Chapter 320 Two Confusing Accounts

In Songjiang in August, there was a small event that was not a big deal, which required Chen Heng to take time out of his busy schedule to attend.

The students of the Maritime Academy in the city finally welcomed the first batch of seafarers to leave.

This academy was founded not long ago, and a group of grass-roots teams did not know how long it would take to train qualified seafarers.

Chen Heng was willing to keep these kids for another year or two and train them more.

The key is that the folks in Shanxi can't wait! Really can't wait.

If they wait any longer, the business will be snatched away by the folks in Fujian and Zhejiang.

There have been many fishermen in Fujian and Zhejiang since ancient times. These people have lived by the sea since childhood, and they can become qualified seafarers with a little teaching.

There are also elders in the family who are convincing enough to come forward to guarantee, and the strong clan blood relationship pulls young people out of their homes one by one, and embarks on the journey of the vast ocean with the sea merchants in Fujian.

Compared with them, the folks in Shanxi are inherently at a disadvantage, and the situation is too passive.

The Shanxi merchants, led by Zhang Shangde, have proposed more than once that they want to recruit a group of crew members in advance to speed up the development of Shanxi merchants in Southeast Asia.

There are pros and cons to letting students go to sea early. Considering that Shanxi merchants are willing to bear the expenses of the school for the next five years, Chen Heng immediately agreed to this matter on behalf of the state government.

It can introduce private merchants to join the development of the school. As long as this head is well started, more and more merchants will follow and enter the wave in the future.

The so-called "graduation ceremony" does not have much room for Chen Heng, the founder. The teachers and masters of this school can naturally handle various matters.

Chen Heng only showed up once in the middle and said a few simple words. The rest of the time, he was chatting with Zhang Shangde's grandson Zhang Bofan.

The latter is now the owner of the Shanxi merchant bank in the city, and he is a busy person on a daily basis. Today, I came to see Chen Heng on purpose, naturally I have something in my heart, and I want to tell the adults.

Originally, the Shanxi merchants were not prepared to invest heavily in the school, but the Fujian folks dragged the Zhejiang merchants to make trouble. They knew that the Shanxi merchants were in urgent need of seafarers, but they didn't need them! !

When this batch of seafarers came out, it was not decided that only the Shanxi merchants were allowed to come and hire them. Then we raised the wages, and no one could say anything wrong, right?

Mr. Chen, you are the local governor, you can't be partial to the Shanxi merchants in your dealings with others.

The Fujian folks made a scene, which is the fundamental reason why the Shanxi merchants are willing to spend a lot of effort to host the school here.

Chen Heng listened to Zhang Dongjia's complaints and laughed secretly.

He was happy to see this kind of competition, and even looked forward to the merchants from Zhejiang and Fujian coming out to compete early.

If the latter two families can set up schools in Songjiang or their hometowns. That would be really good and form a general trend.

There were nearly fifty students in the first batch who were orphans in the mansion.

The age difference between them was very large, but it did not prevent them from imagining their future.

Chen Heng's eyes passed over the crowd and fell on the group of new students who had just enrolled at the end.

The origins of these students were complicated. Most of them were born in poor families in Songjiang, Suzhou, Yuhang and other places.

I heard that there was a school in Songjiang that trained seamen, providing food, accommodation and teaching. This is why the children of the family came to learn a craft to reduce the burden on the family.

Chen Heng had read the list and knew that one of them came from the north.

This student was a little old and was originally a hanger-on on a merchant ship in the north. He came to Songjiang several times and heard that the school recruited people regardless of age. So he decided to invest in it and learn some skills.

To this day, sea transportation is still the most convenient means of transportation for mankind. Not only coastal people can venture to Southeast Asia.

The interaction between the north and the south is no longer limited to land vehicles and horses. As long as the passengers are brave and willing to spend some money. Starting from Qingniwa, you can reach Songjiang Prefecture within ten days by boat.

The risks at sea are great, but the treatment that comes with it is also very generous. Although a good man does not leave his hometown, there is also a saying that money can move people's hearts.

In this world, how many people are really not interested in money?

After the two Song and the former Ming Dynasty went to Southeast Asia, Chen Heng hoped that this school could produce more students. Push the footprints of Dayong people to all corners of the world.

After finishing the small matter of the Sea School, Chen Heng took Zhang Bofan and several representatives from Zhejiang and Fujian into the government office.

They also encountered a troublesome thing recently.

"Sir, the preparation of the sea teacher cannot be delayed." Zhang Bofan began to discuss this matter with Chen Heng halfway.

It is rare for the Chamber of Commerce representatives from Fujian to stand on the same front as the Shanxi merchants. He immediately chimed in, "This summer, we have already had two merchant ships plundered by pirates.

They even threatened that in the future, ships passing through Dayong must be charged 50% of every 100 ships. Sir, these people are not taking our money, they are slapping you in the face and the face of the court!"

Chen Heng wanted to laugh in his heart, but his face was still sad, "I know you are very anxious, but this matter cannot be rushed. Even if I can say something, I am alone in writing to His Majesty, and it is difficult to attract attention."

Everyone knows the importance of the sea master, but what about the money? Where does the money come from! !

It is said that a hero needs three helpers. Even if I am willing to start this matter, someone must drum up support from the side to attract the attention of the Prime Minister of the court.

Seeing Chen Heng relax, the Zhejiang representatives were invited to take a seat by Chen Zhizhou, and they couldn't wait to say, "We will not let Lord Chen take risks alone! Before I came, the head of our association also consulted Lord Zhao, the left assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue. As long as Lord Chen is willing to take the lead, they will definitely follow suit."

"We are the same." The Fujian people also expressed their views.

These two places have been major provinces for imperial examinations since the Song Dynasty. There are countless officials in all dynasties.

If the villagers in Zhejiang and Fujian are brought in to help, great things can be accomplished.

Chen Heng was not in a hurry to speak, but looked at Zhang Bofan on the side.

Zhang Shangde and the Jin people standing behind him are also political resources that must be won over.

Either go into the water together, or watch on the shore.

Young Master Zhang, you make your own choice!

Seeing Lord Chen looking at him, Zhang Bofan had already communicated with the elders of the clan. He immediately said: "The meaning of Uncle Wang and Uncle Xia is also the idea of ​​our Jin merchants."

Everything comes first, and then rules. Now everyone is making money in shipping, and naturally hopes that the sea route can be unobstructed.

Playing and making noise on weekdays can be fun, but writing to the court to establish a maritime division is a collective event involving the entire shipping.

The interests involved are rippled. The reason why everyone found Chen Heng was to borrow Chen Heng's influence in Li Zhi's heart.

This Lord Chen's foresight and sophistication in affairs have long been recognized by the government several times.

Chen Heng is also the leader of Dayong Shipping. If he comes forward to promote this matter, his persuasiveness is naturally much better than others.

Both parties know each other's calculations, and Chen Heng will not care about the other party's little thoughts.

There is no one who cannot be used in the political situation of the court. If there is such a person, then the other party should think about whether he is not capable enough and has a low position and his words are not taken seriously.

"This official has known your intentions." Chen Heng will naturally not shirk this good thing, and took the initiative to make a decision, "I will submit the official document to His Majesty at the beginning of next month."

The reserved time is also convenient for each family to go back and make overall arrangements.

Either don't do it, or do it in one fell swoop. Besides, Dayong is not without a navy, but the current scale.

Not to mention fighting pirates, it's hard to go out to sea. Once the general direction of expanding the army and establishing the army is determined, huge expenses will follow.

It was only in these years that the finances of coastal provinces have been developing rapidly, and Chen Heng felt that the time had come. However, in order to be foolproof, Chen Heng still gave everyone a shot of prevention.

"The first batch of military expenses will probably require your generous contributions. Everything is difficult at the beginning, and you must get through this stage. The court will naturally not give up halfway on the road ahead."

Chen Heng's words were very clear, and he wanted Li Zhi to make a decision. It would be best if each family paid first to cover part of the expenses.

Let His Majesty see that he can do big things with little money. Wait until the naval officers are in place and form a new interest group.

These people will spontaneously maintain their power, ask for military pay from the court, and have verbal battles.

This is human nature. There is no need to worry about whether it is good or bad, everything is always moving forward in a spiral.

Zhang Bofan looked at the other representatives and knew that this matter could not be avoided.

There was no way, whether to give the money to the pirates or to the court. Everyone has a clear idea of ​​which side is safer and more secure.

However, once money is involved, there will inevitably be an exchange of interests.

People from Fujian and Zhejiang have eaten crabs a few times and are more aware of the sinister ways in it.

They said one after another: "This matter benefits the country and the people, so we naturally have no choice but to do it. As for the money, we can still come up with some by trying to squeeze in."

"But can you give us some of the quota of military households of the Navy? Sir, we have no intention of interfering too much in the government. We just think that if something happens in the future, there will be a family member. When we encounter pirates, we can speak more firmly."

This is the drawback of the feudal officialdom. Compared with believing in the selflessness of local officials. Everyone is more willing to believe in their own fellow villagers, who can help them in times of crisis.

The tricks here cannot be said to be good just because it benefits oneself, and criticized as dregs when others use it.

Chen Heng knew that this was a necessary exchange, and he did not learn the self-protection mentality of not getting involved. He only said vaguely: "I will explain this matter to your majesty, and the decision will be left to your majesty's holy heart."

What this means is that Chen Heng himself does not object, and whether it can be passed depends on the opinion of the superiors.

Everyone present is a discerning person and knows what Chen Heng means. If they continue to ask, it would be impolite.

Besides, with Chen Heng's statement, the three people all think that this matter has great potential.

This Lord Chen is not clear about his reputation in the court. They all have their own fellow countrymen who have entered the court as officials, but they are very clear about Chen Heng's weight and ability.

A few people chatted with the prefect of this prefecture for a few more words before returning happily with good news.

As soon as they left, Xinda walked into the hall. Xinda came in a hurry, but brought a good news that Chen Heng had been waiting for for a long time.

"Sir, the prefecture has already calculated the pension for the civilians."

Great! Chen Heng was so happy that he slapped the table and stood up and took the things in Xinda's hand.

…………

…………

Before leaving in the afternoon, Chen Heng, sitting in the carriage, was still studying the documents sent by Xinda.

This matter is really a mess.

The corvée laborers who followed Chen Heng to guard the mountain stronghold at that time were not registered as soldiers. Dayong has its own laws to deal with the deaths of these people. The various pensions and treatments must be less than the share of the military households who died in battle.

Chen Heng had written many times for this, hoping to ask for more pension standards for the people. After all, the court spent money, but people lost their lives.

It is impossible not to calculate the pension of military households just because others are not registered as soldiers. Everyone can eat peacefully now, all thanks to these people's bravery and perseverance.

Perhaps Chen Heng's argument made Li Zhi annoyed.

At the end of July, the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War jointly issued official letters to urge the prefectures to deal with the pension issue of the civilians who died in Qingfeng Mountain Stronghold on their own.

The court also has its own difficulties. It has to calculate according to the share of the military households. If the relatives of the military households who died in the battle make a fuss, will this be counted on you, Chen Chixing? Or on the court?

Both parties have their own positions, and Chen Heng is very satisfied with this result.

As early as Wumeng Mountain, he asked the chief clerks of each county at that time to compile a list. During this period, he instructed the clerks in the prefecture to handle this matter wholeheartedly.

Finally, before the end of August, an answer that satisfied all three parties was produced.

Now Songjiang Prefecture is very rich. This matter is indeed the contribution of local villagers to the country.

Chen Heng took this opportunity to come forward, and he also hoped to give an explanation to the people of Songjiang who trusted him.

The court saved a lot of money. Although the money came from the national treasury, the prefecture government could claim it and explain it to the military households.

He visited several families in a row and distributed the relief money and grain in front of the village head and the village elders.

Chen Heng's appearance naturally won some praise from the people.

The slander and praise of the world are just some embellishments on the road of life. Chen Heng didn't pay much attention to this little thing.

His last stop today was the home of a disabled civilian in Xiuzhu Township. This man was the third child in the family. He lost his right arm and two fingers on his left hand because of guarding Qingfeng Village.

When Chen Heng handed a bag of rice and money to the old lady, he said with deep apology: "Don't worry, the government office will take care of your Sanlang's livelihood in the future. You can go to the government office to get rice every month."

Their Sanlang was only in his early twenties, and his bright future was broken in Wumeng Mountain. Thinking that Sanlang would have to live with his crippled body in the future, Chen Heng could only do his best to help.

Unexpectedly, the old lady had a very good attitude and still thanked her out loud: "It is his blessing that the adults can remember my boy.

In the future, when his sister finds a son-in-law, he will not need to work in the fields, just take care of his health."

The farmers' resistance to suffering really made Chen Heng feel a little ashamed. Seeing that the eldest son of their family was old and his father died early.

Chen Heng asked the accompanying village head to come forward on their behalf and apply for cattle assistance from the government office. Xinda, who was standing by, took note of the matter and indicated that he would start handling it when he returned to the government office.

After visiting this family, Chen Heng's schedule for today was almost done. After going out today, Chen Heng did not plan to deal with this matter again tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.

With this example, the clerk who took over later should also know how much he valued this matter and would not dare to deal with it carelessly.

…………

…………

After returning home, Daiyu and Yinglian had been waiting for Chen Heng. Since this period of time, Daiyu's body has become more and more obvious, and her morning sickness has gradually become more serious.

Chen Heng was worried about Yu'er's condition and often brought unhandled official business home.

At dinner, Daiyu had just eaten a few mouthfuls of food and began to feel nauseous again. Zijuan, who always had a basin ready, saw that something was wrong at a glance. He hurriedly led the lady behind the screen and dealt with this trivial matter.

Hearing his sister vomiting in the back. Lin Jue couldn't help but say in shock: "It's so hard to be pregnant."

Gu saw the young man's horrified look and couldn't help laughing: "The first child is like this, there is no one who doesn't torture people."

Recently, Daiyu's taste has changed a lot. Fortunately, there is Gu at home to support her, so all the care is thorough and appropriate.

"I'll cook some easy-to-eat porridge in the evening. If Yu'er is hungry in the middle of the night, remember to bring it."

Hearing Gu's instructions to himself, Chen Heng hurriedly responded: "I know, mother."

Having an elder in the family is not all convenient. Gu was very worried that Daiyu was pregnant and often went to the academy to teach, fearing that it would affect the child's situation.

Chen Heng was not very worried, because Yu'er couldn't leave Zijuan by her side. With her around, he would know Daiyu's situation at the first time.

In the middle of the night, Chen Heng sat in Daiyu's room to handle official documents.

The ancients had a more conservative mindset. Gu was worried that Chen Heng would not be able to control his philandering thoughts when he became a father for the first time, so she forced Chen Heng not to sleep in Daiyu's room every night.

Even though Chen Heng repeatedly promised that he would not make trouble, Gu was unwilling to give in to her mother's worries.

How many foolish young couples love to commit crimes at this time? I might as well pray to the Buddha to bless my daughter-in-law to give birth smoothly than to believe your promise.

Gu was embarrassed to control Daiyu, but she was very controlling of Chen Heng. Chen Heng couldn't argue, so he had to move his office from the study to Daiyu's place, so that he could spend more time with his wife.

Daiyu was reading a letter from Lin Ruhai, which had arrived half a month ago. But Daiyu had nothing to do, so she loved to take it out and read it over and over again.

Chen Heng saw her like this and knew that Daiyu missed her parents. He couldn't help but raise his head from the table, letting the light shine into his dark eyes, squinting his eyes and smiling: "Why don't I wait until the New Year is over, and then I will ask His Majesty for permission to transfer our family back to the capital?"

How could Daiyu be such a demented person? She pursed her lips and glared at her husband, complaining: "You only know how to talk to make people happy. The transfer of the court is not something you can do just by saying it. Husband, don't worry about me...

Besides, if I really wait until the New Year is over, I will have to stay in the house and can't move for more than a month."

Yes, the mother has to stay in confinement after giving birth. Chen Heng thought to himself that he was confused, and hurriedly laughed: "Then let's wait a little longer. After returning to the capital, we will accompany our father-in-law and mother-in-law and share the joy of family."

Daiyu nodded obediently. It was very hot these days. She was wearing an open-shoulder gauze skirt in the bedroom. It was a craft from Qiupu Street in Yangzhou. The shape was very bold and had a strong Tang Dynasty vibe.

Perhaps she didn't eat enough for dinner, Daiyu suddenly said she wanted to eat something. Chen Heng was about to get up and go to the kitchen to serve porridge, but Daiyu said she wanted to eat sour beans.

Where can you find it in the middle of the night? Don't tell me, there is really one in Songjiang Prefecture nowadays! !

Since Chen Heng decided to lift the curfew, all the shops in the city have been filled with the sound of gongs and drums, and there are many praises for the governor of this prefecture.

Songjiang City in the summer night is much more lively than in the daytime. Under the brightly lit city, people coming out of workshops often linger on the streets.

A different lifestyle is bringing about a completely different atmosphere. Changes occur and spread in every seemingly ordinary late night.

Let the servants go to the street food shop to order a portion of sour beans, and there is no need to keep them waiting. Tell the store the name of the place, and the owner will send someone to deliver the food box.

It is said that in Bianliang during the Northern Song Dynasty, there were helpers who ran errands and delivered takeout. Seeing that this kind of service also appeared in Songjiang City, Chen Heng had to sigh at the wisdom of the working people.

After having supper with Daiyu, Zijuan came out to drive people away. At this time, scholars, their wives are pregnant, and they are still lingering, but they will be gossiped.

With such an atmosphere, don't be a maverick Nie Heng.

…………

…………

On the sixth day of the New Year, the people of Songjiang City were still celebrating the arrival of the seventh year of Jianping. The lights suddenly lit up in the home of the prefect.

Chen Heng, who was working in the study, heard the cry from Daiyu's room, and ran towards the backyard without even putting on his shoes.

When he arrived here, Gu had already taken over the whole situation with the midwife. Zijuan and Xueyan, who were a little panicked, had never experienced such a scene. Hearing the pain of their own lady, they were already at a loss.

At the critical moment, Qingwen, who was sent by Yinglian, was more decisive. She rolled up her sleeves and started running in and out.

Chen Heng thought that Yu'er had not started giving birth, and was thinking about stepping in to comfort his wife.

His mother Gu saw this confused child! ! How can you go in and show off to be a hero when a woman gives birth.

"Go away, don't be an eyesore in front of me, just wait outside."

No, mother, I have seen many husbands accompany birth in my previous life! Seeing Gu's anger, Chen Heng didn't dare to speak to refute.

He had to stand outside the door in embarrassment, anxiously accompanying Lin Jue and Chen Qingyue who came after hearing the news.

"Brother-in-law, is my sister really going to give birth?"

Lin Jue was still in shock. He couldn't believe that there would be a baby coming out of his sister's belly.

No, how did such a big person come out?

You ask me? I can't explain it. Chen Heng was also in a headache! !

Chen Qingyue was already practicing expressions on the side, let's not talk about anything else.

When this child is born, I must leave the image of a calm second uncle.

Hahahaha, guess if it's a boy or a girl?