Although the emperor struggled for a long time about how to appoint Yang Zhi, it did not affect his recognition and expectations of Yang Zhi's ability. Especially in the face of many problems and not knowing how to solve them, the nerves are getting tighter and tighter, and the self-confidence is becoming weaker and weaker.

After thinking about it for a while, the relationship between the two is different from what it used to be, after all, there is a difference between monarchs and ministers, and it is impossible to ask Yang Zhi with a cheeky face for everything. It's better to choose a day than to hit the day, and it's better to ask for a refreshing question today. Chen Wenyuan and Wang Yunong have always been scheming, and they are no different from Yang Zhi's guarantors. Xu Wenhan is a cabinet minister in charge of the country's money and grain, quite far-sighted and calm and pragmatic. Immediately, the three of them were summoned to the imperial study together, and they simply came to the scene to work.

Foreign ministers were recalled to Beijing, and it was a common practice for foreign ministers to enter the palace to meet them. Yang Zhi had already expected that Zhao Qi would summon him for inquiry, but he really couldn't arouse any interest. As soon as I stepped into the imperial study, I saw that the four monarchs and ministers were there, and I immediately knew what they meant, and my heart was good. It's rare for me to go back to Beijing once, so you don't have to bother me twice for three days.

Yang Zhi is just a de facto concubine, the emperor and the three auxiliary ministers are here, and the official face has its own official rules. met with the emperor, and met Chen Wenyuan, Wang Yunong, and Xu Wenhan one by one.

After giving the seat and tea, Zhao Qi smiled and said: "Yang Qing, I haven't seen each other for more than a year in the blink of an eye, and I really miss it very much!" Everyone in the world knows that Yang Qing has excellent martial arts skills, and he doesn't want to have the ability to travel hundreds of miles a day, which is really an eye-opener for me. ”

As soon as the words fell, not only the three important ministers, but even Jin Zishan, who was accompanying him, couldn't help but sigh secretly: The emperor implied ridicule, and he was too stingy! Everyone is back, and it doesn't hurt your face, is there the one who cares about him? If you don't make a decree, won't he come back? If that's the case, what can you do with him?

Yang Zhi replied without being salty or light: "There is the emperor Lao's arms, and the ministers are afraid." Chenben misses his father, wife and children day and night. I also heard that the robe was killed in battle, and it was like an arrow to return to my heart. ”

The emperor's opening remarks only made people sigh secretly, and Yang Zhi's answer made people frown. This guy has always been shrewd, sleek and sophisticated, but this time he bluntly said that he was returning to visit his family and condolences to his comrades-in-arms, and he did not mention that he was called to report on his work. …… For more than a year, the emperor has not recruited you to provoke you. Why such-for-tat? In the middle of a few words, Chen Wenyuan and Wang Yunong had to cheer up 120,000 points of spirit and be ready to round the field at any time.

Yang Zhi's sudden change in attitude surprised Zhao Qi. Trying his best to hide the anger and embarrassment in his heart, he maintained a slightly stiff smile on his face and said, "Anyway, it's good to be back." ”

If he deviated from the topic, the first emperor would not choose Zhao Qi to succeed him. lowered his body and preached: "Yang Qing should know that last winter, this spring, and summer, the north and south fought on two fronts, one win and one defeat. As a result, everything is complicated, and the country is in difficulty. Yang Qing is an all-round talent in civil and military affairs, and he has been in charge of the customs for a long time, and I can't bear to disturb him. After the old lady and Wang Xiangli admonished, I also hope to rely on Yang Qing's great talent, thinking that I can solve my worries. ”

Zhao Qi said that according to the truth, Yang Zhi couldn't help but secretly complain that Chen Wenyuan and Wang Yunong were troublesome. You are all people buried in the loess to your necks, why bother to send them to the door and tie them up with me? Said succinctly: "You have a life." The minister did not dare to resign. You must know everything, and you must say everything. ”

Zhao Qi originally wanted to order Xu Wenhan to act as the reason for the shortage of Chen's treasury. Seeing that Yang Zhi looked indifferent and had little respect, he couldn't help but feel a little worried in his heart, so he patiently told the first difficulty. Then he said directly: "Yang Qing is good at dancing with long sleeves, and he is rich and good, as we all know. Is there a good way to meet my urgent needs? ”

Great Xia withdrew troops and ceased war for several years. There is already a law on state revenue. Zhao Qi said this, which is tantamount to openly asking for money. In the case of the first emperor in the court, Yang Zhi would be squeezed out a little bit of oil and water. According to today's trend, it is still unknown whether to buy it.

Yang Zhi seems to have been prepared. Without blinking his eyes, he said: "The emperor doesn't need to worry, this matter is not difficult." ”

Sure enough, there is a play! Zhao Qideng's eyes lit up: "What does Yang Qing have a high opinion?" I'm listening! ”

Yang Zhi said eloquently: "I can't talk about it, it's just common sense. The operation and use of the treasury has its own rules, and it is not a one-shot transaction like buying goods in a street shop. What the emperor said just now seems to be a huge expense, but in fact it is not urgently needed. Whether it is rewarding and compassionate to the soldiers, or recruiting and training troops, and supporting food, it takes a process to do it. It can be made in a step-by-step manner, in turn, as needed. The minister dared to assert that if the above matters could be carried out within half a year, they would have achieved remarkable results, and the people in charge of the military department and the household department could be called capable officials. ”

"In this way, by the end of the day, it will be November in the second half of the year. When the emperor issued an edict to reward and compassionate him, he might as well issue another strict decree, strictly ordering the relevant officials at all levels to carefully check and implement, and strictly prohibit their hands from greedy ink, otherwise they will be severely punished. In this case, it is difficult to implement it by the end of the year. From the end of the year to the beginning of next year, the taxes of the prefectures and counties and the taxes of the customs offices will be escorted into Beijing one after another. The problem that the emperor was worried about was naturally solved. ”

Zhao Qi was suddenly disappointed, frowned and asked, "What is the common sense that Yang Qing said,...... Is that all? Yang Qing can know that not only is the consumption of the above things indispensable, but the grain and silver in the war with Nanchu should be fully guaranteed. ”

Xu Wenhan interjected: "Your Majesty, what the minister wants Yang Hou means is to explain that according to the existing deposit of the treasury and the progress of the implementation of various things, there is enough money and time to turn it over. ”

Zhao Qi has been talented and intelligent since he was a child, and he has been in power for several years, so he certainly understands the reason. But his original intention was to let Yang Zhiji get out of the way, and try to get money into the treasury in addition to the income of the national endowment, and it would be best to be able to take out the money directly from his pocket.

Yang Zhi nodded and said, "What Xu Xiang said is extremely true. With enough funds and time to turn it over, and with this year's state income as the backing of the guarantee, we can let go and deal with it calmly. The minister has three strategies, and he should be able to raise more than 15 million taels of silver for the country's use. ”

As soon as these words came out, not only did Zhao Qi's blood pressure rise suddenly, and he suddenly felt dizzy in front of him, but Chen Wenyuan, Wang Yunong, Jin Zishan and the other three also looked at each other and were dumbfounded: Fifteen million taels? ! Are you really the God of Wealth Bodhisattva?

Zhao Qi swallowed a mouthful of water with difficulty and urged: "Yang Qing, come quickly!" ”

Yang Zhi smiled indifferently: "The minister's strategy of raising money may be different from what the emperor and you expected in their hearts, please don't expect too much." ”

"The first is the issuance of treasury bonds, that is, borrowing from the private sector. It is guaranteed by the credibility of the imperial court and the income of the state. A certain amount of interest is allowed to be handled by a special yamen set up by the Ministry of Households, and to borrow money from the private sector. From the perspective of the ability to repay and to avoid triggering unwarranted speculation about the state of the country, it is advisable to borrow between 5 million taels and 8 million taels. In order to prevent a run on the bank, it is best to repay the loan in one, three or five years according to the corresponding amount. ”

"In the past dynasties, but when the country was in difficulty, there were many cases where the household department came out to ask the wealthy businessmen for emergency loans. It's normal. As long as the situation is stable and the country is undiminished, the ability to guarantee repayment and payment will not affect the dignity of the imperial court, and it can even be cited as a common practice in the future. ”

Second, it is called installment payment. This matter is still based on the credibility of the imperial court as a guarantee, and this method can be used for the purchase of large quantities of grain and military materials. The amount payable by the imperial court is not only a penny. And it is allowed to pay in installments with corresponding interest. The so-called instalment can be tentatively set at three years. The household department and the merchant shall sign a contract, and at least 30% of the purchase price shall be paid in the first year, and the balance shall be paid in proportion to the second and third years. This means that one tael of silver can be used for three taels of silver. Shang Jia was coerced by the imperial court, and he made no loss, so he should accept it. For ease of promotion. You can find a few officials and businessmen to set an example first. ”

"The third is to launch donations. There are also three levels of giving. The first is the princes and nobles, civil and military ministers. It is a matter of course to eat the king's fortune and be loyal to the king, and to share the worries of the country. The second is a wealthy businessman and a wealthy businessman. Rich because of the country, and exist because of the people. Giving back to the people is a great righteousness. The third is the small people, living and working in peace and contentment, all of whom use their lives to protect the territory against the enemy. It's not an exaggeration. ”

Sure enough, except for Xu Wenhan's thoughtful silence, the rest of the four monarchs and ministers were all full of disappointment, and their appetites were aroused by the terrifying astronomical figure of fifteen million taels, and they instantly became extremely indifferent. It is not difficult to see that this guy is not a god who responds to requests, and he has no intention of generously sponsoring it. It seems that even if he launched a donation, he would only take out tens of thousands of taels of silver and fool it.

Wang Yunong even suspected that Yang Zhi's so-called advice was not lacking in the meaning of entertaining the emperor. After a moment of silence, he took the lead in objecting: "What the emperor is worried about is to take precautions in case of emergency. Please forgive the old minister for being bold and outspoken, except for the third strategy, which is barely usable, the other two strategies are not advisable. I wonder if the emperor thinks so? ”

Even in the previous life, the concept of eating food and taking out loans to consume in advance is still difficult for many people with traditional and conservative ideas to accept, let alone this group of people with a thousand-year gap. Yang Zhi had already been mentally prepared, and he had no intention of bothering to explain too much. You made me come up with ideas and find a way, it's your business whether you use it or not, and I'm not short of money anyway!

Zhao Qi agreed: "Wang Xiang's words are reasonable. At present, Great Xia has indeed not fallen into such a situation. Even if I launch donations, I think that at most stop at the first two levels, and don't make up my mind about the small people, so as not to shake the country's foundation. Yang Qing still needs to be cautious in this discussion, and Rong Zhen will think about it carefully before making a calculation. ”

The name is shelved, but it is actually abandoned. Zhao Qi diverted the topic and continued to ask about the selection of generals to resist Nanchu.

Yang Zhi sighed with regret: "Your Majesty, whether the strategy of raising money that the minister just said can be used, how to use it, and to what extent it is used is actually related to the emperor's determination and the development of the Southern Chu War. If it's just a headache and a foot pain, it's really enough to just start donating! ”

Then he asked noncommittally: "I don't know if the emperor has ever heard of Zhang Bohu?" ”

The emperor controls the four major intelligence systems led by Jin Zishan, the palace guards, the military agents, and the civilian work represented by the Qin family.

Without thinking, he said: "The military division of Wen Huanzhang, the famous general of Southern Chu, the son-in-law of Tan Chongyuan, the minister of power, is a strange person in the world. It is said that Zhang Bohu had an old relationship with Yang Qing in his early years, but then disappeared suddenly for some reason, and there was no news for several years, and it was not until the previous year that he reappeared in the world and was used by Southern Chu. I also heard that someone once commented that this person had a good opportunity to stand side by side with Yang Qing and be called a double hero. ”

Zhao Qi's words vaguely revealed that as early as when the first emperor was in the court, there were always so many pairs of eyes staring at Yang Zhi openly and secretly.

Yang Zhi said with a smile: "Since the emperor knows this person, the minister will not repeat it." The minister also admitted that Zhang Bohu did have something extraordinary. However, in the final analysis, the war between the two countries is about the determination, will and wisdom of the monarchs of both sides, and the fight for money, food and national strength. Whether or not to employ people properly is only an auxiliary means. Dare to ask the emperor, for the war in Southern Chu, has a major policy strategy been set? ”

The people present are all close confidants and important ministers, and Zhao Qi said very honestly: "At present, I only want to protect Xiangyang from losing, and I haven't had time to plan a major political strategy." Yang Qing can speak freely about this. ”

Yang Zhi then asked: "In other words, is the emperor trying to royal Chu?" Or is it an attack? Or is it extinction? ”

Zhao Qi frowned and replied: "Of course, the first thing is to try our best to resist the offensive of the Chu army, and after ensuring that Xiangyang is worry-free, tidying up the army's heart, and preparing the grain and ordnance sufficiently, we will try to fight back and recover Suizhou." After that, he made great efforts to govern the country, reorganized the army and fought war, waiting for an opportunity to attack and destroy Southern Chu. As the saying goes, you have to eat one bite at a time, but Yang Qing actually thinks that I can choose among these three steps at will now? ”

Yang Zhigan said with a smile: "The emperor should know that the minister has never been the kind of person who speaks amazingly and grandstands. ”

"The so-called imperial Chu of the minister is to hold Xiangyang and maintain the status quo. Xiangyang was originally the frontier of the confrontation between Xia and Chu, the city outline was tall and strong, and there were 20,000 Zhongzhou garrisons to the south to reinforce, and the current defender Hualong was enough to take on this position. If you want to actively plan a counteroffensive while ensuring that Xiangyang is not lost, recover Suizhou in one fell swoop, and return to the strategic situation of Great Xia's dominance, Geng Jin, Ye Chuang, and Wei Feiyang can all be commanders. ”

Zhao Qi said resolutely: "Suizhou must be recovered!" And the sooner the better! Otherwise, I will not only be ashamed of the first emperor, but I will not be very easy to talk to the two imperial brothers, and I am afraid that I will not be able to raise my head in front of the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty! ”

Then he hesitated: "Geng Qing has made great contributions to the country, but this time he has lost his beloved son, how can I bear to order him to be in command again and risk arrows himself?" Ye Chuang is indeed a major general of Great Xia, and he has been given the responsibility of being the only one, how can he be adjusted? Wei Feiyang can be considered, but isn't he too young? If hundreds of thousands of troops are entrusted to non-humans, they may incur the disaster of the destruction of the country in Great Xia! ”

It's still the same sentence, whether you say it or not, whether you listen to it or not. Chen Wenyuan, Wang Yunong, Xu Wenhan, and Jin Zishan all saw that whether it was raising money or employing people, although it was a matter of great importance and difficult to make a decision for a while, Zhao Qi also faintly had the meaning of frustrating Yang Zhi's arrogance.

I only heard Zhao Qi ask with a playful face: "...... Listening to Yang Qing's implication, it seems that I can really choose between the three steps of Imperial Chu, Attacking Chu, and Destroying Chu? Yang Qing didn't talk about destroying Chu, I don't know who Yang Qing thinks has such a talent? ”

Going around and around, it's finally time for this juncture! Yang Zhi said with a smile: "Please forgive the emperor for his arrogance, if the conditions are suitable, the minister may be able to give it a try!" ”

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PS: Super invincible backstage...... Not explained. (To be continued.) )