Seiwa

The day after arriving in Pingxiang, Yang Duo set off for Annan.

Meng Qinghe specially dispatched three yamen servants who were familiar with the road conditions from Li Daling, and asked two native officials to help, and sent Yang Duo and others to chase in the direction the army was advancing.

"There is news from the army, Duobang City has been conquered."

The team commanding Cai Fu to transport the wounded soldiers and spoils of war was still on the way, and the sentinels who reported the news arrived in Guangxi one step ahead.Hearing the news, County Magistrate Li immediately rushed to Meng Qinghe's place. It happened that Zhu Neng was invited to discuss raising military rations. When he saw Li Qingqing rushing over in a hurry, Meng Qinghe's eyes lit up instantly.

The Li family can take root here, get along "harmoniously" with the surrounding vassal states, and form a deep friendship with the neighboring native officials, and it is very helpful for the route and intelligence work of the army to conquer Annan. It will definitely be beneficial to Champa, Siam, and Laos. Waiting for Fanbang is no stranger.In this way, if you want to succeed, you must ask him for help.

Time was running out, and Meng Qinghe didn't have the time to go around more detours. After saying hello to County Magistrate Li, he immediately threw a bomb.

"I've heard that Li Daling has friendship with the merchants who traveled in Fanbang, but is it true?"

When businessmen enter and leave the country, the guides and checks are very strict. Without the blessing of a rich family like the Li family, the native officials and checkpoints along the way are enough for them to drink a pot.

Ever since Jin Yiwei brought the emperor's handbook, Li Qingqing was convinced of Meng Qinghe.

Being able to pass the "private work" through the Ming road, and get the emperor's promise to "do things cheaply", is not something ordinary people can do, and it can fully prove the deep favor of Emperor Xingning.

There are people in the court who are good at handling things.

As a local tyrant in Pingxiang and the magistrate of a county, Li Qingqing really wanted to be friends with Meng Qinghe.

Meng Qinghe tried every means to hug the emperor's thigh all the time, but he didn't realize that in the eyes of the local officials, his gold-lettered signboard was already shining brightly, and he was listed among the top ten huggable thighs.

A local tyrant like Li County Magistrate naturally bears the brunt.Best friends don't dare to expect extravagance, friends with wine and meat are very good.

A few months after Uncle Xingning arrived in Pingxiang, everyone in the Siming Mansion got rich accordingly.The head of the Li clan and the influential local officials and nobles all lamented that compared to Uncle Xingning, he really had a pair of tricks for nothing.Facing Jinshan all day long, I never thought of digging a shovel.

The trees that can be seen everywhere can also make a lot of money. You can get back salt and copper coins by going to the neighbor's house with an ax and chopping a few times.

I thought it was to make a fortune in private, and it would be over if I became a big one.Unexpectedly, Uncle Xingning was so capable that he brought this matter before the emperor, and the value of the wood he bought doubled again, and the high-quality wood would be directly transported to Beijing to be used for building the palace.

God!

Confirming that the news is true, the rich native officials who participated in this matter are all very honored.Many local officials in the prime of life took up their axes and took their sons to personally cut trees in the border of Annan.

Before cutting down the axe, be sure to ask an experienced old man to observe the age and appearance of the tree. You may not be sure which palace in the imperial city the tree you cut can be used for.It can be shown off by the same clansmen, and it is also the capital of the family to record it and pass it on to the descendants.

The businessmen who had been holding a wait-and-see attitude finally couldn't sit still.

Previously, this matter was a private act of Xing Ningbo and Pingxiang County Magistrate. Even with Cheng Guogong's support, it was not 100% safe after all.Now Jin Yiwei came to deliver the emperor's hand letter, Xing Ningbo has no faults and merits, this business is sure to make a steady profit without losing money, if you don't act early, the day lily will be cold.

Uncle Xingning is too tall, so he can't get along easily.

Li Daling is a local tyrant in Pingxiang, relying on connections, walking around, making friends, and there is no pressure.

All of a sudden, Li's family was full of guests, and Li Qingqing was blocked by enthusiastic businessmen several times.

The merchants of the Ming Dynasty were not bad, but the merchants of Fanbang were ignorant of etiquette, and they even made a lot of jokes when giving gifts.

Unable to withstand the request of the patriarch, Li Qingqing could only go to Meng Qinghe to find out.There is no guarantee that everyone will eat meat. Giving two bowls of soup and a few bones with some meat is a small fortune, and it can somewhat repay the favor.

Unexpectedly, before he could open his mouth, Meng Qinghe threw a thunderbolt first.

Cheng Guogong sat on the side, smiling unfathomably, very confident, I know everything, I feel like you are going to be unlucky.

After stabilizing his mind, County Magistrate Li carefully asked, "Uncle Xingning's words, the officials don't quite understand."

Are you dissatisfied with Li's behavior of accepting gifts?

Thinking about it carefully, the attitude and behavior of the Li family are indeed somewhat inappropriate, and they are very suspected of pulling the banner of a tiger.

Xing Ningbo and Cheng Guogong were the two flags raised, while the Li family supported the flagpole, stood under the flag, swaggered to collect money, and didn't know how to restrain themselves.It is not impossible to make these two angry.

Thinking of this, Li Qingqing's scalp became tense, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.He opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound.Not to mention the patriarch's request, he couldn't even say a word of defense.

People's hearts are not enough, and the scenery of the past few days has made the Li family gradually become reckless, forgetting the foundation of their lives.If things go on like this, let alone making money, the whole family will cause trouble.

The Li clan is very powerful in Pingxiang, but in the eyes of Uncle Xingning, they are just ants that can be crushed to death at any time.

Is the Annan Hu family arrogant?It will be wiped out in minutes.

Is the toast in Myanmar and Laos brutal?The same was flattened.

The Li family is able to have what it is today because it is under the patronage of the imperial court and has lost the trust of the imperial court. What kind of county magistrate is it, what kind of local tyrant!

Uncle Xingning didn't need to do anything himself, as long as he delivered a message in front of the emperor and expressed his attitude, the Li family would fall from the clouds, and the worst result would be to disappear completely from Pingxiang.

Seeing that Li Qingqing's face was pale and he was sweating continuously, Meng Qinghe narrowed his eyes and curled the corners of his mouth.

He didn't say anything yet, but he simply mentioned one thing, and County Magistrate Li was frightened like this. Power is indeed a good thing.

It is also very practical to give a sweet date with a stick.

The Li family has tasted the sweetness in the timber trade, and through the relationship of purchasing timber, they have established relationships with the local local officials and wealthy families, and there are faint signs of stepping out of Pingxiang and becoming the leader of the Siming Mansion.

It is not uncommon for a short-term expansion of strength to lead to psychological expansion, and then to act recklessly and disobediently.

What Meng Qinghe had to do was to hit Li Shi hard before he stepped into a fork in the road.

The emperor allocated the matter of raising the army rations to him, and there was no room for hesitation, and time became the most important thing.It is not impossible to abandon the Li family and support a local wealthy family, but it is too time-consuming.He also needs to use Li Qingqing, and it is the easiest way to make Li Shi sober up with a stick.

Li Qingqing was still sweating, Meng Qinghe said with a smile: "Don't be nervous, Li Daling, I don't intend to pursue it."

"What does Uncle mean?"

"In addition to timber, I also have a big business. Pingxiang alone can't afford it, even the whole Siming Mansion is not enough." Meng Qinghe paused, seeing that Li Qingqing's pale face gradually changed. Bloody continued, "What I mean is that I hope to invite these businessmen who travel to foreign countries to come and meet. It is best to be businessmen who are familiar with countries such as Siam and Laos."

Siam, Laos?

Li Qingqing knew that the matter of the timber had passed the Ming road, but he didn't know that the emperor had also thrown the rations of the 30 army to Meng Qinghe.

Historically, during the attack on Annan, Emperor Yongle did order to stop the collection of Guangxi's food and salaries, but that was after the army captured the eastern capital of Annan.

The current situation is that the emperor stopped giving food as soon as Duobang was conquered.

Xingningbo, who was exploited and squeezed, also learned a profound lesson. It is possible to make money, but not to flap your wings randomly.If a tornado is accidentally blown, it is very likely that you will be sucked into the center of the storm.

"What kind of business does Uncle want, can you tell me a little bit?" Li Qingqing carefully explained, "I have no other intentions, but I have to have an explanation when summoning businessmen."

Meng Qinghe nodded. Indeed, with a red mouth and white teeth, if you call someone without any information, it will most likely be regarded as asking for money in an alternative way.

Misunderstandings are secondary, and the impact is not good, which is very detrimental to the implementation of the food-raising plan.

After deliberating for a moment, Meng Qinghe discussed with Zhu Neng in a low voice, and after obtaining Zhu Neng's consent, he told Li Qingqing that what he was going to do was grain business.

"Uncle wants to trade for food?"

"Yes, there is only so much I can tell you." Meng Qinghe said, "This matter is of great importance, and Li Daling should know what to say and what not to say. It is best to do a screening when summoning businessmen. Don't bring it in front of the official."

"Yes." County Magistrate Li cupped his hands and said, "I understand what uncle means. If there is no other order, I will go back and start making arrangements. I will inform uncle within ten days at the latest."

"Ten days is too slow." Meng Qing said cohesively, "Five days at the latest, it doesn't matter how many people there are, the important thing is to travel in Siam and other places all the year round, be well-informed and trustworthy."

"Yes, I will definitely do it."

Li Qingqing was ten times more respectful than before, and he spoke a little more cautiously.

After he left, Zhu Neng stood up from the armchair and stretched his hands and feet, "My brother agreed, I will fight for my brother today, and if I do something good to make money in the future, I must count it as a brother."

"If the Duke doesn't say it, the officials won't dare to forget it."

"My virtuous brother is just too polite." Zhu Neng has a straightforward personality, he is not yet in his forties, and he has a pretty good friendship with Shen Xuan, so naturally he will take care of Meng Qinghe a little bit more.Having seen Meng Qinghe's methods, besides taking care of him, he also wants to befriend him.

From Zhu Neng, Meng Qinghe learned a profound truth, one must be kind and careful in making friends.To be friends with Emperor Yongle and his subordinates, one must be prepared to be exploited and oppressed.The word "sincerity" is really not advisable.

"Li Qingqing is trustworthy." Zhu Neng suffered a serious illness, and his physical strength was not as good as before. He stretched his arms and began to sweat, "The people he recruited may not be trustworthy."

"This matter, the lower officials also know." Meng Qinghe poured a cup of tea and brought it to Zhu Neng, "But the matter is urgent, and businessmen are after profits. If double is not enough, then double, triple, five or even ten times , the benefits are so far, smart people will consider the consequences of retrograde."

"The truth is the truth." Zhu Neng was still a little worried, "In this way, aren't we at a disadvantage?"

"No." Meng Qinghe said with a smile, "Recently, there have been fifty or one hundred people who have visited the Li family. As long as it is not a family business, there is room for price reduction. Besides, this is a no-cost business. The one who paid the money was the traitor of the Li clan."

Zhu Neng still frowned, "Although His Majesty promised to do it cheaply, it is always bad if the army captures too little."

"My lord is too worried."

"Oh?"

Meng Qinghe turned around and took out the maps of Annan, Siam and other countries that were drawn by people. The lines were a bit crude, and even the countries were not marked. There were only the outlines of the adjacent countries and some of the border lands that were highlighted.

"My lord, please take a look here." Meng Qinghe pointed to the area adjacent to Champa and Annan, "It is said that these lands were originally owned by Champa, and were later occupied by Annan's troops. This time, the King of Champa, please go out with the army. Revenge is second, taking back these lands is fundamental."

"You mean?"

"I am the emperor who promotes people with sincerity. In order to save the people in Annan, I sent a teacher of benevolence and righteousness. Champa is a vassal to our court and pays tribute every year. He should uphold justice for him. The king of Champa must have something to show his sincerity. Said. One line has ten effects, there is a precedent for Occupy City, and Annan Linfeng naturally followed suit."

Zhu Neng's brows gradually relaxed, "Continue talking."

"In addition, the imperial court has set the name of rebels. Li Jishou and his son are the head of the villain. Under them, there are those who follow the evil, and there are also innocent people who are involved. This is used as a screening."

Naturally, the work of screening cannot be done in vain, and it is right to give some indication.Otherwise, one carelessness is the difference between a bright future and going straight to heaven.

"There are other Li clans and their blood enemies who are determined to kill their enemies with their own hands. After the Chen clan is restored, the arrangements for the subordinates should also be considered."

Meng Qinghe said half of what he said and kept the other half, but Zhu Neng could hear it very clearly.

Anyone who has a grudge against Annan and wants to take revenge with his own hands must be careful.

If you want to invest in the Ming Dynasty and want to restore the official position after the demise of the Li family or even go further, you must also express it.

These are foreign funds that cannot be put on the table. If they are handed over to the court, the official censor will definitely jump high.It is a pretty good idea to use it to buy food and pay to enrich the army.

However, everything needs to be paid in advance.

The higher the risk, the greater the reward.

When the war is over and Annan's entire territory is calmed down, who cares about you?The order of the imperial court was issued as a certainty. If you want to send money, you can't find the door, there are no windows, and the chimney has to be blocked.

Of course, not everyone's "heart" is accepted according to the order.It is necessary to identify which ones are sincere and which ones are double-faced.The imperial court took great pains to bring Annan down, and supported a regime that would oppose him?My head is flooded!

From the king to the courtiers, the new Annan regime will inevitably maintain a very friendly relationship with the Ming Dynasty.Although Meng Qinghe knew that in the Yongle Dynasty, Annan was included in the territory of the Ming Dynasty, but there was such a variable as him, how history would develop, and whether another "Prince Chen" would emerge was really hard to predict.

After all, Zhu Neng has survived, so what is impossible?

In essence, Zhu Neng is a general, but he is not lacking in political savvy, otherwise he would not have rebelled with Zhu Di, and became Zhu Di's number one general after Zhang Yu's death.

After listening to Meng Qinghe's words, he pondered for a long time, thought through all the key points, and couldn't help but sigh, "Young people are awesome."

Meng Qinghe curled his lips, he was called "Xiandi" just now, but in a blink of an eye he became a "younger brother", but Zhu Neng said: "My virtuous brother has fully revealed the reasons for this, so trusting, I am really touched."

Meng Qinghe continued to curl his lips, pretending, continuing to pretend!When he didn't see this wolf-like eyes staring at the map?

If it were the Duke of the State who presided over the raising of military rations, Fanbang, who was being targeted, was by no means as simple as skinning.

It can be seen that he is really a kind person!

Those who have been tricked by Meng Twelve Lang or are about to be tricked, don't know how they will feel when they learn about this self-evaluation.I will probably find a place to cry, and grab the soles of my shoes to pat the villain.

Xingningbo is kind?Are there any villains in this world?

Meng Qinghe planned to raise food, Zhu Neng strongly supported it, and Li Qingqing ran errands with all his strength. Businessmen from all over Guangxi and Yunnan moved after hearing the news, and a trading network covering Siam, Champa, Laos and other countries was about to be rolled out.And the role that this invisible giant net will play in the future, even the people who weaved the net did not expect it in advance.

At the same time, the army of the Ming Dynasty attacking Annan was going down the Fuliang River, heading straight for the eastern capital of Annan.

With the experience of attacking Duobang City, the army still fired artillery, arrayed firecrackers, bows and crossbows, small groups of cavalry charged, and infantry launched the final attack.

The twelve elephants seized in Dubong played an unexpected role.

The Annan people who surrendered to the Ming army and the elephant slaves who went out with the army drove the elephants, pulled the rolling logs, and rushed straight to the east capital.

The defenders in the city did not have sharp artillery, nor did they have death squads eager for meritorious service. They could only watch helplessly as the city wall was smashed into gaps one after another by big iron balls, and then knocked down by elephants rushing up.

resistance?

Resist an X!

Escape is important!

Amidst the drums and horns of the Ming army's charge, Annan's defenders abandoned the city and fled.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the defender in the city ran faster than his subordinates.All the millions of stones of food and a large amount of ordnance in the city were left to the Ming army.

The Annan people's weapons were not appreciated by the Ming army.The mountains of grain are good things.

The Ming army launched an offensive in the north of Dongdu, and most of the grain and grass were stored in the southeast of the city.

After capturing the Eastern Capital, the army camped directly in the southeast of the city to ensure the safety of the grain and grass.All the weak city walls were pulled down so as not to obstruct the vision.With Wugang chariots and wooden buildings, the city wall less than three meters has become tasteless, it is better to tear it down, and it will be easier for future reconstruction.

Shen Xuan led his troops into the city, except for the ruins and the corpses of Annan's army, there were only Annan's common people kneeling by the roadside.

"Zhou Rong."

"Humble!"

"Lead people to the east of the city to count the rations."

"Yes!"

"Gao Fu."

"Humble!"

"Lead people to the south of the city, and don't disturb the people."

"As ordered!"

"Order the army to interpret and post the bulletin and send the soldiers to all places, saying that the emperor is benevolent, and only the first evil is to be investigated. Anyone who surrenders and returns, after checking that there is no offense against the officers and soldiers, the officials can be restored to their posts, and the people can return to their original places and become generals. make other arrangements."

"Zong Rong, do you want to report to the imperial court for further appeasement?"

Shen Xuan held the reins of the horse, but before he could speak, a soldier came to report, and the court angel arrived.

"Someone from the imperial court?"

Shen Xuan rode his horse back to the camp, and in front of the camp, he saw Yang Duo, the commander of the brocade guards, who was wearing a red brocade robe and standing with a knife in one hand.

Yang Duo clasped his fists, "Mr. Ding, long time no see."

"Why is Commander Yang here?"

"I am in charge of the emperor's handbook." Yang Duo smiled, but there was no trace of warmth in his smile, "It is thanks to the help of Uncle Xingning that he can catch up with the army at this time."

Shen Xuan dismounted from his horse, with black armor, his back facing the setting sun, his jade-like face seemed to be covered with a layer of ice.