Chapter 278 Using the Prince of Chang'an as a warning to others^^……
The Ministry of Revenue was filled with the sound of abacuses. The Left Vice Minister hurriedly ran by carrying a thick stack of papers. Zhang Ting, who was passing by, quickly bowed to him and said, "Greetings, Vice Minister Left!"
But the official was in such a hurry that he didn't even have time to reply.
"What's going on? Haven't the salaries been calculated yet?" Zhang Ting asked, puzzled. A minor official passing by glanced over knowingly.
"I heard that when His Majesty was in Liuzhou, he could make paper from hemp and tree bark, so the paper used for the ration coupons wasn't expensive and it wasn't worth much money to make. Didn't we issue Taiyuan notes? The first batch of finished paper transported from other places was all distributed immediately... The paper issued these past few days has all been made in the city itself. The Vice Minister must be busy with this, it seems like he's encountered some difficulties."
Zhang Ting was an expert in business, and without batting an eye, he calculated how much profit was involved. He immediately breathed a sigh of relief for the new emperor: "...New paper is good, it saves a lot of money."
These past few days, seeing the vast sums of money being spent in the imperial court has terrified Zhang Ting, who feels sorry for the new emperor.
He made a decision: "I'll go see if the Vice Minister can help me with anything."
The minor official knew that Zhang Ting was a favorite of the emperor, and watched him enviously as he chased after him.
The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue was arguing with another person in a room in the Ministry of Works.
"The newspaper cannot be delayed! Lord Qin has gone to clear out the bad currency, and we must finish the first issue before then. This is what His Majesty personally instructed us to do!"
The Left Vice Minister frowned deeply and questioned him, "What newspaper could be more important than Thai Yuan notes? The money shops are short of funds these days; can they really let the people know that there isn't enough paper?"
“If we don’t have enough Thai baht notes, we can use silver dollars for now, but newspapers are of great importance!” Lu Yu emphasized with great distress. “What do those people with their inferior currency know? If someone stirs things up, and they hear that the government has banned the use of private currency, how can they not cause trouble?”
In my past life, countless troubles and unnecessary problems arose because powerful families and wealthy households were unwilling to accept the new emperor's revocation of the minting rights. And what about the common people who didn't understand the court's compensation offers, were incited, and rose in rebellion in despair… How can that be accounted for? They lost their lives in vain!
If it weren't for the fact that the new emperor's reign was unstable and the country was in grave danger, forcing him to act ruthlessly and quickly, unlike this time when he had no time to lay the groundwork...
"If we publish more newspapers, we can spread the word everywhere in teahouses and restaurants, and reduce the number of people who are ruined!" Lu Yu's righteous words left the Left Vice Minister speechless.
Left Vice Minister: "..."
Zhang Ting's eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the familiar face: "Lu... isn't this Lord Lu?"
The word "prefect" almost slipped out.
"Alas, it's nothing to mention! I've been transferred back to the capital." Lu Yu cupped his hands in a smug smile, his hateful fat face full of petty triumph. "His Majesty has entrusted me with the important task of printing newspapers."
This is much more reliable than staying in Liuzhou and relying on old connections and past grievances!
He was quick-witted and adept at navigating social situations. He was usually hated because of his good looks, but since he took charge of the newspaper, he was surrounded by people who fawned over him and lived a very happy life.
"You two, calm down." The paper-making craftsman couldn't afford to offend even a high-ranking official, but he was someone who had accompanied His Majesty all the way to Liuzhou, so he had his own unique insights. He mediated, "There isn't enough paper... If you keep arguing, it will take time to make new paper! We can still mint silver coins. I apologize to the official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue."
The Left Vice Minister was secretly resentful, but had no choice but to sigh and accept the outcome.
Zhang Ting sighed thoughtfully, "The saying 'paper in Luoyang is expensive' is truly well-deserved!"
Even the 'cheap paper' specially made by the new emperor was so sought-after when supply couldn't meet demand.
But after a moment's thought, he understood why the new emperor hadn't started a newspaper earlier, but only at this crucial juncture—what would happen if such a powerful tool for consolidating rule and the weighty responsibility of guiding the people were placed in the hands of the retired emperor?!
Just like the new weapons and gunpowder that the Ministry of War has been developing lately, these things have to be kept tightly under wraps until the new emperor ascends the throne.
The Qin Residence in Beijing.
"Madam, please be careful with your eyes," the head maid advised, but she couldn't persuade the lady to put down the knee pads she was embroidering.
"My husband is facing a dangerous mission this time, and we don't know when he'll be back. There's nothing else I can do." Qin Liusong frankly told his wife that they had only been married a short time and had spent little time together. The newlywed bliss made their separation all the more difficult.
"I've heard that General Yang is invincible in battle. With him leading the army to suppress the rebellion, and since Master is a scholar, he won't be in danger if he's at the forefront," the head maid advised from a different angle.
Madam Qin's worried expression eased considerably.
But they were unaware—
Qin Liusong, a man who skillfully dealt with bandits, scoundrels, and unruly villagers, possessed considerable courage and strength, and could not be considered an ordinary civil official.
Of the three tough nuts to crack this time, the powerful families had already been badly beaten last year and had backed down. The remaining two families were wealthy households from Sichuan and Chongqing and members of the imperial family from Chang'an.
Without saying a word, Qin Liusong went straight to Chang'an, led his men to seal up the workshop, and went to the Prince's Palace.
He had originally intended to gather some evidence of wrongdoing, but after seeing the desolate streets, the hardships of the people, and the upper class who remained unaffected by the glitz and glamour, Qin Liusong knew that it was unnecessary.
He wasn't furious; his weathered eyes held a clear understanding.
Along his journey, he had seen countless people like this, suffering for various reasons. In the past, Qin Liusong had been numb to it all, taking it for granted. It was only because the new emperor couldn't bear it and always cared that he repeatedly complied, gradually becoming like this today... where such scenes are no longer seen.
Qin Liusong's gaze was icy. Listening to the laughter of the servants drinking and gambling coming from the Prince's mansion, he glanced back. Several squads of soldiers silently moved to the side, guarding the side gate, the corner gate, and the back gate. Qi Jiyun, who had followed them out, stepped forward without hesitation and knocked on the door, his bull-like eyes glaring fiercely.
"Who is it?" The gatekeeper of the Prince's mansion had just poked his head out when he was grabbed by the handcuffs. In a panic, he let out his classic threatening voice, "How dare you! You dare to lay a hand on our Prince's mansion? Although our Prince is from a collateral branch, he has a very good relationship with His Majesty. He was even specially invited to celebrate the enthronement ceremony. Who dares to cause trouble?!"
This passage was spoken quickly and urgently, with a keen eye for detail, revealing all the backing he had. The doorman's eloquence is still a very good trait.
Qi Jiyun remembered what Lord Qin had taught him before he left: be as fierce as you can. He grinned menacingly, kicked open the door, and gestured for the soldiers to come in: "How come I didn't know His Majesty and your prince were on good terms?"
"You—" Another doorman was also pushed to the ground. He was about to shout a warning in anger, but staring at Qi Jiyun's face, he couldn't speak and his tone froze.
To be a doorman, one must be quick-witted and able to recognize faces.
He had never seen this tall, sturdy young man before, but he found a great deal of familiarity in his face. Upon closer inspection, that familiarity seemed to... just like when he saw the other idle members of the Qi family; their features were all similar!
The doorman had a bad feeling.
"This is the grandson of the Imperial Clan Court Master," Qin Liusong said calmly, watching the steward rush out amidst the commotion, knowing it was his turn to step in. "When members of the imperial clan commit crimes, they all fall under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Clan Court, right?"
"My lord... what do you mean? Our prince is usually very kind and gentle, never committing any crimes!" The steward turned pale when he saw that even the grandson of the Imperial Clan Commander had come to arrest someone. Knowing the crux of the matter, he hurriedly pleaded his innocence before even asking for the reason.
Qin Liusong put on a stern face and said coldly, "His Majesty has ordered a thorough investigation of those who have used the Emperor Emeritus's benevolence to oppress the people and amass wealth! The head of the Chang'an money exchange, Prince Qi, is to be escorted back to the capital for trial at the Imperial Clan Court! His family members are to be imprisoned on the spot."
He gave a forced, mocking smile and threatened, "Please go and tell the Prince not to make things difficult for us. His Majesty is furious this time, and your family's title... is currently unique in Chang'an."
The steward's expression became uncertain, and even the prince, who had rushed over upon hearing the news and was listening from behind the artificial rockery, looked extremely unpleasant.
These distant relatives of the imperial clan were not valued and were sent far away. The worst off had lost their titles and were reduced to commoners. Perhaps because it wouldn't look good to talk about it, the retired emperor showed mercy and allowed their family to retain some dignity. One prince's title was specially preserved, making him the head of the imperial clan in Chang'an.
Therefore, the Prince of Qi had no real presence, only daring to act as a king in Chang'an, never getting involved in any important matters, and his biggest fear was that his title would be taken away one day.
But now—
He's really feeling wronged right now!
Prince Qi couldn't hold back any longer. He took a deep breath, turned around, and cupped his hands to Qi Jiyun: "I will return to the capital with you! But I want to die knowing why... I really don't know what I've done wrong?"
Qin Liusong took out a bundle of coins wrapped in oiled paper from his bosom, which he originally intended to keep as evidence: "Your Highness personally spearheaded the establishment of these money shops and minted these inferior coins, forcing the people to desperation. Isn't that enough?"
Prince Qi's expression twisted as he stared at them absurdly, his gaze sweeping over their faces: "Just because of this???"
What's the big deal?!
He was just making some money in Chang'an, what did he do to deserve this?
Qin Liusong sneered: "Does that count as betraying the Emperor Emeritus's grace?"
Prince Qi was still unconvinced, believing this was a fabricated charge, a mere excuse the Emperor had picked out because he disliked them. The steward, however, recalled that other members of the imperial family had mentioned during their last visit that the Emperor highly valued his desire for the newly issued Thai Yuan coins…
The steward hurriedly tugged at Prince Qi's sleeve and whispered, "Your Highness! This is the land of the Crouching Dragon; how can we allow others to snore here!"
With our private currency and other people's private currency in circulation, how can a dignified emperor amass wealth? During the reign of the retired emperor, he could issue silver notes throughout the country and make a fortune from top to bottom. But under the new emperor, the Thai Yuan currency he issues can't even leave a few prefectures. How much money can he make?
"...This!" Prince Qi finally realized this and was filled with regret.
He never imagined that he had blocked His Majesty's path here.
Don't forget that the new emperor has been on the throne for less than a year, and hasn't even changed the reign title yet. A new official always makes three bold moves... and this one has still ended up burning his head!
Prince Qi's face turned ashen, and he quickly begged for mercy, "I have done wrong and am truly ashamed before Your Majesty. I am willing to offer all my wealth to Your Majesty!"
Qin Liusong's expression shifted slightly, but he didn't explain. He simply said, "Take him away first."
There's no point in explaining to this kind of person. I originally intended to make an example of him, but I didn't expect him to have such guts, sliding to his knees so quickly.
Now we need to go back and ask the new emperor what he thinks.
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The author's note: Qi Jiyun's identity also found a clever use.
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