The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Hearing Zhang Juzheng ask about the Yan family's background, Wei Guangde asked suspiciously: "Did Cheng Shoujie send a report?"

"The formal report is still being compiled. After all, the Yan family's assets are too numerous and complex, and they are located in more than one place, but are distributed around Jiangxi and Suzhou."

Zhang Juzheng just said lightly.

Wei Guangde was shocked and didn't understand what Zhang Juzheng meant when he told him this?

Is it just because the Yan family's wealth is too huge and they want to shock themselves, or does Zhang Juzheng know the secret between him and Cheng Shojie?

Wei Guangde couldn't figure out the situation, so he naturally chose to pretend to be dumbfounded.

"Since the result has not yet been obtained, what does uncle mean by saying this?"

"Although the results have not yet been released, the approximate figures have already come out."

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard and smiled.

Wei Guangde probably understood. It was probably the people sent by the imperial court to Cheng Shoujie who had quietly reported the now verified assets back to the capital. Zhang Juzheng probably knew the figures from Xu Jie and wanted to show off in front of him.

However, this money was accumulated by the Yan family, and if it was confiscated, it would be used to charge the internal treasury and the household department. What was Zhang Juzheng showing off?

Of course, Wei Guangde couldn't say that, but asked directly: "How many assets of the Yan family were confiscated?"

"In Jiangxi alone, Congyan Mansion confiscated more than 20,000 taels of gold, nearly 2 million taels of silver, more than 30 mansions, and more than 5,000 houses. Isn't it a big deal?"

Zhang Juzheng exclaimed: "This is just Jiangxi. I heard that there are several luxury houses near Suzhou. I guess I will gain a lot."

"Where's the field?"

Wei Guangde knew that the Yan family was rich, but two million taels of silver was astonishing, but it was still within the range he could afford.

Thinking about the corrupt late Qing government in later generations, it would be embarrassing if the compensation for a war was less than eight figures, and nine-figure compensation was not uncommon.

However, when he came here, Wei Guangde still had some problems that he still couldn't figure out.

In the news of later generations, he vaguely remembered that after Li Zicheng dug a well in the city of Beijing, he earned tens of millions of taels of silver from just the payment. The late Qing government in later generations also had an annual income of hundreds of millions of taels. But when he came to this era, he found that his family could There are only a handful of people who have spent hundreds of thousands of taels of silver.

Even those noble families have accumulated a wealth of one or two million taels of silver over several generations.

Where did the money come from in later generations of China?

Two million taels is a very scary number, but if you really think about it, compared with later generations, it is really nothing. Heshen's family wealth alone can crush Yan Shifan many times.

Moreover, my family still reaped the benefits after the Yan family's misfortune, and when Heshen fell, it is estimated that those officials would not take any less.

Strange, really strange.

"There are more than 20,000 acres of fields, mountains and ponds, and there are many rare treasures in the house. It is said that some of them are actually recorded in the imperial prison."

Zhang Juzheng threw another big bomb to Wei Guangde.

"It's a thing of the imperial prison? Then why does it appear in the Yan family? Was it a reward from His Majesty? That's not right, then it won't be recorded."

Wei Guangde was a little confused and didn't know why.

"It's really hard to say, but some people speculate that this should be when Yan Shifan was the Shaoqing of Shangbao Division, he had a good relationship with the eunuch of Shangbao Supervisor in the palace, and somehow he was vacated from the palace.

You know, there are many authentic works of ancient masters hidden in the palace, and his Yan family is such a family, so he is naturally attracted to them.

Some of the bold servants in the palace tried their best to replace them for him. Many of the ones left in the palace have been confirmed to be fakes. "

Zhang Juzheng said in a low voice.

"Audacious, really audacious."

Wei Guangde shook his head and sighed.

"By the way, Brother Uncle, you also know that His Majesty has been urging us to complete the copying work of "Yongle Dadian" as soon as possible. However, the imperial court has been unwilling to expand the number of copying staff due to financial constraints.

This time, since the Yan family has confiscated so much money, can some of it be used to expand the number of copying scholars? You and I don't have to urge them to copy all day long. "

Wei Guangde thought that the court had recovered so much money from the Yan family this time, and would he use part of it to relieve their urgent needs.

Zhang Juzheng glanced at Wei Guangde, which made him feel a little strange for a moment.

"Although there is a lot of money, it still belongs to the imperial court only if it is brought to the capital."

Zhang Juzheng said something incomprehensible.

"What's the meaning?"

Wei Guangde didn't understand for a moment and asked in surprise.

"The Yan family's wealth is too huge. Even if it is collected so much, it is hard to say how much will be left to be sent to the capital in the end."

Zhang Juzheng just said lightly.

"Are they so bold?"

Wei Guangde understood the meaning of his words and was surprised for a moment.

He also had the idea of ​​​​taking advantage of the Yan family's assets, but he only dared to think of ways to deal with his own one-third of an acre of land, and he repeatedly insisted that it should not be included in the Yan family's account books.

Unexpectedly, Wei Guangde never expected that even if something was entered into the account book, someone would dare to make an idea.

“The investigation is so big and involves so many areas that it can drag on for several years, and then many of them will go unsolved.

The account is still recorded somewhere, but I don’t know when the things disappeared?

As for the capital's pressing questions, just send some and transport them to the capital bit by bit. You can always find an excuse, especially those property deeds. It is estimated that your majesty will only ask the following to transport the gold and silver back to the capital as soon as possible, and other things will be disposed of by the government on the spot. Turn it over.

There are many people paying attention to this matter now, so it will be a little better. I don't dare to be too presumptuous. After a few years, everyone gradually forgets about it. Look, how much money can still be sent to the capital. "

Zhang Juzheng lowered his voice and talked a lot, which made Wei Guangde frightened and dumbfounded.

"Shandai, you are from Jiangxi and a censor. You should be familiar with Cheng Shoujie. Why don't you write a letter to your family and Cheng Shoujie?"

Speaking of this, Wei Guangde found a rare hint of envy in Zhang Juzheng's eyes, "I don't give it to anyone. This time Jiangxi officials have made a fortune."

Zhang Juzheng actually asked himself to participate in dividing the Yan family's assets?

Wei Guangde was a little unbelievable for a moment. You, Zhang Juzheng, are a famous prime minister. How could you come up with such an idea?

If Wei Guangde hadn't noticed a flash of light in Zhang Juzheng's drunken eyes in the blink of an eye, maybe he would have truly believed what he said.

Zhang Ju is digging a hole for himself?

Wei Guangde instantly realized that he couldn't find a handle on himself and deliberately created opportunities for himself so that he could seize the handle.

Shaking his head, Wei Guangde said with the smell of alcohol in his mouth: "A gentleman loves money and gets it wisely. I, Wei Guangde, would rather associate with businessmen and make some meager profits than take such unconscionable money.

Although it is shameless for those who are not educated to do business, it is better not to steal or rob, than to earn such ill-gotten gains by taking bribes and corruption. "

After the banquet was over, Wei Guangde, who was sitting in the car, was still thinking about what Zhang Juzheng meant by asking him to participate in dividing the Yan family's assets.

Could it be that he was also involved?

Xu Jie seemed to love money very much. He seemed to have read some articles in later generations, saying that the Xu Jie family had become the largest landowner in the area and had been manipulated by Hai Rui. Xu Jie would definitely be involved in this carve-up feast.

What Zhang Juzheng means is that he wants to drag himself into the water, and then everyone will do well to me?

Taking advantage of himself and threatening him was Wei Guangde's reaction at the banquet, but now that he was alone in the carriage, he had more on his mind.

By this time, Cheng Shoujie should have sealed the Yan family's account books and sent documents to local governments according to the diagram to verify and inspect the Yan family's assets in various places.

Indeed, many people will benefit from this, except Jiujiang Prefecture.

The Yan family's belongings in Jiujiang Prefecture have all gone into the Wei family's pockets, and the Jiujiang prefect can only wait to find out more and can't wait to assist in checking the official documents.

Did Xu Jie really dare to be so bold as to take two cents of the silver copied from the Yan family?

Wei Guangde was horrified.

Xu Jie seems to be more ruthless than Yan Song.

Suddenly, a person's name appeared in Wei Guangde's mind.

High arch.

Yes, it's high arch.

Wei Guangde, who often visited Prince Yu's Mansion, naturally knew that Gao Gong was very dissatisfied with Xu Jie, and what about Gao Gong's personality?

If Xu Jie really did this, Gao Gong would not stand idly by and would not use this as an excuse to capture Xu Jie.

Therefore, Zhang Juzheng wants to drag himself into the water, and perhaps Yin Shizhen, Chen Yiqin and others will not be let go.

After all, if that time comes, there will be too many vested interests, and it will be difficult for Gao Gong to submit.

Wei Guangde felt that he had figured it out. Zhang Juzheng invited him to drink. It was really not the drunkard's intention to drink, but to win him over to fight against Gao Gong in the future.

In Prince Yu's case, Gao Gong's reputation was so great that even Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng were frightened.

Wei Guangde even drew a conclusion from this.

Perhaps, many people, including Xu Jie, had realized that Emperor Jiajing was dying, otherwise they would never dare to make such a mistake.

Even if the emperor's health is failing, even if he discovers something, he will often suppress his impulse for the sake of a smooth political transition, because he doesn't know if his body can survive until he can deal with all these people and then hand over a stable country. to the successor.

And if you are not careful, it may cause huge turmoil.

It has to be said that when Zhu Di, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, moved the capital to Beijing, it was indeed a huge mistake, which caused the Ming court's control over Jiangnan to continue to weaken, which was the richest place in the Ming Dynasty.

Nanjing was indeed the best capital of the Ming Dynasty.

Located in the center of the country, it radiates in all directions and has convenient Yangtze River waterways.

The next day, Wei Guangde received news from the servant of Prince Yu's Palace in the school record office that tonight Prince Yu's Palace held a banquet to celebrate Gao Gong's promotion to Minister of Etiquette.

After leaving the office in the afternoon, Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng went to Prince Yu's Mansion together.

It can be seen that King Yu was very happy. He did not wait until the last one to appear as the master of the palace as usual. Instead, he arrived at the banquet hall early and chatted happily with Chen Yiqin, Wei Guangde and others.

However, as the other protagonist of the banquet, Gao Gong made them wait for a while.

It's been almost an hour since the office break, but Gao Gong still hasn't appeared in Prince Yu's palace. He doesn't know whether he forgot or was delayed by something. Even Prince Yu is gradually feeling impatient and his face is a little dark.

Li Fang and Yin Shizhen had to quickly send people out to find where Gao Gong was.

During the banquet, the person sitting at the table must be King Yu, and the seat next to him was vacant, so it was naturally reserved for Gao Gong.

Chen Yiqin and Yin Shizhen were sitting on one side, and Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng were on the other side. The four of them were staring at each other at this moment.

It can be seen that everyone actually has more or less complaints about high arches, but they are just inconvenient.

Not long after, a chamberlain finally came running in to report.

"Your Highness, gentlemen, Sir Gao has been delayed at the Ministry of Rites because of something, and he has arrived now."

I was delayed in the yamen, so everyone looked much better.

After waiting for a while, Gao Gong finally arrived.

"I'm sorry, everyone, there is something urgent in the ministry that delayed us today. It is really Su Qing's fault to make you wait."

When Gao Gong entered the door, he apologized to them, and everyone looked a little better.

However, King Yu said happily: "The affairs of the country are complicated, so sir, you should also pay attention to your health."

The host arrived and the banquet started immediately.

Li Fang was outside the door, calling the waiters to bring exquisite dishes one after another. King Yu raised a toast, first to celebrate Gao Gong's promotion.

After a while, after a few glasses of wine, everyone's mood gradually became high, and they kept toasting to Gao Gong.

"Mr. Gao, what happened in the Ministry of Rites today that delayed you for so long?"

In King Yu's impression, the affairs of the Ministry of Rites were actually only for the nobles, and there were rules to follow whenever there was any trouble.

No matter what happens, just handle it step by step.

In fact, everyone else was also very curious about King Yu's question.

The Ministry of Rites is not like the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Household Affairs, which are prone to various difficult-to-handle problems. Working in the Ministry of Rites is really leisurely, similar to that of the Hanlin Academy.

Of course, except for the imperial examination year.

"Hey, the Chief Envoy and Shipping Department of Guangdong have reported that there is a Yimu named Ya Nai Xi who has returned to the family and floated to the sea to ask for tribute."

Gao Gong said calmly.

When King Yu asked this, he was actually helping him.

After all, he had several people waiting here for more than an hour, so he had to give an explanation.

He didn't dare to take the initiative and seemed a little deliberate.

When King Yu asks, it is best if he answers again.

"It's not a big deal to ask for tribute from overseas."

Zhang Juzheng said strangely after hearing this.

Obviously, he became interested in Gao Gong's words and thought that if he just asked for tribute, it shouldn't be a problem.

"This matter is not a big deal, but after the Bureau of Shipping and the Chief Envoy met with them, they first called themselves Mancijia Kingdom, then Yici, and called themselves the Pulidu Family."

As soon as Gao Gong finished speaking, Zhang Juzheng interrupted: "Pulidu's house? Where is that? Why have I never heard of it?"

"Don't say you haven't heard of it. Even the old people in the Ministry of Rites said it was the first time they saw this Pulidu family. They called the officials of Honglu Temple. They were also confused and had to look through the classics again to see if they could find it. .”

Gao Gong replied.

In this way, several people in the room understood.

When it comes to foreign diplomacy, we must not take it lightly.

"but."

At this moment, Gao Gong suddenly said again: "The inspector of Guangdong Town had a subordinate report that some of the people who came seemed to have appeared in Haojing before."

"Haojing?"

Wei Guangde exclaimed, Haojing is not Macau in later generations, but at this time, official documents generally use the name Haojing.

"Yes, it's Haojing, over there in Xiangshan County, Guangdong."

Gao Gong said.

"This matter is not trivial. Someone may have cheated the tribute."

Chen Yiqin said.

"Yeah, I think so too, but"

After saying this, Gao Gong glanced at everyone before continuing: "The Ministry of Rites still needs to check the classics to determine whether there is this Pulidu family in Nanfan Kingdom."

Hearing what Gao Gong said, everyone nodded in unison.

This matter is not trivial and cannot be arbitrary.

"Is there any result now?"

King Yu asked again.

"Looking through the classics, there is no such thing as the Pulidu family."

Gao Gong was talking there, but Wei Guangde was silently reciting, "Pulidu's house, Portugal."