Fu Shanhe

Chapter 489 The Plan to Move South
Capital.

Prices in the north have surged again due to the disruption of the Grand Canal.

The northern provinces, which had just suffered from a locust plague, saw their private economies completely collapse.

Requests for assistance from local areas poured into the capital like snowflakes.

"With the canal transport disrupted and the northern economy collapsing, does the Ministry of Revenue have any countermeasures?"

Jiang Shuhan questioned coldly.

Patience with the Qingliu Party members was gradually exhausted in one party struggle after another.

Deep down, he had already planned to eliminate traitors for the country.

However, the Qingliu faction was backed by the gentry of Jiangnan, and the power of this group was too terrifying to be eradicated in one fell swoop.

Taking rash action may not only fail to eliminate the enemy, but could also result in your own demise.

"The Ministry of Revenue is trying to raise funds and grain to ensure the stability of the capital as much as possible."

As for other regions, the imperial court's financial resources were limited, and it simply could not attend to them all.

Lu Lingfeng answered with a nervous expression.

If he had known the situation would deteriorate to this extent, he would never have fought for the position of Minister of Revenue.

Despite their seemingly high positions and great power, they are actually dancing on a powder keg every day.

If he is not careful, the Great Yu's finances will collapse, and he will be crushed to pieces along with them.

Unfortunately, there's no going back in this world. Once caught in the whirlpool of turmoil, it's no longer a matter of him simply wanting to back down.

As the Minister of Revenue, he became the biggest victim of the conflict between the gentry of Jiangnan and the imperial court.

Every day when I open my eyes, my mind is filled with thoughts of money and food shortages, and how to fill them.

He woke up in the middle of the night countless times, dreaming of the Great Yu's financial bankruptcy and being sent to the execution ground by the officials.

Every court meeting inevitably involved robbing Peter to pay Paul.

These miserable days seem endless.

"Oh!"

"I wonder, Lord Lü, where do you intend to raise the money and provisions?"

Jiang Shuhan continued to press for answers.

As the Grand Secretary, he shouldn't be so aggressive, but he was angered by the shady dealings of the Jiangnan gentry.

If they couldn't do anything about the gentry in Jiangnan, then they would target the sons of these powerful families who held official positions in the court.

The reason for targeting Lü Lingfeng is that the imperial court is currently short of money and food, and the Minister of Revenue is the person primarily responsible.

"With the canal transport interrupted, we can only supplement it with land and sea transport."

Currently, all northern provinces are facing difficulties, and starvation is rampant along the route from Jiangnan to Jiangnan, making land transportation fraught with too much uncertainty.

The only thing they could rely on was to find supplies at sea.

"I am contacting ship owners in various regions to try and get a shipment of supplies from the south to help us through this immediate crisis."

Lu Lingfeng replied with a gloomy expression.

Undoubtedly, this operation is tantamount to a disguised "abolition of the canal and conversion to the sea," which will undoubtedly offend the canal transport interest groups.

But Lü Lingfeng had no choice; as the Minister of Revenue, he had to prioritize ensuring that the finances of the Great Yu Dynasty did not collapse.

We can pretend we don't know about other things, but the pay and provisions for the soldiers on the front lines must be guaranteed as a priority.

We also need to find a way to distribute the salaries of officials in the capital.

Without the money and grain supplied from the south, the high prices in the north could directly bankrupt the imperial court.

"Minister Lü, I've heard that the Ministry of Revenue isn't procuring grain, but rather boatloads of chaff!"

Marquis Weiyuan's ambiguous smile made the atmosphere in Wenyuan Pavilion tense once again.

It's common for ordinary people to eat bran, but if bran is also distributed as rations to soldiers on the front lines, that would be a serious matter.

The border regions recently had a dispute over military pay and supplies.

This current evasive approach will only further escalate the conflict.

"The Marquis's information network is excellent; there was indeed a batch of chaff among the grain purchased by the Ministry of Revenue."

However, this is not due to dereliction of duty on my part as Minister of Revenue; it's simply that we can't purchase enough grain!

Lü Lingfeng admitted it frankly.

In fact, whether it was canal transport, sea transport, or grain procurement, one group was indispensable—the gentry of Jiangnan.

This group controlled the largest number of ships in the Dayu Dynasty and monopolized most of the grain trade in the southeast.

In order to put pressure on the imperial court, they even went so far as to block the canal, so naturally they wouldn't help the court out of its predicament.

The major grain merchants in Jiangnan hoarded grain and speculated on prices. Only the Marquis of Hanshui's mansion dared to defy the pressure from the gentry and powerful families and send grain to the northern frontier.

Despite the large influx of people into Annam Protectorate in recent years, per capita grain production has been declining continuously.

Especially after immigrating to Southeast Asia, many areas appear to have fertile land, but they suffer from excessive rainfall.

The local indigenous people do not like to grow food, partly because the island is rich in resources and partly because of the frequent floods.

When nature doesn't cooperate, reduced grain production is a common occurrence.

In order to change this passive situation, the immigrants are busy building water conservancy projects under the organization of the Protectorate General's Office.

Infrastructure projects inevitably consume a lot of food.

As a result, the Annam Protectorate only exported a few million shi of grain each year, of which 80% was miscellaneous grains.

It sounds like a huge number, but in reality, the consumption of just the capital city alone is more than that.

If it's to be transported to the front lines, 70-80% of it will be consumed during the journey alone.

If there isn't enough food, then we have to find alternatives.

"If the Ministry of Revenue can't buy grain, is someone hoarding it for speculation?"

Marquis Weiyuan asked with a solemn expression.

If even the Ministry of Revenue can't buy enough grain, what must the situation be like for ordinary people?

The northern provinces are now engulfed in war.

The main reason the imperial court did not send troops to suppress the rebellion immediately was the lack of food.

Suppressing the rebels was easy, but solving the problem of feeding the disaster victims was an unsolvable problem.

Despite the continuous migration of people from Dayu to Annam Protectorate, it was still a drop in the ocean compared to the number of disaster victims.

If the situation continues to deteriorate, even the capital may not be able to hold out.

"It's not just about hoarding and speculation; due to the drought, the autumn grain production in Hubei and Hunan provinces has decreased significantly this year."

Coupled with the anti-tax movement in Jiangnan, grain prices in the south also rose sharply.

Even in the Jiangnan region, a shi (a unit of dry measure) of rice could sell for 1.5 taels of silver.

When the canal transport was unimpeded, the price of the goods transported to the capital would almost double.

"At times like these, you simply can't buy it without five or six taels of silver."

Lu Lingfeng replied expressionlessly.

The current price is not much different from the peak price during the flooding of the capital.

If the imperial court doesn't find a solution, grain prices will soon continue to reach new highs.

Such severe inflation is simply unbearable for ordinary people.

"The current predicament faced by the imperial court is partly due to natural disasters and partly due to tax resistance by gentry in Jiangnan."

Natural disasters are beyond human control; all the court can do is collect the taxes as quickly as possible.

According to news from the north, Goguryeo has surrendered to the northern barbarians, and they may soon march south again.

Time is running out for the imperial court.

The words of Luo Wenbo, the Minister of War, caused the temperature in Wenyuan Pavilion to drop again.

Everyone here is well-versed in history and is very clear about just how bad the current situation of the Great Yu Dynasty is.

Factional strife, the decline of imperial power, regional warlordism, bureaucratic corruption, the collapse of the financial system, land annexation and class stratification, foreign invasion...

The Great Yu Dynasty almost had all the problems that plagued previous feudal dynasties before their demise.

The fact that the Great Yu Dynasty, which was afflicted with numerous illnesses, was able to continue operating was a miracle in itself.

However, this continuation is mainly based on the premise of mutual checks and balances.

The group that now forms the core of the empire wants more power but doesn't want to fulfill its obligations, which has suddenly plunged this ancient empire into a fatal crisis.

"Since we have no other choice, we might as well not be polite."

He directly ordered Wan Huaijin to expedite the collection process. If the canal could not be restored in time, the money and grain should be transported back by sea.

The required ships were requisitioned directly from the Jiangnan region.

Anyone who violates this rule will be treated as committing treason!

The Second Grand Secretary, Bai Jilin, immediately made the suggestion.

What seemed like an ordinary order was actually fraught with bloodshed and turmoil.

Given the current situation in Jiangnan, completing the tax collection task will inevitably involve bloodshed.

Once the butcher's knife is raised, there's no going back!

The group exchanged glances, but no one spoke. However, their tense expressions revealed that most of them were tempted.

Whether there will be future problems or not, we'll have to wait and see when they arise.

If they couldn't survive this calamity, the Great Yu Dynasty would be gone.

These vested interests will all have to pay the price for this.

To think that one can continue to enjoy wealth and luxury under a different dynasty is nothing but the naive idea of ​​an ignorant fool.

Every dynastic change was accompanied by a change of power.

The group of meritorious officials who followed the new emperor to conquer the country also deserved to share in the spoils.

If we let them continue to occupy high positions, they might risk their lives to rebel, and all our efforts would be in vain!

……

The Qian family mansion.

"Brother Zhou, what brings you here?"

Looking at the person who had arrived, Qian Chengxuan asked with concern.

At this juncture, the situation in Jiangnan is at its most chaotic, and core members of powerful families are trying to stay home as much as possible.

Social interactions and interpersonal relationships also involved sending out collateral relatives to make visits.

If their personal involvement is required, it must be a major event.

"Brother Qian, the main reason I'm visiting you today is to seek a way out for the gentry families of Jiangnan!"

As soon as Zhou Zhiyong finished speaking, Qian Chengxuan's expression changed drastically.

The situation in the Jiangnan region is indeed dangerous, but it hasn't reached the point of annihilation.

While each family seems to be making a big fuss, it's mainly a behind-the-scenes scheme, with the ones at the forefront being small and medium-sized gentry who can't see the bigger picture.

Even if the imperial court wanted to forcibly collect debts, it would first target these people.

"Brother Zhou, what makes you say that?"

Qian Chengxuan asked, frowning.

They were all old acquaintances and knew each other well, so he didn't think Zhou Zhiyong was just trying to scare them.

Since they are talking about seeking a way to survive, it means that each family faces the risk of being wiped out.

"Brother Qian, why ask a question you already know the answer to!"

"Those idiots, how dare they block the canal! Aren't they forcing the imperial court to take drastic measures?"

Zhou Zhiyong said indignantly.

A large forest has all kinds of birds; a large number of gentry inevitably produces fools.

The previous commotion was essentially aimed at exerting pressure and increasing leverage in negotiations with the imperial court.

But the power of leverage only comes when you hold it in your own hands.

Once the ball is fired, it loses its value.

The Grand Canal was originally a powerful asset, capable of making the imperial court wary during the game of power.

Unfortunately, some idiots among the gentry foolishly went and sabotaged the canal, disrupting the grain transport.

At this point, they not only lost their most powerful bargaining chip, but also attracted a large wave of hatred.

"I was naturally aware of the uproar caused by the disruption of the canal transport."

However, Brother Zhou, we didn't do this.

Even if the imperial court wants to settle scores, they should target those idiots, not us!"

Qian Chengxuan shook his head and said.

Having an idiot in the team is a real headache.

However, the Jiangnan gentry alliance was not a monolithic entity to begin with; if someone made a foolish mistake, they could simply be thrown out.

They took advantage of the imperial court to help them eliminate their political opponents.

Even if negotiations with the imperial court yield no substantial results, one can still make a profit by dividing up the inheritance of one's teammates.

Qian Chengxuan had made preparations in advance as early as the initial stage of the anti-tax movement.

"Brother Qian, the reasoning is correct, but some people want to implicate others."

For the past century, we have held an important position in the imperial court, which has long aroused dissatisfaction among many people.

Now that it has shown signs of decline, naturally some people will not be able to resist kicking it when it's down.

Not to mention those guys in the north, they all want to trample us underfoot, and even in the southern provinces, the number of people dissatisfied with us is increasing day by day.

The massacre at Jiangnan Academy was a harbinger of the tragedy.

"If those guys in the government hadn't stood by and watched, even if the rebel army had attacked the academy, they wouldn't have been able to kill everyone."

Zhou Zhi said fiercely.

The conflict between the North and the South permeated the political struggles throughout the entire Great Yu Dynasty.

The Jiangnan Anti-Tax Movement was essentially a counterattack launched by the northern political forces after they had gained the upper hand in the south.

Under this general trend, the internal conflicts among the gentry in the southern provinces were also one of the main conflicts in the officialdom.

The political clique formed around the Jiangnan Academy monopolized a large number of imperial examination slots, seriously affecting the interests of gentry in other provinces.

Especially in recent imperial examinations, the Jiangnan region monopolized 80% of the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examinations) in the southern region, while some remote provinces even had zero Jinshi.

When Jiangnan Group was powerful, everyone had no choice but to accept it.

For their own benefit, they even have to actively come closer and join this political group.

However, fortunes change, and the Jiangnan Group has suffered repeated defeats in the power struggle, and is now the target of public criticism.

If we don't take advantage of their misfortune and give them a good beating, then none of us will be able to survive.

"Brother Zhou is right, we are indeed in great danger right now."

If we don't handle this well, hungry wolves from all directions will pounce on us and devour us.

But the current situation is really difficult for us!

After a long silence, Qian Chengxuan said with a worried expression.

Upon lifting the lid, he suddenly realized where his earlier unease had come from.

In politics, there are no permanent allies, and it is nothing new for people to turn against each other for the sake of interests.

Given the current situation, it won't be long before they are besieged by all sides.

Even a fierce tiger can't withstand a pack of wolves.

"There are solutions, of course; it just depends on whether Brother Qian dares to take the plunge!"

"They want to use the imperial court to undermine the power we have painstakingly built up, and we can naturally find a way to seize the imperial court back."

The reason those guys in the north are able to dominate politics is because the capital is located in the north.

If the situation reverses and the court is forced to move south, everything will be different.

Zhou Zhiyong's words startled Qian Chengxuan.

The Great Yu Dynasty had established its capital in Beijing for over two hundred years, and the people of the world had long been accustomed to it.

For the imperial court to move south, it would be absolutely impossible unless Beijing fell.

With the capital city lost, how can the northern lands survive alone?

Moving the imperial court to one's own territory and seizing control of the court brought substantial political gains, but the cost was the loss of half of the Great Yu's territory.

Such a large-scale undertaking would make anyone, let alone Qian Chengxuan, feel uneasy.

"Brother Zhou, this matter is of great importance. It is far too risky for us to plan it alone!"

Qian Chengxuan said with a look of fear.

(End of this chapter)