In October, the sixth year of Longqing's reign.
There are still two months until the yuan change.
But for ordinary people, whether there is a change on the throne or not, it actually has little impact.
If you are a little more closed-minded, you will still ask, huh? The old Taoist priest finally died?
However, as far as Jining Prefecture is concerned, the people are quite knowledgeable and can even use this matter as a talking point.
This is simply because it is only sixty miles away from the capital city to the east and more than three hundred miles away from the Chief Secretary of Shandong Province.
Of course, the most important thing is that the state is adjacent to the Huitong River in the south and connected to the Jishui River. It is located at the end of the entire Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
During the Yongle period, the Nanwang Water Conservancy Project was built here, and the River Governor's Office was also established.
It can be said to be the transportation artery between the north and south Zhili waterways.
When Li Chengming and Chen Yinzhao got off the boat, they felt the smoke and smoke of people coming and going.
People were coming and going on the pier, including scholars, wealthy businessmen, and some wearing turbans and straw sandals.
There was a roar of voices and various accents echoed.
As soon as they got off the pier, a strange person approached them and wanted to sell something to the two of them, but was stopped by the attendant behind them.
Li Chengming ignored it, just grinned and stamped his feet: "I finally arrived in Jining Prefecture. I feel down to earth. This building is too confusing."
It was his first time traveling far away, and just taking the boat back and forth made him shake his head.
Every time I change ships, it’s a rare respite.
At the beginning, the emperor promised Li Wei, the biological father of Empress Dowager Li and the head of the country, to join the Maritime Chamber of Commerce.
As the eldest son and grandson of Li Wei, Li Chengming was sent by Li Wei at the end of June to explore the ports in Zhejiang and the situation of maritime merchants on the grounds of experience - of course, he was only the leader, and all the work was still done by the shopkeepers.
Now more than three months have passed in the blink of an eye, and I am just about to return to Beijing.
At present, he was passing through Nanzhili to visit his elders, and then transferred from the Huaihe River to Shandong, preparing to change ships in Jining and head north.
Chen Yinzhao didn't feel any discomfort.
He glanced at the attendant behind him and saw that nothing was left behind, so he said: "The boat is leaving tomorrow morning. Let's go. Let's go to the official post to rest first."
Chen Yinzhao is the eldest son of Pingjiang Bofu. He is a little older and turned 28 last month.
And Li Chengming is seventeen years old and still a little out of touch.
While following him, he said: "Brother, aren't we going to Fujian?"
If you want to form a chamber of commerce to undertake shipping, you have to survey several ports to see how much profit others can make.
Chen Yinzhao looked at him strangely: "Didn't Uncle Wu Qing tell you? He sent someone else over there."
"Let's just bring back what we've learned about Ningbo Port and the records of several shopkeepers."
He gestured to the two of them with his lips, which contained a summary made by the shopkeeper who had accompanied them.
Li Chengming slapped his forehead: "Oh, I remembered it."
He quickly put it behind him and asked again: "Brother Shi, do you think this business can be done?"
Chen Yinzhao hesitated and said: "I don't understand business, but since several shopkeepers have said that there is huge profit, they shouldn't be able to fake it."
He is the eldest son of Uncle Pingjiang. He has been rich and noble for generations, and his vision is higher than that of Li Chengming.
He said he didn't quite understand it, but in his heart he felt that there was much to be done.
Of course, he couldn't say this, otherwise his father, Uncle Ping Jiang, would not be able to bargain with Uncle Wu Qing.
In-laws are in-laws, and if you want to work together to make money, you still have to leave some room.
Li Chengming nodded thoughtfully, but he believed it naturally.
The two walked side by side, with one attendant following behind and the other leading the way.
Jining Prefecture is no better than Beijing. The streets are a bit old, and you can often see things like poultry droppings on the road.
Li Chengming covered his nose and held his breath from time to time while fanning himself with his hands.
Jining was originally Jining Prefecture in the first year of Taizu Wu, but it was downgraded to a state in the 18th year.
Regulations have been reduced, but the population has been increasing day by day in the past two hundred years.
As a result, it had to be continuously expanded on the basis of the state city, adding an outer city.
Among them, Guanyi is also in the outer city.
The two of them walked around and took a look.
The not-so-wide bluestone streets extend all the way to the city gate, with shops lined on both sides and wooden signboards swaying gently in the wind.
There was a constant flow of people inside and outside, and there was an endless stream of cars and horses.
Occasionally, a few gentry in official uniforms can be seen walking slowly, accompanied by a few servants carrying burdens, which looks quite impressive.
Most of them are ordinary people in simple clothes, carrying their bags on their shoulders and carrying their families.
Li Chengming suddenly pulled Chen Yinzhao's sleeve and pointed to a house in surprise: "Taizu customized it. The house must not exceed three rooms or five shelves."
"There are seven rooms and five racks here! Doesn't the government care?"
Chen Yinzhao has been out many times, so his experience is naturally richer.
He looked at the brother-in-law who left Beijing for the first time after writing this note, and patiently explained: "Customization is customization, but when the people don't abide by it, it will be difficult for the government to handle it."
The imperial court strictly enforces regulations, and people generally violate the regulations, so partial handling by the government is the norm.
But this is not easy to say on the street, so we can only speak vaguely.
Li Chengming didn't understand. Seeing that Brother Shi didn't want to explain to him, he could only press the button.
Still looking around curiously.
There was constant commotion along the road.
"Selling flat food!"
"Eternal Life Fruit! Immortality Fruit!"
There are constantly vendors carrying things to sell.
"I've been using this fork for a year and it's all polished!"
"Wait for Panzi, let me hang out for a while."
"You idiot, you're back! You idiot, if you don't kill me today, I'll kill you!"
None of the three religions lowered their voices.
Li Chengming complained: "The outer city is really poor, but it's not like there are no inns in the inner city."
Chen Yinzhao had no choice: "That's not what the old men insist on saying. It's better to stay at Guanyi when you are away from home."
Li Chengming and his entourage were followed by attendants, and they were not easy to mess with at first glance. Even pickpockets stayed away, so naturally no one stood in their way.
After walking for about two miles, the two of them arrived at Guanyi Station.
There was no need for the two of them to talk, and the attendant went inside to complete the formalities.
The two of them randomly picked a table to sit down and ordered some food.
Except for the table for two people in the inn, all the other seven or eight tables were full of people.
Seeing that they were all messengers delivering letters and businessmen traveling from north to south, I didn't take it to heart.
We started chatting casually.
Not long after, the attendant finished checking in and reported to the hotel with a copy of the residence.
Chen Yinzhao was stunned, took the Di newspaper and asked curiously: "Isn't the Di newspaper posted and announced? How can I buy it casually?"
The Di Bao was issued by the General Affairs Department and recorded current events in the central government. It was always intended for local civil and military officials to see.
Even if there was a need for the officials and the people to know, they would at most copy it and post it at the official post and outside the city gate.
The attendant is said to be an attendant, but in fact he is a royal guard, so he is naturally reliable in doing things.
After hearing this question, he immediately replied: "Master, the post said that it has been like this since August."
"According to the Di Bao in July, the General Affairs Department changed its chief officer, which increased the number of publications published by Di Bao."
"But it's quite expensive."
After saying this, he still hinted at reimbursement.
Li Chengming hurriedly came over and asked curiously: "What, will anything big happen after we leave?"
Chen Yinzhao said while looking at it: "No matter how big it is, can it be bigger than the title of civil servant?"
He still remembered how beautiful it was on the day he left Beijing, watching the ceremonial team escorting Ding Anbo from a distance.
"Oh, there is a big event. At the beginning of July, Emperor Daxing honored him with his posthumous title. Yi Tianxi said: Qitian Long, Dao Yuanyi, Kuanren, Xianwen, Guangwu, Chunde, Hongxiaozhuang Emperor, the temple name is Mu Zong."
Now that this has happened, I have to take back what I said earlier.
Otherwise, those who are interested have to ask, what? The late emperor’s affairs are not big enough for his ministers?
Li Chengming clicked his finger and said, "The name of this temple is average. Bude Zhiyi said Mu. I thought it would be a little higher."
Don't think it means that Bude was righteous, but looking at the predecessors, it actually means that the merits and demerits are equal.
Chen Yinzhao shook his head: "Whether it's good or bad depends on how well we do today."
"If he succeeds in opening up the sea, then the late emperor will be the first to initiate it, and Mu Zong will be considered a good name."
The emperor promised Wu Qingbo the right to transport shipping. Although he couldn't understand it, some parents could guess some of the reasons.
Li Chengming nodded to show that he was taught, and asked: "Is there anything else?"
Chen Yinzhao then read on: "At the end of July, Liu Ziqiang, the Minister of Punishment, Zhang Shouzhi, the Minister of Hubu, and Han Ji, the Minister of General Affairs, Si Youtongzheng, took office."
Li Chengming came closer again, a little surprised: "Jiu Qing came three at a time."
Chen Yinzhao continued to read: "At the beginning of August, Wang Guangguang, the governor of Shengcangchang, was appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of Husbandry, and changed the title of Wang Zhigao, the Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, to the Minister of the Ministry of Punishments."
"Promoted Li Ke to Shi Zhong. Li Zaiting was promoted to Li Ke Du to Shi Zhong. He was promoted to Gu Huan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Military Governor's Office, and became the Governor of the Beijing Camp."
Li Chengming exclaimed: "The Marquis of Zhenyuan is the governor of Jingying again?"
Two years ago, the late emperor used Gu Huan to cause a commotion and almost led to disagreements, but now he is using it again?
The two of them talked louder and louder, and a man dressed as an old scholar at the next table listened.
Suddenly interjecting and sighing: "Wang Zhigao can be promoted even if he is sitting on a plain diet."
Their eyelids twitched, and they looked at the old scholar. They saw that this man had gray hair on his temples, which showed that he was quite old.
Chen Yinzhao took the words and said: "This elder..."
He was interrupted before he finished speaking. The old scholar said angrily: "What elder? I'm only in my early forties!"
Although Chen Yinzhao felt that his appearance was not very similar, he still changed his words: "This talented person, we are businessmen and have no land or position. Why are you talking nonsense to hurt me?"
The old scholar was unconvinced and said: "Look at you, you are so timid. You go to Nanzhili and listen. We all say so."
Li Chengming pulled Chen Yinzhao and signaled to ignore this kind of person.
Chen Yinzhao withdrew his gaze and nodded.
Having learned his lesson, he spoke softly: "At the end of August, the two palaces will be given honorary titles."
"At the beginning of September, the Holy Father held a sutra banquet, and the cabinet decided to implement the examination law in two capitals and one province."
Having said this, he handed the residence report to Li Chengming.
Under current conditions, it takes almost a month for the Di newspaper to be published, transported, and delivered to places like Zhili in southern Shandong.
The land routes from Sichuan to Yunnan will take longer.
The two were discussing.
Suddenly I heard a commotion coming from Guanyi.
In line with the mentality that one thing is worse than one thing less, the two of them ignored it.
But the noise grew louder and louder, and a large crowd of people had gathered outside the door to watch, accompanied by the cry of a woman.
Li Chengming couldn't help being curious.
The two looked at each other and gathered around to watch the fun.
Li Chengming poked his head out and saw a tall, round-shouldered man with tattoos on his arms dragging a woman.
The woman squatted on the ground, pulling at the sign outside the inn.
She cried so hard that she looked so pitiful.
As a noble son of a foreign relative, Li Chengming hated bullying women.
Without even saying hello to Chen Yinzhao, he immediately pushed away the crowd: "How dare you! In broad daylight and the world is bright, how dare you do evil!"
As soon as he finished speaking, another person came out of the inn.
The visitor was wearing a green official uniform, so he obviously had an official status.
He frowned and asked: "I am Zhang Mengtong, the official of this state. What happened?"
The official position of the official is the ninth-grade official, responsible for handling the official affairs within the government. If it appears here, there should be official affairs of the post.
When officials appeared, Li Chengming curled his lips and stepped back.
The big man was shouted down repeatedly, but he did not restrain himself at all: "This is my family matter, so don't meddle in it!"
But the dragged woman cried out: "No, no, I don't know this person!"
Zhang Mengtong strode forward and said to the big man: "Let her go first!"
The big man was reluctant and stopped dragging her, his hand still holding the woman's arm.
Then he defended himself: "I paid for it! She must come with me today!"
Li Chengming, who was watching from the outside, was stunned. He looked at Chen Yinzhao: "Is it possible to keep slaves in the local area?"
Chen Yinzhao hesitated, but he didn't understand either.
On the contrary, the old scholar just now stood aside and watched the fun, and explained aloud: "Of course it is possible."
"But the name has been changed. She's called adopted son or adopted daughter or something like that."
After saying this, he smiled and said: "But now, there is obviously another article."
The two attendants gave the old scholar a wary look.
Chen Yinzhao pondered for a moment, then said politely: "We are merchants from Beizhili, my surname is Chen, and this is my younger brother from the chamber of commerce, whose surname is Li."
He patted Li Chengming and briefly introduced him.
The old scholar suddenly showed a hint of surprise: "What a coincidence, my surname is also Li."
Li Chengming was too lazy to be polite and watched the show outside the station without blinking.
He asked: "Li Maocai, what do you mean when you say there is another article?"
The old scholar pretended to be profound: "You will understand it just by looking at it."
I saw that there was still a dispute on the field.
Zhang Mengtong scolded: "What's the money? This dynasty has banned slave-keeping for many years, do you still have the law in your eyes?"
The strong man scratched his neck in dissatisfaction and said: "What's the king's law! It's the king's law to pay with one hand and deliver the goods with the other!"
"Besides, a certain family is not buying slaves. A certain family has given her stepfather enough silver as a bride price, and the matchmaker is marrying her. How can she not do it?"
"Can she just say she doesn't know me and ignore the matchmaker's words?"
Zhang Mengtong was stunned.
Unexpectedly, there is such a reason.
Not only him, but also everyone onlookers felt that there was a reason for the incident.
Most people were embarrassed.
Chen Yinzhao suddenly realized: "No wonder Maocai said there are articles in it."
Only Li Chengming still muttered: "That can't be robbed by force."
Li Xiucai glanced at the two of them and said, "Although I don't think much of matchmaking talk, the article I mentioned is not referring to this."
The two of them were stunned.
Gave him a strange look.
Li Xiucai motioned for the two of them to continue watching.
Seeing that everyone was silent, the strong man became more energetic: "On the contrary, it is Mr. Qingtian who should make the decision for me!"
Zhang Mengtong remained silent and did not answer.
Instead, he knelt down and asked the woman Wen Sheng: "But your stepfather sold you?"
The woman said: "My father went to the casino a few days ago and lost all the family's assets. He wanted to sell my mother and me yesterday to pay off the debt."
After saying this, he burst into tears again.
As soon as the words came out, the onlookers became angry again.
Li Chengming even cursed loudly.
The strong man held his head high and his chest high, contented and unafraid: "Why is selling so unpleasant? It's the order of the parents and the words of the matchmaker!"
Zhang Mengtong squatted on the ground and was speechless for a moment.
This situation is really tricky.
This is why it is said that it is difficult for an upright official to settle household affairs. With a clear eye, you can tell that it is a business, but it is really difficult to deal with one party against the advice of a matchmaker.
Zhang Mengtong stood up slowly and looked at the strong man: "How much money did you spend?"
The strong man looked at him warily: "What do you want to do?"
Zhang Mengtong ignored him and went to ask the woman on the ground.
After asking for the number, he nodded, looked around, and said loudly: "I am an official in the state. Although I am not a high official, I still have the status of a ninth-grade official."
"The people of this state are all subjects of the state government. I am an official of the state government. I am arrogant and arrogant. Do you think it is okay to call me an official of my parents?"
Many people had already guessed what he was going to do and responded in unison.
Li Chengming also reacted and sighed with Chen Yinzhao and the old scholar: "This man is really kind and skillful."
The old scholar curled his lips.
"Of course Zhang Limu is the parent official!"
"That's right! Zhang Limu is my parents!"
The constant responses gave Zhang Mengtong the confidence.
He nodded and said: "In this case, this girl's father died early, so I will take charge of this marriage for her!"
Taking advantage of the situation, he took out a bag, turned to look at the big man, and said arrogantly: "I don't agree with this marriage."
"I will withdraw the matchmaker's gift for her!"
After saying that, he threw the silver bag in his hand over.
The strong man was stunned for a moment, hesitant and at a loss.
Zhang Mengtong suddenly scolded: "Since the two sides are clear, don't let go!"
When everyone saw that this official was both reasonable and in compliance with his wishes, they couldn't help but clapped their hands and applauded.
"good!"
"Well done!"
Everyone shouted in unison, and the strong man took the money, counted it, and made sure he didn't suffer any loss. He snorted and left in despair.
Next, there is the much-loved segment between Mr. Qingtian and the daughter of the people thanking each other.
Chen Yinzhao watched it with great interest.
He couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Our dynasty is really full of capable people, and the ninth-grade officials have this method."
"Sure enough, there is a lot to write about."
If nothing else, if it were him, I really wouldn't have thought he could handle it this way.
It can only be said that these humble officials also have their own rules and regulations.
The old scholar on the side looked at the two people and sighed with emotion, and laughed and said: "This is not what I said about the great articles!"
They both turned back.
Um?
Any other explanation?
Li Chengming was already impatient: "You guys, don't try to betray me!"
The old scholar put his hands behind his back and shook his head: "I am also going to Beijing, and I happened to pass by this place. I don't know much about it."
"But I guess, Wang Zhigao, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, who you two just mentioned is going to Beijing to take up his post, is unknown, but he is upstairs at this time."
Li Chengming was confused.
Chen Yinzhao suddenly reacted and said in surprise: "You mean, this thing in front of you is someone deliberately staged!?"
The old scholar said angrily: "Isn't this nonsense? How come there are so many dramas about Mr. Qingtian, do you think this is a storybook?"
"Isn't this obviously showing off his nonsense Spring and Autumn Judgment?"
Li Chengming finally intervened: "Who are you talking about who planned this? Did the strong man deliberately ask for the gift money like this?"
The old scholar hated iron and was too lazy to pay attention to him.
But Chen Yinzhao couldn't help but asked: "You haven't asked Maocai about his name yet?"
The old scholar waved his hand: "As soon as I become a scholar, I won't have a big name. Just call me Li Zhi."
When they go out, their identities are given by themselves, and the three of them tacitly agree not to reveal their true identities.
Just then.
As expected, a man who looked like a book boy came down from the second floor.
He trotted all the way outside the inn, pushed through the crowd, walked up to Zhang Mengtong, and said politely: "Shangguan, my master wants to see you."
The book boy explained a few words to the confused Zhang Mengtong.
The latter reluctantly followed.
I happened to pass by the three people eating melon.
Li Zhi suddenly pointed at Chen and Li and said, "Wait a minute, my two young masters also want to meet your master!"
Chapter completed!