Seiwa

Outside the city of Pingxiang, hundreds of laborers were sweating in the dust.

From Pingxiang to Lang Son, a road paved with gravel and mud gradually took shape. The laborers who built the road included hired border residents and natives. The most were Annan prisoners of war and captured bandits. .

Under the auspices of the county magistrate Li Qingqing, Pingxiang became a huge construction site.

The Shifang in the west of the city has been built, and the daily traffic and resident caravan officials are almost the sum of the neighboring state capitals.With the accumulation of food, timber and various goods, this number will continue to expand.

"In less than two years, Pingxiang County should be called Pingxiang Prefecture."

The zoning of prefectures and counties in the Ming Dynasty, in addition to land, population tax, etc. must be taken into consideration.

A year ago, Pingxiang was just a small border town, and there was nothing special about it except for the large army going out to fight.

Today's Pingxiang has become a material transshipment center on the border of the Ming Dynasty. A large number of goods are transported here by caravans and then sold. The daily transaction volume is an astronomical figure, and the commercial tax collected is even more amazing.It can't be compared with the prosperous Jinling and other places, but it leaves the long-established tea-horse market far behind.

Native officials in Guangxi and Yunnan began to get used to trading in Pingxiang.Although the distance is longer and the tax amount is higher, there is a county government official who is in charge of the market and cancels various incidental fees.Moreover, not only the basic necessities of life can be exchanged here, but also the luxuries in the eyes of Southwest native officials and Fanbang.

Compared with the tea-horse market, Pingxiang's market place is more satisfactory.

Gold, silver, copper and iron, silk, porcelain, and spices imported from overseas were continuously collected in Pingxiang, where they were exchanged for improved rice and wood, and transported to the Central Plains by sea, water, and horse team.There are more and more caravans coming and going, and even the wealthy businessmen in the south of the Yangtze River are paying attention to this southwest county.

In the imperial court, as soon as the application for exchanging copper coins for food was passed, Xia Yuanji, the Minister of the Ministry of household affairs, immediately sent people to Guangxi.The visitor was still on the way, and the news had already spread.The amount of grain shipped to Pingxiang has reached a new peak.It is reported that the king of Siam has personally sent caravans, and Laos Champa is not far behind.

Daming has money, they have food, ironware and silk can be exchanged, it is a fool not to seize the opportunity.

Native officials and businessmen in all parts of the southwest were in awe of Xingningbo.Could it be that this magical uncle is really the reincarnation of the God of Wealth?

Li Qingqing and the rich families in Siming Mansion and other places became more respectful to Meng Qinghe, and also strengthened their determination to hug Xing Ningbo's thigh tightly.

Following Uncle Xingning, there is indeed meat to eat and money to make!

Native officials, magistrates, magistrates, and even Taoist priests all envied the little Pingxiang magistrate. He could hug Uncle Xingning's thigh, not to mention that one person would be able to ascend to heaven, and he would be able to bless three generations.

Under such circumstances, Li Daling acted more cautiously and prudently, and went all out to explain Meng Qinghe.Just like in the case of road construction, Meng Qinghe proposed the general outline, and the county government immediately formulated the most detailed plan, from servants, funds to various links, the details could not be more detailed, including the daily work of the cook, all detailed to More than ten entries.

Meng Qing and Le De are the hands-off shopkeepers.

As the guard of Daning, as long as the emperor does not dismiss his official position, it is impossible to stay in Guangxi forever.The conquest army has pacified Annan, and the day to return to Beijing is not far away.

Once he leaves, whether Pingxiang's prosperity can continue is no longer in his control.

"I'm just passing by." There was a trace of regret in Meng Qinghe's words, but no matter how regretful he was, he had to face the facts, "It's inconvenient for me to intervene in Pingxiang's affairs. But there is one thing, as long as energy continues to deliver food to the court, Li Daling Going to Beijing to report on work is only a matter of time."

As for the merchants going to Annan to buy land and grow food, the Li family alone could not maintain it.Cheng Guogong gave the emperor a secret performance, which was delivered directly by Jin Yiwei without going through the Tongzheng Envoy and Wenyuan Pavilion.

Meng Qinghe believed that with the eyes of Emperor Yongle, he would definitely be able to see the meaning behind it and even the deeper meaning.Maybe, parts that he didn't expect will be brought up and implemented.

Strictly speaking, this matter has already involved the issue of territorial expansion.

If he is smart, he shouldn't continue to intervene. The parole Dao Yanzai will definitely give the same advice.

Naturally, Meng Qinghe was not stupid, and when he learned that Shen Xuan left Annan first with the reason of suppressing the bandits, the four characters of "high meritorious service and shocking master" hit his forehead.

With Ding Guogong's status and strength, if he wants to give away the credit, if he doesn't stop early and stand aside, is he really waiting for others to make trouble and give him eye drops in front of Emperor Yong Le?

After Zhu Neng went to Shushu for the second time, Meng Qinghe made a complete hand-off shopkeeper.

Hearing the news that Shen Xuan was passing by Pingxiang, he pushed everything aside and went outside the city to greet him in person.

"Welcoming the Duke is a major event. Li Daling and the people in the county government can decide on all matters in accordance with the auspiciousness."

Xing Ningbo was very chic, he let go as soon as he said to let go.This move made Li Daling, who was used to visiting the door for advice on everything inside and outside, a little confused, and he was in a hurry for a while before he gradually got on the right track.

During this period of time, the county government's Eryin and the chief bookkeeper and the family behind him showed considerable strength. In Pingxiang County, Siming Mansion, the dominance of the Li family was gradually broken.Not to mention the three-legged confrontation, it is inevitable to check each other.

Whether this matter is good or bad has nothing to do with Meng Qinghe. He has done what he can and should do. If the Li family cannot take up the responsibility of being the leader, they can only hand over the command flag in their hands to others and step back. One step, and be a rich man in peace.

Continue to suppress others in the name of Xingningbo?

For the sake of Pingxiang Shifang, which was founded by himself, Meng Qinghe would not allow this kind of thing to happen.

Only when there is competition can there be pressure, and only when there is pressure can there be progress.

If the family dominates, they will not think about making progress and remain complacent.

Li Qingqing could more or less guess what Meng Qinghe was thinking, for this reason, even if the clansman complained, he did not ask Uncle Xingning for help.

Either crush your opponent with your own strength, or be crushed by your opponent.The Li family was able to occupy the post of Pingxiang County Magistrate for two generations, so they naturally had considerable confidence, and it was not easy for any family to replace them.

The local wealthy families in Siming Mansion began to compete in all aspects, and the neighboring state capitals also moved after hearing the news, and the Eight Immortals crossed the sea, each showing their magical powers.

Uncle Meng, who made all of this happen, brought his personal guards to meet him ten miles outside the city, and waited eagerly for Duke Ding's team.

At noon, the smell came out from the big pot on the fire, and the wooden lid was lifted from the barrels of miscellaneous grains and rice. Under the whistle of the supervisor, the servants straightened up, wiped the sweat from their faces, and lined up. The team began to receive the meal.

A burst of thunderous hoofbeats sounded suddenly, unlike the caravan's rough horses, the hoofbeats were like heavy drums, beating everyone's eardrums one after another.

Meng Qinghe's spirits lifted immediately, his legs pinched the horse's belly, and rushed towards the sound of hooves.

"Uncle!"

The guards were startled, and quickly chased after him with whips.

Leaping up a mound, the vision is clearer.

The road paved with gravel and dirt can accommodate four horses in parallel.

On the horizon in the distance, a black whirlwind seemed to blow.Bringing the bloody and evil spirit that has not faded from the battlefield, he came head-on.

Meng Qinghe's heart beat like a drum, his throat seemed to be blocked, and he couldn't make a sound.

Ding Guogong was dressed in black armor, with bloody evil spirit, piercing the sky like a sharp arrow.

Under the commander-in-chief, the cavalry is in front and the infantry is in the rear.

The scarlet looped jacket, like a burning dragon, soared from the conquered land.Only those who have experienced fighting on the battlefield and bathed in blood will have such an aura.

It wasn't just Meng Qinghe who was excited, but the guards who followed closely also clenched their fists.

Admiration, shock, blood boiling, all kinds of emotions stirred in his chest, so that he lost his voice just like Xingningbo.

There was still some distance from the mound, and the team began to slow down.

Shen Xuan also saw Meng Qinghe, and when he got close, he pulled the reins violently, and the horse neighed.

"Your Highness..."

Meng Qinghe's throat was astringent, and he could only spit out these three words.

Shen Xuan bent the corner of his mouth, and his black eyes were stained with a smile, "Twelve Langs are here to welcome Xuan?"

The deep voice was familiar, yet strange.

Meng Qinghe was a little dazed, instinctively turned his horse's head, and walked side by side with Shen Xuan.

"How is Twelve Lang these days?"

"what."

There is still a mass of paste in his head, and he can only make a single sound from his mouth.

"During the battle in Annan, Xuan has always missed Twelve Lang."

"Oh."

"Xuan has received Twelve Lang's letter."

"kindness."

"Twelve Lang," Shen Xuan turned his head sideways, Meng Qinghe's shadow was reflected in his eyes, "Have you ever missed me?"

Meng Qinghe came back to his senses, realized what Shen Xuan said, his face was not red, but his ears were congested.

Looking around, the guards were two horses away, but there was no guarantee that they would not be able to hear him.Hou Erdai was like that, he really couldn't hold it anymore.

It's not that I'm embarrassed, but I really want to rush.

I can't blame him. I haven't seen him in a year. As a good young man, it's normal to have such thoughts.

"My lord."

"kindness?"

"Go back to the city first."

Meng Qinghe maintained his composure, and abruptly looked away from Shen Xuan's face.I said silently in my heart, endure with a knife on my head, endure, must endure, at least until I enter the city, return to the house, and then rush after closing the door!

Unfortunately, Uncle Meng's wish is hard to come true.

Hearing the news of Ding Guogong's arrival, County Magistrate Li led the county government and the representatives of the wealthy clan in Pingxiang, prepared water and wine, and waited in line at the gate of the city.Cheng Guogong, who had been recuperating in Pingxiang for almost a year, also joined in the fun.

Shen Xuan can ignore Li Qingqing and others, but when he meets Cheng Guogong, he can't ignore it.

There were still a dozen or so steps away, Shen Xuan got off his horse, strode up to Zhu Neng, and clasped his fists, "My brother is on top, Xuan is polite."

Zhu Neng held onto Shen Xuan's arm, and said with a smile: "Your brother is ordered by the emperor to fight against rebellion, put down Li thieves, promote our country's prestige, and make a name in history! I have prepared wine for my brother, and clean up the dust for my brother!"

Cheng Guogong's invitation cannot be refused.

Excited to greet him out of the city, but was cut off, Meng Qinghe could only grind his teeth.After grinding his teeth, he had to bite the bullet and say that Cheng Guogong's cleansing banquet was very good, very good!I'm a low-level official, but I also want to join in the fun.

"Young brother will naturally come together."

Zhu Neng smiled boldly, with Shen Xuan in his left hand, Meng Qinghe in his right, followed by Li Qingqing and others, striding into the city.

Fifteen thousand pacers set up camp outside the city, without Meng Qinghe's orders, the wine and meat for consolation had already been carried out of the city.

"Xuan Dai's son-in-law thank you all. However, drinking is not allowed in the army, so please forgive me."

The merchants were used to Meng Qinghe's behavior style, and they didn't object to Shen Xuan being so straightforward. Instead, they felt that Ding Guogong was straightforward, which was the style of a general.

"It's because the lower officials didn't think well." County magistrate Li took the initiative to step out, and took the matter on his shoulders. How could the opportunity fall into another family when he was familiar with it, "The lower officials will immediately ask for the drinks to be brought back."

The wine was brought back, the amount of stew was increased, the rice and steamed buns were full, and the order was given quickly without delay, which not only won the favor of the merchant, but also made Ding Guogong nod.

"Thank you, Li Daling."

Shen Xuan was very polite, except that he didn't dare let anyone get close to him, and his attitude was rare and gentle.

Li Qingqing seemed to be poured with cold water on a hot day, and his whole body was comfortable.

The merchants also secretly said that Ding Guogong was quite different from the rumors.Judging from his appearance, words and deeds, he is not a god of killing, but he is clearly the family of Zhongming Dingshi, the son of a prince educated by a sage.

Zhu Neng caressed his beard and smiled. After a while, my virtuous brother became more and more careful in his actions, which is gratifying!

After returning to Beijing, he must select the children of his family and send them to Shuntian Daning, not seeking to be famous in the world, but only seeking not to fall into the name of the children of generals.Lying on the pile of cream beams, it is impossible to make a fortune. The children and grandchildren of the generals' family should fight with real swords and guns in the battlefield to achieve their own skills.

Annan was pacified, but the Tatars and Oirats were still fighting.

The fiefdoms of King Han and King Zhao are all in northern Xinjiang. If the emperor has no idea about the northern desert, Zhu Neng dares to grab his head and kick it like a ball!

During a reception banquet, Shen Xuan was not drunk, but Zhu Neng got drunk first.

Meng Qinghe didn't have the guts to fight wine with the two princes, so he could only pick up his job, turn depression into appetite, and sweep away one-third of the table.Putting down the rice bowl and belching, I still feel that it is not enough.

Little did they know that Li Qingqing and the others who were sitting with him had their eyes widened in shock.

For nearly a year, they didn't know that Uncle Xingning's appetite was so amazing!

It's no wonder that they are so absorbed in buying grain and farming... If the frontier soldiers have this kind of appetite, the grain produced in the Central Plains alone is indeed not enough to eat.

Such a beautiful misunderstanding.

Of course, County Magistrate Li and others also got drunk, otherwise they wouldn't have such a seemingly absurd idea.

Cheng Guogong was drunk and was carried down.

Ding Guogong put down his wine glass and picked up his rice bowl. Following Uncle Xingning, he once again frightened everyone with his appetite.

After the banquet, County Magistrate Li and the others went back to their homes, with shocked expressions in their dreams.When I woke up the next day, the first thing I did was to gather the clansmen, prepare money, find connections, and go to Annan to buy land and grow grain.

The actions of the Pingxiang nobles attracted merchants from all over Guangxi and Yunnan. Before Emperor Yongle decided whether to put Annan in his bowl, half of Annan had already been bought by merchants of the Ming Dynasty.

Later, the merchants who bought Annan's land all had the shadow of the imperial court behind them.

Armed border residents and retired guards moved in one after another, and the natives in Annan also took refuge in one after another. Many merchants of the Ming Dynasty began to hire these natives as tenant farmers.

Under the trend of interests, more and more Annan natives only know Daming, but not Annan.Even senior soldiers and civilians requested that the Chen family had been cut off from the Li family long ago, so they must have been lost.Annan was originally a part of China. Since the Ming Dynasty had already set up the Commander Division here, it would be better to set up the Chief Commissioner Division and the Procuratorate Division together. Everyone would like to belong to Daming and regain the Chinese clothes.

Such a result stupefied the princes in the court, and made Linfeng around him terrified.What if the Ming Dynasty also acted like this in its own territory?

In this regard, Emperor Yongle stated clearly that I am a benevolent and righteous monarch, and I will never wantonly annex my neighbors.Don't worry, everyone!Behind his back, he couldn't stop laughing, it's good to have money!

"The lord of benevolence and righteousness will not engage in conquests and will not invade neighbors."

However, the Ming Dynasty did not send troops to conquer, but the merchants paid for the land, and the local people were willing to vote for the Ming Dynasty, so there was no other way.

No way, who made us rich!

Shen Xuan stayed in Pingxiang for five days, just in time for someone from the household department to arrive.

Uncle Meng pushed the matter away on the grounds that he was unwell, and it was replaced by Cheng Guogong and Ding Guogong.

As a representative of the imperial court, Li Wenyu, the right servant of the household department, was under great pressure immediately.There is still room for bargaining with Uncle Xingning, but with these two, it is basically impossible.

"You two princes, is this price appropriate?"

Li Shilang gave the terms agreed upon by the Ministry of Household Affairs, Zhu Neng pushed it directly to Shen Xuan, and Shen Xuan said: "Go to the county government, please ask the magistrate Li."

Li Qingqing arrived in a hurry, learned about the situation, and the grain transaction with the household department was directly taken over by the county government.

Magistrate Li is more familiar with the work of matching businessmen.Having another chance to make friends with the Minister of the Household Department, County Magistrate Li's gratitude to Duke Ding increased by ten percentage points in an instant.

Pushing the matter to Li Qingqing, neither Zhu Neng nor Shen Xuan intervened.

Uncle Meng knew the truth, how could the two of them not know.The reason for showing this side is just to remind the Ministry of Accounting that this matter involves a wide range of areas, and it is best to follow the most formal procedures and operate at the most reasonable price.If something goes wrong, the consequences cannot be tolerated by a few people.

"Uncle Xing Ning has great talent." Standing under the eaves of the corridor, Zhu Neng said casually, "After returning to Beijing, do you have any plans?"

"Being the only one who obeys the order of the Son of Heaven."

Zhu Neng didn't answer, looked into the distance, and suddenly smiled, "That's true, but I think too much for my brother. However, after this illness, my brother is not suitable for leading troops anymore, and there are a few in the family who are useless Yes, brother, how about helping me?"

"Brother ordered, Xuan will not refuse."

When the two princes were discussing their future career plans, Uncle Meng was lying on the couch and sleeping dimly.

The so-called physical discomfort is by no means an excuse, but a fact.

At the same time, the conscript army who stayed in Annan searched for the descendants of the Chen family and arrested the Li family at the same time. Li Jishou wiped out the Chen family, and the retribution was not good, and the Li family would follow in their footsteps.

Above the court, the household food problem was solved, and the ministers began to discuss how to deal with Annan's problem if the descendants of the Chen family could not be found, whether to establish a new surname, or to include it in the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

On the sea, Zheng He's fleet, loaded with Western objects and carrying envoys from several countries, also left Guli, the final destination of the visit, and set sail back.

Standing at the bow of the boat, Zheng He and Wang Jinghong felt the same emotion and burst into tears.

It is really not easy to return to the land of Daming alive!