Chapter 328 – The Great Harvest

Zhang Anshi is calm and collected.

It’s actually a pretty simple routine.

But such a ‘ghost story’ has always had people falling for it since its inception.

Zhang Anshi wasn’t even worried at all that this would be recognized.

Because means can be recognized, but human nature cannot be tested.

The immediate priority is still to set up and fully layout the agriculture in Taiping Province.

Today, the workshop industry has grown more substantially, with hundreds of workshops lining the workshop areas in Taiping Province, three counties.

The daily throughput of goods is staggering.

Rather, agriculture is the root of everything, if even food can not afford to eat, then the other industries, but is just floating in the water.

This Taiping House up and down, is also considered to be united, to the end of summer, almost all of the reservoir facilities as well as the basic irrigation measures, all have been constructed.

Such a speed, since it is amazing, on the one hand …… is the government directly take the money and food incentives to recruit a large number of farmers idle down the farmers, such as the construction of reservoirs, directly according to how much earth you pick to give how much food, more labor more pay.

And it’s the same thing with the diversion ditches, they’re contracted out directly.

If the laborers of one of your villages can do it on time and in quantity, you will be given a reward in addition to the promised money and grain. If you can’t do it on time and in quantity, then you will only get the most basic amount of money and grain to make sure you don’t starve to death.

Coupled with the use of machinery, and the wealth of the Taiping Province, a number of mules and horses were purchased, a large number of ships were requisitioned, etc.

This kind of speed was actually more than Zhang Anshi expected.

Sure enough piecework performance really works.

And this method is already considered an advanced management experience across generations for this era.

For ordinary farmers, when they are idle, they can earn a little is a little, and if they work fast and well, they will be rewarded, which is already a great gift for farmers.

Especially in the six counties, according to the playbill, the strong men there, work almost day and night, without sleep, like madness.

After all, once upon a time it had been too bitter and too hard to eat, even if it had been harder.

Now that the family has its own crops, there is hope for the future, and when it comes to farming time, instead of having to serve in the labor force, you can work as a laborer to earn money, which is something you can’t even think about.

Zhang Anshi even worried that these hardworking people, this goes on, will not lead to sudden death, and then had to order, measured reward can have, but need to have a top reward, can not really do how much reward how much, do not then really life are hitched in.

The county magistrate of Xuancheng County was the most exaggerated in his report, and he even smugly said that today’s agricultural laborers, one person can offset the past corv茅e of ten people. And there is no need to supervise the laborers, everyone is a professional.

Zhang Anshi looked numb, he did not know whether it was the former corv茅e that was more of a grinding laborer, or whether these farm workers were now desperate and overzealous.

After thinking about it, he simply summoned some more doctors to the various projects and asked them to make some soup to distribute to relieve the fatigue.

Farm side, got the report is also very happy, because many irrigation canals in time before the big drought to most of the completion, so almost not affected, water irrigation problem, can be basically solved.

It is only the construction of a larger reservoir that is imminent, because sooner or later it will be of great use.

In the vicinity of Nan Zhili, because of the good land resources, many of the more fertile land can be planted two seasons a year, so at this time of the year, it is already possible to start harvesting, and later on, sowing.

Consequently ……… now almost all officials, are conducting statistics on the summer grain harvest.

And the most unfortunate thing is that this two-season rice in Taiping Province, originally only about 50% of the paddy fields can be planted, to this year, because of the seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, the land that can be planted with two-season rice, has exceeded 80%.

Zhang Anshi was a bit unconvinced and decided to go down to the countryside to have a look.

On the other hand, the price of grain has continued for two months and has climbed to three taels of silver per stone.

It’s gone up several times, and it’s still the price of the bulk of the commodity, which is definitely in the crazy category.

Just ……

At this time, that Li Xiucai was like a weasel, and was very diligent in prying for news in Qixia every day.

He came back from Sukiya again today, but he looked a little worried.

“Taigong.”

“What now?” Zhang Taigong looked calm and collected, “Over at Qixia, how’s the market?”

“It went up some more today.”

“Good for you.” Zhang Taigong was cheerful.

One after another, he bought in a lot of grain, converted, almost a stone two taels of silver up and down, but now it seems that it should be at least double the profit.

Although the original purchase of grain, there are a number of intentional ingredients, but now it seems to be a great deal of money, which can be more than the rent to earn a lot of ah.

Zhang Taigong smiled and said, “Now there are three grain silos are not full, but …… there is not enough silver, but there are people who come …… to say that they can use the land to mortgage the silver … . as long as you sign a deed, the money bank will immediately offer the real money, you say ……”

Contrary to Zhang Taigong’s happy attitude, Li Xiucai is not without concern: “Today I heard in the market …… that …… the summer grain of the Taiping Province, the harvest should not be as bad as previously thought. ”

Hearing this, Zhang Taigong just laughed and said, “Is that so? This year’s summer grains can be quite a lot, all of them have failed, ah, this Taiping Province, how can it not be this bad?”

Li Xiucai thought about it, and also felt that he had overthought it, but there were still a few hidden worries in his heart, an indescribable feeling.

However, Li Xiucai such a scholar, the readers and squires around him, almost all of them have a bite of …… Taipingfu s harvest must be bad, or even grainless.

There’s a saying about information cocooning, where different groups of people can have diametrically opposed views about almost the same thing they’re looking at.

Even if you present more evidence, such as the fact that somewhere in Taiping Province, there does seem to be a bumper crop, they will still scoff.

Either they think that this is a sinister trick or tactic of the sinister Taiping government. Or they simply do not believe that there is confusion.

And then even if, you grabbed him, to that harvest place to see, he just think, this is just one-sided information, the big Taiping Province, there are a few townships harvest, is also normal.

In short, disbelief is disbelief, and every single person in a group is looking for all sorts of reasons and excuses for disbelief that happen to be right up your alley.

At this point, if you still want to make a clear judgment, it is actually impossible.

Li Xiucai thought about it, but still said, “Today …… met a few merchants, those merchants ……”

Zhang Taigong frowned up, showing displeased color, at first can be this Li Xiucai encouraged him to buy food, but now …… this Li Xiucai instead backed off.

He even mentions merchants ……

As soon as he saw Zhang Taigong like this, Li Xiucai suddenly realized that he had been coarse and vulgar, and had even hung up on merchants and traders, a sin, a sin, what he had said just now was to be despised and looked down upon.

After all, the local gentry, in the face of merchants, have a bone-deep sense of superiority, this sense of superiority, which has lasted for a thousand years, deep-rooted.

Although Zhang Taigong’s face did not look good, he still patiently said, “Those merchants, what did they say?”

“It says …… food prices to this point may be at risk.”

Zhang Taigong said with disdain on his face, “This is the result of cheap businessmen who only know the immediate benefits, have no long-term plans, and are poorly read. It’s really ridiculous ……”

Li Xiucai thought for a moment and said with a few tentative words, “Why don t we sell some ……?”

“Not for sale.” Zhang Taigong categorically shook his head, “Laofu is still waiting for it to rise to six taels of silver, it seems …… that he still has to find a way to collect some more grain.”

Li Xiucai busily said, “Ah …… Taigong …… this …… is too risky.”

Zhang Taigong laughed.

Imagine buying a sum of grain with ease, and as a result more than doubling your value directly, and lying at home, you can see your property rising wildly.

Human desire, is difficult to satisfy, after earning more than double, Zhang Taigong felt that he could make another big profit.

At this time of the year, Zhang Taigong had actually begun to expand, and even as his value doubled, he still despised this small amount of money.

So Zhang Taigong Shi Shi said, “Adventure? What kind of risk is this? Other people don’t have granaries, but my family has granaries, and this silver should be earned by me.”

Li Xiucai, however, said worriedly, “In fact, the student is worried that this will not be Zhang Anshi’s trick ……”

“If it is a trick ………” Zhang Taigong actually full of concern, he confidently said: “Back ten thousand steps, even if there is really any conspiracy and trickery, you still think of the time when Zhang Anshi The tung oil to rectify the merchants?”

“Yes, that’s what the student said.”

Zhang Taigong stroked his whiskers and laughed: “The mantis catches the cicada, the yellow sparrow is at the back, if it is really the trick of the tung oil in the first place, then it will be better.”

“This ……”

Zhang Taigong said: “Zhang Anshi wants to be like tung oil, will cheat people in, must be the price of tung oil, pull up to ten times, twenty times, now …… the market is still early, this is how many two silver? This grain price is not more than ten taels of silver, we are profitable, the old man lived most of his life, how can and those cheap merchants in general, will be that Zhang Anshi’s pawn?”

Then, he coldly snorted, smugly said, “No matter what means he uses, the old man to earn a large sum again, then sold, earned this ten thousand family wealth, and then the whole body, then …… no matter how that Zhang Anshi means, have been unimportant.”

Zhang Taigong said complacently, he is very confident, not to mention that he is not optimistic about the grain production of this Taiping Province, even if it is really some kind of trap, he also feels that he is different from other stupid people.

In this respect, the headstrongness of the readers is even more than that of the businessmen, who are born with a sense of superiority, and feel that they have mastered all wisdom.

This Li Xiu Cai, do not mention the risk of okay, when really mentioned, Zhang Taigong instead of complacent, revealing a few points of confidence that everything is under control.

Li Xiucai heard, but also feel reasonable, then said, “What Tai Gong said is very true, but it is the student …… who is ashamed.”

Zhang Taigong said, “Tomorrow the money changers come …… to buy some more grain, but unfortunately the capital is too small, only earned this some.”

He showed regret.

And Li Xiucai heart is staggering, this capital is still less? Bought more than a dozen barns of grain …… Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of families’ home base bundled together, also less than your fingertips.

“The students are going to poke around a bit more one of these days.”

Zhang Taigong nodded, sipped his tea, suddenly said, “Probing is certainly necessary, but …… it is important not to misbelieve the words of cheap merchants, you are a scholar …… know?”

Hearing this, Li Xiucai couldn’t help but be wary in his heart, he knew very well that his words just now had already caused Zhang Taigong to be displeased.

People …… ultimately do not like to listen to words that they do not love to hear, and his words have obviously made Zhang Taigong s heart think of him.

Li Xiucai snapped awake, he really should not miss the words, not to mention that it will offend Zhang Taigong, if it is for other people to listen to it, I am afraid …… to be regarded as a deviation from the scriptures, and God knows whether it will make him lose his reputation.

So he solemnly said, “Yes, the student is instructed.”

Zhang Taigong revealed a gentle color and nodded.

…………

South Zhili drought, the disaster has begun to have some seriousness in the summer time.

Although everywhere is trying to find ways to irrigate, the reduction of food production is urgent.

Zhu Di appeared to be very worried, and he summoned the university scholar of Wen Yuan Pavilion and the ministers of various departments to discuss the matter.

The ministers were also worried.

South Zhili is the court’s main grain production area, this place food production, but it is not a big deal.

“Your Majesty.” Xia Yuanji said with a sad face, “I heard that the price of food, now, is already too high, ah, if it continues like this, I’m afraid that the people are going to complain a lot.”

Zhu Di sighed, then said, “Fortunately, last year there were some stocks of grain …… this time …… everywhere failed, the most headache for me …… is the summer grain collection the problem.”

There was barely enough food for the court.

The problem of food and fuel, on the other hand, is the biggest headache of all.

The people are already suffering from a poor harvest, and at this time, if they are still urging for summer grain, how can this people live on?

But if we don’t levy, then on the court’s side, we may not have enough.

Xia Yuanji advice: “I thought, or remission of some, but also can not be reduced, first let the government to collect to see, first see how much to collect, and then for the more serious places, to be some remission.”

Zhu Di thoughtfully nodded his head and said, “The words are so …… right, the grain ships in Annan, to urge the Annan Governor’s Office, to find a way …… to transport some to.”

Hu Guang said: “If there are places suffering from disaster, Annan side, is barely able to supply on, heard that there food, but South Zhili accounted for two percent of the world’s food tax, such a large deficit, and Annan side …… After all, the sea ships are limited, and now it is too late to build more ships, can be transported to the food, I am afraid that it is also limited Very.”

Zhu nodded.

Hu Guang added, “I have also heard some rumors, but I don’t know if they are true or not.”

Zhu Di snapped a glance at Hu Guang and raised his eyebrows slightly, “You’re talking about the Taiping Mansion?”

Hu Guang said, “Yes, Your Majesty has also heard about it?”

Zhu Di said, “Zhang Qingjia gave me the zhang, saying that there is nothing wrong with Taipingfu.”

Hu Guang nodded his head and then stopped making a sound.

Yang Rong suddenly said: “Your Majesty, in the end there is no matter, in fact, a probe will know, the world’s grain tax to see the South Zhili, South Zhili’s grain tax to see the Taiping Province, His Majesty might as well send an officer to the Taiping Province to inspect some of the court may also have a bottom in mind.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di thoughtfully swept the ministers and said, “Who would be best to send?”

“I am willing to go.” As if everything was ready, Yang Rong volunteered without hesitation.

Hu Guang: “……”

Hu Guang thinks that this is Yang Rong has long been prepared, this guy is always chanting to go to the Taiping Palace to go, this is good, just can be false publicity.

Hu Guang this time is also a quick response, and quickly said: “I can also walk, grain tax relationship is significant, I go with Yang Gong, what is the matter, there can also be a discussion. And Wen Yuan Pavilion, has its own Jin Gong in, and these days the matter is idle, there should be no problem.”

Zhu Di looked at the two suspiciously, Hu Guang wants to get together, Zhu Di will not feel any surprise.

But Yang Rong this person, always careful with his words, anything, must first think before acting, this time he took the initiative to help, but I do not know what is in mind.

At that moment, Zhu Di nodded: “Also, that the second secretary will go on behalf of me, hey …… Zhang Anshi this guy, the whole summer is soaked in his Taiping House, rarely come to the audience, this guy …… wings grow hard. ”

Although he cursed a few times, but Zhu Di’s face is not at all see anger.

In fact, he also knew that Zhang Anshi was mostly due to the fact that this Taiping Mansion was busy and under great pressure.

After all, the whole world is now waiting to see the joke of Taipingfu, how easy is it to reform the old?

So Zhu Di also said: “some time ago, Lingnan side sent some lychee, taste just right, Qing two people if the line, fire to me to send, go faster, if not, along the way this chilled lychee, once this ice melted, it will be bad.”

Yang Rong and Hu Guang both received the decree, and then the two of them went back to Wen Yuan Pavilion and delivered the affairs.

It didn’t take long to see several eunuchs arrive, all of them holding several sealed boxes in their hands.

The box was cold to the touch, it should be the thing that His Majesty had asked them to bring with them, and the two of them had since asked someone to hide it carefully.

At that moment, the journey was immediately set off.

Along the way, Hu Guang couldn’t help but grumble at Yang Rong, “Lord Yang, I know you have expectations for the Taiping Mansion, but do you know what rumors are spreading outside about the Taiping Mansion?”

Yang Rong still looks calm, smiled and said, “I never listen to rumors, just …… I can t imagine that Hu Gong is going to follow along.”

Hu Guang stared wide eyed, with a few points of anger look said, “You weekdays, in the eyes of His Majesty and others, are respectful and polite, to me, but seems to be very smart and smart look, hate to tail up. I am not convinced in my heart, so I don t believe it, this Taipingfu …… can really make things happen!”

“This trip, I want to go with you to see …… with my own eyes before I dry up. Also teach Yang Gong know, there are some small wisdom, but not complacent.”

This appearance of Hu Guang, on the contrary, made Yang Rong feel amused, Yang Rong laughed and said, “Lord Hu, it seems that you are very unconvinced in your heart.”

“Not unconvinced.” Hu Guang said, “The old man has read half a lifetime of books, I do not dare to say that I am full of experience, but I do not believe that what the saints say will be wrong, and I do not believe that the reasoning in these four books and five sutras ……”

Hu Guang hadn’t even finished this latter word when Yang Rong said, “Jian Yi has already proved it.”

Hu Guang was mute for a moment, speaking of Jian Yi, Hu Guang looked depressed, he sighed long and said quietly, “The reason for his momentary lapse of judgment.”

Even though he explained this, he felt that he was at a disadvantage and didn’t dare to continue to continue the barrage with Yang Rong.

When he arrived at Qixia, he learned that Zhang Anshi had gone to the countryside, to Xuancheng.

The two did not slow down, and hoofed the boat to Xuancheng, along the way …… but see a lot of plowed fields, there are many people in the harvest.

Summer heat, the earth as in a furnace, but see a lot of hard-working farmers labor.

The situation of this Taiping Mansion seemed to be vastly different from the many rumors outside.

Hu Guang, however, didn’t say anything, he only smothered his head to observe carefully.

Yang Rong, however, said with a bit of emotion, “Seeing them, I realize that we have a really good life.”

These words resonated with Hu Guang: “Why don’t you and I compose a poem, by which we can sing about the hardships of the farmers?”

“No.” Yang Rong shook his head and said, “Farmers don’t need us to make any sour poems under false pretenses, you are just giving poems to show that you pity the farmers, on the surface it is to show pity to others, but in reality it is just to show your own goodness, such goodness, it is not worth a penny, apart from consoling Neng Hu Gong yourself, it is of no use at all.”

These words caused Hu Guang to instantly widen his eyes, “Eh …… you ……”

“That’s how I am.” Yang Rong sometimes even showed a bit of childishness in front of Hu Guang.

This was also the reason why Hu Guang was able to gain a foothold in the dynasty, because everyone liked him, and extremely intelligent people would not be wary when they were with him.

Hu Guang then sighed, “It’s not good for people to be too smart.”

Arrived in Xuancheng, the Chinaman arrived, the ferry immediately went to the county to report.

Soon the local county commissioner himself arrived to greet them.

When Hu Guang saw only one of him, he immediately asked, “Where is the Duke of Wei? Where is Xuancheng County Magistrate? Why are they both missing? Only you are called?”

This county minister smiled bitterly and said, “I’m the only one on duty at the Yamen, and both Duke Wei and county honors are in Xintian Township to learn about the situation of grain collection.”

“And the levy for food has begun?”

“Ripe for the picking, so ……”

Yang Rong then said, “Then we also go to that what Xintian Township, the two of us are here by order …….”

Hu Guang is somewhat speechless, he is an official, how can a little frame are not? After all, it is on behalf of the emperor, need to wait for Zhang Anshi personally come to meet only good, how to follow him together to run to the countryside.

But in front of others, Hu Guang was not good at refuting Yang Rong.

At that moment, they set off again and rushed to Xintian Township.

And the scene before him was shocking to the core.

Streams of people, either in chicken carts or on shoulders, going in one direction.

When we got to the location in that direction, it was the grain station in Xintian Township.

In this grain station, a dozen or so errand boys were busy.

Some weighed the grain, some put it in the bin, and some recorded it.

Many people were talking about it, and it didn’t seem like the atmosphere was tense.

There is a person …… who looks familiar, like Qusong, Qusong is holding an umbrella, only that the umbrella that blocks the sun is erected on Zhang Anshi s head, and Qusong continues to bask in the sun.

It was as if he had lost a layer of skin in the sun, and his black face had molted a new white skin, black and white together, like a yin and yang man.