Back to Daming to be a genius

Chapter 194
(PS: It’s Monday before you know it, and I’m begging for a monthly pass.)
Zhangjiakou is not too far from the capital. After collectively deciding to go to the capital to listen to the news and arrange the next plan, the eight locust merchants of Mite Qing arrived in the capital together in less than three days. For the convenience of communicating with each other and exchanging information, Under Fan Yongdou's suggestion, the eight locust merchants lived together in the house that Fan Yongdou bought in Niuti Hutong, Beijing, so that they could discuss countermeasures and keep secrets.

After hastily settling down, the eight major locust merchants immediately split up and started, or went to find the semicolon shopkeepers of the eight major locust merchants in the capital to learn about the recent situation in the capital; For the latest attitude of the standard system, Fan Yongdou and Huang Yunlong, who are wealthy and powerful, came directly to the residence of their old friend Cui Chengxiu to ask for an interview, and after sending a set of precious jewelry to Cui Chengxiu's concubine Xiao Lingxi, they won Cui Chengxiu's favor. interview.But Cui Chengxiu, the number one think tank of the eunuch party, is extremely busy. As soon as they met, he said to Fan Yongdou and Huang Yunlong straight to the point: "I only give you a cup of tea. The [-]th birthday of Nine Thousand Years is coming. I am very busy. I have Say something directly."

"Thank you, President Cui (Capital Censor)." Fan Yongdou first cupped his hands to express his gratitude, and then asked directly, "Dare to ask Mr. President, I heard that someone in the imperial court suggested that grain and salt should be promoted in all border cities of Ming Dynasty. I don’t know what the Emperor and Nine Thousand Years mean about the trading rules and regulations? What’s the rumor in the court about it?”

"The grain and salt trading standard system? Your news is really well-informed. Liu Ruozai just mentioned it in the Qianqing Palace five days ago, and you immediately knew about it?" Cui Chengxiu snorted coldly, and replied: "The court hasn't discussed this matter yet. However, the two Eunuchs Li from the Supervisor of Rituals and Eunuch Song from Dongchang are very supportive, and have often encouraged this matter in front of Jiu Qiansui. But you don’t have to worry too much, Zhangjiakou is no more like Xifengkou and Gubeikou, it involves Mongolia Lin Dan, Nine Thousand Years is still hesitant. The two fathers-in-law Li, the supervisor of ceremonies, put forward a new suggestion. They suggested that Nine Thousand Years send an envoy to contact Lin Dan on the grassland, explain the relationship and interests, and ask Lin Dan for his opinion before proceeding. Make a decision to show the Ming court's respect for its allies."

"Ask for Lin Danhan's opinion before making a decision." Huang Yunlong breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "It seems that this matter must not be done. Lin Danhan is also troubled by the food shortage, and he will definitely not agree to this system."

"That's not necessarily true. Don't be too happy too soon." Cui Chengxiu sneered, and said, "Thanks to you, only a small half of the food, tea and salt sold outside the customs in Zhangjiakou was sold to Lin Danhan." Here, if Lin Dan figured out the whereabouts of the remaining half of the grain, pig iron, and cloth, I am afraid that not only would he not oppose the standard system of grain and salt trading, but he would also support and support the Ming court to implement this system?"

It was reminded by Cui Chengxiu.The muscles on Huang Yunlong's and Fan Yongdou's faces immediately twitched—they were all too aware of the bad relationship between Lin Dan and Jianu. If there was an opportunity to use the Ming court to weaken Jianu, Lin Dan would probably hold it up. Both hands and feet agree!After hesitating for a while, Fan Yongdou hurriedly asked again: "Lord President, can you do me a favor and introduce the grassroots so that they can meet Jiuqian once?"

Cui Chengxiu didn't speak, Fan Yongdou understood, quickly took out another thick stack of banknotes from his arms, put them on the tea table and gently pushed them in front of Cui Chengxiu, Cui Chengxiu glanced at the stack of banknotes, and then said: "Okay, I will try my best to arrange it for you, but the [-]th birthday of Nine Thousand Years is approaching, the Mongolian princes who surrendered to Ming Dynasty are also waiting to be arranged in Beijing, and the soldiers who have done meritorious service in the slave slaughter army are also waiting to receive rewards, all kinds of things are piled up Rushan, Nine Thousand Years is also very busy, so I can only give it a try, don't blame me if it doesn't work."

"It's enough to have the words of Mr. Zongxian. In this world, there are not many things you can't do, Mr. Zongxian." Fan Yongdou agreed with a smile on his face.Cui Chengxiu put the banknote in his arms with a big face, stood up and said: "Okay, I should go to the Nine Thousand Years Mansion to see you, tell my housekeeper where you live, go back and wait for news. Also, I I would like to give you another warning—restraint me during the recent period, and stop selling food and salt to those disobedient Tatar tribes. The governor of Xuanda is about to change, be careful not to let the new governor take office Three fires are set on your heads!"

"My lord, Zhang Xiantai is sure to be transferred?" Huang Yunlong, who had the closest relationship with Zhang Pu, asked nervously.Cui Chengxiu hesitated for a moment, and snorted, "It's not a reassignment, it's a demotion! Hmph, the rebels just hit Tianmen Pass, and your Zhang Xiantai dared to leave Taiyuan City to escape. If Zhang Honggong, the general soldier of Shanxi, hadn't defended Tianmen Pass with all his might, Taiyuan City will also be taken away by the rebels. Jiu Qiansui was furious after receiving the informant, your Zhang Xiantai may never have the chance to be the governor again in this lifetime!"

"Lord President, then take over..." Fan Yongdou originally wanted to take over Zhang Pu who might be, but Cui Chengxiu has already left.Fan Yongdou and Huang Yunlong had no choice but to leave their address to the housekeeper of Cui's house, and left Cui Chengxiu's house in despair.

On the way, Huang Yunlong said to Fan Yongdou with a sad face in the carriage: "Too bad, the old man Zhang Pu has just been fed, and the imperial court is going to change people again. On the way to the capital, we discussed if we can keep Zhang Pu. Now look at him." Cui Chengxiu's attitude is impossible to protect, and now a new Xuanda governor is in office, how much money do we have to spend to feed him?"

"If you just spend a little money, it's easy to do. I'm afraid that the new Governor Xuanda will not be able to pay for the money." Fan Yongdou said slowly: "The current situation is very unfavorable to us! That little dog Zhang Haogu The Tatar tribes in the Horqin and Harqin grasslands have been frightened. If we want to sell things to Dajin through this grassland, we are likely to be blocked and informed by the Tatars in these grasslands, so we have to spend again. Money and time open up the grassland roads. If the new governor of Xuanda hates Dajin like Zhang Haogu and the little dog, and strictly investigates all kinds of prohibited materials that may be smuggled into Dajin, then our business will not be possible."

"Strictly investigate smuggling? Governor Xuan Da, whose yamen is in Yanghe, also wants to strictly investigate Zhangjiakou?" Huang Yunlong snorted coldly and raised a different opinion.Fan Yongdou replied with a sneer: "What if the governor of Xuanda moved to Xuanfu or Datong? He is the governor of Xuanda, Shanxi, Datong and Xuanfu. Can he live there?" Huang Yunlong was speechless. Fortunately, Fan Yongdou did not continue to ridicule Huang Yunlong, and said: "Let's go back to Niu's Foot Alley and see if other people have heard the news, maybe there is a turning point."

Returning to Niuti Hutong in a hurry, the eight major locust merchants who were working separately and inquiring about news also returned to the Fan Family Compound in Niuti Hutong one after another, but the information they brought back made Fan Yongdou and Huang Yunlong terrified. The eunuchs, big and small, are all very enthusiastic about implementing the grain and salt trade standard system, and they all hope to make a lot of money from this new system, so they almost overwhelmingly support this new system.When it was completely dark, the news brought by Jin Liangyu and Tian Shenglan who finally came back from Feng Quan's mansion was even worse, so that as soon as Jin Liangyu entered the room, he paled and whispered: "The big thing is not good! The tone of voice, the old eunuch Wei has the idea of ​​replacing Governor Xuanda, Governor Xuanda and Governor Xuanfu together!"

"The two governors and one governor are all replaced?" Several other locust merchants exclaimed together.Fan Yongdou stood up directly, and exclaimed in a low voice: "How is it possible? Among other things, the Xuanfu army just won the battle at Luotuo Mountain in the first month of this year, and the governor Qin Shiwen made great contributions. How could it be possible to replace him at this time? ?”

"I also asked about this matter. Feng Laogou said that the old eunuch Wei thought that Qin Shiwen was too old, and he was still in the front line in his 70s. He was afraid that his health would not be able to bear it." Jin Liangyu wiped his sweat and said, "So the old eunuch Wei planned to put Transfer back to the capital to serve as the Minister of the Ministry of War, and change to a younger one to guard the Xuanfu."

"Then the money we gave to Qin Shiwen's two sons will be in vain?" Zhai Ying screamed in despair.Originally, the eight major locust merchants all saw that Qin Shiwen would be re-elected as the governor of the Xuanfu, so they all invested a lot of capital on Qin Shiwen's two sons-including Zhai Yinghua who also had the largest capital. Now Wei Zhongxian suddenly wants to replace the candidate for the governor of the Xuanfu. It is indeed a waste of time.The other seven locust merchants also felt a great pain and regretted it.Fan Yongdou slammed his fist on the table, and then asked and answered: "Master Jin, have you asked Feng Quan who might take over?"

"I found out." Jin Liangyu nodded and replied, "It took 2000 taels of silver before that old dog Feng Quan told us that he didn't know who the old eunuch Wei planned to replace as the governor of the Xuanfu. Let us know the exact news. However, Feng Quan warned us that, according to his guess, the old eunuch Wei is likely to let Zhang Haogu, the eunuch mad dog, take over the governor of Xuanda, so even if the governor of the Xuanfu takes office, he will only be unable to get one. The empty airs of real power, a complete display! The real real power will only be in the hands of the old eunuch Wei's favorite Zhang Haogu, the little mad dog!"

"Zhang Haogu, little mad dog—?!" The eight major locust merchants of Chi Qing took a breath together, and recited the resume of Young Master Zhang in their minds by coincidence——Zhang Haogu, nicknamed Zhang Gou Shao, Zhang Demon King, Xiao Xiao Bai Qi and Zhang Xiaomaidgou, Wei Zhongxian's favorite adopted sons, were born in Wanli 32 years, in the fifth year of Apocalypse, Yi Chou Ke Tanhua. The governor of the gate, the transit envoy of Beizhili, and the Youdu Yushi of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, etc., the speed of promotion is second only to Yuan Chonghuan in this dynasty!He is insidious and cunning, despicable and cunning, greedy for money, lustful, vicious and cruel, he will do anything to achieve his goals, and he hates Dajin and all the forces closely related to Dajin!Dangerousness to one's own side: Extremely dangerous!

"Is the news confirmed? The old eunuch Wei has named Zhang Xiaomaidou as the governor of Xuanda?" Fan Yongdou stood up, almost forgot to breathe because of the tension.Fortunately, Jin Liangyu's answer made the eight locust merchants heave a sigh of relief, "It's not confirmed yet. As far as Feng Quan knows, the old eunuch Wei didn't mention this matter in front of the barbarian emperor, and Zhang Xiaomaidgou's new official position has not yet been confirmed." Sure."

"Scared me to death." Fan Yongdou sat back on the chair, touched his underwear subconsciously, and found that his body was covered in cold sweat.The same is true for most of the other mite clearing merchants, and they are all glad that they escaped from death once. Just kidding, although the background of these mite clearing merchants is strong, how can they be stronger and stronger than that of Young Master Zhang?

Having said that, Jin Liangyu hit his fellow traitors with a gloomy expression and said: "Everyone, let's not be too happy, Feng Quan's old castrate gave us a careful analysis, and the old eunuch Wei suddenly decided to send Xuanda The Governor, Xuanda Governor and Xuanfu Governor are replaced together, which is likely to pave the way for Zhang Haogu, the little mad dog! Just like when Zhang Juzheng transferred Qi Jiguang to be the commander-in-chief of Jimen, the superiors and colleagues who may be disobedient and who may be hindered are first replaced. They were all transferred away and replaced with obedient and reliable people, so that Qi Jiguang could let go of his hands and feet in Jimen—so Feng Quan's old dog suspected that the old eunuch Wei's decision was probably to imitate Zhang Juzheng and give him a job. My son, Zhang Haogu, the little mad dog, clears away the obstacles, so that Zhang Haogu, the little mad dog, is lucky for Xuan Da to let go of his hands and feet!"

The faces of the seven locust merchants all pulled down, and their calves began to twitch again.Jin Liangyu went on to say: "More importantly, Zhang Haogu is the most suitable person for the position of governor of Xuanda now! The Xuanda defense zone must not only guard against the Tatar tribes in the north and Mongolian Lindan Khan, We have to guard against the rebels in Shaanxi in the west, defend Gyeonggi, and send troops to Shaanxi to suppress the rebellion if necessary! In this way, Zhang, who just beat the Tatar coalition forces to the ground in the Karaqin grassland and Horqin grassland, is looking for teeth. Haogu little mad dog is undoubtedly the best candidate! Even Feng Quan's old dog admits that if he doesn't consider the bad relationship between Zhang Haogu and Zhang Haogu, whoever he recommends as the governor of Xuanda, He will also recommend Zhang Haogu's little mad dog! If nothing else, just use Zhang Haogu's little dog's big flag to go to Xuanda, and the Tatar tribes north of Xuanda will have to stay away!"

There was no sound in the room, and after a long time, Fan Yongdou gritted his teeth and said: "Fortunately, the matter has not been settled yet, we still have a chance! And the matter is very clear, if we want to prevent that little mad dog Zhang Haogu from taking over Governor Xuanda can only start with the old eunuch Wei. I also agreed with Cui Chengxiu to let him introduce the old eunuch Wei for us. Buy the governor's position!"

"Who is it?" At this time, Fan Yongdou's confidant Chen Dabin suddenly shouted from outside the room.The Eight Great Locust Merchants were startled, and rushed out the door, only to see a servant of the Fan Mansion holding a pot of boiling water, surrounded by the Eight Great Locust Merchants, and said timidly, "Every shopkeeper, I'll bring you boiled water." .”

"Get out, I didn't tell you not to come near here." Chen Dabin shouted viciously.The servant of Fan's mansion respectfully agreed, and ran out of the backyard with the boiling water in his hand, and after bringing the kettle into the kitchen, the servant saw that there was no one around, and suddenly waved to the beams of the house, a black shadow quickly followed The beam slipped down, and whispered to the servant...

………………

The Eight Great Locust Merchants of Mite Qing were worried over there that Young Master Zhang would be the governor of Xuanda, but Young Master Zhang was worried about his new position here. It has been eight or nine days since he returned to the capital, and Young Master Zhang wanted to discuss his new position with Wei Zhongxian several times However, Wei Zhongxian always talked about him from left to right, and refused to pay attention to Young Master Zhang's request to be the governor of Xuanda. When he was the governor of Xuanda, he shook his head and said, "Brother Zhang, it's not that I won't help you. How old are you this year? You haven't turned 24 yet, and you want to be the second-rank governor of Xuanda. How will you be promoted in the future?"

"Brother Cui, how about you help me say a few good words in front of Jiuqian, and transfer me to be the governor of Xuanda?" Young Master Zhang is the next best thing - other people have a headache when they are governors. Don't be afraid, apart from the governor Xiong Tingbi, there is no governor in the world who dares to hold Young Master Zhang's elbow.Unexpectedly, Cui Chengxiu smiled and said: "Brother Zhang, you just came back from the Horqin Grassland. You are exhausted, and you can't take a few more days off. Why are you rushing to take office? Well, let me tell you this in front of Nine Thousand Years, so you can rest at ease." For a while, I'll talk to you in a few days."

Speaking of this, and Ma Shiying said that Cui Chengxiu may also have connections with the Zhangjiakou merchant group, how could Young Master Zhang not understand that Cui Chengxiu actually didn't want to go to Xuanda to cut off his fortune?But Young Master Zhang is Young Master Zhang after all, and Cui Chengxiu’s path was blocked. Young Master Zhang turned around and went to find Wei Zhongxian’s nephew Wei Liangqing, son-in-law Yang Liuqi, and nephew Fu Yingxing. After throwing out a lot of money, the three Wei Zhongxian loved the most His relatives immediately patted their chests, promising to fan the flames for Young Master Zhang, and to get the position of Governor Xuan for Young Master Zhang!Not to mention, just in case, Young Master Zhang used the excuse of being filial to his godmother, and sent gold and silver to Wei Zhongxian's old friend Ho Ke Baba, and asked Ke Baba to come forward to blow the pillow wind and test Wei Zhongxian's true attitude.

Almost at the same time as the Eight Great Locust Merchants of Mite Qing were secretly discussing, Young Master Zhang finally received the news that Ke Baba went out of the palace to visit relatives, and sent someone to order Young Master Zhang to also visit his godmother in the house of Ke Baba's son Hou Guoxing.Young Master Zhang knew that it was Ke Baba who wanted to give him an answer, so he rushed to the Hou Mansion with an expensive gift to meet him. After meeting Ke Baba's mother and son, Ke Baba straight to the point and said to Young Master Zhang: "Monkey boy, I will ask your father about it." Yes, he intends to promote you to the position of governor—but not Governor Xuanda!"

"Isn't Governor Xuanda?" Young Master Zhang was a little dumbfounded, and hurriedly asked: "Which place is that governor? Shaanxi-Gansu? Jimen? Let me also manage Yongping?"

"None." Ke Baba shook his head and said with a smile: "Your father said, when you, a monkey boy, went to Jiaozhou to recruit soldiers, he once told him that South Yiwu and North Jiaozhou are places where great soldiers are produced, so put The conscription location was chosen in Jiaozhou. Now the pirates and bandits in Fujian are raging violently, and the local officers and soldiers are powerless to suppress them. Your father is considering restoring the post of governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, so that you can enlist and expand your army in Yiwu while suppressing them in Fujian. The bandit trains soldiers and makes great achievements. There is no delay in both. However, this matter has not been settled yet, so please don't spread it casually, so as not to make your father angry."

"Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang?" Young Master Zhang was completely dumbfounded.Ke Baba looked Young Master Zhang up and down, and scolded with a smile: "Monkey boy, are you dizzy with joy? See how much your father loves you, and is reluctant to let you go to Xuanda to eat wind and sand, let you go to Jiangnan to enjoy wine and beauties, Tsk tsk, if you are less than 24 years old, you will be the second rank, and you will not be granted the title of Marquis or Prime Minister in the future?"

"My son, thank you godmother, thank you dear father." Young master Zhang finally came back to his senses, and quickly kowtowed to Ke Baba to express his gratitude, thinking in his stomach: "Old eunuch Wei would rather let me be the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang after decades of idleness." , and refused to let me go to Xuanda. It seems that the old eunuch Wei is indeed the chief backer of the Zhangjiakou businessmen. My previous temptations made him wary again, fearing that I would cut off his money. That's why I made this decision. Alas, there's no other way, so I have to let those traitors have fun for a while."

"There is one more thing, the godmother has to tell you." Ke Baba thought for a while, and then said: "You let the godmother go to your biological father to test the tone, and your biological father can tell at a glance, so your biological father asked me Remind you, your current contribution is very great, but you can’t be arrogant about your achievements, let alone get carried away, and be careful of the backstabbing.” Speaking of this, Keba paused, and finally added, “Also, you and Ma Shiying, the magistrate of Datong, just keep the current relationship, don’t get too close, it’s not good for you.”

(End of this chapter)