After entering the city, Zhu Youxiao quickly found a place to stay.

In fact, this place had already been arranged by Chen Hong, and the people here are basically his own people.

After a brief rest, Zhu Youxiao called someone over.

Looking at the middle-aged man in front of him, Zhu Youxiao looked him up and down.

He was a typical northern man, tall, dark-skinned, and with an honest appearance. Anyone who believed he was as honest as he looked would be completely deceived by him.

Zhu Youxiao's understanding of this person was basically what he heard from Chen Hong.

This man was originally a horse dealer in the north. He had done a lot of business over the years, relying on his honest appearance to deceive many people. However, business in the north was becoming increasingly difficult, and the merchant monopoly was becoming more and more serious. Naturally, it was difficult for a small businessman like him to survive.

After a business failure, he was at his wit's end, and he was taken in by the Imperial Guards, becoming their spy in the north, helping them with their business. This was a great opportunity for him to be put to good use.

"Zhang Cheng," Zhu Youxiao looked at him and said slowly, "How long have you been in Zhangjiakou?"

"My lord, it's been more than ten years." Zhang Cheng said respectfully.

Nodding, Zhu Youxiao said, "Then let's talk about smuggling here. It is said that many people who do big business have their own ways, and I really want to know the tricks here."

Hearing this, Zhang Cheng quickly said, "It's called a trick, but it's actually very simple. To put it bluntly, it's not worth mentioning. It's nothing more than collusion between officials and businessmen to engage in smuggling."

Zhang Cheng looked at Zhu Youxiao and said, "We sell whatever is in short supply on the grassland. Business is always like this. What is in short supply is what is valuable."

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said with a smile: "That makes sense. Let me hear it."

"Yes, sir." Zhang Cheng nodded quickly and said, "Trade between the Ming Dynasty and the grasslands has always been like this. The things that the grasslands lack are nothing more than silk, tea, porcelain, and ironware. Some things are allowed by the court, such as tea and porcelain; some are not, such as ironware and various military weapons. Those caught will be beheaded. In this situation, the more banned something is, the more profitable it is. Ironware is the biggest part of the trade."

Zhu Youxiao nodded.

Arms smuggling is a big business not only in this era but also in the future.

Seeing Zhu Youxiao's interest, Zhang Cheng felt relieved.

It's good that Your Majesty is interested. If Your Majesty is not interested in these things, that would be really bad.

Zhang Cheng continued, "Ironware is what the grasslands are most interested in, and it also has the highest trading value. There are two key purchases: one is military equipment, and the other is iron ingots."

"The price of iron ingots is relatively low. After all, the people on the grasslands still have to forge them themselves after buying them. However, their skills are limited, so they prefer forged weapons."

"The arms trade has always been a closely guarded secret, but some things become known over time, and concealment becomes impossible. It's basically a collusion between officials and businessmen, and even within the border troops. Those officers receive generous rewards, and generally turn a blind eye. Under these circumstances, the trade naturally grew in scale."

"Because iron ore was profitable, many merchants made their fortunes through smuggling, ultimately invading legitimate trade. These people had the capital and connections to the government, making it difficult for ordinary businesses to compete. Zhangjiakou operates according to its own rules, and the Shanxi merchants usually have the final say."

"These Shanxi merchants have iron ore, and they're daring and willing to work hard. Now they've basically monopolized this area. They're banding together with their fellow villagers and constantly encroaching on the market. No one here can compete with them anymore."

After hearing this, Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "I see, then do you know who is the biggest seller here?

This is very important to Zhu Youxiao. As long as he knows who the seller is, he can take action.

As for investigating the case, Zhu Youxiao simply didn't have the patience, and as an emperor he didn't need to investigate the case.

Sometimes we have to learn from Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang. If he doesn't like you, he will make up a case and involve you all.

After hearing this, Zhang Cheng quickly said, "Sir, the largest merchant family in Zhangjiakou is the Fan family."

Zhu Youxiao was not surprised and asked, "But is it Fan Yongdou's Fan family?"

"It's the Fan family," Zhang Cheng nodded. "In the early Ming Dynasty, the Fan family was a prominent local clan. For many years, the Fan family has been doing business in Zhangjiakou, spanning seven generations. By the time of Fan Yongdou, he had become a wealthy Han Chinese merchant specializing in trade with the grasslands. He was known as 'a merchant in a border town, known for his integrity.'"

"They have great influence and prestige in the local area, and are very, very famous. If you ask around, everyone knows about the Fan family. They are very, very famous. They also have many connections with local officials and military officers."

"Okay, let's start with him." Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "You can go down."

"Yes, sir." Zhang Cheng said quickly, bowing and retreating.

After Zhang Cheng left, Zhu Youxiao glanced at Chen Hong beside him and said, "Send Cui Yingyuan over."

This time, the newly appointed commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard also followed Zhu Youxiao to Zhangjiakou.

After hearing Zhu Youxiao's call, Cui Yingyuan hurried over.

You know, he's burning with anger right now. Ever since he got promoted in Shandong, his heart hasn't been at peace.

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