Chapter 56: Plotting and Scheming

  Yin Zhen knew that he was not as intelligent as his three brothers, and in such situations, he usually didn't speak up. However, since Yin Zheng had brought it up himself, he still felt a bit enthusiastic, so he smiled and said: "Fourteenth brother's money-making skills are probably unmatched in the world, quickly tell us about them."

  Yin Yun opened his mouth and hit a soft nail, he was depressed, but when he saw Shi Qi actively sending him a ladder, he was also curious, staring at Shi Qi with wide eyes waiting for his next move.

  Yin Zhen took a sip of wine, smiled lightly and said, "The 14th step is aimed at Japan, that place is rich in gold, silver and copper, Ninth Brother and Tenth Brother might as well send someone to seize the opportunity first."

  Japan was the main trading object of the northern coastal ports of the Qing dynasty. The copper in the Qing dynasty was mainly imported from Japan before the large-scale mining of copper mines in Yunnan, so-called 'foreign copper' refers specifically to copper imported from Japan. Therefore, the situation that Japan is rich in gold, silver and copper is clear to all three people, but none of them are clear about Yongzheng's true intentions.

  "Japan is now starting to restrict foreign trade, how does the 14th brother plan to open up Japan's trade market?"

  "Bang." With a crisp tone, he spat out one word and downed the entire cup of wine before speaking solemnly, "Once our ocean-going fleet is formed on a large scale, my first target will be to forcibly open up Japan's trade market."

  "Fourteenth brother, did the Emperor Father approve of this matter?"

  "It's not that I don't accept your orders, Your Majesty," said Yin Zhen with a light smile. "As long as we win, there will be no blame from the Emperor. If the ocean-going fleet does not undergo the test of blood and fire, how can it grow rapidly?"

  "This matter must be handled with caution." Yin said, frowning slightly. "In the past, when the Yuan army invaded Japan three times, they all ended in defeat. It's best if you can get the approval of the Emperor and Empress Dowager for this matter, fourteen brother. If something goes wrong, there will at least be a way to retreat. Otherwise, just the words of an official could be enough to put you to death."

  "Ba Ge reminded him." Yin Zhen replied sincerely, "Without absolute certainty, I won't take action lightly."

  "Fourteenth brother, how are we going to seize the initiative?"

  "Send people to Japan for business, buy local people, investigate their domestic situation, military deployment, mine location, and other non-trade port situations."

  Three people were shocked and rinsed their mouths with cold air, "Are you planning to occupy Japan by force?"

  "It's impolite not to return a visit, if the Japanese pirates can come to our Jiangnan, can't we go to Japan for a trip?" Yinzheng said with hatred, but in his heart he was secretly gritting his teeth, you dare to invade China in the future, I'm not afraid to invade Japan first now?

  Yin Yun and Yin Xiang's eyes lit up at once, this is not doing business, if Old Fourteen can really occupy Japan, they will follow suit and prosper, just the land enclosure is unbeatable, and this matter doesn't require any investment, it's a completely risk-free deal.

  Yin Rong was also startled by Yin Zhen's ambition. If the 14th brother could really succeed, his prestige in the court and the countryside would reach an unimaginable level. "Fourteenth brother, this matter must be carefully considered and cannot be rushed."

  "Eight brother reminded." Yi Zhen nodded, "I'm just letting Ninth Brother and Tenth Brother prepare for a rainy day, anyway, it won't cost much money, just a bit of thought." As he spoke, he smiled at Yi Xun again: "Eighth Brother, Ninth Brother, Tenth Brother, I have another business deal, don't know if you're interested?"

  Yin Zong, Yin Xiang, and Yin Rong all looked over at the same time upon hearing this.

  Yin Zhen smiled and said, "You guys stay in the inner city all day, I'm afraid you can't feel it. When I just entered the city, I felt that the smell of the capital was particularly unpleasant. After careful observation... let's not talk about it for now, after we finish eating, I'll say more."

  Yin Zong, Yin Xun and Yin Rong saw Yin Zhen selling Guan Zi, and they managed to keep their cool until the wine was enough and the meal was full. The four of them moved to the flower hall to drink tea, and Yin Xun asked: "Fourteenth brother, now that nothing is wrong, don't hang us up anymore."

  "This whole city of Beijing, whether it's the inner or outer city, have you noticed? There isn't a single public toilet on these big streets. What do people do when they're in a hurry? They find a secluded spot nearby to take care of their business. With all the human and animal waste scattered around, it naturally becomes heavily polluted and smelly everywhere. Recently, the emperor hasn't given you any tasks, so Ninth Brother and Tenth Brother might as well take charge of this matter. This human and animal waste can actually be sold for money outside the city."

  Yongzheng had just taken a sip of tea when he suddenly spat it all over the table. Several people hastily stood up, and Yongzheng was already laughing so hard that he was doubled over. "Good one, my 14th brother! What kind of ridiculous idea is this? You want to have our ninth and tenth brothers go sell manure? If word gets out, won't we be the laughing stock?"

  Yin Zhen smiled but didn't speak, quietly gazing at Yin Xi.

  Yin Rong was amused at first, but after noticing Yin Zhen's expression, he couldn't help but calm down and ponder. He smiled slightly and said, "Fourteenth brother, this is actually a good idea, however, the expenses won't be small, you'll have to help us make up for it."

  Yong Yi and Yong Xiang were shocked, looking at Yong Ji, "Eighth brother, isn't it true that you want us to sell feces? How can we brothers show our faces outside in the future?"

  "You guys, don't you think carefully? Would the 14th brother harm you? Yintang smiled and said, "This is a major event for the people's livelihood, and it's under the eyes of the Emperor. Moreover, the Emperor often loves to go on secret visits in disguise. If this matter is handled well, all the citizens, officials, and merchants in the capital will benefit greatly. This is a great reputation that will make everyone envy and jealous. Who would dare to laugh at you?"

  "It's still the Eighth Brother who sees through it, but there's another layer of meaning here. The population of the capital is increasing day by day, and if the environment and sanitation are poor, it will easily breed plagues. This is not only a matter of people's livelihoods, but also concerns our own safety." Yun Zhen said solemnly, "Since we want to do it, let's do it thoroughly, and at the same time, thoroughly renovate the sewers. I'll take out one share from the 'Four Great Constants' and if it's not enough, brothers can make up for it. Don't publicize this matter, don't find merchants to share the burden, and don't dispatch laborers. When things are almost done, we'll attribute this matter to the Emperor...".

  Five hundred thousand? Yong Yi's heart skipped a beat, this was too extravagant, did he really need that much silver? He hastily said: "Fourteenth brother, what are your specific plans? It seems like you wouldn't need that much."

  "As it is a matter of reputation, we must do our best. Every 700 steps (2 li) on each street, there will be a public toilet, which will be sealed to prevent complaints from nearby residents. We will also replicate the covered carriages used to fetch water from Yuquan Mountain, with 100 carriages operating at midnight to transport feces out of the city, and collecting waste buckets along the streets at dawn. Additionally, we will set up garbage stations as before, transporting garbage out of the city daily, renovating the sewers, preferably using stone slabs that can last for decades without clogging. We will also transplant evergreen trees with trunks as thick as arms along each street, every 10 steps apart. If there is extra money, we can repair the stone pavement on major streets. This way, the appearance of the capital city will surely change."