So next, Yang Shanlu immediately rushed back to the generals' mansion on the east road, and saw Zhou Chang who was waiting for him in the meeting room.
(Because this matter is related to the future maritime trade, and as the most important blood transfusion function for Shanxi's future governance! It is an indispensable part of the revitalization of Shanxi and even the entire Ming Dynasty, so Yang Shanlu must give a high degree Pay attention to it!)
And after Zhou Chang met Yang Shanlu, he was very happy... and felt that Yang Shanlu was really the nobleman in his life! Because since he caught up with Yang Shanlu's line, his monthly income has been at least twice as high as before!
Moreover, this senior general is a good leader, first almost wiped out the stray bandits in the Central Plains, and then shot off the Tartars who came to the side this time! So now his business road is much safer than before, and he no longer has to worry about being surrounded by sudden bandits when he sleeps in the middle of the night...
But Yang Shanlu looked very serious after seeing Zhou Chang, and before Zhou Chang saluted him, he said directly to him: "Zhou Chang, you are going to fight a big battle next!"
"What?" Zhou Chang just blinked his eyes, what does this mean
As for Yang Shanlu, he didn't give him a chance to inquire, and just asked directly: "Zhou Chang, I'm here to ask you, how much food did you bring with you this time?"
"Back to the adults, the students brought 500 shi of grain this time, which is 100,000 catties in total." Zhou Chang replied quickly.
"Very well, you successfully completed the task I explained... But starting today, this number will be expanded tenfold!"
"What?" Zhou Chang almost jumped up when he heard it, and he wanted to expand ten times? Then he understood what Yang Shanlu meant by saying that there was going to be a big battle, but how could this be possible? Zhou Chang personally participated in the whole process every time, so it was the most clear.
Although Annan is indeed rich in grain and rice (the Mekong Delta is a well-known food producing area), you must know that even so, it is also very hard... You have to go out to sea and walk on the sea for a month before you can reach Annan, and then you have to Hurry back, and then transport to the east road, the hard work on this road... and if this is expanded tenfold, all kinds of involved are complicated...
But he hasn't raised any objections. The next sentence Yang Shanlu said made him feel a little more comfortable: "Don't worry, when did I treat my friends badly? Next, you will receive the quantity of Baihualu A tenfold increase! Including overseas agents for sweaters that you have applied for several times before but have not been approved, they can also be handed over to you."
"Really?" After Zhou Chang heard it, he felt very comfortable... And this is what makes him feel most comfortable doing business with Yang Shanlu... He abides by business rules very much and never bullies others! That's right, Yang Shanlu has raised his requirements, but he has also given generous benefits! After all, Zhou Chang is very clear about how much benefit these increased quotas can bring to him!
But Zhou Chang thought about it again, his face sank again, he just cried and said: "Master General, not a student, I don't know what is good or bad, I have already felt the sincerity of Master General! But now the situation on the sea has changed again... "
That's right, the change Zhou Chang said was the rise of Zheng Zhilong, the maritime hegemon!
At this time, Zheng Zhilong had already defeated another big pirate on the sea, the Liu Xiang Group, and recently defeated the huge fleet of the Dutch East India Company in the Jinmen waters, and completely controlled Daming’s maritime trade. !
And after the supremacy of the sea, Zheng Zhilong began to charge a protection fee of 3,000 taels per ship to all merchant ships that went to sea to do business! That is to say, if you want to do business at sea, you can, but a boat will have to pay a protection fee of three thousand taels of silver! (Accounting for about 20-30% of the profit) Otherwise, just wait to go to the sea to feed the bastard!
As for Zhou Chang, I used to see his distant uncle for the sake of Zhou Yanru, the second servant of the court, and he didn’t have many boats (ten), so he only charged 1,000 taels of silver per boat. If this scale is expanded tenfold, and his uncle is not very popular recently, I am afraid this discount will be gone! (After Yang Sichang entered the pavilion, he was deeply favored by Chongzhen, so Zhou Yanru's status has dropped a lot)
In addition, after the scale is increased tenfold, the money to buy roads to travel around will also increase a lot after the landing, so the risk in this...
But when Zhou Chang was thinking about it carefully, Yang Shanlu had already seen his mind and waved his hand boldly: "Zhou Chang, you don’t have to think about that much. Since this official has burdened you, he will naturally Give you enough benefits, so you don’t have to look forward and backward at all!"
"Well, let me ask you, do you want to be an official?"
"What? Be an official?"
Zhou Chang's eyes widened as soon as he heard it, and he even started to breathe quickly!
You must know that being an official is his lifelong dream. The so-called learning to become an official and martial arts, selling to the emperor's family, as long as he wants to be motivated, who doesn't want to be an official? That is to say, after he passed the examination for talents, he failed repeatedly afterwards (failed to pass the examination, that is, Fan Jinzhongju was like Fan Jinzhongju), and he had no hope of career career, so he was helpless to become a businessman.
And since he started doing business, he has more deeply realized the benefits of having an official hat on his head! Zhou Chang is now a scholar, if for the ordinary people, it is already a figure of merit, and it is considered a privileged class.
But if you face all kinds of officials, it's not enough! Kneel down when you should kneel, kowtow when you should... But now, Yang Shanlu actually asked him if he wanted to be an official
And don’t look at Zhou Chang’s uncle who was the second assistant, but that’s just a distant relative (to put it bluntly, it’s just mutual use, he has to rely on Zhou Yanru’s banner to support the field, and Zhou Yanru needs his filial silver) In essence, his uncle despised him. After all, the so-called scholar, peasant, industry, and merchant are ranked last, but what about now? Actually have such a good opportunity
"I... I am willing!" Looking at Zhou Chang who was so excited that he couldn't even speak his words completely, Yang Shanlu just laughed, patted his shoulder and said: "That's right... and I am Think about it for you, I will reassure the court that you will be the deputy envoy of the newly-built "Shibosi", and if we want to be a high official... What do you think of the sixth rank civil servant?"
"What? Still from the sixth grade? My god!" After Zhou Chang listened, he felt happy and passed out...
This sergeant is really the noble man he hits! You must know that although he was a talented talent before, but facing those officials, it is nothing! But now? You actually got a Dangdang from Sixth Rank? You know that the majestic county grandfather is only the seventh grade, but now, this talented person is actually higher than him
So Zhou Chang turned his head like a chicken pecking rice, and said repeatedly: "I do! I do!"
"Haha, that's right." So Yang Shanlu said with satisfaction: "So as long as you work hard, I won't treat you badly! And I'm burdening you, but you won't be your identity afterwards. It’s the same! I’m doing this business on behalf of the court! Even including all the risks along the way, I will take care of it for you!"
Yang Shanlu is not talking big! Just like this time, the reason why he wanted to set Zhou Chang into the sixth rank, that was also considered! Because there are the most county magistrates in all places in Ming Dynasty, Zhou Chang has changed from the sixth rank, so that when he passes through any county in the future, he does not have to accept their extortion, even after those county magistrates see him, they still pay. Conversely, you have to verbally say that you are an official!
Even what Zhou Chang didn't say, like Zheng Zhilong, who has to collect protection fees, don't even think about it! Yang Shanlu now has no time to clean him up, otherwise, hum...
After all, what did Zheng Zhilong do like him! In the original history, although he received so many protection fees, he was wealthy and an enemy country, and built a huge armed force of 200,000 people, but when the Tartars entered the customs, he fell on his knees and surrendered! So people like this still want to collect protection fees
Yang Shanlu will write directly to him through the Ministry of War (the sea king at this time has accepted the call for security, with the name of the five tiger guerrilla generals of the imperial court), of course, if he does not listen to the orders, it can be It is half a soldier and half bandit, with the strength of the court at this time, there is not much binding force on him.
At that time, Yang Shanlu will directly dispatch three thousand Xuanjia troops to carry out armed escort at sea! And put all those new artillery on board! Also includes the latest flintlock! (Zheng Zhilong still uses the original jumping gang battle at this time) So what sea overlord, the South Sea Sea Dragon King, go all the way!
(In addition, in the original history, Nan Ming finally failed to withstand it. There are too many scumbags like Zheng Zhilong! And such people will always be nailed to the pillar of shame in history!)
Even in order to ensure the absolute safety of trade, including after entering the mainland, he will also send the Xuanjia Army to protect it, so with the support of Yang Shanlu, everything is okay!
After Zhou Chang listened to Yang Shanlu's plan, he was completely happy, and he said in a row: "That's great, all the students are the only ones looking forward to the generals!"
But after all, Zhou Chang has been engaged in maritime business for more than ten years, and he is very clear about the various details. He knew that he wanted to expand the transportation volume tenfold. In addition to the above-mentioned, there are many aspects involved. For example, the most important thing is that there are not so many ships available! And it must be a large sea ship that can be used for ocean navigation...
Regarding Zhou Chang’s concern, Yang Shanlu also took it all over. He just patted Zhou Chang’s shoulder and said, "Don’t worry, I’ve covered all of these! All you have to do is provide you with abundance. My sea experience, to be an old horse knowing the way, I have everything else! Including ocean-going ships and the like, it’s all."
"Master General, this sea boat is very particular about making it, and it is very knowledgeable..." Zhou Chang is still a little worried, after all, it's like a mountain...
"Don't worry, I said that if you pack it, you pack it!" Yang Shanlu did not hesitate to make a guarantee! And he really has this confidence! Is the ocean ship very particular about being manufactured? Very knowledgeable? So how about sending Song Yingxing out
We must know that Song Yingxing is a well-deserved scientific master of this era! It's like the "Heavenly Creations" compiled by him, which will be hailed as the "Encyclopedia of Chinese Crafts in the 17th Century"!
Including the masterpiece "Heavenly Creations", there is a detailed introduction to the manufacture of sea ships! What sand boats, bird boats, blessing boats, and canton boats... all are without question! So with such top talents under his command, is there still a problem to build a few sea ships
Even Yang Shanlu is confident that he might be able to build ships that surpass this era! As a traverser, Yang Shanlu is not proficient in shipbuilding, but with his vision that surpassed this era for three hundred years, he can not only build large ocean ships suitable for ocean navigation, but also the most advanced ships of this era. Oh!
So at that time, all the problems with sea-going ships are not a problem... (Generally speaking, the wood used to make sea-going ships has a problem with the drying period, but Yang Shanlu has an old man from the Ministry of War, let him write The subordinate shipyard transferred some wood, which is not a problem at all)
And after hearing that Yang Shanlu took such a big deal, Zhou Chang was relieved... and he didn't doubt whether Yang Shanlu was bragging. After all, he had witnessed how Yang Shanlu rose step by step over the years. A lot of things seemingly impossible have been done! So as long as Yang Shanlu promises, he will definitely be able to do it.
But there is one thing that Zhou Chang thought about repeatedly, and felt that it was better to confirm it, and that was about his sixth rank!
So Zhou Chang was very embarrassed and said to Yang Shanlu: "Sir General, don't blame me for thinking too much... Because this is really unprecedented! A small businessman like me can also become a sixth-ranked businessman. Sir?"
After all, according to Zhou Chang’s understanding, it’s the official department that is in charge of selecting officials and promoting the affairs. Although he knows that Yang Shanlu’s father is very powerful, it is the Shangshu of the Ministry of War, not the Shangshu of the officials. Can you manage this matter
Seeing his appearance, Yang Shanlu just smiled: "Why don't you worry about it?"
As Yang Shanlu, there is no need to explain to him too much, but Yang Shanlu still values this important subordinate very much in the future, so Yang Shanlu smiled and said, "Well, in order to make you feel at ease, Then open your eyes."
Speaking of Yang Shanlu, he stood back and forth, then took out a bright gold medal from his arms.
Zhou Chang didn't feel anything at first. After all, although gold brands are rare, they are not uncommon for a businessman like him with considerable wealth.
But when he saw the five-clawed golden dragon carved on it, including the four characters in the center... If I came in person, his eyes widened involuntarily: "My mother! I'm not dreaming, am I? Legend? Things in the middle will actually appear?" Even because of the shock, his body started to tremble at the end! Almost collapsed!
When he saw him, Yang Shanlu just laughed... This is the power of imperial power! And this is not an official official, so he doesn't understand the rules, otherwise, as long as he sees this imperial gift gold medal, no matter what rank official, he must kneel down and kowtow to this gold medal! Because this represents the emperor's presence in person! It represents the supreme imperial power!
Of course, now Zhou Chang's reaction clearly understands the meaning of this gold medal. In other words, he is also a talented person, and his knowledge is better than ordinary people.
So after Zhou Chang finished reading it, Yang Shanlu put away the gold medal, and then smiled and said: "How? Now you should be sure... So don't worry, just follow me and work hard. You Prosperity and wealth!"
"Yes, yes!" Zhou Chang no longer doubted this (and he didn't doubt that it was fake, who would dare to forge this kind of thing, that is the great sin of the Nine Clan!), and then he just made sure again, Yang Shan Lu is really the noble man he hit! Even this kind of legendary thing can be encountered! Imagining the benefits of being a sixth-rank official again, Zhou Chang has secretly made up his mind to hold this big thick leg tightly in this life!
Not to mention that Zhou Chang is still more'dedicated'. After he was sure that he could really become a senior official from the sixth rank, he had already taken over this role, and he was still interested in seeing Yang Shanlu, he just accompanied him carefully. I asked, about the daily process of this city ship department.
But at the end, Zhou Chang accompanied a smiling face and said, "Dare to ask adults, then who is the ambassador of the Shibosi Department? Anyway, it is to promote students, why not give me this position to students, hehe..."
"Why, do you still like this position?" Yang Shanlu just pretended to be a stern face: "To tell you the truth, this ambassador of the Shibosi Department is concurrently served by this general. So, do you still want to climb? On the head of this general?"
"Ah! I dare not dare!" Zhou Chang was shocked when he heard it. If he knew that the Shibo Secretary Yang Shanlu was also in charge, he would not dare to have this thought when he was killed...
It's just that he really can't figure it out. Want to know what identity Yang Shanlu is? That's a dignified senior second-grade member, who stomped his feet and trembled all over the east road! But now? Actually want to be a small ambassador of the Shibosi Department? After all, no matter how high the official position of the ambassador of the Shibosi Department is, it usually means that the sixth rank is at the top, right
However, Zhou Chang couldn't understand that Yang Shanlu was very aware of this necessity, and he had to take the post himself as the director of the city ship! As for the reason, it is also very simple, that is that the oil and water in this yamen are too much, that is, it is a super sweet pastry!
Just think about it, the dividend paid to Emperor Chongzhen for one year alone will be as great as 2 million taels of silver! Such a super sweet potato, if there is not a strong person in charge, then I don’t know how many people will rush to take a bite! So instead of entangled afterwards, it's better to sit down and cut off those people's thoughts from the beginning.
So just like that, after the two had a close conversation for half an hour, Zhou Chang happily left, and seeing him walking with excitement, he was obviously overjoyed!
And looking at his appearance, Yang Shanlu is also very satisfied... With such an expert who is proficient in maritime trade, will there be any problems in doing maritime business in the future? (This is the win-win he admired most)
Of course, in fact, his promotion of Zhou Chang as a sixth-rank official was still a bit'overrun', because at the beginning, in his agreement with Emperor Chongzhen, the highest-rank official he could appoint was the county magistrate of Zhengqi-rank (for The governor and chief ambassador in Shanxi, he only has the right to control but not the right to appoint), but now he promised Zhou Chang from the sixth rank.
However, Yang Shanlu was not worried. Chongzhen would reject it because it was obvious. Although this was a little overrun, it was related to Chongzhen's annual income of two million taels of silver. Surely he would agree to it, right? After all, when appointing such a mere six-rank official, compared with two million taels of silver, it is still very clear which one is lighter and which is more important than Chongzhen.
Then, after handling Zhou Chang’s affairs in this way, after initially setting up the bureau of Shibosi, Yang Shanlu began to strengthen the Intelligence Department and Supervision Department according to the plan made... After all, there are not enough talents in the hands, so it can only be strengthened. The power of these two aspects, after all, the clever use of these two powers can also play a very good role.
Therefore, in the autumn of the twelfth year of Chongzhen, Yang Shanlu had already begun to take action, preparing for the great governance in half a year!
ps Haha, a big chapter with more than 5,000 words... Originally, White Horse wanted to divide into two chapters, but after thinking about it, forget it. You need to maintain fluency in reading, hehe (end of this chapter)