Chapter 355 Ye Chutang is the living Bodhisattva of the people
The emperor did not think too deeply about it and was only secretly happy about having saved the silver.
In his view, allowing the people to exchange their harvest for seeds was a good thing for self-sufficiency.
"What Lord He said makes perfect sense. Lord Zhu will set out for Tianshan County tomorrow to ask for seeds for the people of the world. If you fail to complete the task, you will be beheaded!"
Lord Zhu once again threw his head to the ground, "I obey your order."
The emperor wanted to take the opportunity to send someone to Tianshan County to find out the situation of the Qi family.
"In order to ensure the safety of Lord Zhu, I will send the Imperial Guards to accompany you for protection."
"Thank you, Lord!"
After retiring from court, the emperor went to the Qinzheng Hall to review memorials.
Eunuch De, who had not been seen for a long time, came to meet the emperor.
"Your Majesty, Qi Yanzhou has not only summoned the old members of the Qi family army, but now he also has food and grass. He may come south to force the emperor to abdicate at any time. We must be on guard."
Although he had long since fallen out with the emperor, they had a common enemy.
The emperor snorted coldly, "If Qi Yanzhou wanted the throne, he would have led his troops south and attacked the capital."
Even though he was as worried as Eunuch De, he still felt that he was overthinking.
Half a year ago, Qi Yanzhou defeated the enemy's army of 400,000 with a small force of just over 100,000 soldiers.
Although most of the enemy troops died in the natural disaster avalanche, luck is also a strength.
At that time, he had enough troops to march south to force the emperor to abdicate, but he did not do so.
Obviously, he is really not interested in the throne.
Eunuch De looked at the emperor who was as stupid as a pig and suppressed his impatience.
"Your Majesty, whether Qi Yanzhou wants the throne or not, we must be on guard."
The emperor was frightened by Eunuch De's deception and looked at him warily.
"What do you think?"
"I think we should secretly recruit soldiers and arrest the second branch of the Qi family."
If you want to deal with Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang, you can only increase your strength and start with the people around them.
Almost all the members of the Ye family were dead, and the only remaining Ye Anling could not threaten Ye Chutang.
But the ancestor of the second branch of the Qi family might be a threat to Qi Yanzhou.
The emperor closed the memorial on the table and placed the wolf-hair brush dyed with cinnabar heavily on the pen holder.
"It's easy to recruit soldiers, but how do we support them?"
Without money and food, are the soldiers going to starve?
Eunuch De knew that the emperor was stingy and was only willing to spend money on himself.
But now is not the time to economize.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to use all my savings to support the army."
The Xishou Palace was previously completely robbed by "ghost thieves".
But everyone knew how Eunuch De made money, and he saved a lot in more than a year.
The emperor was of course happy to recruit soldiers when he saw that he didn't have to spend any money himself.
"The matter of recruiting soldiers will be handed over to Eunuch De."
He didn't want to get involved in this matter, lest Qi Yanzhou think too much and come to deal with him.
Eunuch De bowed and saluted, "Conscription is a big deal, I need the emperor to write a secret decree."
He allowed the emperor to be a hands-off boss, but did not allow the emperor to stay out of it.
The emperor didn't want to write a secret decree, but he also wanted to recruit soldiers just in case.
After hesitating for a while, he finally wrote a secret decree with unclear meaning.
Eunuch De didn't take it seriously and left with the secret decree.
The emperor ordered from behind him, "Capture the people from the second branch of the Qi family."
"I obey your order."
***
When the governors of various prefectures and counties submitted memorials to the emperor, they had already sent people to Tianshan County.
As the weather gradually turned cooler, more and more people arrived in Tianshan County and went to Qi Mansion to ask to see Ye Chutang.
The seeds in Ye Chutang's space are only enough for farmers in Tianshan County to plant and cannot be sold.
However, the newly harvested grain this year can also be sold as seeds.
Although the yield is not as good as that of seeds grown with spiritual spring water, it is much higher than that of ordinary seeds.
Of course, the price is also more expensive.
"Everyone, there is one thing I must explain in advance. If you use grain as seeds, the yield will decrease year by year, but even if it is worse, it will still be higher than the grain you are growing now."
With every generation of grain reproduction, the effect of the spiritual spring water will be diluted a lot.
The effectiveness of preventing pests and diseases and lodging will become worse and worse.
But her seeds come from the highly productive modern.
Even if the spiritual spring water has completely lost its function, the grain output is still much higher than in ancient times.
And the staple food made from it tastes better.
After listening to Ye Chutang's explanation, the people sent by officials from various places felt that she was shirking her responsibility.
So, some people started to back out.
"Madam Qi, I heard that farmers in Tianshan County get seeds for free, and after growing crops, they use the harvest to offset the cost of the seeds, is that right?"
What this means is that they also want to do business with no capital.
Ye Chutang had never thought of selling grain until officials from all over the country came to him for help.
After all, this grain can be used as seeds and can also feed the army.
As a result, this group of people actually took advantage of the situation and wanted to get something for free!
She was angry and spoke directly.
"Everyone, I did think about following the model of Tianshan County and letting farmers in various places use their harvest to offset the cost of seeds. But the drought is still going on, and you can't guarantee the harvest at all. In this way, I will definitely lose money. If it were you, would you do this unprofitable business? Anyway, I won't do it, so you can find someone else to be swindled."
This was a very impolite remark, and everyone was so embarrassed that they wanted to find a hole to crawl into.
"Don't be angry, Madam Qi. We don't mean to take it for free. We just asked casually. Since you don't agree, we are willing to buy the food."
"Yes, yes, yes. Let's go by the price Madam Qi mentioned before. Yunyang County wants 500 shi."
"Jingzhou City needs 400 shi, and I will take care of the transportation myself."
"Madam Qi, Yangzhou City wants 1,000 dan of grain. Jiangnan is not short of water, and the grain production is guaranteed. It's up to you to choose whether to sell or cooperate."
Ye Chutang thought of the Tang family in Jiangnan and looked at the chief officer of Yangzhou who was speaking.
"My grandparents, the Tang family, are they doing okay?"
The chief historian of Yangzhou was very tactful in trying to get close to the Tang family and told them about the current situation of the Tang family.
The Tang family was once the richest family in Jiangnan. Even if their property was confiscated, their hidden private property and wealth were enough to make them live a wealthy life.
However, due to severe internal strife, the family property was divided and the family fell into complete decline.
Some people have squandered all their money and now live in poverty.
Some people used money to make a comeback and are now wealthy businessmen.
There are also people who save their money and live an ordinary life, such as the direct descendants of the Tang family.
The direct lineage consists of the two elders and two sons of the Tang family.
The son has no business ability, but the two elders are very capable.
As long as they are willing to do business, they can become rich again in a few years.
But after the direct lineage had its property confiscated, they feared that their business would become too big and bring disaster upon themselves again, so they just lived an honest life.
After the Chief Secretary of Yangzhou finished talking about the general situation of the Tang family, he mentioned the two elders of the Tang family in detail.
"Mrs. Qi's grandparents were not in good health, and they had a troublesome son at home, so they did not live a happy life in their later years."
After listening to this, Ye Chutang thanked the Chief Secretary.
"Thank you for your advice, sir. If the Yangzhou government office is short of money, the grain can be taken away for free and paid back with part of the harvest next year."
The officials in Yangzhou wanted to make friends with Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang, but didn't want to just do a one-time deal.
The Chief Secretary immediately chose to take the food for free.
"Madam Qi, one thousand dan of grain is not a small amount. You should send people to Yangzhou City to supervise the farmers to prevent them from falsely reporting the harvest and causing you losses."
Ye Chutang shook his head. "No need to bother. I will sign a contract with you. The price of one thousand dan of grain and the deduction of next year's harvest, whichever is more valuable, I will take it."
According to common sense, as long as there is no natural disaster, the value of the harvest deduction is definitely greater than the selling price of the grain.
If what she gets next year is the grain sales price, it must be that the Yangzhou government has made false data.
There is no need to cooperate again in the future.
The Chief Clerk of Yangzhou understood what Ye Chutang meant.
He quickly assured: "Don't worry, Madam Qi, Yangzhou City will definitely not let you down."
"Then I'll wait and see."
After Ye Chutang asked Shan'er to write down the number of seeds needed for each state and county, he was asked about the techniques of digging wells.
As for the techniques of well digging, she really couldn't teach anyone, so she could only use "ghost stealing" as a cover.
Then I taught everyone some geological survey experience from books.
She couldn't guarantee success, but the chances of tapping tree water were much greater than digging a random well.
Some counties and prefectures were hit by severe drought and knelt down to beg Ye Chutang for help.
"Madam Qi, I wonder if you could ask the 'Ghost Thief' to go to Taicang County, even if it's just to dig a few wells for water."
"I'm sorry, he can't be too far away from me. I can't go."
The kneeling man patted the ground with his head, "Please Madam Qi, have mercy on the people and go to Taicang County."
Taicang County is located in the western center of Beichen State, not too far from Tianshan County.
But the geographical environment is bad, with many rocky mountains, little vegetation and scarce water resources.
And it was difficult to dig a well because there were huge rocks beneath the surface.
Ye Chutang quickly helped the Sima of Taicang County up, "Master Ma, although I can't go to Taicang County, I have a way to make sure the people have water to drink."
Taicang County has many mountains and salt lakes.
Drinking water can be obtained by distillation.
After she told the method to Sima of Taicang County, the other party looked skeptical but did not dare to question her.
"Let's give it a try. What if there's a surprise?"
"Thank you, Madam Qi, for your advice."
Seeing that the matter had been discussed, Ye Chutang looked at Shan'er.
"Shan'er will take you to the granary in the eastern suburbs to get food. If you can't find anyone to transport it, I can arrange for the garrison to escort it, and you will pay for the escort yourself."
Officials from various states and counties bought a lot of grain, and the number of carriages and horses needed for escort was also large.
Judging from the escort agency's situation, it can only accept escorts from one state or county at most.
Ye Chutang's words solved the problem that everyone was worried about.
"Don't worry, Madam Qi. The journey is long and the reward for the escort will not be low."
"You can discuss the remuneration with the garrison yourself."
After saying that, Ye Chutang looked outside the house and ordered everyone to leave.
"After autumn comes to the northwest, winter will soon come, and heavy snow may come at any time. You should leave as soon as possible."
"Madam Qi, goodbye!"
After Shan'er took the officials from various states and counties away, Ye Chutang wrote a letter to the two elders of the Tang family.
After writing, she gave it to Qingping.
"Go and give it to the chief of Yangzhou, and ask him to take it to my grandfather."
"Yes, ma'am."
***
The next day.
The autumn weather is clear and the temperature is pleasant. It is another good day.
After Ye Chutang and other officials from various states and counties left Tianshan County with grain, they asked the people to stockpile coal.
Droughts can lead to hotter summers and colder winters.
So we have to quickly stock up on coal and food for the winter.
She had a feeling that the snow would come exceptionally early this year.
The people of Tianshan County regarded Ye Chutang as a living Bodhisattva, and her words were imperial decrees.
Those who are rich buy charcoal, those who are well off buy wood, and those who are poorer stockpile wood for themselves.
Ye Chutang also asked the blacksmith shop to quickly make a batch of tools for removing snow from the roof.
Although I only make ten cents for each tool, I can make quite a bit of money if I sell a lot of them.
Not long after, the first heavy snow came.
Lord Zhu, who came to Tianshan County on the orders of the Emperor, was trapped in Tacheng by heavy snow.
After Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang heard the news, they did not take it seriously.
The emperor could no longer threaten them.
What they have to do now is to secretly erode the emperor's power and slowly take control of the states and counties.
Then wait for the new emperor to appear, overthrow the old dynasty and establish a new one.
Ye Chutang stood under the corridor of Tangzhou Courtyard, looking at the falling snow, and reached out to catch two heavy snowflakes.
The snow gradually melted, and the coolness spread from the palms of my hands.
Qi Yanzhou held Ye Chutang's hand tightly and said, "The temperature has dropped sharply today, be careful not to catch a cold."
As soon as he finished speaking, Jinzhi's voice came from the side room.
"Madam, the young master will leave!"
An An and Le Le had already learned how to call for help two months ago.
A baby voice came from the room.
"Let's go."
At present, the two little guys can only speak in reduplication, and their voices are so babyish that it makes people's ears feel soft.
Ye Chutang and Qi Yanzhou looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes.
The two of them hurried into the side room.
The noise of pushing the door caught the attention of An An and Le Le.
Two big eyes like black grapes looked towards the door, and at the same time opened their arms, asking for a hug.
An An had just taken a few steps and was now standing more steadily.
"Daddy! Hug me!"
Lele could only stand by holding the bed rails. After he let go and asked for a hug, his body shook.
"Mom! Hug me!"
Ye Chutang quickly stepped forward and hugged Lele, who was about to fall, in his arms.
She kissed Lele's soft cheek.
"Brother is so amazing, he can walk now."
“Brother, brother…”
Lele's happy call made An An give up Qi Yanzhou and turn to walk towards An An.
His short legs were trembling and he looked like he was going to fall with every step he took.
Qi Yanzhou protected An An carefully, his face full of satisfaction as a father.
Jinzhi smiled and said, "The young master can walk when he is only nine months old. He will definitely be smart and clever in the future."
Ye Chutang looked at Lele in his arms and said, "I wonder when Lele will be able to walk?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lele struggled to get down.
Ye Chutang quickly put her into the crib and scratched her nose.
"Do you want to learn how to walk like your brother?"
Two small beds were placed side by side.
An An walked towards Le Le, and Le Le held the railing and walked towards An An.
When the two siblings were very close, Lele suddenly let go of the railing, slowly moved his feet, and took a step forward.
Her body was shaking violently and she was about to fall down, so frightened that Ye Chutang immediately reached out his hand.
But before she could touch him, Lele stood firm.
She lowered her hand that was suspended in the air, with a smile of appreciation on her lips.
“LeLe is awesome!”
The moment she finished speaking, Lele took another step and held hands with An An who was standing next to her.
The two little guys giggled and looked very happy.
Then the joy turned into sorrow and he fell on his butt.
The small bed was covered with soft silk bedding, so the little guy was not hurt from the fall.
Ye Chutang looked at Qi Yanzhou and said with a smile: "Will you bring them to show them to your parents?"
"Okay, they will definitely be very happy if they see An An and Le Le can walk."
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