Lu Huiqing and Zhang Fei are actually old partners. They have done a lot of things like this before and still have a tacit understanding.
The two of them sang in unison, and Zhao Yan didn't even have a chance to interrupt.
Just watch them perform.
After leaving the imperial court, Lu Huiqing suddenly whispered, "If the court compensates in full, merchants may not be willing to set up an insurance company."
"Seventy percent." Zhang Fei replied immediately.
Lu Huiqing was stunned for a moment, then asked with a smile: "Reason?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "First, they did not sign the compensation agreement; second, the price they paid was actually lower than the cost. The grain transport officials must have collected the money and then used the court's resources to help them deliver the goods.
Although this was tacitly approved by the imperial court, if it really had to be argued in court, it would actually be very disadvantageous to the merchants.
If this case is defined as a case of corruption and bribery, it is very likely that the canal officials will be affected, and the merchants will not get much compensation. "
Lu Huiqing said: "Hearing what you said, I think it's worth 50%."
...
...
Zhang Fei said: "If it is lower than 70%, some of them may fight to the death, because they have to repay their debts, and the business department will have to rely on these businessmen to make profits in the future, so don't make the relationship too tense."
Lu Huiqing thought for a while, then nodded and said, "Okay."
Zhang Fei suddenly joked, "Minister Lu, why is it that every time I talk to you, I always end up talking about something that violates judicial principles?"
Lu Huiqing laughed and said, "Same here, same here."
After negotiating with Zhang Fei, Lu Huiqing formally proposed the grain transport reform policy to the court before going on vacation.
He did not mention the corruption of the grain transport, but put himself in the shoes of the grain transport and considered it. The grain transport was related to the economic lifeline, but they could only use such broken ships. If the grain supply could not be met in times of crisis, it would be a disaster.
Or increase spending on water transport.
But this obviously won't work. Simply increasing spending will not improve this rat pit no matter how much more is thrown into it.
Only by utilizing the business law can we carry out a comprehensive reform of the water transport system.
Just like the Food Agency, the imperial court signed contracts with these transportation groups and paid them to transport food.
Lu Huiqing requested that ten independent transportation groups be established temporarily.
There are two each in Northwest, Hebei, and Jingdong East Roads, and four in the Southeast Six Roads, allowing them to compete with each other.
The reformists were of course very supportive, as this was a huge piece of cake, and Lu Huiqing would definitely use reformist officials.
Rich mansion.
"This is most likely another plan between Wang Jiefu and Zhang San."
Wen Yanbo said bluntly: "Lu Huiqing has just returned and has proposed such a meticulous reform plan. It is obvious that it has been arranged long ago."
Fu Bi asked with a smile: "What is their purpose?"
Wen Yanbo said: "Reform water transportation."
Fu Bi said: "This is not a bad thing."
Wen Yanbo shook his head and said, "But it may not be a good thing. Given Lu Huiqing's character, he will definitely arrange all his followers to join. Otherwise, why would he be so active? And the public security, procuratorate and courts may not be able to supervise him!"
Fu Bi said, "You know about this kind of thing, and I know it too. It's impossible that Zhang San didn't think of it. With his style, he will definitely find a way to tie this matter to the public security, procuratorate and courts, so as to further enhance the authority of the public security, procuratorate and courts. Let's wait and see."
The businessman over there originally thought that with the intervention of the procuratorate, the matter would be a sure win, as the chief prosecutor was Zhang Fei. However, he never expected that once Lu Huiqing took action, the situation would take an unexpected turn, from prosecution to reconciliation.
Merchants are inherently at a disadvantage when negotiating with the imperial court.
News soon spread that the Ministry of Revenue did not intend to pay full compensation.
This matter has a huge impact on businessmen. Nowadays, more and more goods are traveling to and from the capital, and everyone's business is getting bigger and bigger, so transportation naturally becomes more and more important.
Fan Yong and Chen Maoqian came to Zhang Fei to inquire about the news.
Bian Jing Law Firm.
"Even if the procuratorate sues, it is difficult to get full compensation." Zhang Fei shook his head and said, "The key is that the contract does not specify the compensation terms."
Fan Yong said: "I heard that it was the transport authorities who refused to sign, not the merchants who were unwilling."
Zhang Fei said: "But you have to know that the Canal Transport is not a profit-making workshop, it is a special organization. Its authority does not include helping merchants transport goods, so it naturally has no power to sign any compensation regulations, and the regulations here are very vague.
Even if the procuratorate prosecutes, I guess the final result may be that the merchants will get some compensation and the relevant canal officials will be punished, but I don’t think they want to offend those canal officials. ”
Fan Yong asked, "I heard that the court is planning to turn the grain transport into a public service agency. Would that be a good idea?"
Zhang Fei said: "That depends on how the regulations were signed. They have the final say, and our procuratorate has no say in that."
Chen Maoqian said: "That means they have the final say, and the business bureau is for profit, so private boats have no chance of survival, and the docks are all under their control."
The commercialization of water transport has made merchants very worried. It is terrible if you are not profitable, and if you want to pursue profits now, we merchants will be like meat on the chopping board.
Zhang Fei pretended to be silent for a while, then said, "I have also thought about this. If you want to protect your rights, I have a way."
"What method?" Fan Yong asked anxiously.
There was no sense of surprise at all. Everyone who had discussed business with Zhang Fei knew that his methods were always scary.
Zhang Fei immediately informed them of the insurance transaction.
As expected.
Fan Yong felt dizzy after hearing this. "This is absolutely not allowed. There are so many tricks in the grain transport industry."
At this point, he whispered, "Even the common people know that many accidents were caused by the canal transport officers and soldiers. If we want to get this insurance, wouldn't that be sending a sheep into the tiger's mouth?"
Chen Maoqian just nodded, it sounded really horrible.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Once businessmen have insurance, they can review and supervise the business bureau. You will have bargaining power in your hands. At least you can intervene and try to avoid such accidents.
This alone outweighs the little bit of profit. Of course, the regulations will also clearly state under what circumstances compensation will be given and what kind of investigation you need to conduct. Regarding these, our transportation team has rich experience and can ask them to help. "
Chen Maoqian just felt strange and incredible, "Will the Canal Transport Association be willing to accept our review and supervision?"
Zhang Fei said: "As long as we develop this industry, they will have to listen even if they don't want to. You also said that they want to make a profit. If they don't have insurance, merchants will not entrust them with transportation. This will cause trouble for them, not us.
Only in this way can we take control of the initiative, including drafting a contract, so that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs can better provide you with protection."
Fan Yong and Chen Maoqian suddenly realized that this insurance was used for the competition to make rules.
They should not limit their focus to money alone.
Fan Yong said: "Even if we agree, the other merchants will not agree."
Zhang Fei said: "Of course. Now all merchants lack transportation security, and this is profitable. Just imagine that merchants must buy insurance, and at the same time we reduce the probability of accidents. This is definitely a profitable business.
You should go to Xiangguo Temple and the Ma family to discuss the establishment of an insurance industry led by the three major warehouse stores."
Fan Yong nodded and said, "Okay! I'll go ask first."
Zhang Fei said: "But don't tell anyone that it was my idea."
Chen Maoqian chuckled and said, "Need I say that? I can tell it was your idea right away."
Zhang Fei sighed: "Knowing is one thing, speaking it out is another."
After all, Zhang Fei is an official now, and there is actually a conflict of interest between the insurance industry and the imperial court's water transport reform, so it is not convenient for him to come forward.
Fan Yong and Chen Maoqian took Zhang Fei's idea and first went to Jiekupu to negotiate, but their main target was actually Xiangguo Temple.
Because the Ma family and the charity foundation are Zhang Fei's base, and Xiangguo Temple represents the interests of another group of people. It is precisely because of this that Xiangguo Temple is very tempted.
Because Xiangguo Temple knows that it is not just about interests but more about power.
However, Xiangguo Temple was also cautious and requested to call in merchants from various guilds to ask if they really had a demand. After all, buying insurance would also increase transportation costs.
Is there any need to ask? Merchants all agree with this. Although the cost has increased, the risk is also reduced. The risk of canal transportation is most likely man-made. After all, it is not sea transportation. No one wants to have his life in the hands of others. If he is not careful, he will lose everything.
Nowadays, the commercialization of water transport must be monopolized, otherwise how can it make a profit? It is difficult for private merchants to compete, especially in long-distance transportation.
As long as the insurance price is not too outrageous, they are definitely willing to buy it.
Ministry of Revenue.
"Minister Lu, I heard that those businessmen are planning to come up with an insurance plan to fight against our business agency."
"Insurance?"
Lu Huiqing pretended to be confused and looked at Deng Wan.
Deng Wan immediately informed Lu Huiqing of everything he knew, and added: "I have already found out that their intention is to supervise our business office.
If our ships are not insured and do not meet the standards, merchants will not use our ships.
, aren't they trying to take advantage of us?"
Lu Huiqing smiled and said, "There's nothing wrong with that."
Deng Wan looked at Lu Huiqing in surprise.
Lu Huiqing said: "To put it simply, this business law is to turn it into a business. No matter what, we have to make a profit. What they are doing is just increasing the transportation cost. They are willing to bear it, so why should we not be willing to do so?"
Deng Wan said: "But this is not just a matter of money, it's also a matter of power. They will have the final say then."
Lu Huiqing said: "Power means ensuring that they can only use our ships and that we can make a profit. The rest is nothing."
At this point, he paused for a moment, "Besides, who do you think is behind Xiangguo Temple? If the prince's goods are lost, how much trouble will it cause us?"
Deng Wan frowned and said, "Yes! If the canal transportation is commercialized, we will have to transport the goods of the Queen Mother and the Prince in the future."
Legislative Council.
"Insurance Law."
Wen Yanbo couldn't help but laugh and said, "This Zhang San really has a lot of tricks up his sleeve!"
Sima Guang said: "I think this insurance law is very cleverly designed. After all, the business bureau belongs to the court. It is difficult to avoid embezzlement when the court supervises the court. It is undoubtedly more reasonable to supervise whoever has the greatest impact. Moreover, in this way, the public security, procuratorate and courts will be able to intervene better, because businessmen must rely on the public security, procuratorate and courts to protect their rights and interests."
Fu Bi smiled and said, "In fact, Zhang San has always done this. In terms of understanding the laws of our ancestors, I am still far behind him!"
Isn't this still following the guiding principle of taking precautions against accidents and controlling them?
As he was speaking, Lu Gongzhe suddenly entered the hall and said, "You may not know yet, but the emperor has just issued another decree, asking Zhang San to go on an inspection tour to the northwest."
Wen Yanbo frowned and asked, "You still want him to go on patrol?"
That kid is too unreliable when he's on patrol. He just does his job perfunctorily. It would be better to let him stay in the capital to deal with the grain transport issue.
Lu Gong said: "This is different from last time. It is said that there is another task."
Sima Guang asked hurriedly: "What mission?"
Lu Gong said: "It is to promote public security, prosecution and law in prefectures and counties."
Fu Bi and Wen Yanbo understood immediately.
In fact, Su Che had discussed this issue in his letter. They were powerless to do anything about it. Places like prefectures and states were extremely special. Even taxes were levied on the Zhe family army. After the public security, procuratorate and courts went there, they had no place to stand, and the court did not allow them to implement public security, procuratorate and courts there.
Wen Yanbo asked again: "Can Zhang San do it?"
Sima Guang said: "If he can't do it, then no one can do it."
But Zhang Fei does not have much energy to take care of the affairs of insurance and the Enterprise Bureau now. In fact, he is not very good at it. Although he was the one who proposed the Enterprise Law, he only provided the plan and analyzed the interests involved. The specific arrangements were all handled by Wang Anshi and others.
Splitting up the canal transport system would be an extremely complicated project, with numerous problems involved, and it could only be handled by a capable official like Lu Huiqing.
Of course, Lu Huiqing also enjoyed it very much. As a result, many officials had to curry favor with him.
As for the insurance industry, Zhang Fei was only responsible for drafting the contract, but as for how to calculate the specific costs and compensation, Zhang Fei let the businessmen figure it out themselves. After all, the current environment and risks are different from those in the future, and Zhang Fei is not clear about this, so they have to figure it out on their own.
Zhang Fei has now shifted his focus to the west.
The environment of the Song Dynasty is actually a whole chess game. No matter where you place your move, west, south or north, it will inevitably affect the overall situation.
If you make a bad move, you lose everything.
You must be extremely careful!
These days, he has been negotiating with Li Bao and the people from the Military Equipment Bureau to secretly transfer the craftsmen, tools and some finished weapons to the northwest.
After the beginning of the next spring, Zhang Fei immediately set off for the northwest. This time, Cao Dongdong did not go with him, because this matter had to be kept highly confidential, not only from the outside world, but also from the inside.
Having said that, Cao Dongdong didn't want to go either. It was meaningless.
However, Zhang Fei did not say that he would go to Hezhong Prefecture first, but disguised himself as a caravan and headed straight to Yanzhou.
On the other side, Zhong Yan, Zhe Jishi, Zhe Jizu and Yao Si had already received the news in advance and also rushed to Yanzhou secretly.
By the time Zhang Fei arrived, the banquet had already been set.
"Generals, how are you?"
"Thank you for your concern, Grand Judge. We are all doing well. I still remember that year, Grand Judge Quan Meng was selfless and cleared my name. I have always wanted to thank you."
Zhong Yan immediately clasped his fists and said.
They were very grateful to Zhang Fei, because that military trial not only solved Zhong Yan's troubles, but also gave them more military freedom. They no longer had to worry about civil officials gossiping in front of the emperor. At most, they could go to the imperial court to prove their innocence.
Therefore, when they learned that Zhang Fei was coming, they rushed here as soon as possible.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Don't be in a hurry to thank me yet. I believe you have heard the news and know why I came here."
Several people looked at each other.
Zhang Fei nodded again and said, "Yes, I am here to promote the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs."
Zhe Jishi said: "Grand Judge, we all support the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs very much, and we also know that the public security, procuratorial and judicial organs are beneficial to us military generals, but..."
Having said this, he hesitated to speak.
Zhang Fei said: "But the situation in the border states is very different from that in other states and counties, because everything here is prepared for war, which is inconsistent with the law of the rule of law."
Zhe Jishi nodded awkwardly.
You said it better than I thought.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "All the generals are straightforward people. I don't want to beat around the bush. This time it is imperative. Because this is related to the main purpose of my coming here."
"Main purpose?"
Zhong Yan was surprised and asked, "Isn't the main purpose of the Grand Court President coming here to promote public security, procuratorial and judicial organs?"
Zhang Fei said: "This is just an excuse. The real purpose of my coming here is the top secret of our Song Dynasty. Currently, only the emperor and I know it. Therefore, if even a word of this conversation is leaked, no one can protect you in the future."
All the generals suddenly became restless.
Yao Si trembled and asked, "I wonder what the purpose of the Grand Court President's visit is?"
Zhang Fei said: "Destroy Xixia."
Zhong Yan and the others were immediately overjoyed.
Zhang Fei added: "But currently, no one in the court supports this, so if it is leaked out, it will surely die in the womb."
Several people looked at each other again.
A little confused.
If the prime minister doesn't support it, can we destroy Western Xia?
I've never heard of it!
Zhe Jizu asked, "How can such a big thing be kept secret?"
Zhang Fei said: "You all know that next year Queen Liang of Xixia will have to return power to the young master of Xixia."
Zhong Yan immediately said: "Of course we know about this, and we also know that Queen Liang does not intend to return power to the young master, and is now constantly weakening the power of some ministers who support their young master.
In fact, someone has been secretly communicating with us to find a way out for himself. And we are preparing to report this intelligence to the court. If there is civil unrest in Xixia, this will be a great opportunity to attack Xixia."
Zhe Jizu and the others also nodded frequently.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "It's too late."
"Too late?"
"Wang Shao reported this situation to the government last year, which is why I am here."
".!"
When Wang Shao was mentioned, Zhong Yan and the others looked very ugly.
The Western Army fully felt that the financial situation had improved so much, and it was all Wang Shao's fault.
Zhang Fei said: "And the government has already decided to let Wang Shao be the commander of the entire plan."
Zhe Jizu couldn't help but say, "These scholars are really good at taking credit. They just defeated a few small tribes, and suffered a great defeat during the battle. How can they be the commander-in-chief?"
Zhong Yan and others also expressed their dissatisfaction.
He had just fought one war, and that was against a highly divided Tubo, and it was so unfair to let him be the commander-in-chief!
Zhang Fei explained: "The reason why the emperor decided to let Wang Shao be the commander of this plan is because this plan is to create civil strife in Xixia..."
Before Zhang Fei could finish, Zhong Yan said, "We also use this kind of alienation tactics, and we use it more than Wang Shao. Isn't that how we took over Suizhou?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "May I ask you a question, are you as cunning as the scholars?"
"No."
"Are you as vicious as the literati?"
"No."
"That's it."
Zhang Fei said: "This kind of task should be done by scholars."
Zhe Jizu was still dissatisfied, "But scholars don't know how to fight. In the end, the problem must be solved through war."
“That’s my second point.”
Zhang Fei asked, "Do you know that after Xihe expanded its border, the Liao people deployed troops to the northern border?"
The four of them nodded.
Zhang Fei said: "Who among you is sure that you can attack Xixia while resisting the possible southward advance of the Liao people?"
Now everyone was silent.
The military generals were still very honest. Although the Western Army was very strong, it was at most as good as the Liao Army, not to mention fighting on two fronts.
Zhong Yan asked: "Can Wang Shao do it?"
"He can't do that either."
Zhang Fei said: "Although this plan is to destroy Xixia, it does not require a general mobilization of troops from all directions. If that were the case, the emperor would definitely not let Wang Shao serve as the commander-in-chief."
Zhong Yan wondered, "How can we destroy Xixia without a large-scale mobilization? Does Wang Shao have the ability to do that?"
Zhang Fei said: "Of course he doesn't have this ability. This time I came back, I also brought a brand new weapon. The whole plan is to split Xixia and slowly nibble away at Xixia. Then, we will use this battlefield to test this brand new weapon and prepare for taking back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun in the future."
The four of them couldn't help but be shocked.
This plan sounds more and more terrifying the more I listen to it.
And this is exactly the effect Zhang Fei wanted. He wanted to make this plan so terrifying that no one would dare to serve as the commander.
Only in this way will they be willing to follow Wang Shao's arrangements.
A sleepless night.
The next day, Zhong Yan and the others all stared at the dark circles under their eyes and followed Zhang Fei to a deep mountain forest, where they saw many checkpoints.
This left Zhong Yan and the others with lingering fears.
"Grand President, who are they?" Zhe Jishi asked anxiously.
He is now the commander-in-chief of Yanzhou. There is an additional troop here, but he is completely unaware of it. This is really terrible.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Have you ever heard of the Great Song Security Department?"
Zhe Jishi nodded and said, "I have heard a little bit about it."
Zhang Fei said: "They are from the Security Department of the Song Dynasty, and they are responsible for collecting intelligence on Xixia. It's not your fault that you didn't notice them."
Zhe Jishi and his companions couldn't help but feel their hair stand on end. Aren't our every move under their surveillance?
However, even greater surprises were yet to come.
Boom boom boom!
After a burst of artillery fire, ten stone bullets destroyed all the wooden frames and low walls built in front.
Zhong Yan and the others were stunned.
He hurried to the cannon again.
"The stone just now was shot out from this little thing?" Zhong Yan said in disbelief.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "This is still a test product. It will be more powerful in the future."
Several people couldn't help but gasp.
Zhe Jizu said: "If it is more powerful, it can completely replace the catapult. This weapon is much more convenient than the catapult."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Attacking a city is no problem. Have you ever thought that we can also use a carriage to pull this firearm to fight the enemy in the field?"
Several people were startled, and their eyes suddenly flashed.
Afterwards, Zhang Fei asked someone to take out the musket and demonstrated it again.
Zhong Yan said with a slightly disappointed look: "This firearm is not as powerful as that little thing. Bows and arrows are more useful than this firearm."
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "How long does it take you to train an archer? My firearm can be used as long as one has healthy hands and feet. Moreover, it is constantly being improved, and its power can be continuously improved. This is something that bows and arrows do not have."
Yao Si nodded and said, "That's true. Human arm strength is limited, but firearms rely on gunpowder, and their power can be increased."
Zhang Fei said: "If we want to send troops to Xixia, we have to take Liao into account. If we send troops on a large scale, Liao will definitely not sit idly by and allow us to destroy Xixia.
So the plan is to make the whole war very long. We will not send troops directly into Xixia, but send firearms teams to support the forces in their country that oppose Queen Liang. While testing firearms, we will slowly weaken Xixia, and this will not force Liao to send troops directly. When the time is right, we will destroy Xixia in one fell swoop. "
Zhong Yan said: "If that's the case, aren't you afraid of making wedding clothes for their young master?"
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "This is why we want to promote public security, procuratorial and judicial systems in border states and let Wang Shao serve as the commander. I believe you also know the situation in Xihe area."
They gradually understood something.
Zhang Fei said: "We need to win over the people through the public security, procuratorial and judicial systems. We need to swallow up Xixia directly from the people's hearts and incorporate it into the territory of our Song Dynasty. If we occupy it by force, I am afraid there will be endless troubles. Excuse me for being frank, do you still think you are capable of doing this?"
Several people looked at each other.
No more words.
This is too damn complicated. It's not a simple plot to sow discord. Their minds are a mess right now and they don't know how to start.
Zhang Fei added: "But don't worry, the selection of the public security, procuratorial and judicial personnel will all be decided by you, and the government will not send other officials."
"Yeah?"
Zhe Jizu said in surprise.
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "Because the emperor believes that no one cares more about the stability of the people on the border than you do. Without the support of public opinion, you will not be able to win any war.
At the same time, you can also formulate relevant rules based on the special circumstances of the border states, as long as they do not violate the temporary law. "
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