"Don't complain to me about having to support a large family, your salary isn't enough, and you need to supplement it by doing business. Count how much land you've been given as rewards, how much salary you've received, and how much you've contributed to the court since you were granted the title."
"Look at your children and grandchildren. How many of them serve the country? How many of them idle away their time, living off their parents? If they can't pass the imperial examinations, how many of them will pursue studies in martial arts or modern sciences?"
The emperor's voice echoed through the hall, striking the nobles' hearts hard. It was a harsh remark, almost like pointing at their noses and scolding them as useless wastes who were just waiting to die.
Zhu Youxiao had no good feelings towards these nobles. When the Ming Dynasty fell, how many of them were willing to share the fate of the country? Only a few.
On the contrary, they surrendered very actively, and some even welcomed the King of Rebellion openly, such as Duke Cheng of Cheng, Zhu Chunchen. They received state salaries and rewards for hundreds of years, but had no gratitude or desire to repay their country. They were even worse than eunuchs.
"Duke Chengguo..." Zhu Youxiao took a deep breath and began to call out names with a gloomy face.
"I'm here." Duke Chengguo Zhu Chunchen stepped forward and bowed.
Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Why hasn't your caravan disbanded? What about your shops in the capital and Yangzhou? Why are they still operating?"
Zhu Chunchen swallowed and wanted to defend himself but couldn't think of any excuse.
This matter is a big deal, but if it is disobeying the imperial order, it depends on whether the emperor will show some mercy to the nobles and let them go.
Besides, the emperor has just blocked the excuse of family difficulties. You still say that? You are asking for trouble!
"Your Majesty," Zhu Chunchen said with a bitter face, trying to come up with a reason. "It's not that I don't want to obey your order, but business matters involve so many things, with debts and repayments, that it's extremely complicated and troublesome. I hope Your Majesty can give me some more time."
Are you going to continue dragging it out? Do you think I have a bad memory, or that this policy is just a passing fad?
Zhu Youxiao pursed his lips and said calmly, "Since it is a complicated matter and has not been handled properly for such a long time, I will send someone to help Duke Cheng."
Zhu Chunchen was stunned for a moment, not knowing how the emperor would help him.
The other people in the hall were also confused and exchanged glances with each other, revealing expressions of confusion and suspicion.
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