Zhu Yijun did not know if there would be someone squatting in the grass, looking at his carriage and making a great wish, "I can replace you." However, if there was, Zhu Yijun did not care too much.
In fact, this era was very particular about this. It was not good for the Emperor to be of a low level.
Along the way, they stopped and walked. Although it was called a northern patrol, it was more like a field trip.
On this day, Zhu Yijun, along with a few of his trusted aides and a dozen or so guards, left the main group and headed towards a nearby town.
Of course, they did not split into two groups. The main group was on the main road. Zhu Yijun came to a nearby town.
If Zhu Yijun dared to split into two groups and run on his own, he would probably be flooded with impeachment memorials. At the same time, he would definitely be stopped.
The town on the way to Ji Liao from the capital was called Li Family Village. After walking in, they found that it was quite lively.
There were shops everywhere on the street, making it look very prosperous.
The streets were also crowded, and the people in the town were well-dressed.
"There's a teahouse up ahead. Let's go have a seat!" Zhu Yijun looked at the teahouse not far away and said with a smile.
Qi Jiguang and Zhang Jing, who were following beside Zhu Yijun, naturally did not object. The group went straight into the teahouse.
The waiter came out with a towel in his hand and a bright smile on his face.
"Do you have a single room?" Zhang Jing quickly went up and asked.
Before the waiter could answer, Zhu Yijun waved his hand and said, "Why do we need a single room? The lobby is much better. Go and arrange a place for us to sit down!" As he spoke, Zhu Yijun walked in first.
There were many people in the teahouse, and it was obvious that most of them were here to rest.
The waiter arranged a place near the window for Zhu Yijun and the others, then went to arrange tea.
Zhang Jing naturally asked his men to follow him. They could not use the tea leaves, and his men had to watch over the water.
Zhu Yijun didn't try to stop him because he knew it would be useless.
Sitting on a long stool, Zhu Yijun looked around from time to time. Speaking of which, this scene was quite unfamiliar to Zhu Yijun.
Although he had transmigrated to this world for almost twenty years, this was the first time he had experienced the life of the common people so intimately.
There were all kinds of conversations in the teahouse. Some people were talking about business, some were talking about the current situation, and some were just talking about the Emperor's inspection tour. For a moment, it was very lively.
After the tea was boiled, Zhu Yijun said to Zhang Jing, "Go and invite the two gentlemen over there."
Zhu Yijun observed the people in the teahouse for a while and found two interesting people.
After Zhang Jing went over, it didn't take him much effort to invite them over. One of them looked to be in his thirties, and the other looked to be in his twenties. They were wearing coarse gowns. At first glance, one could tell that they were scholars, and not rich scholars at that.
"You two, please sit down!" Zhu Yijun said with a smile, "This is the tea I brought from home. Try it!"
The two of them quickly cupped their fists to thank him and then sat down.
Seeing that the two of them were a little reserved, Zhu Yijun cupped his fists and said, "I'm Bai Yu, from the capital. May I know your names?"
The two of them also quickly replied, "Greetings, Young Master Bai. I'm Li He, and this is my younger brother, Li Qian. We are from Daxing County."
Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "It seems that you two are also scholars. Where are you going?"
Li He, who was older, said with a bitter smile, "To be honest, Brother Bai, we are going to Liaodong this time.
Our families are poor, and we are in charge of Hengtong. This time, the shopkeeper invited us. "
Hengtong?
Zhu Yijun was slightly stunned, then he glanced at Qi Jiguang with a playful smile on his face.
Qi Jiguang was a little embarrassed by Zhu Yijun's gaze, because this Hengtong was the business of Qi Jiguang's family.
"Hengtong, I've heard of it. It is said that it is the business of Dingbei Hou's family?"
Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "You two look like scholars. Why don't you think about starting a business?"
Zhu Yijun's words were very obvious. You two are also scholars. Why don't you think about taking the imperial examination to be an official?
Hearing Zhu Yijun's words, the younger Li Qian couldn't hold it in. Just as he was about to refute, he was stopped by his elder brother, Li He, who was next to him.
Without letting Li Qian speak, Li He said, "Speaking of which, this is the emperor's kindness."
"In recent years, the imperial court has advocated pragmatism. They think that it is unfilial to let parents study in poverty."
"As an adult, if we can't take care of our parents, how can we be impeached for being loyal and filial?
We brothers deeply agree. Our family is poor, and our father died early. Our mother raised us two brothers. "
"We can't just focus on our business and ignore our mother!"
Zhu Yijun looked at Li He and nodded with a smile. "So it is for filial piety. You have done a good job."
"Young Master, you may not know this, but it's not like it was a few years ago. Being a merchant isn't something to be ashamed of. The imperial court advocates that 'a gentleman should earn money in a proper way'. As long as you don't swindle or extort, you can earn money with a clear conscience."
Zhu Yijun nodded again. "That's a good way of putting it."
"You two brothers also came from a poor background. Are the lives of the common people good now?" Zhu Yijun looked at the two of them and asked.
"Ever since the current emperor took over, the lives of the common people have been getting better day by day. Didn't the land tax decrease last year?
Coupled with the promotion of new crops, those with a bit of land at home can eat their fill. "
"Those who are quick-witted can also do some business or work part-time in the capital."
"Many people in our farmstead follow the imperial court to raise chickens and ducks. In the past two years, we have also started to raise pigs.
It is all because of the kindness of the current emperor. Back then, we exchanged two eggs for one chick. Our lives have been much better these past few years. "
"The common people can eat two dry meals a day and have eggs to eat. They also have money to wear some cloth and can eat some meat every few days."
"The government also has a job. I am not afraid that you will laugh at me. My widowed mother raised us two brothers. If it was not for the public school built by the emperor, we brothers would not have had the chance to study even if we wanted to."
"The county knows that we two brothers are living a hard life. Not only did they exempt us from tuition, but they also give us some money to study every month."
When Zhu Yijun heard the two of them, he did not find it strange. The two of them were from Daxing County, which was under the jurisdiction of Shun Tian Prefecture.
Being under the Imperial City was naturally better than other places.
However, when he heard the two of them talk about the lives of the common people, Zhu Yijun was still very happy.
"How much money do you get every month working for Hengtong?" Zhu Yijun looked at the two of them and asked with a smile.
Li He hesitated for a moment and then said with a proud expression, "Not a lot. I can get eight silver yuan a month. For example, this time when I go to Liaodong, I can probably double it."