First Minister of Ming Dynasty

But with regard to Suzhou, Donglin, and Daming's finance and taxation, Zhang Ximeng still hopes to completely straighten out these obvious matters and at least eliminate one hidden danger.

Zhang Shicheng was taken down, his two brothers, and his remnant party and subordinates, from last night to this morning, the total number of people taken down was more than a few thousand.

And the whole arrest operation is still going on, those big families who follow Zhang Shicheng are also arrested one by one, no one can escape, the navy is on the Yangtze River.Fang Guozhen's fleet landed from Songjiang, and the net of heaven and earth was opened, and the French net was wide and sparse.

Everyone thought that Zhang Ximeng came to Suzhou because he was worried that Zhu Yuanzhang would be too murderous and lose popular support.

But today, people realized that maybe they were wrong. Zhang Ximeng came here because he was afraid that Zhu Yuanzhang would not kill him cleanly... There is no way, old Zhu is too rough.

Far less meticulous than Zhang Ximeng.

"Nizi, I didn't let you rebel back then, but you refused to listen, and now it's hurting everyone, what else do you have to say, I really want to be mad at you!"

Zhang Shicheng's old mother, Mrs. Cao, sighed and complained non-stop.

Zhang Shicheng gritted his teeth, "You've always been smeared, and now I'm in the hands of the surname Zhu, and it's not the Yuan court, it's different!"

The old lady was stunned for a moment, and then said: "What's the difference? Aren't they all ruined? It made our whole family suffer?"

Zhang Shicheng was so angry that he couldn't speak, and he said after a while: "Your old man has enjoyed food, clothing and flowers all these years, and enjoyed things that others can't enjoy in a few lifetimes. Now that you have failed, you should accept your fate. Why are you complaining about your child so much? ?”

Mrs. Cao didn't expect that Zhang Shicheng dared to contradict her, so she burst into tears angrily, "I should accept my fate, I have fallen for such a disobedient person like you! Even if I die in the underworld, I will be poked in the back. You are disobedient and unfilial, people curse you, you are sorry for the people, you are sorry for your conscience!"

The old lady kept cursing, and Zhang Shide coughed, "Mother, my brother has been in charge of the Wu land all these years, he has paid little money, encouraged sericulture, built water conservancy projects, and dredged the Baimao River. These are all good deeds that benefit the country and the people. We have no shame in our hearts, and now that things have failed, Zhang Ximeng wants to slander his elder brother's virtue, and the people of Suzhou have a score in their hearts. There is no need to be afraid!"

Hearing what his brother said, Zhang Shicheng was slightly relieved.

That's right, I, Zhang Shicheng, still have meritorious deeds. People in the world naturally know what's going on. If the surname Zhang wants to slander me, he can't do it!

Almost at the same time, Zhou Huiniang also came to see Zhang Ximeng.

"I was ordered to understand the people's sentiments... I found the words of an old woman very representative. She said that Zhang Shicheng knew that there was no destiny in him, so he first attached himself to the Yuan court, and then accepted the canonization of the Ming Dynasty. What he did was to protect the environment and the people. , He has made great contributions to the people of Suzhou, even today, he still has no great weapons, and the people of Suzhou are all grateful for Zhang Shicheng's kindness."

Zhang Ximeng smiled helplessly, and said to Zhou Huiniang, "You know now, where is the key to the Battle of Suzhou!"

Zhou Huiniang also had a deep expression on her face, "Mr. Zhang, I never expected that Zhang Shicheng's actions were clearly outraged by the heavens and others. How could anyone still be willing to speak up for Zhang Shicheng?"

"This is the trouble with the matter. No matter how bad Zhang Shicheng is, there are still people who have benefited from him. If this root is not completely removed and the source is cleared up, it will continue to rot and fester like a thorn in the flesh." Zhang Ximeng said: "How about this, you go and find that old woman, and find more Suzhou people by the way, I will personally preside over this interrogation!"

Chapter 533 It's All About It

"You all speak freely and frankly. Zhang Shicheng has been in Suzhou for almost ten years, from the time he first joined the Yuan court to later accepting the canonization of the Ming Dynasty... How did he do, what were his subordinates, how to make a conclusion, how to judge this situation Ten years!

While Zhang Ximeng was talking, he looked at the audience.... There are rich and diligent people here, there are many rich and powerful families who are inclined to Daming, and there are also people like Shi Boren who were ruined by Zhang Shicheng, and there are also Gao Qi and others. Suzhou talents, plus some ordinary people brought by Zhou Huiniang.

Sitting together, these people can probably give Zhang Shicheng an evaluation.

But the topic was so heavy that no one dared to speak.

The winner and the loser, Zhang Shicheng has been captured by the Ming army at this moment, if he speaks for him, isn't that singing the praises of the bandits?

Still think about it?

Of course, in the past they were all under Zhang Shicheng's rule. If they were just scolding, why didn't they take any action in the past? The question is probably why you don't wear a hat, and who asked you to wear a hat?

No matter how you answer, as long as you want to trouble you, don't even try to run away.

Therefore, everyone chose to remain silent.

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "I know what worries you guys have. In fact, you don't have to worry about anything. Whether it is Han Shantong, Peng Yingyu, Liu Futong, Chen Youliang, our Ming Dynasty has a conclusion, whether it is praise or derogation, for It’s just convincing.”

"Everyone, we are living in troubled times, the world is falling apart, wars continue, and heroes rise together. To be able to become the overlord of one party, at least they have done some things right. At least they have the support of considerable strength, otherwise they will not be able to dominate one party, especially if they can become the overlord. Occupying the rich and prosperous Suzhou for ten years, what happened to Zhang Shicheng and the force under his command? , between the ups and downs, it cannot be attributed to the destiny. Only by explaining the truth clearly can it provide reference for future generations and take a warning.'

Zhang Ximeng said earnestly again: "We people want to hold future generations accountable and explain things clearly, so I want to ask the big guy to be responsible for the history of the future, speak for the people of the world, and judge Zhang Shicheng fairly. Please rest assured, this time If you speak, you will never be punished for your words, let alone any worries.'

Zhang Ximeng looked again, and finally smiled at Qian Yongqin: "You have made many contacts and participated in negotiations between the two parties, so just tell me, how is Zhang Shicheng doing?"

Qian Yongqin had no choice but to think carefully: "Zhang Xiang, Zhang Shicheng is ignorant of current affairs, greedy for money, lustful, indulgent, and his subordinates are also a group of desperadoes. Naturally, he committed a heinous crime. Needless to say...but he also helped On the birthday of his mother Cao's birthday, Zhang Shicheng opened a porridge factory and donated grain and rice. In particular, he also spent his money on managing the Baimao River, building dams, solving floods, and planting sericulture extensively, so that the goods can be transported far away. It seems that he is not useless. ...It's just that the grassroots are ignorant, and don't know how to make a conclusion. I'm afraid they need to ask Zhang Xiang for advice.'

Zhang Ximeng smiled slightly. It can be said that he was not surprised by these comments at all, and he was completely expected.Perhaps at this point, a comprehensive conclusion can be made. He has done some good things, but he is still a heinous bastard.

In other words, he took refuge in Yuan Ting, which was detrimental to his integrity, and no matter what he did, he was not worthy of recognition.

Zhang Ximeng did not jump to conclusions, but asked: "Mr. Qian mentioned the Baimao River. It seems that this flood control is very important. Then I would like to ask, is there any change before and after the flood control?"

Qian Yongqin cheered up, and immediately said: "Returning to Zhang Xiang's words, before the river was cured, the floods flooded, and every three to two years, the fields on both sides of the bank would be flooded, and the people were miserable. But after the river was cured, there was no flood on both sides. The mulberry field alone has increased by 50 mu!"

"Is it just Sangtian?" Zhang Ximeng asked suddenly.

Qian Yongqin was taken aback, and could only explain: "Mr. Zhang, this place is suitable for growing mulberry. An acre of mulberry fields can earn more money than an acre of farmland. This is also a good thing that benefits the country and the people."

"Really?" Zhang Ximeng asked again.

Qian Yongqin was taken aback and didn't know how to answer, isn't it right?

At this time, Shi Boren suddenly said, "Mulberry fields are more profitable than farmland, but people eat rice in their bowls, not raw silk! After all, building embankments and planting mulberry trees is still good for big households!"

Qian Yongqin was even more surprised, so he had to say: "Planting mulberry and raising silkworms, reeling and weaving silk, of course, the common people are also used. Many people make a living from this. It is not necessarily good to say that it is only good for big households!"

The two people had a faint argument, and everyone present had various thoughts, some agreed with Shi Boren's opinion, and some thought Qian Yongqin was more fair.

Zhang Ximeng said: "Since you have an argument, you might as well take a look at how much manpower and material resources were spent on the Baimao River before and after the treatment, and how much effect it produced. After the treatment, how much more mulberry fields and people's livelihood? Finance and taxation Whether it will increase, whether it will make the country rich and the people rich!"

Zhang Ximeng looked around the audience and said to everyone: "This matter is extremely important. If you find out the whole truth, you will be able to evaluate Zhang Shicheng fairly, and you will be able to figure out what happened in Suzhou City these years!"

With Zhang Ximeng's words, both sides moved.

Compared with Qian Yongqin, Shi Boren has followed Zhang Ximeng for so many years, and has learned too many skills in the Ming army.What's more, for the sake of his own hatred, he has to figure out this matter, so as not to be a fool!

Accompanying Shi Boren to visit, Gao Qi and others were not idle.

In addition, Wu Datou and Zhou Huiniang all arranged for their own people, or visited them in person... Gradually, a terrible truth surfaced.

After Zhang Shicheng entered Suzhou, there were completely two worlds inside and outside Suzhou.

Especially in the past few years, after leaving Suzhou City, the countryside went bankrupt, and the peasants fled. There were [-] people who went to the people ruled by the Ming army alone!

This does not include those people who went to Taihu Lake and became pirates, or went out to sea with the fleet and became pirates.

Sangmian eats people, and the common people have no clothes and no food to eat. This is the reality of rural Suzhou!

"Zhang Xiang, Zhang Shicheng wants to enjoy and raise soldiers. In the early days, he even supplied food to Dadu, which fell on the heads of the people of Suzhou. In order to satisfy their selfish desires, Zhang Shicheng indulged the big households, annexed the land, and replanted mulberry cotton in order to earn more.

Shi Boren spoke loudly and introduced the situation to Zhang Ximeng.

Silk and cotton are indeed more profitable than food, but will ordinary people benefit more from it?

It seems not necessarily.

First of all, in order to grow more mulberry trees and produce more silk, the big households wantonly annexed the land, turning the common people into tenant farmers, planting mulberry and raising silkworms for them.

It doesn't matter, because the mulberry trees are planted, the rations need to be bought, but the rations are also in the hands of the big family... The land plus the rations, a cow, has been stripped of two layers of skin!

The outcome is predictable.

Can those people who have not been robbed of their land and are still farming can sit back and relax?

What are you thinking!

The land has been merged, but the tax cannot be escaped!

Not only can't escape, but it also falls twice on the heads of ordinary people

Years of hard work, tax deduction, careful calculation, and even

There is not enough food.

360 days, there are [-] days to drink thin, or simply hungry.

Some of the poorer people couldn't make it through, so they simply sold their fields to big households and changed from self-cultivated farmers to tenant farmers.

"Ms. Zhang, 50 peasants were used to control the Baimao River, and no less than [-] people died of exhaustion. After the governance, more than [-] mu of fertile land was created, all of which were occupied by large households, and the adjacent acres of land were also occupied. Take it away by all means. Controlling the flood and building dams, the people not only did not get any benefits, on the contrary, their families were ruined. This is Zhang Shicheng's contribution to water control!'

When Shi Boren said this, he was already gnashing his teeth.

Credit?

fart!

Whoever says that Zhang Shicheng is meritorious without conscience, then his brain is broken!

When they got together again, Shi Boren explained this truth to everyone, Qian Yongqin was obviously taken aback, he really didn't expect it."

"Water control in the past dynasties is not always like this. The disadvantages lie in the present, and the merits lie in the future. If it is not for some merits, the people will not agree to water control!"

Shi Boren laughed loudly, "If you say that, Emperor Sui Yang is also a holy king through the ages!"

Qian Yongqin said with a sullen face: "That's not what I mean, why bother to punish him!"

Shi Boren was not afraid, and said sharply: "The common people agree with water control, but they don't agree with this kind of water control that is only for the convenience of rich households! Before and after the water control, the people's wives and children were separated, and they fled to death... How can they have a chance to talk? Not all of them The big family who got the benefits shook their lips and tongues, and whitewashed Zhang Shicheng. If this continues, Zhang Shicheng will become a model of loving the people like a son. Instead, I have become a bandit!"

Qian Yongqin's face changed again and again, and the rest of the big family members were also uncomfortable, as if thousands of bugs were crawling on their bodies.They put their eyes on Zhang Ximeng together, and begged Zhang Xiang to speak justice for them.

At this time, Zhang Ximeng finally showed a gratified smile.

"Everyone, get to the bottom of the matter and explain right from wrong. This is the most important thing. We conquered cities and conquered territory and laid down a lot of territory. Among them was the racecourse built by the Yuan court. My soldiers and horses in the Ming Dynasty were able to prepare cavalry. Not small... as we all know, the Song Dynasty has always suffered from lack of horses and was bullied. Now that we have horses, can it be regarded as the credit of the Yuan court?"

"I'm afraid they can't! They occupy the land, build horse farms, rob people's fields, and graze horses in the Central Plains. Killing is useless. Their actions are not to leave hundreds of thousands of war horses for the Central Plains. The same reason, Zhang Shicheng The construction of the Baimao River embankment was not intended to benefit the people of Suzhou, to put it more bluntly, it was just to make it easier to cut flesh from the people."

"This is my conclusion... you might as well copy this paragraph and send it to Zhang Shicheng, so that he can read it too!"

After receiving these words, Zhang Shicheng jumped into a rage, and then burst into tears... Zhang Ximeng also tore off this last bit of face.

Why didn't you kill me earlier?

Zhang Shicheng is like a wounded wolf, dying and howling!

Chapter 534 I'm not with you

Zhang Ximeng was walking on the embankment of the Baimao River, looking up, there were mulberry fields on both sides, and there was no end in sight.

There were hundreds of people following behind Zhang Ximeng, waiting for Mr. Zhang's conclusion. The fate of hundreds of thousands of acres of mulberry fields was all in his mind.

Zhang Ximeng paced slowly, thinking a lot.

In fact, Zhang Ximeng already knows one thing very well about the summary of the people's conditions in different regions in the previous division of land, food is the foundation!

Any behavior that changes this iron law will eventually make ordinary people pay the price in blood.

Things happen again and again, and the situation in Suzhou is no exception.

It's just that the mulberry field has been replanted. In the city of Suzhou, tens of thousands of weavers depend on the mulberry field for their lives. The Shibo Department needs silk to make profits and supply state expenses.

The treasury of Ming Dynasty urgently needed abundant gold and silver as ballast stones.

This is also the reason why Zhang Ximeng must come to Suzhou. There is no other way, this matter can only be done by him.

Otherwise, leave it to Zhu Yuanzhang. He has figured out Zhang Shicheng's mistake, and the next step must be to correct the mistake.After killing a head, Zhu Yuanzhang would only return these mulberry fields to the people, shovel out the mulberry trees, and replant food.

It cannot be said that this is not a way, but it is not necessarily the best way.

"My lords, I asked everyone to discuss Zhang Shicheng's affairs, to discuss the Baimao River embankment. What do you think my real intention is? Is it to prove that Zhang Shicheng has no conscience and deserves to perish?"

Zhang Ximeng asked with a smile, but no one dared to speak more, especially Qian Yongqin, who was already mixed in the crowd, and he was ashamed to speak again.

Ever since he clarified the matter of the Baimao River embankment and turned it into a big family building for the purpose of making money, he has become a representative of the big family and has been criticized.

He couldn't even lift his head while walking.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Ximeng could only ask and answer for himself.

"I must let everyone understand Zhang Shicheng's mistakes. Where is he wrong? To put it bluntly, he only has big families in his heart. He thinks that as long as he catches the rich and has the support of the gentry and wealthy businessmen, he will not be afraid of anything. Then, you can sit safely on the throne and issue orders."

"It can't be said that it's completely unreasonable, after all, he has been domineering for ten years."

"But what I want to say is that the two words that Ming insisted on are called people-oriented! The foundation of our country is completely different. We will spare no effort to deal with floods, and we will manage them better. Benefits from water control, increased farm output, increased pocket income, and a better life.”

"What we want is to take from the people and use it for the people. There is nothing wrong with a dam itself. If it is taken from the people and used for ourselves, it will enrich a few big households and lose innocent people. This is a big mistake. wrong!"

"So, if you simply regard the matter in front of you as simply saying that I want to scold Zhang Shicheng and want him to be infamous forever, then I would be underestimating Zhang Ximeng! What I want to say is that if a superior person just handed over his benefits to If a small number of people start from this small group of people in everything they do, then the result they will get must be a crushing defeat!"

"Zhang Shicheng started his business with eighteen shoulder poles. At that time, he rebelled against the Yuan court to fight for the people's livelihood. Therefore, he raised the flag of righteousness and was invincible. Even in the face of hundreds of thousands of troops, he still dared to fight to the end. When he was only to satisfy his own self-interest For the sake of a few wealthy businessmen, he did not hesitate to harm the common people. When the people are fish and meat... His foundation is already rotten, his hearts are lost, his relatives are deserted, and he has turned himself into a clown and a joke!"

Every word of Zhang Ximeng's words was sharper than a dagger. Fortunately, Zhang Shicheng didn't follow, otherwise he might have jumped into the Baimao River and drowned himself.

As Zhang Ximeng said, he didn't come here to give political lessons to anyone, nor did he come here to talk about how the ass decides the head... What he wants to say is that the most original thoughts of governing the world and governing the country must be put on the people of the world body.

The difference between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Shicheng is not a simple winner or loser, but has been doomed since the first choice of path.

"When I say this, I still don't want to deny industry and commerce, oppose the development of textiles, and plan to turn hundreds of thousands of acres of mulberry fields back into farmland! No, what I want to talk about is not this matter. What we need to think about now is that hundreds of thousands of acres of mulberry fields , thousands of looms, tens of thousands of weavers... where should we go, and how can we truly let the extra profits fall into the hands of ordinary people, so as to truly benefit the country and the people!"

If there is no last paragraph, all the big families who accompanied me would be in despair.

Give up Sangtian, close the workshop, be honest, and wait for the arrangement of fate!