Beating is an indispensable process, no matter what the outcome is, this process must be there.
Huang Changzong accepted it easily, and with a sincere and respectful attitude.
Zhu Youxiao nodded and said nothing more.
He knew that Huang Changzong was a smart man, so just saying these things was enough for him.
Zhu Youxiao turned and looked at Cao Bang.
At this time, Cao Bang knelt down again.
After the last shout, his legs felt weak, and after hearing what Zhu Youxiao said, he naturally couldn't stand.
Glancing at Cao Bang, Zhu Youxiao said, "Put aside your little thoughts. I am the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, rich and powerful, and my words are my deeds. If it weren't for Huang Changzong's intercession for you, your family would have ended up like the Han family."
"I came to Jiangnan this time to deal with the salt merchants. I won't mention their crimes of greed and bribery of officials. You all know the facts."
"For years, the court has been in chaos, with factions ganging up on each other to fight against those who are different. I haven't had the energy to deal with you. But now I have the energy to deal with you. All under heaven is the king's land; all the people in the world are the king's subjects. What I say is what it is."
"Since Huang Changzong has protected you, I'll give you a chance. You can't make salt anymore, so just hand it over. I don't want your family's land, so keep it for yourself. It's a reward for you. I don't want the ceramic shop either, so run it well."
"Alright, that's it. Back off. Cooperate with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to thoroughly investigate the case and see what needs to be done."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Cao Bang said quickly, "We'll count and deliver the goods as soon as we get back."
After saying that, Cao Bang stood up and wanted to walk out, but he stumbled and almost fell to the ground.
Huang Changzong hurried over, held Cao Bang's hand, and walked out together.
After the two men left the house, Cao Bang was gasping for breath and his face was covered in cold sweat.
Then, he bowed to Huang Changzong and said, "Brother Huang, you have been so kind today that I cannot possibly repay you. From now on, if you need anything, just ask me, and I will definitely not refuse."
After hearing this, Huang Changzong helped Cao Bang up and said with a wry smile, "Let's go."
Huang Changzong knew that even though he had accomplished the task this time, his future life would probably not be easy. He had to keep a low profile and work hard for a while, otherwise he would be doomed.
At this time, Chen Hong walked out of the house, glanced at the two of them and said, "We'll send you off."
Looking at Chen Hong's bright smile, Huang Changzong and the other man felt a tightness in their hearts.
They didn't think Chen Hong was really sending them off. Given their status, it wasn't worth Chen Hong sending them off.
It's obvious that something is going on.
After sending Huang Changzong and the other two out the door, Chen Hong said with a smile, "This Jiangnan region is truly prosperous and full of attractions. It's wonderful!"
After saying that, Chen Hong turned around and walked into the door.
Cao Bang immediately grabbed Huang Changzong and asked, "Brother Huang, what does this Eunuch Chen mean?"
After hearing this, Huang Changzong said, "What else could this mean? Jiangnan is so prosperous. Why is it so prosperous? Isn't it because of money? He's talking about money."
Can this all be associated with money?
Cao Bang was completely confused.
Although Cao Bang was a businessman and had dealt with officials, he came into contact with all kinds of people, including those who were straightforward and asked for money, those who were elegant and collected antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and those who liked beautiful women to accompany them. However, they often could not escape the temptation of wine, sex, money and anger.
It's easy to deal with if you find a pattern, but this one doesn't seem to play by the rules. Right off the bat, he sighed, "Prosperity is everywhere." What does this have to do with money?
However, Cao Bang still believed what Huang Changzong said. After all, he had experience and had just saved him.
Cao Bang asked directly: "What should I do?"
At this point, Huang Changzong naturally had no scruples and said directly, "Pick up all your family's floating wealth and don't leave too much. It's best to give it all away according to the extent of the confiscation. The reason is that we hope the court will help resettle these boatmen and civilians."
"You will be serving as an official yourself, and you will no longer be able to take care of their livelihoods. So you hope that the court will take care of them on your behalf. It is understandable that you can give them more money. Of course, please do not disclose the specific figures."
"You abandoned them to become an official, so the only compensation you can give them is money. To put it bluntly, you have to spend money and take the blame."
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