Beiyang new warlord

"Is this Jiangnan?"

Mao Li looked around in disbelief. In the hearts of northerners like them, Jiangnan had to be like Songjiang Mansion, densely populated, with oil spills from fertile land, and every household looked like a wealthy family. He was really surprised by how much Yizhen was forced out.

To be honest, looking around at Mao Jue was quite surprising, but when he tapped his head, the memory of an evil world lingered in his mind, and he vaguely understood it again.

Silver to blame!

Later generations once had a very famous argument on the Internet that silver poisoned the Ming Empire!

The south of the Yangtze River is rich, so the basic national policy of the Ming Dynasty has always been to take money from the southeast and use it to the northwest. However, there is no silver in the south of the Yangtze River, and China is not a country that produces silver! The New World of America was plundered from Manila, Taiwan and Daming maritime trade, and imported into China. According to the research in Fan Shuzhi's "History of the Late Ming Dynasty", at the peak, the silver taels imported into Daming every year reached more than 250 kilograms, which is one One hundred and seventy-eight million taels, hundreds of millions of taels in a few decades, these silver taels stimulated the rapid development of Jiangnan's economy, which is also the reason for the emergence of capitalism in the late Ming Dynasty.

But in the Year of Apocalypse and the Year of Chongzhen, an unprecedented economic crisis hit the whole world. The Netherlands dragged away from Spain and started the 80-year war. These years have reached the most intense moment. The Spaniards and Dutch merchant ships at sea are fighting frantically. The 30-year war reduced the western demand for silk tea and other oriental goods by a lot, and the amount of silver flowing into Daming each year was less than one-fifth of that of previous years.

And another curse, China will never be able to develop capitalism on its own, the germ will always be the germ, and it has taken effect here again. Those silver coins that have come from the sea over the years are not used for reproduction in the circulation market, but most of them are used by wealthy businessmen, officials, and gentry families The big family hid it in a cellar.

After making profits in business, many people went back to the traditional old way and invested money in land. The investment of silver led to high inflation in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. This suddenly reduced the amount of input, and there was not enough money and money in the market. The market turned exports to domestic sales, and Jiangnan's economy began to decline uncontrollably.

Taxes and silver were taken from the southeast and used in the northwest. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the northwest encountered a rare natural disaster during the Little Ice Age, and the amount of silver, food, and salaries needed increased geometrically. In the war, the Ming Empire was in difficulty almost immediately.

And when it came to Chongzhen, it became even more difficult because he lacked the wisdom of his ancestors. Emperor Wanli was criticized as the most lazy emperor in the Ming Dynasty. During the years, the mine supervisors and tax supervisors composed of eunuchs spread all over the vast south of the Yangtze River. Regardless of how greedy the eunuchs are, at least a large part of the money was sent to the court. It is said that Zhang Juzheng’s New Deal supported the three major Wanli campaigns and the last glory of the Ming Empire. Zhang Juzheng has been mourning for about ten years in Wanli. Most of the wars in the Wanli Dynasty were after his death, and most of the New Deal was abolished at this time. If it weren't for the Emperor Wanli to collect money, where would there be little devils screaming? Liaodong Iron Army?

It was the same during Tianqi's reign, don't look at Emperor Tianqi's business, he used Wei Zhongxian a lot, and Wei Zhongxian also got money from the industry and commerce, no matter how he exhausted his wealth, corruption and lawlessness forced those Jiangnan big families to ruin, but he didn't increase the agricultural tax, like Qin Niang The oppressed Dousheng people can survive anyway, and there is no shortage of military pay during the Tianqi period. Even if hundreds of thousands of troops are wiped out, the imperial court still has the power to reorganize and let this group of prodigal literati continue to cause disasters.

But when it came to this Lord Chongzhen, the situation changed again. His old man "wise and powerful" got rid of Wei Zhongxian, and reused the civil servant Qingliu. The mine supervisor and tax supervisor suddenly became street rats. Yes, Emperor Chongzhen has also become the enlightened lord among the literati, but the country is in short supply all of a sudden. In the end, Chongzhen, who was short of money and anxious, went to the doctor in a hurry. On Jia's canopy, cutting flesh and mending carbuncles like this, the country's blood will flow more and more, even if there is no Houjin, the Ming Empire will still collapse.

People in later generations sympathized with Chongzhen, thinking that he was the king of the end times rather than the king of subjugation, but in Mao Jue's view, he was a faint king of subjugation. Emperor Tianqi was not dead, and perhaps it would not be a problem for the Ming Empire to last for decades, but once he took over, he was It is inevitable.

But Daming is dead, and as one of its high-level officials, he has to be buried with him. The emperor's sting can't be ignored. How can he help Chongzhen clean his ass?Walking in this ruined mulberry garden, Mao Jue couldn't help thinking hard.

One was speechless, Mao Jue thought about it for a few hours, but there was no good solution. He was too powerless. If he was Wen Tiren, that treacherous minister, he might be able to do something, but a lieutenant general Tieyi wanted to take care of the world's affairs?Not much more realistic than a toad wanting to eat swan meat.

Fortunately, Hangzhou City has also arrived at this time. Compared with Songjiang City, this place is obviously much more depressed. There are many abandoned houses outside the city, and the streets are not so lively, which seems quite desolate.

But this time Mao Jue couldn't live outside the city. Mao Wenlong's uncle, his uncle Shen Guangzuo lived in the city, so he had to visit Shen Guangzuo first.

Sun Yuanhua's official documents came in handy here, communicated with the city gate guard at the gate, hid the firecrackers in the salute, and Mao Jue and his party slipped into the east gate smoothly.

"It should, probably, seem to be this street!"

Although it has been depressed a lot, a city is a city after all, and Hangzhou is still a big city with a population of 50. Even if Su Yi held a map, the group of people who entered the city were a little confused. They wandered between the streets for more than half an hour. Leading the horse in front, Su Yi pointed uncertainly at a spacious street intersection in the west.

"Girl, are you sure?"

There are too many people in the city, so it's not easy to ride a horse. After walking for a long time, she had three extra silk skirts and several pieces of jewelry, but the entire team of about a hundred people was walking listlessly. Mao Jue also asked feebly. .

The little girl blushed, and the girl scratched her head uncertainly.

"Why don't you wait, young master? Maid girl, go and have a look first?"

"just forget it!"

Although this year is prosperous, but there are all kinds of bad guys, such as auctioning flowers and selling abductees, my own girl is cute and stupid, if he is allowed to wander off by himself, Mao Jue has nowhere to cry, exhausted He waved his hand, and leading the large army, the group of people filed in again.

This street is really reliable, the Shen family is a prominent family in Hangzhou, and the streets are full of high-ranking families. The stone lions are one after another, and the towering plaques are also resplendent and resplendent. After walking more than 100 meters, Su Yi shouted excitedly.

"Master, we're here!"

A signboard was written with two large Chinese characters of Shen's Mansion, and the vermilion lacquered gate was wide open. Two shocking stone lions squatted there with their teeth and claws stretched out. Su Yi and his party looked up, and Mao Jue also heaved a sigh of relief.

"Hey, what are you doing? This is the Shen residence, not all cats and dogs can come here!"

Pinching his waist, he saw Mao Jue striding forward, the servant on the left shouted disdainfully, although his words were harsh, but Mao Jue didn't have the energy to argue with him anymore, and directly took it from his arms. Mao Wenlong's personal letter was pulled out.

"Deputy General Tieyi of Dongjiang Town, his nephew Mao Jue is here to visit his uncle Shen Guangzuo, Master Shen, please pass it on to my brother!"

These days people are always regarded as inferior by dog's eyes. Mao Jue reported his official position first, which shocked the two servants of the Shen family. Later, he said that Mao Jue was still their nephew and young master, and he dared not neglect. Gong bowed.

"Master nephew, wait a moment, the little one will come as soon as he goes."

"It's work!"

Watching these people trot towards the mansion, Mao Jue turned back to Mao Li and the others to give orders.

"Clean up, prepare the presents for Uncle Shen and hand them over to the housekeeper in a while. I don't know if the Shen residence will serve meals at night. Su Yi's Nanchu Restaurant just now looks good, or, let's go there later to make a decision. Let’s have a table together! Get a good night’s sleep, and tomorrow I have to go to Qiantang County to worship ancestors and have a blind date. Oh, it’s troublesome.”

This Mao Jue was still happily thinking about what to eat at night, but unexpectedly, the servant in Tsing Yi came back again, and now his face was not as respectful as before. Mao Wenlong's letter was written to the ground, this guy is actually He yelled angrily.

"My master said that our Shen family is a family of scholars and etiquette, and the family members are all respectful. If you are such a domineering and domineering nephew, our Shen family can't afford it. Your Excellency, please go back!"

Mao Jue was really a little dumbfounded. The reason why he came all the way here was because this old guy found a marriage for him. My good guy, he's here, why is he being rejected here?

This Wu family is really powerful, and the rumors have spread here! But even so, Mao Jue is still full of dissatisfaction. Others don't believe in him and arrange himself. Shen Guangzuo is his grandma's younger brother! He can be regarded as one of the closest relatives. It's because Xi Yu didn't even give him a chance to explain, so it doesn't matter whether he recognizes this relative or not, and his face suddenly darkened. Picking up the letter, Mao Jue turned around and wanted to leave.

However, when he walked down the stairs, he hesitated again. The old guy was not good to him, but Mao Wenlong was taken care of by him a lot back then. It can be said that he raised him as a child for several years. After leaving like this, Mao Wenlong will not look good when he goes back. Depressed for a few seconds, he turned around helplessly, using his old face as his butt, and hugged the disgusted servant again.

"Since my uncle and grandpa don't want to see the younger generation, I won't force it, but my father ordered me to bring gifts from thousands of miles away, and I hope my little brother will be more accommodating! Come!"

A few boxes were placed at the door, and as soon as they were opened, Dongzhu found a fine sable coat and wild ginseng, which made even a servant's eyes widen. These things are probably worth more than ten thousand taels!It's really a bitch to set up a memorial archway. The two of them really wanted to accept it, but they couldn't bear it anymore. Seeing the tangled appearance of the two of them, they sneered, and Mao Jue arched his fist directly, and didn't say anything anymore What, lead Mao Qian to turn around a few times and leave.

Entered from the street, ate a solid rejection, and went out from the end of the street in a desperate manner. Seeing that Mao Jue's face was not good, the plain clothes and the others didn't dare to say anything. They walked out to Erlidi, who knows Mao Jue's face suddenly changed from cloudy to sunny again, and he actually burst out laughing.

"Master, you, aren't you confused?"

She was really shocked, and hurried to his side, Su Yi's small face was full of worry, she grabbed his sleeve and comforted her.

"Master, why don't you wrap your plain clothes twice to calm down!"

"Angry? Why am I angry? It's a good thing to be kicked out! What Miss Chen, I don't want to marry your young master! Without this Old Shen bridge, wouldn't it be a good time to save? Let's go, young master, I'll be the host, Nanchu Restaurant!"

After all, it was the woman Mao Jue who was going to marry a young lady, and Su Yi felt sour in her heart. When she heard this, a smile appeared on her face, but Mao Jue's words almost didn't let her go. The little face was congested and passed out on the street.

"However, my girl is eager to protect the master. I have to accept this kindness, young master. I will find an inn to settle down in a while, and I will give my Suyi little butt five hundred slaps!"

Suppressing a laugh, the faces of Mao Li and the others were all distorted weirdly, and Su Yi's face was even redder as if oozing blood, walking sadly on the little boots.

"Master!"

"Okay, stop kidding, let's eat!"

After laughing for a long time, Mao Jue waved his hand at this girl's disobedience, but just as he was about to leave, he had been following behind the team when a fat man in a brocade suit with several ingots and copper coins embroidered on his body suddenly came from behind. caught up.

"May I ask, is Your Majesty General Mao Jue Mao from Liaodong?"

Do you still know yourself?There is no one who steals personal information to sell insurance these days, Mao Jue cupped his fists in astonishment and replied.

"I just don't know who you are?"

Chapter 173. Wuguan Luoning