Chapter 470: The Tricks of the Horse and Carriage Business
Chapter 470: The Tricks of the Horse and Carriage Business
The setting sun pours down in the summer evening like molten gold, dyeing the sky a brilliant orange-red.
The afterglow gently embraced the entire Yingtian City.
Lu Yunyi and Li Jinglong had just walked out of the imperial city and were now walking aimlessly on the street.
The afterglow of the setting sun stretched their shadows long.
It seems like thoughts that grow day by day are unfolding in this quiet and slightly lazy evening.
Their faces looked soft in the setting sun, but they could not hide the hint of emotion in their eyes.
The two of them were still wearing neat and tidy clothes, but they seemed out of tune with this urban life.
The afterglow of the setting sun gradually softened, a faint violet color appeared on the horizon, and a breeze blew by, bringing the coolness and tranquility of the summer night.
Li Jinglong squinted his eyes, enjoying the breeze, and spoke lightly:
“Zeng Jingyuan impeached you, along with some of his close friends.
There are so many people that it is hard to tell which ones are Zeng Jingyuan’s friends and which ones are under the orders of the Yu family.”
Lu Yunyi had a gentle expression, and he didn't look like a soldier at all. Instead, he looked like a handsome young man.
"It's a mob, don't take it to heart. Some impeachment is better than no impeachment."
"I'm relieved that you think this way. I hurried here." Li Jinglong smiled with emotion.
His eyes looked towards the many shops along the street. The sun was about to set and everyone was packing up and preparing to close.
I don't know why, after experiencing the fighting and cruelty on the battlefield,
In the past, I would dismiss such scenes and wouldn’t even look at them, but now I can’t get enough of them.
“Only after experiencing life and death can you know how good life is.
In the past, I didn’t like staying at home and went out socializing all day.
I also figured it out. What I did in the past few years was all self-deception. After I became strong, many people who had looked down on me came up to me and their attitudes changed drastically.
Looking at their fawning faces, I couldn't imagine that they were originally so arrogant.
They tried to persuade me to go out for drinks, but I refused and decided to stay home.
Li Jinglong spoke slowly, his upright posture showing a little more confidence and assurance.
Lu Yunyi smiled:
"It's always like this. After you become successful, you'll be surrounded by good people."
"By the way, what is this military training the prince is talking about?
To be honest, I don't really want to go to the training, and I don't know how long I'll be gone." Li Jinglong scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed.
“I will definitely be back by the end of the year.”
"How do you know?" Li Jinglong was shocked!
"I met the Prince of Jin and the Prince of Yan at the Prince's Mansion last night.
The imperial court planned to launch a northern expedition to attack the Northern Yuan Dynasty's Grand Commandant Nairbuhua.
The troops should be dispatched at the beginning of next year.
So, even if we go to train the troops, it will only take a few months."
"Northern Expedition?"
Li Jinglong's pupils suddenly contracted!
He was very sure that the Governor's Office had no previous plans for a northern expedition, and now that it had appeared, it must have been a spur-of-the-moment decision.
"Yun Yi, the external war is over. Shouldn't the court focus on internal affairs? Could it be... the inner world?"
Li Jinglong suddenly felt a little frightened. After experiencing the war, he now understood.
Why does Dad always say that when you are in doubt, go fight the grassland people.
Because foreign wars are a way to vent domestic and court pressure, it is better to launch a war hastily now.
He was afraid that the palace could not withstand the pressure from the government and the public, and what he feared even more was that the palace would be defeated.
Lu Yunyi said calmly:
"It's not what you think. Nanxiong Hou and others will also go to the battle this time. The Duke of Ying will be in charge, and the two princes will coordinate."
"Tune the tiger away from the mountain?"
Instead of relaxing, Li Jinglong became even more tense!
"Yes, all wars are a continuation of politics.
Although this war seems to be directed externally, it is actually directed internally, and there may be waves next year."
Li Jinglong remained silent for a long time, his lips tightly pursed.
If possible, he hoped that such days would continue forever.
He knew very well that the external war was not scary, but the internal fighting was really scary.
It was a real life-and-death fight with no room for surrender.
Li Jinglong's breathing was a little rapid, his pupils were shaking violently, and his voice was slow and confused:
"Yun Yi, can the imperial court win?"
Suddenly, he saw Lu Yunyi laughing, a laugh that was meaningful and somewhat inexplicable.
Then, he saw those eyes that were always calm, and heard the answer he wanted to hear:
"Your Majesty is in your prime, so this little setback is nothing. We will definitely win."
"call"
Li Jinglong breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense muscles relaxed. Unknowingly, his back was already wet with cold sweat.
"That's good, that's good"
After getting a positive answer, Li Jinglong became happy again and his steps became a little lighter.
But he soon discovered something.
"Yun Yi, since you can win, why do you have a stern face? Are you also a traitor?" Li Jinglong teased.
Lu Yunyi's expression suddenly became strange.
After a long pause, he said:
"Whether you are a traitor or not is not up to you to decide, nor can you make the decision."
Li Jinglong was stunned by these inexplicable words, and he consoled him:
"Don't worry, Yun Yi, as long as His Majesty and the Crown Prince trust you, it doesn't matter if someone else falsely accuses you.
Don't be fooled by His Majesty's cold appearance all day long.
But I know that he always treats foreign officials in this way and never shows any warmth.
But I can feel that His Majesty and the Crown Prince value you.
Some people impeached you today and also said that you broke into Yu's house without permission.
He was immediately reprimanded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and Lord Zhan even rejected all the memorials involving the Yu Mansion.
What is this? This is grace and protection!
Don't worry, even if the sky falls, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will hold it up, nothing will happen!"
Lu Yunyi's shoulders suddenly began to shake and he couldn't stop laughing. Finally, he started laughing loudly and wildly!
Li Jinglong was a little confused and thought that he was infected by his words, so he also laughed.
He hugged Lu Yunyi's neck and pointed at the Qinhuai River:
"Come on, call Black Hawk, let's go drink!"
"No, I have to visit the general tomorrow. Oh, and I have to visit my master-master too."
"Let's talk about tomorrow tomorrow. What does today have to do with it?
You are the owner of Zuixianlou now. You don’t have to spend money on meals. It would be a waste if you don’t eat.
When the time comes, let Black Hawk open a brothel, where you can be free and easy without spending any money, and have fun! "
Lu Yunyi's expression suddenly became strange, and he leaned closer and muttered:
"Wait until those people fall. All the brothels in the capital belong to the imperial court. Then we can pick a few good ones and buy them. It will save trouble and be cheap."
Li Jinglong was stunned for a moment, his eyes gradually brightened:
"Yun Yi!! You are so smart!!
Not only brothels, but also some good businesses will be bought!! "
At this point, Lu Yunyi remembered something and asked:
"I see that the carriage and horse business in this city is a good business. Who controls most of it?"
Li Jinglong was a little surprised: "Why are you asking this?"
"The carriage and horse business makes money. It's a business with no capital investment. It makes more money than running a brothel or a restaurant."
Li Jinglong looked at him in shock: "How did you know?"
Ok?
Lu Yunyi broke free from Li Jinglong's arms and looked him up and down:
"you?"
Li Jinglong nodded like pecking at rice: "It's me."
He then added: "And Changfu."
Lu Yunyi suddenly realized that this business was actually run by two dukes.
No wonder no one wants to do such a profitable business.
It seems that he guessed correctly, some businesses look good,
But the good reason is that it is indeed occupied by the tiger. It is just left there on weekdays, seemingly undisturbed, but once someone becomes covetous, the tiger will pounce on it.
Li Jinglong explained: "It was the palace's idea to run this carriage and horse business at that time."
"In the palace?"
Li Jinglong nodded: "Yes, after Yingtian City was rebuilt,
His Majesty said that the many post stations outside the city were of the utmost importance.
We must spend a huge amount of money to cover the entire Ming Dynasty. Even if it is just to support the people, we cannot lay off any employees.
Because once it is used, it will be extremely urgent.
As for the city, these carriages and horses are enough.
In daily life, they come into contact with all kinds of people and understand everything about the world. They can also be of great use in emergencies, such as transporting troops and food. Such important matters must be controlled in the hands of their own people.
By the way, at that time the imperial court wanted to set up a special government office, just like the Salt Commissioner's Office.
But later on, there were always people who complained that the imperial court was competing with the people for profits.
The business of the carriage and horse company fell into the hands of my father and the Chang family by accident."
After understanding the whole story, Lu Yunyi also felt that this was the truth.
If a war breaks out, it will be too late to mobilize horses and carriages.
At this time, the carriage and horse business was under the control of the imperial court, so it was still in time.
Li Jinglong moved closer and lowered his voice:
"Yun Yi, this is really a good business. We can make a lot of money every year. Do you want to get involved? We are all family, so it's okay to share a little."
Lu Yunyi shook his head and refused: "I'm not interested in money."
"I see it."
If someone else said this, Li Jinglong would definitely think he was talking nonsense, but Lu Yunyi said so, and he believed it.
"Then why do you ask this?"
"It may not be possible to make money this way in the future." Lu Yunyi said for no reason.
"Huh? Why?"
“The emergence of new tools will inevitably impact the original market of old tools.
The wheelbarrows squeezed out many porters and porters, while the bicycles squeezed out horse-drawn carriages, donkey carts and other tools.
After careful cost cutting, the bike might come to five cents.
By then, a family of three only needs to be frugal and save enough money for a year to buy it. It is more than enough to bring people to transport goods on weekdays.
Of course, this process is like boiling a frog in warm water.
It will take a year or two for its power to become apparent.”
"What should I do?"
Li Jinglong blinked his eyes. Although he didn’t understand the key point, he knew that Yun Yi could not be wrong.
He was a little anxious now. The carriage and horse businesses in various places earned at least tens of thousands of taels of silver every year.
If he loses so much income all of a sudden, won't he have to live on coarse food?
Lu Yunyi said calmly:
"Everything must keep pace with the times. The horse-drawn carriage business will not disappear, but will become less and less, and will be replaced by the newly emerging bicycles.
In that case, the horse and carriage business can buy some bicycles and do a simple business with little profit, which can also make money.
It also gives you a good reputation, so why not do it? "
Li Jinglong realized that whether it was a bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage, they were essentially tools.
What he controls is power, and no matter how the tools change, he can still make money without any delay.
At this point, Li Jinglong felt relieved and laughed:
"Yun Yi, if you were to do business, you would definitely be a top-notch businessman."
Lu Yunyi thought of an interesting thing.
"When I was in Gyeongju with Black Hawk, the thing I thought about most every day was that I could become a thousand households in Gyeongju.
By then, officials and businessmen will work together to expand his fruit and vegetable business and make a fortune."
Huh? Li Jinglong looked at Lu Yunyi in shock:
"Did you really think so at the beginning?"
Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Why would I lie to you? Later on, I really made contributions and was promoted faster than the last one. So I stopped thinking about it.
Money is something outside of one's body, it is enough to have enough to spend.
It is better to be healthy, which cannot be bought with any amount of money."
After these words were spoken, not only Li Jinglong fell silent,
Even the many personal soldiers behind him couldn't help but slow down their pace.
They all knew that the adult not only had hysteria and couldn't sleep well every day, but also might...
Li Jinglong hesitated and thought for a long time before saying:
"Yun Yi, I have already consulted the director of the Imperial Hospital. I will take you to the Imperial City tomorrow to have a look.
I just don’t believe it. The best doctors in the world gather in this imperial city. What disease can’t be cured?”
Lu Yunyi bowed his head slightly and agreed:
"Okay, thank you very much."
Li Jinglong breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that he had agreed, and quickly patted him on the shoulder:
"Let's drink today, let's drink today!"
As he spoke, Li Jinglong strode forward, swinging his arms rapidly, his voice sonorous and powerful:
"I am no longer the cautious Li Jiujiang I once was."
"I am Duke Cao, Jinglong!"
The Yingtian Ministry of Works is located in the imperial city.
Now it is time to go to work, but the Ministry of Works is still bustling with people coming and going.
Many officials walked in a hurry with serious expressions.
They could faintly hear the quarrel coming from the main hall in the center, which made them lower their heads.
In the main hall, the newly appointed Minister of Works Qin Kui sat at the top.
He held the teacup in his hand, taking a sip from time to time, his face calm.
He had a dark complexion, and the scarlet robe looked strange on him, but it could not conceal his majesty.
Below, both sides were filled with officials, who were arguing sharply.
“Master Li, you must be aware of the chaos that cart caused in Yuezhou.
Now we have to build a workshop specifically for making this thing.
If this gets out, you know what a huge uproar it will cause!! "
A middle-aged man with gray beard and fat body sat up straight.
Looking at Li Zhigang on the opposite left, he scolded him with sharp words!
He is Zhou Mingli, a doctor in the Ministry of Works.
Specially responsible for repairing city gates, imperial tombs, gatehouses, temples, bridges and other projects!
Li Zhigang was the director of the Ministry of Works,
Responsible for managing mountains, rivers, forests and marshes, collecting supplies such as bird and animal skins, and transporting and delivering materials such as lacquer and iron.
The Ministry of Works also had the Du Shui Qing Li Si, which was responsible for the maintenance and repair of bridges, roads and water tunnels, as well as the manufacture of transport vessels and warships for war preparation.
The Tuntiansi and Qinglisi were responsible for the supply of military farms, oxen, paint, firewood, etc.
The two adults sat there smiling, saying nothing, watching the two people quarreling.
When Li Zhigang heard such fierce words, he sat up straight, his eyes widened, staring at Zhou Mingli:
“Mr. Zhou, you are also a veteran in the Ministry of Industry.
I think you know better than anyone what a wheelbarrow is used for and what it is good for.
If the imperial court did not set up workshops to produce this product and control it,
Are we going to let the people produce it on their own? Wouldn't that make things even more chaotic?"
Everyone present had strange expressions on their faces and turned their eyes to Zhou Mingli.
Zhou Mingli felt the many looks coming at him, but he was not afraid at all, his eyes also widened:
“Sir Li, the state cannot compete with the people for profit!
The wheelbarrows had already taken away some of the laborers' lives.
If the imperial court wants to take away even the jobs of making wheelbarrows, how can they still have food to eat? They will have no livelihood at all!"
Upon hearing this, Li Zhigang stood up abruptly, put his hands on his hips and looked down at Zhou Mingli:
"Sir Zhou, you should know better than me what kind of people these merchants are.
If the wheelbarrows were left to their workshops to build, those porters would truly lose their livelihoods!
Furthermore, doesn’t Lord Zhou know the reason for the chaos in Yuezhou?
If those merchants had not been so greedy that they swept away all the laborers, how could such a big chaos have occurred in Yuezhou Port?
Your Majesty has said that merchants are greedy and cannot be trusted or relied upon!
Lord Zhou has repeatedly spoken for those merchants, so it's hard not to suspect that you are up to something!"
"You!!! That's nonsense!!!"
Zhou Mingli roared angrily and stood up abruptly, scolding:
"Master Li, you have only been in the Ministry of Industry for a few years, but your reputation of clinging to the powerful and wealthy has spread far and wide. Who is behind this?"
At this point, all the gentlemen present looked at the new Shangshu Qin Kui in a somewhat obscure way, with some deep meaning in their eyes.
Qin Kui paused holding the teacup, and raised his eyes slightly.
He looked at Zhou Mingli who was standing there with a scrutinizing look.
Zhou Mingli's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed:
"Sir Qin, I don't know if Sir Li has been to the workshop.
But I have been there, the work there is not easy, and it requires people who are clever and skillful.
If those laborers enter the workshop, the court will support them.
If they don't do their job well, it will be a losing business. Our Ministry of Industry is not a poorhouse!"
"What are you talking about?"
Qin Kui snorted coldly and gently placed the teacup in his hand on the table with a soft "pa" sound.
Everyone in the field felt a jolt in their hearts and their bodies trembled.
Qin Kui sat at the top and glanced at everyone present:
"The Ministry of Works is certainly not a poorhouse, but the Ministry of Works will not stand by and watch someone in need, or seek small gains."
At this time, Ji Yuchen, the left assistant minister of the Ministry of Works, who was sitting first on the left, nodded slightly:
"Mr. Qin is right, but Mr. Zhou is also right.
Even if we build a workshop and recruit all the laborers,
How many people can the Ministry of Industry recruit? How many people can the Ministry of Industry manage?
The bottom line is that there are too few carts, and setting up a workshop specifically for them is not a safe approach; it would make the Ministry of Works even more bloated.
By then, the promotion of the trolleys will be smooth and the workshop will no longer need to produce them continuously.
Where can those laborers go?
It is possible that there will be more officials and more staff, and the court does not want to see such a scene the most."
As soon as he spoke, Zhou Mingli nodded in agreement, and some other people in the room did the same.
Seeing that the good situation was beginning to deteriorate, Li Zhigang quickly prepared his words in his mind, intending to have another big fight.
But at this moment, hurried footsteps sounded from the door.
I saw an official push the door open, see the top, bow and say:
"Sir Qin, His Majesty has ordered you to enter the palace."
(End of this chapter)