"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue's tax officer and Lord Xu are already outside the palace gate. Would you like to summon them in?"
Chen Dachang bowed and asked.
The emperor nodded, "Announce!"
At a command, the tax officer of the Ministry of Revenue and Xu Xianzhi, the left guard of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, came to the hall.
Both knew why they were summoned, so they brought all the necessary evidence, confessions, and the tax and fine bills issued by the Ministry of Revenue. However, they had not yet been able to execute them.
All the evidence and information are now before the emperor.
Cheng Enbo knelt on the ground, sweating profusely.
His gray beard was shaking, and he seemed to have aged ten years in an instant, with a feeling of being in his twilight years.
He raised his head slightly and looked at Gu Jiu who was still sitting on the stool.
Gu Jiu lowered his head and met his gaze expressionlessly.
Their eyes met, but there was no spark, no murderous intent, only calmness.
Yes, Cheng Enbo's eyes were exceptionally calm at this moment, without a trace of tension or fear.
He was obviously nervous inside.
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly, old fox.
After several days of excitement, Cheng Enbo finally calmed down at this moment.
He calmly thought about his own situation and the Zhu family's situation, and calmly looked for solutions.
Obviously, everything Gu Jiu does has a deep meaning.
Whether it was tax inspections or refugees attacking the Earl's Mansion, all of them were aimed at cutting off the Zhu family's cash flow.
One has to admit that Gu Jiu is a very tough opponent. His ability to withstand pressure is also quite strong.
If it were someone else, faced with the same level of commercial suppression, they would have collapsed and admitted defeat long ago.
Not only did Gu Jiu refuse to admit defeat, he also wanted to turn defeat into victory.
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci took a deep breath and admitted that he underestimated Gu Jiu at the beginning.
Gu Jiu not only has a genius business mind, but also has a heart harder than stone.
He opened his mouth and said silently: "I lost!"
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Why did Cheng Enbo admit defeat so abruptly? What was his motive? Was he trying to turn the tables?
She looked towards the emperor.
With the evidence jointly collected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Tax Officer of the Ministry of Revenue, it would be impossible for Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci to turn the tables, unless the emperor had a brain cramp.
She looked at the other person again. What does it mean to admit defeat?
“I lost!”
Once again, Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci said silently.
Gu Jiu frowned slightly, his eyes shifting between him and the emperor.
She knew that Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci wanted to protect himself.
He had a lot of money anyway, so if he lost this round, he could just start over. He just hoped Gu Jiu wouldn't kill him completely.
Gu Jiu smiled slightly, then slowly shook his head at him.
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci was horrified and asked silently, "What do you want?"
Gu Jiu played with the jade bracelet on his hand.
The jade bracelet is of very good quality, with plenty of water and emerald green color. It is pleasing to the eye.
She said nothing and did not respond to Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci.
After bullying her for so long, you want to pretend nothing happened with just a simple "I lost". Do you really think she is an idiot?
What is the energy, time and money she has spent these days?
Is it considered air?
How can there be such people in the world? Do they really think that admitting defeat is worth millions of gold?
I'm not the king of the world. I can't offset everything by saying "I lost".
You dared to take advantage of your age and seniority in the past, so don’t act weak and pitiful just because you are old.
Respecting the elderly and loving the young also depends on the target.
The hall was very quiet, with only the sound of the emperor flipping through pages and his increasingly heavy breathing.
Gu Jiu looked at Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci and she laughed.
You're dead today. Even if you don't die, you'll be skinned alive.
The longer the time went on, the more frightened Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci became.
The sweat on his forehead dripped down and formed a puddle on the floor tiles.
Wei Zhong stood at the side, bowing, looking at Cheng En Bo Zhu Ci with a cold smile. He probably didn't expect this day would come when he was bossing around like that two days ago.
Anyone who dares to point fingers at the Jinwu Guards must be prepared to be skinned alive and have his tendons pulled out.
The emperor turned to the last page.
Bang!
The emperor threw the documents in his hand heavily, his face livid, "Mr. Cheng En, do you admit your guilt?"
Cheng En opened his mouth before Zhu Ci and said, "Your humble servant acknowledges his guilt."
The emperor stood up suddenly, walked down the stairs, and with a rage in his heart, he kicked Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci in the chest, "You deserve to die!"
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci was kicked to the ground and felt pain in his chest.
The emperor's kick almost broke his ribs.
He covered his chest and coughed repeatedly, as if he was bleeding.
"This humble official deserves death!"
Even at this time, he still did not forget to apologize.
The emperor was furious. "Of course you deserve to die. You deserve to be cut into pieces. My kingdom has been ruined by parasites like you."
You've run such a big business for so many years, yet you haven't paid a penny in taxes. You're relying on your wealth to suppress your peers and plunder. Who gave you the guts? Tell me!
As soon as he finished speaking, he kicked Cheng Enbo on the head again.
Cheng Enbo felt dizzy and saw stars in front of his eyes.
He supported his body and tried to stay awake. "I know my crime. I am possessed by evil spirits, arrogant and conceited. I have gone insane and that is why I have done such a thing as suppressing my peers."
"I beg Your Majesty to grant me one more chance to forgive my sins. I am willing to pay the full tax, not a penny less. I am also willing to support Madam Zhao and help her build the area outside the South City Gate. Heaven and earth bear witness to my loyalty to Your Majesty!"
Gu Jiu: “…” Fuck, even at this time, the old fox Cheng Enbo still didn’t forget to trick her.
It's really infuriating.
Gu Jiu looked at the emperor, wondering what decision he would make.
The emperor was in a rage and drew out his sword, slashing wildly at the air.
"I should kill all of you parasites, raid your homes, and exterminate your clans. If killing one clan isn't enough, I'll kill nine. If killing one isn't enough, I'll kill a thousand. Once I've killed all of you parasites, I don't believe anyone else will dare to steal my favor."
Everyone was terrified.
The emperor must be crazy.
What was even more terrifying was that the emperor was slashing wildly with a sharp sword, and was very afraid that he would hit his own head.
The emperor looked so terrifying.
"I am willing to pay the tax of one million taels."
As expected of the emperor's uncle, Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci finally thought of using money to appease the emperor at the critical moment.
He had no choice but to do so.
He is scared!
Afraid of being hacked to death on the spot by the emperor.
In the situation just now, blood could have been seen at any time, and there was no chance of luck.
The emperor held a big knife, breathing heavily, but he no longer chopped and killed indiscriminately.
He stared at Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci and smiled coldly, "One million?"
Zhu Ci, the Earl of Cheng'en, bowed and said, "Yes, yes, I am willing to pay the full one million in taxes."
The emperor sneered, "Tell him how much tax he has to pay."
Tax officer of the Ministry of Revenue: MMP, after waiting for such a long time, it’s finally his turn to show his abilities.
The tax official at the Ministry of Revenue first glanced at Zhu Ci, the Earl of Cheng'en, then spoke aloud, "Your Majesty, according to investigation, the properties registered under the names of Earl of Cheng'en's relatives and friends are subject to an additional tax of 1.05 million taels of silver, plus a fine of 500,000 taels, for a total of 1.55 million taels."
One million and five hundred and fifty thousand taels?
A mouthful of blood rushed to Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci's throat, but he swallowed it back forcefully.
He only hated himself for being so clear-headed at this moment and why he didn't faint?
If I had passed out, I wouldn't have to face such a tragic reality.
The emperor nodded at him. "One million and a half hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver, do you hear me? If you're not happy about it, I don't mind sending the Jinwu Guards to confiscate your property."
Zhu Ci, the Earl of Cheng'en, aged five years in an instant, his back bent. "I acknowledge my guilt. Upon my return, I will pay all taxes and fines as soon as possible."
"I give you five days to raise the money. If you don't pay even a penny, I'll confiscate your property." The emperor showed no mercy. His uncles were nothing compared to the million taels of silver.
Zhu Ci, the Earl of Cheng'en, looked towards the tax official of the Ministry of Revenue and said, "Please cooperate with the Ministry of Revenue and unseal the sealed shops as soon as possible."
The tax official from the Ministry of Revenue nodded in agreement. "As long as Lord Earl promises to pay the taxes in full, all the shops will be unsealed today."
"I will definitely pay the taxes in full." He said this with all his strength.
After saying this, he collapsed to the ground. He wasn't unconscious, just exhausted.
With an income of more than one million taels, the emperor's mood changed from stormy to gentle.
The emperor looked at Gu Jiu and said, "When do you plan to resume work at the construction site outside the South City Gate? If anything happens to the tens of thousands of refugees outside the city, I will hold you accountable."
Gu Jiu bowed and said, "As long as the supplier stops running out of stock and stops raising prices, the construction site outside the South City Gate can resume work at any time."
The emperor hummed, "Who dares to cut off your supply?"
"No one, no one!" Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci struggled to say, "Madam Zhao will leave the palace soon, and all suppliers will continue to supply as usual."
"Oh?" Gu Jiu looked down at Uncle Cheng En, who looked like a salted fish. "Are you serious, Uncle?"
"Of course it's true."
He struggled to his feet. He could admit defeat, but he couldn't bow his head, couldn't lose his pride, couldn't let others look down on him.
He could not accept Gu Jiu's condescending look.
Even though he couldn't even stand steadily.
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "I trust you, uncle. You are a trustworthy person. If you say I will have a hard time, I will have a hard time. If you say the supply will be normal, I believe the supplier will definitely supply the goods normally."
Cheng'enbo Zhu Ci couldn't laugh.
Ten million divine beasts were running wildly through his heart.
The emperor was tired, so he waved his hand and told everyone to get out.
Gu Jiu stepped forward and asked, "Uncle, do you want me to help you out?"
"No need!" Cheng Enbo gritted his teeth. Shameless woman, taking advantage of me and still acting like a spoiled brat.
The emperor is really partial.
The emperor didn't believe a word he said.
The emperor believed everything Gu Jiu said. This woman was no ordinary woman.
Gu Jiu smiled.
She wanted to say: "Cheng Enbo, you have no reason to blame for your loss. His Majesty loves money, but you chose to go against His Majesty and evade taxes. How can His Majesty forgive you?"
In the eyes of the emperor, Gu Jiu and Cheng Enbo were two different people: one shared his worries and paid taxes truthfully, while the other only caused trouble and dared to evade taxes.
Cheng Enbo was only fined without his property being confiscated or his family being exterminated. This was already a special favor given to him because they were relatives.
If the Earl of Cheng'en does not know how to restrain himself, the emperor does not mind raiding the Earl's mansion.
The emperor is so cruel and ruthless.
Gu Jiu saw through this early on.
Therefore, in front of the emperor, she always talked about interests and never talked about blood ties.
…
puff!
As soon as Cheng'enbo Zhu Ci walked out of Xingqing Palace, the blood in his heart could no longer be suppressed and spurted out instantly.
"Oh, Uncle, are you okay? Can you hold on?" Shen Changshi appeared from nowhere and asked with concern.
The servants of the Zhu family supported Cheng Enbo to prevent him from falling.
He waved his hand and said weakly, "Eunuch Shen is worried, but I won't die."
Attendant Shen laughed, "I'm glad you're not dead. Lord, please take care of yourself. His Majesty's only elders are you and the Minister of the Imperial Household. If anything happens to you, the Minister of the Imperial Household will be so lonely."
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci's heart was pounding and he almost vomited blood again.
He endured it with great difficulty and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Shen, for your reminder. I will take good care of myself and live a long life."
"That's great! We are looking forward to your long life, uncle."
After saying this, Shen Changshi waved his hand, and immediately two eunuchs ran out and carried Cheng Enbo out of the palace.
Gu Jiu walked ahead, but she walked slowly, and in the end she almost left the palace with Cheng Enbo.
She got on the carriage first and was about to leave.
When she saw Butler Zhu appear next to Uncle Cheng En, she decided to stay a little longer.
Because Butler Zhu's expression was very solemn.
Butler Zhu was a little flustered. "Master, I just got the news that our ship was hijacked by pirates."
"Were we robbed?" Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci was shocked and felt dizzy.
"Uncle, what's wrong with you? Come quickly!"
Cheng Enbo vomited blood and fainted.
The Zhu family's servants hurriedly carried the man onto the carriage and left in a hurry.
Gu Jiu pondered for a moment and instructed Xu Yousi, "Go and find out what happened to the Zhu family."
"As you command."
Something that could cause Cheng Enbo to vomit blood and faint must be no small matter.
Maybe she'll have a chance to kick someone when they're down.
"Let's go back to the palace!"
…
Cheng Enbo Mansion.
Everyone in the mansion was in a state of mourning. The maids and servants walked lightly for fear of bringing bad luck upon themselves.
The imperial physician examined Lord Cheng Enbo's pulse and illness with a serious expression on his face.
"Doctor, how is my father?"
"Master, your anger has taken a toll on your heart, and coupled with the injuries you've sustained, your condition is quite serious. I'll prescribe two doses of medicine for you to take first."
"Thank you, Imperial Physician."
“It should be.”
Cheng Enbo's forehead was red and swollen, and there was a bruise on his chest. These were all caused by the emperor's kick.
After the imperial physician prescribed the medicine and left, Master Zhu II slammed his fist on the table, "How could such a complete defeat befall him? Is Your Majesty confused? Why would he side with Gu Jiu?"
"Stop talking nonsense."
His words were weak, no longer as vigorous as before, and he sounded very old.
As soon as Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci woke up, he heard the second brother talking without restraint.
He scolded, coughed several times, and then said, "Gu Jiu helped Your Majesty resolve the issue of the stranded refugees and paid all taxes. What reason does Your Majesty have to support our Zhu family? I lost a game, but I don't complain."
"Father, are we just going to admit defeat?"
"What else? Do you want your family to be confiscated and your clan to be exterminated?"
Master Zhu Er shuddered, "Your Majesty wants to confiscate our property?"
"If you don't pay the taxes in full, the next visitors will be the Jinwu Guards." Cheng Enbo said sternly.
He was warning his sons not to do unnecessary things and not to offend the emperor.
Master Zhu's expression was gloomy. "Your Majesty, you really have no mercy on our Zhu family. When Your Majesty ascended the throne, our Zhu family also contributed a lot."
Cheng Enbo said tiredly, "It's boring to talk about things that happened decades ago. There were many heroes back then, not just the Zhu family. So many of them are dead, but we, the Zhu family, are still enjoying prosperity and wealth. So don't complain. Be content!"
Master Zhu asked, "Father, how much tax do we have to pay? And when do we have to pay it?"
When Cheng'enbo Zhu Ci heard this question, he felt extremely upset.
I coughed continuously and finally stopped.
His chest felt like a broken box, and he gasped for breath. "Within five days, you must pay one million five hundred and fifty thousand taels. Boss, you must do this immediately. If you pay even a penny less, His Majesty will confiscate our Zhu family."
Everyone in the Zhu family changed color.
Zhu Er Lao Ye's eyes were red. "Your Majesty, are you deliberately forcing our Zhu family to death? One million five hundred and fifty thousand taels, payable in five days. This is going to empty our family's coffers."
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci was very tired. "Hurry up and do it. If it's too late, the Jinwu Guards will really come to confiscate our house."
Master Zhu nodded heavily, "Son will go and raise funds right away. Father, take good care of yourself and strive for a speedy recovery."
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci nodded and said, "You are the boss, so you should pay more attention."
Master Zhu stood up and left without saying a word.
Master Zhu Er was also sent out.
Butler Zhu brought the boiled medicine into the bedroom personally and served it to Uncle Cheng En.
After drinking the medicine, only the master and servant were left in the room.
Zhu Cicai, the Earl of Cheng'en, asked, "What happened to the ship being hijacked?"
Steward Zhu whispered, "Some merchants have come from the south, saying that pirates are plundering our ships. All three of our ships have been robbed, and none of them have escaped."
Cheng Enbo clenched his teeth tightly, fearing that if he opened his mouth, he would vomit blood.
After a long while, he finally suppressed the rusty taste in his throat and asked with difficulty, "How much property is estimated to be on board?"
Butler Zhu hesitated for a moment before saying, "It's estimated to be three to four million taels of silver."
"Were they all robbed?"
"Exactly!"
puff!
Cheng Enbo Zhu Ci could no longer suppress the rusty taste in his throat, and spat out a mouthful of blood, staining half of the fur quilt red.
"Quick, send someone to the south to get information. I want to know the exact news."
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