Chapter 470 Killing the Chicken to Scare the Monkey

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

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

"What??"

Everyone was shocked and stood up one after another.

Even Zhou Boru, who always had an unchanging expression on his face, could not help but shudder, reluctantly sat on the main seat, and asked: "Is the news true? Where did the officers and soldiers come from?"

"It is said that the imperial envoy sent them into the city to capture the assassins and the remaining gang members. Master, what should we do? Looking at the posture, these officers and soldiers are obviously coming for us, I'm afraid that for a while..."

Before he finished speaking, the housekeeper shouted in the courtyard: "Master, Master, it's not good, there are many officers and soldiers outside the door, surrounding all the doors!"

Zhou Boru suddenly couldn't sit still and stood up all of a sudden, his face was terrifyingly gloomy.

Even if he is like this, let alone several other people, many of them have a look of death on their faces.

As the saying goes, when a scholar encounters a soldier, it is hard to explain why. The same is true for their merchants. They, the salt merchants, have the energy to leverage the figures in the government. They rely on the power of the people behind them, but these are difficult to have any effect in front of the arrogant officers and soldiers.

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

How could he have such boldness and ability to directly attack them without convicting them?

Is it true that if you are an imperial envoy, you can not follow the rules and act arbitrarily? The royal censors and officials in the imperial court are not just for a living.

Although I couldn’t figure it out and even couldn’t believe it, at this moment, I was definitely afraid.

Wang Shanxiang quickly asked Zhou Yan and the housekeeper: "Even the Bai family is surrounded?"

Which of them doesn't know that the Bai family is the Queen Mother's family? Although the Bai family, a Yangzhou salt merchant, is only a branch of the Bai family, it is still good to work for the direct descendants of the Bai family.

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

"Surrounded, all surrounded. Our seven families are all surrounded by officers and soldiers without exception."

Hearing what the steward said, Zhou Yanru hurriedly said : "How is the situation of the imperial envoy's departure? What is the imperial envoy doing?"

He said that the imperial envoy's departure was not prepared by the Yangzhou government for Jia LianThe manor refers to the Yamen of the Salt Patrol Censor. Wherever the imperial envoy lives, that is where the imperial envoy travels.

Although Jia Lian’s people will strictly control the operation, such a large government office will still continue to handle the salt administration, and the people inside will always have to eat. As long as everyone in the past is not kicked out, the salt merchants will have a way to know the situation in the house. It is just a matter of time.

Even if it doesn't work, you can also send someone outside to keep an eye on the movement of the carriage at any time.

"The situation inside the camp is not yet clear, but as stated below, the prefect and others entered the camp early in the morning, but they have not come out yet.

As for The Imperial Envoy..."

When the housekeeper said this, he glanced at the Zhao family master and said: "The Imperial Envoy, it seems, went to the Zhao family with his soldiers."

Hearing this, Mr. Zhao's face suddenly turned pale. He leaned on the table and murmured: "It's over, it's all over..."

Others didn't care to look down on him. Looking at each other, Zhou Yanru said: "It's useless to panic now. Let's go out and see the situation first." National law. From now on, all goods, carriages and horses are not allowed in or out, waiting for the imperial envoy to come to check the accounts and goods, and to interrogate the crime. Anyone who disobeys orders or dares to disobey and resist will be shot to death."

Siege There are not many officers and soldiers living in the Zhou family, but they are all majestic and supervise all the entrances and exits of the Zhou family.

Seeing Zhou Yanru and other principals coming out, the generals on horseback immediately announced their orders.

Zhou Yanru and others hesitated for a moment, then raised their hands to the general and asked, "May I ask where the Imperial Envoy is now? We want to see the Imperial Envoy. Is it possible?"

Jia Yu lowered her head and looked at these gorgeously dressed merchants in front of her, knowing that they were world-famous salt merchants. Normally, these people would have the energy to stir up the whole Jiangnan situation, but now they could only be submissive in front of him.

Containing the turbulence in her 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 or exit, and there are no restrictions on personnel. You gentlemen can do as you please."
< br />When they heard that their access was not restricted, Zhou Yanru and others felt slightly relaxed, and then tense up again.

He had already used violence against them, but he did not restrict their freedom. Did he expect that they would not be able to resist him? I don’t know if Jia Lian is confident or arrogant.

So Zhou Yanru immediately took several other family members and rushed to the Zhao family.

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

All members of the Zhao family, regardless of age or sex, were driven to the front yard. Those who dared to resist and scold would inevitably be beaten, and then they could only watch helplessly as the officers and soldiers moved boxes of treasures and goods to the front yard.

When Mr. Zhao rushed home and saw this scene, he almost fainted on the spot.

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

"May I ask, your Majesty the Imperial Envoy, what does this mean?" Mr. Zhao stepped forward and asked loudly.

Seeing the rightful owner coming, Jia Lian slowly raised his head and took in the expressions of the seven rich men below him.

Didn’t answer Mr. Zhao’s words, but asked coldly: “Are you Zhao Tang?”

“I am Zhao Tang...”

"Take it."

As Jia Lian finished speaking, soldiers immediately came forward, detained the Zhao family master, and took him to the side where he knelt down.

While struggling, he asked loudly: "May I ask, sir, what crime did my Zhao family commit? Although my Zhao family is just a businessman, they also work for the imperial court. The imperial envoy will not teach you. But punish, my Zhao family refuses to accept it!!"

"Execute without teaching? That's interesting. Then I will tell you now what crime your Zhao family has committed.

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

Second, when he saw the matter exposed, he took risks and sent A man assassinated an imperial envoy ordered by the king.

Of these two crimes, which one is not a capital crime? If you confess honestly, I may be able to spare your life. If you dare to quibble again, you will not be spared."< br />
When Mr. Zhao heard this, he was horrified to death.

That’s it for the first one. They have known for a long time that as long as Jia Lian investigates seriously, he will definitely find out that they are selling illegal salt.

But what is this? Of the more than 20 salt merchants in Yangzhou, which one dares to say that they have not done this behind the scenes?

It can even be said that since the salt tax monopoly in the Kingdom of China, the sale of illicit salt has never been completely eliminated. Moreover, most of them are done by salt merchants with salt guides. Because they have the cover of official salt, they are less likely to be exposed when they sell private salt.

But it is not easy to be exposed, which does not mean that it will never be exposed, nor that there is no trace. Not to mention, in the past two years, the sale of illegal salt by salt merchants has indeed become rampant. As long as Jia Lian stays in Yangzhou longer, it will not be too difficult to catch them.

This is also the case, theyThe reason why he made up his mind from the beginning was to win over Jia Lian.

It’s just that Jia Lian’s appetite was too big and it hurt them too much, so they shelved the plan and found another way.

Who knew that Jia Lian would move so quickly and attack them? This is very unscientific. The business has not been settled for a while. Shouldn't we give them some time to think about it?

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

It must be that old dog Wang Shanxiang. Only an arrogant man like him has such courage. That day at the Zhou Manor, he was the first to reveal his intention to assassinate the imperial envoy...

Although he thought so in his heart, Mr. Zhao did not agree with him. He was not stupid enough to bite Wang Shanxiang right away. After all, now it is not just about his Zhao family, but also about the entire Yangzhou Salt Bank.

At this time, unity is very important. If Jia Lian really wants to attack his Zhao family today, he also hopes that the other six families will work together to fight against Jia Lian.

So I just tried my best to cry out injustice.

"Unjustly accused? If I didn't have any evidence, how would I have found your Zhao family?

Come, bring the assassin up."

Then The "assassin" who had appeared in front of Wu Zhirong and others before was immediately taken into custody.

Mr. Zhao naturally knows his slaves. Just looking at this posture, he completely understood that Jia Lian was indeed prepared.

"You are such a slave, I have treated you well over the years, but you are so ambitious that you dare to assassinate the imperial envoy, and dare to slander the Bai family? Do you know, The assassination of the Imperial Envoy is treason and a capital crime. You just want to die. Why don't you drag my entire Zhao family with you to be buried with you?

Why don't you get it right! Who was instructing you? As long as you tell the truth, the Imperial Envoy might be able to spare your life, otherwise, you and your whole family will be dead!"

"Master..."

"Hurry up and say it!!"

Mr. Zhao is still a little quick-witted. He first pointed out that the crime of assassination and conspiracy to treason is an inevitable death penalty. Then use a stern tone to force him to tell the truth. In this way, as long as this slave leaks a few flaws, he can clear away the grievances of the Zhao family.

After all, he is just a slave, and his respect for the master of the Zhao family is deep in his bones. Under the questioning of the master of the Zhao family, he immediately cried and said: "Master, the slave is also unjust. The slave was going home from the shop today. He was attacked and knocked unconscious on the way. When he woke up, he fell in the imperial envoy's cabin and was arrested as an assassin., I was really wronged, and I never thought about repaying the Zhao family..."

When the Zhao family master heard this, he immediately redressed his grievances to Jia Lian.

The other six people Seeing this, they also echoed their words. At this time, they could not watch Jia Lian confiscate the Zhao family.

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

"Please, the Imperial Envoy, make a clear decision and give justice to the Zhao family! "

Wang Shanxiang also took the opportunity and said loudly: "Although your Excellency is an imperial envoy, you must rely on truthful evidence in your actions.

Although the villains have low status, they are also serving the imperial court. We, the salt merchants, contribute nearly 20 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 current prime minister and even the prince praised us salt merchants as people who have made meritorious service to the court.

Sir, please act with caution and don’t let the meritorious people in the world feel cold towards the imperial court! ”

The threat of Wang Shanxiang’s words was obvious. Others were silent, but their silent expressions expressed their attitude.

They indeed believed that they He has made great contributions to the court. Every year, he uses a large amount of real money and silver to find backers in the court. One is to protect the identity of the salt merchant from being taken away, and the other is naturally to be behind the scenes when officials try to extort them. There are people who can help them settle things.

This is their biggest reliance, and it is also the reason why everyone in the world knows that their salt merchants are wealthy, but no one dares to take action against them.

None of the officials or forces that have hindered the interests of their salt merchants over the years have had a good end. Those who have real backgrounds and those who confront them have mostly become their own people.

　So, they are definitely not at the mercy of others. Wang Shanxiang pulled out the flags of the chief minister and the prince to warn Jia Lian not to go too far.

"Hahaha, well said, worthy of the imperial court A meritorious person! "

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

Wang Shanxiang looked blank, but pretended to be calm: "It must have been when your Majesty left the capital that your Majesty gave Shang Fang the sword..."

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly saw Jia Lian. He pulled out the sword and put it against his neck, frightening him all over.

"Now that you know this sword, you should understand that when I go to Yangzhou, I am replacing the imperial court and your majesty. For errands.

How brave are you to threaten me? ”

Hearing Jia Lian’s murderous words, he felt the coldness on his neck.Bingbing's sword blade, Wang Shanxiang's face turned pale, and he finally put away his arrogant attitude: "I don't dare, I don't have it. I don't mean to threaten the adults..."

"Not a threat? Then you What you mean is that you are selling private salt and sending people to assassinate me. Was it the chief assistant and the prince who ordered you?"

The expressions of Zhou Boru and others changed greatly. Forget about Jia Lian drawing his sword, since he is still trying to drag the prince and the chief minister into trouble?

Is he really desperate?

Wang Shanxiang even knelt down in fright with a thud.

No matter how arrogant he is, he knows that these words cannot be accepted. It's just a matter of colluding with salt merchants to sell private salt for profit, and it won't hurt the prince. But even the prince cannot afford to instigate the assassination of 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 also dare to kill him with one sword, right?

Fortunately, Jia Lian did not. Seeing him kneeling down, a trace of arrogant contempt appeared on his face. He slowly inserted his sword into the scabbard, and then said: "I forgive you for being such a coward. You may dare to falsely accuse the Crown Prince.

I also met the Crown Prince before I left the capital with the order. The Crown Prince is dedicated to serving the country and the people. It is not easy for His Majesty to take care of the state affairs, and to observe the hardships of the people's livelihood. .

Knowing that Yangzhou’s salt administration was in chaos, he was very angry. He also specifically asked his officials to investigate the case and severely punish anyone who interfered with it.

And now you are still trying to pull the banner of the prince, thinking that you are absolved? You really don’t know how to live or die."

After saying this in a cold voice, Jia Lian looked at the shopkeeper of the Zhao family : "You assassinated me first and then recanted your confession on the spot. It is really not a pity to die."

As soon as Jia Lian finished speaking, there was a flash of cold light and a terrifying blood stain, followed by The screams of horror and despair spread throughout the Zhao family compound, making everyone who witnessed it tremble.

Many of the Zhao family members who were kneeling in the distance were frightened and started crying. For a while, the sound of wailing could not be heard.

Looking at the Zhao family servant lying in a pool of blood, Jia Lian's mind did not change.

The so-called assassination was just a famous trick for his actions tonight. Also to stop the mouths of the backers behind these salt merchants.

Although he knew that Emperor Ningkang was here, even if he killed all the big salt merchants, Emperor Ningkang would probably be able to withstand the pressure and would not do anything like killing the donkey.

However, he has to think more about himself.

He was an imperial envoy who was sent out of Beijing on orders. How dare these salt merchants assassinate him? This has beenCompletely against the rules.

You must know that even in a court battle, you will not resort to assassination. To put it bluntly, these salt merchants are just citizens, not even officials.

It is already a heinous crime to kill an official by the people. The one who was killed was the imperial envoy ordered by the king? With these words on the table, no matter how hard he dealt with these salt merchants, the people behind them would not be able to say anything.

In this way, even if someone impeached him, the pressure on Emperor Ning Kang would be much less.

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

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

Needless to say, it goes without saying that the Bai family does not look at the face of the monk but the face of the Buddha. Princess Zhaoyang treats him so heartfeltly, so he must save some mercy.

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

Adhering to the principle of step by step, he picked and chose. This is the Zhao family who is the most suitable to be stabbed in the head.

So this servant of the Zhao family was naturally captured by him, and he was a shopkeeper of the Zhao family. The salt merchants have huge interests in the salt industry. In order to protect these interests, the slaves they raise are more vicious than the last.

It just so happened that this shopkeeper was a well-known one among them, and it was estimated that he had more than one murder in his hands, so he could use his life to scare these salt merchants.

With the death of the shopkeeper of the Zhao family, all the salt merchants seemed to understand some of the situation and fell silent.

Jia Lian walked back to the hall, looked down at them and said: "The Zhao family violated national laws and assassinated the imperial envoy. After all the family property was checked and counted, it was transferred to the national treasury. Zhao Tang, the master of the Zhao family, They will all be detained where they are, and will be dealt with according to national law after being examined one by one by the officials."

No one spoke, and no one dared to protest.

Everyone is afraid that the next person lying on the ground will be themselves. Even the master of the Zhao family sat slumped on the ground and said nothing.

Then Jia Lian looked at Zhou Boru and others: "Salt policy is a major political matter of the country and is related to the destiny of the country. The court also trusts you, so it makes you responsible, but you have ignored the trust of the court and acted for your own selfish interests. Treat the salt policy as if it were nothing.

Is it true that the court does not dare to touch you and others? Or does it think that without you and others, the people of the world will not be able to eat salt?

Everyone go back and prepare. I have collected all the accounts from previous years, and I will come to check them one by one."

Faced with the fundamental uncertaintyJia Lian, Zhou Boru and others who defended them could only silently go out under the guidance of the officers and soldiers as they came.

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