The Second Master of the Red Chamber

Chapter 470 Kill the chicken to warn the monkey

The Zhou family and the heads of the seven major salt merchants gathered here to discuss the possible impact of the assassination of the imperial envoy on everyone.

Suddenly Zhou Yan, the son of Zhou Boru, rushed into the hall with people, and said in a panic: "Master, it's not good, a large number of officers and soldiers have entered the city, and surrounded the Wang family, the Bai family and many other families..."

"what??"

Everyone was startled and stood up one after another.

Even Zhou Boru, who had always been in front of the Taishan collapse without changing his face, couldn't help shaking his body, reluctantly sat on the main seat, and asked, "The news is true? Where did the officers and soldiers come from?"

"It is said that the imperial envoy dispatched them into the city for the purpose of arresting the assassins and the remaining members of the party. Master, what should we do? Judging by the posture, these officers and soldiers are obviously coming for us. I'm afraid that after a while..."

Before the words were finished, the housekeeper shouted in the courtyard: "Master, sir, it's not good, many officers and soldiers have come outside the gate, and they have surrounded all the gates!"

Zhou Boru couldn't sit still for a while, he stood up all of a sudden, his face was gloomy and terrifying.

Even if he is like this, let alone the other families, many people have pale faces.

As the saying goes, when a scholar meets a soldier, it is hard to tell why.The same is true for their merchants. Their salt merchants have the power to pry the figures in the government, which is to use the power of the people behind them, but it is difficult for these to have any effect in front of the brutal officers and soldiers.

The point is, how could Jia Lian...how dare he directly send troops to surround them! ?

How could he have the courage and ability to directly attack them without convicting them?
If you really are an imperial envoy, you can disobey the rules and act recklessly?The censors and officials of the imperial court don't just eat dry food.

Although I can't figure it out, I can't even believe it, but at this moment, fear is certain.

Wang Shanxiang hurriedly asked Zhou Yan and the housekeeper: "Even the Bai family has been besieged?"

Of all of them, who doesn't know that the Bai family is the Empress Dowager's family?Although the Bai family, a salt merchant in Yangzhou, is only a branch of the Bai family, it is also working for the direct line of the Bai family.

Even if Jia Lian is an imperial envoy, how dare he touch the Bai family directly?

"Surrounded, all surrounded. Without exception, our seven families were surrounded by officers and soldiers."

Hearing what the housekeeper said, Zhou Yanru hurriedly said: "How is the situation of the imperial envoy going? What is the imperial envoy doing?"

He said that the imperial envoy Xingyuan was not the manor prepared by the Yangzhou government for Jia Lian, but the Yamen of the Yan Yushi.Wherever the imperial envoy lives, that is where the imperial envoy works.

Although Jia Lian's people strictly controlled Xingyuan, the huge government office will always continue to act as an agent of the salt administration, and the people inside will always have to eat.As long as they don't drive out all the previous people, the salt merchants will have a way to know the situation in the Xingyuan, it's just a matter of time.

At worst, you can also send someone outside to watch the movement of Xingyuan at any time.

"The situation in Xingyuan is not clear for the time being, but the following said that Zhifu and others went inside the Yuan early in the morning, but they haven't come out yet.

As for the imperial envoy..."

When the butler said this, he glanced at the master of the Zhao family and said, "Master Imperial Envoy, it seems that he is taking his own soldiers with him to the Zhao family."

Hearing this, the master of the Zhao family suddenly turned pale, leaning on the table and muttering: "It's over, it's over..."

The others didn't care to despise him, they looked at each other, Zhou Yanru said: "It's useless to panic now, let's go out and see the situation first."

"The Imperial Envoy has orders. Yangzhou salt merchants sell illegal salt and embezzle salt tax, which violates the national law. From now on, all goods, vehicles and horses are not allowed to enter or leave. Waiting for the Imperial Envoy to come to check the accounts and goods, interrogate the crime. Anyone who disobeys orders or Anyone who dares to disobey the resistance will be killed."

There were not many officers and soldiers surrounding Zhou's house, but each of them was majestic, and supervised the front, back, left, and right doors of Zhou's house.

Seeing Zhou Yanru and other lords come out, the generals on the horses immediately announced their orders.

Zhou Yanru and the others froze, hesitated for a moment, and asked the general, "May I ask where the imperial envoy is now? I want to see the imperial envoy, I wonder if it is possible?"

Jia Yu looked down at the gorgeously dressed merchants in front of him, and knew that they were the world-famous salt merchants.Normally, these people would have the power to stir up the entire situation in the south of the Yangtze River, but now they can only obey him in front of him.

Restraining the turmoil in his heart, Jia Yu said in a serious voice: "The imperial envoy is just explaining that all goods, vehicles and horses are not allowed to enter and leave, and there is no restriction on personnel. You can do what you like."

Hearing that they were not restricted from entering and leaving, Zhou Yanru and the others relaxed a little, and then tightened up again.

He has already used violence against them, but he does not restrict their freedom. Is it expected that they will not be able to resist him?I don't know whether Jia Lian is confident or arrogant.

Therefore, Zhou Yanru immediately rushed to Zhao's house with several other family members.

The Zhao family's mansion has long been in chaos.

All the descendants of the Zhao family, regardless of men, women, old or young, were all driven to the front yard.Those who dared to resist the scolding would naturally be beaten up, and then they could only watch the officers and soldiers move all the boxes of treasures to the front yard.

When the master of the Zhao family rushed home and saw this scene, he almost passed out on the spot.

Under the leadership of the officers and soldiers, when they came to the compound, they saw Jia Lian sitting in the hall and drinking tea leisurely.

"Dare to ask the imperial envoy, what is the meaning of this?" The master of the Zhao family stepped forward and asked loudly.

Seeing the Lord coming, Jia Lian slowly raised his head, seeing the expressions of the seven local tyrants below.

He didn't answer the words of the master of the Zhao family, but asked indifferently: "Are you Zhao Tang?"

"This old man is Zhao Tang..."

"Take it."

As soon as Jia Lian's words fell, soldiers came forward immediately, detained the master of the Zhao family, escorted him to the side and knelt down.

As he struggled, he asked loudly, "My lord, I don't know what crime my Zhao family has committed? Although my Zhao family is only a merchant, I also work for the court. If the imperial envoy punishes you without teaching, my Zhao family will not accept it! !"

"Punish without teaching? That's interesting. The official will tell you now what crime your Zhao family committed.

First, as a salt merchant designated by the imperial court to sell official salt, he used official salt as a cover to sell private salt and embezzled national taxes wantonly.

Second, seeing the incident brought to light, he took the risk and sent someone to assassinate the imperial envoy ordered by the king.

Of these two crimes, which one is not a capital crime?If you confess honestly, this officer may still spare your life, but if you dare to quibble again, you will definitely be executed. "

When the master of the Zhao family heard this, he was terrified and wanted to die.

That's all for the first one, they already knew that as long as Jia Lian seriously investigated, they would definitely find out that they were selling illegal salt.

But what is this?Of the more than 20 salt merchants in Yangzhou, which one dares to say that it has not done this behind its back?

It can even be said that the sale of illegal salt has never been completely eradicated since the salt tax monopoly in the country.Moreover, most of them are made by salt merchants with salt quotations.Because of the cover of official salt, it is even more difficult for them to be exposed when they sell private salt.

But it is not easy to be exposed, it does not mean that it will never be exposed, nor does it mean that there is no trace.Not to mention, in the past two years, salt merchants have indeed become rampant in selling illegal salt. As long as Jia Lian stays in Yangzhou for a long time, it will not be too difficult to catch them.

This is also the reason why they made up their minds from the very beginning to win over Jia Lian.

It's just that Jia Lian's appetite is too big, which makes them too painful, so they shelve the plan and find another way.

Who knew that Jia Lian's actions were so fast, so he would attack them?This is very unscientific, and the business has not been discussed for a while, shouldn't they be given some time to think about it?

As for the assassination, that's even more nonsense.As the master of the Zhao family, he doesn't even know it!Could it be that someone deliberately framed his Zhao family?

It must be that old dog Wang Shanxiang.Only that arrogant guy like him has the guts. That day in Zhou's Manor, he was the first to reveal his intention to assassinate the imperial envoy...

Although he thought so in his heart, the master of the Zhao family was not so stupid as to bite Wang Shanxiang immediately.After all, it is not just about his Zhao family, but about the entire Yangzhou Salt Company.

At this time, unity is very important. If Jia Lian really wants to move his Zhao family today, he still expects the other six families to fight against Jia Lian together.

So I just tried my best to complain.

"Injustice? If I have no evidence, how could I find your Zhao family?

Come, bring the assassin up. "

The "assassin" who had appeared in front of Wu Zhirong and others before was brought up immediately.

The master of the Zhao family naturally knew his servants.Just looking at this posture, he fully understood that Jia Lian really came prepared.

"Well, you dog slave, the old man has treated you well all these years. You are so ambitious that you dare to assassinate the imperial envoy and slander the Bai family? Do you know that assassinating the imperial envoy is treason? It's a capital crime, you just die, and you have to drag my entire Zhao family to be buried with you?
Hurry up and come from the truth!Who was instigated by you? As long as you tell the truth, the imperial envoy may spare your life. Otherwise, you, including your family, will only die! "

"master……"

"Say it soon!!"

The master of the Zhao family was still a little quick-witted. He first pointed out that the crime of assassination and conspiracy is a death penalty.Then use a stern tone to force him to tell the truth, so that as long as this slave leaks a little bit of flaws, he can wash away the grievances of his Zhao family.

After all, he is just a slave, and his awe of Master Zhao is deeply rooted in his bone marrow. Under the pressure of Master Zhao, he immediately cried and said, "Master, this slave is wronged too. This slave is going home from the shop today. , I was knocked out by a sneak attack on the way, and after waking up, I fell into the courtyard of the imperial envoy, and was arrested as an assassin. The slave was really wronged, and I never thought about returning the Zhao family... "

When the master of the Zhao family heard the words, he immediately appealed to Jia Lian.

Seeing this, the other six people also spoke in agreement.At this time, they couldn't just watch Jia Lian copy Zhao's house.

Today is the Zhao family, tomorrow it may be their other six families.

"I also ask the imperial envoy to make a clear decision and give the Zhao family justice!"

Wang Shanxiang also took over, and said loudly: "Although your lord is an imperial envoy, you must pay attention to the facts in your actions.

Although villains are lowly in status, they also work for the court.I wait for the salt merchants to contribute nearly 2000 million taels of silver to the national treasury every year, accounting for almost a quarter of the entire national treasury's annual revenue!Even the prime minister of the court and even the crown prince once praised us salt merchants as people who have contributed to the court.

Also, my lord, act with caution, and don't let meritorious people in the world chill the court! "

Wang Shanxiang's threat was obvious.The others also remained silent, but their silent expressions showed their attitude.

They really thought they had made great contributions to the court.And every year, a lot of real money is used to find backers in the court. One is to keep the identity of the salt merchant from being taken away, and the other is naturally that when officials try to extort them, the people behind them can help them. They settle.

This is their greatest reliance, and it is also the reason why everyone in the world knows that they are wealthy salt merchants, but no one dares to think of them.

None of the officials or forces who have hindered the interests of their salt merchants in recent years have come to a good end.Those who really have backgrounds, and those who meet them, have mostly become their own people.

Therefore, they are definitely not at the mercy of others.Wang Shanxiang pulled out the banners of the first assistant and the crown prince, in order to warn Jia Lian not to go too far.

"Hehehe, well said, you are indeed a meritorious person in the imperial court!"

Jia Lian laughed, walked down the steps step by step, came to Wang Shanxiang, pulled off the Shangfang sword worn at his waist, and asked with a smile, "Can you recognize this sword?"

Wang Shanxiang's expression was blank, but he pretended to be calm: "It must be that when your lord left Beijing, His Majesty bestowed Shang Fang with a sword..."

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly saw Jia Lian pull out the sword and put it on his neck, which made him tremble all over with fright.

"Now that you know this sword, you should understand that when I go to Yangzhou, I am acting on behalf of the imperial court and His Majesty.

How many guts do you have, dare to threaten this officer? "

Hearing Jia Lian's words full of murderous intent, Wang Shanxiang turned pale when he noticed the cold sword blade on his neck, and finally put away his arrogant posture: "The villain dare not, the villain does not, and has no intention of threatening adults..."

"It's not a threat? What do you mean, you sold smuggled salt and sent people to assassinate this official, was it ordered by the chief assistant and the crown prince?"

The faces of Zhou Boru and others changed drastically.It's fine if Jia Lian draws his sword, since he is still trying to drag the crown prince and the first assistant into trouble?
Is he really desperate?

Wang Shanxiang even knelt down in fright.

No matter how arrogant he is, he also knows that these words cannot be answered.Colluding with salt merchants to sell private salt for profit will not hurt the prince.But even the crown prince cannot afford to instigate someone to assassinate an imperial envoy.

Because the imperial envoy represents the current emperor!
At this moment, he thought he was going to die.If Jia Lian even dared to say this, he would dare to kill him with a sword, right?

Fortunately, Jia Lian didn't, seeing him kneeling down, with a hint of contempt showing on his face, he slowly inserted the sword into the scabbard, and then said: "Forgive me for being so brave, it is impossible for you to dare to falsely accuse the crown prince.

Before I left Beijing under the order, I also met the prince.The crown prince is dedicated to the country and the people. It is not easy for His Majesty to work on the affairs of the state, and it is not easy to see how difficult the people's livelihood is.

Knowing that Yangzhou's salt administration was chaotic, he was also very angry. He also specifically asked his official to investigate the case and punish anyone who interfered with it.

Now you are still trying to pull the crown prince's banner, thinking that you are exonerated?I really don't know how to live or die. "

After saying these words in a cold voice, Jia Lian looked at the shopkeeper of the Zhao family: "You assassinated the official first, and later retracted the confession on the spot. It is really not a pity to die."

As soon as Jia Lian's words fell, there was a flash of cold light, and a horrifying bloodstain, accompanied by horrified and desperate screams, spread across the Zhao family compound, making everyone who witnessed it tremble.

Some of the Zhao family members who were kneeling in the distance started to cry in fright, and for a while, the sound of wailing was endless.

Seeing the servant of the Zhao family lying in a pool of blood, Jia Lian's mind remained unchanged.

The so-called assassination was just a well-known trick for his actions tonight.Also for the sake of blocking the mouths of the backers of these salt merchants.

Although he knew that Emperor Ningkang was there, even if he wiped out all these big salt merchants, Emperor Ningkang would probably be able to withstand the pressure and would not do the trick of killing donkeys.

However, he always had to think more about himself.

He was an imperial envoy who was ordered to leave Beijing, how dare these salt merchants assassinate him?This is completely against the rules.

You must know that even in the midst of court battles, it is not easy to resort to assassination means.To put it bluntly, these salt merchants are nothing but civilians, not even officials.

It is already a heinous crime to kill officials with the people.Was it the imperial envoy ordered by the king to kill?With these words on the table, no matter how much he dealt with these salt merchants, the people behind them would not be able to say anything.

In this way, even if someone impeaches him, the pressure on Emperor Ningkang will be much less.

Therefore, the so-called assassination was just a scene he directed and acted.As for why the Zhao family was chosen first, it was just that from his investigation and the list given to him by the Xu family, he knew that this Zhao family was one of the three most seriously involved in illegal salt.

The other two are the Bai family and the Wang family.

Needless to say, the Bai family didn't look at the monk's face and the Buddha's face, Princess Zhaoyang was so kind to him, he had to show some sympathy.

The Wang family...he really wanted to use it as a raft, but in the end he had to give the prince some face...

Adhering to the principle of gradual and orderly progress, picking and choosing, this Zhao family is the most suitable for a stab at the head.

So this servant of the Zhao family was naturally arrested by him, and he was a treasurer of the Zhao family.The salt merchants are sitting on the huge interests of the salt industry. In order to protect these interests, the domestic slaves raised are also more vicious than one.

It just so happened that this shopkeeper was one of the famous ones, and it was estimated that there were more than one murder case in his hands, so he could use his life to deter these salt merchants.

Following the death of the treasurer of the Zhao family, all the salt merchants seemed to understand something and fell silent.

But Jia Lian walked back to the hall, looked down at them and said, "The Zhao family violated the law of the country and assassinated the imperial envoy. After all the family assets were checked and counted, they were filled into the national treasury. The Zhao family and the master Zhao Tang came down, and they were all detained in situ. After the official has reviewed them one by one, they will be dealt with according to the laws of the country."

No one spoke, and no one dared to protest.

Everyone is afraid that the person lying on the ground in the next second will be themselves.Even the master of the Zhao family sat limply on the ground without saying anything.

So Jia Lian looked at Zhou Boru and the others: "The government of salt is a major government policy of the country, which is related to the destiny of the country. The court also trusts you and others, so you are called to be responsible, but you and others disregard the trust of the court and treat the salt government as nothing for your own self-interest.

Is it true that the imperial court dare not move you?Or do you think that if you leave you, the people of the world will not be able to eat salt?
Go back, prepare all the accounts of previous years, and then the official will come to check them one by one. "

Facing Jia Lian, Zhou Boru and others who didn't give them an excuse at all, they could only go out silently under the guidance of the officers and soldiers, as when they came.

The difference is that there were seven of them when they came in, but when they went back, there were only six of them.

(End of this chapter)