Chapter 359 The Ming Dynasty is not what they like, it is what they fear
Zhu Yijun did not expect that the business of Yanxinglou Trading House could be so booming, far exceeding the emperor's expectations, and taking the ship tickets Those who got the tickets all clutched the ship tickets in their hands, holding on to wait and see, with no intention of selling them. That's right, apart from signing up for the chips, it was impossible for these luxury households to take out the tickets for trading. Yanxing Tower couldn't even draw points. More difficult.
As an emperor and a disciple of Zhang Juzheng, he immediately reflected on the problems in the system design. In the end, he found that it was his own problem. The number of ship tickets on the market now was too small. , whether you are waiting for price increases or dividends, it is a sure-profit deal, so why take action?
“Longjiang, Songjiang, Mizhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, the five major shipyards of Ming Dynasty, the craftsmen are working overtime all night long, both to expand production and to maintain production, we have reached the limit, I have a month The maximum number of three-masted plywood ships that can be dug out to reissue ship tickets is far from enough. When we were at the Quanchu Guild Hall, Dr. Zhang Siwen reminded me and told me that ship tickets of this size are simply not enough to support it. " Zhu Yijun's fingers kept tapping on the table.
Zhang Siwen also participated in the closed-door meeting at the Quanchu Guild Hall. At that time, Zhang Siwen said that such a small number of ship tickets did not support transactions in terms of mathematics. At that time, everyone including Zhu Yijun and Zhang Juzheng , even the most optimistic estimate is that these fifty three-masted ships and five five-masted ships can be subscribed and raised in one month, which is enough to burn incense.
Practice has proved that these fifty-five ships could not survive even one day.
"What is the problem?" Zhu Yijun's fingers became more and more urgent. He suddenly stopped his fingers, looked at Feng Bao, and said in disbelief: "Why do they believe me so much? Are you not afraid? Did I cheat them? "
The master behind Yanxing Tower is either the Yuanfu Taifu of the Quanchu Guild Hall or the Ming Dynasty ruler Zhu Yijun who lives in Xiyuan. Zhu Yijun and Zhang Juzheng seriously underestimated them. A person's reputation in the capital and in the world is why it is judged that it will take a month to complete the subscription of these fifty-five ships.
"Your Majesty, in fact, these cheap Confucians are scolding you fiercely, but Your Majesty is a gentleman who keeps his word, and a horse is hard to catch. The cheap Confucians know very well in their hearts. Even the people of Taixi know that Your Majesty Keep your word." Feng Bao finally understood the key to the problem, flattered him, and stated a basic fact, which is credibility.
The country has lost its great trust, and people's hearts are filled with doubts.
The reputation of the country is not specific, objective, or even illusory, but it does exist. Emperor Zhu Yijun of the Ming Dynasty never broke his promise. The only time he broke his promise was during the three-party control of the Taxation Yuan. After Zhang Juzheng returned to the court, The emperor immediately ordered that the Ministry of Household Qing officials, the governor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the censors, the censors, and the censors could participate in it.
Zhang Juzheng is not in the court. Not to mention that His Majesty does not trust the scholars, even the scholars themselves do not believe in themselves. They all know who they are. Your Majesty has not yet got married at that time, and your Excellency is not at home. , a child’s first consideration is self-protection, which is understandable.
Zhang Juzheng has returned to the court, and everything is back on track. Everyone has their eyes open. His majesty’s gaffe was just a manifestation of De Liang’s youth. After his wedding, his majesty has kept his word and his credibility has been greatly improved. It's really, really strong, as hard as iron.
Promises need to be fulfilled.
"I didn't expect them to believe me so much. No, I have to trick them!" Zhu Yijun raised his eyebrows and said cheerfully.
Feng Bao opened a memorial in front of His Majesty and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, they believe that Your Majesty can help them make money. After all, Your Majesty never asks the foreign court for money. He is really good at making money."
On this point, the civil and military officials of the entire dynasty were very sure. The emperor really made money in a right way, and His Majesty’s way of collecting money was really a fairyland on land. It was Zhang Juzheng’s credit that the Ming Dynasty no longer begged for money from the outside. , then the internal funds are not related to the national funds, but the internal funds are more valuable than the national funds.
The situation where state funds and internal funds beg each other for food is gone forever.
“We can only slowly expand production.” Zhu Yijun actually had no good solution. After thinking for a long time, he found that only by slowly expanding production could this trading house have enough ship tickets to trade and circulate them. .
This is why the Zheshe households believed in the emperor. When the Ming Emperor encountered this problem, his first thought was to expand production and then issue additional ship tickets, instead of directly asking the Ministry of Household Treasures Bureau to directly Open the seal, sell as much as you print, and make a fortune if you can. His Majesty is always very conservative in this kind of matter. He would rather have a price but no market than engage in fraud.
Zhu Yijun clearly wanted to cheat them, but he still refused to overpay the certificate at will. This is the source of His Majesty's credibility.
Of course, this has a lot to do with the very healthy finances of the country. It is not so poor that it must be exhausted to fish, it can be sustainable.
Zhu Yijun was reviewing memorials in Xiyuan. The bureaucratic machine of the Ming Empire also exposed many problems under the test. After more than seven years of tinkering, it ran very smoothly and was extremely efficient. Even though they are thousands of miles away, they are implemented day and night, and the political system is awe-inspiring.
The imperial court finally looks like a royal court. This is due to Zhang Juzheng. He has always been the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. This is also the reason why Wan Shihe Neng reaches out to the Ministry of Rites every day. Regarding the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, Wan Shi Kazuya really doesn’t have to worry too much.
At this time, Wang Chonggu, the Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, was hosting a banquet at the Quanjin Guild Hall. The Quanjin Guild Hall was particularly lively today, and all the Shanxi merchants came to the hall to pay their respects.
Former party leader Ge Shouli set a rule that the annual ice ceremony and carbon ceremony should be halved. This rule did not change after Wang Chonggu became the party leader. No, summer is coming, and it is time to send ice ceremony again. This time all the merchants from Shanxi came to send them gifts. Five hundred taels for this family was enough to pay for all Shanxi guild halls.
Of course, such a little filial piety cannot express the gratitude of Shanxi merchants to Wang Chonggu.
A Shanxi merchant stood up, raised his wine glass and said loudly: "We are still Wang Cifu. The little bit of news revealed between our fingers is enough for us to eat and drink, and it is big fish and meat. , we Shanxi merchants are today thanks to Wang Cifu’s great kindness!”
“A toast to Wang Cifu!”
“A toast to Wang Cifu!”
All the Shanxi merchants present stood up, holding their wine glasses high, and after drinking in one gulp, they poured it down to indicate that the wine was finished.
This time the Shanxi merchants received the news in advance. The Shanxi merchants had already prepared the shipping tickets from the trading house. I can be surrounded by them.
Wang Chonggu was sitting at the top table. He stood up, looked around for a week, and said with a frown: "Business is business, what's the point of fighting in a trading house?! See you later If there is a private fight, don't blame me, Wang Chonggu, for turning his back on me. Harmony breeds wealth, and harmony breeds wealth. If Shuntian Fu Cheng had not patrolled the area with his servants today, and there was a life-threatening lawsuit, neither you, me, or him would be able to escape."
< br>Wang Chonggu was very dissatisfied with the fight that happened in Yanxing Tower today. None of the merchants traveling outside the Great Wall were good people. Baimaofeng is all dangerous, and all of them are ruthless. When robbing money, they will naturally use fists and kicks.
Thankfully it was the capital and no one brought a murder weapon, otherwise Wang Chonggu would definitely go to Xiyuan to plead guilty.
"Wang Cifu taught me a lesson. I was the first to move my hand today. I punished myself with three cups. Wang Cifu calmed down, calmed down." A merchant stood up and kept company. Wang Chonggu reminded them more than once. , they always keep their tail between their legs in Jingtang. If the other party hadn't made the first move this time, there wouldn't have been a fight.
Wang Qian looked at this scene and said angrily: "Huh, my father took money out of the worsted woolen business before, and you are all full of complaints. You always feel that your father is letting you and others make less money. "Why, it's my father's fault for stopping you from jumping into the Tonghui River?"
"Everyone is so flattering now, why don't you blame my father?"
Wang? Qian's heart was filled with anger. When Wang Chonggu took out the 10 million silver and gave it to the emperor as money to buy his life, the Shanxi merchants became more and more angry. This is an opportunity to bring this matter to light.
"Son, remember, cutting off people's wealth is like killing their parents. Your father and I have cut off everyone's money. Don't you think of me as the enemy who killed your father? Alas." Wang Chonggu smiled. Roubuxiao seems to be self-deprecating, but in fact it is teasing this group of Shanxi merchants who have different attitudes before and after.
"Wang Cifu's words are serious, his words are serious! From now on, we and others will naturally be the only ones who obey Cifu's lead! No words! I will punish myself with three glasses of wine!" The merchants looked at each other in disbelief. The fault is that they are all their own people and all under the Jin Guild Hall. For merchants, Wang Chonggu only gave a few words of admonishment. If it were not for his own people, Wang Chonggu's methods would really kill without blood.
"The dozens of people who jumped into the Tonghui River are all old acquaintances, and there is also Chen Laosi, a wealthy businessman who has competed with us Shanxi people for the tea business. They have been fighting for more than ten years. He jumped into the Tonghui River so suddenly that it was really embarrassing, but Wang Cifu could see it clearly," a businessman said with a bit of sadness.
The worsted woolen business causing dozens of people to jump across the Hui River was a big deal, and the ship ticket was also a big deal. After these two major events, everyone’s complaints and doubts about Wang Chonggu were completely eliminated. The smoke disappeared, and all they felt was gratitude!
Follow Wang Cifu and you will have meat to eat!
"Okay, just say a few words if you're nice, and don't complain so much in the future."
"I'm announcing something today. The children of Shanxi, regardless of whether they are high or low, can attend the Quan Jin Guild Hall. Homeschooling, last year's surplus from the Shanxi Guild Hall was used to expand homeschooling. In the future, we can send our children to study more, and save ourselves from being laughed at. We Shanxi merchants are all a bunch of barbaric men who don't know etiquette. "Wang Chonggu waved his hand and then continued: "You guys have a good meal and drink, I have something to do. If you cause trouble after drinking, you will be sent to the prison of the Ministry of Punishment, and you will be honest after being imprisoned for a few days!"
The Shanxi merchants bowed their heads again, They all said in unison: "Send Wang Cifu off!"
The Shanxi merchants are really not to blame for the fight this time. The Shanxi merchants were queuing up, and those Zheshe households in Xitucheng insisted on jumping in and pushed them away. They pushed and cursed, saying that Shanxi merchants were a bunch of country people who didn't know etiquette. They started fighting after a lot of back and forth, so Wang Chonggu didn't blame them too much.
Wang Chonggu returned to the backyard humming a little tune, obviously in a good mood. He sat in Wenxing Pavilion, holding a cup of tea, shaking his head and taking a sip.
"Father, are you in a good mood?" Wang Qian came up with a smile on his face.
"I think I did a good job on this mission. Firstly, the imperial court needed a large amount of money to open the sea. It was like a bottomless pit that could never be filled. Secondly, the Shanxi merchants took advantage of these two They finally became honest about the matter, and their money was used to serve the country. Even if your Majesty really wants to deal with us in the future, he will have to remember this sentiment, right? "Wang Chonggu. Feeling really good.
"Did father make money from this matter?" Wang Qian frowned, full of doubts.
Wang Chonggu slapped Wang Qian on the shoulder, which made Wang Qian grin. Wang Chonggu said angrily: "Bah! I think about money every day! You will spend ten lifetimes on our family's money. You can’t spend it all! No matter how much you spend, you can’t make it as fast as I do. Why do I have to spend money on myself when doing things?”
“What’s the point?”
"What my father taught me is true, but my father himself also said that after the third time, he is his own. What does this mean?" Wang Qian rubbed his shoulders. His father was right. He would spend ten lifetimes of his family's money. There was so much to spend. As the second richest young man in the capital, Wang Qian's money was not lavish, but extravagant. But the money he spent was only a fraction of his father's money.
Wang Chonggu thought for a moment and asked: "Do you know what is the smelliest thing I have ever smelled in my life?"
"Ah?" Wang Qian's eyes widened, the world is the most smelly thing. The object turned over and over in Wang Qian's mind. He shook his head and asked, "What is it?"
Wang Chonggu put down the teacup, looked at the sky outside the window, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said slightly absentmindedly: "It's that rotten and stinky youthful spirit." "Ah?!" Wang Qian was stunned for a moment.
Wang Chonggu leaned on the back of his chair and said leisurely: "The spring breeze is so good that the horse's hoofs are so strong that he can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day. This is Meng Jiao's "After Enrollment", which he wrote in the tenth year of Zhenyuan. In the second year of the Jinshi exam, he wrote this poem Qijue. This poem is the epitome of how many people have lived in the past and present. No one who just became a Jinshi after being admitted wanted to be a traitor, a sycophant, or a thief. The ambitions of cultivating oneself, managing one's family, and bringing peace to the world are all based on the youthful spirit of governing the country and bringing peace to the country. ”
"Naihe, Naihe."
Wang Chonggu said two Naihe in succession. He thought of Yang Bo, who had been dead for five years. When Yang Bo finally left the court, he carried His Majesty's question on his back. Is Bo a gentleman or a villain? Yang Bo himself couldn't answer this question. Perhaps before his death, when Yang Bo looked back, he was still thinking about this question. Looking back on his life, what kind of life did he live?
Neither loyal to the country, nor loyal to the monarch, nor loyal to one's own heart, nor to the books of sages, texts in the heart, benevolence, virtue, and all things in one's heart.
When Wang Chonggu was a boy, if he knew that he would look like this when he got old, he would probably be heartbroken, regretful, and wish he could kill himself. After all, he would end up living the person he hates and is disgusting. In his appearance, Wang Chonggu felt that the most stinking thing was his rotten and stinky youthful spirit and ambition.
"Not now!" Wang Chonggu clapped his hands and said cheerfully: "Oh, your father, I thought about it carefully. What your father and I have done since Wanli are loyal to His Majesty and to the court. Be more loyal to yourself!”
After being kicked and kicked out of the Wenhua Palace by Zhang Juzheng in the first year of Wanli, Wang Chonggu did a lot of things, resettling 190,000 landless tenants, and replenishing Xuanda’s He built holes in the Great Wall, established the Yongding Woolen Official Factory and the Xishan Coal Bureau, supervised the Dingjian construction project, built the central axis of the palace, the Royal Gemwuyuan, the pagoda, and the martial arts school, fulfilled his political commitments, resettled gangsters, and presided over the supervision. The official affairs gave the Jinshi people the opportunity to practice, and the recent affairs have created a new cornucopia for His Majesty.
The key is that this new cornucopia is also the opening of the sea for the country of Italy. Some internal conflicts in the Ming Dynasty cannot be resolved and can only be rescued externally. However, opening the sea requires large sums of money. The imperial court alone can open the sea. The sea is just a mirror, but if everyone is tied to the chariot that drives the sea, it becomes a national plan.
Wang Chonggu said with a smile: "Very good, very good. As the old saying goes, no one is perfect in terms of deeds and heart. Regardless of why I did this, I still did it. , right? In the future, the Spring and Autumn Period will be judged, and our king Chonggu will be able to get mixed reviews, instead of being nailed to the pillar of shame of a traitor and being reviled for life."
"Dad, why don't I have any youthful spirit? What?" Wang Qian thought for a long time and found that he never had any ambition to settle the world.
“It’s your father’s fault. You have no worries about food and clothing, you have never suffered much, and you are fine even if you have no ambition. After your father and I leave, you will give all our money to His Majesty. , Your Majesty, keep your promise and give all your money to Your Majesty. Just the dividends will be enough for you to live a happy life." Wang Chonggu glanced at Wang Qian and said not caring much.
Wang Chonggu is afraid that Wang Qian will have ambitions that he shouldn't have. He is safe and sound, and the money at home is enough for him to struggle. After all, His Majesty will look at his achievements and give Wang Qian some preferential treatment. If Wang Qian wants to Trying to open up their family and make it bigger and stronger would be a bad thing.
"Dad, our merchant ships of the Ming Dynasty all carry firearms. Will this hinder maritime trade?" Wang Qian raised his own question. He was very surprised that the Ming Dynasty pledged fifty-five dollars this time. The ships are all armed merchant ships. They carry weapons for trade. Are overseas countries willing to trade honestly?
Wang Chonggu thought for a moment, then shook his head and said: "The Ming Dynasty is not what they like, but what they fear."
Zheng He's mission to the West was to declare the emperor's edict, Because he is given the authority to rule, if he refuses to obey, he will be deterred by force.
Those who disobey are threatened with force. This is Zheng He’s mission. He is to promote the country’s prestige. This is also in line with the Ming Dynasty’s attitude towards overseas foreign countries. If it is not something they like, they will not like it either. It's what makes them afraid. Only if they are afraid can Daming get what he wants.
The Ming Dynasty has the advantage of goods, so they have to trade with the Ming Dynasty. If they don’t want to, then they will kick open the door in the name of free trade, continue business transactions, and use trade methods to plunder the world’s wealth. , is one of the means to relieve internal conflicts externally.
"What Dad said is very pertinent!" Wang Qian thought about it and realized that this is the logic. The Ming Dynasty has never been liked by people. The Ming Dynasty is a celestial country, and these overseas countries have no reason to like the Ming Dynasty. , just like when the Romans existed in Rome, they always tried every means to conquer Rome. After Rome disappeared, they jumped out one by one and claimed that they were Rome.
"Dad, Anda Khan and Tuman Khan seem to be fighting." Wang Qian put a letter from outside the Great Wall on the table. This was a letter sent by the third lady to the court. Anda Khan now doesn't dare to provoke Daming. He pinches the persimmon softly, and Anda Khan points his troops at Tuman Khan.
After reading the letter, Wang Chonggu stood up suddenly and said: "I am going to the palace. You don't have to wait for me. You go to the Quanchu Guild Hall and give this letter to Yuan Fu, and then go to Quanchu Guild Hall." Zhejiang Guild Hall, inform Da Sima. "
Wang Chonggu stood up immediately. Today is the day for Jiao Bingjing, but the party leaders of the three main guild halls in Jingtang immediately started to join in after learning about the internal strife in Beilu. Palace, the Ming Dynasty has been waiting for the war between Anda Khan and Tuman Khan.
"I will see you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty pays you your respects." When Zhang Juzheng arrived at the Wenhua Hall, all the court officials of the Ming Dynasty arrived. Naturally, they received the news. This was an urgent court meeting.
"No need for courtesy." Zhu Yijun waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be too polite. After he sat down, he passed on the letter from the third lady, read it around and said: "Mrs. Zhongshun has a letter. Ada Khan's force was overwhelming, and Tuman Khan could only resist with all his strength. "
"Ada Khan launched his attack at a very clever time, not in summer or autumn, but in spring and summer." Qi Jiguang finished reading Sanniangzi's poem. In terms of letters, I have to say that this guy Anda Khan is indeed the king of the captives who has troubled the Ming Dynasty for twenty-five years. His military talent is indeed very good. The time to start the war is at the time of spring and summer.
Summer in the grassland will come later than in the capital. This season is when lambs give birth. Ananda Khan launches an attack at this time, which is to use his strength to overthrow Tuman Khan. Tuman Khan has just robbed For the rest of his life, he escaped from the Ming Dynasty and escaped from the Daxianbei Mountain Pass. If Tuman Khan gained a firm foothold in a year, Anda Khan would have to pay a greater price.
Now is the perfect time.
"How long does Qi Shuai think Tuman Khan can last?" Zhu Yijun is not optimistic about Tuman Khan. Tuman Khan is newly defeated, his morale is weak, and his strength is weak. At the same time, Anda Khan's timing is indeed just right. .
"Tuman Khan can last for a long time." Qi Jiguang frowned and said: "Your Majesty, after all, Tumen's surname is Bo'er Jijin, and he is the Great Khan of the Beibei clan. In this battle, I'm Dahan only If he can't win quickly, Tuman Khan can survive this year, and Anda will have nothing to do with Tuman Khan. This is why Anda Khan chose this time to attack."
"Anda Khan is a traitor in the grassland."
Qi Jiguang talks about the success or failure of people's support. Both Anda and Tuman Khan are surnamed Bo'er Zijin. They are both from golden families, and Tuman is the patriarch of the clan. Khan, Anda is a traitor on the grassland. Anda Khan no longer even believes in the Immortal Heaven and has converted to Buddhism. With this kind of support, if Tuman Khan is allowed to hold him back, this will be a war of attrition.
"Qi Shuai thinks, should we help the Tuman Khan or the Great Khan?" Zhu Yijun thought for a moment. In terms of military talent, Zhu Yijun trusted Qi Jiguang more than he believed in himself. In the military field, Zhu Yijun trusted Qi Jiguang more. , Qi Jiguang's judgment is much more accurate than Zhu Yijun.
Zhu Yijun is very self-aware of his military talent.
Qi Jiguang looked at the Kanyu map, looked at it for a long time and said: "Help Tuman Khan and help him survive the most difficult period. As long as it is delayed until autumn, Anda Khan will never be able to win again. At that time, Ming Dynasty can be the referee. Whether it is to let Tuman Khan win or Anda Khan to win, it is not in Ming Dynasty's interest. Only if they fight to the death can Ming Dynasty fish in troubled waters and get the benefits of being a fisherman. "
< br>"Okay." Zhu Yijun looked at Zhang Juzheng and asked, "What do you think, sir?"
"Your Majesty, I don't know anything about military affairs..." Zhang Juzheng looked at the Ming Emperor and said very sincerely, in terms of military talent, Zhang Juzheng was on the same level as His Majesty, almost zero. It was okay to use hindsight and let him judge the direction of the war from the complicated situation. He really couldn't do it. He agreed with Qi Jiguang's statement strategically.
Let them fight. The more lively the fight, the better. Fight to the death. Only then can Ming Dynasty be the referee, and only then can the grievances and hatreds between them be judged, and only then can the fishermen benefit.
Anyway, the Ming cavalry has not yet formed combat effectiveness. It is unrealistic to continue to fight out of the fortress. It is better to sit on the sidelines and fight crickets with straw sticks.
"I think what Qi Shuai said is reasonable." Yu Dayou thought about it and chose to agree with Qi Jiguang's judgment. Anda Khan can really beat Tuman Khan to death. If Anda Khan really wins, the Ming Dynasty It is extremely difficult to get back together.
"I second the proposal." Tan Lun also believes that the key point should be to help the local barbarians. Dogs bite dogs and let them bite each other. No one can win.
“Is Buyan, the son of the Tuman Khan, still in the capital?” Zhu Yijun looked at Ma Ziqiang, the Minister of Rites, Buyan had been in the capital for half a year, but he still had no chance to meet the emperor. Buyan They are here to seek peace.
Ma Ziqiang immediately said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Buyan does live in Siyi Pavilion, and he is still clamoring for an audience today."
"Okay, let him have an audience today." Zhu Yijun immediately gave instructions. Tuman Khan was being beaten, and the Ming Emperor was finally willing to receive Tuman Khan's envoy.
As for how to help Tuman Khan, just look at what Tuman Khan needs. Daming can provide help, but this help is definitely not free.
"Wan Dazai, how are you doing with the Overseas Fan Chronicles? Once you have completed one volume, please show me one volume." Zhu Yijun is still very concerned about "Overseas Fan Chronicles". Wan Shihe is in charge of the revision. It has been compiled for more than half a year, and the standards for compilation have been formulated before.
Wan Shihe thought for a while and took out two volumes from his arms. While Zhu Yijun was waiting for Buyan, he briefly looked through the two books. Wan Shihe, this scholar, is worthy of his reputation. Is a scholar.
Wan Shihe compiled two volumes. The first volume is Annan and the second volume is Luzon. According to Wan Shihe, these two places have been the inherent territories of the Ming Dynasty since ancient times.
According to Wan Shihe, Annan and Luzon are all descendants of the Central Plains Miao people who migrated to Annan and Luzon because of the war.
Everyone is from the Central Plains, so the territory is naturally the inherent territory of the Central Plains Dynasty.
Wan Shihe is defining the history of overseas foreign countries. Anyway, they don’t have their own historical chronicles. It’s not just what the Ming Dynasty wants to write, it’s just what it is?
"Wan Dazai is determined." Zhu Yijun is very satisfied with the compilation standards of overseas fan chronicles. In any case, he will call out his claims first.
"Your Majesty, Buyan is waiting outside the palace." A small yellow door came in, bowing his head and reporting.
To define history is to define the present. Please give me a monthly ticket, wow! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
(End of this chapter)