"But it's hard for you. If you become paralyzed, you won't be able to eat. If you don't do things well, you won't be able to eat either, haha."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere became silent.
The wealthy businessmen at the table looked at each other and dared not say a word.
This elder minister comes up and starts by belittling himself. What's the meaning of this?
Finally, someone couldn't help but speak first.
"Ahem... Hey! You are too kind, Lord! You are too kind to me! I really want to honor you. Let me offer you a toast."
"No need." Fang Zheng raised his finger to stop the other party and said, "Boss Li, I heard that your company is often harassed and blackmailed by some petty officials. Is this true?"
"Boss Zhang, you have the same situation, right? And Boss Zhao, yours..."
Fang Zheng pointed out the difficulties of each family one by one, as if he knew them all by heart.
The eyes of the wealthy businessmen lit up, and they waited quietly for Fang Zhengyi to continue speaking.
After a moment of silence, Fang Zhengyi smiled and said, "I know all your problems, so I came here not only to inspect the factory, but also to gather everyone together and tell you in person that those illegal officials will be dealt with one by one in the future."
"As long as you operate legally and reasonably, I can't say you won't be harassed at all, but this situation will definitely decrease year by year in the future. And you shouldn't be afraid at all. The law is there. As long as you abide by the law... I can guarantee that no one will dare to touch you in the slightest."
"Mr. Lord!" All the wealthy businessmen stood up excitedly and looked at Fang Zhengyi.
Fang Zhengyi lightly pressed his right hand and said indifferently, "Sit down, don't be so startled. Now that we have discussed the court's problems, it's time to talk about your problems."
"Last year, there were two major incidents in the capital. One was when three factory workers were accidentally crushed to death. The other was when your guys collectively demanded justice, but you also divided and suppressed them."
"I know you already have a suitable excuse, but I want to tell you that the court has a clear investigation of the conditions of the workers and employees in various factories and businesses. You ate so much meat, and you only gave people soup... That's too much."
"Don't test the bottom line of those workers again and again. If they really unite to cause a bigger trouble, it's hard to say whose side the court will stand on. I'll smash your factories and shops. When the time comes, don't come to the government office to cry, and don't come to me to complain. You have to bear all the consequences yourself."
After hearing what happened, the wealthy businessmen fell silent again.
Fang Zheng smiled and said, "You are all experienced and sensitive to the market. You should have seen the changes in the world over the years."
"What does the court value most? Is it education, technology, or the economy? None of them. The court... values the promotion of the law the most."
"Your Majesty is determined to lay the foundation for a law that is far more strict and fair than any other law enforcement agency in history, and sufficient law enforcement agencies to support the entire nation. This matter concerns you, the poor people, and even more so the officials of the imperial court."
"But you also know that the people who are most affected are the officials, so there is a lot of resistance to implementing the changes, even if I am personally at the forefront."
Fang Zheng paused and glanced at the people with different expressions.
"If you guys have a big problem, others will write a fuss to criticize me. If you guys just do more good things, I can make progress smoothly."
Fang Zheng looked at him dimly, "I know some of you have people whose backers don't agree with me, but I don't care."
"In this matter, if you help me, you are helping yourself. The backers behind you are nothing compared to the future. No matter how powerful the backers are, can they compare to the eternal life of your own descendants?"
The wealthy merchants once again stood up collectively.
"Sir, I have heard that there have been floods in the south over the past two years. Hongsheng is willing to express its position and donate..."
Fang Zheng held his hand back halfway through his words, and said with a faint smile, "No need to say more. I think you didn't understand what I meant. I asked you to donate money and silver. And if you donate because I told you to, then it doesn't make any sense."
"I have no intention of forcing others to be saints. A society that forces people to be saints is destroying human desires and going against the laws of nature. If the laws of nature do not exist, how can the country survive?"
"I just hope you can take a long-term view. National affairs are not the business of one person. It takes people from all over the world to make extraordinary laws."
"You are the ones standing at the forefront and who understand the world best. The world is doing very well right now. It is better to plan for the whole world than for the short term. If you walk uprightly and steadily and do not go along with the wicked, you are planning for the whole world."
"When the law is perfected and everyone uses the law as a weapon, you will no longer have to worry about your property being taken away without reason or your business closing down due to reasons beyond normal competition. Your business will be passed down to your descendants, accumulated from generation to generation, and will last for a long time."
"You don't have to submit to anyone except the law. I also hope that people in the world can stand up straight and not kneel before an official."
When Fang Zheng said this, his dim eyes moved and scanned the people in deep thought in front of him one by one.
"When I was young, many people would say I was a traitor. But I am old... I don't have many years left to live. This world and this country should respect common sense and respect people... If you don't want power and intrigue to overwhelm the truth, then set a good example for other businessmen in the world, do your duty, and take some time to take care of your partners. This is also my expectation for you."
"Although I am old, my eyes are not blind, and my heart is not muddled... If you can share the joys and sorrows, you will reap great rewards in the future, and your descendants will also be able to enjoy this blessing."
Fang Zheng propped himself up with his arms. His back was a little sore from sitting for a long time, and he couldn't help but let out a slight groan.
"I'll stop here. I hope to see you all next time. It would be even better if there were some young people."
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