Zhu Youjian raised his head and looked at his half-brother emperor. He suddenly realized that ever since he transmigrated, he had always had a wrong understanding of this Tianqi Emperor.
The Tianqi Emperor was definitely not as stupid as recorded in the history books.
The border troops had made their own cannons, and each cannon was priced at 10,000 taels. How much of it was false? How could a mere copper cannon be so expensive?
Although people with discerning eyes could see it at a glance, the Tianqi Emperor did not expose it. Instead, he tacitly agreed because he deeply understood the principle that there would be no fish in the water if it was too clear. When a general was outside, if he did not accept the emperor's orders, he naturally had to promise benefits. Otherwise, with just a promise of loyalty to the Ming Dynasty and empty words, why would others tie their heads to their belts and die for you?
"Your Majesty, you are right. It was my brother's negligence. This cannon consumes a lot of ammunition and needs to be prepared with enough shells. Therefore, each one is priced at 15,000 taels of silver…"
"Royal brother, you can first send the ten cannons and flintlocks made in the War Bureau to the Liaodong front line for 400,000 yuan!”The Tianqi Emperor nodded." 400,000 taels of silver will be delivered from the treasury.”
"This old servant accepts the order!" Wei Zhongxian smiled sinisterly.
Using the emperor's money to give gifts, I'm also a talent!
"Your Majesty, there is one more thing." Seeing that the Tianqi Emperor was about to leave, Zhu Youjian hurriedly took a step forward and said loudly.
"This minister's younger brother is going to Jiangnan to personally supervise the collection of business taxes!”
The Tianqi Emperor's eyes lit up at the mention of tax collection. Although Wei Zhongxian was in charge of the internal treasury, and the mining taxes collected from all over the country were gathered here, the vast Ming Empire was plagued by droughts and floods today, earthquakes tomorrow, and disasters. The civil and military officials refused to allocate funds for disaster relief on the grounds that the expenses were too expensive and the court's expenses were insufficient.
Recently, due to the war in Liaodong, Sun Chengzong had spent 300,000 taels of silver to train a new army and recruit Liao citizens. He had also spent 400,000 taels of silver to buy guns for the border troops. In addition, he had spent 200,000 taels of silver to eliminate Xu Hongru last month, and 800,000 taels of silver to mobilize troops from all over Lunan…
Even mountains of gold and silver could not withstand such a flower technique.
"Imperial brother is loyal and brave for the country!”The Tianqi Emperor praised sincerely," Royal Brother, what do you need for your trip?”
"This old servant thinks that the silver stored in the treasury can be used for a period of time. Your Highness has returned from a battle and is truly tired. Why don't you rest in the capital for a period of time so that this old servant can allocate manpower to assist Your Highness in Jiangnan?”
"Great Companion's words are reasonable. Imperial Brother will rest for a few days. Tonight, Zhen will hold a banquet at the Palace of Heavenly Purity to welcome Imperial Brother!”
Since the Tianqi Emperor had expressed his stance, Zhu Youjian could not insist and agreed.
" Lord Xu's disciple, Sun Yuan Hua, is currently serving as a military officer under Sun Chengzong's command. This batch of firearms must be handed over to him…" Zhu Youjian asked Xu Guangqi to write a letter to Sun Yuan Hua. The letter clearly explained the usage and maintenance of this type of cannon and handed it to Song Yingsheng.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I will not fail my mission!”In the battle to eliminate Xu Hongru, Song Yingsheng had personally sent the guns and cannons to the front line of Lunan. He had made great contributions and had been promoted to the position of the commander of the Rank-8 War Bureau after being evaluated by the Ministry of Personnel and the Cabinet.
"Go!" Zhu Youjian looked at the convoy heading north from afar until it disappeared. Then he turned around and returned to his Eastern Palace courtyard.
"Your Highness, the governor of South Lu, Zhao Yan, has sent a memorial asking for a reward for Li Yan.”
Just as Zhu Youjian sat down, Xu Guangqi walked in with a memorial in his hand and handed it to him." Your Highness is right. As soon as we returned to court, plagues broke out in Zou County, Dongchang, Yun City, and other places, causing many casualties. Only Teng County, which Li Yan was in charge of, followed Your Highness's instructions. They buried the dead bodies, cleaned the courtyard, and strictly prohibited the villagers from escaping. Finally, they survived the plague safely.”
"How is the plague in Yun City and other places now? Did Zhao Yan order martial law and send doctors to treat it?”
Zhu Youjian took the memorial and asked hurriedly.
"Lord Zhao has already followed Li Yan's instructions and sent the guards to guard the areas. They have also distributed medicine and cleaned up the corpses. The plague has mostly subsided.”
"That's good!" Zhu Youjian let out a long sigh. Human lives were at stake. The people of South Lu had escaped Xu Hongru's chaos. If they died from the plague, it would be too worthless.
"Order Cao Wenzhao to quickly bring fifty thousand taels of silver to Lunan and distribute them to the people to help them survive the famine.”
It couldn't be helped. The War Bureau didn't have much silver on hand. Although 50,000 taels was a drop in the bucket, it was still better than nothing.
"Your Highness 'benevolence has spread throughout the world. This lowly official thanks Your Highness on behalf of the people of Lunan!”
Xu Guangqi was stunned for a moment, and then his eyes turned red. He lifted his shirt and knelt on the ground, kowtowing three times to Zhu Youjian!
He had already been baptized into the Church. According to the teachings, other than the Emperor, he rarely knelt to anyone. However, today, he was not kneeling for himself, but for the millions of people in Lunan!
"Lord Xu, you and I are friends regardless of age. Why are you doing this? Get up quickly!”Zhu Youjian hurriedly helped him up." Now the four sides are in turmoil, floods and droughts are frequent, and the people are suffering. I feel the same. I only hate that I have no power and no soldiers under my command..."
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