My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 132: I, a prince, have already paid the money, how dare you, a bunch of unruly people, not pay?
The King of Qin never expected that Sun Chuanting would dare to ask him for three million taels of silver!
He did have this silver, but it was accumulated by his ancestors for hundreds of years. How could he just give it to an outsider like Sun Chuanting?
Thinking of this, the King of Qin hurriedly shook his head and said:

"Lord Sun, stop joking. Where would I get so much silver? The most I can offer is 500,000 taels. No more than that."

Sun Chuanting also knew that the number he said was a bit outrageous, but he did know that the King of Qin would bargain, so he was waiting for him to bargain.

So, Sun Chuanting continued:
"Your Highness, Prince Qin, if you really think it's too much, how about two million eight hundred thousand taels?"

Two million and eight hundred thousand taels, so he was given two hundred thousand taels less?
The King of Qin was almost laughing out of anger.

But he couldn't laugh, so he could only keep a straight face and continue:

"Master Sun, please don't joke. I do have money, but I don't have that much."

"How about this? I'll pay you 800,000 taels."

Sun Chuanting shook his head and said:

"Then I will also take a step back and ask for 2.6 million taels."

The King of Qin was speechless. He had never seen such bargaining.

Just as he was about to say something, Sun Chuanting suddenly said slowly:

"Your Highness, Prince Qin, you should know that Li Zicheng has always been ruthless in his pursuit of the Ming princes."

"What's more, Li Zicheng was originally from Qin, and it is said that he rebelled because he couldn't survive. Do you think he would hate you, the King of Qin, even more?"

"If the city falls, do you think you might be cooked and eaten by Li Zicheng?"

When the King of Qin heard this, his body shook involuntarily, as if he would really be turned into a pot of rotten meat by Li Zicheng in the next moment.

Finally, the King of Qin gritted his teeth and said:
"One million taels. This king can only offer one million taels at most."

But Sun Chuanting refused to give up and continued:
"Your Highness, let's both take a step back. Your Highness will contribute 1.5 million taels of silver, and then have the merchants in Xi'an Prefecture contribute 500,000 taels, for a total of 2 million taels of silver."

"If you don't have silver, you can make do with grain."

"In short, if you give me two million taels of silver, I can guarantee that Li Zicheng will never be able to break through Tongguan."

Two million taels
When the King of Qin heard this, he closed his eyes in pain.

At this moment, if it weren't for Sun Chuanting's identity as the governor of three borders, the King of Qin really wanted to slap him in the face.

He just casually asked for two million taels of silver. Did he really think that this money came from the wind?
This silver was accumulated by the Qin Palace for hundreds of years, but now he had to give it all to a stranger, and he had no choice.

Just as Sun Chuanting said, if Li Zicheng really attacked, his Qin Wang family would definitely be killed without a burial place, and the wealth accumulated over hundreds of years would also be lost to Li Zicheng.

Thinking of this, the King of Qin finally agreed.

"Okay, let's do as you say. I promise you."

"But you have to give me some time to prepare."

Sun Chuanting asked:

"How many days will His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin need?"

"Three days."

King Qin said.

"That's it. I will wait for three days. As soon as the money arrives, I will immediately dispatch troops to Tongguan and fight Li Zicheng to the death."

When he said this, Sun Chuanting finally smiled, as if his evil plan had succeeded.

This is because at this moment, Li Zicheng was still in Hubei and had no intention of coming to Shaanxi at all.

He also sent Zuo Liangyu and his army to contain Li Zicheng, ensuring that Li Zicheng would not come to Shaanxi to cause trouble before he had trained his troops.

There are also 20,000 Qin soldiers stationed at Tongguan, which is as impregnable as a rock!

But he knew about this kind of thing, but the King of Qin didn't know!
Those misleading words just now made the King of Qin think that Li Zicheng was about to attack Tongguan.

But it’s a good thing that he doesn’t know, so Sun Chuanting can control him so easily.

Of course, although the King of Qin agreed so readily, although Sun Chuanting asked for two million taels of silver, he could only give half of it at most.

The remaining half was paid by the landlords and merchants in Xi'an Prefecture.

what?
You said you don't want to pay?
I, a prince, have already paid, how dare you, the unruly people, not pay?
Then you can try it!

You have to know that the Qin Wang lineage has been rooted in Xi'an Prefecture for nearly three hundred years, and its influence is spread across all walks of life. How could those landlords and businessmen escape?
Of course, this is not what Sun Chuanting cares about.

He only cared about the silver. As for how the King of Qin would raise two million silver for him, he didn't care at all.

A few days later, Shandong.

At this time, an inconspicuous pier was bustling with people coming and going.

The merchants were busy directing the hired boatmen to move the goods, and boxes and bags of goods piled up like mountains on the dock.

From time to time, pedestrians got on and off the boat, and the boatman's shouts could be heard.

The shouts and footsteps intertwined together to play a vibrant symphony of commerce.

Similarly, where there are people, there is business, and a large number of small vendors have gathered here to sell various snacks.

For example, the hot buns just out of the pan look white and plump and emit an enticing aroma of flour.

The steaming hot noodles make you drool.

There are even vendors selling fresh fish soup, the rich aroma of which makes people salivate.

In addition, there are a variety of special snacks, which are dazzling and eye-catching.

The diners were either standing or sitting, enjoying the delicious food with satisfied smiles on their faces.

The entire small pier is full of vitality and vigor, and the lively scene makes people feel as if they are in a bustling city painting.

In front of a small stall selling noodles, several passing vendors were chatting here.

One of the fat guys said while slurping his noodles:
"Have you heard? The imperial court is going to dispatch 100,000 troops to wipe out the rebels in Liangshanpo."

The thin man who was adding vinegar to the noodles heard this and nodded quickly.

"I heard about it. Not only did I hear about it, I saw it with my own eyes! You didn't see it, the army in Jinan was practically everywhere, and before I arrived, I saw a steady stream of troops still gathering."

A bald uncle echoed:

"I saw it too. Each of those people had three horses, and they were as strong as bulls. Their horses, in particular, were obviously top-quality."

"I heard these people are the Guanning Iron Cavalry, each of them has killed several people, and they specialize in killing Jiannu!"

The fat man listened curiously.

"The Guanning Iron Cavalry, aren't these border troops? Did the imperial court mobilize border troops?"

The thin man continued:

"It seems so. And it's not just the border troops. It's said that there are also the Qin Army in Shaanxi, the White Spear Soldiers in Sichuan, and the Jingying in the capital. Anyway, they are all the most elite troops of the Ming Dynasty. It is said that there are as many as 100,000 people."

The fat man was shocked when he heard this.

"One hundred thousand people? I heard that there were only about thirty thousand rebels in Liangshanpo. Why did the court send so many people?"

The thin man laughed and said:

"Hey, you don't understand now, right? Isn't it because the emperor is angry?"

"Think about it, if these people compare them to the heroes of Liangshan, then wouldn't the current emperor become the emperor who lost his country, Song Huizong?"

"Which emperor would be willing to be compared to a king who lost his country? In a rage, wouldn't he want to completely destroy them?"

The fat man nodded repeatedly after listening.

"What you said makes sense."

"But then again, these guys aren't exactly good people. I just pulled a batch of vegetables through Liangshan Lake today, and they just deducted 30% of the money. If I didn't pay, they wouldn't let me pass. Don't you think they're bandits?"

"It would be fine if we just deducted 30% and didn't have to pay any other taxes, but once we get to the local area, the court still wants to collect taxes. Half of the goods are gone after all. How can we do business like this?"

"Anyway, I've lost money on several recent deals, so I'm not planning on doing business for now. I'll wait until the imperial court wipes out these Liangshan heroes."

The thin man and several others nodded in understanding.

"That's right! Otherwise, half of the cargo would be gone after deductions and taxes, and this business would be impossible."

While these businessmen were chatting, a young man at the table next to them suddenly came over with a smile and said hello:
"Brothers, I've heard you guys chatting here for so long, it seems like you're all businessmen doing business!"

Seeing the young man suddenly coming over to chat with them, they were all slightly stunned.

Because the young man was dressed very luxuriously, you could tell at first glance that he was a rich young man.

Moreover, there were several tall men standing not far behind him, who were obviously his guards.

Logically, such a person would not strike up a conversation with a group of small vendors like them.

Although he was a little confused, the fat man who spoke earlier still reacted and said with a smile:
"You are right, sir. We all run small businesses along this canal, usually selling fruits, vegetables, and the like."

"What does the young master do?"

The young man smiled slightly and said:
"My family is also in business, just like you guys, but I don't like business, so I plan to go to Nanjing to study and take the imperial examination."

When several people heard this, they were a little confused at first, and then one of them suddenly thought of something and said with a smile:

"I was a little confused at first. After all, the sons of merchants in the Ming Dynasty were not allowed to take the imperial examinations."

"But then I thought, you're not just any merchant's son. Your family elders must have already changed your household registration, so you can take the imperial examination."

As he said this, he suddenly sighed again.

"It's a pity, I also have a son at home, a little younger than you, who is also very motivated in his studies. I had originally wanted him to take the imperial examination in the future."

"But my family doesn't have much money, so I can't change his household registration."

"He is my only son. He is the one who will carry on the family line in the future. I cannot adopt him to be adopted by a brother of the same clan."

"In this case, he can only give up the imperial examination."

When the other voices heard this, they sighed.

They were all businessmen, which meant that their descendants were destined to be unable to take the imperial examinations and become officials.

It’s easy to change your household registration if you have money, but if you don’t have money and don’t want to be adopted, then you can only give up.

There is no way, who made the status of businessmen low?

Suddenly at this moment, the young man's voice sounded again.

"You all must have misunderstood. I haven't changed my household registration, nor have I been adopted by anyone else."

Upon hearing this, the people present looked at each other in bewilderment. How could it be possible for someone to wear silk and satin, and even take the imperial examination, without changing their household registration or being adopted?
Seeing the doubtful expressions on their faces, the young man smiled and said:
"You all look like you're from Shandong, so you don't know the situation in Beijing."

"To be honest, His Majesty has already decided to abolish all restrictions on merchants from the time of Emperor Taizu."

"These included being forbidden from wearing silk and satin, and the descendants of merchants being barred from taking the imperial examinations."

"Similarly, I heard that His Majesty is also going to reform commercial taxes."

"For those big merchants, a 20% commercial tax will be collected. But for you small merchants, goods worth less than one tael of silver will be tax-free, and goods worth more than one tael of silver but less than ten taels of silver will be taxed at 10%."

"And this is the tax you will eventually need to pay. Apart from these taxes, you don't need to pay any other taxes."

"After you pay the tax, we will issue you a tax payment certificate, which means that the tax has been paid for this batch of goods, and no one is allowed to collect tax again."

"I heard they're going to set up a special tax-collecting army. If anyone dares to collect taxes from you after you've paid the taxes required by the court, you can take your tax payment certificate and ask the army for help!"

When the vendors heard this, they were stunned and looked at the young man who spoke with disbelief.

Because this is really explosive news for them!

You have to know that although the tax rate for these small businesses they are doing now is 30% on the surface, they still need to pay taxes every time they encounter a checkpoint. After reaching the land, they have to pay taxes again when transporting the goods to the city.

Then there are the officials who take bribes and extort money, and all the miscellaneous things added up actually exceed ten percent of the tax.

But if they pay the commercial tax according to what the young man said, then they would only have to pay one tenth at most.

Sometimes you don’t even have to pay taxes!
Because most of the time the total value of their business is only one or two taels of silver!
What's more, their descendants will be able to study and take the imperial examinations from now on, which is like a dream.

but
is this real?
Finally, the fat man reacted first, then bowed and asked:
"Excuse me, sir, where did you get this information?"

The young man smiled mysteriously and said:
"To be honest, I have a relative who is an official in the capital, so I know some inside information. And if nothing unexpected happens, the imperial edict will reach Shandong within ten days."

"You will know whether it is true or not when the time comes!"

After hearing this, the businessmen no longer had any doubts in their hearts.

After all, they didn't know the boy in front of them, and the boy wouldn't make up such a lie to deceive them for no reason.

That means this should be true?
For a moment, they began to get a little excited.

Because if that is the case, then their good days are coming.

"Great! If that's the case, then I won't have to pay taxes anymore. After all, the goods I ship are only worth less than one or two ounces of silver each time."

"I might have to pay 10% tax, but that's still a lot better than before, when it was 30% tax!"

"Paying taxes is nothing! The most important thing is that our son can study and become the top scholar in the future. If he really does become the top scholar, then our Li family will be very proud!"

For a moment, several small vendors began to immerse themselves in anticipation for their future lives.

The boy smiled slightly and then returned to his desk.

This young man was none other than Zhu Cilang!

Zhu Cilang originally planned to accompany Chongzhen to Shandong, but not long after, he became impatient.

Although riding in the dragon chariot was comfortable, it was too slow and too boring.

So after saying hello to Chongzhen, he led a group of people and rode quickly to Shandong.

When he arrived in Jinan, Shandong, he left his main force behind and took some people with him, disguising himself and planning to investigate the situation first.

Of course, although it was a secret visit, we were visiting the territory of the rebels after all, so safety was also taken into consideration.

At this moment, on the large ships not far away, hundreds of people dressed as canal workers were closely watching every move around them.

These were disguised by the Jinyiwei, Guanning Iron Cavalry, Beijing Camp and other elite troops, who were mainly responsible for his safety.

In addition, he has close protection from experts like Li Ruolian and Fang Zhenghua, so there will be no problem with his safety.

Through the conversation with those small vendors just now, Zhu Cilang also confirmed one thing.

That is, the news that the imperial court is going to mobilize 100,000 troops to attack Liangshan Marsh has now reached Liangshan Marsh.

It’s just that at the beginning, no one knew that Chongzhen would also come along, so the news that Chongzhen would personally lead the army had not yet spread.

But soon, this news will spread.

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang took another sip of the tea on the table.

Um.
It still tastes like Gongcha!
"Sir, let's go back quickly. There's really nothing interesting here."

At this moment, Fang Zhenghua, who was standing next to Zhu Cilang, couldn't help but speak.

In Fang Zhenghua's opinion, although Zhu Cilang is an immortal, he is still a mortal after all, and he is really worried that he will encounter some danger.

Li Ruo Lian on the side also echoed:
"Sir, we really should leave!"

"And you heard what those people said just now. Your goal should be almost achieved, so there is no need to stay here."

"Sir, please return to Jinan Prefecture first! I can leave the rest to you!"

When Zhu Cilang heard this, he waved his hand and said:

"I just got here a short time ago, why are you in such a hurry?"

"Besides, don't you have my protection? Don't worry, nothing will happen."

When Li Ruolian and Fang Zhenghua heard this, they didn't know what to say for a moment.

Suddenly at this moment, another small boat came ashore, and then three people jumped off the boat.

The leader was none other than Zheng Chenggong.

Because this place was relatively unfamiliar, Zheng Chenggong volunteered to go to the front to inquire about the news, and now he has just returned.

"You're back, sit down and talk."

Seeing Zheng Chenggong coming, Zhu Cilang pointed to the seat next to him and motioned him to sit down.

However, Zheng Chenggong did not sit down. Instead, he came to Zhu Cilang with a strange look on his face and whispered:

"Your Highness, something has happened."

Ok?
Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang asked curiously:
"what's up?"

Zheng Chenggong said somewhat embarrassedly:
"After I arrived at the place, I wanted to find out some information, but before I even started, I ran into an acquaintance."

"That man was my classmate when I was studying at the Imperial College in Nanjing. He knew my identity, and it seems he also joined the rebels."

"In order to prevent my identity from being exposed, I had no choice but to bring him back."

When Zhu Cilang heard this, he was speechless for a moment.

He didn't expect to encounter such a thing.

After a brief thought, he said:

"Let's go back to the boat first."

So, the group returned to the boat again.

The small boat that Zheng Chenggong had been riding on also followed.

After they had waited until there was no one around, several Jinyiwei dragged out a man who was tied up like a dumpling from the boat.

At this moment, this person was already scared silly.

But the Jinyiwei didn't care about that and dragged him in front of Zhu Cilang.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang was sitting in the cabin, looking at the person in front of him curiously.

This man looked to be in his twenties and looked gentle and refined, but for some reason he joined Li Qingshan in rebellion?

"Take that out of his mouth."

Zhu Cilang ordered.

When Zheng Chenggong heard this, he hurried forward and took the cloth out of his mouth.

As soon as the cloth strip was removed, the man shouted at Zheng Chenggong:

"Brother Ming Yan, what are you doing? Aren't we friends? Why are you treating me like this?"

When Zheng Chenggong heard this, he said angrily:

"Shut up, Zhang Ansheng, I don't have a rebellious friend like you."

Zhang Ansheng heard this and cried out:
"This is not what I want. I was stopped by those people on my way home and was dragged to Liangshanpo to serve as their military advisor."

"I wanted to run, but his men were everywhere. Where could I run to? You really wronged me."

Having said that, he suddenly realized something was wrong.

Because at this moment, Zheng Chenggong's attitude was a little bit wrong.

This also includes the other people at the scene. This group of people all look ferocious, but they just gather around a young man.

Even Zheng Chenggong was like this.

But this is obviously not normal. You have to know that Zheng Chenggong is the son of Zheng Zhilong, the general of Fujian. Even he respects this young man so much. Who is this young man?
Just as I was thinking about it, I heard the young man say:

"Zhang Ansheng, you said you were Li Qingshan's military advisor, so what's going on with Li Qingshan?"

"If the information you tell me is useful, I will forgive you."

Zhang Ansheng was even more confused when he heard this, but he still mustered up the courage to ask:

"Excuse me, sir, who are you?"

Zhu Cilang said calmly:

"I am Zhu Cilang."

This. This palace?

Prince!!!

Hearing this, Zhang Ansheng first looked at Zheng Chenggong in surprise. After seeing Zheng Chenggong nod silently, he quickly twisted his body, knelt on the ground, and shouted:
"Student Zhang Ansheng pays homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. May His Royal Highness live a thousand years, a thousand thousand years, and a thousand thousand years."

"Your Highness, please believe me. I was really forced to follow the thieves!"

What Zhang Ansheng said was the truth. He was a student at the Nanjing Imperial College and had a bright future. How could he be willing to rebel?

That is, when he was on his way home, he was accidentally caught by Li Qingshan. Li Qingshan thought he was talented and insisted on making him a military advisor. He had no choice but to agree.

But now, by some strange coincidence, he was captured by Zheng Chenggong and brought to the prince's place. This was a good opportunity to escape from the tiger's mouth. How could he let it go?
(End of this chapter)