Chapter 925: Choking Their Throats
The rich and powerful are powerful and wealthy. In the eyes of outsiders, the rich and powerful are arrogant, but in fact, they are no different from scoundrels in many cases.
Knowing how to read the wind and being able to bend and stretch is a family heirloom of the powerful.
Dozens of dignitaries came to the Ministry of Revenue today.
"Where's the tea?"
"You, the head of the Ministry of Finance, don't even have any snacks?"
"There's not even a stool. Do you want me to stand and wait for Jiang Qingzhi?!"
"This is just a show of force for us!"
"It seems that today is the Hongmen Banquet!"
"Long Wilbur thinks that forcing us is not enough, and wants to kill us all?"
"If that's the case, we will surrender and just kill him. When we meet Emperor Chengzu in the underworld, we will have a clear conscience."
"When our ancestors followed Emperor Chengzu in his campaigns, I wonder what they would think if they knew their children and grandchildren would be forced into such a situation."
"What can you think? Our lives were not like this when Emperor Chengzu was alive."
"Hey! Some people say we are parasites, eating and drinking for free."
"Free food and free drink? I have been practicing archery and military tactics since I was a child. I also want to serve the country and be loyal to Your Majesty, but I don't have the opportunity."
"That's right, Benbo also wants to lead the army to fight..."
A group of dignitaries made sarcastic remarks, but several officials from the Ministry of Revenue said nothing when criticized and ordered people to prepare stools and tea.
Several people walked out of the hall, and the leading official whispered, "Something might happen today. Let them know later. Don't get close."
"What the Shangshu means is..."
"Earlier, I accidentally heard the Shangshu sigh and said that something might happen today." The official whispered, "These dignitaries are full of anger and hate Chang Wei Bo to the core. Chang Wei Bo probably sensed it and was a little scared, so he made amends this time... But it made these people think he was scared."
"Tsk! These people are so proud of themselves just because Long Wilbur showed weakness."
"Chang Wei Bo is a master at using troops, but I never expected that he would fail sometimes."
"This matter is of great importance... something just happened recently that made these powerful people furious. According to tradition, they would give these people money and food at the end of the year... but they didn't this year!"
"You said you have no money?"
"We are out of money. The war consumed all the savings of the Ministry of Revenue, and we also owe some debts due to the disaster. The Minister said that we have to tighten our belts this year. A while ago, His Majesty mentioned the issue of rewarding the rich and powerful, but the Minister pushed back."
"No wonder I was wondering why these people were so dissatisfied with us."
At this time, several dignitaries came outside, and the leader was Qiu Luan.
Qiu Luan didn't want to come, but he unexpectedly learned that both princes would come to the Ministry of Revenue today, which represented the Taoist's support.
Now that the Taoist has taken action, everyone has to give him some face.
"Who else hasn't come?" Qiu Luan asked.
Someone had previously said that he was sick and couldn't come.
After that, many more powerful people in the capital fell ill.
The military hero beside him gloated: "At least more than thirty people."
"That would be a lot of fun, wouldn't it?" Qiu Luan sneered, "If I had known this, I would have gotten sick too."
But Qiu Luan wanted to see Jiang Qingzhi's frustrated and humiliated look, so he changed his mind.
"Marquis Xianning is here?"
After entering the lobby, a group of dignitaries were quite friendly to Qiu Luan.
"Marquis Xianning has been getting close to those scholars and officials recently. Can you introduce them to him someday?"
"Easy to say."
"Marquis Xianning, this way." Several old friends waved. When Qiu Luan was down and out, these people avoided him like dog shit, but today they were particularly friendly.
Qiu Luan smiled and said, "Why do you see everyone is so furious?"
Someone sneered, "I don't believe that you, Qiu Luan, don't know. Didn't the Marquis's Mansion declare the land and population? How did I know that you were the first to declare?"
That was Qiu Luan's enemy. Qiu Luan said calmly, "Jiang Qingzhi is so aggressive that even the Prime Minister has to bow his head. How can I be so virtuous... If you, Zhang Yun, are willing to take the lead, I am willing to follow. Do you dare?"
Zhang Yun sneered but was speechless.
Even if he had ten times the courage, he would not dare to be the leader... Jiang Qingzhi had been looking for a monkey to kill to intimidate the dignitaries in the capital. Everyone knew it, especially when the news that Yan Song had taken the initiative to report it came out, it surprised the dignitaries in the capital.
That’s Yan Song!
Even as greedy as Yan Song and his son were, they had no choice but to bow their heads.
Are we a bird?
Duke Chengguo Zhu Xizhong also applied. As Jiang Qingzhi's elder brother, the Duke Chengguo's mansion was particularly quick to pay. It was said that the Duke's wife said: Whatever the second master wants, there is no need to ask the Duke and me, just take it.
The old dandy's family was so caring and devoted to Jiang Qingzhi that outsiders envied them.
As a military hero and the most powerful person in Ming Dynasty, Duke Chengguo's Mansion has declared it, so what should the rest of the powerful people do?
The leaders of the civil servants, Yan Song and his son, who ruled the Ming Dynasty, also declared themselves. So, what would happen to the remaining civil servants?
Qiu Luan was chatting with his old acquaintances and thinking about the discussions he had heard at the gathering of great scholars in the capital that day.
——Jiang Qingzhi hit the snake at its weakest point, and his first move was a killing move. Yan Song was the loyal dog of His Majesty, and when His Majesty launched the new policy, Jiang Qingzhi took him as the first target.
——Duke Chengguo is his elder brother and a close minister to His Majesty. People say that one should not avoid relatives when selecting talents, but this guy is the best. He first harms his own family before harming others. Duke Chengguo is afraid that he can only swallow his tears.
——You only saw his ruthlessness, but you didn’t see his layout. Both Yan Song and Zhu Xizhong stood on the side of the new policy.
The civil officials and the powerful leaders were the first to follow, so what should the rest do? If they followed, it would be like taking the initiative to side with Jiang Qingzhi. If they didn't follow... who could guarantee that Jiang Qingzhi wouldn't murder their own family?
He seemed to be driven to despair by the powerful and us, but he quietly threw the problem to us. Should we... follow him, or not?
Then the great scholars sighed and some cursed Jiang Qingzhi, while others said that they should just join forces, that is, to form an offensive and defensive alliance. Either declare together, or bow together.
Qiu Luan watched coldly, and the great scholars expressed their opinions one after another: they would rather die than bleed, but it was absolutely impossible to declare!
The dignitaries present at the moment were also like this... "No matter what Jiang Qingzhi says today, we will oppose it."
"If you are timid, you don't need to speak, just keep silent."
"it is good!"
The offensive and defensive alliance was reached instantly.
There was a tacit understanding, and the hall fell strangely silent.
As if they were all waiting for something.
Qiu Luan sensed some tense atmosphere and was startled. He looked carefully and saw several old friends glancing outside from time to time.
It seems like expectation, but also like fear.
Are these people expecting Jiang Qingzhi to come earlier so that they can vent their anger?
As for fear, Jiang Qingzhi killed the monkey of Guangningbo, which made these people afraid?
Qiu Luan felt that it would not be necessary. As someone said, the law does not punish the masses. If all the powerful people were to be killed, not even Emperor Taizu Gao would dare to do so, let alone Jiang Qingzhi.
Once the powerful are forced into a corner, the energy they have accumulated over the years will erupt like a volcano.
This power can change the world... Does Emperor Jiajing dare to gamble with his country and people?
He doesn't dare!
Thinking of this, Qiu Luan's breathing quickened for a moment, and she wished Jiang Qingzhi would appear immediately.
"Meet Long Wilbur!"
"Chang Wei Bo, the minister has something to do, so I will wait for your instructions."
"Is Old Lu trying to avoid paying his debts? Tell him that it's the end of the year and if he doesn't pay the rent, I'll use his original Yan Zhenqing paintings to pay off the debt."
"You're joking."
"I'm not kidding. I heard that the Ministry of Revenue is having a hard time at the end of the year? Actually, I have a solution."
"Please give us some advice, sir." There was more joy in the official's voice.
“Issuing bonds.”
“Issuing bonds?”
"It's lending. They promise interest, issue bonds for one or several years, and pay the principal and interest when they mature."
"what!"
"Wonderful!"
"That's a good idea. I'll report it to the Minister right away."
"It's not urgent."
"My Lord, you don't know that the end of the year is coming and everyone needs money. Our Ministry of Revenue has racked its brains for this. We have been tearing down the walls in one place and patching up the gaps in the other. We are so exhausted that we can't even afford the money. Everyone is complaining about this. If this matter can be resolved, our Ministry of Revenue will certainly burn incense for you morning and evening... Thank you, my Lord!"
"Run slower! Damn it! Look, you didn't listen to my advice and now you're dead!"
"Lü Song has been begging for alms recently. People in Nanjing said that they can't make ends meet because they have no money or food. Your Excellency's random idea can help the Ministry of Revenue overcome the difficulties. I think it would be better for Your Excellency to be the Minister of Revenue."
"Minister of Revenue! Tired!"
"It is customary for the prime minister to concurrently serve as the minister of the six ministries. Wang Yiqi should be promoted or transferred to a new position given his seniority. How about the Ministry of War?"
"If I went to the Ministry of War, I'm afraid those military nobles would be terrified."
"Yes, these people have complicated connections in the army. With Lord Earl's methods, once he takes action, it will be like thunder and lightning, and all those connections will be cut off. If those people lose these connections, they will lose a leg..."
The sound of breathing could be heard in the lobby, but no one said a word.
This is a threat!
Qiu Luan's eyes turned slightly cold. He didn't expect Jiang Qingzhi to dare to do this.
So, what are these powerful people waiting for?
What about anger?
Burst out!
"Jiang Qingzhi, you..."
Someone spoke up and Qiu Luan was secretly happy. Just as he was about to join in, the lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.
Qiu Luan looked over and saw Jiang Qingzhi standing at the door, looking at everyone calmly, "Are you all here?"
The powerful person who was about to scold suddenly stepped back. He lowered his head and quietly hid behind a tall powerful person.
It was as if Jiang Qingzhi's gaze was a sharp sword that could kill him in an instant.
"Meet Long Wilbur!"
The dignitaries saluted with fake smiles, some even with their lips but not their hearts.
The atmosphere is gradually changing.
"Is there something that Chang Wei Bo summoned us here today? If there is something, hurry up. If there is nothing, hurry up too. I have to go home to take care of the baby!"
A provocative way from a powerful person.
"Hahahaha!"
Everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Jiang Qingzhi did not take it as an offense and said calmly: "I asked you to wait here today because there is a big deal."
"Hahahaha!" Everyone was still laughing.
"Lift the ban on sea trade. Use navy warships to escort merchant ships out to sea. Merchants in the southeast who smuggled overseas previously made dozens of times the profit after one trip out to sea!"
moment.
The laughing dignitaries seemed to be strangled by an invisible hand.
The laughter stopped suddenly!
(End of this chapter)
