Your Majesty, please resign again

Chapter 126 The lives of people in Bianjing are indeed more expensive! (Here we come!)

Zhang Heng's face suddenly became serious when he heard this.

One month...it will take at least fifteen days to transport the grain from Hangzhou to Yangzhou to Bianjing. The key point is that this does not include the time for preparing the grain. If the time for preparing the grain is added, it is estimated that one month is just a short time.

That's enough.

However, the current situation is that Wang Lun's rebel army is spreading across the south of the Yangtze River, especially Yangzhou, a water transportation hub, which is also within the containment range of the rebel army. This is a big trouble!

Zhang Heng asked: "Xu Zhongcheng, you probably already have a plan in mind, right?"

Xu Yuan nodded and said, "I have some ideas."

Zhang Heng said happily: "Zhongcheng, please tell me."

Xu Yuandao: "Isn't it weird that the food in the six states and seventy-two states across the country cannot be supplied to the capital for consumption? I plan to order the states and counties along the Yangtze River to reserve enough food for three months, and hand over the rest to the state, and gradually replenish it according to the distance. In this way

, should be able to replenish the capital’s food supply soon.”

Zhang Heng's heart skipped a beat when he heard this.

As soon as Xu Yuan saw Zhang Heng's expression, he knew that this colleague had different opinions and quickly asked: "Judge Zhang, do you have other ideas?"

This idea has been carefully considered by him, so he attaches great importance to it.

Zhang Heng thought for a while and said: "What Xu Zhongcheng means is that the states and counties only have three months of food left?"

Xu Yuan nodded and said, "Is there something wrong?"

Zhang Heng breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Logically speaking, this arrangement is very appropriate, but I heard that this year's drought is not a trivial matter. Not only is there a severe drought in Shandong, but also a severe drought in the Jianghuai generation. You only let them keep three months of food.

If so... then the Jianghuai generation will become a hell on earth."

Zhang Heng now has Tong Boding helping him collect all kinds of information, and he is relatively well-informed. When Tong Boding was collecting information about the drought, he handed Zhang Heng a note, and what he wrote on it was shocking.

[Wells and springs dry up, cattle and livestock die from miasma, chickens and dogs no longer exist, and farmers are unemployed. The people of the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers suffer from natural disasters at the top and thieves at the bottom]!

This is already hell on earth!

Logically speaking, we should not requisition food from these states and counties at this time, but should actively provide disaster relief. To requisition food at this time is to forcefully pull people's life-saving food out of their mouths.

Xu Yuan was silent for a while and said, "Judge Zhang, does he have a better way?"

Zhang Heng thought for a moment and said: "There is a severe drought in the Jianghuai River, but it will be much better further south. We can go further south to Jiangnan East Road, Jiangnan West Road, Fujian Road and the Guangdong and Guangxi areas. We should be able to collect a lot of grain. Not only can we

It can meet the needs of the capital, and can even provide relief to victims in Jianghuai and western Beijing..."

Xu Yuan interrupted: "You can use the canal from the Huaihe River to transport grain from the south, but you can't use the waterway. This is simply not feasible."

Zhang Heng smiled: "It comes from the sea."

Xu Yuan looked at the map, was lost in thought for a while, shook his head and said: "This is inappropriate. It is not our duty to relieve the victims. Let's save Bianjing first."

There was bitterness on his face, but more of it was determination.

Zhang Heng said anxiously: "Xu Zhongcheng, what I mean is that we can first guarantee Bianjing's food for a month, and transport the rest from the south. This should be possible."

Xu Yuan became cold and hard: "Judge Zhang, I, Xu Yuan, am not a cold-hearted person, but the emperor's life is on my side, and the lives of two million people in Bianjing are on our shoulders. I need to guarantee it first."

These two million people can have a mouthful of food. If Judge Zhang feels it is inappropriate, he can file a complaint with the superior!"

Zhang Heng smiled bitterly: "The lives of the people in Bianjing are lives, so the lives of the people in Jianghuai are not lives?"

Xu Yuan sighed: "It's all fate, but the life of Bianjing people is more expensive. This is fate. Who told them not to be born in Bianjing?"

Zhang Heng felt that his throat was choked by a handful of chaff. He was unable to speak for a long time and even felt like he was suffocating.

Xu Yuan sighed and said: "If Judge Zhang has no other opinions, then let's implement it."

Zhang Heng nodded and said: "Xu Zhongcheng, it is enough for you to be in charge of the Transportation Department. I would like to ask for a job."

Xu Yuan nodded and said, "Please tell me."

Zhang Heng's hand slowly slid down the map, passing through Hangzhou, Mingzhou, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, etc., and then said: "We are divided into two groups. You do what you want, and I will prepare more food. Let's take a look.

Can you please save the victims in Jianghuai and the victims in western Beijing?"

Xu Yuan looked at Zhang Heng in great surprise for a long time, shook his head and said: "Judge Zhang, I admire your idea very much, but forgive me for not agreeing to it. There are not enough ships for water transportation, so it is impossible to allocate transportation capacity to you, but your

I support this idea. When Bianjing’s food reserves are sufficient, can we come up with a solution together?”

Zhang Heng asked: "How long will it take?"

Xu Yuan counted on his fingers and said: "Half a year."

Zhang Heng's face was full of bitterness: "In half a year...will it be necessary to save him by then?"

Xu Yuan was also silent.

Within half a year, Jiang Huai's bones were probably all over the place, and there was really no need to save him.

Xu Yuan said with difficulty: "...But, I still have no way to allocate the transportation capacity to you..."

Zhang Heng said flatly: "No need, I can just go to the south by myself."

Xu Yuan looked at the determined Zhang Heng and couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration: "He is indeed Judge Zhang. I have long heard that Judge Zhang of Kaifeng serves the country and the people. It is true when I see him today. No wonder Jia Shenzheng strongly recommends Judge Zhang."

Are you involved in the shipping department?"

Zhang Heng was stunned and said: "Did Jia Shenzheng recommend it?"

Jia's participation in politics is the Jia Chang Dynasty.

Xu Yuan smiled and nodded: "Yes, it's Jia Shenzheng..."

He paused and said: "...Time is tight, so let's work separately, Judge Zhang!"

Zhang Heng nodded: "Okay, it's almost done!"

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Zhang Heng took away the official seal of the Shipping Department and the letter of appointment. These were necessary things for him to act in the south.

After Zhang Heng returned, he explained to Zhang Xun and then went to the Zeng Mansion. The others were fine, but Zeng Youwei was very nervous: "Going to the south now? I heard that Wang Lun's traitor is wreaking havoc in the south.

Can you not go?"

Zhang Heng shook his head and said: "When I think of the tens of millions of victims, I feel anxious, but I can't wait here in Bianjing City. Although I can't see it, if I don't go, the hell-like scene will be like ten thousand people."

Like ants eating your heart."

Zeng Youwei burst into tears: "That San Lang, you need to remember that there are so many people waiting for you in Bianjing. If things are not harmonious, don't force it."

Zhang Heng said with relief: "I will be careful to avoid the rebels, don't worry."

Zeng Youwei just cried and said: "You don't have to worry about all the things at home. I will take care of them. Just take care of yourself."

The little lover said goodbye reluctantly.

After Zhang Heng finished explaining, he immediately went back and prepared to set off. Although he was going to the south by himself, he really couldn't go by himself. First, he had to arrange for accompanying escorts. This could be left to Tong Boding and Fan Wuji.

When Tong Boding heard about this, he immediately organized fifty or sixty strong men according to Zhang Heng's instructions. Zhang Heng went to the Kaifeng Mansion Armory to get the swords. At this time, when he went to Jiangnan, if he was not well prepared, he would have to take advantage of himself.

His life was a joke.

The second is to find Lu Yining. The commercial bank has established a branch in Hangzhou. If necessary, we can borrow help from there. After hearing Zhang Heng's request, Lu Yining immediately said: "I will go with you!"

Of course, Zhang Heng couldn't let the girls take risks with him, so he refused: "I don't know how long it will take me to leave. Just help me manage the business in Bianjing."

Lu Yining smiled and said: "Okay, then you can go, but I also have to go to the south. I want to go to Quanzhou. Let's go ahead one after another."

Zhang Heng was stunned: "Going to Quanzhou?"

Lu Yining nodded and said: "Our Feiyan soap has to prepare a third production center. I heard that imitations have appeared in Jiangnan. I have to capture the market quickly."

When Zhang Heng heard this, he realized that this girl was determined to go to the south with him. If he didn't let her go, she would go.

Maybe something will happen at some point.

As a result, the team grew to hundreds of people.

There was no need for Zhang Heng to specially arrange the boat. He could just follow the canal boat south. Before leaving, Xu Yuan came to see him off and warned: "If things cannot be done, Judge Zhang, please don't force it. Let's prepare the canal food and then

It’s time to fulfill your responsibilities.”

Zhang Heng smiled and expressed his gratitude.

After giving the order, the boat went down the river.

The Caohe River is quite busy along the way. Large ships can be seen everywhere, both going south and north. These large ships are the key to maintaining the prosperity of Bianjing City.

The canal boat went down the river and merged into the Huaihe River from Bianshui River.

The so-called Four Water Canals are the lifeline of Bianjing.

The river system near Kaifeng is very developed. On this basis, the Northern Song Dynasty dug four water transport lines, the "Four Water Transport Canals" composed of the Bianhe Line, Caihe Line, Jinshui Line and Guangji Line, which is known as the lifeline of Kaifeng City.

The four water canals spread out in all directions with Bianjing City as the center. They penetrated the water transportation routes in the hinterland of the Central Plains, forming a picture of "horses and boats connecting with each other". It is not an exaggeration to call the four water canals the vascular system of the Northern Song Dynasty.

This time on his way south, Zhang Heng took the Bianhe River line, and this section is the Tongji Canal.

After the Bianhe River line is completed, it merges into the Huaihe River. The Huaihe River is parallel to the Yangtze River, so there is also a section of artificially dug channel here, which is Shanyangdu, which was formed based on the continued excavation and widening of Hangou.

Originally, if you entered the Yangtze River from here, you could reach the south of the Yangtze River very smoothly. However, due to Wang Lun's rebellion, the canal boats did not dare to disembark, so they could only go upstream along the Huaihe River.

Zhang Heng and others disembarked from the ship when they arrived at Yingzhou. They rented carriages and horses from the Yingzhou Car Company and traveled overland. After a bumpy journey for several days, they arrived at Jiankang Prefecture and then arrived in the south of the Yangtze River.

However, Zhang Heng's destination this time was Hangzhou and Quanzhou, so he had to continue south from Jiankang Prefecture to Hangzhou. However, it was much more convenient to reach Jiangnan. The water system of Jiangnan is developed, and you can take a boat from Jiankang Prefecture to Hangzhou.

It was very hot and muggy in Hangzhou at the end of June. As soon as Zhang Heng arrived in Hangzhou, he immediately went straight to the Hangzhou government office. Zheng Jian, the magistrate, came after hearing the news.

Zhang Heng explained the shortage of food in Bianjing, and Zheng Jian immediately said: "There is food in Hangzhou, but the problem is how to go north. Now that the king's thieves are blocking the north and south, I am afraid it will not be possible for a while."

Zhang Heng said with a smile: "The king's thief is at the end of his powerful crossbow. He will be wiped out in July."

Although Zheng Jian didn't quite believe in Zhang Heng's judgment, he still said: "That way there is no problem."

Zhang Heng added: "There is a severe drought in the Jianghuai region this year, and we still need help from the states in the south of the Yangtze River."

Zheng Jian suddenly had a troubled expression on his face: "There is a severe drought in the Jianghuai River. In fact, the south of the Yangtze River is not much better. This year, the floods in the south of the Yangtze River have caused severe crop failure. The reason why we can still provide support is because the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River can fish, grow lotus roots, etc."

Once water operations are supplemented, there will be no problem in supporting Bianjing with food for March, but if we also need to provide relief to the Jianghuai River and even the west of Beijing, I am afraid it will be beyond our capabilities."

What Zheng Jian said was not an excuse. Zhang Heng had actually received the news. Zheng Jian could guarantee support for Bianjing and was already quite supportive of the imperial court. Therefore, Zhang Heng was not disappointed. The reason why he came to Hangzhou was not for this purpose.

.

Zhang Heng nodded and said: "This matter does not require assistance from the states and counties in the south of the Yangtze River. I came here today for another matter."

Zheng Jian said: "Judge Zhang, please speak."

Zhang Heng said: "Xiaguan plans to continue going south. This year's Fujian Road and Guangnan East-West Road are said to have a good harvest of grain. There should be enough grain there to transport north."

Zheng Jian frowned and said: "There is indeed food over there, but transportation is not easy. It takes too much to transport it from there. The key is that there is not enough time, right?"

Zhang Heng said: "What if we go north from the sea?"

Zheng Jian's expression changed slightly: "Judge Zhang, be careful what you say."

Zhang Heng said in surprise: "Scholar Zheng?"

Zheng Jian whispered: "To go north from the sea, you need to use a sea-going ship. If it is an inland river ship, it may capsize as soon as it enters the sea. The imperial court prohibits sea trade. Where can I find a sea-going ship?"

Zhang Heng looked directly at Zheng Jian and said: "This matter affects millions of victims in Jianghuai and western Beijing. I would like to ask Bachelor Zheng to point out a clear path."

Zheng Jian smiled bitterly and said, "I can't help you with this matter."

Zhang Heng shook his head and said: "The official knows that Master Zheng is in trouble. Master Zheng is from Jiangnan and has roots here. It is indeed inappropriate to offend anyone. However, it concerns millions of victims, so the official has no choice but to take the liberty of requesting the request."

Zheng Jian gritted his teeth and said: "Judge Zhang, millions of stones of food are going north, and there are not a few ships needed. If...then the thunder above the nine heavens is furious, and the south of the Yangtze River will be a bloody storm. Who dares to take this risk!"

Judge Zhang, if you are here to talk about aiding Beijing, we can continue to talk. If you are talking about this, then leave slowly without seeing him off."

I was immediately given an eviction order.

Zhang Heng had no choice but to go to the embassy to stay.

When the head of the embassy saw Zhang Heng, he was really surprised: "Zhang Qianfan, why are you here in Hangzhou?"

Zhang Heng had some impressions of this embassy director. When he came to Hangzhou to do contracting work before, this embassy director was quite active and said with a smile: "Some people are on official business. Seeing how many guests you have at the embassy, ​​this business is very good."

The curator smiled, and his back teeth were visible: "Thanks to you, thanks to you, the king's thieves are now blocking the north and south. These guests were originally businessmen who wanted to go north, but now they have no choice but to stay here. Thanks to you

!”

Zhang Heng suddenly laughed and said: "This is not a blessing to me. This is a blessing to the king's thief. It is him who blocks the north and south, not me."

The director burst out laughing: "If you hadn't organized this embassy, ​​how could this good thing have been my turn? In the end, it's all thanks to you."

Zhang Heng smiled and said, "Is this business still possible?"

The director smiled and said: "That's great. My embassy is located in the hub of Hangzhou. Although the basic fee paid every year is the highest, there are many guests here, so we don't have to worry about losing money.

I didn’t have the opportunity to thank you properly before, but this time I have to thank you properly. I will definitely give you the highest standard of reception during your stay here!”

Zhang Heng waved his hand and said, "No, no, you are going to make a mistake."

The curator smiled arrogantly: "In the past, it was called using public money to flatter the superiors, which was a mistake, but now I am running my own business and spending my own money, so that is not a mistake anymore."

Zhang Heng smiled: "Sure, it would be great if you don't feel at a loss."

Anyway, even if he was alone, he couldn't spend much money. He asked Lu Yining to take the rest of the people, and let the trading company handle the accounts. Anyway, the boss could make a lot of money, so he didn't have to worry about losing money.

Lu Yining came to see him in the evening. Seeing the food he ate and the luxury of the courtyard he lived in, he couldn't help but feel disgusted: "It's better to be an official. This should be the best courtyard here, right?"

Zhang Heng said with a smile: "No, only the superiors and prime ministers can live there. It was a mistake to live here before, but now it's okay."

Lu Yining smiled and said, "How did things go?"

Zhang Heng sighed softly and said: "The previous worries have come true. Zheng Jian is afraid of offending others, and he is also worried that after being exposed, if someone in the court wants to harm them, it will be all over. Who dares to take risks."

Lu Yining nodded and said: "Banning the sea is a national policy, but the maritime merchants in the south of the Yangtze River are rich enough to rival the country. Everyone knows this, but who dares to expose it seriously? Now the imperial court needs people, and they have come out, but if the imperial court is short of money,

Now, when the butcher's knife comes out, the south of the Yangtze River will be filled with blood and blood, who can withstand it?"

Zhang Heng gritted his teeth and said: "This thing can be done or it can't be done. I can't just watch the millions of victims starve to death, even if they can survive!"

Lu Yining sighed: "If Bachelor Zheng doesn't cooperate, how can we use our strength in the south of the Yangtze River? If we really use force, I'm afraid we won't be able to fill up the Qiantang River until tomorrow."

Zhang Heng sneered and said: "Then let's see who is smarter."

Zheng Jian knew that Zhang Heng would not give up, but he was still a little surprised to see him again the next morning. He shook his head and sighed: "Judge Zhang, this matter is not something you can solve. I will prepare the food for Beijing in the warehouse."

, as soon as the boat arrives, get on board immediately. The contribution you and Xu Yuan have made is not small, it is enough for you to level up again.

Listen to my advice, you have a bright future, why bother to disturb this muddy water? Even your teacher Zeng Mingzhong would not dare to step into this muddy water."

Zhang Heng shook his head and said: "When Zheng Xueshi learned about the Yongxing Army, he asked for orders for a small official who transported timber, and he did not hesitate to confront the Third Division. Was it for the official position at that time?"

My wife said it was important to code to earn money for milk powder. She asked me to stay at home and earn money while she went to have a prenatal check-up. She is such a good wife.

(End of chapter)