Chapter 191 190 Dating in the Same Year

Coming out of the official house of the president, Wei Guangde was thinking about how to write this memorial.

Although Wei Guangde has not been appointed, as a Jinshi, he also has the right to submit memorials, but whether anyone cares or not.

In fact, in the Ming Dynasty, all Juren can submit memorials to the court, but most of the time, no one cares about the memorials submitted by Juren.

Sitting in the official house, Wei Guangde did not start writing the memorial immediately, but was thinking about how to express his meaning and sort out his thoughts.

Just before leaving, Yin Tai told Wei Guangde another important event, which Wei Guangde had heard before, that is, the governor-general of the anti-Japanese war, Hu Zongxian, requested that the military pay of one cent and three cents per mu of land in Jiangnan be added to the military pay for the anti-Japanese war in Jiangnan, and he was also allowed to act at his own convenience.

Wei Guangde did not understand what acting at his own convenience meant at first, but Yin Tai saw that he really did not know, and realized that his relationship with the Yan family did not seem to be close, so he spoke up.

The additional land tax of 1.3 cents can only raise part of the military pay, and it will take until the summer tax and autumn grain to get it, which is like a distant water cannot quench the immediate thirst.

Hu Zongxian proposed the "levy method" in his memorial, which was actually an increase in the tax system set by Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang.

After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang was too involved in things, and directly fixed the annual taxes and labor service of all prefectures and counties in the world, and issued an edict that no more taxes would be added.

The levy mentioned by Hu Zongxian was naturally to break through the taxes and labor service of prefectures and counties set by Zhu Yuanzhang, and to increase the taxes and labor service of prefectures and counties to ensure military supplies, especially the part of labor service, which was directly converted into silver and sent to the army.

Yin Tai also had good intentions, worried that he still didn't understand the situation in the court, and when he heard the news, he would think of the policy essay he wrote in the examination, and then he would be scared again.

Yin Tai had read the policy paper written by Wei Guangde, but it was very general and not specific. It did not say how to raise funds. It only included additional taxes in the areas in the south of the Yangtze River to suppress the Japanese.

Hu Zongxian's memorial was naturally not so confused. He clearly stated the additional taxes, including additional taxes on land and additional taxes and labor service in exchange for silver.

Wei Guangde felt that this proposal seemed to be similar to his own idea, but he was thinking about collecting taxes from merchants, but he did not think about adding local taxes and labor service. The common people suffered from the Japanese disaster and were still subject to additional taxes. Isn't this a death sentence?

It has little to do with him, so Wei Guangde does not intend to get involved in this matter, so he just takes care of his own business.

However, he also learned from Yin Tai that Hu Zongxian implemented a strict sea ban policy in addition to suppressing the Japanese, which made many smugglers along the coast unable to ship goods. This is also the main reason why the barbarians gathered in the Maritime Customs. Their previous channels for getting goods were completely cut off.

It is no wonder that the Ministry of Works is so active in seeking to change the policy of planting rice and mulberry trees. The temptation of gold and silver is indeed great.

Although there is no famous saying, Wei Guangde also heard the meaning of Yin Tai's words. The three senior officials who are now fighting against the Japanese in Jiangnan are Hu Zongxian, the left assistant minister of the Ministry of War and the right assistant censor, the governor of Zhejiang and the governor of the fight against the Japanese, Zhao Wenhua, the left assistant minister of the Ministry of Works and the censor of the sea, and Ruan E, the governor of Fujian. These three people are all Yan Song's subordinates.

Wei Guangde knew that Yin Tai might have guessed what he wanted to do, so he told him everything. The water is deep inside, so it is best not to intervene. If you are not careful, you will offend the Yan family.

Obviously, his fellow countryman, the chief minister, has basically controlled the officialdom in Zhejiang and Fujian. While severely fighting against the Japanese, he is also preparing to use the Maritime Customs to export silk and other goods to earn money, and part of it will be sent to the court to solve financial problems. It is estimated that the bulk of it will go into their pockets.

At this time, bringing out the set of words that he had thought of before is undoubtedly blocking other people's money.

As his mind wandered, time passed quickly and it was already afternoon. The piece of paper in front of Wei Guangde was still blank, and he had not written a single word.

Remembering Yin Tai's previous instructions, Wei Guangde had to clean up the table and go out to Wu Qing's public room.

After the clerk informed him, Wei Guangde easily entered Wu Shidu's public room.

Well, when Wei Guangde entered, he saw Wu Qing reading miscellaneous books. As for the "Xiaozong Shilu" that Yin Tai said he was responsible for proofreading and copying, he could not see it at all.

After the greeting, Wu Qing asked Wei Guangde to sit on a chair on the side and said, "Yin Zhangyuan told me that the "Xiaozong Shilu" is still being checked and copied in the Review Office. I have sent someone to tell them that they will send a copy to your public room first. Check it first, and ask me if you don't understand anything."

"Yes."

Wei Guangde hurriedly got up and agreed. Finally, he had some work to do, although this work obviously would not fall on his head in the short term.

He had been to the Review Office, where he only worked half a day and spent the afternoon drinking tea and chatting. If he waited for them to deliver the "Records of Emperor Xiaozong", it would take forever.

The court did not care about the "Records of Emperor Xiaozong" and the "Records of Emperor Wuzong" at all. After all, everyone knew what happened to Emperor Jiajing, and no one would care even if it was delayed for a few years.

Wei Guangde returned to his public housing and sat down until the end of his duty. He had not yet decided whether he should write that memorial or how to write it.

Yes, Wei Guangde did not want to offend the powerful, and he wanted to enjoy life as an official.

When he left the Hanlin Academy, he was stopped by a group of editors and editors from the Hanlin Academy, "Guangde, let's go and have a meal together."

Well, Wei Guangde had no choice but to follow them to a nearby restaurant to eat.

At this time, most of the officials who entered the Hanlin Academy had been in the officialdom for a short time, and many of them were alone in the capital, without any concerns about their families.

In fact, Wei Guangde is the same as them, he is a loner, so getting together to eat and chat after his shift has become a daily routine.

"I'm afraid Deyan will be promoted when he comes back this time."

Wen Yinglu said, "Yesterday Chen Jin left the capital and went to Shanghe, Shandong to participate in the canonization of Kangshun King Zhu Zaihuan. He was the son of Zhuang King Zhu Houxun, the grandson of Qingzhou's first Heng King, Henggong King Zhu Youyi, and the great-grandson of Xianzong Zhu Jianshen.

This time, Guangning Bo Liu Yunzhong was appointed as the chief envoy, and Hanlin Academy editor Chen Jin and others were appointed as deputy envoys. This was actually a precursor to promotion. After all, he could not be promoted without reason, he had to make some contribution.

"Go to bachelor's degree or stay part-time?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

"Who knows, maybe if you enter Taichang Temple, you will be the number one scholar after all."

Someone else responded and said that the importance of the terms of the imperial examination is really too important in the officialdom, just like those who have been promoted to the top three in thirty-two years, they often start with the number one scholar.

This time, Chen Jin went to consecrate King Kangshun, just to give him credit for his achievements. It was normal for him to come back and upgrade to a higher level.

"Have you heard? On the 13th of last month, the Japanese pirates broke through the Jiangyin and Zhenjiang lines and broke into Zhenjiang, Guazhou, and Yizheng to plunder. Tens of thousands of grains were burned in Cao's grain. It is estimated that the price of grain in the capital will rise soon, and everyone is worried. Grain safety.”

At this time, Cao Dazhang spoke.

"The Japanese pirates are getting more and more serious. A few days ago, it was said that a group of Japanese pirates came ashore from Huai'an Prefecture in Nanzhili. Fortunately, the Huai'an guards discovered them in time and mobilized heavy troops to drive them away."

"Are the Japanese pirates attacking the Grand Canal?"

Two news in a row, one is that the Japanese pirates have arrived in Zhenjiang, not far from Nanjing. Last year, the Japanese pirates made a big fuss under the city of Nanjing.

The same goes for Huai'an. The Grand Canal must pass through it. If Japanese pirates attack Huai'an, water transportation will naturally be interrupted.

"Where did the news come from?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously. He had not yet integrated into the officialdom, and he was very curious about the source of information about Cao Dazhang and the others. On weekdays, they all came to the Hanlin Academy on time to check in the public housing just like him. Where did he get the news?

"I heard about it last night after I had a drink with someone from the same year as the Secretary of General Affairs."

Cao Dazhang said.

Wei Guangde left Chongwenmen and returned to Jiujiang Guild Hall before dark. When he came in, he saw Lao Kan and Xia Kefan sitting in the lobby drinking tea.

Wei Guangde naturally walked over and sat down, "Are you two back so early?"

"Yeah, why did you come back today? Let's go inside and play cards."

Lao Kan said with a smile when he saw Wei Guangde coming back.

"Hold on, you are watching the government in the Yamen of the Ministry of Justice. Have you heard that Jiangnan is going to impose additional taxes to suppress Japanese invaders?"

Wei Guangde asked.

"I heard from the principal that there is a dispute, but it has little to do with us. It is a matter for the court officials to consider."

Lao Kan smiled.

At this moment, Zhang Ke came back from outside, smelling of alcohol. He must have been drinking with people from Zhongshu and Sixth Section.

Seeing Zhang Ke, Wei Guangde's eyes lit up. The Sixth Section was the department that knew the imperial will the fastest. Almost all the decrees of the cabinet were transmitted through the Sixth Section, and they also had the right to refute.

Although Zhang Ke was not in the Sixth Section, the Zhongshu Section was right next to the Sixth Section, and he knew the news the fastest. Wei Guangde naturally blamed Zhang Ke as the source of the news.

"Brother Jinqing, you came back just in time. I want to ask something."

Wei Guangde saw Zhang Ke and hurriedly waved.

"Hey, Guangde, you came back early."

Zhang Ke walked over and sat down with a smile, picked up the teapot on the table, poured a glass of water, and drank it in one gulp.

After Zhang Ke put down his tea cup, Wei Guangde asked: "I heard that the Zhenjiang side was looted by Japanese pirates? The grain supply was also burned?"

"Really?"

"No way, Guangde, don't make such a joke."

Lao Kan and Xia Kefan both said with disbelief.

"How do you know? I only found out today. I heard that I only arrived in the capital after reporting yesterday afternoon."

Zhang Ke said in surprise.

"Really? There are Japanese pirates in Zhenjiang, so isn't Yingtian Mansion unsafe again?"

When Lao Kan heard what Zhang Ke said, the first thing he thought of was Nanjing City over Zhenjiang. The Lao family had business there, so he was naturally nervous.

"The Japanese pirates have retreated, and Nanjing City should not be in any danger. There was enough trouble last year. If the Japanese pirates can still get to Nanjing City, I guess Wei Guogong will not do it."

Zhang Ke said in a relaxed tone, "It is said that Caoliang lost tens of thousands of stones, but it has been restored. Nanjing will strengthen patrols on the Jiangyin front line to prevent Japanese pirates from breaking through the defense line again."

"That's good, that's good."

Lao Kan murmured when he heard that the Japanese pirates had retreated.

"By the way, why are you so well-informed? Where did you get the news? I only heard the Sixth Section talking about this matter this morning."

Zhang Ke was curious about Wei Guangde's well-informed information. After all, he was not in the Sixth Section or General Affairs Department, but in the Qingshui Yamen Hanlin Academy.

"Cao Dazhang said that he heard the news from the General Affairs Department in the same year."

Wei Guangde looked at Zhang Ke, then at Lao Kan and Xia Kefan, and then continued: "In the future, we must often send news between the same year, otherwise we will often find out later."

"Well, that's right. Let's invite Guangde to have a guest tomorrow. I'll call all the six ministers of the same year to watch politics."

Lao Kan joked in a relaxed mood now.

"Okay, tell me, let's find a place. I'll go to the Hanlin Academy tomorrow. I'll talk to Zhu Dashou and Tao Dalin. They shouldn't refuse to be the host."

After the last trip to the Ministry of Rites, Zhu Dashou and the others organized a banquet to entertain the same year. Wei Guangde knew that they also wanted to win over other people of the same year. Now that everyone has begun to observe politics, it is time to get together again.

"You are so crafty."

Lao Kan chuckled and said, "Do you think you can eat and drink for free?"

"Haha, I can't invite you alone. Three hundred people are not just talking. Two hundred taels of silver are always required."

Wei Guangde smiled.

"Don't you want to get closer to your classmates? After all, we are all second-class students, and we will all stay in Beijing in the future."

Lao Kan asked with a smile.

"What's the use of thinking about it? People get promoted much faster than I do. Do you think you can bring people together by treating them to food and drinks?"

Wei Guangde smiled and said: 'There is something you may not know yet. Chen Jin, the top scholar in the imperial examination, was sent to Shanghe and was conferred the title of Zhu Zaihuan, the king of Kangshun. It is said that he may be promoted when he returns. ’

"There's no comparison."

The four of them were silent for a while, and it took them a long time to say something.

"Yes, there is no comparison. We will meet in the capital for a long time in the future, so there is no need to be so formal."

Wei Guangde smiled.

The next day, Wei Guangde came to the Hanlin Academy, sat in the public room for a while, then found Jinda and Tao Dalin, and went to Zhu Dashou's public room together.

After Wei Guangde explained his purpose of coming, the three of them naturally had no objections, but it seemed that the pressure was a bit high for the four of them to be the hosts.

Wei Guangde didn't know the financial resources of Zhu Dashou and others, so he only measured them by his own.

Well, a few hundred taels of silver is a huge sum of money to ordinary people, and it used to be the case for Wei Guangde, but it seems not to be the case now.

It was very puzzling to see the three people nodding in agreement at first, and then all looking confused.

Jinda was the oldest among the few. He was nearly fifty at this time, twenty years older than Zhu Dashou and Tao Dalin, so he naturally understood what was going on.

Only then did he speak: "Guangde, you should know that Yu Chen and I both come from official families, but after being in the capital for such a long time, we don't have much money left with us, and we haven't received any money from our families yet. "

When Wei Guangde heard what Jinda said, he realized that his father was more active. In addition, Jiujiang Prefecture's big businessmen in the capital were the Lin family of Huitong Trading Company, who could give him twenty thousand taels of silver. Ordinary small businessmen must be It can't be done.

Jin Da and Tao Dalin were both from official families, so they naturally had no worries about their money. However, if they didn't get it together for a while, their family conditions would be much worse when they reached the top of the imperial examinations. This was probably why they were embarrassed.

"It doesn't matter. I still have a lot of money, so I'll treat you. Let's just say it's a treat for the same year as our Hanlin Academy."

Seeing that Zhu Dashou, Jin Da and others were about to speak, Wei Guangde hurriedly stopped him and said: "That's it, I'm out this time. Next time our Hanlin Academy entertains guests in the same year, it's your turn to be the host. You can't do it because of my age. Little bully me."