Chapter 923: Become a disciple, take sides, who will bow down?
It's the end of the year and every household has a lot of things to do.
The end of every year is the time for the powerful and wealthy to reap the harvest.
Emperor Jiajing would give them rewards, and that amount of money and grain would not be a small sum, enough for them to have a luxurious year.
Farms from all over the country will also send this year's income before the end of the year.
Food, local specialties...
It’s been a great year, isn’t it?
But this year things have changed.
The rewards from the palace were nowhere to be seen.
The income from farms all over the country was delivered, but along with it came all kinds of disturbing news.
"...Butler, it's spread all over our area now, saying that the court wants to collect taxes?"
Every year, the nearby farms send their income to the Xianning Marquis's mansion early, but it's hard to say for the distant farms, depending on the road conditions. If there is heavy rain or snow, it may not arrive until the end of January. The loss of food and drink on the road can reduce the income a lot.
Fortunately, the weather in Daming was good this year, so before the end of the year, several of the farthest villages finally arrived.
The tanned farmers no longer had their usual innocent smiles and were anxiously waiting for instructions. In previous years, the steward had already ordered them to move the grain into the warehouse, but this year the steward had a sullen face and was reluctant to act.
The farm manager who led the team kept talking, "I think this is not right. If we want to collect taxes, what will we have left after paying them? We can't let the farmers go without food and drink, right?
Butler, does the Marquisate have any solution for this matter? Or is this just a rumor?
Yes, I found everything was peaceful when I entered the capital. If this really happened, those nobles would have been in an uproar. Steward, Steward..."
The housekeeper's face turned pale, "Send the food in."
The farm manager turned around and waved, "What the hell are you guys in a daze for? Hurry up."
Turning back, the farm steward whispered, "Housekeeper, this matter... can you give me a definite answer? After all, I have to appease those farmers when I go back!"
You don't know, after those farmers heard the news, they went crazy, saying that the income they gave to the Marquis' Mansion was barely enough to feed themselves, and if the court came to collect taxes again, would they starve to death? Those people... would run away! Without people to farm, those fields are useless!"
As the steward spoke, he secretly glanced at the housekeeper's face. Seeing that he looked unhappy, his heart sank to the bottom.
……
"Jiang Qingzhi sent a message saying there is a big deal, come if you are willing." Xie Zhang, the staff member, took a sip of hot tea and sighed, "This is a slap in the face to the powerful, and then give them a jujube to eat."
Qiu Luan's study was very large, with bookshelves on both sides filled with various military books and historical classics, but they all looked very new, with almost no signs of having been flipped through.
Qiu Luan stroked the wristband on his left wrist with his right hand and said coldly: "What business can compare to the land and population that can be passed down to children and grandchildren? He is just being hypocritical."
"My Lord, this matter..." Xie Zhang hesitated for a moment, "This is an opportunity. If we can seize it, we will be on board the ship of the new policy."
"I know." Qiu Luan said, "Jiang Qingzhi is now powerful, and my only way out is to board the big ship of the New Deal. But it's easy to get on, but hard to get off!"
Xie Zhang nodded, "The Marquis is worried that if the new policy fails..."
But if he doesn't get on board, when will Qiu Luan be able to lead the army again?
Marquis Xianning, who is unable to lead the army, will be forgotten by everyone within ten years, including the scholars and officials who seem to be friendly to Qiu Luan at this moment.
"This matter..." Qiu Luan hesitated.
This was an opportunity to bow to the new policies and Emperor Jiajing.
That would mean standing in opposition to the literati.
New Policies, Scholars and Officials...
Jiang Qingzhi!
Qiu Luan's eyes flashed with sternness, "No!"
Xie Zhang's eyes were filled with disappointment, "My Lord, I missed this opportunity..."
With the new policy, the Xianning Marquisate will no longer have any chance to cling to it.
"Master Hou."
The housekeeper came and reported respectfully: "The farthest farms have sent this year's earnings. They are all a little worried..."
Qiu Luan said coldly: "What are you worried about?"
The housekeeper said, "It's spreading like wildfire everywhere now, saying that the court intends to collect taxes again. The marquis's mansion collects taxes once, and the court collects taxes once...those farmers will have no way to make a living."
The Marquis will be furious!
The butler lowered his head, but the expected anger did not come.
"Hahahaha!"
Qiu Luan was laughing, very happily.
The butler glanced at him and laughed in anger.
This is……
Xie Zhang sighed.
Qiu Luan laughed for a long time, panting and said, "Listen, this is the voice of the people of the world. How long can such a new policy last? How long can it last? How far can this big ship go?"
Xie Zhang lowered his eyes.
"Under the overwhelming public sentiment, Jiang Qingzhi will surely be ruined and suffer the same fate as Wang Anshi!"
Qiu Luan's firm voice came from the Marquis's Mansion, "I will not go!"
……
Lushi.
Lu Wei is changing clothes.
"Should I wear something formal or something simple?"
Lu Wei had a headache.
His wife smiled and said, "Since we are going to pay homage to a teacher, it should be done in a grand manner. However, I heard that Lord Wei does not like extravagance, so let's just be serious about it."
"Too."
Lu Wei went to the front yard.
Several young men were standing there, and when they saw him coming, they quickly saluted.
Lu Wei stood still and said, "You are all the most outstanding children in the clan school. When you go to Xin'an Lane this time, remember to be respectful."
The teenagers then knew where they were going and were surprised.
Someone couldn't help asking, "But are we going to see Chief Wilbur?" "Yes!"
Lu Wei nodded, "Let's go!"
The young men looked at each other, all feeling a little nervous.
"What are we going to do?"
"I'm afraid it's not a discipleship."
"Chang Wei Bo is now regarded as a great enemy by the scholars. If we become his disciples, won't our clan be worried about being angered by the scholars?"
"Yes."
Arriving at Xin'an Lane, Lu Wei dismounted and turned around. "This matter concerns the future of the Lu family for a hundred years. If you have any questions, you can ask them now. If anyone complains later, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
A young man asked, "Chang Wei Bo is the sworn enemy of the Confucian scholars. Isn't the clan worried that this action will be seen as taking sides?"
That’s a good question, the qualifications are not bad… Lu Wei secretly praised in his heart, “Lu is a relative by marriage, where should the relative by marriage stand?”
Several young men were startled. Lu Wei said, "The Lu family's wealth comes from your majesty. Your majesty has implemented a new policy. Where will the Lu family go?"
“This is the only way!”
"Yes. This is the only way for the Lu family to go!"
"I'll understand later."
Lu Wei nodded with satisfaction and led his men into the alley.
"Master, Lu Wei wants to see you, and he brought a few young men with him."
Jiang Qingzhi had just returned home and was discussing things with Xia Yan and others, preparing to give the powerful people a sweet treat.
"What is he here for?" Jiang Qingzhi was a little surprised.
Xia Yan stroked his beard, "The mistress of the harem is not simple. Lu Wei's visit must be at her behest."
"Take your stand!" Xu Wei said concisely.
Hu Zongxian smiled and said, "It's not a bad thing."
Jiang Qingzhi smiled, stood up and said, "The place to receive those dignitaries is in the Ministry of Revenue!"
Just now they were discussing where to meet those dignitaries, and Xia Yan suggested meeting them at the Ministry of Works, so as to let those dignitaries know how much money and grain would be needed to build a fleet.
"As for the money and grain that Mr. Xia mentioned... there's actually no need to be so deliberate." Jiang Qingzhi pondered for a moment, "As long as they are willing to board this big ship, the rest will fall into place naturally. Remember, it's not a business deal if you're willing to get on board."
"Yes, it depends on their willingness." Xia Yan said with a smile, "But I'm afraid those people won't want to get on board."
"I will paint them an offer they can't refuse!" said Jiang Qingzhi.
In the front yard, Lu Wei waited for Jiang Qingzhi and said with a smile, "When I entered the palace yesterday, the queen asked me if I had gone to Xin'an Lane to ask the old man for advice. I said, how could I still learn when I am so old? The queen said, last time she heard the old man say something like... You can learn until you die. So, today I come here as an unexpected guest! I wonder if it is too late?"
Jiang Qingzhi glanced at the teenagers. They were originally glancing at him curiously, but when they saw him looking at them, they couldn't help but think of the various rumors about Jiang Qingzhi in the outside world.
God of death!
The best general in Ming Dynasty!
The great master of Mohism!
The helmsman of the new policy.
And, the cousin of Emperor Jiajing and the teacher of the two princes.
They subconsciously stood still with their hands behind their backs, feeling that the gaze was as real as substance, making them stiff and afraid to move.
Jiang Qingzhi smiled and said, "If you are here, you are a guest. It is not too late now!"
Fu Cheng couldn't help but sneer when he heard this, thinking that although Lu Wei was the helmsman of the Lu family, his judgment of the general situation was far inferior to that of the person in the palace.
Lu Wei felt relieved and said with a smile, "I just happen to have something to ask of you, Lord."
"Speak." Jiang Qingzhi saw him looking at the young men and had some understanding in his mind.
Lu Wei pointed at a few young men and said, "These useless boys are quite diligent. Ever since the victory report came from the Northern Expedition, they have been clamoring to learn military tactics and Mohist knowledge from Master Bo. I wanted to come back after the new year, but today... they are blocking the door, saying that they want to become his disciples..."
That lady was more decisive in killing than most men.
Lu Wei was indecisive. If he was not the biological brother of Concubine Lu Jing, he would not be able to take charge of the Lu family. He did not dare to take such a decisive stand.
"Why don't you salute?" Lu Wei said with a smile.
Several young men knelt down, "Greetings, Master!"
Jiang Qingzhi smiled and said, "Lu, you are thoughtful."
Lu Wei smiled and said, "Then..."
"It is not necessary for disciples."
Several young men were shocked.
"Old Lu, you also know that since I took charge of the new policy, I have been extremely busy. If I accept a disciple but have no time to teach him, wouldn't that be misleading the students?"
Jiang Qingzhi spoke slowly and with a dignified demeanor. Lu Wei recalled how he looked when he first came to Beijing, and couldn't help but sigh: The young boy back then has turned into a powerful official who is second only to one person and above everyone else.
"Let's go outside the city!" Jiang Qingzhi said, "From now on, anyone who wants to study Mohism will go outside the city. But Old Lu, you have to pass the exam."
Even in the face of Lu's surrender, Jiang Qingzhi still strictly controlled the admission.
Lu Wei knew that he didn't have time to recruit disciples, so he made a gesture and said with a smile: "In that case, I will treat you today..."
Jiang Qingzhi shook his head, "I'm not free today."
Lu Wei thought he was just trying to fool him, but then Mo Zhan came over and said, "My Lord, everything is ready. Minister Lu from the Ministry of Revenue said that a large hall has been reserved for you to receive those people. If there is no room, there is a spacious courtyard outside."
Jiang Qingzhi nodded, "Then let's go!"
……
At this moment, in the Ministry of Revenue, Lu Song stood outside the lobby, with his hands behind his back, looking at the gloomy sky, and said, "Who will bow his head today?"
(End of this chapter)
