Zhang Xiaobao had never been to Henan Province in person to solve the problem of the price of garlic. He was not as nervous and anxious as other people when they encountered problems. He was like the sky after the rain, calm and peaceful.
The people farther away from Henan Province did not know that not long ago, there was a war that cost two million strings of coins, which was two billion coins, and there was no smoke of gunpowder.
As the instigator of the war, Wind Logistics had changed its name. Its three leaders lost all their money, and its supporters also did not get any benefits. The sniper side, on the other hand, made a small profit. At the same time, they solved the problems of resettlement and employment for the people in the disaster areas not far away.
The news spread to the capital in the blink of an eye. The people who paid attention to this matter understood the situation from beginning to end. Suddenly, they had a very comfortable feeling, like drinking a mouthful of iced sour plum juice in the desert on a hot summer day. Zhang Xiaobao's method of dealing with the Wind Logistics was too smooth.
Not only did he solve the problem of Wind Logistics, but he also taught the merchants who followed Wind Logistics to raise the price of garlic. Moreover, the merchants who came to work as thugs gained benefits. In the future, there would be a new food, sweet garlic, and they would be able to taste many kinds of food made with garlic sprouts. At the same time, he also sorted out the income problem of the people in the disaster areas.
"National Scholar, this is my National Scholar. What is that saying?" Li Longji said happily when he dipped the tomatoes grown in glass from Jian 'an with sugar and ate them.
Only Gao Lishi knew the emperor well. If it were someone else, they would not have thought of the emperor's question. He put down the tomato that was about to be stuffed into his mouth and said, "Your Majesty, did you say that Xiao He once said, 'It is easy to listen to generals, but if you believe, the National Scholar is unparalleled'?"
"Yes! In fact, it is not unparalleled. There is also Cuckoo. Speaking of Cuckoo, I just remembered that she has recently settled down and did not want to lead troops to attack others. "
Li Longji nodded.
Weiwei Gao Lishi shook her head and said, "Your Majesty, Cuckoo did not move, but wrote a letter to the Ministry of War, asking them to carry out a sand table simulation and even a real field exercise. She divided the troops into two groups. One group is equipped with cannons, hot air balloons, and the other group is equipped with swords, spears, and sticks."
"Huh? Cuckoo wants to make fun of people? How can swords, spears, and clubs defeat cannons? "Li Longji was flabbergasted.
"Your Majesty, that's exactly the case. That's why Cuckoo made a rule that the number of people armed with swords, spears, and clubs is ten times that of cannons. Priority is given to choosing the terrain and climate. That's bullying with numbers." Gao Lishi briefly explained the situation.
"No, no." Li Longji waved his hand and said, "That doesn't make any difference, unless … unless Cuckoo personally leads ten times the number of troops. Maybe then we'll have a chance."
"Not so, Your Majesty. Cuckoo didn't say that. In the plan she gave to the Ministry of War, it was mentioned that whoever wins a battle with ten times the number of soldiers and the terrain chosen by him and the weather chosen by him is qualified. Whoever wins a battle with three times the number of soldiers and the weather chosen by him and the terrain chosen by him is excellent. However, these three are not true military gods. A military god should have an equal number of soldiers and be able to win a battle with any terrain and the weather chosen by him."
Gao Lishi began to talk about the grading system in detail.
"Then who can do it? The influence of the terrain and the weather is very important, so it has to be checked. "Li Longji had a better understanding of military affairs and spoke.
"Your Majesty, Cuckoo said that if she has time this autumn, she can use the same number of soldiers and the same terrain and weather to fight with the Tang generals. She wants to warn the Tang generals not to underestimate the enemy just because they have good weapons. Life and death in war are just like the weather, changeable and unpredictable. In the future, they will go to other places and won't have the opportunity to choose the weather and terrain.
"Oh? There's such a thing? I'm looking forward to it. Even if the ten thousand cavalry battalion is here, I'll have them train well. I wonder where Cuckoo wants to fight? I'll start preparing now. "
Li Longji was interested in the drill, but what he wanted to know more was where Cuckoo wanted to go with her sword.
"This subject will remember it."
"There's still some time before Cuckoo's matter. Xiao Bao's stratagem, Lishi, do you think it's over?" Li Longji thought of Zhang Xiaobao again. He had seen the chain of stratagems against the Wind Logistics, but he felt that it was not over yet.
Gao Lishi had the same thought and said, "Your Majesty, this subject feels that it's not over yet. Xiao Bao's stratagem won't be so small. One million strings of coins, which is a lot of money in the national treasury, and a part of it was given to the merchants who participated in the attack. Xiao Bao only got empty logistics, and his family doesn't lack logistics.
And according to this subject's understanding, Xiao Bao is very vengeful. This matter will ultimately be blamed on Japan. It's a transnational commercial war. Since this is the case, Xiao Bao should continue the war and at the same time, get some benefits for his family. It's always been like this. He doesn't do this for money, it's … it's that … "
"He's afraid that I'll be suspicious, afraid that people will say that he's a saint, and then when I turn hostile, he will fight with me and affect the lives of the Tang people. He can't bear it, can he?"
Without waiting for Gao Lishi to finish, Li Longji continued.
Gao Lishi was so scared that he knelt in front of Li Longji and said, "Your Majesty, this subject doesn't dare. Even if Your Majesty wants to kill Xiao Bao, he will stretch out his neck and not confront Your Majesty."
"Alright, according to Xiao Bao's words, you're burning newspapers on the grave. Are you trying to fool ghosts? I believe that you won't, and at the same time, I also believe that they will. But I'm not worried. I'm not muddle-headed yet. I'm still very good at judging people. Even if I give them a seat now, they won't sit. They're afraid of trouble and not being able to wander around.
Let's not talk about this anymore. Help me think, what is Xiao Bao's backup plan? Sometimes, I feel that watching Xiao Bao's stratagems is more interesting than listening to the discussions of the subjects in court. "
Li Longji's heart was as clear as a mirror. Just as he said, he was not muddle-headed yet.
Gao Lishi did not refute and said, "Yes, this subject burns newspapers. This subject also feels that Xiao Bao's stratagems are fun."
"Yes, newspapers. Speaking of newspapers, the local newspapers that have telegrams should be able to keep up with the capital, right? In the past, only the places around the capital could get the news early. But further away, they would get the news later.
Let me think about it. This is a business opportunity. In the past, it was considered good to publish a newspaper every half a month. The advertising fees were very low, and not many people bought newspapers. The main reason was that the speed of news transmission was slow, so the price could not be raised. But now … … "
"Your Majesty, there's no need to think about it. Xiao Bao had already telegraphed a detailed plan this morning. This subject did not have the time to read it in full. I only remember that the most eye-catching part of the plan was that in the future, the price of newspapers would be set at one copper coin per copy. Also, it would not be the current 16 pages, but at least 64 pages, or even 128 pages."
Gao Lishi did not want to interrupt the Emperor, but he was worried that the Emperor would be angry when he realized that the plan was not as good as Xiao Bao's.
"Huh?" Li Longji was stunned and said, "According to this plan, the people who buy newspapers will be able to get the same amount of money by selling the paper. Is that still newspapers? It's called a book. "
"This subject will go and get it for Your Majesty to take a closer look. This subject is not sure either." Gao Lishi hurriedly left. Not long after, he returned with two pieces of paper in his hand.
"Your Majesty, this subject took a look at it on the way here. It won't be a loss. Of the 128 pages, 120 pages might be advertisements. When the merchants who advertise see that there are many people selling their products, they will naturally be willing to spend more money. When the people who buy the paper realize that they can still sell it for one copper coin, even if they don't sell it, they will be willing to buy it after using it to paste walls, light fires, or even practice calligraphy.
You can also print short stories and jokes in the newspaper to increase the income of literate people who don't have scholarly honors and can't find a good job. Xiaobao said in his letter that those who have children studying in school are at least 80% likely to be able to buy the newspaper. It's not because of the things written in the newspaper, but because of the pride of having their children read it. "
Gao Lishi didn't show the letter to the emperor and only explained it to him.
Li Longji pondered for a moment before agreeing, "That's right. Since Daren Wang bought newspapers and had his children read them in front of the door, the Wang Family also has children studying in school. After seeing this, they will definitely buy newspapers and have their children read them in front of the door. Aiya, this way, their children will be able to practice more outside the school.
In the future, if I want to do something, I just need to get people to write supportive words in the newspapers. Then, when I do something, the people will be very supportive. It's like killing multiple birds with one stone.
Zhang Xiaobao, ah, Zhang Xiaobao, you've already thought of everything. I really want to transfer him to the capital to become the prime minister, but he's still too young. Lishi, he should be able to take the imperial examinations now, right? Next year, I'll have him participate in the spring imperial examinations. I'll give him the top scorer. With his talent, it won't be considered biased, right? "
"It won't be considered. If Xiao Bao becomes the top scorer, no one will dare to criticize him. If he doesn't become the top scorer, it will be difficult to stop the public from gossiping. Not only will the people of Great Tang doubt him, even other countries will laugh at him.
It's just that this subject sees their intentions. Cuckoo also wants to take the imperial examinations, and Xiao Bao is sometimes quite afraid of Cuckoo. For a person of his age, he would already have a servant to warm his bed or choose a concubine. Occasionally, he would even go to the brothels to drink wine and listen to music.
However, not only does Xiao Bao not do these things, he even occasionally cooks delicious food for Cuckoo. He's a man, not a chef, so how can he do such things? Sometimes, this subject really doesn't understand. Fortunately, Cuckoo isn't a shrew, otherwise, this subject wouldn't agree no matter what. "
Gao Lishi thought of Wang Juan again and felt indignant for his godson.
Li Longji didn't want to care about whether Zhang Xiaobao or Wang Juan listened to who. He took the telegram from Gao Lishi and read it word by word.
***
"Taibai, the day after tomorrow, someone will pay for a banquet at the Hibiscus Garden. I heard that there will be a big shot coming. Why don't you prepare early? Who knows, maybe you'll be chosen and be moved to a more suitable position. All day long, you're dealing with reports with a listless appearance. The position of Minister of Revenue really doesn't suit you."
In the office of the Ministry of Revenue, Li Bai sat under the window. From time to time, he would compare the data of several sets of reports on the table. Occasionally, he would turn his head to look at the scenery outside. Just as he was taking the time to sigh, a person sitting at the table behind him leaned over and whispered to him.
Li Bai didn't need to look to know who it was. The official secretary of the Ministry of Revenue was in charge of the three Daos. His rank was lower than his, and he always asked for poems from him and showed them off.
Hearing him mention the Hibiscus Garden, Li Bai thought of how the shore of the Qu River there was already lush greenery. His eyebrows slightly relaxed, but before he could feel happy, the corners of his mouth moved again. He shook his head and sighed. "I'm not going. I have to do my work properly. A few days ago, I drank too much and was delayed. I'm not going, not going anywhere."
"It's really a big shot. There seems to be a Commandery Prince. If a Commandery Princess also goes and takes a fancy to you, then …" The official secretary didn't seem to give up and continued to persuade him. In fact, his purpose was to let Li Bai change places so that he could take over Li Bai's position.
Li Bai still shook his head. Seeing him urging him, he picked up the writing brush on the pillow and said to him, "Brother Qisheng, these days, haven't you always wanted to know how I became the Minister of Revenue? You're curious about who recommended me? "
"Yes, yes. Taibai, you want to tell me?" The official secretary nodded and looked forward to it.
"In the past, I didn't want to tell you. I was also planning to find a place in the capital to worship so that I could find a better place. However, whenever I found someone, when they asked me where I used to live and found out who recommended me, they would immediately change their initial intention of recommending me and only talk about the wind and moon with me."
Li Bai couldn't help but feel disheartened when he thought of the blows he had received during this period.
The official secretary craned his neck and asked, "Who did you find?"
"I found Wang Bei, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, He Zhizhang, Yuan Qianyao, and even sent an invitation to Wu Huifei. Anyway, I found all the people who were willing to give me a chance to meet them, but the result was the same."
Li Bai said the names one by one. The official secretary was surprised and envious. He didn't expect that Li Bai could be summoned by so many people. He didn't have this ability. Suddenly, he thought of one person and said to Li Bai, "Taibai, didn't you find Zhang Zhong, the Minister of the Ministry of Works? He may have some ideas. "
"Find him? Ah! I was recommended by his son, Zhang Xiaobao. When I was in Jieli Province, it was Jianan Province. Zhang Xiaobao asked me which official I wanted. He didn't give me a Level Five official, so I had to choose a Minister.
I thought that if I came to the capital first, although Zhang Xiaobao asked me to be a Minister, I could find someone to visit him. If someone else arranged it, I wouldn't be a Minister anymore.
I can't blame myself for thinking too highly of myself. I only thought that Zhang Xiaobao's reputation was a bit bigger, his family was rich, and he was smart, but his influence on the officials in the capital wouldn't be that big. To be honest, when I came here, I thought that the recommendation letter that Zhang Xiaobao casually wrote would be useless. He made a note, wrote a sentence recommending me, and put his name at the end.
I came here with guesses and full of expectations, but I haven't moved from the place until now. But is it my fault? Who knew about that lousy note at that time … Who knew? "
Li Bai's voice was sobbing when he spoke, and his body was trembling with Weiwei.
The registrar finally understood this time. He patted Li Bai's shoulder and said, "Taibai, treat it as if I didn't tell you about the Hibiscus Garden. In the future, I won't ask you to go to such a place. You just have to be a Minister and don't think about other things. It's useless, no matter who you ask.
Even if the Emperor goes to the Hibiscus Garden the day after tomorrow and sees the poem you wrote and suddenly feels that you should be promoted, after knowing that you were recommended by Zhang Xiaobao to be a Minister of Revenue, he will continue to encourage you to do a good job in the position of Minister of Revenue.
In fact, I envy you, but I also hate that you don't improve. If I can get Zhang Xiaobao's recommendation, no matter what position I am in, I will do a good job and satisfy Zhang Xiaobao so that he can continue to promote me. You are holding a golden rice bowl and begging for food.
If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me. I heard that Zhang Xiaobao will be returning to Beijing soon. You better behave well. When you get promoted, I'll be able to sit in your position. If there's a chance, let me talk to Zhang Xiaobao. Xiaobei is fine too. I'll treat you to a drink every ten days. "
Li Bai looked at the registrar gratefully and nodded. "I already know that being an official is not easy. I have decided to drink for the next three days. It's just that being in charge of the forms has tired me to death. I don't know how Zhang Xiaobao can manage so many things. I heard about the Wind Logistics, but I can't figure it out."
"If you can't figure it out, then don't think about it. Just think about how this matter was done by Zhang Xiaobao and everything will make sense. Taibai, if you are not in the mood to work today, why don't you and I take a leave of absence after this morning? I will go to Savant's Restaurant with you to drink and have a good drink. We will start to work hard tomorrow.
Savant's Restaurant posted a new menu outside this morning. There are ten dishes, all related to garlic sprouts. I still have the 40 strings of cash coupons from this season when I ate at Zhang Wang and Wang Restaurants. It was given to me because I got an excellent Minister in last season's evaluation. "
In order to have a chance to meet Zhang Xiaobao, the registrar planned to further improve his relationship with Li Bai.
Garlic sprouts were indeed a good thing. Some people thought that they were better than chives. With the appearance and end of the Wind Logistics, garlic sprouts became popular.
In order to attract customers, all restaurants and restaurants followed the example of Zhang Wang and Wang Restaurants and launched a series of garlic sprouts dishes.
Whenever a customer ate a garlic sprout, the waiter would tell them the story of the Windy Flow of the Henan Province. The waiter would tell them about the power of the Windy Bridge. He would tell them about the pain of not being able to eat garlic from the north and south of the Yangtze River, up and down the Yellow River, and out of the sea. Finally, he would emphasize that Zhang Xiaobao's book was about how it was lonely at the top.
In any case, it was to tell the diners that they were not eating garlic sprouts, but loneliness and loneliness.
After half a month, the garlic sprouts became popular. The price of garlic sprouts increased slightly, but it did not reach the level of the Windy Bridge. The main reason was that the garlic sprouts could be cut several times, and the number of sprouts that grew from a garlic clove was more than the garlic clove itself.
As the garlic sprouts became popular, the price of chives, which were similar to the garlic sprouts, began to decrease.
Just when some people were worried that the chives would not sell well and Li Longji was looking forward to how Zhang Xiaobao would benefit his family, Between the Clouds and the Water and Blue Sea Silver Sand launched a series of dishes again. It was a Chives Feast.
Most of the ways to make chives were not strange. What was strange was that the Zhang and Wang families had gotten so many yellow chives from somewhere. They were just like garlic sprouts. After tasting them, they realized that they were not as spicy as the chives and were as tender as the garlic sprouts.
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