You can't only love the Qing Dynasty when you're eating the fruits of others' labor.

Chapter 157 Nikan is reckless; you should be more careful.

Prince Zheng's Mansion.

The doorman opened the door a crack and bent down slightly.

"You are?"

"I, Jiang Qingyun, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, have come to visit Your Highness after hearing that you are unwell."

"Please wait a moment, I will go and report to them immediately."

"it is good."

Throughout the entire process, the gatekeeper never dared to be arrogant; in fact, he was somewhat humble. The reason was simple: young, a third-rank official, with an arrogant expression and a large retinue of followers—such a combination was definitely not benevolent.

really.

Before long, the head steward of the Prince's mansion arrived in person.

"The old prince requests your presence."

After saying that, he led the way, and Jiang Qingyun followed behind.

……

The Prince's Mansion occupies a large area. Jiang Qingyun silently counted his steps. When he reached the 1025th step, he finally met the person in question—Jirhalang, who was over fifty years old.

"Your humble servant greets Your Highness. May Your Highness live a thousand years."

“Imperial Censor Jiang, you are young and promising, and a talented young man whom the Emperor relies on. There is no need for such formalities.”

They drank tea and exchanged pleasantries.

Jirhalang has become a cunning old fox, speaking slowly and deliberately, without haste or impatience.

"Speaking of which, I should thank you."

"Your Highness, what makes you say that?"

"The day before yesterday, during the imperial council, you expressed your support for sending troops, even going against the Emperor's wishes. I will remember this merit."

"Your Highness, please forgive me, but I do have my own selfish motives."

"Oh?"

A playful smile appeared on Jirhalang's face.

Jiang Qingyun raised his head, a greedy glint in his eyes.

"Your Highness," I dare to say, "the people of each banner are now thriving, and once they return from their campaigns, they will surely have more children, making housing scarce. The Plain Blue Banner's defense zone has so many empty houses, perhaps..."

……

Half an hour later.

Jiang Qingyun left the Prince's mansion, returning home laden with spoils.

The two parties reached a verbal agreement.

Of the vacant houses in the southeast corner of the inner city, 2% belonged to the Bordered Blue Banner, 2% to Jiang Qingyun, and the remaining 6% were left to the various banners, to be given to them when they asked for them.

On the way, Zhou Cang asked:
"My lord, how can you be so sure that Prince Zheng will be tempted?"

"There is only one capital city in the world, and only one inner city. Every inch of land there is precious and cannot be expanded. Every house in the inner city is a unique property."

As a time traveler, Jiang Qingyun understood all too well what such rare houses in scarce locations meant; they were real estate that couldn't be bought with gold.

Jirhalang lived to be over 50 years old; how could he not understand this principle?

The Eight Banners' land grabbing strategy wasn't just about cutting off the land outwards; sometimes it also cut inwards. Rare and valuable resources were naturally meant to be passed down to future generations.

"Sir, since it's such a good thing, why should we share it with others?"

“Zhou Cang, it’s not acceptable to monopolize power in officialdom; it will incite public outrage. Although I have made a name for myself in the capital, I am not yet at the level to stand up to the ministers of the Council of State.”

Zhou Cang nodded silently.

Jiangbei understood perfectly. The same principle applied to escorting goods; a portion of the profits had to be shared with the local government,江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world), and local bullies along the way.

……

The main hall of the Ministry of Revenue.

The managers of the eight major Shanxi merchants' branches in the capital were all "invited" here, their legs trembling with fear.

"Vice-Governor Chiang has arrived!"

Everyone immediately rose from their seats and knelt down.

When he looked up again, he saw three people sitting behind the large table: Jiang Qingyun in the middle, Sukesaha on the left, and Zhou Shao on the right.

Right Vice Minister Zhou Shaoxian spoke first.

"I invited you here today because I'm looking to borrow some money from you."

"The army is about to embark on a southern expedition, and the journey is long. It may take a year or two for them to return. In order to take care of their families, the Ministry of Revenue has decided to borrow 2 taels of silver from each of your families."

The hearts that had been in everyone's throats instantly relaxed.

It's just 2 taels of silver, why are you making such a big deal out of it? I thought you were going to borrow a much larger sum.

"I am willing to serve the imperial court."

"No interest on the smaller account." "The money will be in place tomorrow."

Watching everyone hurriedly pledge their loyalty, Jiang Qingyun sneered inwardly, stood up from his seat, and thought to himself, "You bunch of nouveau riche's 'good days' are yet to come."

Suksaha then left the courtroom.

Only Zhou Shao remained.

"Ahem, gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to a guest."

……

"I am the Commander of the Southern City Military Command, Jiangbei. At present, the court is busy preparing for the southern expedition. Military affairs come first, and the affairs of other government offices have to be put aside. The salary cannot be paid for the time being. I would like to borrow some money to improve the lives of my brothers."

"How much do you wish to borrow, sir?"

The manager of Cao Family Bank was the first to speak.

"Borrow 20 for two weeks, and I can pay it back once the imperial salary arrives. The term is six months, with market interest, and a contract can be signed. By the way, borrow from only one source!"

The shopkeepers were stunned; they looked at each other in disbelief.

Following Professor Jiang Qingyun's instructions, Jiang Bei continued with the script.

"Gentlemen of Wealth, which household is willing to lend money?"

"My Cao family is willing to lend it!"

"Well done, Manager Cao is indeed extraordinary and has great vision. Come on, bring the wine."

The wine bowls clinked together.

Manager Cao smiled obsequiously.

The last round of borrowing was like this: the South City Military Command borrowed from all the banks and eventually repaid them on time. Of course, there was something fishy going on.

He volunteered today because he knew very well that being the first to borrow money would be the least risky option, and he was sure he could repay it in the future.

Besides, I'm not the boss, just a senior employee, why should I worry about anything extra? Lending out money and getting it back on time, that's solid performance.

……

Small money, but make a big splash.

Big money, but keep a low profile.

3 days later.

The day before the army set off.

The Ministry of Revenue, the Five Cities Military Command, and the Shuntian Prefecture all mobilized to distribute silver to the families of the soldiers on the expedition, going door to door.

"The Emperor's grace is boundless, and the Vice-Prefect is upright. In order to ensure that the soldiers going to war have no worries, the Eight Banners Salary Office has given each household an advance payment of 2 taels of silver."

A small silver ingot.

The soldiers couldn't understand Jiang Qingyun; one moment he was a fierce and menacing figure, the next he was a loving father with the strength of a mountain!

……

Prince Jingjin's Residence.

Nikan and Bolo sat facing each other, both having drunk some wine.

"Bolo, you've taken half of the army. How are we supposed to fight this battle?"

"It is the Emperor's will that we each command half of the troops, 300 li apart, to support each other and ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"Caution is the right thing to do, but I only hope one thing: if the best opportunity arises, I hope you will join forces with me. A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders."

"Okay, okay."

Bolo gave a perfunctory agreement.

……

That night.

Emperor Shunzhi tossed and turned, unable to sleep, and vaguely regretted appointing Nikan as commander.

"Someone is coming."

"emperor?"

"Summon Bolo to the palace."

"Your Majesty, it is late at night, and the palace gates are closed."

"Then take my decree and open the palace gates, making an exception to summon foreign officials."

Xihua Gate.

Bright lights.

Unaware of the situation, Bolo was summoned to the inner palace and there he met Shunzhi, who had dark circles under his eyes.

"This servant greets Your Majesty."

"Bolo, before I set out on the campaign, I would like to remind you once again that you will lead half of the troops at the rear. You must be cautious and not engage in battle lightly, let alone underestimate the enemy. Nikan is reckless, you should be mindful of that."

(End of this chapter)