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The Governor of Xuanda took office, the generals of Zhangjiakou and Datong were replaced, and a group of middle and lower-level officers from various towns were also transferred and replaced by those with a military background.
There was also the earlier arrival of Yang Lian, the governor of Shanxi, who vigorously implemented the policy of clearing the military bases and paying military salaries. Some local officials were subsequently dismissed and replaced, which caused a great shake-up in the officialdom of Shanxi.
These changes were not yet apparent to the common people, except for the imperial decree of exemption, which made them happy.
But Shanxi merchants, especially those who have the privilege of foreign trade, are feeling more and more pressure and reduced income.
You know, having border trade privileges can definitely make money, but smuggling banned goods is even more profitable.
The Ming Hui Dian records: "There are those who use this (horse market trade) to spy on the real situation. The Chinese who seek profit make friends with the Zhi people and even buy military equipment secretly and leak military intelligence. Even though there are officials in charge of the market, they cannot stop them."
In other words, when the Ming Dynasty opened horse markets to the Mongolian tribes, it did not sell everything, at least some materials were not supplied in unlimited quantities.
For example, the Ming Dynasty had a clear ban on ironware. In addition, many strategic materials such as grain and salt were also sold in limited quantities.
As for weapons and intelligence, they were strictly prohibited. Moreover, this was no longer a matter of smuggling, but rather treason.
The Eight Great Shanxi Merchants' treasonous behavior did not begin with their secret dealings with the Later Jin. They made fortunes from trading with the Mongols, becoming what the Ming Hui Dian (Ming Hui Dian) called "Chinese profiteers."
To successfully smuggle, one must naturally connect with the government, bribe border guards, and facilitate customs inspections. Over time, smuggling has shown a tendency to become open.
But now, with the court's vigorous crackdown, smuggling is not only becoming increasingly difficult, but there is even the possibility of being completely cut off.
Fan Mansion, Jiexiu, Shanxi.
The mansion covers several acres of land and is built magnificently. Although he is a businessman, his style is no less than that of a high-ranking official.
This is normal. Most Shanxi merchants are official businessmen. They rose to prominence by relying on their official positions and enjoy privileges and conveniences.
If we trace the root of the matter, we will find that Shanxi merchants were once the driving force behind Zhang Juzheng's reforms.
Shanxi bureaucrats such as Wang Chonggu, Zhang Siwei, Yang Bo, and Wang Guoguang had close ties with Shanxi merchants through marriage.
For example, Wang Chonggu's second sister married Zhang Yunling, a Shanxi businessman, and gave birth to a son named Zhang Siwei. Wang Chonggu's daughter married Yang Junqing, the son of Yang Bo.
Yang Bo's two granddaughters married Zhang Siwei's two sons, Zhang Jiahui and Zhang Dinghui, and one of Zhang Siwei's daughters married the son of Ma Ziqiang (a Shaanxi businessman).
Because of this, many people believe that the "Longqing Peace Agreement" was a wise move in relations with Mongolia and ensured stability in the northern border for hundreds of years.
However, the high-ranking officials at the time, Wang Chonggu and Zhang Siwei, worked so hard out of their selfish desire to realize the mutual trade between Ming and Mongolia and to obtain opportunities to make a lot of money for their wealthy families.
In fact, Shanxi merchants did make a fortune through border trade, further strengthening their family's financial resources and influence in Shanxi.
However, changes in Shanxi's officialdom and the court's policies seemed to be gradually blocking the Shanxi merchants' financial resources. They had no choice but to discuss and find a solution.
Inside the hall, Fan Yongdou had a warm expression on his face. He listened to Wang Dengku complaining, smiled, and nodded slightly.
"If we weren't fearless of danger and went out to trade with the Mongols, how could there be peace in the border towns?"
Wang Dengku, still looking aggrieved and indignant, shouted, "Now they're going to kill us and cut off our source of income. How can this be justified?"
Jin Liangyu chuckled and said slowly, "A new emperor chooses his own ministers. Whoever the emperor favors is the one he rules. Old Wang, don't be like this. You know, anger hurts your liver!"
Huang Yunfa stroked his beard and said slowly, "Old Jin is right, but we can't just let this matter go. We still have to fight for what we should fight for."
"How can we fight for it?" Wang Dengku stared at him, "If we buy it with money, we still have a chance. But now, there's nowhere to give money!"
Jin Liangyu said, "Look, Old Wang, you're still so impatient. You haven't even figured out the specific policy, and you're already saying there's no chance."
After a pause, he continued, "I've asked someone to inquire with Governor Yang. This matter is under the jurisdiction of the Governor-General of Xuanda. We still have to wait for the Governor-General to announce the specific regulations. So, we'd better wait patiently."
Fan Yongdou nodded in agreement and said, "Old Jin is right! What kind of license does the court need to issue? Isn't this similar to the old 'Kaizhong System'? Can't you still make a fortune?"
During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, nine frontiers were established to defend the Central Plains from attacks by the Oirat and Tatars.
Since the nine frontiers were far away from the ruling center of the empire, logistical supply was difficult. In order to reduce the burden, the court reached an agreement with Shanxi merchants, which is the so-called "Kaizhong System" or "Kailiang Nazhong".
The specific method was: Shanxi merchants transported grain to several major border fortresses such as Datong and Juyongguan, and the court gave these merchants salt permits, enabling them to obtain the qualifications to legally sell "official salt".
The advantage of the Kaizhong system was that it motivated merchants and civilians to transport military rations, but its disadvantage was that it gave salt merchants a profit, reducing government revenue. However, in the early Ming Dynasty, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages.
For example, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty made eight northern expeditions and Emperor Chengzu made five northern expeditions, consuming countless amounts of military rations and horse fodder, but there was no public resentment. The "Kaizhong System" played an indispensable role in this.
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