Chapter 170 Another big business! ?Zhu Yuanzhang comes to Yongan again (please subscribe!!)
[Uncle Ma, your words are like your face. I haven’t heard from you for a long time since you left last time. I miss you more than I miss you. Recently I heard that a lot of big things happened in the capital. Prime Minister Hu Weiyong colluded with Dongying/formed a party for personal gain and intended to rebel. Emperor Zhu I was very angry and killed many people, and I was really worried that you would be involved. Fortunately, I heard from Ma Da/Ma Si that you were doing well, so I felt relieved! 】
[I am writing this letter mainly to tell you that our ocean-going fleet has begun to make money. The dividends for the fourth quarter of last year have been settled. The money is only 200 million, which is not much. The money has been deposited in your "Kaiping Bank" account, please pay attention to check. 】
Split the money again! !
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up. It looked like he should be earning money from escorting the ocean fleet and trading.
Ouyang Lun is a pretty good guy.
Zhu Yuanzhang continued to look down.
[In addition to the above, there is another thing. Recently, I have thought of a way to make money. If it can be done, it will definitely make more money than the ocean fleet. It is difficult to communicate in letters. I also ask Uncle Ma to come when he has time. Come to Yong'an Mansion and let's talk in detail in person!Valid within half a year! 】
[In addition, Maotai has been launched in five years/A new girl has arrived in heaven and earth. If you come, Uncle Ma, I will arrange a complete one-stop service for you]
[Finally, I want to say a few more words. I know that Uncle Ma hates evil/hates corrupt officials, and prefers to discuss national affairs and people’s livelihood. But we are all businessmen, and making money is the first priority. Although the situation in Ming Dynasty is getting better and better, there are also hidden crises. It's not a small matter. If something happens, the world will be turned upside down. Remember to protect yourself wisely and don't get too involved in court matters! 】
[If the capital is not stable, Uncle Ma can bring his family to Yong'an Mansion. I will definitely welcome him from ten miles away and make a lot of money together! 】
[By the way, say hello to Aunt Ma for me. ——Ouyang Lun's own handwriting. 】
"This guy! He actually started preaching to us."
Zhu Yuanzhang muttered, with no sign of anger on his face.
Zhu Yuanzhang was indeed very happy to see the money and money-making projects, but he sneered at Ouyang Lun's words about being wise and protecting oneself. He only felt that Ouyang Lun was still a "coward" and had already become a feudal official. Still like this.
However, when Zhu Yuanzhang heard that Ouyang Lun invited him to Yong'an Mansion and greeted Empress Ma, he felt warmer. At least Ouyang Lun was not a heartless/indifferent person.
"After all, this kid doesn't know that I am Uncle Ma. If he knew, maybe what he sent was not a letter but a formal memorial. That's not bad."
"As for going to Yong'an Mansion in person to discuss new money-making projects," Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, "Since you can make money, why not go!"
Zhu Yuanzhang is now convinced of Ouyang Lun's ability to make money. Ever since he took over the chili pepper agency that year, grilled fish/fried chicken/ocean fleets have not made him any money!
Today, not only is Zhu Yuanzhang's own internal funds filled, but even the national treasury is no longer stretched. The military expenditure of 700 million for the Eastern Expedition can be taken out. If he did not have this money to support him, Zhu Yuanzhang He didn’t have the confidence to march eastward, so naturally he couldn’t talk about colonizing the East. He won almost 600 million in war reparations. The war reparations alone would generate a fixed income of [-] million per year in the future! !
In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang also planned to teach Ouyang Lun a good lesson this time, letting Ouyang Lun understand that although he had done a lot for the Ming Dynasty and made a lot of money, the people of the Ming Dynasty were his son-in-law, Zhu Yuanzhang. Think more about national affairs, don't always hide and make a fortune in silence! Now that he had made his decision, Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice: "Jiang Gu."
"His Majesty."
"Go and get ready. I'm going to pay you a private visit incognito soon."
"Private visit incognito, Your Majesty is going." Before he finished asking, Jiang Wei quickly stopped. He just asked something he shouldn't and was scolded. He really didn't have a long memory, so he nodded quickly, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do a good job." Be prepared, Your Majesty can leave at any time if he wants."
"Well, let's go down."
"Yes!"
Jiang Wei first stood up from the ground, bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang, and then slowly exited the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
After leaving the main hall, Jiang Wei looked confused and whispered: "Where does Your Majesty want to go this time?"
"It's really strange. When Prince Consort Ouyang received the letter, His Majesty was happy at first, and then he went on patrol incognito."
After muttering here, Jiang Wei suddenly realized, "Is it possible that Your Majesty is going to Yong'an Mansion to find Ouyang's consort again!"
Although he didn't know the content of the letter, Jiang Wei felt that Zhu Yuanzhang was most likely going to Yong'an Mansion.
After confirming that Zhu Yuanzhang was going to Yong'an Mansion, Jiang Wei laughed and said, "It's good to go to Yong'an Mansion! Not only is the road there easy to walk, but it's also very safe. Even if there are bandits, the people there are strong and tough, so there's nothing to be afraid of. The key is Yong'an." Thinking about the delicious food/beauties in Fucheng makes me drool, going to Yongan Mansion is like going on vacation!”
"Hey, it's a pity that I can only go to Yong'an Mansion once in a while, but Mao Xiang can stay in Yong'an Mansion every day. I'm envious!"
"No wonder he would rather give up his position as the commander of the Royal Guards. Can we do the same?"
Zhu Yuanzhang simply arranged things in Kyoto and took Queen Ma to leave Kyoto and go to Yong'an Mansion.
Due to the relatively abundant funds in the treasury, a cement road has been built from Kyoto to Beizhili, and the carriage Zhu Yuanzhang rode has long been replaced by a 'Hongqi' carriage, the most premium version!
Therefore, the time it took Zhu Yuanzhang to get to Beizhili was greatly shortened. It used to take almost half a month, but now it only takes a few days, which is very convenient.
"I have to say that this concrete road is really smooth and you can't even feel the bumps."
Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.
Empress Ma smiled and said, "Chongba, I think this carriage is very comfortable to sit in. Not to mention the noble decoration, and the seat cushions are very soft. I don't feel tired at all after these days of traveling."
"Sister, you are right. The carriages made by Hongqi Carriage are definitely the best in the Ming Dynasty. When we visited the carriage factory, we fell in love with this car. Later, we simply asked Biao'er to find Ouyang Lun to order a top-notch carriage. It deserves it." Zhu Yuanzhang said excitedly: "The defensive power of this carriage is extremely good. It is said that ordinary arrows cannot damage it at all. It is very safe to sit on. Moreover, this red flag carriage is equipped with the most durable horses. It can cover a distance of two hundred miles. Only four handfuls of fodder were consumed!”
"From what you say, this red flag carriage is pretty good." Queen Ma said with a smile.
"That's more than that!" Zhu Yuanzhang said excitedly: "Now the Hongqi Carriage Store has opened one in Kyoto, and we are also given free maintenance times. The first three maintenance visits are free!"
"Hongqi Carriage Shop also promises to provide quality assurance for horses and carriage frames. If the carriage is damaged due to quality issues with horses and carriages during use, Hongqi Carriage Trading Company will be responsible to the end!"
"Listen to what you said, then this is indeed very good!" Queen Ma smiled and nodded.
While Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma were chatting, Jiang Yu's voice sounded outside the carriage, "Your Majesty, we will enter the territory of Beizhili ahead." "Okay!" Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then opened the window of the carriage, like Looking outside.
It can be clearly seen that the cement road in Beizhili is wider than the cement road in Shandong, and there are white marks on the ground, which looks very formal. On the other hand, the cement road in Shandong is only wide enough for a carriage to pass, without any logo.
There is quite a difference between a 'country boy' and a 'rich boy'.
Seeing such a scene, Zhu Yuanzhang became a little unhappy and muttered: "Why is Lu Xiu so good? I'm afraid that others don't know that Ouyang Lun is rich!"
Only those who have built roads themselves know that building roads is very expensive. In order to build a road from the capital to Beizhili, Zhu Yuanzhang spent millions of taels of silver, but he only built a cement road one car wide. If the road is widened, it will cost twice as much.
Even the Ming Dynasty, which has a slightly full national treasury, cannot afford such expenses. After all, the Ming Dynasty has more than ten provincial-level administrative regions, and there are too many places to spend money.
Queen Ma was sitting next to Zhu Yuanzhang. Naturally she heard Zhu Yuanzhang's murmur and smiled, "Chongba, this Northern Zhili is also the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Ouyang Lun has built such a good road. It is not only his political achievement, but also yours." Political achievements, without your support, he would not have been able to build such a good path."
Hearing what Empress Ma said, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately felt that it made sense.
Yes, this Ouyang Lun is not only our courtier, but also his son-in-law. Even if it is unreasonable, we are responsible for the prosperity of Beizhili today, and history books will definitely be written in the future. Under his leadership and support, Beizhili is developing rapidly! Empress Ma's comfort and self-analysis made Zhu Yuanzhang feel better, and he became more and more pleased with the new four-lane road.
However, the convoy was stopped just a few steps into Beizhili.
"What happened ahead? Why don't you leave?"
Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and asked.
"Back to Your Majesty, someone set up a card payment in front of you, and some immigration inspections are also required. Jiang Tou is negotiating with them!"
A guard dressed in royal robes quickly reported.
"Set up card fees. Immigration inspection." Zhu Yuanzhang's lips twitched.
What a familiar recipe!
They opened the curtain in front of the carriage and looked outside. A portal was built on the straight road. The road was blocked by railings. There were many carriages in front of them queuing up for inspection. After the inspection, the railings were raised and the carriages could pass. .
"These charges are so fair and aboveboard." Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily.
"Perhaps it is also to prevent uncontrolled entry into Beizhili. I heard that millions of people poured into Beizhili before." Empress Ma continued to speak kindly to Ouyang Lun.
Zhu Yuanzhang rolled his eyes, "Maybe it's a factor, but Ouyang Lun set up this toll station to collect money!"
Jiang Wei came back on horseback and said, "Your Majesty, I have inquired clearly. The highway we are entering now is specially designed for people riding horses or carriages. Ordinary people can use the road next to it, and there is no need to worry about passers-by occupying the highway. The road can be used quickly, so some fees are also required.”
"Then why do we still need to check?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked in a deep voice.
"The inspection is to verify the goods. Now many businessmen go to Beizhili to do business, and Beizhili will determine the toll based on the quantity/type and value of the goods and collect them." Jiang Wei explained.
"Look, this is Ouyang Lun's purpose. He wants to plunder those businessmen!" Zhu Yuanzhang said loudly.
Queen Ma smiled and said, "Chongba, don't you hate businessmen? You should be happy when Ouyang Lun does this."
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned, as if this was what happened.
"Ouyang Lun has so many clever ideas. For businessmen, time is money. Taking this highway can save at least half of the time. In the same time, if others sell once, you can make two trips on the highway. You can make a lot of money. The money will be more, and even if there is a fee, these businessmen will definitely be willing to pay it!"
After some analysis, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up. If he built such roads all over the country and then set up card charging, wouldn't he be able to collect money just sitting there! ! "Jiang Wei, have you asked clearly, what is the toll of this expressway?"
Zhu Yuanzhang asked hurriedly.
Jiang Wei had already inquired about this clearly and replied: "Your Majesty, the toll for an ordinary cement road is ten cents for a carriage, five cents for a horse, and one cent for a person. The toll for this expressway will be more expensive, and the toll is based on the length of the journey. Ordinary horses, 5 cents/km; small carriages with less than two seats and trucks of [-] kilograms, [-] cents/km; medium-sized carriages with more than [-] people, and trucks with more than [-] meters, [-] cents/km.”
“The price is quite affordable.”
Affordable?
One hundred kilometers is five hundred wen, half a tael of silver!
Looking at the queues at the entrance of the toll station, I am afraid that I will make a lot of money every day just at this toll station! !
Zhu Yuanzhang felt uncomfortable again.
This is also the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Why can Beizhili make so much money?
The efficiency of the toll station is still very high. Full-time personnel will check it, confirm the information of the person and goods, register and receive a wooden sign, and then you can get on the highway.
Zhu Yuanzhang and his party only had carriages and horses and did not carry a large amount of goods, so they passed the toll station quickly.
After getting on the highway, the horses and carriages started galloping. The smooth and spacious road gave everyone a great experience. Both sides of the highway were fenced with iron fences to ensure safety. Several Jinyiwei even rode their horses to compete with each other in speed.
In the past, it took at least eight days to enter Beizhili from Shandong and then to Yong'an Mansion from Beizhili. As a result, Zhu Yuanzhang and the others only took four days to arrive this time, and this was their first time taking the expressway, so the speed was faster. However, if the speed is faster, the journey time can be further shortened! It originally took at least half a month to get from the capital to Yong'an Mansion, but this time Zhu Yuanzhang and his party only spent less than nine days!
This made Zhu Yuanzhang feel like he was dreaming.
Before Zhu Yuanzhang could marvel at the magic of the highway, Zhu Yuanzhang was shocked by the brand-new changes in Yong'an Mansion.
The last time I came to Yong'an Mansion, there were many barren mountains and ridges on both sides of the road, but now, earth-shaking changes have taken place on both sides of the road. (PS: There is another chapter in the evening, but it will be a little late, so you don’t have to wait and read it together tomorrow!!)
(End of this chapter)