Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 240 Can the Method of Xishan Cure the Stubborn Diseases of Jiangnan?

"Taking silk as an example, the thirty-nine teahouses in the capital, the Xishan workshops, and the Ministry of Revenue jointly guaranteed the sale of silk and issued a certificate of authenticity."

This certificate of shipment can specify ten bolts of Yun brocade, indicating details such as the specifications, quality grade, and color standards of the silk, and specifying the delivery date.
Merchants, workshop owners, and cotton farmers provide margin deposits, identification documents, past records, and other proof to participate in futures trading.

Inside the Nanjing governor's office, everyone looked at the contents of the letter and stared at each other in bewilderment.

The "futures trading market" introduced in the book, although it has historical references and is not something that appeared out of thin air, is still a novel concept that is hard to accept.

"Nonsense!"

Hai Rui was the first to slam his fist on the table and stand up, speaking angrily.

“Zhang Shiyuan is encouraging the way of merchants, who have been hoarding goods and speculating on prices for years, using the way of commerce to plunder the wealth of the people.”

Doesn't this futures market make such behavior even more convenient?

It would be difficult for traditional Confucian scholars like Hai Rui to understand the long-term benefits brought about by the futures market.

For hundreds or thousands of years, "suppressing commerce and protecting agriculture" has always been the main theme.

Of course, not everyone in the government office saw it that way.

Wang Shishun, a merchant from Anhui, has been assisting Yin Zhengmao and Hai Rui in Nanjing in implementing the strategies of the Jiangnan Textile Bureau and the Xishan Money Shop.

He had studied at Xishan and received instruction and guidance from Zhang Yunxiu.

With his years of business experience, he quickly figured out the reason behind it.

With a conflicted expression, Wang Shishun gritted his teeth, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Hai Rui, and said...

"I dare to say that I urge you, Mr. Hai Xiantai, not to be impatient. In my opinion, this method of futures trading not only does not encourage hoarding and speculation, but actually suppresses it."

Hai Rui frowned: "How to suppress it?"

Wang Shishun thought for a moment and said, "The key to this lies in the supply and demand principle in economics."

With the futures market price list published, if someone attempts to hoard goods and drive up prices, it will quickly be reflected in the trading prices.

Once the laws of supply and demand are violated, someone will naturally reduce the supply.
In the past, hoarders often tried to profit from the chaos, creating unnecessary shortages.

But with the advent of the futures market, all of this will be destroyed.
besides"

"Let's not talk about economics anymore."

Hai Rui covered his head, feeling a headache coming on.

The changes that Xishan has brought to Beijing these days have been far too rapid.

Hai Rui viewed Zhang Yunxiu's many actions as heretical and destined to cause trouble.

However, every single item proved to be correct.

This has caused his lifelong philosophy of governance to be thrown into disarray.

I glanced at the corner.

Zhang Jianxiu, the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, leaned calmly against the wall.

Hai Rui frowned and asked in a deep voice.

"Zhang Qianshi, is this futures market run by Zhang Shiyuan alone, or is it at the behest of the Grand Secretary?"

Zhang Jian was seemingly lost in thought, but to be honest, he was still somewhat intimidated by Hai Rui.

Even Zhang Juzheng, the father of Hai Gangfeng, had a headache with his name, let alone him.
Throughout the entire world, it seems that only the younger brother Zhang Yunxiu can rival him.

At this moment, Zhang Jianxiu naturally nodded solemnly and said, "Whether it is the Jiangnan Textile Bureau or this futures trading market, both have been approved by the Cabinet and His Majesty."

Hai Xiantai, you can rest assured. Although my younger brother may seem unruly, he has a kind heart and would never do anything to harm the people of Jiangnan.

"I hope so."

Hai Rui remained stern and unsmiling, bowing respectfully to Yin Zhengmao, who sat in the main seat, and said, "Governor Yin, I have some business to attend to and will take my leave first."

After saying that, he turned and left, which shows his strong personality.

The Huizhou merchant, Wang Shishun, looked embarrassed and turned to Yin Zhengmao to speak.

"Governor Yin, please take a look at this."

"No need to worry." Yin Zhengmao waved his hand. "Hai Ruxian is just like that. You all just do as the Grand Secretary instructs. I will definitely give my full support."

After saying that, he stroked his beard, looking quite relaxed.

Since Zhang Jianxiu and his party arrived in Southern Zhili, and with Hou Jigao and Shen Yourong leading troops to garrison Jiangnan, his duties as the governor of Yingtian have become much easier.

Especially after the establishment of the Jiangnan Textile Bureau, relying on the Xishan Money Shop to provide low-interest loans to the people, and with the "Tiangong Textile Machine" providing new livelihoods for the people, the conflicts in Jiangnan caused by the floods have gradually subsided.

Of course, this doesn't mean we can rest easy.

Yin Zhengmao looked at Wang Shishun and said, "Manager Wang, have you found a market for your cotton cloth and silk lately?"

The textile machines were indeed delivered to the people, and the cotton and silk they produced increased several times over.

But a problem immediately arose: too much cotton and silk was produced, which made it difficult to sell.

In the past, the sale of these cotton and silkworm products was entirely controlled by the wealthy and powerful families of Jiangnan.

Now the Jiangnan Textile Bureau is going against them, and these people are naturally colluding with various sellers to strictly prohibit the purchase of such cotton and silk, attempting to strangle the court's attempt to cut off its supply.

Wang Shishun smiled and said, "It used to be a problem, but now Magistrate Zhang has helped us solve it."

Yin Zhengmao said with some surprise, "Is the futures market really that magical?"

Wang Shishun nodded and said, "Your Excellency is wise. I was a merchant in the past and I understand all too well the ways of the gentry in Jiangnan."

These people, taking advantage of their local position, wanted to defy the imperial court and attempted to hoard goods to cut off sales channels, openly opposing the court's national policies.

If it were someone else, they might have fallen into their trap.

But once Magistrate Zhang made his move, even someone as unscrupulous as myself, who didn't understand the principles of the futures market, would believe that success would be swift.

Wang Shishun knew Zhang Yunxiu's methods all too well, because he had been tricked countless times before he was finally "recruited".

Now that he's on the "pirate ship" and started swindling others, Wang Shishun feels like he's eating well and his health is getting better and better.

It can be said that he, Zhang Yunxiu's former "opponent," fully recognized Zhang Yunxiu's abilities.

"That kid Zhang Shiyuan."

Yin Zhengmao couldn't help but feel a little emotional. He recalled the memories and shook his head with a smile.

"Thinking back to the past, when he was still an infant, I used to hold him and play with him. I never imagined that in just a few short years, he would become such a remarkable person in our Great Ming Dynasty. It is truly remarkable!"

Thinking of this, he said to Zhang Jianxiu who was standing next to him.

“Zhang Qianshi, I think we need your mediation in handling these matters.”

Seeing his younger brother being praised so highly, Zhang Jianxiu felt anxious. He spat out the toothpick in his mouth, grinned, and said...

"Governor Yin, please rest assured. I, Zhang Jianxiu, have come here on the Emperor's orders to arrest all those petty scoundrels in Jiangnan! If any of them dare to cause any trouble, they will all be arrested and brought back to the capital to be imprisoned!"

In fact, Zhang Jianxiu's visit to Nanjing was not only to promote the Jiangnan Textile Bureau, but also to prevent the Jiangnan gentry from resorting to desperate measures and colluding with Japanese pirates to invade the coastal areas.

This is not something that has never happened before.

Just then, Emperor Wanli, after reviewing the revenue generated by the opening of the seas during the Yongle era, harbored a deep-seated hatred for these Jiangnan gentry. With the opportune moment, favorable location, and popular support, any attempt by them to make a move would surely result in their complete annihilation!
But Zhang Jianxiu also had his own thoughts.

These days he spends all his time reading the Wanli New Daily. That fellow Zhang Yunxiu, one minute he's holding some kind of auction and making a fortune, the next he's coming up with some new academic theory, and then there's this futures market.

He's stolen the limelight! Will the people still hold a place for me, Zhang Jianxiu, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Zhang Jianxiu clenched his fists, determined to make a name for himself in Jiangnan.

Qinhuai River.

Hai Rui led a group of clerks on a visit along the riverbank.

Among the crowd was a portly man, sweating profusely as he tried to keep up with Hai Rui's hurried pace.

Seeing Zhao Rui in such a disheveled state, even the usually hard-hearted Hai Rui softened at this moment. He stopped and looked at the other party and said.

"Manager Zhao, since you have difficulty walking, you can ride in a sedan chair. There's no need for formalities in front of me."

Not used to riding in a sedan chair in the countryside, he preferred to walk briskly like an old farmer, which made things difficult for the big fat man, Zhao Rui.

"Haihai Constitutional Court."

Zhao Rui, still panting, bowed respectfully to Hai Rui and said...

“I am not tired. Magistrate Zhang has been kind to me and I will definitely handle this matter properly.”

The Jiangnan region was originally a prosperous land, but unexpectedly, some people there were also suffering like this.

Compared to their displacement, hunger, and suffering, my hardships are nothing.

A simple, honest smile appeared on his face.

"The doctors at Renmin Medical Center said my obesity index was too high, and it just so happens that I'll lose a few pounds during this trip to Jiangnan."

It's not just about accumulating good deeds, it's also about prolonging life.

Hai Rui's brows and eyes were like an eagle's, as if he could see right through Zhao Rui. He nodded and said.

"If all merchants under heaven could care about the people like Manager Zhao, conduct business with conscience, and extend their own feelings to others, the people of our Great Ming Dynasty would be much better off than they are now."

Zhao Rui, however, appeared flattered and surprised.

"Hai Xiantai is too kind. I am but a foolish man who has only been doing my duty. It is thanks to the guidance of Zhang Tongzhi that I am able to do something for the people of Jiangnan today. I am truly honored!"

Zhao Rui kept mentioning Zhang Yunxiu, but Hai Rui couldn't muster any ill feelings towards him.

The more he looked at the honest and upright Zhao Rui, the more pleasing he found him to the eye, and he nodded and said.

"In that case, I will work alongside you to serve the people of Jiangnan."

As they spoke, Hai Rui used his withered but strong hands to support Zhao Rui's chubby body and helped him walk forward.

"No! Lord Hai! No!"

Zhao Rui hurriedly waved his hand, but Hai Rui remained unyielding.

Seeing the two of them walking along like this, the clerk and accountant following behind exchanged a glance and looked at Zhao Rui with a hint of envy.

Zhao Rui has hitched a ride on Zhang Yunxiu and Hai Rui's coattails. Although he is a merchant, anyone with eyes can see that he is destined for great things.

As you walk deeper into the middle section of the Qinhuai River, you will see several thatched cottages standing by the water.

Hai Rui was already familiar with the place. After quickly tidying his clothes, he personally stepped forward and gently knocked on the door knocker.

"May I ask if you are from the Wang family?"

The wooden door creaked open, and the old cotton farmer Wang Wu, dressed in a patched brown robe, hurriedly prostrated himself upon seeing Hai Rui: "This humble subject was unaware of Hai Qingtian's visit; I am utterly apologies."

Clearly, this wasn't Hai Rui's first visit.

"It doesn't matter."

He smiled slightly, helped Wang Wu up, and led him into the hall.

Hai Rui greeted Wang Wu warmly, looking around as he spoke.

"When I last visited the old gentleman, this thatched hut was still drafty, but in just half a month, it has been completely transformed."

"Don't dare."

Wang Wu quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"I dare not call Hai Qingtian 'Mr.' Just call me Lao Wu. If the villagers find out, they will definitely gossip about me behind my back."

The two chatted casually, as if they were very close old friends.

Zhao Rui followed behind and saw Wang Wu's wife, Liu, skillfully operating a loom in front of the hall. Her ten fingers flew, and the cotton threads were slowly drawn out.

Liu was so focused that she didn't even notice when someone came in from outside.

"mother"

Wang Wu was about to call for his wife to come and pay her respects when Hai Rui stopped him.

He walked with his hands behind his back to a basket full of cotton threads, gently picked up a ball, and looked at the snow-white cotton threads, squinting his eyes as he asked.

"Old sir, you need not be afraid. Tell me the truth, what is the method of renting looms by the Jiangnan Textile Bureau?"

Wang Wu looked very reserved, wiping his hands on his clothes and revealing a simple and honest expression.

"Reporting to Hai Qingtian, this year there was a great flood, and the cotton fields suffered heavy losses. I thought we were really going to go hungry, but unexpectedly we still have this 'Heavenly Craftsmanship Textile Machine' available."

Compared to the past, this machine is more convenient, produces more cotton fibers per day, and even saves on writing cotton bolls.

It saved the lives of my entire family.

Hai Rui glanced at the cotton threads, then at the coal burning in the earthen stove, and finally a smile appeared on his face.

"Is the coal used in your home from the Western Hills?"

"Exactly!" Wang Wu grinned. "Everything from Xishan is top-notch. This briquettes are cheaper than firewood and burn brighter. With the continuous rain in early autumn, having briquettes at home is a good idea. We can use them for cooking and also to dry the soaked cotton bolls. It's a win-win situation."

When Hai Rui asked any questions, Wang Wu always praised them highly.

Of course, Wang Wu didn't need to explain further. Hai Rui had been an official for many years and could tell whether a person's life was good or bad simply by looking at a few details in their home.

This is very difficult to fake.

But Hai Rui still squinted and stared intently at Wang Wu as he spoke.

"Old sir, you were just praising us. But don't you think there are any drawbacks to the Xishan loom and the lending methods of the money shop?"

"This"

Wang Wu looked quite troubled and glanced at Zhao Rui.

Hai Rui frowned and said.

"Speak freely."

Zhao Rui wiped away his sweat, looking very nervous.

(End of this chapter)