"These guys are really rich."

Inside the big tent, Zhu Ying said to Ye Yueqing with a smile.

At this moment, the banquet in the county town had ended. All the contents of the banquet were reported to Zhu Ying within half an hour after it ended.

"The Dong family, the Yuan family, and the Zhou family have deep roots in Ruyang. Even though they have experienced the chaos of the Yuan Dynasty, they are still big families after all, and they still have some foundation."

Ye Yueqing replied.

Zhu Ying nodded. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse. However, the fact that two families alone offered things worth 30,000 silver coins still surprised Zhu Ying.

Even if you are not from a noble family, the savings in the clan alone should not be underestimated.

"Thirty thousand silver coins. This is not treasure notes. It is almost thirty thousand dan of grain. When Ruyang was in such a situation earlier, the Yuan and Zhou families also provided disaster relief. It is amazing that they still have so much money."

Zhu Ying said with some emotion.

A sharp light flashed in Ye Yueqing's eyes, and he replied in a deep voice: "Okay, Boss."

Zhu Ying was stunned for a moment, then immediately reacted.

What the hell is good, what did I say? You are good.

Zhu Ying was quite speechless, knowing that Ye Yueqing had misunderstood.

Ye Yueqing now looks a little weak, but in fact, she has seen blood on her hands.

The Qun Ying Chamber of Commerce made a lot of money by dealing with those unscrupulous businessmen some time ago, so Ye Yueqing thought that the boss also wanted to fire these people.

"Don't think too much. We are not the same as before. We need to change our mindset and not do things the same way as before."

"The Yuan Zhou family has some savings, but these are all saved normally. They have a very good reputation in the local area."

Zhu Ying explained.

The current landlord class is the most deep-rooted supporter of the Ming Dynasty. If we carry out land reform and divide the land equally in these years, it will undoubtedly be tantamount to digging our own graves.

In the 1,427 counties of the Ming Dynasty, most of the county magistrates belonged to the landlord class.

Only their strong support can provide the foundation for the stability of the Ming Dynasty.

Although the poor made up the largest proportion of the Ming Dynasty, they could not even get enough food to eat in that era. Most of them had no voice, and because of illiteracy, they were easily influenced by others.

"Yes, Boss."

Ye Yueqing immediately straightened his attitude and asked, "Then how should we deal with them?"

Zhu Ying shook his head slightly and said, "Don't use the word 'disposal'. Let's have someone notify them tomorrow morning and have most of them come directly."

"Just say I'm setting up a banquet and inviting all the wealthy families in Ruyang City to the feast!"

At noon the next day.

In the big tent in the military camp, more than ten people, led by County Magistrate Yuan, received orders to come and participate in the banquet.

This was something that County Magistrate Yuan had not expected. He had originally only wanted to bring one or two people, but His Highness Changsun actually asked him to bring most of the people.

He also personally prepared the banquet.

For a moment, everyone, including County Magistrate Yuan, felt extremely honored.

The powerful cavalry team in the military camp made everyone feel the strength of the army and the majesty of His Royal Highness Chang Sun.

The shock brought by 40,000 cavalrymen made everyone's minds almost blank.

What made everyone feel strange was that there was a large amount of white lime powder scattered on the ground in various places in the military camp.

After entering the big tent, Zhu Ying sat at the top, and County Magistrate Yuan and others began to pay homage.

However, when County Magistrate Yuan saw Zhu Ying at the top, he was extremely shocked.

"Your servant Yuan Xingzhou pays homage to His Royal Highness Changsun."

There was an obvious tremor in Yuan Xingzhou's tone, because he discovered that the person sitting at the top was 'His Royal Highness Chang Sun', and not the Emperor's grandson Zhu Yunwen.

Yuan Xingzhou once had the honor of visiting the capital and participating in a banquet hosted by Zhu Yuanzhang.

On the day of the banquet, he met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Emperor's grandson Zhu Yunwen.

Judging from his age, the emperor's grandson Zhu Yunwen is only fourteen years old at this moment, and is completely different from the person at the top.

What's more, the appearance of this 'Chang Sun Royal Highness' surprised him even more, as it was almost identical to the Crown Prince in his mind.

Could it be that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has regained his youth?

The news of the death of Crown Prince Zhu Biao spread throughout the Ming Dynasty.

At this moment, Yuan Xingzhou's mind was filled with countless questions.

"How dare you! Your Highness Changsun was conferred the title of Prince Yu by His Majesty. How dare you offend me like this!"

While Yuan Xingzhou was still confused, the eunuch Guo Zhong, who was standing next to Zhu Ying, shouted at Yuan Xingzhou.

According to the rules of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Ying had been canonized as Prince of Yu, so he should be addressed as His Royal Highness Prince of Yu, which is the formal official title.

Of course you can also call him Your Highness the Grand Sun, but in the capital, the word "Grand Sun" has a greater symbolic meaning.

It's like calling Zhu Di the Fourth Prince instead of Prince of Yan.

Guo Zhong's move is somewhat nitpicking.

However, Zhu Ying did not say anything, which was obviously his instruction.

"I have sinned, Your Highness Prince Yu, please forgive me."

Yuan Xingzhou, who was originally bowing, immediately knelt on the ground and begged for mercy.

"Ignorance is not a crime. I don't know much about my identity. Guo Zhong, you don't have to be too harsh. Everyone, stand up."

Zhu Ying said with a smile in a gentle tone, as if everything that had just happened was done by Guo Zhong on his own initiative.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xingzhou slowly stood up and bowed again before daring to take his seat.

Not only Yuan Xingzhou was confused, but other people such as the county magistrate, the chief clerk, the clerk, and even other gentry were also confused.

When did His Royal Highness Prince Yu appear in the Ming Dynasty?

You must know that those who are crowned kings nowadays are generally princes, and the enthronement of princes must be announced to the whole country.

No matter which prince's name it is, the common people may not be clear about it, but the officials must remember it clearly.

Offending the royal family could be a minor or major crime, and if investigated, the consequences could include confiscating the property and exterminating the entire family.

"Your Highness, this is the list sent by everyone in Ruyang City, led by Magistrate Yuan."

After taking his seat, Guo Zhong took out a booklet from his arms and formally handed it to Zhu Ying.

Although Zhu Ying already knew the contents of the list, he still took it and pretended to look through it.

The servants served wine and dishes for this occasion.

Below, County Magistrate Yuan and others all sat upright, looking straight ahead, waiting for His Royal Highness Prince Yu to speak.

"Ruyang is indeed a great county since ancient times. Even after the war, it was able to recover quickly. Magistrate Yuan has made a great contribution to this."

After reading it, Zhu Ying spoke.

Yuan Xingzhou quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "I am deeply ashamed. These are just my duties. I do not deserve your praise."

"That's right. Come, let's raise our glasses together and congratulate Magistrate Yuan for his hard work over the years."

Zhu Ying picked up the wine glass and spoke to everyone.

Everyone quickly stood up, shook their glasses, and drank them all in one gulp.

When Yuan Xingzhou heard these words, his heart skipped a beat and his whole body trembled.

Yuan Xingzhou is now in his fifties and is well versed in the ways of officialdom.

Faced with such high regard from His Royal Highness Prince Yu, I knew in my heart that things would not be easy in the future.

As expected, Zhu Ying then began to ask:

"Right now, the plague is raging in Henan. Although it has not yet reached Runing Prefecture, the situation looks serious and I'm afraid it will arrive soon."

"I wonder if County Magistrate Yuan has taken any measures to deal with the plague."

Zhu Ying asked in a calm voice, and it was impossible to tell the emotion in it.

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Yuan knew that the main event was about to begin, and replied, "Your Highness, Prince Yu, in the face of the plague, I and others have already prepared a large amount of food for supply."

"The checkpoints are also strictly guarded. Whenever there is news of an approaching plague, we must first prepare. We must not allow it to invade Ruyang."

Zhu Ying nodded and said, "In this regard, County Magistrate Yuan has done a very good job and can serve as a model for other counties."

"but!"

Zhu Ying first acknowledged it, then changed the subject, his tone gradually turned cold: "Why did the king receive news that there are a large number of traders in Ruyang."

"In the face of this natural disaster, not only did they not help stabilize prices, but they also hoarded goods and even secretly purchased food from the plague areas at high prices. Doesn't County Magistrate Yuan know about these things?"

As he spoke, the rebuke in Zhu Ying's tone was already very obvious.

Before Yuan Xingzhou could speak, Zhu Ying asked again: "As the father and mother official of Ruyang County, is it possible that County Magistrate Yuan is just watching the people of other counties suffer like this without feeling the slightest bit of emotion?"

Yuan Xingzhou broke out in a cold sweat.

He didn't expect that His Royal Highness Prince Yu's final attack would be in such a place.

In fact, hoarding of goods by merchants at high prices was a common phenomenon throughout the Ming Dynasty.

The government usually directly distributes grain to stabilize prices, and it is impossible to arrest all these merchants.

As for price gouging, this only happens when the item is sold at an extremely high price.

Most vendors just hoard their products and don’t sell them.

However, most of these hoarding merchants were extremely close to the landlord class.

The main source of rice for rice merchants naturally comes from the landlords.

Rice merchants themselves do not grow rice.

Facing the questioning from His Royal Highness Prince Yu, beads of sweat rolled down County Magistrate Yuan's forehead, and he didn't know how to answer for a long time.

It seemed that Zhu Ying was about to launch a direct attack, but his next words made Yuan Xingzhou and other officials, including the gentry, feel relieved.

"I believe that you all have the people in your hearts. County Magistrate Yuan should pay attention to this matter. I hope to see results during my stay here."

Zhu Ying's words sounded like a lot of thunder but little rain.

But at least the current difficulties have been overcome.

The reason why County Magistrate Yuan and others were so afraid of Zhu Ying.

In fact, all this has a lot to do with Zhu Ying’s uncles.

None of the princes' actions in the fiefdoms have a good reputation.

Bullying of local officials has almost become a routine.

Local officials could not bear the consequences of any crime of corruption, and beatings and killings were common.

"Okay, let's not talk about other things for now. The main reason why I summoned you here this time is about the plague."

"The imperial court's announcement has long been delivered to you, especially the matter concerning lime."

"Lime can prevent the plague, but from what I have seen, the entire Ruyang City seems to not care about lime at all, and there is not even any move to collect lime in large quantities."

"County Magistrate Yuan, please talk to me about this matter."

Zhu Ying went straight to the point and asked.

Regarding the use of lime to prevent plague, the matter had already been reported to the entire Henan area as early as when Zhu Ying set out.

Magistrate Yuan quickly stood up and said, "Your Highness, there is not much lime in Ruyang City. After the imperial court issued the notice, I have arranged for people to start refining."

Zhu Ying said in a deep voice: "Lime and killing rats are urgent matters. Plague is no small matter. Once it spreads, it will not just be a matter of a few lives."

"When you entered the camp just now, you must have seen lime powder everywhere. From today on, you must do your best to refine lime."

"One is to prevent and treat the plague, and the other is that all the excess lime will be transported to the plague areas."

"This time, I was ordered to deal with the plague, and I cannot afford to be negligent."

After Zhu Ying finished speaking, he raised his hand slightly to signal, and Guo Zhong immediately arranged for his attendants to deliver the booklets to Magistrate Yuan and others.

"Everyone, please take a good look. This is the prevention and control strategy for the plague that I have set. You must strictly follow it."

"Within three days, this king will see concrete results."

The contents of this booklet were written by Zhu Ying while he was on the road.

In fact, there are not too many rules, and they are all based on some methods of personal hygiene that later generations learned.

There are also measures to deal with the plague.

These booklets will be printed in large quantities and distributed in plague areas.

It even directly pointed out that the main source of the plague was the fleas on rats.

People seldom take baths and do not pay attention to personal hygiene, so most of them have fleas on their bodies.

Therefore, if we want to prevent the spread of plague, hygiene is a big issue.

Just like in the camp now.

Zhu Ying has arranged to build a large number of temporary bathhouses, and has strict requirements for bathing.

You must take a bath every three days.

And now, Zhu Ying has already given the order to start the production of masks.

Although the masks made today are not much different from those in later generations, they are made of silk cloth and cannot be used once and can only be used repeatedly.

After receiving the booklet, everyone in the audience began to read.

Zhu Ying noticed that after seeing the prevention and control measures, not only did everyone not have much thought, but they frowned.

In the eyes of everyone, these actions are so cumbersome and unnecessary.

The imperial court has publicized it many times, but it is difficult to attract the attention of local officials or even the people.

Things like washing hands frequently, taking a bath, doing laundry, and cleaning up messes in the house as required in the booklet are too troublesome and will cause a lot of inconvenience to the people.

Zhu Ying was not surprised to see this.

Not to mention now, even in the past, when a major plague was spreading around the world, information spread extremely quickly and the official propaganda continued.

But no one cares about things that haven't happened yet.

Not to mention the current Ming Dynasty.

In cities that have not yet been invaded by the plague, few people care even if the plague has already appeared in the city.

Only when you are actually hit by the plague can you understand its horror.

This is also the most important reason why Zhu Ying came here in person.

At this stage, for cities not affected by the plague, we can only use semi-forced measures to force the people to strictly implement prevention and control regulations.

Even though this is seen by most people as a waste of labor.

However, only after the news of the plague, especially the situation in the plague area, spreads, everyone will know who saved their lives.

After the banquet, Yuan Xingzhou returned to the government office.

The government office of Ming Dynasty officials had its residence behind it. The ancient name "Yanei" also came from this.

"Zhou Dianli, I feel like I have heard of the name King Yu not long ago."

Yuan Xingzhou asked with a frown.

After hearing what Magistrate Yuan said, Clerk Zhou also looked surprised and replied, "To be honest, sir, I also feel very familiar with it."

"Indeed, I heard about it not long ago, but I don't know where I heard it."

The two tried to recall it carefully, but found that they couldn't remember it at all.

After a long while, the two finally gave up.

"I wrote a letter to the teacher in the capital, maybe I can find out something."

Yuan Xingzhou said.

His teacher is in the capital and should know more.

Zhou Dianli nodded, and then said with a smile: "I heard that a big family came to Yixiang Garden today. Why don't you go and enjoy the view with me?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xingzhou smiled brightly, and his wrinkles became much clearer.

At his age, listening to music in brothels has become a daily enjoyment.

Just as Yuan Xingzhou opened his mouth to agree, a flash of inspiration suddenly came to his mind.

He suddenly remembered when he had heard of such a thing about His Royal Highness Prince Yu.

It was when I was listening to opera.

That was more than a month ago, when rumors about the royal Xiaoling Mausoleum started from the capital and spread wildly to the surrounding areas of the Ming Dynasty.

Royal affairs have caused an explosive amount of excitement among people all over the world, and the court has not shown any intention of prohibiting it.

That's the best topic of conversation.

It took more than a month for the heat to fade.

Among the rumors about the Xiaoling Mausoleum, the focus is on the tomb of King Yu.