Chapter 135
As soon as Emperor Chongzheng's words fell, Zhou Yi fell to his knees with a plop, his eyes were red and his face was full of bewilderment, "Your Majesty, is there something that I have done wrong that made you angry?"
Emperor Chongzheng didn't seem to have expected Zhou Yi's reaction like this, he was a little dazed, and he came back to help Zhou Yi up: "Zhou Qing, where are you? Angry?"
Zhou Yi let out a sigh of relief when he heard the words, quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeves, and said embarrassedly: "Your Majesty, please forgive me for being rude in front of the imperial court. I was just too excited just now. The emperor's question made me feel ashamed. Panicked, I know the difficulty of the emperor, the emperor, you have made a promise, in front of so many envoys, how can you go back on your word, everything you have done is for the sake of Dayue, I wish I could not share your worries!" Zhou Yi
whole People, his look, his words, including his red eye circles, all show how sincere he is, and he is really blaming himself for not being able to do more for Emperor Chongzheng.
Rao Chongzheng Emperor, who was so suspicious, saw Zhou Yi behave like this, and his heart was slightly touched. He patted Zhou Yi on the shoulder: "Zhou Qing, you have suffered." Zhou Yi hurriedly shook his head: "To share the emperor's
worries How can you suffer for the duty of a minister? What's more, if it weren't for the emperor Long En, others would not be qualified to suffer this!" "
Hahahaha..." Emperor Chongzheng laughed, and Zhou Yi's words were referring to him In his heart, being able to use a courtier means that he is optimistic about this person, and as a courtier, he should really be grateful to him. So Zhou Yi's words were very credible in Emperor Chongzheng's ears.
Zhou Yi heaved a sigh of relief in his heart, he had passed this test, if Emperor Chongzheng thought he had a grudge, then all his previous efforts would be useless.
However, "Your Majesty, the making of firecrackers is really a top-secret matter. I am worried that if it is exposed at the banquet today, those barbarians will make up their minds, so I will not make it anymore. I will share the blueprints with craftsmen and Taoists." Submit them all, and the emperor can choose someone else he trusts to supervise the construction." Zhou Yi said solemnly.
Emperor Chongzheng waved his hand after hearing this, "No, you are the most trusted by the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, but Zhou Qing, the place you originally chose to make the firecrackers is indeed not very strict. I will order someone to choose another place, and then send someone to protect it." Don't worry, nothing will happen, I believe in you, you, if you can, please work harder."
Sending someone to protect also means monitoring, Zhou Yi of course knew that after seeing the power of the firecracker, Emperor Chongzheng would not He will be as laissez-faire as before, and he can rest assured that the supervisor of the fire gun is under his nose! However, to allow Zhou Yi to continue to supervise the construction, Emperor Chongzheng really trusted him a lot.
Immediately, Zhou Yi was moved to tears again, bent his knees and was about to go down again, but was stopped by Emperor Chongzheng: "Zhou Qing, you and my monarch and ministers get along well, and I have great expectations for you. We, the monarch and ministers, will work together to achieve success." Restoring Dai Viet to its former glory." The words were earnest and full of expectations.
Zhou Yi nodded heavily as if he had been slapped with chicken blood in an instant: "I will live up to the emperor's expectations!"
Emperor Chongzheng looked very satisfied with Zhou Yi's appearance.
When Zhou Yi came out of the imperial study, he was holding the heart shadow tea given to him by the emperor. The emperor was reluctant to part with real money, and he was not stingy with these tributes.
In the hotel outside the palace, the envoys of the Great Qiang stayed.
The young Daqiang envoy was sitting on one side of the table, and one of the guards was sitting opposite him. Their heads were close together, and their voices were extremely low.
The young envoy sighed: "Could it be that the Han people are really a nation favored by the gods? If they really equip the entire army with such artifacts, then Father Khan's plan to attack Dayue next year will probably fail."
The young emissary is Hachier, the eldest son of Daqiang Khan. Compared with his other brothers, he is not only brave and unusual, but more importantly, he is cautious, calm, and clear-headed. Among all the princes, Daqiang Khan values the most. It is also this son, and it is very likely that he will inherit the Daqiang throne in the future.
Hachier had never seen a matchlock blunderbuss before, he only heard about it from his parents, so he knew what it looked like. The artifact he saw tonight was similar to the description of the matchlock blunderbuss, but the power was obviously not as tasteless as his parents said.
The guard sitting opposite him was about forty years old, and he was not a simple guard, but a famous brave general of the Great Qiang. This time he was sent by the Great Qiang Khan to protect Hachier.
"Prince, this time the Khan wants us to find out about the reality of Da Viet. Looking at the words of the Da Viet official today, I'm afraid we really shouldn't act rashly." Hachier frowned, "Anyway, pay attention to gathering information
. That Zhou Yi at the banquet must focus on inquiring about it."
"Yes."
Not only Da Qiang was discussing Dayue, but also the envoys from other countries, the difference is that some envoys from small countries, after seeing the power of Dayue, only They will be more in awe of Dayue, and the countries that had dissent before feel a little guilty. Fortunately, they did not attack
Dayue rashly. Regarding the opening of commerce, he came out of the Ministry of Commerce this day and waited on Yang Zhiwen's way back home.
After a while, a small blue sedan appeared not far away.
Running beside the sedan chair was Yang Zhiwen's personal butler. Seeing that Zhou Yi seemed to be waiting for his master, he opened the sedan chair curtain and whispered a report.
Yang Zhiwen stopped the sedan chair and got out of it.
Yang Zhiwen stroked his beard, and walked up cheerfully without waiting for Zhou Yi to come forward, "Is Zhou Yi waiting for
this old man ?" Prepare bouillon, I want to thank Master Yang." Zhou Yi hurriedly cupped his hands, no matter what, he should appreciate Yang Zhiwen's ability to say those words under such circumstances.
Yang Zhiwen narrowed his eyes when he heard the words, and waved his hands; "Hey, I didn't help much, how can I deserve the thanks of Zhou Xueshi."
But Zhou Yi said: "The kindness of a drop of water should be repaid by the spring. No matter whether it helps or not, I understand your intentions.
" Please."
"Master Yang, please."
The two entered the private room of Taibai Building.
The conversation naturally started from the mountains and rivers, and it took a while before we got to the main topic. Yang Zhiwen stroked his beard, "Xueshi Zhou's performance yesterday was really admirable, and the old man is also very impressed.
" That's all, under the circumstances at that time, the official had no choice but to bite the bullet. Otherwise, would it really make the emperor break his promise?"
Yang Zhiwen nodded: "Scholar Zhou is loyal to the emperor and patriotic, which is admirable."
Zhou Yi shook his head: "Master Yang praised the lower official so much. , Xiaguan is really ashamed. Speaking of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, none of the princes in the court is inferior to Xiaguan. To be honest, Xiaguan was a little disappointed with the officialdom of Dayue before this, and felt that everyone was doing it for For my own selfish interests, I didn't realize until yesterday that my knowledge was shallow. In the face of foreign enemies, my officials in Dai Viet behaved consistently to the outside world, which really moved me. Especially Mr. Yang, you are even more admirable. Incessantly."
Zhou Yi paused for a while, then continued: "But when it comes to the internal affairs, I, Da Yue, always have internal strife. Mr. Yang, it's not that he's arrogant, it's because he sees that Da Yue is declining day by day, and you are still disregarding the consequences. The annexation of the land, the whole nest has no eggs, the lower officials are really distressed!"
Yang Zhiwen was a little surprised that Zhou Yi would say such deep words to him, did he really intend to confide in him? He shook his head, how could he not know about this situation, but it is human nature to pursue profit, and in the big situation where everyone is trying to annex land as long as conditions permit, even if someone wants to stop, they probably can't stop.
Yang Zhiwen sighed, "Scholar Zhou can say this to the old man, I am really touched, but land annexation has happened in all dynasties, how can you and I turn it around." Zhou Yi poured a glass of wine for Yang Zhiwen
, Nodded: "Master Yang's words are really insightful, and he really took it for granted before he stepped down, so he suggested to the emperor to start a business."
Yang Zhiwen's hand stroking his beard was vigorous, and he looked at it carefully, seemingly indifferently. Zhou Yi: "Oh, if Bachelor Zhou is sure to start a business, he can really solve the current predicament of Da Viet?"
Zhou Yi shook his head again: "My lord Yang, I just tried my best, as for the result, I will only know if I do it. Today, the lower officials approached Mr. Yang, firstly, to express their gratitude, and secondly, to reveal to Mr. Yang what the lower official was thinking. The lower official knew that in the past, the lower officials were ignorant and offended Mr. Yang. For the sake of superficiality, don't be as knowledgeable as the lower officials, it is not a trivial matter to start a business, and to focus on commerce. In the future, I will ask Mr. Yang to support the lower officials for the sake of the sincerity of the lower officials to Dai Viet." This is to give up
. The meaning of Yanhe is that Zhou Yi is now in business and responsible for supervising the production of firecrackers. There are too many things to do. If someone is sniping in the back at this time, I am afraid that it will be impossible to guard against. So he would like to take this opportunity to talk to Yang Zhiwen. reach a settlement. There was no great hatred between them, no matter how Yang Zhiwen was the prime minister, Yang Zhiwen was still willing to fight for him in the situation like yesterday, which at least showed that Yang Zhiwen was not just a one-sided good person or bad person.
In the current situation, it would be best for Zhou Yi to have one less enemy.
Yang Zhiwen looked at Zhou Yi cheerfully, but in his heart he doubted whether what Zhou Yi said was true or not.
Seeing Zhou Yi's sincere expression, Yang Zhiwen finally said: "Scholar Zhou is self-effacing. You are a rising star in the officialdom. I have admired Scholar Zhou for a long time. There is a saying that Scholar Zhou said well. There is nothing left to say, if Da Yue is destroyed, what should we do, so, I sincerely wish that Bachelor Zhou’s decree will be successful and bring me a new look in Da Yue.” Zhou Yi raised his glass, “Xie Yang for your understanding
, The next official respects Master Yang."
The two wine glasses collided together and made a ding sound.
The news that Zhou Yi and Yang Zhiwen went to the restaurant together was soon on Xing Jing's desk.
"Why did Zhou Yi invite Yang Zhiwen to drink? Is there something tricky between them?" Xing Jing frowned and thought. If Zhou Yi and Yang Zhiwen got mixed up, it would be a great disadvantage to him.
Unexpectedly, what Old Ghost Yang said yesterday was really appreciated by Zhou Yi.
Xing Jing rubbed his forehead, hoping that Zhou Yi was simply grateful to Yang Zhiwen, and didn't mean to stand in line.
As soon as the emperor's birthday passed, Zhou Yi gathered all the envoys in one room for open negotiations, discussing the opening of border trade.
In the hearts of these barbarians, there is really nothing to talk about. Opening border trade means allowing businessmen from both sides to communicate with each other and to sell and buy things on each other's territory. As long as Dai Viet agrees, they have no problem , anyway, it is what they yearn for Dai Viet.
But it wasn't until Zhou Yi put the stack of thick contracts in front of them that they realized that things were not as simple as they thought.
Everyone opened it up and saw that those who could go to Da Viet as envoys at least showed that these people's Da Viet language is not bad, but looking at the clauses in the contract, they all know individual words, but why can't they understand what it means when they are combined together? .
Zhou Yi explained one by one, anyway, the restrictions on both parties are the same. When these people heard these terms, although they were bound by these terms and stipulated a lot, they were also subject to the same restrictions as the corresponding Da Yue, which seemed to be different. What a loss. And it is also the first time they know that there are so many things to consider when starting a business with each other!
Why don't you sign it on the spot? Or should I take it back and show it to the king (Khan)?
Zhou Yi looked at the confused expressions on the faces of the envoys, and said: "Everyone has seen the terms of the contract with their own eyes. It sounds like a lot. I want to show our sincerity by opening up the mutual trade. Everyone can communicate with each other and hope that peace will stay forever. Whether you sign or not is up to you, but I want to remind you that this time to open the mutual trade. It's something I decided after much deliberation. If you refuse this time, then you don't know when the next time will be. Everyone should think about it carefully. You can go back and study this contract yourself. If you think it needs to be revised We can also discuss what to add. Three days later, the signing meeting will be officially held, and we will leave." Zhou Yi nodded to the envoys, and then walked away lightly without a cloud.
Leave behind a confused messenger.
Before they came, they heard that Dai Viet intends to open up border trade, and they were quite happy. How could their country or tribe compare with the prosperity of Dai Viet? Some tools of Dai Viet, such as pots and pans, are rarely available in neighboring countries. What can be made, not to mention the tools for farming, and the prosperous and exquisite silk, porcelain... Although these poor people can't afford it, there are upper-class people in every country, and they are eager for these.
After Zhou Yi left, the envoys and the entourage buzzed to discuss.
Hachier frowned after Zhou Yi left, and stood up holding the contract.
Followed closely behind Zhou Yi.
"Master Zhou..." Hachier said.
Zhou Yi turned around and saw that it was Da Qiang's envoy, so he bowed his hands politely: "Is there something wrong with the envoy?"
Hachier said with a hearty smile: "Muhar, I have admired the culture of the Central Plains since I was a child. This time I came to Da Viet and saw what a prosperous country is. I really admire what Master Zhou did at the banquet that day. I don't know if it is I am honored to invite Mr. Zhou to have a simple meal. I heard that Mr. Zhou is the number one scholar. I know that your representative of the number one scholar in Dayue is the best. I really want to talk about the culture of Dayue with Mr. Zhou." Zhou Yi rubbed his nose
, He cupped his hands and said, "It's really not the best, but it's just the honor of the sage Long En. As for the meal that the envoy said, it's better not to use it. I still have some things to do, so I will leave."
Zhou Yi had eaten too much and was in private contact with the envoy. If Emperor Yi Chongzheng knew about his suspicious nature, he might doubt him again. The key is that he is still in charge of making firecrackers, so we should pay more attention to this aspect.
The envoys from various countries took back the thick contract. Some of them didn’t take it seriously at all. Anyway, it’s a good thing for them to be able to open border trade. Even if you want to change or add something, you can't start. Like Zhou Yi said, although there are many clauses, each one looks very fair.
They didn't pay much attention to this laborious contract. In their hearts, even if they signed the contract, so what, if they feel that they are at a disadvantage, they just quit. Besides, at the banquet that day, after Da Yue showed off his muscles, he frightened them severely. Some envoys from small countries quickly put away their small thoughts and decided to report to the king what Da Yue had seen and heard when they went back. They can't stir up deep water, so let's just be a little brother honestly. Of course, the most important reason is that according to the previous practice of dealing with Da Yue, Da Yue is very generous and will not let them suffer. So many countries have sent envoys to celebrate Emperor Chongzheng's birthday. Could it be that they are sincerely convinced? Dai Viet? They came to Dayue because they wanted to get double the gifts back. They usually find excuses to come to Dayue when they have nothing to do. They bring three melons and two dates, and what they get back is doubled gold, silver and exquisite items. Anyone who doesn't want to do it or not is a fool! Therefore, they had no doubts about Zhou Yi's claim that the treaty was fair.
So on the third day, all countries that intend to open border trade have signed the treaty, and no one has proposed to modify any terms at all.
Zhou Yi received more than 40 signed contracts, and had to sigh in his heart, this ancient multi-party business negotiation is really easy to do, these people don't even have objections.
The birthday of Emperor Chongzheng had also passed, and the opening of the border trade had been negotiated. Naturally, the envoys had to go back to their respective homes and find their own mothers. Da Yue's style of work has completely changed. Da Yue's gift in return is only equivalent to what they brought. Compared with before, it has shrunk by at least ten times. Da Yue has never been so "poor" before. What's going on? What is Da Yue? Sudden inappropriate "being taken advantage of"?
Some envoys even went to the Ministry of Rites to ask for an explanation, but the minister of the Ministry of Rites pushed them back, saying that there was only so much allocated by the Ministry of Households, and they all returned gifts according to the amount of gifts offered, and there was no accounting for them. Everyone's cheap, if you don't want it, just return it.
Thinking about making trouble, and thinking about the artifact that Dayue exhibited that day, these envoys still didn't have the courage in the end. When I went back in the past, my wallet was full every time and I was very happy, but this time I couldn't be happier anymore.
A few days after the envoy left the capital, Emperor Chongzheng suddenly called Zhou Yi over, "I have received information that many aliens have sneaked into the capital suddenly, most of them are Da Qiang and Rong. Their plans are probably not small."
Zhou Yi frowned; "My minister guessed that they might have come here for the firecrackers. After all, since I showed the firecrackers at the banquet that day, it was enough for them to send the news back." Emperor Chongzheng
Shen His face turned pale: "I think so too, Zhou Qing, firecrackers are top secrets, and you must not reveal anything about them. That day you were holding firecrackers in full view. If you were in a hurry, they might attack you. I will secretly Send someone to protect you, be careful, and wait until I catch these spies."
Zhou Yi quickly knelt down: "Let the emperor take care of this humble minister, I really feel sorry for this humble minister."
Emperor Chongzheng helped Zhou Yi up: " How can you say that, you are loyal to me, so I will naturally protect you well, those barbarians did so, it just proves that they were intimidated by the firecrackers, Zhou Qing, you have made a great contribution!" Zhou Yi hurriedly said
: It is the responsibility of the emperor to share his worries."
"Hehehe, okay, go ahead and do it boldly, I am behind you!" Before leaving, Emperor Chongzheng even fed Zhou Yi a bowl of chicken blood.
Zhou Yi's face was so excited that he almost cried bitterly, but he complained in his heart, relying on you, I don't know how many times I have died.
That afternoon, the people sent by the emperor arrived, and the leader turned out to be the young general of the imperial army that Zhou Yi had rescued at the banquet last time.
"My lord Zhou, the emperor ordered me to wait for this period of time to protect my lord Zhou carefully. I will hide around my lord Zhou and won't disturb your life." For the grace of saving lives, I didn't expect the emperor to send him to protect Zhou Yi this time.
Zhou Yi helped the young general of the Forbidden Army, and asked with a smile: "What's your name?"
"Humble Wang Xiangxi, I have met Master Zhou. I will never forget Master Zhou's life-saving grace." Wang Xiangxi wanted to kneel down to Zhou Yi again.
Zhou Yi hurriedly supported Wang Xiangxi: "You don't need to be polite, but if you want to say help, you saved my life in Yuanping Mansion last time, so we are evenly matched." Wang Xiangxi hurriedly
panicked Waving his hands; "My lord, that time was the duty of a humble
official , how can it compare with your life-saving grace?" Zhou Yi chuckled: "Then it is also my duty to save you, so don't say anything more about saving your life. Take good care of yourself."
Wang Xiangxi, as an imperial guard, is the confidant of Emperor Chongzheng's confidant. If he got too involved with Wang Xiangxi, Emperor Chongzheng would become suspicious again, which would not be good for Wang Xiangxi. It is also very tiring to meet such a petty and suspicious emperor as Emperor Chongzheng.
Wang Xiangxi also understood, swiped it, and disappeared in a blink of an eye.
Zhou Yi opened his mouth, Wang Xiangxi's lightness kung fu was really good, if not for the fact that Di Yi's guards were so powerful, he would not have lost at the banquet.
Which man doesn't have a martial arts dream, it's cool to think about it like this. He also really wanted to know how to do light work, but when he thought of the hardships he would suffer in learning martial arts, this unrealistic fantasy was immediately dispelled by him.