Crossing the Ming Dynasty to be the magistrate

After dealing with the poisoning case, Wen Yu was really angry, but it was not for nothing. At least they found the castor.

You must know that castor is a treasure in the whole body. As far as he knows, external application of castor can treat a series of diseases such as traumatic injuries.And it is said that castor oil can also beautify hair, but this kind of seed is too toxic, and it will kill people if it is not done well, so let's give up on this for the time being.

Wen Yu called the famous doctors in Mengyang City. They were very interested in the news about the castor plant and couldn't wait to study it. I have to say that the doctors and craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty were very knowledge-seeking. No wonder there are so many famous in history.

Wen Yu only told them the general idea, and let him explore the rest by himself.

The medical function is actually secondary, the key is the economic function of castor.

The silk obtained by using castor cocoons as raw materials and silk spinning is called castor silk.

The cross-sectional structure of castor silk is similar to that of mulberry silk and tussah silk, but the acute angle is smaller, and the cross-section presents hemp lines and cavities.This kind of silk has good silk quality, high elasticity, excellent wear resistance, and uniform fibers. The silk and silk produced have less knots and white spots, and the silk surface is clear.

However, the color rendering of castor silk is poorer than that of mulberry silk, the fabric luster is darker, and the handle is thicker.But on the other hand, it might not be its advantage.

You must know that Wen Yu is in the last years of Chenghua at this moment, and it is the middle of Ming Dynasty at this time, and the land of Huaxia has just recovered from the devastation.Unlike the depression during the Hongwu Yongle period, the economy of Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions is taking off, Huizhou and Shanxi merchants are rising, and even Guangdong and Guangxi have become a lot richer because of offshore trade.

As soon as this person had money, he began to pursue the quality of life. Originally, when the Ming Dynasty founded the country, it was stipulated that merchants could not wear silk and satin, but now more than a hundred years have passed, and many of them secretly wear it inside.Even if the timid dare not wear it, it will be itchy to look at it.

Castor bean silk is not as good as regular silk, and castor bean is very vigorous. When planting castor bean, you only need to pay attention to timely watering.Because castor is also very resistant to diseases and insect pests, it is hardly attacked by any pests, so unlike mulberry, its planting cost is also very low.

Low-key and low-priced, in line with the current situation, Wen Yu is still very optimistic about this.

In order to promote castor silk, Wen Yu specially called several famous mulberry farmers in Mengyang.After hearing Wen Yu's description, they were all very excited. Without even thinking about it, they rolled their arms and started working, and immediately planted castor beans when they got home.

Wen Yu held them back with a confused expression: "Wait a minute! Don't you all ask, this is just my one-sided opinion, and it may not be successful!"

Several mulberry farmers glanced at each other and couldn't help grinning: "My lord, you are joking. Now who in Mengyang doesn't know that you can turn stones into gold, the farms outside the city, the restaurants in the city, and the red bricks and cement are all passed through." Master's advice. Thanks to Master's respect for me, Xiaomin got this technique, so I must do a good job so as not to disappoint Master!"

Then there was a flattering smile on his face: "However, the sale is still a problem after it is raised well, and this needs to be troubled by the adults. I am willing to offer the second-tier profits to show my loyalty."

Wen Yu couldn't laugh or cry, who said that the ancient working people were honest and honest, and they had their own wisdom for survival.But he doesn't hate being trusted by the people like this.

Wen Yu didn't refuse, because it was really troublesome to promote castor silk, and it happened that he also wanted to reorganize the local weaving in Mengyang.

As early as the Song Dynasty, the central government had already established a weaving bureau in Chengdu. Shu brocade in the Song Dynasty, with its exquisite craftsmanship and exquisite brocade patterns, not only inherited the previous style, but also had innovation and development.

Although Shu Brocade is not as brilliant as it was in the Song Dynasty, it is still famous.But at the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty, Shu suffered unprecedented wars.In the early Qing Dynasty, there were dozens of Shu brocade fabrics with only one pattern left.

Thinking of this, Wen Yu felt very heartbroken. He felt that even if he could not stop the torrent of history, he should at least pass on the wisdom of the ancients.So he sent an official document, saying that the government now collects all kinds of fabric patterns at a high price, as long as they are good-looking, if they are willing to sign an agreement with the government to transfer them, they can get a lot of money.

Although a lot of money was given, there were still very few people who came. First, weaving really required talent. Second, at this time, it was all about teaching apprentices to starve their masters to death.

I can't control that much anymore, Wen Yu asked people to record the collected things, bind them into a book, and write down the provider's name.Then send it to the female workers in Mengyang City, so that they can take a look at it if they have nothing to do.

In addition, castor silkworm chrysalis is rich in nutrition and can be used as non-staple food, feed and medicinal materials.Silkworm dung is good fish feed and organic fertilizer.Although castor cocoons cannot be reeled, they can be blended with silkworm waste silk, tussah waste silk, ramie, etc. to produce low-quality silk. If a well-off family wants to buy some clothes, this kind of cheap but high-quality material is simply the first. choose.

Raising castor silkworm eggs, silkworms can start spinning after only [-] days, and with suitable temperature and humidity, two generations can occur each year.

Soon, the first batch of castor silk came out. This batch of products was purchased by the government, and the price was nearly [-]% cheaper than that of mulberry silk.

Wen Yu asked Weaver Girl to weave them into silk.Because the castor silk itself is very white, it has not been dyed and finished, so it is directly put into the stock.

Silk is the leading business. In Mengyang today, there is not such a big businessman who is capable of handling a brand new industry. He should wait for someone from the Wang family to come to talk about it. In short, he still has to ask his own family to come.

This is not over yet, the castor stalk is also very useful. From the perspective of castor fiber application, its stem bark is rich in fiber, which is the first-class raw material for papermaking, hemp rope and artificial cotton.

These two industries are not very developed in Mengyang, especially the paper industry.There is only one paper-making household in Mengyang City, and most of the products it produces are some rough straw paper. Not to mention the low output of rice paper, the quality is also poor.

It’s funny to say, but now in the Ming Dynasty, there is still a chain of contempt in the paper industry. Paper mills that can produce good rice paper are reliable in the eyes of outsiders.

The reason is that words were advocating at this time. For example, Liu Zongzhou, a man of the Ming Dynasty, told such a story in the volume of "Human Genealogy": In the Song Dynasty, there was a child prodigy with a long-term memory. Toilet paper is here.When I read the books again the next day, all the books were as if I had never read them, and the talent for writing and speaking in the past disappeared.Since then, he was unable to write and became a useless person, and soon died of illness. This also shows the respect that Chinese people in traditional society have for writing and even writing paper.

And the paper factory in Mengyang, which can't produce good calligraphy paper, has been half dead like this.

Wen Yu was very happy when he learned about this. He called the owner of the paper factory and asked him if he would like to specialize in the production of toilet paper in the future.

The boss suspected that he had heard it wrong, and asked again: "What did you say, sir? Only toilet paper is produced?"

Wen Yu nodded, because the fibers of castor bean stems are relatively thin, and the paper produced is often too soft to write on, but it is closer to modern toilet paper.

Anyway, Mengyang can't compete with those big paper merchants, so it's better to specialize in one aspect and only produce straw paper.

Wen Yu explained it to the boss, but the boss was still hesitant, no matter what, it was too embarrassing to only produce toilet paper.

Seeing him like this, Wen Yu made a serious face on purpose: "Since you don't want to go back, I'll just find someone who can make paper in Mengyang."

Hearing what he said, the boss just panicked: "Yes, yes! To tell you the truth, there is no one ordering from the paper factory in Xiaomin, and two months' wages have been owed, and the workers will go home if they don't open. Minglu, as long as he can earn money, Xiaomin must listen to the adults!"

After hearing this, Wen Yu taught him the method of making paper from castor stalks, and called the mulberry farmers to explain that the two parties can cooperate. This way, the cost is much lower, and everyone is very satisfied.

Castor was fully utilized, but Wen Yu was keenly aware that the people around Mei Hongzhi, Yang Xing and others were not of high quality, and they were not as motivated as they were when the red bricks were first used.

Logically speaking, it shouldn't be like this. Now that there is more and more money in the government, and nothing has happened, everyone should be very happy.

So they were called to inquire, Mei Hongzhi and Yang Xing looked at each other, and finally said after a long time: "My lord, I think that Mengyang can already make a name for himself in Sichuan with only one thing of cement. We If we really want to develop, should we find a way to produce some elegant things. For example, the peonies in nearby Peng County, and embroidery from other places, it is best to gather some literati and hold more literary meetings to let others know the direction of our county. The heart of learning."

It was only then that Wen Yu realized that they thought that Meng Yang's reputation was bad now.

It’s true, thinking about the low-priced and low-quality red bricks that replace green bricks, the low-priced and low-quality castor silk that replaces mulberry silk, and toilet paper that Mengyang has recently produced... Shame, everyone else is a glass cannon, but when it comes to him, it becomes toilet paper.

However, Mei Hongzhi and Yang Xing are also the common thinking among literati in the Ming Dynasty at present, they are lofty and ignorant of ordinary affairs.Wen Yu said with a smile to the two: "Do you know that Mengyang's economic scale is already at the forefront of all counties in central Sichuan by cement alone. Of course, I did not come up with so many projects to make money."

Seeing that the two were puzzled, he said again: "Do you know how much the current craftsmen in the cement plant are paid per month?" Seeing the blank eyes of the two, Wen Yu said helplessly: "At least eight taels of silver." With a sigh of relief, the annual income of the scripture teacher at this time is only 50 to [-] taels a year, and a mere craftsman can earn so much.

Wen Yu went on to say: "But the monthly salaries of other people have not changed. Even if the cement plant expands, how many people can be recruited? When a natural disaster occurs, the people will not have a harvest. Have you thought about what to do?"

A big problem in the Ming Dynasty itself was that the imbalance in people's living standards was too obvious.Take Li Chuang, who destroyed the Ming Dynasty, for example. Li Zicheng was originally a postman, but after the dismantling of the post station, he could not live and was forced to rebel.If he was born in the south of the Yangtze River, there are many ways to earn a living as a strong laborer, and being laid off midway would not cause too many social problems, and I am afraid he would not have rebelled.

So many industries in themselves make everyone in Mengyang have work to do.As for lowliness?Wen Yu said he laughed and didn't care at all. In the 21st century China, many places are famous for producing fake goods or wholesale small commodities. Most of them are really living a good life. As long as people live well, are they afraid of being told by others?

Wen Yu said again: "Besides, cement is too attractive, and we in Mengyang alone must not be able to digest it. After a while, I plan to discuss cooperation with other places, and there will definitely be profits at that time." This is just the beginning, and it’s never wrong to find more profitable businesses.”

Only then did Mei Hongzhi and Yang Xing wake up, and they immediately cast their eyes on Wen Yu's admiration: "Your Excellency always thinks of the people, and his vision is so far-reaching, I am too shallow." Wen Yu smiled and shook her head, telling them Withdrew.

With just these few products, Wen Yu always felt that there was something missing. In modern cities, agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries often have to develop, and now only the service industry remains.It is difficult to develop the service industry in a small place like Mengyang, but it is not impossible.

Wen Yu moved his mind to the next county.

Peng County was his main target. Unlike a small place like Mengyang, Peng County was an upper county.He had heard early in the morning that the current magistrate of Peng County was also a young man in his 20s, surnamed Yi.

This Yizhi County was more receptive to new things, and Peng County was the first to order Zhou Wan to receive them when he sent Zhou Wan to investigate.He stayed up all night to write a letter to the county magistrate of Peng County, and ordered someone to deliver it the next morning.

Soon, people from Peng County came.It was the teacher from Yizhi County who came. He saw Wen Yu salute first, and then asked directly: "Is it true that Mr. Wen said in his heart that he would help us organize the Peony Festival?"

Wen Yu didn't expect him to be so straight to the point, he was slightly taken aback, and said with a smile: "Since I said it, it is naturally true, Mengyang not only invests and pays, but I can also send some experienced craftsmen to build a peony garden for your county. "

It turned out that the first thing Wen Yu wanted to buy was Peony.Ashamed to say, he had only heard of peonies in Luoyang before, but now that he is the county magistrate of Mengyang, he realizes that Sichuan is also a province of peonies.In "Tianpeng Peony Spectrum", Lu You praised that "the peony is in Zhongzhou, Luoyang is the first; in Shu Tianpeng is the first".

Tianpeng peony is famous all over the world for its high plant height, luxuriant leaves, large flowers, long neck, moist and plump, gorgeous and colorful.

The reputation of Pengxian peonies reached its peak in the Song Dynasty. First, because Luoyang fell to the Jin Dynasty, Peng County was the only famous peony viewing base in China at that time; Upside down, very wild.

But after the Song Dynasty, the land of Shu suffered heavy losses, and it was not until the middle of the Ming Dynasty, that is, in the past few years, that it slowly regained its strength.

The county magistrate Yi is a person with ideas and ambitions. He has always wanted to revitalize Peng County and bring the peonies of Peng County back to the public eye.

Unfortunately, Peng County is different from Mengyang. The local gentry, government and business forces are intricate, and it is extremely difficult to govern.Yi County Magistrate, an outsider, has been fighting with them for more than two years, and now it is as difficult as heaven to get them to use money to organize the Peony Festival.

It has to be said that it is also fortunate that Wen Yu selected officials as a candidate and could only be elected to the lower county.If he was born as a Jinshi like the magistrate of Yi County, he might be hindered everywhere in the big county.

Seeing that Wen Yu agreed so readily, the other party hesitated instead: "Forgive me for speaking bluntly, but I dare to ask Meng Yang why he did this?"

Wen Yu smiled and said, "It's just for mutual benefit with Gui County. We want to advertise our Mengyang in various parts of Peng County on the Peony Festival."

Yes, that's exactly what Wen Yu was thinking.If such a Peony Festival is held well, people from all over the country will come here, not to mention Sichuan, and such a small place in Peng County will definitely not be able to accommodate it.The distance between the two places is very close, Mengyang is just able to develop the tertiary industry, and it can also spread the reputation of these specialties of Mengyang.

Master Pengxian felt relieved, and the two immediately discussed related matters.

Pengxian peonies generally bloom in April and May, and the preparation time is relatively short.The two devised several plans together, and finally sent them to Yi County Magistrate to wait for his decision.

After the magistrate of Yi County received the plan, he could say he couldn't put it down, and he couldn't bear to give up on any of them. Finally, he decided to use a multi-pronged approach, which meant that the yamen servants in Peng County would suffer a little.

But with a large amount of money provided by Meng Yang, they can let go.Thinking of this, County Magistrate Yi is a little depressed. He is exhausted every day, but Peng County is still the same, so he asked the master: "You said that Mr. Wen has not been in Mengyang for a long time. How can Mengyang's finances be different?" So rich?"

The master thought for a long time: "I think Mr. Wen is a man of great wisdom. Mengyang has a lot of industries now. I have been in Mengyang for a few days. Everywhere I see people are rich and happy, and the government naturally has a lot of spare money."

Then he comforted: "My lord, there is no need to underestimate yourself. After all, Peng County is full of powerful people. Now my lord has finally suppressed them. I think Peng County will get better and better in the future."

The magistrate of Yi County also felt the same way. He secretly thought that the Peony Festival was just the beginning, and in the days to come, he would make Peng County the most affluent place in Sichuan.

Regarding the Peony Festival, they first planned to invite famous scholars from Shu to write poems, proses, and sing songs.

The second is to invite an opera troupe to sing a few peony plays, and Peng County will pay for them to go on stage in various places. While singing, find someone to pretend not to care about the Peony Festival below, which will deepen the impression.

The last point was brought up by Wen Yu, but both of them were hesitant. Wen Yu wanted to invite a famous brothel woman from Shu to sing and dance at the Peony Festival, and then everyone would judge and choose a peony fairy.Although this sounds very interesting, it seems a bit immodest... The two hesitated.

But Wen Yu insisted on adding this.Just kidding, the first edition of the Peony Festival is destined to fail to attract some real celebrities and refined scholars. I am afraid that most of the people who come here are the second-generation ancestors who come here with nothing to do. The activities must first satisfy the tastes of this group of people.It's not too late to talk about Fengya when you become famous.

In this way, Wen Yu found a lot of things to do for herself, and was busy all day long.Before you know it, it's New Year's Eve.

Wen Yu watched Mother Qian and Wen Yulan busy in the mansion before realizing that this was the first New Year in the Ming Dynasty.

The Spring Festival holiday in the early Ming Dynasty was once very stingy.During the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, there were only five days off. It was not until the seventh year of Yongle that Ming Chengzu Zhu Di was generous and added ten days to the Lantern Festival holiday.

Now that Wen Yu had time, she wanted to go to the women's family to help buy new year's goods, but was kicked out in the name of causing trouble... Wen Yu rubbed his nose depressedly, well, he is indeed a bit clumsy of.

Disliked by his family, but some people are proud of him.No, as the Spring Festival is approaching, merchants big and small in Mengyang have made a lot of money this year, so they plan to do something together. They want to make a "New Year's Movie" for the Spring Festival.The bosses of the 36 lines in the city would pool tens of thousands of dollars in performance fees and personally dress up as characters in various popular plays at the time, such as Lu Dongbin and Zhuge Liang.And whichever boss pays the most will play a heavier role.

When they came to Wen Yu, they invited him to be the protagonist. Everyone agreed that there was no one more suitable to be the protagonist than Wen Yu, the parent official!Of course, Wen Yu rejected it with a black face in the end.

The author has something to say: the Chinese New Year role-playing mentioned at the end really existed. This custom existed in Linqing and other places in the Ming Dynasty, and officials joined in. I have to say that the ancients really knew how to play.

In the evening, I will pack a group with my girlfriends to keep warm, go to dinner and watch a movie, and laugh at each other's lost dog life. Let's have more tomorrow