I am Emperor Shizu of Song

Chapter 64 I, Zhao Zicheng, send money

Zhao Zi said that he had not said too much to the Murong family for the time being. He just roughly outlined his superficial plan and then went to rest.

The fatigue of days of traveling, coupled with the continuous dealings with Zhu Zhen and County Magistrate Li after returning, had already consumed too much of his energy.

And strictly speaking, it is not easy to get things done in Gusu.

As the saying goes, "Three lives are unfortunate", the county seat is attached to the city, and Gusu County is the capital of Suzhou. Zhao Zicheng is not only under the jurisdiction of the county magistrate, but also the governor of Suzhou, Zhao Lin, and the magistrate Wei Xian. If he wants to do something, there are too many relationships to coordinate, so it is better to stabilize himself and do his job well first.

Zhao Zi said that he was not familiar with these people and had never read about the deeds of these little people in history books in his previous life.

Based on available public information, he knew only that Zhao Zhizhou had cooperated closely with the Yingfeng Bureau in developing water conservancy projects and rectifying canal transport, facilitating the transportation of flowers and stones. However, because the canal repairs had cost a considerable amount of money and grain, Zhao Zhizhou's reputation among the wealthy locals was not very good.

Tongpan Wei Xian, however, clashed with the Yingfeng Bureau over these corvée matters. Historically, he was marginalized by Zhu Zhen and could no longer hold the position by the end of the year, so he was demoted and recalled to the capital.

But he was also lucky, because the following year Fang La rebelled and Zhu Zhen was demoted. The emperor remembered that this man, who had previously been at odds with Zhu Zhen and was popular among the locals, promoted him half a rank and sent him back to the neighboring Changzhou as prefect. It was a short-term appointment, hoping that he would stabilize the people and resist the spread of Fang La - of course, Zhao Zicheng was unaware of all these details.

Now he only knew that Zhao Zhizhou had a good relationship with Zhu Zhen, while Wei Tongpan had a bad relationship with Zhu Zhen.

……

Zhao Zicheng stayed at Murong's house for one night. The next day, after getting up and washing up, he was about to have breakfast when Murong Yan came over and said that her mother had something to talk to him about and asked him to come over and have something to eat with her.

Zhao Zicheng was not polite and went to the backyard to meet Duan Yuyan.

Duan Yuyan had heard from her daughter that he planned to keep a low profile, and she asked with concern, "Your Excellency has not been in Suzhou long, and now you have finally taken up your post. I dare not interfere with your official duties. However, I heard from Yan'er that you intend to only be in charge of corvée labor, culture, and education, and leave all other matters to Magistrate Li and not interfere at all."

"Corvée labor, water conservancy projects, and other such projects require a great deal of money and grain. Over the past two years, both Zhao Zhizhou and Wei Tongpan have had considerable conflict over this matter. You only manage corvée labor and water conservancy projects, but don't care about taxes. How are you supposed to get things done?"

Duan Yuyan's tone was much more humble than it was half a year ago. Before she even talked about the main business, she put on a layer of armor and said that she "dared not comment on the way of being an official", but she still had to say what she had to say later.

If it was half a year ago, there would be no need for stacking armor.

Zhao Zicheng didn't treat the other party as an outsider, and said very kindly: "If others asked, I wouldn't dare to say anything, but you are not an outsider. My opinion is that where money and grain are needed, we should ask the local rich families for their share, but we can't levy them randomly.

If you want to take something, you must first give it. My nephew has two ideas. One is to borrow money instead of demanding it by force. When raising funds, he would issue an IOU to the wealthy family, which would be repaid in the future. The other is to offer some promises as collateral, but I can't explain the details at the moment, so I'll just have to wait and see.

For example, I will persuade the local wealthy families that I will do my utmost to dissuade the court from levying the Flower and Stone Tax on this area, and even eventually abolish it. But I hope that the wealthy families who will be spared from the disaster of the Flower and Stone Tax in the future will first lend me some money and grain."

Zhao Zicheng thought to himself that he already had the technology to make down quilts and feathers, which could be used to remove odors and prevent decay in waterfowl feathers. Expanding production of this would be a significant source of income. He was also developing cement-imitation stone technology for gardening, and he was also developing flower and tree grafting techniques, which he had previously developed at the General Administration of Works. He might also develop some other technologies in the future.

These things can be used to cooperate with wealthy families in Suzhou who actively cooperate, so that they can feel free to lend money to themselves to do big things.

As for the latter point he mentioned, he also intended to create a time difference and use the future exemptions from the Hua Shi Gang to persuade local wealthy households to cooperate more with him in other taxes and levies, and to focus on the big and let go of the small - of course, no one would believe him for the time being, and he was thinking a bit too far.

Who are you, Zhao Zicheng? You said you would try to reduce the flower and stone tax, and you can actually do that? Why would the emperor listen to you?

However, Zhao Zi said he could gradually start by promoting his promise to the wealthy individuals who trusted him most. As long as those close to him believed in him, were willing to support him, and trusted his vision and took a chance with him, the snowball would grow bigger and bigger, and it would no longer be a Ponzi scheme, but a real promise that could be realized.

Don't think that this kind of thing is unrealistic. After all, Zhao Zicheng is a member of the royal family. He has gradually become more and more legendary and has a good reputation. More and more people will believe in his potential and his vision.

What did Liu Bei have when he started out? Didn't he have nothing, just his charisma and the reputation of being a close relative of the Han Dynasty? But Zhang Fei was willing to put his wealth to work against him, and wealthy horse traders Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping also made huge investments without expecting any return.

Before Liu Bang started his career, he didn't even have any bloodline, he just had a righteous character. When he went to congratulate Lu Gong on his birthday, he just wrote a handwritten note saying "A gift of ten thousand dollars", and people would help him with all their strength.

Although Zhao Zicheng's words might seem a bit arrogant to outsiders, someone immediately believed them. Duan Yuyan exclaimed, "A scholar should be treated with new eyes after three days of absence. In just six months, the county lord has already developed the ambition to curb Zhu Jie? Do you really think you can persuade the court to abolish the Flower and Stone Gang in the future?"

Zhao Zicheng laughed. "If I were talking to an outsider, I wouldn't dare say this right now. But my aunt is no stranger. In front of you, I'll give you a time limit: two years. If I can't stop the Flower and Stone Gang within two years, I, Zhao Zicheng, will be ashamed of serving as an official in Suzhou."

This figure isn't just a random guess; it's the product of my travels and observations of the people of Jiangnan. Within two years, the people of Jiangnan will undoubtedly be unable to bear the heavy burden of the Flower and Stone Tax. By then, public anger will grow, and the court will undoubtedly be forced to make adjustments. I, as a generation, will seize this opportunity to speak on behalf of the people and earn a good reputation throughout the country.

Those who petitioned earlier would be martyrs, while those who petitioned in the next one or two years would be following the trend and acting in harmony with nature and people. As for the reason, I can't explain it, but this is my judgment."

Duan Yuyan and Murong Yan, mother and daughter, were so confused by his words that they didn't know how to respond.

Duan Yuyan especially felt that this young man was a little too confident and arrogant.

But he was well-educated and quick at martial arts, and seemed to be a natural talent. He was also surnamed Zhao, and had a heroic spirit and a reputation for trustworthiness...

Duan Yuyan thought of her cousin, her husband, who had been so arrogant when he talked about rebellion before he went crazy. But the young man before her was even more stable and capable than her cousin, and he knew when to advance and retreat, and was more aware of the current situation.

Of course, Zhao Zicheng did not want to rebel. He just wanted to speak for the people and support the Song Dynasty.

"I originally thought that our Murong family had completely withdrawn from the affairs of state, but I never expected that we would be forced by Zhu Zhen and eventually be forced to get involved. Without the protection of the county lord, our family would be ruined sooner or later. Since this is the case, it would be better to find someone with the opportunity to take the initiative to destroy our family and help us out.

At this point, I'm not going to be pretentious anymore and will speak frankly. County Lady, are you willing to marry Yan'er? If so, our Murong family will naturally lend our full support. You just said you need the local wealthy families to contribute to your expansion, and we, the Murong family, will be the first to believe you.

As long as you agree, I can at least give you a few tens of thousands of strings of cash, not to mention hundreds of thousands, and you can withdraw as you please. Just tell others that it’s the proceeds of the apportionment.”

Duan Yuyan's words had already revealed her true intentions, leaving no room for evasion. Murong Yan was so frightened that she hid away, not daring to listen to the whole thing. She only went out and eavesdropped by the window.

Zhao Zicheng knew he had to resolve this issue eventually. After careful consideration, he replied earnestly, "Yanmei and I are a good match, not to mention we've shared so many joys and sorrows. But Yanmei's current status and the fact that she's in a difficult position to marry right now wouldn't be convenient for me. It would also be inconvenient for my nephew to get married within the next year or two."

Duan Yuyan: "I heard that the county lord has earned a reputation for trustworthiness and integrity during his travels north over the past six months, and there are rumors circulating among the martial arts world. You haven't behaved disrespectfully in the past six months, which shows that you are a gentleman. With just one word from you, admitting this matter, it wouldn't matter if it dragged on for a year or two."

Zhao Zicheng bowed solemnly and said, "I dare not act on my own while my parents are here. I will find a good opportunity to explain this to them as soon as possible. As long as they have no objection, I will agree to this matter. However..."

Duan Yuyan: "What else are you worried about?"

Zhao Zi said, "Forgive my frankness, nephew. I have also heard Sister Yan talk about family matters. It seems that since your grandmother, your aunt has only given birth to daughters for three generations, and no sons. If I build a greater business in the future and there is no one to inherit it, I will naturally have to take a concubine."

Duan Yuyan was stunned. Her cousin hadn't taken a concubine, so he had no children. But he was already crazy, so it didn't matter. Duan Yuyan's mother and grandmother had indeed only given birth to daughters for three generations.

She knew this was human nature, so she didn't object: "This is what I should do. As long as you treat Yan'er well, just give her a name."

The Murong family was already a declining family. Apart from some wealth, martial arts, and a few servants, they had nothing else to offer. Duan Yuyan did not expect to receive any more preferential treatment.

Zhao Zicheng knew that the two sides had reached a tacit understanding.

"In that case, I will tell my parents about this in a few days."

Duan Yuyan stood up and opened a mechanism in the room, then took down a scroll hanging on the wall and took out several scrolls of scriptures from the secret compartment behind the scroll.

"This is the 'Wanshou Daozang Xinde' (Experiences in the Wanshou Daozang) written by Huang Zhizhou of Fuzhou, which I have reorganized over the past six months. You obtained it, so it should be returned to its original owner. These volumes next to it are the unique skills of our family heirloom, the art of giving back in kind. Consider them an exchange of the Daozang Xinde for my own, as a token of my sincerity."

Regardless of whether your father and mother succeed or not, this is what you deserve. In addition, I can also give you tens of thousands of strings of Jiaozi, gold and silver, which you can use at any time."

(End of this chapter)