Wang Qiang's side is going well, Emperor Chongzhen in the Forbidden City is also happy recently, first Hong Chengchou led a large army in Henan to encircle and suppress Li Zicheng, because of the appropriate measures, although not completely exterminated, but has successfully curbed the development momentum of the peasant army, Li Zicheng's power is limited to Henan. Then this year's bumper summer grain harvest across the country, coupled with the arrival of a large amount of grain imported from overseas in the north, the problem of food was basically solved, and he issued an order to reduce or exempt the taxes of some prefectures that were more severely affected, which was praised by all the people. Chongzhen also has a happy event, that is, Concubine Li gave birth to a prince to him a few days ago. Emperor Chongzhen's heirs are sparse, only a few years ago the queen gave birth to a daughter, is the eldest princess, after this because Chongzhen is busy with state affairs, neglected the harem affairs, there are no other children, now there is a prince, finally there is a successor, Emperor Chongzhen's inner joy is not to mention.

On this day, Chongzhen was in the south study to review the folds, and the chief eunuch came to report, saying that Wang Qiang, the minister of the special affairs office of the special zone, had entered Beijing to report on his work, and he was waiting to see him outside the palace, and Chongzhen immediately ordered him to pass on the report.

Wang Qiang came to the south study, Chongzhen looked Wang Qiang up and down, he hadn't seen him for a few months, Wang Qiang had obviously grown stronger, not as thin as before, his face was black and red, full of spirit, and his eyebrows had increased a little calm, and he seemed to have grown a little taller.

Chongzhen nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "Wang Qiang, sit down, I haven't seen you for a few months, I have long wanted to talk to you." Hong Chengchou has to praise you every time you go up, and I have a bright face, and I also blocked the mouths of the old people who said that young people can't do big things, and I want to show them. Today, there are only you and I here, and it is still the old rule, speak freely, and those who speak are not guilty. ”

"Long live thanks." Wang Qiang saluted but did not sit down, he took out a paper bag from his arms and put it in front of Chongzhen, the paper bag was open, and inside was a thick stack of silver tickets.

"Wang Qiang, what do you mean by this?" Chongzhen asked suspiciously.

Wang Qiang said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this is the dividend that the trade market of the Special Administrative Region will give you this year!" ”

"Dividends? Where do you start? ”

"Your Majesty, you have forgotten that in order to run the Special Economic Zone, you allocated 50,000 taels of silver from the treasury, and Weichen counted the silver into the treasury bonds, which are the dividends of the treasury bonds, a total of 100,000 taels."

"So much, it's a double bonus!" Chongzhen was surprised.

"Hehe, this is for you alone, Weichen must not let the emperor, the queen mother and the ladies of the harem suffer, as for the others, this bonus will be given at most five cents."

"Five cents is too much, you have a new special zone, there are many places to use money, what will you do in the future?" Chongzhen is a family member, and he can't help but regret it.

"Your Majesty, as the saying goes, it's good to borrow and repay, and it's not difficult to borrow again, and now Weichen plans to repay the first phase of the treasury bonds with interest, so that everyone can benefit, and when the second phase of the treasury bonds is issued again, everyone will definitely be enthusiastic, and then there will be no need for the emperor to worry about the silver." Wang Qiang said eloquently.

"Well, that's right, it's up to you." Chongzhen said unwillingly.

Wang Qiang sat down and took out a small notebook, because he reported a lot of things, so he wrote them down in advance one by one. Wang Qiang said: "The first thing the minister wants to say is to set up a few more trade markets. Your Majesty, this trade market is a sure deal, and the minister plans to build a few more markets in Wuhan, Guangzhou, and Luoyang, so that the trade network of my Ming Dynasty extends in all directions, which is beneficial to the development of people's livelihood. ------”

"Hmm." Chongzhen listened and nodded again and again, running a trade market can promote trade, can increase the income of the imperial court These benefits Chongzhen can see clearly, in addition to these, the trade market itself is the country's material reserve warehouse, and now the Tongzhou trade market has more grain than Taicang, once the country has something, the imperial court can requisition an edict, Chongzhen is at the highest level of national rule, but Wang Qiang can see it more clearly.

"This article is approved, you go back to draft the articles of association and discuss the six parts, and I will implement it as approved."

"The second thing Wechen wants to say is to set up a government-run bank. Your Majesty, although there are several money banks in China now, they cannot be exchanged with each other, and there are few ticket outlets, so it is not very convenient to circulate. Therefore, Wechen planned to set up a money bank in the name of the Special Economic Zone, using treasury bonds and silver as the principal, and there were several other markets to be built in Tongzhou to open branches at the same time, and the silver tickets of merchants from all over the country could be exchanged at these branches. ”

Chongzhen pondered for a moment and said: "Yes, in this way, the special zone money village will be used to control the ticket numbers of various places, which will facilitate circulation, but this matter is very important, you first draw up a detailed statement, submit it to the cabinet and the household department for consideration and study, and then do it after it is decided." ”

"Yes. Third, Wechen hopes to expand the scope of the special zone and include the entire boundary of Tongzhou as a special zone. ”

"Oh, tell me about it." Chongzhen said with interest.

"At present, the trade market in the Special Economic Zone is operating normally and the income is stable, so next year Wechen wants to make some fuss about the industry. Specifically, I want to build a few factories in Tongzhou, that is, large workshops, such as iron smelting, weapons manufacturing, agricultural tool production, etc., according to Wechen's understanding, most of the domestic workshops are private investment, the scale is not large, and the technology is also backward, if the government to run the factory is different, the special zone here has to have people, complete materials, the production of things by the government underwriting, the profit is also the income of the imperial court, it can be said to kill two birds with one stone. In addition, Weichen also plans to set up several farms in Tongzhou, recruit landless displaced people to unify production, can raise chickens, cattle, sheep, pigs, dig fish ponds and raise fish, this land is afraid that there is much more than simply growing grain, the so-called agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and sideline fishery comprehensive development. Weichen intends to take Tongzhou County as a pilot, if it can be successful, it can be promoted in the whole country like a market, and then I will have no food and clothing! These ideas were the result of Wang Qiang's careful consideration, and he spoke clearly and fluently.

Chongzhen listened very seriously, sometimes frowning and thinking, sometimes nodding in agreement, and even more surprised in his heart. The Wang Qiang in front of him is no longer the same as the little duozi half a year ago, the previous Wang Qiang was clever, loyal and hardworking, and a little willful and nonsense; And the Wang Qiang in front of him has far-reaching insights, clear thinking, and the things he has planned have covered trade, finance, industry, agriculture and other aspects, all of which are related to the overall situation.

After Wang Qiang finished speaking, Chongzhen happily patted the royal case and said: "Since Aiqing is so ambitious, I should be fulfilled, you can do it boldly." I will issue an order tomorrow, not today, to put the entire Tongzhou under the rule of the Special Administrative Region! I also allow you tax exemption for three years, and the promotion and dismissal of officials at all levels in Tongzhou will be decided by you alone, how about it! ”

Wang Qiang was overjoyed, got up and knelt down and said: "Long live Xie, the minister also promised His Majesty that within three years, Tongzhou will be ruled by the Great Rule, and after three years, Tongzhou's finances will surpass Jiangnan and rank first in the country!" ”

"Okay, ambitious!" Chongzhen high-fived and praised.

Wang Qiang got up and returned to his seat and continued: "Your Majesty, when it comes to the promotion of officials, Weichen has another request here. ”

"Speak!"

"There are a lot of things that the Special Administrative Region will set up next year, and now there are too few people available at his disposal, and Wechen plans to transfer some more people to help."

"Do you have a good candidate?" Chongzhen asked.

"Long live, when Weichen passed by Yanzhou, he found that Zhang Hao, the commander of Ding'an County, was a good official who loved the people, and wanted to be transferred to Tongzhou."

"A county order is easy to handle, you will handle it in the name of the Special Administrative Region, and I have my own will here to the Ministry of Officials. Anything else? ”

"Long live the return, the minister sat in the prison of Dongchang at the beginning, and saw that there were many criminal officials in it, according to the minister's understanding, many officials in it were not guilty to death, and they could not be killed or released, so they were raised, which was really a waste. According to the minister's opinion, it is better to select some capable people from among them, and let them serve in the special zone, first, these people have the intention of making meritorious contributions, and they must be willing to work, and second, they are criminal officials, and they are willing to listen to the greetings of the ministers, and ask the emperor to decide! ”

"Hahahaha, you are really clever, this idea can also be thought of, you and Li Yifang will screen and handle this matter together, but there are minor crimes, and those who are pitiful can be released and used, but these people must be made clear in advance, their crimes are not avoided, and they must not have other thoughts, if there is a recidivism, the two crimes will not be forgiven." Chongzhen said.

"Yes, long live you. Wechen has another thing here, Wechen intends to establish an army in the Special Administrative Region. Wang Qiang said.

"Huh!? Army! Chongzhen's face sank, and there was a hint of vigilance in his eyes! Wang Qiang looked down at the booklet but didn't pay attention to it, and continued to report: "That's the case, Your Majesty, didn't we recruit a large number of migrant workers for the construction of the Special Economic Zone, now that the Special Economic Zone has been completed, it stands to reason that these people should be dismissed, but Weichen feels that most of these people are landless displaced people, and once they are dismissed, they will become a major hidden danger to local public security; In addition, now that the SAR is now concentrated in materials and wealth, it is difficult to guarantee that there is no idea of bandits and thieves to get through the state, so Weichen thinks it is better to organize these people into a team to be responsible for the safety and security of the SAR. ”

With Wang Qiang's explanation, Chongzhen's face gradually returned to color, and he muttered: "Half army and half civilian, it's also a way, just call the militia group." However, the number of personnel should be controlled within 5,000 people, and if there are too many, you will not be able to fit in the Special Administrative Region. ”

"Yes, it's called the militia group, and Weichen will handle it according to your wishes, Your Majesty." Wang Qiang said.

"What else?" Chongzhen's tone was a little stiff.

"In addition, Wechen plans to set up a school in the Special Administrative Region and a research institute, which will not learn useless eight-share articles, but will be used to teach engineering, agriculture, and science; The institute is "

"That's it!" Chongzhen waved his hand to interrupt Wang Qiang, and said in a doctrinal tone: "The eight-strand article talks about the way of the sage, and only the way of the sage is the foundation of the country!" You haven't read a book, how do you know that the eight-strand article is useless, I let you read, that is, I want you to learn the way of the sage, and you should study the three outlines and five constants with your heart. As for the research institute, I don't know what it is, but greed for more things is also what the saint said. ”

"This, Your Majesty." Wang Qiang lowered his head when he was trained, he didn't know how to answer, he played a quasi-one just now, I don't know why the emperor suddenly changed his sex, he actually played a refutation, he was anxious, and couldn't help blushing.

Chongzhen also noticed that his tone was a little stiff, so he slowed down his tone and said: "Wang Qiang, you want to be a famous minister, I know, but you are still young, you need to know the principle of step-by-step, now, you have enough important things to do, no matter how much I am afraid that you can't take care of the left and right, but there is a mistake, things have to be done one by one, let's take our time, okay?" ”

Listening to Chongzhen's persuasion, Wang Qiang was relieved, and he also felt that he was indeed a little anxious, so he hurriedly bowed his head and said: "What the emperor instructed is that Weichen is indeed a little greedy and anxious, if it weren't for the emperor's guidance, I'm afraid that I would really make a mistake." ”

"Huh. That's right, oh, you're just in time today, it's my prince's first birthday, and Concubine Li is your old master, so you can go with me to the back and have a look. ”

Chongzhen's words hooked Wang Qiang's mind, thinking that he had such a love with Concubine Li, and put on a watermelon hat for the emperor, he felt ashamed, and now Concubine Li gave birth to a child for the emperor, after all, they are husband and wife, and they are happy and ashamed and a little desolate, as if they had overturned a five-flavor bottle. He hurriedly lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid it's not appropriate for me to go." ”

"Huh! What's inappropriate, is it a pleasure to give birth to a prince, let's go! Saying that, he couldn't help but raise his legs and leave, Wang Qiang had no choice but to follow Chongzhen into the harem.

Chongzhen deliberately enveloped Wang Qiang, and said as he walked: "I heard that you still live in a simple house to work, it's not a way to go on like this, anyway, you have a place in the Special Economic Zone, it's better to build a house, and settle down, and it's more convenient to live." ”

Wang Qiang said gratefully: "Yes, Emperor Xie cares, but Weichen is a waste, and it is the same whether he has a home or not anyway." After saying that, he sighed.

Chongzhen listened, and couldn't help but feel moved, although Wang Qiang was born as a eunuch, but when he grew up, he would have seven emotions and six desires, and at that time, those big eunuchs who had a certain grade and worked on errands in various divisions had wives, and some had three wives and four concubines.

At this time, the Zhongcui Palace was very lively, and there was a joyful atmosphere. The Queen Mother, Concubine Rong and the Queen and other concubines all came, and the prince was wrapped in a thin quilt and held by the nurse, and the prince's long thin skin and tender flesh were very bulging. The queen mother and the concubine were chatting around the prince, and Concubine Li accompanied the queen to sit on the edge of the kang and chat.

With the shouting of the chief eunuch, Chongzhen walked in with great interest, and Wang Qiang followed behind him. Everyone greeted each other, the emperor walked to the child's side, stretched out his hand and gently touched the child's little face, and softly smacked the child in his mouth.

Wang Qiang didn't know that this child was his flesh and blood, so he didn't care, he only secretly looked at Concubine Li, now Concubine Li has become richer, but she is becoming more mature and sexy, and Concubine Li is also glancing at Wang Qiang, the two of them look at each other, their faces can't help but red, Concubine Li thinks that Wang Qiang is the biological father of this child, but he concealed this matter, and he has an apology for Wang Qiang in his heart, and he learned from Chongzhen's mouth that this Wang Qiang is now wearing many hats, shrewd and capable, and sooner or later he will become the pillar of the country. also has the heart to win over Wang Qiang, and to form a strong reinforcement for his son to ascend to the throne one day, and he can't help but have a plan in his heart.

Chongzhen beckoned: "Wang Qiang, you can also come and have a look." ”

"Hey." Wang Qiang drove the first two steps to the child's side, looked down, the child is his flesh and blood, although he didn't know, but after all, it is the nature of father and son, blood is connected, he looked at it, and actually sincerely gave birth to a heart of care and love for the prince, couldn't help but reach out from the nurse's hand to take the child into his arms, opened his mouth and didn't know what to say. The child seemed to have sensed it, looking at Wang Qiang with big black round eyes, and his small mouth was also aimed at Wang Qiang, babbling as if he was saying something. Wang Qiang suddenly felt hot in his heart, his nose was sore, and tears were almost about to burst out of his eyes.

Concubine Rong was in the know, and seeing Wang Qiang's gaffe, she hurriedly stepped forward to take the child from him, approached the queen mother's side and said: "Look at this child's eyebrows, just like when the emperor was a child, it seems to be carved out of a mold." ”

The Queen Mother also pointed to the child and said: "It's not like that, the emperor also liked to be lively so much when he was a child, and he refused to live in peace for a moment." ”

Everyone talked about it for a while, the child was probably hungry, and he cried, and the nurse hurriedly took the child to the back room to feed. Only then did everyone sit down, and when the Queen Mother saw Wang Qiang, she pointed and shouted: "Hey, isn't this the little cub who told the story, I haven't seen where I ran away for so long?" ”

Emperor Chongzhen smiled and said: "Queen Mother, now people are not little cubs, they are now the special ministers of the special affairs zone, the third-grade members of the imperial court, and he is the one who killed the official and released the grain last time I mentioned to you."

"Really? Dare to love the Qincha who killed the corrupt official, he is the one who kills the corrupt official, I am also a man with five big and three coarse men, he can kill such a big official with such a doll, isn't this a good thing! The Queen Mother praised.

"But no, now he is in charge of the special zone, the national bonds, the trade market, and several important messengers, so he is my right-hand man." Chongzhen added.

"It's weird, I looked good at this kid at the beginning, he was a kind child, and he was so capable, isn't he Zhao Zilong who is the best of the sky! I see, sooner or later, my grandson can count on it. The Queen Mother said happily.

Chongzhen had an idea and said: "What the queen mother said is extremely true, I will crown Wang Qiang as the crown prince and young protection!" ”

This prince Shaobao is not an official position, but it is the identity of the second grade, and it is a symbol of the emperor's trust.

Chongzhen was relieved from the pressure of complicated state affairs, and the family gathered together happily, feeling very comfortable, he remembered the idea of giving Wang Qiang a family, so he said: "Queen Mother, I still remembered when you said this, now Wang Qiang doesn't have a home, your old man looks good, just point me to one." ”

In the Ming Dynasty, the emperor would often assign some older and beautiful palace maids in the palace to his cronies or guards as wives, called the marriage of the Son of Heaven, in order to show his favor and win people's hearts. When the Queen Mother heard the emperor's words, she understood his thoughts, turned her head and asked the queen: "I think it's good, queen, do you have a suitable candidate here?" ”

Before the queen could speak, Concubine Li, who was beside her, interjected: "Queen Mother, Emperor, when it comes to this, I have a ready-made one here." ”

The Queen Mother said happily: "Really? That dare is good, you are his old master, and you should also give someone a finger. ”

Concubine Li saw that the emperor also nodded in approval, so she shouted at Cai Ling'er who was standing aside: "Cai Ling'er, come here." ”

Cai Ling'er has always stood beside Concubine Li, and as soon as Concubine Li mentioned that she wanted to assign one to Wang Qiang just now, her heart was tight, because she was the only one in this palace who was old enough to be assigned. It is true that she likes Wang Qiang, but she is unwilling to marry a eunuch like Wang Qiang anyway.

Cai Ling'er walked up to Concubine Li with a nervous expression, and whispered: "Niangniang, what do you command?" ”

Concubine Li grabbed Cai Ling'er's hand and said with a smile: "Cai Ling'er, you and Wang Qiang have been friends and have worked together, I want to ask the emperor to call the shots and promise you to Wang Qiang, are you willing?" ”

Cai Ling'er was most afraid of hearing this, and her heart was cold, she knelt on the ground, and said in a trembling voice: "Niangniang, I, I don't want to leave you, I am willing to serve you for a lifetime." After speaking, tears flowed down her eyes, but she bit her lip tightly and didn't dare to make a sound.

The Queen Mother, the Empress and other cadres are all understanding people, how they don't know Cai Ling'er's thoughts, and they are a little unbearable in their hearts, but the emperor has already opened the golden mouth, how can he take it back.

Concubine Li also understands CRBT's thoughts, she thinks about herself and Wang Qiang, CRBT knows a little, and now she naturally doesn't dare to say it, but if this girl follows someone else in the future, she will not pay attention to the pillow, how can she tell this matter, it is better to promise her to Wang Qiang, this secret will be completely kept, and you can also leave a thought in Wang Qiang. She knew Wang Qiang's real background, and she was even a little jealous of Cailing'er in her heart, and said secretly: "You little girl, still crying!" I'm stuffing you into a honey pot, and when the time comes, it's as if I've drunk your beautiful honey. She stroked the hair of the ringtones and said softly: "Silly girl, the girl will marry sooner or later when she grows up, how can she be with the master for a lifetime." Wang Qiang is young and promising, sooner or later he will be a useful person, you will not worry about him in your life, don't worry, I will never mistake you. Obedient. ”

The Queen Mother also helped beside her: "Isn't it, isn't this woman, who is she marrying or not, she has come over like this for a lifetime, I look at Wang Qiang's child, and I can't wronged you." I see, this matter is decided, how can this girl also be in the palace, we are her mother's family, and the dowry will be more generous when we get married. ”

The queen also said: "That's it, leave this matter to me, and I can't lose Miss Cailing." ”

Cai Ling'er saw that the Queen Mother and the Queen had already spoken, and knew that there was no room for maneuver in this matter, so she had to accept her fate and kowtow to thank her. Wang Qiang watched from the side, secretly happy in his heart, this ringtone is handsome, clever and capable, and it is naturally a beautiful thing to be able to marry back and be a wife, but in front of Concubine Li, he didn't dare to show it too much, and quickly knelt down to thank him.

Zhu'er has been waiting beside her, and when she saw that Cailing'er was pointed out to Wang Qiang, her heart was full of envy, and she thought: "Sister Cailing is married to Brother Xiaoduozi, and the two are together every day, so you can listen to the story of the stone monkey every day, how good!" ”