Han Shizu

Chapter 576 Donations
After Guo Rong left Chongzheng Hall, he did not go back directly to the Privy Council, but followed the way out of the palace to catch up with Chang Si.

I often thought about this old man, after facing the Holy Spirit, he was freed from his mistakes, he felt relieved, his waist straightened, and his steps became brisk.Seeing Guo Rong who was chasing after him, he immediately smiled and said, "Guo Lang, the Son of Heaven is lenient, I really did not offend the old man."

As he said that, there was a little pity on his expression, and he said: "It's just that I donated with the coupons owed by Lumin, why did the emperor burn it? That's a total of [-] coins!"

Hearing Chang Si's words, Guo Rong couldn't help but twitched, and he had a deeper understanding of Chang Si's ignorance, short-sightedness and greedy habits.

The reason why Wang Jingchong focused on Chang Si was not because he had accumulated too much during the years guarding Luzhou, so that the government was abolished and the people were poor.The Son of Heaven is well aware of this. He heard about similar situations a few years ago, but he only issued an imperial edict to warn them.

Now that Wang Jingchong is released, it is obviously a deliberate target. Since Chang Si felt the crisis, he went to Beijing to ask for help, but he didn't know how to reflect.Guo Rong persuaded him to donate his family property, but even took out the stack of IOUs and bonds, which is simply exposing his shortcomings and admitting his own evil.

How did that stack of coupons come about? How could Lu Min owe him so much money?Dedicated to the emperor, let the emperor send someone to Luzhou to collect the money with the coupon paper?With the temperament of the emperor, he burned it directly, without using it as evidence to question the crime, which is already restrained.

It's ridiculous that I often think about this old man, but I don't realize it. The crisis is still unresolved. It's a pity that the "[-] yuan" is still here.

His heart became more and more contemptuous, but Guo Rong was still patient, but with a solemn expression, he said: "Mr. Chang thinks this is the end of the matter?"

"What does Guo Lang mean?" Chang Si was taken aback, puzzled.

"Kaifeng City Construction is short of money and food. The Third Division and Kaifeng Mansion are all raising funds. Before the public takes office, pledge money and food!" Guo Rong said directly.

Frowning, Chang Si said, "I've already donated [-] coins!"

Regarding this, Guo Rong didn't want to say anything more. He waved his sleeves slightly, and said to Chang Si with a stern tone, "If Mr. Chang still wants to enjoy his old age in peace and protect his family's wealth and blessings, don't be reluctant! Otherwise, even if the current court If you can avoid it, the next day will take its toll, and there is no time to regret it!"

Sensing Guo Rong's changed attitude, Chang Si looked displeased, but after thinking about it, he said, "How much do you think I should donate?"

"From Luzhou, donate as much as you can!" Guo Rong said, looking directly into Chang Si's eyes.

Guo Rong's words were already somewhat impolite. Hearing this, Old Chang Si couldn't help showing a look of displeasure on his face.But seeing the situation, Guo Rong sighed slightly, suppressing the contempt in his heart: "I've said all this, how to make a choice, I ask Mr. Chang to think carefully. I still have official duties to deal with, so I'll go back to the office first!"

After finishing speaking, Guo Rong walked away in a huff.In the back, Chang Si's old face added a lot of unhappiness. He snorted and muttered dissatisfiedly: "Guo Jiazi, you are so arrogant, the palace didn't say a word for me, and even educated me! Guo Wenzhong didn't dare neglect me so much."

Guo Rong didn't care about Chang Si's small change, but even if he knew it, he would just smile.Guo Rong has a serious and upright personality, and he disdains Chang Si for being an official. If it weren't for Guo Wei's affection, he would never help him.

From Guo Rong's point of view, for Chang Si, his Guo family has been benevolent to the utmost.Guo Rong also knew that the emperor absolutely did not want him to intervene in this matter. Guo Rong also felt the attitude of Liu Chengyou in the palace just now.

On the same day, Guo Rong ordered someone to go south with a letter from his family and hand it to Guo Wei, telling his father about Chang Si and his handling and attitude.

Kaifeng government office, the middle door is wide open, no prison case has been tried today, in front of the hall, under the command of a government official, the seats are arranged, there are four rows, a total of twenty or thirty seats, and tea cups are placed one by one.

There was such a movement, it was obvious that someone was going to be entertained, and there were a lot of people, and it didn't seem like a party, so they simply prepared a cup of tea.

It was very cold in the autumn morning, and in the government office, especially in front of the hall, under the authority, it was even more chilly.Until the sun rose in late autumn and the temperature warmed up a little, the guests finally showed up.

In front of the Yamen of Kaifeng Mansion, dozens of drivers came one after another. A man dressed in gorgeous clothes, gold and silver, honestly cast an invitation, walked into the Yamen respectfully, and took a seat under the guidance of the officials.

These people are all well-known merchants in the city of Tokyo. They are all rich and powerful, and their wealth is not enough to describe it. They manage various "low businesses" and control a lot of resources.However, for an invitation card from Kaifeng Mansion, one has to be honest and respectful, and go to the government office in person.

I was skeptical at first, but seeing such a scene with all the wealthy businessmen, it made people even more anxious. Murong Yanchao, governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, is not a kind person, and it is probably not a good thing to make such a noise.

Those who are acquainted or have business contacts are talking in low voices, informing and discussing the situation with each other.The buzzing of discussions had an impact on the quietness of the government office, but the officials and officials nearby did not stop them, they just kept their posts.

He Fuyin, a big businessman in the city of Tokyo, was backed by Zhao Kuangzan, King of Yan in the early years. Over the years, he spent all his money in Tokyo to make friends with the rich and powerful, and his backing has become stronger. Coupled with his shrewdness, the business is getting bigger and bigger.

Up to now, the property in his hands covers ceramics, grain noodles, medicinal materials, silk, restaurants, brothels, and the stalls are not small.Although there are traitors of businessmen, this one is very smart. Apart from clinging to the powerful, he is very respectful to the court and pays attention to court policies.

Before the conquest of the Huai River, the imperial court raised medicinal materials, shoes and clothing and other military supplies, and he sold all of what he had in his hands; The caravan in hand is sent to Guanzhong.
Basically, it is to follow in the footsteps of the imperial court. From the imperial court, they do not intend to make too much money. For He Fuyin, small profits are enough.What he wants is security.

While everyone was discussing, He Fuyin took the initiative to step forward, quietly took out a few silver boxes, and handed them to the responsible officials.

The little official's eyes lit up, and he threw his hands into his sleeves very swiftly, without any change in his face.He Fuyin took the opportunity and said: "Dare to ask the superior, I don't know what the Murong Mansion Lord called us here, what is the so-called matter, can you let me know and let us be prepared!"

The petty official glanced at these merchants, and laughed along with him: "Good thing!"

Just confide in two words, without the meaning of saying too much.Seeing this, He Fuyin stretched his hands to his sleeves again, and the official saw his eyes brighter, coughed lightly, and said softly: "What is the government's plan, I, a small official, can't know. However, recently, the government, Focus on the expansion of Tokyo City”

He Fuyin returned to his seat, thinking to himself that the situation was similar to his guess.

"Your Majesty is here!" With a chanting, all the merchants present immediately fell silent.

Before anyone appeared, Murong Yanchao's loud laughter came out first, and when he showed up, a group of people hurriedly got up and said in unison: "See you, Fujun!"

"Excuse me, everyone!" Murong Yanchao sat down in the middle of the golden sword.

Ordering someone to pour tea, Murong Yanchao said with a rare "kindness" on his black face, "Drink the tea first! These teas are tributes from the south of the Yangtze River, and the emperor rewarded our house. We usually don't want to drink them. Today, Take it out to entertain everyone!"

"Thank you, Mr. Fu, for your kind hospitality!"

Although there is only a cup of thin tea, but they are associated with the emperor and smeared with dragon spirit, but the group of people have to react flattered.

After seeing that everyone drank his tea, Murong Yanchao showed a smile again on his black face, looked around, and said: "This manor is a rough man, and he doesn't like to talk around corners, so let's speak bluntly now! We need to discuss important matters, and where your efforts are needed, we hope to cooperate actively!"

"Dare to ask the Fujun, what is the so-called matter?" One person asked.

"The situation outside the east city of Kaifeng, everyone has ears and eyesight, and you know it even if you think about it!" Murong Yanchao said: "The emperor ordered this mansion to be in charge of the expansion and construction of Tokyo City. It is very large, and the national treasury can't allocate too much money, and the government suffers from insufficient money and food."

Speaking of this, they basically understood what Murong Yanchao meant, but they didn't say anything, waiting for him to finish.

"Expanding the city is a good thing that benefits the country and the people. You are all wealthy businessmen in Tokyo. After the city is built, it will also be good for your value business. You are called here to raise funds to relieve the government's difficulties. You are invited Come here, drink my tea again, it should give me face, so I won't let me down!"

"Of course, this government does not accept your affection in vain. The emperor said a word called cooperation and win-win. All those who donate can get the title of 'Qianyou Yishang', which is allowed by the emperor. Another new city After the expansion is completed, you can choose a mansion in the inner city, and there will be shop compensation in the new city, and there will be tax relief for the next year and a half. Of course, these will depend on your donations.

In addition, many of you have participated in the business of city construction accessories, and from now on, the government can decide to buy stones, bricks, wood and other materials needed for city construction from you."

"That's all I have to say, I'll give you some time to think about it!" Murong Yanchao's tone was strong, and he waved his hand: "Get the pledge book ready!"

On the side, the Chinese official of the Yamen immediately spread out a notebook and prepared pen and ink.The merchants present all thought about it seriously, and their expressions were difficult to calm down. This tribute tea doesn't seem to be very fragrant.
(End of this chapter)