The evil forces roaming the heavens

Chapter 1314 Governor-General of the Salt Administration of Jiangnan!

The capital city, Shuntian Prefecture

In the imperial study room,

Looking at the memorial in his hand, Emperor Hongde's eyes turned extremely cold.

Lin Ruhai's serious illness, the Zhen family's poisoning, and Zhang Cheng's falling out with the Zhen family—all these events are mentioned above.

Looking down at Nan'e, Emperor Hongde said, "My nephew is getting more and more presumptuous! Taking advantage of Father's favor, he now even wants to sit in this chair!"

Kneeling on the ground, his face covered in cold sweat, Nan'e could already imagine how he would die, because was this something he could hear?

"Send word to Jia Jue, the Governor-General of Salt Administration in Jiangnan, I want him to cut off all those outstretched hands!"

Emperor Hongde slammed his fist on the table in anger, his liver aching from rage.

He finally managed to recover the debt from Wu Xun, although it all belonged to the Liaodong military garrison, it was enough for him to stand up straight.

But who would have thought that he was happy for only two days before he almost had Lin Ruhai killed!
You should know that the salt tax during the Great Qian Dynasty amounted to a full ten million taels of silver every year!
If they mess things up, how can the Great Qian Dynasty continue to function?

Ten days later, in Yangzhou, Jiangnan.
In a certain restaurant, wealthy merchants and gentry gathered.
To be honest, the fact that the salt administration scandal broke out so early is largely due to Zhang Cheng.
If he hadn't blockaded maritime transport to Japan, these people probably would have held back from taking action against the salt administration. After all, tampering with government property is a matter of life and death.
But now that their business on the Japanese islands has been cut off, and they can't do anything about the Liaodong military garrison, they can only try to find a way to make up for it.

Don't assume that wealthy gentry and merchants wouldn't touch the imperial court's money just for the sake of wealth.

It's important to know that since the Song Dynasty, with the development of maritime trade, the Jiangnan region has always been a major area for tax revenue.
Their silk, grain, and silver were all essential for stabilizing the country.
What wouldn't these people do for a life of luxury?

Zhang Cheng walked in from outside, wearing a python robe, followed by Jia Wei and Cao Bianjiao.

Greetings, everyone!

Zhang Cheng looked at the group with a warm smile, appearing very approachable.

However, seeing Zhang Cheng's smile, Cao Bianjiao broke out in a cold sweat and tugged at Jia Wei's sleeve, saying, "General, are you going to go on a killing spree tonight?"

"Pretty much, Uncle doesn't usually smile!"

Nodding earnestly, Jia Wei knew Zhang Cheng's style all too well.

Because once he starts becoming humble and friendly, you're basically set for life.

After all, my uncle often said, "He's about to die, why are you still arguing with him?"
"Greetings, Marquis Zhongwu!"

They rose to their feet and bowed, and many salt merchants followed suit.

He gestured for everyone to sit down, then smiled and said, "I've come here today for three things: first, for fairness; second, for fairness; and third, for damn fairness!"

Zhang Cheng slammed his hand on the table, his smile vanishing, and everyone present broke out in a cold sweat.

Only a fierce warrior who has cleaved through the battlefield could suddenly unleash such a terrifying and oppressive aura.

"Jiangnan is the wealthiest region in the Great Qian Dynasty, so why are some people still not satisfied?"

With a broad smile, Zhang Cheng turned his head and said, "Miss, come here for a moment!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng with fear, the woman who had been serving tea and water slowly stepped forward, her face full of dread.

"Look at her, so glamorous and glamorous, but who would have guessed that she was turned into this by you bunch of bastards!"

With a disdainful look, Zhang Cheng then became mocking.

"My lord, please have some self-respect. We await your arrival."

Just as one of them stood up, Jia Wei, who had stepped forward, pulled out a knife and slashed at his neck with a backhand motion.

"Pfft!"

Blood was splattered everywhere, and many nearby people felt fear and became terrified.
"Move? Anyone who moves will be cut down!"

With a cold voice, Zhang Cheng began to reprimand.

Upon hearing Zhang Cheng's words, everyone present was stunned and dared not make a move. Just then, the transport commissioner stood up and said, "Lord Jia, what are you doing? You should know that these are all wealthy and powerful people from Jiangnan. If you disrupt the salt administration of the court, how will you explain yourself when you return?"

"Give me an explanation? I'm out here on business, who am I supposed to explain myself to? Do you think the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Great Qian Dynasty are on your shoulders? You're wrong. This burden is on His Majesty's shoulders, and on our shoulders! You've interfered with the salt administration, interfered with maritime transport, and even dared to poison officials. Do you really think the court is blind?"

Speaking angrily, Zhang Cheng coldly replied, "I received my promotion yesterday to Governor-General of the Jiangnan Salt Administration. Effective today, the old regulations are abolished. Salt shipments from the salt fields will be inspected by the Salt Transport Office, and everyone is eligible to participate in the auction."

"Jia Jue, you are causing chaos in the court! You will become a sinner in Jiangnan!"

The transport commissioner glared angrily at Zhang Cheng and roared.

If the Salt Transport Bureau were to control the salt fields, what use would they be?

"That's right, Jia Jue, the Emperor Emeritus will not agree!"

"We will absolutely not agree with you!"

"Dismiss him! Report this to the imperial court!"

They glared angrily at Zhang Cheng, and many of them roared in anger.

Because Zhang Cheng's actions weren't just cutting off someone's livelihood, they were destroying their ancestral graves!
Looking at the group with a cold expression, Zhang Cheng smiled and said, "What are you all doing? Are you going to defy the imperial court? Don't forget what I am. I am a general on horseback. If anyone incites the salt workers to revolt, I will immediately report to His Majesty. There is a White Lotus Sect causing trouble in Jiangnan. Tsk tsk tsk, you all better be careful. The White Lotus Sect doesn't discriminate."

Everyone gasped in shock; upon hearing those words, they were immediately terrified and broke out in a cold sweat.

The White Lotus Sect is causing trouble? Isn't this just a clear case of settling scores later?

"If you don't believe me, you can try it. That's how we do things!"

With a nonchalant expression, Zhang Cheng turned his head and said, "Feed the grapes!"

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

The woman shakily picked up the grapes and put them into his mouth.

"Pooh!"

Spitting out grape skins, Zhang Cheng sprayed them directly in an official's face, appearing extremely arrogant.

Clenching his fist, the official looked at Zhang Cheng, but ultimately didn't dare to make a move, because Jia Wei was holding a blood-dripping knife and staring at him!

"It's terrible, sir! The Imperial Guards have arrived!"

Just as a servant rushed up, an old man suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard? Jia Jue, what the hell have you done!"

"They're raiding the place! After all, if newcomers want to rise to the top, they have to kick out the old guys, right? Don't you all agree?"

Looking at the wealthy businessmen present, Zhang Cheng smiled.
"The Governor is right! I agree!"

A merchant from the Northwest, smiling broadly at Zhang Cheng, immediately bowed respectfully.

As Zhang Cheng said, once the Salt Transport Bureau is established and controls all salt fields, the influence of the older generation will be rendered useless. Keeping them around would only cause trouble for the newcomers.
Even if Zhang Cheng doesn't make a move tonight, they'll still have to fight these people to the death tomorrow!

We're all out here on the streets. You can call me a nobody in Jiangnan, no problem. But outside of Jiangnan, what will you call me?
"The robes of civil officials are adorned with birds, and the robes of military officials with beasts. Wearing these official robes, who among us isn't a beast in human clothing? Right!"

Zhang Cheng's cold eyes met those of the person before him, and he couldn't help but laugh.

Because he really liked the way these people wanted to kill him, yet couldn't shake off their true selves.

"Your Excellency, the situation in the city has been resolved, and news is being sent from Suzhou."

A member of the Imperial Guard stepped forward and spoke to Zhang Cheng.
"Arrest them according to the list!"

As he calmly uttered these words, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but tap the table.

As the Imperial Guards entered, many tried to resist, but were immediately pinned to the ground and beheaded.
Seeing Zhang Cheng's ruthless actions, everyone present was too frightened to move, because this man didn't care who you were!

(End of this chapter)