Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 82 Don’t make oaths carelessly, or they will come true!

"Your Majesty, this is truly a brilliant move! I never imagined that such a method could be used to solve the problem!"

Qian Zhong, the Minister of Revenue, said with admiration.

"It is indeed expensive. Others pay thousands of gold coins to buy horse bones, but Your Majesty does the opposite and directly pays copper coins to buy horse bones.

Yet, this mere 250,000 strings of cash had an incredibly positive effect, playing an extraordinary role.”

Minister of Revenue Liu Xin also nodded repeatedly.

I sneered in my heart, what could have such a miraculous effect?

Didn’t he kowtow to the Korean king and admit his mistake and surrender?

Otherwise, this so-called mere 250,000 strings of cash would surely make the emperor extremely uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

To expect such an effect is simply a dream.

This emperor insisted on not stopping immigration and other matters, and chose such an indecent approach.

Then the Korean husband gave her an even more undignified treatment!
Are you okay now?
You got what you wanted, right?

Are you feeling better now?

"After this incident, if we issue government bonds again in the future, we can get a larger amount and a longer term.

For example, printing and issuing a six-month or one-year period.

People will surely rush to buy them, and won’t worry about the court not returning the money.”

After hearing Qian Zhong's words, Shangshu Liu Xin nodded and said, "But I think Your Majesty will not issue too many national bonds.

Although this thing is good, it is still just eating up the food for the next year.

The problem of lack of money has not been truly solved.

If we want to solve it, I'm afraid we have to rely on treasure notes.

However, with this national debt incident, it will be possible to reduce a lot of resistance when issuing treasure notes in the future.

It makes many people have confidence in Baochao."

Although he said so, in fact Liu Xin still disagreed with it.

Baochao is a poison that is full of temptation from head to toe.

Once it is used, there is no way to avoid the huge harm it brings.

The Jiaozi of the Song Dynasty and the Baochao of the Yuan Dynasty failed without exception, and later brought huge disasters to countless people.

The current emperor is not very knowledgeable, especially when it comes to finance.

It would be fine if the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes were not printed, but once they were printed, the consequences in the future might be even more tragic and unbearable than that of the Yuan Dynasty.

The more credibility you accumulate on government bonds at this time, the more criticism you will receive after the treasure notes are issued in the future.

The more the treasure notes collapse, the greater the power.

Thinking of this, Liu Xin shook his head and stopped thinking:

"We'll talk about these things later. The most important thing right now is to concentrate all our efforts on the next task of verifying the accounts of tax officials in various places.

This is the most important thing, and there must be no mistakes."

"You're right, but there's nothing to worry about. It's something we're used to, and everyone is familiar with it.

There will be absolutely no problems.”

Minister Qian Zhong said with a smile, showing a look that said he understood everything.

Liu Xin and Qian Zhong looked at each other, understood each other tacitly, and both had smiles on their faces.

Every tax collection is a carnival from top to bottom.

Not only local governments, but also the imperial court will have a large amount of money and grain to use for things.

Many of them will also have a lot more money to use for things.

Especially those who are in charge of the Ministry of Revenue.

Did Zhu Yuanzhang think that he could cut off the financial resources of his people through his outrageously harsh bans?
How can it be!

The taxation and other policies he came up with are full of loopholes, and are wide enough for them to run wild!
But Zhu Yuanzhang knew nothing about this.

All I can say is that it is not okay for a beggar to be an emperor. It is too short-sighted.

What Qian Zhong said is indeed correct, these are indeed what they are used to doing.

From their Ministry of Revenue to those in charge of taxation in local governments, they are all extremely skilled.

And they can do things perfectly, and no one can find any mistakes. This is their ability.

Not to mention, this time, because he needs to preside over the wedding of Prince Yan, Duke Han will come to Yingtian in person.

With him, the great Buddha, personally in charge, no one would dare to cause any trouble on this matter, even if he said nothing.

As for the struggle between the Duke of Han and the Emperor...

Isn’t the result of this matter out now?

The Duke of Korea achieved a great victory, and the beggar emperor was forced to bow his head and admit his mistake.

The matter ended here, and what followed was the bargaining between the emperor and Li Shanchang.

As for what the final situation will be, they don't need to worry too much.

No matter what happens, it has nothing to do with them.

They just need to take good care of the country's finances and taxes and do the subsequent accounting...

……

The city of Yingtian Prefecture became bustling, not only because the wedding of Prince of Yan Zhu Di was approaching, but also because various purchases within the palace increased.

Another thing is that officials from all over the country who came to Beijing to file taxes also arrived in the capital one after another, making the city of Yingtian Prefecture more and more lively.

However, the most lively day was the day when Li Shanchang, Duke of Korea, arrived in the capital by boat.

Before the ship arrived, there were already many people here to greet it.

Including the prime minister Hu Weiyong and six ministers.

In addition to them, even the Crown Prince Zhu Biao was waiting here!
This made everyone who saw this scene couldn't help but sigh in their hearts that the Duke of Korea was worthy of being the Duke of Korea, and his display was so grand.

The situation in Zhongdu City had been so tense and ugly before, and many people were secretly sweating.

I feel that South Korea has suffered a major setback and it will be difficult for it to get back up.

But who could have thought that in just half a year, Duke Han Guo would return again.

Moreover, after fighting with the emperor, he returned with a great victory!
The emperor asked Duke Han to preside over the wedding of Prince Yan, and now even the crown prince has come to welcome him.

Duke of Korea is Duke of Korea after all, and no one can replace Duke of Korea!

"I'm coming!"

Someone shouted, and there was immediately some commotion here.

Li Shanchang stood at the bow of the ship, seeing the scene from afar, and the corners of his mouth began to rise unconsciously.

Especially after seeing the prince's ceremonial procession and the figure wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, the upturned corners of his mouth could not be suppressed.

Although I have left the center for several years, the Ming Dynasty still cannot function without me!

Now that I have returned, even the prince will be waiting for me at the dock!
However, when the boat approached the dock and the people on the shore were about to see his face clearly, Li Shanchang finally lowered the corners of his mouth that were extremely difficult to suppress.

It was replaced by honor and fear.

Without waiting for the boat to dock completely, Li Shanchang hurriedly got off the boat and saluted Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao stepped forward and personally supported Li Shanchang, telling him not to be so polite.

"Your Highness, why did you come here in person? This is really annoying for me, an old minister."

"Duke Han Guo, you have worked hard and made great contributions, spending most of your life working for the Ming Dynasty.

Now, I have come all the way here for my fourth brother's wedding. Although I am the crown prince, I am just a junior in front of you.

I will come to greet you.”

Zhu Biao's face was filled with a gentle yet sincere smile, making people feel like they were in the spring breeze.

I don’t know how many people are envious of this scene!
After Li Shanchang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao talked for a while, Hu Weiyong smiled and stepped forward to salute Li Shanchang, calling him "Grand Minister" with extreme respect.

Li Shanchang looked at Hu Weiyong, who was behaving well in front of him, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Don't address me like that, Prime Minister Hu. I'm no longer the Prime Minister.

You are the Prime Minister of my Ming Dynasty."

"No, in my heart, Eun-sang will always be Eun-sang. I will never forget what he taught me."

Hu Weiyong was extremely sincere and actually said these words in front of the prince and all the officials.

"What can I teach you? It's just some idle chatter.

Since you like to listen to my idle chatter, I will use my age to chat with you, Hu Xiang, for a few more words.

Hu Weiyong immediately pretended to listen attentively.

"The Prime Minister is the head of all officials, responsible for the entire country and connecting with all other officials. He is extremely important.

As the prime minister, you have to shoulder the corresponding responsibilities.

You must be able to help your superiors solve their problems and, under their leadership, make the Ming Dynasty better day by day.

This way I can live up to the kindness of my superiors and be worthy of the position I hold."

"Students must remember the teachings of the Prime Minister, live up to the trust placed in them by their superiors, and live up to the Prime Minister's expectations of them."

Hu Weiyong was the prime minister, but he was honest and well-behaved in front of Li Shanchang and did not dare to put on airs.

After saying these words to Hu Weiyong, Li Shanchang saluted the others who came to greet him, as a greeting to them all.

After staying at the dock for a while, Zhu Biao and Li Shanchang left here surrounded by the crowd and headed towards the city.

……

"My father has been busy with government affairs these days and really can't spare the time.

When I have some free time in the next two days, I will host a family dinner at Kunning Palace to welcome you, Prince Han Guo."

After arriving in the city, things developed beyond our expectations.

Many people felt that since Duke Hanguo had returned to Yingtian this time and even the crown prince had gone to meet him in person, it was only natural that he would be invited to meet the emperor next.

I have done everything, so this little shudder is nothing.

But who could have thought that an accident would happen at this moment.

Not only the others, but even Li Shanchang, the person involved, seemed very surprised and was stunned for a moment.

But he was only stunned for a moment, and immediately said:
"The upper echelon is so busy with affairs of state, shouldering the entire empire. And now that His Royal Highness Prince Yan's wedding is approaching, it's normal that I can't spare any time.

It just so happens that I am a little tired after traveling all the way, so I can take a rest."

After a few more words, Zhu Biao returned to the palace. Li Shanchang declined the invitations of others who came to greet him and went to his mansion to rest.

As the Duke of the Ming Dynasty, Li Shanchang naturally had a house in Yingtian.

Not only him, but also the founding dukes and earls of the Ming Dynasty all received it. These were all rewards given by Zhu Yuanzhang before.

After Li Shanchang returned to his mansion, the many people who came to greet him dispersed and went about their own business.

But the majesty that Li Shanchang displayed when he returned to Yingtian today did not dissipate.

Instead, as these people dispersed, it appeared in the hearts of more people...

……

"Dad, why doesn't the emperor see you directly?

What's the story here?
Is it... that the Emperor wants to harm you?"

Inside the Duke of Han's mansion, Li Qi, who had been holding his breath for a while, couldn't help but look at his father, Li Shanchang, and ask...

……

"Uncle, why doesn't the emperor meet Li Shanchang directly?"

Almost at the same time, Hu Shan also looked at Hu Weiyong and asked the same question...

Looking at his son's confused and slightly uneasy eyes, Li Shanchang smiled.

Although my son is quite smart, he has too little experience after all.

And I don't know what kind of person the emperor is.

Therefore, the emperor would easily become uneasy when there were some unexpected disturbances.

But that's true. Looking at the entire Ming Dynasty, who else but himself could understand the emperor so well and force him to admit his mistakes?

The title of emperor is indeed scary, and one cannot be too harsh on his son in this regard.

"Qier, don't overthink it. It's not a big deal. It's a simple matter. The Emperor, under pressure from reality, has surrendered to your father.

But I still feel unhappy.

I have been in power for so many years, but I have never suffered such a big loss.

So their attitude towards me seems rather twisted.

On the one hand, after learning that your father had entered Yingtian, he immediately asked the prince to run over to greet me.

On the other hand, he didn't meet me immediately to welcome me, but insisted on waiting a few days before doing so.

It was obvious that he still felt a little embarrassed.

But I didn't know that if he had done everything as usual, just greeted me today and pretended nothing had happened, many people would not have noticed this.

But he just had to act so self-righteously.

It seems that he is trying to dry me out in this way.

But in reality, it had the exact opposite effect, exposing his guilty conscience."

After hearing his father's explanation, Li Qi breathed a sigh of relief, but it was not a complete relief.

"Dad, will the emperor continue to be so stubborn?"

Li Qi began to think about the future.

"It will definitely continue like this." Li Shanchang answered with certainty.

"The man in power is not a broad-minded person. I forced him to bow his head and submit this time. It would be strange if he could get over this mentally."

Li Qi was obviously shocked by his father's answer and could not help but be stunned.

"Then... Dad, what should we do from now on?"

"What else can he do? He just keeps on feeling upset.

I can only be angry at myself.

At this time, the emperor has no way to do anything to me, and he will not be able to do anything to me in the future.

As for you, there is no need to worry.

The emperor is not too young. How many emperors who fought on horseback lived long lives?
Emperor Gaozu of Han and Emperor Guangwu were both only in their early sixties.

Emperor Taizong of Tang only lived to be 52 years old, and Emperor Taizu of Song lived even shorter, only 50 years old.

And now he is forty-eight years old.

He looks strong and vigorous, but who can tell about fate?

Maybe the person will be gone in a short time.

The most important thing is that the current emperor does not take good care of his body.

Relying on his good health, he works day and night with very little rest time.

Paperwork is extremely harmful to your health and mentally. If it goes on for a long time, even the strongest person will not be able to bear it.

I think the emperor will die within three to five years at the least, and ten years at the most.

Although your father is much greater than the emperor, to be honest, I have not suffered much or put in much effort in my life.

Now I have no paperwork to do and I am in very good health. The emperor may not even live longer than me.

As long as I am here, nothing will happen to our Li family, and the emperor can only die with a heart full of frustration.

Even if your father were to unfortunately walk before the emperor, there is no need to worry.

By that time, Zhongdu City must have been completely repaired and the capital moved there.

As long as we accomplish this, it won't be easy for anyone to touch us.

The prince is a kind and generous person. Now that the current emperor is gone, he will not and cannot touch us if he becomes the emperor.

Just rest assured. No matter how unhappy the emperor is about this matter, he can only endure it.

It wasn't over until he closed his eyes.

As long as we don't make any big mistakes later, nothing will happen.

Your father is not the kind of person who doesn't care about anything. I have to think three steps ahead before taking one step, so as not to make mistakes.

I've already considered what you're worried about."

Li Qina's heart, which was somewhat uneasy because he had left Fengyang and now suddenly returned to the capital, a place particularly close to the emperor, gradually calmed down as Li Shanchang spoke these words.

"Best regards, Father!"

Li Qi bowed seriously to his father Li Shanchang, with admiration emanating from the bottom of his heart.

"Hahaha……"

Li Shanchang laughed and was very happy.

"The current emperor is indeed terrifying, but not as terrifying as that.

The emperor is also a human being. As long as he handles it properly, he can put the tiger in a cage and nothing will happen if he touches the tiger's butt.

Just watch carefully and learn from it.

Read carefully, think carefully, and ask me if you don’t understand anything.”

Li Qi said he had learned a lesson...

……

"What else could it be? It's just to paralyze Li Shanchang.

Not inviting Li Shanchang to dinner directly is most consistent with the character of a superior.

Li Shanchang is not far from death!"

Hu Weiyong seemed to be in a bad mood when he explained the doubts to his nephew Hu Shan.

Now, his mind is still full of Li Shanchang.

Thinking of Li Shanchang's smug look today, he felt angry and aggrieved.

What kind of bastard is Li Shanchang? He is just a man who is close to death, yet he dares to act so arrogantly in front of me at the dock today.

I was just complimenting him a few times, but this bastard took it seriously.

He actually started to lecture himself in front of the prince and all the officials.

Who does he think he is?

"Li Shanchang acts arrogantly and does not respect the emperor. He is indeed not far from death!

A person who is unaware of his own death, his behavior today is truly laughable!"

Hu Shan showed a look of sudden realization, and then he cursed Li Shanchang with contempt.

In fact, Hu Shan really didn’t understand why Li Shanchang was about to die.

The emperor had clearly admitted defeat, so how could he possibly attack Li Shanchang again?

If he wanted to take action, he would do so when Li Shanchang opposed him.

He racked his brains but couldn't figure out how the emperor would break this unsolvable deadlock.

But this did not prevent him from showing a look of sudden realization and scolding Li Shanchang.

It can only be said that Hu Weiyong had no son for many years, so it is not unreasonable for him to choose this nephew to bring him to his side to train...

……

"Hu Xiang, you are such a busy man, how come you have time to come here?"

At Li Shanchang's house, looking at Hu Weiyong, who had obviously just finished his job and came to visit, and only brought some worthless cakes such as plum blossom cakes and osmanthus cakes, Li Shanchang spoke lightly.

"Eun-sang, I've always been thinking about you. No matter how busy I am, it's not as important as coming to see you."

Hu Weiyong seemed not to understand the dissatisfaction in Li Shanchang's words, and responded with a smile on his face.

"Worried about me?
Are you worried about how to pin me to death? You will never be able to return to the Secretariat to serve as the Left Prime Minister, which will affect your ability to control everything, right? "

The sarcasm on Li Shanchang's face became even stronger.

With a thud, Hu Weiyong knelt down directly in front of Li Shanchang.

“Eun-sang, there were so many people at the dock before that the students couldn’t say a lot of things.

The students wanted to kill Liu Bowen because he had a long-standing grudge against me in Huaixi. He looked like a toothless tiger and might rise up and hurt people at any time.

It’s better to just kill him directly.

But... who could have thought that this guy was so calculating and cunning.

I'm desperately trying to survive..."

Li Shanchang looked at Hu Weiyong kneeling in front of him without saying a word, just watching him quietly.

"En Xiang, if I really intend to use this incident to deal with you, En Xiang, I will be punished with death from now on!

Students are most afraid of being tickled, so just let them itch to death!"

Hu Weiyong was so anxious that tears came to his eyes, and he swore an oath to Li Shanchang to express his loyalty.

"Get up, there's no need for this. I still trust you, Xiao Hu.

Otherwise, when I left office, I wouldn't have proposed that you take over as Prime Minister."

Li Shanchang finally gave in.

Hu Weiyong wiped his tears with the sleeve of his robe and stood up, expressing his gratitude profusely.

"Eun-sang, I think you need to pay more attention to your position."

"what happened?"

"I've never suffered such a huge loss before. I only admitted defeat this time because of the situation. I don't know how much anger I have accumulated in my heart.

Given the petty nature of the superior, it would be strange if he could easily cover up this matter.

The fact that he didn't come to see you directly this time, but insisted on waiting a few more days, is the best proof of this."

Hu Weiyong spoke very sincerely, as if he was wholeheartedly considering Li Shanchang.

Li Shanchang nodded: "This does require some attention.

Are there any others?"

Hu Weiyong said, "En Xiang, your move this time was decisive and powerful. Even if the higher-ups are angry, they wouldn't dare to attack you right now.

Even if the High Lord is reluctant, he must rebuild the Central Capital."

Li Shanchang nodded, and his expression softened.

"Xiao Hu, you should work hard, the position of Prime Minister is most suitable for you.

I am old and have long lost my ambition. All I want now is to repair the city of Zhongdu.

Not to mention that I have no intention of returning to the Secretariat. Even if I really did, after what has happened now, how could my superiors let me return to the Secretariat?
This Prime Minister can only be yours."

The two of them were together for nearly an hour before Hu Weiyong left.

Li Shanchang smiled and shook his head, with some contempt on his face.

Without waiting for his son to ask, Li Shanchang took the initiative to explain:

"Hu Weiyong was an ambitious man who always wanted to climb the social ladder. Even after becoming the Right Prime Minister, he was still not satisfied and wanted more.

The previous attack on Liu Bowen seemed to be targeting Liu Bowen, but in fact it was targeting both of us at once.

Being in power requires a balance, and the only person in the Ming Dynasty who can compete with me is Liu Bowen.

Both Liu Bowen and I could be promoted by the emperor to the position of Left Prime Minister in the Secretariat, surpassing Hu Weiyong.

But if Liu Bowen dies, I will lose the checks and balances for the higher-ups, so I will never be allowed to join the Secretariat again.

However, this guy underestimated Liu Bowen's ability and ended up making things worse.

This gave Liu Bowen, who was supposed to be dead, a chance to have a second life."

After saying this, the contempt on Li Shanchang's face became even stronger.

"Now that he has seen my strength and realized the gap between him and me, Liu Bowen, he immediately ran over and knelt on the ground."

Li Qi nodded in understanding.

Then he looked at Li Shanchang and said, "Then...if Hu Weiyong gains power in the future, will it be detrimental to you, father?"

Li Shanchang shook his head and said, "Even if he had ten courages, he wouldn't dare to do it!
As long as your father lives on, Hu Weiyong will be a mere Right Prime Minister. Even if he becomes the Left Prime Minister, he will still have to crawl on the ground like a dog in front of me!"

Thinking about Hu Weiyong's various behaviors, Li Qi deeply agreed with his father's words...

But soon after, a piece of news came that Li Shanchang absolutely could not have imagined, leaving him stunned on the spot...

(End of this chapter)