Chapter 458 Taking Advantage of the Fire
The Xiao family was originally considered a huge gold mine in Prime Minister Liu's hands, but now that the emperor had punished them, Prime Minister Liu suffered heavy losses.
"I know your loyalty, so I can't blame you."
"Thank you, my Lord." The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice was flattered, and then said with regret: "It's a pity that the Minister of Revenue is not one of ours, otherwise the 10 million taels could be put to use."
In the Pingjiang dike incident, they lost important officials in the Ministry of Revenue, so that now the Ministry of Revenue can hardly intervene. The emperor clearly tricked Xiao Muheng, and the excess silver was put into the national treasury. If Master Liu could take over the Ministry of Revenue early, this money could be easily transferred to the Prime Minister.
Liu Xiang also thought so in his heart, so he felt indescribably depressed.
At this time, a servant outside the door reported quietly: "Prime Minister, the fifth lady is back and wants to see you."
Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Liu frowned slightly.
The assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice immediately stood up and said, "Your Excellency has something to do, so I will take my leave first."
Liu Xiang thought about it and nodded without staying any longer.
After the Minister of Justice left, Prime Minister Liu told his servants, "Please invite Miss Fifth to the study."
"yes."
Soon, Liu Anyao wrapped in a cloak, walked into the study in the cold wind.
The bright candlelight illuminated the middle-aged man behind the desk. His resolute face was gloomy and fierce.
"My daughter greets my father." Liu Anyao bowed.
Liu Xiang nodded slightly and looked at Liu Anyao with a serious look: "Why did you come back so late?"
This legitimate daughter was the one he had carefully nurtured since she was young. She was his biggest chess piece for marriage alliance, but unfortunately she was killed along the way.
I originally thought that by marrying her to Xiao Muheng, I could make use of her surplus value, but now it seems that he had too high expectations.
Liu Anyao looked at Liu Xiang's indifferent expression, and her heart could not help but tighten. She said with a tense expression: "Does father know that my husband was punished by the emperor?"
Liu Xiang nodded: "So?"
"Dad, can you think of a way to save him?" Liu Anyao stepped forward and said.
Liu Xiangru looked at Liu Anyao with eagle-like sharp eyes. After a while, he asked, "How do you want me to save him? He committed a capital crime. If my people hadn't asked for mercy at the critical moment, you would have been crying while holding his body soon."
Liu Anyao's face turned pale, biting her lip and said unwillingly, "But the emperor dismissed him from office, banned him from the court for life, and fined him 10 million taels of silver. Dad, you are the prime minister, the highest position among officials. Go and ask the emperor for mercy. The emperor will definitely let my husband off lightly for your sake."
Since she had married Xiao Muheng, she would rise and fall with him. Even though she was extremely angry at Xiao Muheng's stupidity, if his future was ruined, she would never be able to turn things around in her life.
"Nonsense." Liu Xiang glared at Liu Anyao angrily: "He burned down the Imperial College and the emperor was furious. How can I plead for him? His future is important, but does that mean your father's future is not important?" He was afraid that if he pleaded for him, it would give Emperor Chengde the opportunity to suppress him.
He's just a son-in-law, not worth the risk.
"But..." Liu Anyao was anxious and wanted to say more.
Prime Minister Liu raised his hand to interrupt her in annoyance: "There is no need to talk about this matter anymore. If Xiao Muheng is capable, he will naturally have a day to turn things around. Since he can't serve as an official in the court, he should manage the family business well."
He was disappointed with Xiao Muheng.
But thinking of the Xiao family's assets, Liu Xiang did not give up all at once.
Ten million taels would certainly drain the Xiao family's assets, but if Xiao Muheng had the ability, earning another ten million taels would not be a problem.
No one can resist money. If the Third Prince wants to achieve his great ambitions, he will need money.
The Emperor had ended his career, and at least in this dynasty, he could no longer think of becoming an official in the court, and his only chance was to wait for the Third Prince to take that high position.
If Xiao Muheng was a smart man, he would definitely know that he should do his best to help the Third Prince.
"Go back and tell him to take good care of his injuries, make money and wait for the opportunity." Liu Xiang said.
Liu Anyao had no idea of Liu Xiang's plan. She just felt angry that her father had to watch her suffer, and her eyes turned red. She stomped her feet and ran out.
Liu Xiang looked at his willful and reckless daughter, with a cold light in his dark eyes.
At the same time, Lu Xiang also heard the news from Lu Chao, and his eyes widened in shock.
Xiao Muheng’s most beloved power is gone.
The Xiao family lost all their wealth.
The two people he cared about most in his previous life disappeared in a fire.
As Lu Xiang sighed, Chu Jinyan's handsome face appeared in his mind.
You still remembered that on the night Lu Chaozhu died, he told her that if you wanted to kill someone in the future, you don’t have to do it yourself, I will help you.
Power, status and money were things that Xiao Muheng valued more than life. Now that they were all gone at once, it was more painful than death.
"Xiangxiang, Xiangxiang..." Lu Chao said to the end. Seeing Lu Xiang was stunned, he stretched out his hand and waved in front of her: "Are you listening to me?"
Lu Xiang suddenly came back to his senses and said, "I heard it."
"Now even Prime Minister Liu can't protect him." Lu Chao said with gloating.
"The Xiao family has barely established itself in the capital. After paying out 10 million taels of silver, they must be seriously injured. Xiangxiang, can we take advantage of the situation to rob them?" Qiao Jingru rubbed her hands together, smiling cunningly.
Lu Xiang smiled back: "Sister-in-law, let's think alike."
Now is a good time to take over the Xiao family's business.
Otherwise, when he recovers, it will be another tough nut to crack.
"Hehe, I will go back to the Qiao Mansion tomorrow to ask my brother for help." Qiao Jingru smiled so hard that her teeth were showing.
Lu Xiang said, "Okay, the emperor has three days to give the Xiao family 10 million taels. They definitely can't come up with that much, so they will definitely sell some of their shops and find a middleman. Don't let Brother Qiao come in person and collect part of it first. Too much will make them wary and raise the price."
"Well, I understand. Let's go back first."
Qiao Jingru said this and pulled Lu Chao away.
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