Chapter 24 1. For 50,000 taels of silver, Zhang Zhidong had no choice but to work for the bank boss

After returning to Taiyuan, Sang Zhiping reported the details of his trip to Jiezhou to Zhang Zhidong.Yan Jingming's heart to use the world has not died out, and the possibility of a comeback exists.The reason why the edicts have been issued several times over the years but not responded to is that the previous festivals have not been resolved, the key point is that he does not know how the Queen Mother will arrange him and what position he will be given.Zhang Zhidong felt that he had the responsibility to point this out to the Empress Dowager, and told the Empress Dowager: Yan Jingming was a feudal official in the Xianfeng Dynasty, and a meritorious veteran who was a governor and a servant in the Tongzhi Dynasty. University scholars should at least give a minister; otherwise, it will not be able to show the sincerity of the court to respect the elderly and respect the virtuous.

However, such a major personnel suggestion cannot be casually proposed to the Queen Mother, and Zhang Zhidong is well aware of the relationship.Today, only a few close princes and ministers, such as Prince Gong and Prince Chun, can speak to the Empress Dowager.Can King Chun convey this meaning to the Queen Mother?Calmly weighing his relationship with Chun Wang, Zhang Zhidong had no choice but to give up this idea.Or, tell brother Ziqing what he meant, and then ask him to send a letter to King Chun?It seems too much to go around in such a big circle. After much deliberation, Zhang Zhidong decided not to mention this sensitive matter. Instead, as the governor of Shanxi, he brought up Yan Jingming's performance in Shanxi in the third year of Guangxu, so that the elders of the three Jin Dynasties still do not forget the kindness of the court.He also explained in detail that the reason why Yan Jingming did not respond to the edict to come back in the past few years was actually due to numbness of his right arm and gout in his left leg, not for other reasons.This time I sent people to Jiezhou, and saw with my own eyes that Yan Jingming's leg and arm arthralgia had almost healed, and he was full of energy.

After handing over the memorial that he personally drafted to be transcribed, he solemnly fired off the cannonball, and then began to arrange several major events that must be started immediately. The first thing to do is to eradicate poppies and restore crops.Zhang Zhidong listed it as the top priority in governing Shanxi.He invited Baogeng, the feudal official, to preside over the matter. Baogeng pretended to be full of reasons to persuade Zhang Zhidong not to check the treasury money, but Zhang Zhidong just didn't mention the matter of clearing the treasury.Bao Geng is also inconvenient to say.He told the governor with a very sincere attitude that eradicating poppies and replanting soybeans and wheat is a very good thing, but there are great difficulties in it. Farmers are not ignorant of the importance of soybeans and wheat, but the income of poppies is better than that of soybeans. Mai is ten times, profit drives them to abandon morality and disregard, and now they are asked to lose this large income, they will have resistance.What's more, farmers in Shanxi haven't planted crops for many years. Many farmers have sold and slaughtered their cattle, and their seeds are gone. Now where can they find cattle for seeds?

Zhang Zhidong said that no matter how profitable poppies are, they cannot be planted.Farmers are ignorant, they only think about the present, not the future, they only care about themselves, and they don't care about the country.This requires us to forcibly set things right.The Ministry will report this matter to the imperial court, please come to the Holy Order, no matter how much resistance there is, it will not be shaken; as for the lack of cattle and seeds, you can buy them from neighboring provinces.Bao Geng hurriedly said that buying cow seeds requires a lot of money, and now that the treasury is tight, where will this money come from!

Zhang Zhidong had been thinking about this matter for a long time.Indeed, at present, the account books of the treasury cannot show this money, so where will the money come from?Shanxi is so poor that it is almost impossible to find any way to raise this expenditure.After thinking about it, I can only pin my hope on cleaning up the treasury money.With years of experience in the officialdom, Zhang Zhidong knew that there must be lucrative money in the treasury.Not only for the long-term goal of rectifying the administration of officials, but also to solve the immediate urgent need, the treasury must be checked, and a sum of money must be cleared from it.Otherwise, how can this governor of Shanxi go on!

Baogeng has tried his best to clear the treasury.He understands better than anyone else that this matter is really serious. Once he finds out his problem, he will be dismissed and investigated. Maybe he will ransack his home and sit in prison. Not to mention his life will be ruined, and his wife, concubine and children will also be affected.We must stop this showy celebrity governor's act of fame and fame.Wang Ding'an's strategy might as well try. "Zhongcheng, I heard that you want to check the accounts of the treasury?" After a moment of hesitation, Bao Geng brought up the topic of treasury clearance.

"Yes." Zhang Zhidong answered frankly. "The treasury in Shanxi has not been cleaned up for 30 years. It is really strange. I am afraid that there will be no second one in the world. As the governor of Shanxi, how can I tolerate this strange thing continuing?" Zhang Zhidong's answer was so decisive that Bao Geng was at a loss for words. After hesitating for a moment, he said: "There has been no investigation in the past thirty years, the accounts are in confusion, and many old accounts have no way to be investigated. How to proceed? Besides, once the truth is recognized, it will be involved. Wouldn't it be more troublesome for many former governors?"

"Don't worry, Bao Weng." Zhang Zhidong said confidently, "It's going to be very difficult to track down, that's for sure, but it's human-made, as long as you make up your mind to do it, there is nothing impossible. As for the involvement of previous predecessors, I think it is inevitable. In the future, we will have to deal with it in detail. I don’t think anyone who is intentionally embezzling to get rich can no longer be held accountable, just clear up the accounts. If someone fishes in troubled waters and takes the money of the imperial court and the blood and sweat of the elders in Shanxi for themselves, Zhang Someone is going to be rude to him."

Speaking of this, Zhang Zhidong thought of Zeng Guoquan.He knew that the relationship between Bao Geng and Zeng Guoquan was extraordinary.In order for the chief envoy to understand his steadfast attitude, he specially emphasized: "No matter who he is, no matter how much credit he has made in the past, or how high his status is now, I, Zhang, will not be afraid. As long as the real evidence is in hand , I dare to participate in impeachment." Bao Geng's heart skipped a beat.Zhang Zhidong's words were exactly the same as the words on his previous memorials, and he was indeed a tough guy who lived up to his reputation.It seems that it is impossible to stop him from not clearing the treasury funds. He can only use Wang Ding'an's middle strategy. If he can accept it, at least the fire will not be burned on his own head.

Bao Geng immediately changed into an attitude of complete approval and full support, and said with a smile: "Zhongcheng, I admire your courage and integrity. I have been a feudal official in Shanxi for five years, and the treasury is unclear. I am in charge. I am responsible. When I came to Shanxi from Gansu five years ago, I saw this problem and wanted to raise it with Yuanfu Gongbao. But Zhongcheng knew that the drought in Shanxi was severe at that time, and the relief work was still unwinnable. I have free time to work on this matter. Later, Yuanfu Gongbao was transferred to the front line, and Jinglan Zhongcheng came to Taiyuan. I wanted to raise this matter with him again. Zhongcheng, it’s not that I speak ill of Jinglan Zhongcheng behind his back. A person who has more things is worse than one thing less. After getting along for a period of time, I can see his character, so I can't mention this matter. Now that Zhongcheng has this determination, I have a backer. This is my duty Just leave it to me, and I will definitely clear up the 30-year-old account. As for the shoveling of poppies for seeds, it is better to leave it to Fang Jiantai."

It was a matter of course for the feudal secretary to clean up the treasury, not to mention that he took the initiative to invite Ying.Usually, the matter can be handed over to this person.But Zhang Zhidong had heard that Bao Geng was not a clean official during this period.Yan Jingming clearly pointed out that Bao Geng should participate in impeachment.This kind of initiative is unacceptable. Zhang Zhidong smiled slightly and said, "Of course it's very good that Baoweng is willing to come to check the funds in the treasury. But since this matter is a feudal secretary's matter, it's better for you not to intervene, so that the people in charge of the matter will be less worried. From Shanxi In terms of long-term stability, eradicating opium poppies and replanting crops is a major event that will affect generations to come, and it is even more important, and it is best for you to supervise this matter." Zhang Zhidong didn't show any face at all. Bao Geng was angry and afraid, his face was astringent, and he didn't feel very good. Zhongcheng is very considerate." He was afraid that Zhang Zhidong would send him to a remote place far away from Taiyuan to suffer, so he hurriedly said: "There are a lot of poppies planted in Yangqu. " Zhang Zhidong didn't think of sending Baogeng to Taiyuan. Hearing what he said, he thought it would be better to let him go away for a while now, so he said: "It is indeed necessary to conduct an on-site investigation. However, you are not young. Just take a look around Yangqu, don’t work too hard. I’ll be back after staying for ten days and a half months, I still have a lot to ask you for advice!” "Don't dare, dare not!" Bao Geng hurriedly stood up. "I don't dare to ask for advice. They are all doing things for the imperial court, and it is right to work harder." After sending Baogeng away, Zhang Zhidong began to think carefully: How should we deal with the liquidation of treasury funds? First of all, we have to set up an office, what name should we give it?Zhang Zhidong thought about it and named it the Inventory Bureau.Who is in charge of the Inspectorate?It is good to let Sang Zhiping take the lead, but after all, he is not an official of the imperial court, so it is not appropriate to do such a thing that shows his face.The first person recommended by Wei Rongguang was Ma Piyao, the magistrate of Datong Prefecture.Zhang Zhidong had two conversations with Ma Piyao.Ma Piyao is thirty-eight years old, with regular facial features and a steady demeanor. From his fluent conversation, it can be seen that he has a clear mind.Zhang Zhidong had a good impression of him.Ma Piyao was born as a Jinshi, worked as a county magistrate in Shanxi for five years, and served as a co-prefect. He has rich political experience.It is said that Datong Prefecture has been fairly peaceful in recent years. Compared with other prefectures, Datong Prefecture has the least poppies.Zhang Zhidong especially appreciates this.Let this person do the supervision of the Inventory Bureau! Then, Zhang Zhidong transferred Xue Yuanzhao, magistrate of Taiyuan County, and Fang Longguang, magistrate of Fenyang County, who were recommended by Wei Rongguang and who he had personally met and had an impression of. Zhang Zhidong was familiar with the history of the development of the Hunan Army, and admired Zeng Guofan's method of using scholars instead of officials in setting up bureaus.The morals of the world are chaotic, rules and regulations are lax, and most of the people in the officialdom are crooked, but those students in the academies recite the books of Confucius and Mencius every day, and teach the study of human nature at night.Unpolluted by the world, they still retain a bit of old-fashioned, warm-hearted, loyal and bloody. It is much more at ease to use them to handle affairs than those smooth officials who have been soaked in muddy water for a long time. Zhang Zhidong asked Jinyang Academy Laoshan Changshi Liren to recommend three or five students who are good at accounting.A few days later, five young men full of heroism came to Jinyang Academy.After Zhang Zhidong had a few words with them respectively, he immediately appointed them as members of the investigation bureau. In this way, the Inventory Bureau, consisting of a supervisor, a co-organizer, a conference office, and five committee members, was listed in Taiyuan City to handle affairs. Ma Piyao is worthy of being an experienced operator.On the first day he took office, he sealed up all the books and documents in the treasury, and stamped the seal of the Inventory Bureau.And announced: Without his consent, no one is allowed to borrow and open, let alone transfer.At the same time, a rigid rule was made: all bureau members must live in the bureau, and the content of the investigation, no matter how big or small, must not be leaked, and the inventory bureau will not accept anyone who is not invited. Zhang Zhidong admired Ma Piyao's honest attitude, so he was relieved and gave him full power to check the treasury funds.At this time, Yang Rui had been summoned to Taiyuan to work in the office of the yamen.Zhang Zhidong asked Yang Rui to draw up an excerpt on this matter and present it to the court. During this period, the memorial about the prohibition of poppy planting has been approved by Zhu and returned.At the end of the memorial, the emperor's edict was added: "The cultivation of poppies among the people is harmful to Jiagu. After repeated strict edicts and prohibitions, it is still necessary to check at any time, and punish any offenders to save the decadence." Zhang Zhidong received this Zhu Zhu as if he had found a treasure. He ordered the craftsmen to print 5,000 copies, sent them to the prefectures and county halls, and pasted them all over the streets, alleys, market wharves, so that everyone knows and understands. All farmers who grow opium poppies should strictly abide by the imperial decree, clear the opium poppies and plant crops within two months. If they disobey, they will be severely punished. At this time, it happened that Niangziguan sent 40,000 taels of tax silver to the foreign medicine man.Zhang Zhidong was worried that he had no money to buy cattle and seeds, and the money came at just the right time.But 40,000 taels is a little less after all.He called Li Tongxin, the prefect of Taiyuan Prefecture, into the mansion to discuss, and asked Li Zhifu to temporarily borrow 40,000 taels of silver from the tax revenue of Taiyuan City. He issued an IOU in his own name and promised to return it within one year. Fifty-year-old Li Tongxin has been an official for more than 20 years, and he has never met a boss who borrows money to do business in his own name.He not only admired the bloody spirit of the new governor who was dedicated to the public, but also laughed at this kind of bookish celebrity.How can there be such a way of doing things in the officialdom!The merchant trade in Taiyuan City was not prosperous, and Li Tongxin still received less than 40,000 taels of silver throughout the year. After deducting expenses, there would be only a few thousand taels left after the year-end settlement.Of course, Li Tongxin can borrow some from other places to lend to the governor, but does Taiyuan Prefecture still need to do something? Li Tongxin smiled wryly and said to Zhang Zhidong: "Buying cattle and seeds is indeed a great thing to accumulate merit. Mr. Zhang, you write an IOU to borrow it yourself. I have no reason not to borrow it from a humble job, but I really can't afford so much." ah!" Zhang Zhidong didn't really know how much movable money there was in the Taiyuan Mansion, seeing the prefect's embarrassment, he couldn't force him, so he took a breath and asked, "How much money can you give? " Li Tongxin scratched his head and said, "The humble job can only give you 10,000 yuan at most, and you have to squeeze around to make do with it." "Ten thousand." Zhang Zhidong stood up rather disappointed, paced back and forth slowly, and said to himself, "Ten thousand is too little, where can I get some more money?" "Your Excellency, let's go to the humble officials, I really can't think of a way!" Li Tongxin said helplessly with a mournful face. Zhang Zhidong waved his hand and said, "Who wants to dismiss you as an official, go back to your yamen!" Just as Li Tongxin left, Sang Zhiping came in and said to Zhang Zhidong with a smile, "There are ten thousand taels of silver waiting for you to get it, why don't you take it and use it?" Zhang Zhidong was taken aback: "Are you joking, where is the ten thousand taels of silver?" "I'm serious." Sang Zhiping approached Zhang Zhidong. "Do you still remember Boss Kong of Taiyu Bank? On the eve of leaving Beijing last year, he wanted to give you 10,000 taels of Cheng Yi. You want him to keep it first, and then we can talk about it when we arrive in Taiyuan." Zhang Zhidong patted his forehead and smiled. : "I really can't remember, thank you for reminding me, but the 10,000 taels is not counted. Boss Kong originally wanted to bribe me, and then get benefits from me. Now if he wants to donate it, he will agree ?" "I'll go to him and say, let's try it." Sang Zhiping said confidently, "Businessmen value profit, and he may do things that can be exchanged for small profits. Let's see how he changes. There are also some big businessmen whose money has already been paid. Enough is enough, he no longer values ​​merit, but values ​​fame and position, and is willing to exchange money for fame and position. Boss Kong can be regarded as the latter type of person, and I can also discuss with him to exchange fame and position for silver." Zhang Zhidong said solemnly: "Only name and utensils, you can't be fake. Is it appropriate to exchange your name and position for silver?" Sang Zhiping laughed in his heart; he is really a famous person who still speaks such pedantic words after being a magistrate!He said in his mouth: "It's not that everything is inappropriate, it depends on what famous utensils he wants to change." Zhang Zhidong was still worried, and told him again: "You can talk to him, but don't just let him go." In the evening, when Sang Zhiping stepped into the backyard of the yamen, Zhang Zhidong asked anxiously, "How was the talk with Boss Kong?" Sang Zhiping smiled and said, "It was a good talk, and he is willing to donate 50,000 yuan." "Fifty thousand?" Zhang Zhidong was a little surprised. "What about his terms?" Sang Zhiping sat down and said slowly: "He has two conditions, one is to ask you to write a few words for him, and he will make a plaque and hang it at the gate." "This is easy." Zhang Zhidong answered immediately, "I'll write a few words for him." "He wants you to write the following words: The No. 1 Honest Bank in the World." "I can't write these words." Zhang Zhidong immediately denied, "I don't even know whether Taiyu Bank is honest or not. Can I still say that it is the most honest in the world?" Sang Zhiping thought to himself: Bookishness is coming again.Still smiling on his face, he said, "It's fine if you don't write, but he won't donate fifty thousand silver." Without the 50,000 silver, there would be no seed-grazing cattle for five or six thousand families, and the poppies growing on their ground would not be eradicated. The smoking ban in these places would become empty talk.Oh, silver, silver, what a thing you are! Yinzi seemed to have never been so important to Zhang Zhidong in his life. He said cruelly, "I'll inscribe him with Zhu Xi's four words of 'no sincerity and nothing'. It can be regarded as a compliment to his ticket number." Sang Zhiping said: "I think you might as well follow Boss Kong's question and just remove the two words of the ticket number: the number one in the world and integrity. These six words mean that the number one in the world is the most important in the word integrity, not to say Their Taiyu bank is the best in the world in terms of honesty, which actually means the same thing as 'no sincerity is nothing', but if I write it this way, I can discuss it with Boss Kong, and I believe he will accept it." "Okay, okay, your idea is good!" Zhang Zhidong said happily, "As for the six words 'the best in the world', both meanings make sense! What about his second request?" "He wants you to get him the official title of an alternate Taoist platform!" When Zhang Zhidong heard this request, he became unhappy again, and his face sank.He has always hated donating classes, thinking that donating classes is a big bad thing that disrupts the administration of officials, how can he do things that he hates!This Boss Kong is too much, relying on how much money he has, he actually reaches out to make a Taoist platform!There are tens of thousands of scholars, who have been poor for twenty years and have been writing books for thirty years. Maybe they will not get the top four grades when they die! Sang Zhiping said: "In my opinion, this is nothing. First, it is not surprising that the donation class has been around for a long time. Second, he still does the ticket number, and he is not waiting to fill the vacancy and grab other people's positions. Thirdly, according to the regulations of the imperial court, if you donate 40,000, you can get an alternate Daoist, but he donated 50,000, which is already more than that, I think it’s better to agree to him, otherwise, how could he be willing to take 50,000 silver!" Alas, what I don't want to do, but I have to do, this is really helpless!Zhang Zhidong suddenly thought: there are actually many difficulties in being a local official with the responsibility of herdsmen guarding the land. No wonder Li Hongzhang always complained that those who accused him were "it doesn't take much effort to see people carry the burden". Many of the things I said were harsh! "Okay, promise him!" Zhang Zhidong nodded helplessly. "I will write an inscription for him tomorrow, and he will also issue me a 50,000 silver note tomorrow!"