Zhao Jiawu Fort
Many powerful landlords gathered together again, but unlike last time, everyone looked relaxed this time.
"Patriarch Zhao, what good news is it? Is there news from Luoyang?"
"Yes, Patriarch Zhao, speak quickly."
"....."
As soon as Zhao Ning's figure appeared before everyone, the powerful figures began to ask questions, and many people also noticed Li Li following behind Zhao Ning.
"Everyone, please be quiet!!"
Zhao Ning raised his hands and pressed them down to stop the commotion.
Everyone fell silent instantly and turned to look at Zhao Ning.
"Let me introduce myself to you all," Zhao Ning then stepped back two steps, making way for Li Li to step forward.
"This is an official sent by the Commandant of the Capital Region, who is also my brother-in-law. He will now convey Commandant Yang's instructions to you all."
"We have met the superior officer!"
After Zhao Ning finished speaking, everyone realized Li Li's identity and hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.
Li Li cleared his throat and then said loudly, "Gentlemen, there is no need for such formalities. Commandant Yang has already reported your sentiments to the Emperor, and the Emperor has greatly praised your loyalty."
"Great! We're finally free from this sea of suffering!"
Upon hearing this, everyone wore expressions of relief, because those eunuch lackeys had been putting up a lot of pressure lately.
Li Li continued, "His Majesty has agreed to receive you all, however... you can only send the three people who have donated the most money and grain to pay their respects to the Emperor."
"this.....?"
As soon as Li Li finished speaking, those wealthy landlords who were reluctant to donate more money immediately looked regretful. If they had known that donating more would earn them an audience with the emperor, they should have donated more back then. But it was too late for regrets now.
Soon, after tallying the numbers, three powerful landlords, including Zhao Ning, followed Li Li to Luoyang to pay their respects to the emperor.
The three followed behind Li Li, unable to hide their excitement and elation. Li Li, sensing their emotions, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Deyang Palace
Looking at the three men, Zhao Ning and his companions, who were nervous and at a loss, Liu Hong said with a smile, "There's no need to be nervous. I am very pleased that you are able to remain steadfast in your wealth and not forget the world."
Feeling Liu Hong's kind words, Zhao Ning was no longer so nervous, and then respectfully said:
"Your Majesty flatters us. We have been protected by the Han Dynasty for generations. Now that the country is in trouble, it is only right that we do our best to share Your Majesty's burdens."
"Very well, you are all very kind. I am aware of the troubles you have recently encountered, and I will certainly take care of them for you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The three immediately knelt down, their expressions filled with excitement, and one of them even couldn't help but sob.
"Get up!"
Then, Liu Hong picked up a complaint from the table and handed it to Zhao Zhong. Zhao Zhong took the complaint and quickly walked over to the three of them, handing it to Zhao Ning.
“You should all look carefully. If you think there is no problem, you may sign your name on it.”
Upon hearing the emperor's words, Zhao Ning looked at the complaint, which detailed the extortion and amount of money that Wang Fu and his men had recently extorted from them.
The three of them signed their names without hesitation.
Liu Hong took the complaint, glanced at it, and then handed it to Zhao Zhong, saying, "Notify Yang Qiu to prepare to close the net."
"Yes, sir!" Zhao Zhong jogged away from Deyang Palace.
"To commend you for your generosity in serving the country, I have decided to reward you. What are your requests?"
Zhao Ning quickly replied, "Your Majesty's decision to uphold justice for us is already an immense favor. We dare not think of anything more."
“That won’t do. Those who have made contributions should still be rewarded.” Liu Hong thought for a moment and then said, “I am planning to establish the Imperial Guard to train a group of young officers who will be sent to the army in the future to become the backbone of the army. I have decided to give each of you donors one or two slots. Any child over ten years old in your family can join. What do you think?”
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Upon learning that their sons could join the "Imperial Guard" and become officers in the future, the three knelt down in excitement once again.
The reason why powerful landlords were not favored by aristocratic families was not only because they were rich and ruthless and exploited the people, but also because they had no connections or political background.
Although most of the powerful families and clans today were transformed from wealthy and powerful families, the market is now saturated and there is no room for them. Their path to advancement has been basically blocked.
Although they acted arrogantly and domineeringly in the local area, it was just a way to scare the common people. In front of powerful families and the government, they were just a bunch of leeks to be harvested at will. Although they occasionally resisted, they could not cause any trouble.
Now that the emperor has opened a door for them, although it may not necessarily change the status quo, it is enough to give them hope.
"His Majesty has shown us kindness beyond measure; even if we were to die, we could never repay it!"
Zhao Ning kowtowed deeply to Liu Hong and then said, "This humble servant is willing to join forces with others to raise the funds needed for the construction of the Imperial Guard. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."
The other two nodded in agreement. After being exploited by the eunuchs and their lackeys for some time, they had come to understand that no matter how much money, grain, and land one had, without the ability to protect it, it would ultimately become someone else's spoils.
To acquire this ability, it would be worthwhile to squander one's entire fortune.
Seeing that Zhao Ning was so sensible, Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction. "Good! Since it is your good intention, I cannot refuse. Rest assured, I will treat all those with real skills in my Imperial Guard fairly and will never show favoritism because of their background or status."
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