying the loan through rapid mining and commercial expansion.

Zhang Yanling did not explain these matters to Li Zisheng and Pang Qing.

However, Li Zi Province also realized that, given the court's ability to make money, it was almost impossible to complete the task within a year: to train a well-trained new army and mass-produce firearms and cannons, to pay the overdue military salaries to the Northwest Border Army, to ensure that the salaries of court officials arrived on time, and to complete the Yellow River diversion project, a project that would benefit generations to come.

This is the fundamental reason why Li Zisheng kept sending Pang Qing to urge them on.

It was precisely because they felt they couldn't accomplish such a major task that they needed to leverage their existing relationships to get the Zhang family to allocate more resources to the Yellow River engineering project.

Only in this way can Li Zisheng complete the task entrusted to him by the imperial court, giving him the opportunity to redeem himself and return to the court to continue serving as an official.

"Second Young Master, my master and I will never forget your kindness."

Pang Qing said emotionally, "After the new emperor ascended the throne, my master Daoist suffered tremendous pressure, which was only relieved with the help of your father and son. Now he has the opportunity to complete the Yellow River diversion project, which will go down in history, to make amends for his past mistakes, and even to continue to stand in the court in the future. All of this is thanks to your help."

Zhang Yanling waved his hand and said, "There's no need to be so modest. After all, Minister Li has put in his best efforts in this river project, which is admirable."

Pang Qing said, “These are all things we should do. After all, the money comes from the court and is used for the people. We have a clear conscience. But your father and son… it is really unnecessary. With your supernatural abilities, the money you have earned is enough to ensure your family’s wealth and peace. Yet you have contributed your earnings to the court. It is truly touching.”

Zhang Yanling waved his hand: "Go back early and help Minister Li finish the river project. The river has now been extended to the area between Suqian in Huai'an Prefecture and the ancient city of Cuizhen. The next step is to connect Hongze Lake. Check the progress of the project. After the spring floods next year, Minister Li can return to the capital with his mission accomplished. We can say goodbye then."

"No."

Pang Qing blurted out, but seeing Zhang Yanling's surprised look, he quickly explained, "It's not that the river project can't be completed, but I still have to go to the capital. Besides continuing to sell off assets to get money for my master, there may also be the important matter of the Crown Prince's investiture. At that time, I will have to send a congratulatory gift to Zhang Guozhang."

Zhang Yanling frowned upon hearing this.

I helped you so much, and you only gave gifts to Old Zhang?

"Of course, if you need anything, Second Young Master, please just let me know."

Seeing Zhang Yanling's unfriendly expression, Pang Qing hurriedly said...

Zhang Yanling shook his head: "Perhaps my father needs your gifts more... After all, I'm giving you real money, what can you give me in return? Or what do you think I need?"

"Yes."

Pang Qing looked somewhat embarrassed.

After all, the only thing Li Zisheng can boast about that makes the Zhang family think he's very capable is that he has connections and influence.

If you try to bribe the Zhang family with wine, women, money, and power, it won't work at all. Even women... well, the Zhang family can afford to spend hundreds of thousands of taels of silver at a time. What kind of woman can't they buy?
Do you, Li Zisheng, need to orchestrate things behind the scenes?

Sometimes, it's really just a matter of information asymmetry.

Or rather, Zhang Luan himself did not have the ability to raise so much silver, while Zhang Yanling was able to gather the money and provisions without expecting anything in return.

Therefore, Pang Qing essentially used Zhang Yanling's influence to his advantage, taking a bribe from Zhang Yanling and then giving back the beauty to Zhang Luan in return... making Zhang Luan happy, thus Li Zisheng could be considered to have repaid the Zhang family's kindness.

I just want peace of mind.

……

……

After learning of his sister's child's birth, Zhang Yanling was not in a hurry to return to the capital. He had to stay in Tongzhou to continue developing some business ventures.

The most important point is to gather coal and iron resources, transport iron ore from Liaodong and Yongping Prefecture in the capital to the capital, especially to the towns at the foot of the Western Hills, and then transport coal produced in the Western Hills down the mountain for smelting or to turn it into honeycomb briquettes and other commodities for sale.

After all, the amount of coal produced in Xishan is very large. In addition to being used for iron smelting, it can fully meet the needs of the people in the capital for cooking. We must expand our business to include using it as fuel for steam engines.

Furthermore, his next step will be to mine coal from Shanxi to meet the needs of various parts of the Northwest, and to open military factories in Xuanfu, Datong, Taiyuan, and Yansui.

Relying solely on the production of firearms in the capital could not meet the needs of the Northwest...

We cannot equip only one new army; we must also ensure that each border region has a relatively elite new-style firearms battalion, so that troops can be dispatched from all directions when reinforcements are needed.

At this very moment, a special envoy sent by the emperor arrived in Tongzhou without stopping, urging Zhang Yanling to return to the capital as soon as possible.

The visitor was none other than Li Rong, the Admiral of the Eastern Depot.

Li Rong had another matter to attend to when he came here: to escort some of the criminals involved in the Tongzhou granary corruption case to the capital, and to investigate the local branches of the Imperial Household Department.

"Second Young Master, as His Majesty instructed, we will follow your instructions here... We need to arrange some manpower, especially those who are convenient to do things. Who do you think is suitable...? They can be directly assigned to positions."

Li Rong cautiously replied, "His Majesty has said that the arrangements for the branch offices of the Imperial Household Department here, involving matters such as imperial estates, are entirely at your disposal."

The emperor not only wanted to rectify the corrupt practices of the Ministry of Revenue, but also wanted to expand the inner treasury, that is, the royal family's private property, to Tongzhou.

In terms of transportation convenience, Tongzhou is faster than the capital.

Even cloth produced in the capital had to be transported via the Grand Canal to Tongzhou for storage before being shipped to various parts of the south.

As a transportation hub, Tongzhou not only had to ensure the smooth operation of the government system, but also the smooth flow of private goods... To put it bluntly, the emperor wanted to set up warehouses here to store the goods produced by the imperial palace system and transport them to various parts of the country for sale.

But the emperor himself had little experience in doing business, so of course he had to listen to the arrangements of his brother-in-law, Zhang Yanling.

Zhang Yanling asked, "How many people did Eunuch Li bring this time?"

"I didn't bring many people with me."

Li Rong said, "But they are basically trustworthy. Most of them have experience managing imperial estates and official shops, and some have been shopkeepers. They are not all palace officials; many were recruited from the common people."

Zhang Yanling asked with a smile, "Are they trustworthy? How many of them are here for profit, and how many can resist the temptation of money?"

"Yes, we can do it."

Li Rong patted his chest and guaranteed, "If even one person acts recklessly, I'll decapitate them!"

……

……

Just four days after the birth of the young prince, Zhu Youcheng issued an edict to appoint him as the crown prince.

Because the national mourning period is not over, everything is being done in a very low-key manner.

Even so, the court was still filled with jubilation.

Zhang Luan, as the emperor's father-in-law, was more admired.

The court and the public alike felt that the Zhang family was as if blessed by the gods, rising from a humble, impoverished household to become top-ranking officials in the Ming Dynasty, with Zhang Luan and his son enjoying immense power and influence. Even more remarkably, the emperor's trust in the Zhang family was unparalleled, a level of trust that the world could only envy.

On that day, a grand ceremony was held in the palace to confer the title of Crown Prince.

When Zhang Luan came out of the palace, the sun was already setting in the west. He tightened his clothes, quickly got into the carriage, and prepared to leave the city to return to his villa.

Before they even reached the city gate, a subordinate came to report that Li Zisheng had sent someone to see them; it was none other than Pang Qing, whom they hadn't seen for a long time.

"not see."

Zhang Luan's attitude was resolute.

I haven't provided Li Zisheng with any money or supplies, nor have I helped him in any way. Now, when I see Pang Qing, all I get to do is listen to Pang Qing's various complaints... It feels terrible to be chased for a debt.

When he returned to his residence and met Lady Qi, she presented him with another visiting card.

"What are you doing?"

Zhang Luan's expression was unfriendly. He frowned and shouted, "Didn't I say I wouldn't see you? Didn't anyone bring that message over before?"

Qi Niang smiled obsequiously, "Master, I heard that the Second Young Master has already mobilized goods worth hundreds of thousands of taels of silver to the front line of river management. Today is also the day His Majesty confers the title of Crown Prince. Perhaps Mr. Pang wants to take this opportunity to give you a gift?"

"Where does he get so many gifts to give?"

Zhang Luan shook his head dismissively, then exclaimed in astonishment, "But I didn't expect that my son would actually keep his word. He said he would save money and grain for Li Zi, and he did it without hesitation. He has also allocated goods worth hundreds of thousands of taels of silver... He really is rich."

Lady Qi flattered, "Just because the Second Young Master is rich doesn't mean that you, Master, are rich too."

Zhang Luan curled his lip and said, "He is him, and I am me. Don't confuse me with my son."

"but……"

Qi Niang said, "Since Mr. Pang has come with such intention, and to congratulate His Majesty on the appointment of the Crown Prince, why don't you meet him?"

“If we don’t see him, given your relationship, it seems a bit unreasonable, doesn’t it? Besides, Mr. Pang did say he was sending a gift, so he must know very well what you like.”

"Hiss... shall we meet then?"

Upon hearing that his son had resolved Li Zisheng's urgent crisis, Zhang Luan's attitude immediately softened, and he felt that meeting Pang Qing was no big deal.

Qi Niang smiled and said, "Yes, let's meet him. People from several courtyards have heard about the master's eldest grandson being appointed crown prince and they all want to congratulate him... They will all come tonight to offer their congratulations to the master."

Zhang Luan said with a smug look: "This is the real deal... I think Pang Bingkun's arrival has affected my important business! In that case, let's make some arrangements... Let's not receive guests in this courtyard, let's set up a banquet in the unused courtyard on the east side, I want to see what his purpose is!"
"However, I predict that nine times out of ten they will still come to me asking for money and food!"

Qi Niang smiled and said, "Why don't you just push the matter to the Second Young Master and that's it?"

"You understand me best, Qi Niang."

Zhang Luan, with his shameless demeanor, grinned broadly and started fidgeting with his hands.

……

……

Pang Qing's arrival in the capital coincided with the emperor's appointment of the crown prince, which was perfectly timed and greatly facilitated his delivery of gifts to Zhang Luan.

Moreover, because Zhang Luan was very happy, and with Qi Niang as an "insider," seeing Zhang Luan was no longer an unattainable dream. At least, it only cost a little favor to get a meeting with him... If it were any other prince or nobleman in the court, they would have to pay a hefty price to see Zhang Luan.

The powerful ministers that others rarely encounter are not a problem for Pang Qing.

"Congratulations to Zhang Guozhang."

Upon seeing Zhang Luan, Pang Qing greeted him with a smile.

Zhang Luan waved his hand and said, "Bingkun, we're all family here. There's no need for such formalities. Besides, it's just having a baby. Is it really that big of a deal?"

Standing to the side, Lady Qi said, "Ordinary families celebrate the birth of their eldest son and grandson with great fanfare, let alone the royal family! It is naturally a joyous occasion!"

Pang Qing was at a loss for words, but he was thinking to himself, "Since when has Qi Niang been able to interrupt Zhang Luan so directly?"
Zhang Luan seemed completely unconcerned and laughed, "That makes some sense. Let's start the banquet quickly. Bingkun and I will just eat and drink tea; we won't drink alcohol!"
"Bingkun, you know my situation. I even said the same thing to His Majesty in the palace... How about we have tea instead of wine today?"

"Right on my mind."

Pang Qing said, "It is my greatest honor to sit with Zhang Guozhang."

"You just love flattering me... Back when I first arrived in the capital, I had to fawn over you." Zhang Luan couldn't help but feel sentimental, thinking back to when he first entered the capital. How high were the thresholds for Li Zi Province back then? At that time, the head steward, Pang Qing, was more like a god. But now everything is different.

After taking their seats.

A table was laden with dishes, and Zhang Luan and Pang Qing each had a pot of tea in front of them. Qi Niang did not avoid them and poured tea for them directly.

Zhang Luan first inquired about the progress of the river repair project in Lizi Province.

Pang Qing said, "Mr. Lao, your concern is very helpful. The progress is going very smoothly. The new waterway near Xuzhou has been completed, and the southern section is currently under construction to connect to Hongze Lake."

"I came from Tongzhou. The Second Young Master there is transporting a large amount of money and grain south. He originally wanted me to go with him, but considering that His Majesty is about to establish a Crown Prince, I had to come and give you a gift to show my sincerity."

"You've seen my son?"

Zhang Luan was puzzled.

My son, I haven't even seen him for months, and you actually got to see him?

"Exactly."

Pang Qing said, "The Second Young Master is in Tongzhou, arranging trade matters. The warehouses along the Grand Canal have been set up, and many water warehouses have been built in major towns. Goods from the south and north can be transported through this channel. It is said that in the next year or two, in addition to dredging the canal, a sea route from Nanjing to Tianjin Port will be opened to increase the volume of north-south freight."

Zhang Luan nodded: "His ambitions are quite large. In addition to dredging the Grand Canal, he even wants to build a new sea transport route. There is no great benefit to doing so, so why bother?"

Pang Qing said, "This is a great thing for the common people and merchants, and the court can also increase tax revenue... With more goods coming and going, the local area will become more prosperous."

"well."

Zhang Luan nodded and said, "Continue drinking your tea. Wait, you're not here to ask me for money or food, are you? Let me tell you, if you have any problems, go directly to my son. I can't interfere with these kinds of things."

"No no no."

Pang Qing hurriedly explained, "I had no such intention. For the time being, we are not short of money and grain. It is just that we may need to use your connections, Mr. Zhang, to help us manage things in the local area... that is, to put pressure on those local officials to cooperate more."

"Oh, that's easy to do."

Zhang Luan did not refuse.

Pang Qing was taken aback, thinking that Zhang Luan was indeed in high spirits today because of a happy occasion, and was actually so easy to talk to. If it were before, he would have made excuses.

(End of this chapter)