Chapter 113: Following the lead of the horse, such a gimmick is already curious, plus...
Such a gimmick was already curious, and seeing was believing, so everyone started whispering to each other.
Wuren Tuya took Grandpa by the hand and told him about the benefits of the post station. "Even if the profit is not as much as written, it is better than letting us bear the whole cost ourselves."
The opinions of other Mongolian taijis were similar.
The maid who served them milk tea heard this and whispered, "There is actually another benefit. I will tell you all about it."
The maid's dress and accent were pure Mongolian, so the taijis trusted her more and gathered around to listen to her.
"A post station like this is actually equivalent to a small market. The land around the post station will be more valuable in the future, and even if it is rented out, it can earn a lot more rent. The Taijis who came here knew this news earlier than others. If possible, occupy the grassland around the post station as soon as possible. Even if you do nothing in the future, it will still appreciate in value."
This idea of linking business with surrounding real estate to increase in value was specially taught by the princess. When the maid Jia said this, many taijis' eyes lit up.
Yes, there is such a way to make money without doing anything. Come to think of it, it really makes sense. We should quickly fence off the surrounding grasslands.
On the other side, the imperial merchants were also whispering to each other. Several of the imperial merchants were experienced in business and had already begun to figure out which section of the post station could bring the highest profit, and they would give priority to contracting that section, but they didn't know in what form.
Yunqi saw that everyone had almost finished discussing it, so he just stated the rules: "Please read it, everyone."
Two attendants came out and pulled open the canvas, revealing a concise and clear diagram of the planned new Mobei Post Road. The red-penned ones were post stations that could be contracted, while the black-penned ones were not open.
Dutong Shuodai had sharp eyes and saw that the post stations circled in red on the canvas were almost all from the Tushetu Khanate. As for the places close to Guihua, only one post station on the right wing of Tumed was circled. Moreover, even the post roads of the Tushetu Khanate would deliberately leave an official post station somewhere in the middle.
As the commander-in-chief, Shuodai was very familiar with the main transportation routes in Mobei. He could tell at a glance that those routes deliberately reserved were military routes.
It seems that the princess always had some concerns about the court's intentions and had considered the use of troops in advance. This time, the main purpose was to practice the post road of the Tushetu Khan's tribe. Needless to say, this must have been promised to her by Tushetu Khan.
The other imperial merchants also noticed this and asked politely, "It seems that only a part of the post road is open for contracting?"
Yunqi nodded: "After all, this is the first time we've tried this, so it's not a good idea to do it all the way. We've chosen some post roads for now."
She turned her head and looked at Shuo Dai jokingly: "As for whether there will be more post roads in the future, we have to ask the governor's opinion."
Shuo Dai was suddenly called out, and felt dozens of eyes focused on him. He cleared his throat and said, "It mainly depends on the court's opinion."
"This will benefit the herdsmen along the route and boost transportation. I think it will get better." An imperial merchant named Tian cupped his hands and said, "I wonder how this will be contracted?"
"It seems that everyone is impatient, so I will say it directly," Yunqi explained, "In a bidding competition, under the same conditions, the princes and lords along the way have priority."
This method was very fair, and everyone agreed and started bidding immediately. There was a lot of noise and arguments, and it was very lively.
The process did not end until the sun set over the grassland.
The houses and tents here are all available for immediate stay. As it was getting late, everyone decided to stay here. The princess's procession also moved to the Demonstration Post Station, where she had dinner with everyone else.
A blazing bonfire was lit, and a fragrant whole roasted lamb was served on the table. The princess also brought lamb wine to share with everyone.
There are many wine lovers on the grassland. When they tasted the lamb wine brewed by the palace master, the sweet fragrance of glutinous rice and the freshness of tender lamb were fully stimulated by the wine yeast, which was extremely mellow. They just wanted to drink the wine in the cup cleanly without leaving a drop. Thinking that after the post road was built, more fine wine could be taken along the post road to the depths of the grassland, their mood became more and more excited. Some of them sang long tunes with red faces.
The sky full of stars, the warm breeze blowing on your face, the fragrance of green grass, the aroma of roasted lamb, the Mongolian long song, and the sound of wood crackling in the campfire are so comfortable.
Muxue smiled slightly and looked at everything in front of her. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, she thought of Dorji and wondered what he was doing at this moment.
The letter has been sent out, and according to the date, he will probably leave soon. It's just right that after this thing is done, I can spend the winter with him and welcome the arrival of a new life.
She touched her belly, smiled, and ordered her attendants: "Please invite old Tumed Taiji to the big tent to talk." Then she left early.
Led by his maid, the old Tumed Taiji entered the big tent and bowed to Muxue.
"Thank you, Princess, for planning for us."
"Old Taiji, you are too polite. The grassland is our family. Since I am the daughter-in-law of the grassland, I have to consider us. Sit down and talk."
The maid brought a palace stool and helped the old taiji to sit down.
The princess's politeness made the old taiji even more respectful. Bogda Khan's daughter looked somewhat similar to her father in terms of temperament and manners. At this age, and after having been exiled, he would never dare to take it lightly or behave arrogantly.
After a few pleasantries, the princess praised his achievements in his youth. As the old taiji answered, he tried to guess what the princess was thinking.
"It was just that a few years ago, because a minority of the tribe was slow in archery and horsemanship, and it happened to be a major war, Khan Ama had to punish them with great pain to serve as a warning to others." Mu Xue said, "But now, it seems to me that the Tumed tribe has a good atmosphere. I think it is because they have followed the emperor's instructions and corrected their mistakes in the past few years."
"Princess, ever since Bogd Khan reprimanded us, we have immediately reflected on our actions and dared not delay any further."
Mu Xue nodded: "Correcting mistakes is the purpose of punishment."
She suddenly offered a great favor: "I wrote to Khan Ama a few days ago, telling him about the situation of the Tumed tribe's reform and begging him to reinstate you as the deputy governor. I think there will be good news in a few days."
The old Taiji was shocked: "This, is this true?"
"Since I dare to tell you, I must be confident." Mu Xue said with a smile, "I hope your tribe will not be arrogant or impatient, and continue to prepare for war, otherwise it will be a waste of Khan Ama and my efforts."
The old Taiji stood up tremblingly and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Princess, for clearing the name of our tribe. The Eternal Heaven is above. Such a great favor will never be forgotten by the Tumed tribe."
After the old taiji left, Yunqi came in to find out that all the post stations that were originally available for franchise had been snapped up. She also specifically asked everyone to write down certificates as collateral, such as pastures, cattle and sheep, to prevent random talk.
"In this way, if we act quickly, the post road can be completed by the end of next year." Yunqi said.
Mu Xue nodded: "Remember to urge the people of Dashengkui to build the key stations we reserved."
"I understand." Yunqi thought of the old Tumed taiji who had just passed by and looked grateful, and said, "It seems that the Tumed tribe has sincerely surrendered."
"For the time being." Mu Xue leaned back on the pillow. "The matter of seeking an official position will most likely be successful. The effect that Khan Ama wanted from his previous punishment has now been fully achieved. It has been several years, and it is time to give their tribe some benefits. Only by using both kindness and severity can we win the hearts of the people."
This was also the conclusion she came to after thinking it over again and again from the perspective of Emperor Kangxi. After punishing him for so long, he should be given some grace. The title of deputy governor or something like that was more of an honor. It was optional.
She said that this favor should be counted on her. While winning the favor of the Tumed tribe, she could also drive a wedge into the capital's government. Why not do it?
Mu Xue pondered, "How did Shuo Dai react today?"
"He seems to have admitted it." Yunqi said, "Just now he came to me specifically to discuss the post road matter."
Shuo Dai was a man who knew the current situation. Since there was no chance to waver, he came to Yun Qi to show his goodwill and gave many useful suggestions. He even told all the complaints of Deputy Governor Ha Feng to prove his loyalty and helplessness.
Since you said I'm the princess's man, then I am!
On the way back to the Governor's Mansion, Shuo Dai was still holding back his anger, and after getting off his horse, he planned to find the Deputy Governor Ha Feng to express his anger, but he didn't find him.
Ha Feng took leave.
He rode at full speed to the Shanxi Governor Galin.
"...I have never seen such a reckless princess, sir. I really want to report her. This is clearly a case of a hen crowing at dawn..."
"Are you crazy?" Galin rolled his eyes. "What good will it do if you report her? If she reports you to His Majesty, will He trust his daughter or you?"
He frowned and scolded, "You still want me to endorse you, don't you? I'm just too bored! Think carefully with your pig brain, can the princess snatch your official hat and wear it herself? How can you be stubborn with your master? Be patient, pretend to be a grandson, and it will pass. Even if you think this matter is inappropriate, let it be inappropriate, and find another opportunity when it goes wrong. You don't have to rush out now. Why are you crazy?"
"I...I just..."
"Just what? You see she is young and a woman, you don't want her to dominate you, right? But she is a princess, so she is the master!" Gal said, "You should go back immediately and admit your mistake to her. If you cause me any trouble, I will make you pay."
After being scolded so harshly, Ha Feng's eyes gradually became clear.
On the way back, he reflected on his mistakes. When he arrived at Guihua, he prepared some gifts and went to Shuodai to make peace. He also proposed to go to see the princess together. Even though Shuodai was sarcastic, he still endured it.
Two days later, the imperial court issued an edict agreeing to trial run the post road in the franchise model.
Ha Feng and Shuo Dai handed in a visiting card to the princess's mansion, wearing official robes and respectfully paying their respects. Ha Feng kowtowed vigorously.
"The court's opinion coincides with the princess's. The princess's foresight makes us ashamed. In the future, regarding matters concerning Guihua City, we will listen carefully to the princess's opinions and will not act on our own."
Mu Xue sat on the throne and said slowly, "If I have any instructions, you will definitely follow them carefully, right?"
"I dare not say a single word of falsehood."
Mu Xue placed her hands on the armrests of the rosewood throne and said with a disdainful look, "I lost a horse. Find it for me."
“Yeah.”
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