After the family property is settled, it’s time to deal with the people.

Sitting back in the hall, Jia Lian asked people to escort the men and women of the Zhao family over.

Originally, he wanted to follow normal procedures and take the Zhao family into prison to wait for the court to deal with it. But after seeing the women previously detained in the secret room, Jia Lian changed his mind.

"Zhao Tang, Zhao Ji."

Following Jia Lian's voice, the imperial officers and soldiers immediately took Zhao and his son into custody. Zhao Tang, the master of the Zhao family, had long been without a master and could only plead for mercy. However, Zhao Ji, the eldest son of the Zhao family, seemed to be struggling to his death and kept shouting at Jia Lian about who was behind the Zhao family.

Jia Lian didn’t bother to listen at all.

If he is the Prime Minister and is responsible for purging officials this time, he may be interested in listening to it so that he can follow the clues and catch them all.

But he is not. It was enough for him to be able to resolve the matter within Yangzhou territory.

After all, those courtiers can be fine if they are one or two, but it is really difficult to deal with more than one. At least, it would be difficult to bring down those people based only on the confessions of the Zhao family, but it would be easy to cause trouble.

The most important thing is that the ministers who provide shelter to these salt merchants are not necessarily corrupt officials. After all, he himself is not a celebrity who upholds righteousness and has a clean breeze on his sleeves.

After giving the officers and soldiers a casual look to shut him up, Jia Lian stood up and declared loudly: "The Zhao family sells private salt, embezzles salt taxes, kidnaps and imprisons young girls for sexual pleasure, and also assassinates the king. The imperial envoy has committed a serious crime. Failure to kill him is not enough to show justice.

I have sentenced Zhao Tang and Zhao Ji and his son to be executed at noon tomorrow in the East City! There are twenty-three trusted servants around the Zhao family and his son. He acted as a helper to the tiger, careless about human life, and sentenced to death with a stick."

As Jia Lian pronounced the sentence, both the Zhao family and his son fainted, and the more than 200 servants kneeling in the west of the courtyard were even more stunned. Wails filled the ground, and several people were so frightened that they fainted.

With the Zhao family and his son being imprisoned, the imperial officers and soldiers also pulled out all the Zhao family slaves who had been sentenced to death by Jia Lian and killed them with sticks. In the end, twenty-three people were killed with sticks, and three people were not in the Zhao family and luckily escaped. Jia Lian didn't care, so he just put up a notice and asked the government to arrest him.

The Zhao family is so rich that they have countless servants in their name, as well as servants and assistants to manage various industries. The more than 200 people in front of me are just people living in the main residence of the Zhao family.

Nearly two hundred of them are servants and thugs. There are not many real Zhao family members, only twenty or thirty, and most of them are women.

In fact, considering the crimes committed by the Zhao family and his son, it would not be considered unjust to kill all the slaves around them.. It's just that Jia Lian doesn't like to be implicated. These twenty-three were confirmed through the mouths of the Zhao family's housekeeper and others to be the instigators of the Zhao family and his son.

After the people who deserved to be killed were dealt with, the remaining twenty or thirty Zhao family members and a few men were exiled to the army, and all the women were sent to the Jiaofang.

In fact, only official records are generally eligible for replenishment in Jiaofang. The records of wealthy gentry who committed crimes like this are usually packaged and sold to Goulan brothel. One can imagine the treatment that a sinful woman sold at such a low price would receive.

Innocent? These women enjoy the wealth of the Zhao family, and naturally they have to bear the sins of the Zhao family.

Not innocent? Half of the dozen or so concubines that Zhao and his son had together were taken from them by force. …

In this kind of matter, it is difficult to identify one by one whether someone is innocent or not.

Jia Lian did not have the time and energy to identify them one by one. In the end, he felt a little pity and chose to send them into the classroom. Although the Jiaofang is also in the business of a brothel, after all, the official family is more respectable. There is a relatively sound and humane system in the Jiaofang. The outcome of entering the Jiaofang is likely to be better than selling it to an outside brothel at a low price.

After the women's papers were disposed of, in addition to the piles of property, there were only more than two hundred servants, maids, and servants kneeling on the ground shivering, waiting for the verdict.

"The Zhao family has committed many crimes, and you have worked hard for the Zhao family, and you are all suspected of being an aide. Therefore, it is reasonable for me to implicate you!

But God has It is the virtue of a good life, but I actually don't want to commit more crimes. Now, each person will receive two taels of silver and one thousand yuan as a purchase fee, and everyone can make a living. I hope that after you go out, you can change your past and be a good person. If he commits another crime and falls into the hands of this officer, he will be killed without mercy."

It has been a law for thousands of years that no eggs are left intact after the nest is overturned. Jia Lian also suddenly thought that in the original work, Jia's house was ransacked, and how many innocent children were forced to fall into the dirt, leaving them completely white. He felt somewhat sad in his heart, so he dealt with these low-level servants leniently.

Because according to convention, these people should actually be detained in the inspection station and wait for the government to sell them. Firstly, they can’t be sold for much money, and secondly, with so many people, detention is troublesome and prone to chaos, so it’s better to let them go out and fend for themselves.

As for giving money, it was just because the house was searched without distinction between master and servant, and everything was searched from top to bottom. If you kick them out without giving them any money, on the one hand they will easily cause trouble, and on the other hand many people may not have a chance to make a living.

The dozen or so women rescued from the secret room were also treated in the same way. Even considering that some weak and helpless women would not be able to survive after going out, they could even choose to stay in the Zhao family temporarily, and then join the Zhao family's female volume to join the Jiaofang Division.

After finishing these things one by one, it was already dawn. Jia Lian couldn't help but sigh. Searching a house is indeed a delicate job. If you want to cook it properly, you need to consider too many things.

When he was about to return home, he suddenly saw an extra carriage behind the team, and Jia Lian asked what was going on.

All the guards looked at each other and smiled. Zhao'er stepped forward and whispered in a low voice: "Second Master, don't ask, I picked something good for you. You will know when you get back. Guaranteed Master likes it..."

Jia Lian understood something. He had already turned on his horse and raised the whip in his hand, pretending to give him a whip. After he dodged it, he said: "Say!"< br />
Zhaoer then brought the carriage over and immediately opened the curtain. Sure enough, he could see that there was a beautiful woman in her twenties sitting inside, dressed in colorful clothes!

When she saw Jia Lian, the beauty seemed to be very shy. Sitting in the carriage, she turned her face inward, leaving a beautiful profile to Jia Lian and others outside.

Zhao'er smiled and said: "The second master is so busy and hard working on errands, and there is not even a maid around to serve him. I feel really sad when I see it. So, I specially found someone for the second master. So that the second master can have someone to take care of him while he is on business in Yangzhou."...

These are all nonsense. In fact, it was Zhao'er's keen discovery that Jia Lian was dealing with the Zhao family's daughter. When he was there, his eyes stayed on this girl for a moment longer, and he thought that Jia Lian liked this girl, but he was just embarrassed to show it in public.

As Ma Zai, he naturally has to understand his master’s thoughts at all times. Therefore, he took the decision privately and brought the girl out.

Seeing that Jia Lian remained silent, Zhaoer immediately said: "Second Master, don't worry, the servant did not force her. She is the eighth concubine of the Zhao family, and she is also a poor person.

However, I heard from others that she was great in the past. Not only was she a famous oiran lady in Yangzhou, but she also represented Yangzhou in the entire Jiangnan oiran competition and won the reputation of being the best oiran lady in Jiangnan. Does Er Ye know? , this Jiangnan Oiran Competition is held every year, and almost all the famous brothels in Jiangnan will send people to participate. Only the final winner can win this title."

Liu Xianglian Shi also joked: "He is right. This Jiangnan Oiran Competition is an annual event in the entire Jiangnan. It is hosted by Nanjiofang. First, each prefecture will decide an oiran lady to represent the prefecture and other prefectures in Jiangnan. After the oiran competition, four people were finally selected, known as the four major oirans in Jiangnan for the year. Then the top one from these four oirans was selected as the number one oiran lady of the year.

Although the four great courtesans change from time to time, everyone who can win the reputation of the first court lady can be called the best in the world.It's absolutely gorgeous. ”

Speaking, Liu Xianglian shook her head, as if she was very sorry that such a beautiful girl would marry someone like Mr. Zhao as a concubine.

Jia Lian There was no big reaction after hearing this, he just looked at the beauty in the carriage and asked: "What's your name. "

The beauty seemed to know that life, death, wealth, and honor all depended on Jia Lian's thoughts. She bowed slightly when she heard the words, and then whispered back: "My name is Jiang Yun. "

"How old are you? "

"Twenty-five~"

Although the beauty tried to keep her expression calm, Jia Lian's eyes were burning, and it could still be seen that there was a deep meaning in this woman's beautiful eyes. He was humble and tired.

Since he was once prosperous, he ended up marrying a concubine like Zhao Tang, and his youth was full of ups and downs.

So Jia Lian turned to ask Liu Xianglian: "I know that Erlang has not yet married a wife, and I have heard that Erlang once said that he must have the most beautiful woman in the world before he can start a family. Since Erlang called her stunning just now, how about I give her to Erlang? "

Liu Xianglian was stunned for a moment, and then glanced at Jiang Yun in the carriage, who also glanced at him.

Her heart was moved for a moment, but she shook her head in her heart for a while. As he said, this woman is stunning. However, firstly, he is not yet eighteen this year, and this woman is much older than him. Secondly, he cannot pass the fact that this woman once married someone like Zhao Tang. .

Moreover, although he had said that he would not marry anyone unless he was a stunning woman, it was all in his early years and he had never publicized it, let alone told Jia Lian. Jia Lian actually knew about it, which would have troubled him. He felt both curious and secretly suspicious. He always felt that Jia Lian knew so much about him that he didn’t even know what secrets he had that Jia Lian didn’t know.

“It’s just wine. The wild talk cannot be taken seriously. One of the subordinates is still young and has never considered starting a family. The other is that since he followed the Marquis, he has not made any achievements and does not dare to accept this big reward. ”...

Jia Lian is only two or three years older than Liu Xianglian, so he can naturally understand the real reason for his refusal, and he thinks highly of Liu Xianglian.

He is a real person. Although the wanderer likes beauty, he is not burdened by beauty.

So he told Zhaoer: "Send it back. ”

He likes beauties, and he also admits that this woman is extremely beautiful. If he met her in her prime, he might be tempted to keep her by his side, but for now, forget it.

He had already driven away a charming and upright official like Shen Pan'er in his prime, so why would he accept a famous prostitute who was married to a businessman?

She is very skinny. Important, but he doesn’t only have skin in his eyes. These women, how can there be the fragrance of Sister Lin falling from the sky.

Zhaoer still wanted to stay, but when Jia Lian took one look at her, she immediately felt guilty. When he was about to lead the carriage back, he caught a glimpse of the dark look in the beauty's eyes. Suddenly he mustered up the courage and turned around to look at Jia Lian eagerly.

Seeing Jia Lian's displeasure, he did not dare to hesitate and said quickly: "I don't dare to disobey the second master's wishes. It's because the second master didn't like her that she was not lucky... It's just that this year, this slave She is almost seventeen years old and has not yet married a wife..."

Zhao'er was a little afraid to ask directly.

Jia Lian understood it immediately and laughed.

He had forgotten that Zhaoer was also old enough to marry a wife. It's just that Zhao'er's body is small and she always acts like a ghost in front of him, so he ignores this.

It’s time to arrange for a woman to be placed in the house for him to prevent him from causing trouble. The Jia family has a great business and many servants and maids. It is inevitable that the young servants and maids will secretly be a little contented.

For example, Jia Baoyu’s young servant Ming Yan, who has a big fart, dares to do good deeds in Ningguo Mansion by following Jia Zhen’s maid.

For another example, Zhao’er must have had an affair with Duo’s wife, Duo.

However, it doesn’t make him feel that grace is too demanding.

"You want her to be your wife?"

"Uh, yes, I hope the second master will make it happen!" Although she was a little nervous, Zhao'er also knew Jia Lian didn't like being coy, so he knelt on the ground with a bang and replied loudly.

"Did you know that she was a guilty person and was going to be a member of the Jiaofang Department? Do you also know that with her beauty and her skills as the best courtesan, she was How much money can Fangsi earn for Jiaofangsi?"

Hearing Jia Lian's question, Zhao'er's face changed from green to red, and finally said dejectedly: "I know, it's a slave who has overstepped his bounds, no. It’s time for the second master to be in trouble, and the slave will realize his mistake.”

How could Zhao’er not understand that as a slave, how could he be qualified to enjoy such beauties?

If Jia Lian could choose a slightly more beautiful one from among the maids of the Jia family and give it to him, he should be grateful. Today was just a coincidence. Jia Lian didn't want it, and Liu Xianglian didn't want it, so he dared to tentatively ask for Jia Lian's permission. Seeing that Jia Lian was really angry, he immediately apologized.

"You're giving up now? You're a worthless thing."

Jia Lian Yang cursed and then said: "Let me ask you, do you really want to marry her? ? Don’t mind that she has married someone else, and don’t mind that she is many years older than you?”

Zhaoer sensed a turning point., forcibly suppressing his joy, and said quickly: "I don't mind! I have been with the second master for almost ten years, and I have saved a lot of wife books. ...

As long as the second master can fulfill his wish, I am willing to Take out all your money and redeem her life!"

Hearing what Zhao'er said, even Xing'er and others who were a little jealous at first saw that this kid, He actually moved his heart!

Even Jia Lian did not intend to make things difficult, and turned to look at Jiang Yun: "I heard it all, are you willing?"

Although Jiang Yun also saw that Zhaoer He is just Jia Lian's slave, but based on the conversation just now, he knows that Zhao'er, this slave, has a brighter future than many good young people in the world. What's more, it's rare that he cares about her so much.

Seven or eight years ago, there would have been countless suitors around her, but today, it is hard to even find a place to stay.

She was born in a dusty family, and if she entered the Jiaofang Department as a sin again and wasted her years, she was afraid that the rest of her life would be desolate, so she nodded to Jia Lian.

Jia Lian then said: "In that case, I will help you today. This is your choice. I hope you will cherish this fate, otherwise don't blame me if something goes wrong in the future. . As for the money to ransom her, don’t worry about it. Originally, it was my job as the master for you to marry your daughter-in-law, so now I can take care of it for you.

But she is a sinner after all. Body, the rules cannot be broken. You send her back first, and when you turn around, I will let you take my name card, go to the Jiaofang Department to redeem her, send a fast boat to send her to Beijing, and then marry her to the matchmaker. "

When Zhaoer heard this, he was so grateful that he almost cried. He kowtowed to Jia Lian several times, then stood up and sent Jiang Yun back.

"If you are envious, you can also pick one. However, the premise is that the other person is not married like Zhao'er, and the other person must be willing to follow you, and cannot be forced. How about it, is it fair?"< br />
Looking around, Jia Lian smiled at his son and his soldiers.

Among the girls and maids of the Zhao family, there are indeed some who are well-born. Rather than taking advantage of Jiaofang Si, it is better to take advantage of his people.

Although many people were obviously moved, no one said anything in the end. When it comes to marrying a wife, of course it is better to be clean and innocent. Moreover, as people around Jia Lian, they are not worried about not getting a wife at all.

The most important thing is that not everyone has the dignity of Zhaoer. Why don’t you take the second master with him wherever he goes? Otherwise they would not have the guts to ask for such grace.