Chapter 256 Self-righteousness
With just one question from Princess Yong, Jiang Yu knew her purpose for today. Her expression became even more indifferent, though she wondered if Prince Yong had gone to see the Emperor.
Then Princess Yong said, "I heard that after Jufeng Money Shop was restructured, no other money shops besides Jufeng Money Shop have the right to issue banknotes?"
Jiang Yu remained silent, simply observing her calmly until the Princess Consort of Yong became somewhat annoyed. Only then did he say, "Your Highness, I apologize, but I cannot disclose the specific details of the reform at this time."
"you...."
Princess Yong was furious that Jiang Yu had shown her such disrespect, pointing a finger at her with obvious annoyance. Jiang Yu, of course, was unfazed. Leaning back in her chair, she said casually, "Your Highness is a member of the royal family. Why don't you go directly to the Emperor for help?"
Princess Yong withdrew her hand from Jiang Yu. She had considered having Prince Yong plead with the Emperor, but he refused as soon as she spoke. At the time, Prince Yong had told her in a harsh tone that the Ling family's request to marry Ya Lin at this time was merely a ploy to get them to profit from Baoyuan Money Shop.
She wasn't stupid; she naturally understood the Ling family's intentions. However, Ya Lin's decision to break off the engagement and then go to Xie Ning'an caused quite a stir, leaving her with virtually no reputation in the capital.
So, who should she marry?
A marriage between a legitimate son and a commoner is impossible, and she wouldn't let her daughter marry a son of a concubine. Even if she married into a poor family, if the man was unscrupulous, life would still be difficult. Although the Ling family were merchants, they were wealthy, and Ling Qichen was her nephew. Knowing them well, after Ya Lin married into the family, her husband would be her cousin, and her mother-in-law her aunt; she certainly wouldn't suffer any mistreatment.
Is it possible for the Ling family to be two-faced?
Princess Yong believed that as long as the Yong Prince's Mansion remained standing, the Ling family wouldn't dare to act. The Ling family still needed to rely on the Yong Prince's Mansion to gain more benefits. That's why she stepped in to help the Ling family's Baoyuan Money Shop profit.
At that time, Prince Yong also said, "The reason why Jufeng Bank has the right to issue banknotes is because Jufeng Bank now belongs to the imperial court. If Baoyuan Bank also wants to have this right, then the Ling family will hand over Baoyuan Bank to the imperial court."
It was impossible for Baoyuan Money Shop to hand over its assets to the imperial court, so she compromised and asked Prince Yong to tell the emperor that the annual tax revenue should be exchanged and handed over to Baoyuan Money Shop.
Upon hearing her words, Prince Yong flew into a rage. "Hasn't the Ling family made enough money? Why do they insist on focusing on the reform and profiting from it? Doesn't the head of the Ling family understand that whether it's issuing banknotes or exchanging taxes, the Emperor wants to bring it under the control of the court? The Ling family is using Ya Lin's marriage to coerce you into doing something impossible for them. Tell the Ling family that I cannot do this. If they want something they can't have, then the marriage is off."
Prince Yong stormed off, leaving his wife in tears. Since their marriage, he had rarely raised his voice to her, let alone reprimanded her. However, she didn't think the Ling family's demands were excessive. The Emperor's desire to control the issuance of banknotes and tax revenue was simply a desire for more income. The Ling family could easily concede to the court!
After thinking about it all night, she decided to ask Jiang Yu to make an exception for her. She didn't believe Jiang Yu would refuse if the offer was generous enough. Who would complain about having too much money?
Seeing that Jiang Yu was somewhat unyielding, Princess Yong suppressed her anger and haughtiness and said, "Duke of Chu, the issuance of silver notes is a matter of great importance, and it is right for the court to keep a close eye on it. However, the matter of converting tax revenue into tax silver can be entrusted to Baoyuan Money Shop, can't it?"
Jiang Yu remained silent. Princess Yong, unsure of her meaning, pondered for a moment before adding, "The matter of tax revenue exchange used to be handled by Jufeng Money Shop. It's perfectly acceptable to hand it over to Baoyuan Money Shop now. Besides..."
She looked into Jiang Yu's eyes and said earnestly, "As long as things can be accomplished, you, Duke of Chu, will naturally receive your share of the benefits. Every year, the Ling family will provide the Duke of Chu's mansion with generous tributes."
Jiang Yu's lips curled into a slight sneer. This mediocre Princess Consort was truly arrogant; she didn't even know how to tailor her gifts to the recipient's taste. Did she lack money? With her current wealth, how much silver would the Ling family need to offer her to entice her? The mediocre Princess Consort probably hadn't even considered that question.
Of course, even if the Ling family gave her the entire Baoyuan Money Shop, she wouldn't agree.
"Your Highness, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave. I cannot do what you have asked."
She stood up and was about to leave when Princess Yong, seeing this, could no longer suppress her anger. She also stood up, looked at Jiang Yu's delicate yet heroic face, and said, "Duke of Chu, don't think that just because you've solved two major cases, your future career will be smooth sailing."
Jiang Yu turned to look at her, a bright smile on his face, "I will remember what Princess Yong said."
She strode out, and as she reached the door, she heard a loud crash as a teacup shattered on the floor. Without stopping, she walked straight out of the private room, a faint smile still on her face.
Originally, there was no intention to target Baoyuan Money Shop. Now that they're showing signs of activity, using Baoyuan Money Shop as a warning and a way to intimidate them wouldn't be a bad idea. Of course, the plan to use the King of Lingnan as a scapegoat remains unchanged.
She's just that kind of vengeful person; she wants to tell some people that she's not easy to talk to, and they shouldn't come to her and act tough all the time.
Upon returning to the government office, she summoned Li Zhengze and the others to her office. After learning about their work progress, she said, "Go and inform Baoyuan Money Shop to recall the silver notes they issued within a month."
Upon hearing her words, Li Zhengze and the others were all shocked. Although Baoyuan Money Shop wasn't as large as Jufeng Money Shop, it was still a well-known name. Baoyuan Money Shop issued a considerable number of silver notes each year, and if they were all exchanged within a month, it certainly wouldn't have enough cash on hand. At that point, Baoyuan Money Shop would face the risk of bankruptcy.
They expected Jiang Yu to make an example of a money exchange as a warning to others, but they didn't expect it to be Baoyuan Money Exchange, since Baoyuan Money Exchange's backer was Prince Yong. Although Prince Yong didn't participate in court affairs, he still had influence with the emperor.
However, having followed Jiang Yu for so long, they understood her temperament and knew she must have her reasons for doing this. After a moment of surprise, they quickly regained their composure.
Anyway, it's none of their business. They'll just do whatever their superiors tell them to do. As for how Jiang Yu is fighting against Prince Yong, they're curious, but they won't ask any further questions.
However, while Jiang Yu told them to go about their business, Li Zhengze stayed behind and asked Jiang Yu, "Will Prince Yong complain to the Emperor later?"
Jiang Yu smiled and said, "I'm just waiting for him to complain."
Seeing her confidence, Li Zhengze felt relieved and went to attend to his own business. Actually, he was struggling with many things right now, but with his father's help, he didn't feel much pressure.
On the happiness of having a good father!
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