What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 329 Your Majesty, I beg you to grant me the right to kill!

Seeing the Empress staring at him in surprise, Su Mo glanced at the system task prompt, then nodded and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens!"

The Empress frowned and asked, "What method does Su Lang have to raise hundreds of thousands of taels of disaster relief funds in such a short time?"

After a slight hesitation, she added, "I understand Su Lang's intentions."

"But you should know that hundreds of thousands of taels of silver is an enormous sum, one that even the imperial court cannot come up with in a short time..."

"I think... let it go, Su Lang, please don't make things difficult for me."

Leng Liuxi naturally assumed that Su Mo had made the promise rashly in the heat of the moment.

But disaster relief is no joke.

If you make a promise and then can't deliver, it will cause serious problems.

Su Mo was speechless.

In such a vast country as Dawu, I never imagined that the government would actually provide financial relief to this extent!
No wonder the Empress tolerated him despite his repeated self-destructive behavior.

It's no wonder that there was little resistance from the court to such a major event as opening up regulations for merchants and changing ancestral rules.

Everyone from top to bottom is desperately poor!

Everyone is waiting for the money to be put into the pot!

"His Majesty said that the initial million in disaster relief funds, after deducting the Ministry of Revenue's allocation and His Majesty's personal funds, still leaves a shortfall of 500,000."

Su Mo took a deep breath: "Such a huge sum of money, I'm afraid no one can come up with it."

"I believe the only solution is to try something in Qinghefang."

"Qinghefang?" The Empress's heart stirred, and she gestured for Su Mo to continue.

Su Mo explained, "His Majesty previously ordered me to establish the Qinghefang Hundred-Household Office, so I have carefully investigated the situation in Qinghefang!"

“The brothels, taverns, gambling dens, and money shops in Qinghefang are making a fortune every day.”

"But the total commercial tax paid by the entire Qinghefang last year was less than three thousand taels of silver!"

The Empress frowned and said, "Does Su Lang mean to collect commercial taxes from Qinghefang to provide relief to the disaster area?"

“Once the commercial tax in Qinghefang is collected, it will amount to tens of thousands of taels of silver. That is why I asked my husband to set up the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office to prevent those merchants from evading the commercial tax.”

"How can distant water quench a nearby fire? How can you, sir, collect 500,000 taels of silver within ten days?"

Su Mo's tone turned cold: "Normal tax revenue is definitely not enough to cover this amount!"

"But what if we collect all the commercial taxes owed over the years?"

The Empress was immediately taken aback: "Collecting commercial taxes from previous years?"

She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head: "This definitely can't be collected!"

"Leaving aside whether those merchants are willing to hand over the accounts, the accounts from previous years must have been falsified by the accountants. The real account books are hidden very well, so how can we find out the truth and collect them?"

"Even if the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to investigate, it would take an extremely long time to get any results."

Su Mo said decisively, "Then we won't investigate, we'll only investigate this year's taxes!"

"It is the end of the year, and shops usually remit their accounts at the end of the year. As long as we obtain this account book and compare it with the commercial tax paid, we can find out if the shop has evaded commercial tax."

"Following this, he shall be severely punished! He shall be fined a hundredfold!"

He paused slightly, a flash of murderous intent appearing in his eyes: "Of course, even so, there probably won't be enough time."

"We must make an example of them to warn the others, so that they will see the consequences and voluntarily pay their fines!"

The Empress narrowed her phoenix eyes, a sharp glint flashing in them: "Making an example of someone?"

Su Mo nodded emphatically: "Not bad!"

"This chicken is extremely heavy!"

"This will make other merchants aware of the serious consequences of resisting taxes. When the time comes, I will spread the word that those who voluntarily pay the fine will only be punished tenfold. I think many merchants will then voluntarily pay!"

As he spoke, Su Mo took a deep breath, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes: "Merchants are driven by profit. If you want them to honestly hand over their money, you'll have to draw blood, and not just one or two lives."

"Your Majesty, I beg you to grant me the power to execute first and report later!"

Although the Embroidered Uniform Guard nominally had the power to kill, times had changed, and with the Phoenix Cry Division as a check, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's power had been greatly weakened.

Su Mo wanted to act first and report later, but he naturally needed the Empress's permission.

He showed no qualms about demanding the right to kill, and then said in a deep voice, "The major merchants in Qinghefang all have powerful backers behind them!"

"I'll take care of the things that might offend people!"

"But I fear I cannot withstand the pressure from the forces behind those unscrupulous merchants!"

The Empress said calmly, "Su Lang, go ahead and do it!"

"The power to act first and report later, I grant you!"

"As for the powerful backer behind him... Hmph!"

"Whoever stands up for those unscrupulous merchants, I will have Lu Su confiscate their property."

Although his tone was calm, the murderous intent hidden within it made even Su Mo tremble.

"Furthermore, I have ordered the Southern Garrison Command to prepare a certificate for the young master for the Left Examination of a Thousand-Household Commander..."

With the Empress's words, things become much easier.

Su Mo was very clear about her own position.

Flatterer!

His current power, status, and even wealth all depend on the Empress.

As for Zhong Yin, Ye Wenshan, and others, they are merely icing on the cake.

The purpose of Qinghefang was to rob those shops of their money, and sooner or later they would offend them all.

Why not seize this opportunity of the earth dragon turning over and get things done with lightning speed!
With the greater good on their side, who would dare to oppose them at this time?

Just as the Empress said.

Anyone who stands up for those unscrupulous merchants at this time is disregarding the lives of ordinary people.

The empress immediately arrested him, confiscated his property, and executed him.

Who in the imperial court dared to utter a single word of dissent?!

As for what will happen next, will he be resented by the forces behind those merchants?

If you want to get promoted and make money, how can you avoid offending people?
He firmly grasped the power of the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office, which was almost as powerful as the Northern Garrison Command.

If anyone has the guts, bring it on!

Let’s see who is afraid of whom!

With the Empress backing him up, Su Mo was naturally confident and said in a deep voice, "There's no time to lose!"

"Your Majesty, I request to take my leave!"

The Empress hesitated for a moment: "It's getting late, my lord, could you... perhaps you could rest for the night at the Lakeside Palace and recharge your energy tomorrow..."

Before she could finish speaking, Su Mo shook his head and said, "I can rest, but the people suffering from the disaster cannot!"

"I am still young, it won't matter if I sleep less for a day or two."

The Empress was moved and said softly, "Go, my lord!"

Su Mo stood up: "This subject takes his leave!"

He paused, then continued, "The seven circuits, thirteen prefectures, and twenty-four counties of the Great Wu are all on Your Majesty's shoulders. Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance."

Su Mo's voice suddenly softened considerably: "You should go and rest too!"

Leng Liuxi nodded gently: "This concubine understands."

Watching Su Mo's departing figure, the Empress's gaze lingered for a long time, her eyes becoming somewhat unfocused.

My worried mood suddenly seemed to improve considerably.

A responsible and capable man is truly handsome!
"Guards! I need to change my clothes and go to bed!" The Empress heeded Su Mo's advice and went to bed early today.

……

Su Mo had already drafted the list of guards at all levels for the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office. He then needed to recruit the strongmen and captains below them to set up office and begin operations.

However, the position of centurion was later transferred to Zhang Xuzu.

If they wanted to collect the commercial tax fines within ten days, they naturally had to find Zhang Xuzu first and inquire about the establishment of the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office.

After spending time with Cao Feng and other young masters in a brothel, Zhang Xuzu returned to his residence.

After drinking to his heart's content, he intended to take a bath and then go to bed to rest. However, while taking a bath, he was aroused by his newly acquired concubine and decided to first discuss spear techniques with her.

As a result, he had just carried the concubine into her room, and hadn't even had a chance to mount her.

Then a servant announced from outside, "Reporting to Third Master, there is a man outside who claims to be Su Mo and wants to see you..."

Upon hearing this, the concubine let out a displeased snort.

Zhang Xuzu retorted angrily, "I won't see you!"

"It's the middle of the night, get him out of here..."

"what?"

Zhang Xuzu suddenly woke up. The servant had just mentioned Su Mo.

He instantly sobered up by ninety percent, pushed away the concubine who was clinging to his neck, and asked in a deep voice, "Does the person who came here call himself Su Mo?"

The servant hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Third Master, the person who came did indeed identify himself as Su Mo."

Zhang Xuzu was stunned.

Why did Su Mo suddenly come to find me, especially in the middle of the night?

In the afternoon, he went to the Su residence, intending to invite Su Mo to a brothel to listen to music and drink.

However, they learned from the servants of the Su family that Su Mo and all the ladies had gone to Lonely Peak Mountain.

Why did you return to Beijing in the middle of the night?

He was, after all, just a young master, and his information was not as readily available as others'; he was unaware of Su Mo's assassination attempt.

Although Zhang Zong, the former commander of the army, knew about it, he did not ask him about the situation.

Zhang Xuzu hesitated for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Please invite Lord Su to the side hall and give him a proper welcome! Tell Lord Su that I will be there shortly."

The servants left in response.

Zhang Xuzu asked his concubine to help him get dressed, preparing to go see Su Mo.

The concubine, however, seemed somewhat aggrieved. While helping Zhang Xuzu put on his robes, she complained, "Who is that Su Mo? Why is she looking for my husband at this time? She has no manners at all."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuzu's face darkened abruptly, and he shouted sharply, "Shut up!"

"Don't think that just because I pamper you, you can act recklessly!"

"Listen to me! If you dare to disrespect Lord Su again, I will not forgive you!"

The concubine's face turned deathly pale, and she trembled with fear!
Zhang Xuzu glared at her fiercely again, then flicked his sleeve and strode away!

We just entered the side hall.

Then Su Mo sat solemnly at the table, with a servant attending to him with a teapot.

Zhang Xuzu glanced at the teacups on the table.

The tea was only seven-tenths full, clearly indicating that it hadn't been drunk.

Zhang Xuzu was even more surprised. He waved for his servants to leave, then smiled and said, "Brother Su, what brings you here so suddenly? It's quite a surprise."

"At the hour of You (5-7 PM), Brother Cao Feng and I went to Brother Su's residence to visit him..."

Before he could finish speaking, Su Mo waved her hand to interrupt him: "Sit down."

"I've come here today to inquire about matters concerning the Qinghefang Hundred-Household Office, Brother Zhang!"

He paused slightly: "How is the establishment of the Hundred-Household Office progressing?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuzu immediately became solemn.

He was appointed by the Empress as the head of the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office, and was even summoned by the Empress. He was also given a personal lecture by Zhang Zong, so he naturally knew the importance of the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office.

Su Mo brought up this matter as soon as she arrived, which shows how important it is!
"The Qinghefang Hundred-Household Office is ready. The yamen will be located near the Xima River West Wharf. The strongmen and captains, etc., have been recruited in accordance with Lord Su's wishes, with more than eighty people..."

Zhang Xuzu briefly explained the establishment of the garrison, then asked, "Brother Su, why did you suddenly bring up the matter of the Hundred-Household Garrison?"

He hesitated slightly: "Could it be that something has changed?"

This was a crucial opportunity for him, the third son of the Duke of Ningguo, to rise to prominence. He hoped to use this opportunity to achieve great things and be granted a title in the future. Zhang Xuzu was naturally worried that things might change.

Su Mo shook his head: "No!"

"His Majesty has appointed me as the probationary commander of the Upper Left Guard, in charge of all affairs of the Qinghefang Guard!"

"The Qinghefang Hundred-Household Office must be established immediately and put into operation!"

"Tomorrow, summon all guards and soldiers to the yamen for a meeting. I have an important task to assign!"

Zhang Xuzu immediately became excited: "A mission?"

"Hehe! How important is it?"

For him, it's not having a mission that's scary, but not having one.

Moreover, the heavier the task, the better!
Otherwise, how can I prove my abilities to His Majesty and how can I be granted a title in the future?

Su Mo slowly said, "The task is to collect 500,000 taels of silver from Qinghefang within ten days."

Zhang Xuzu was dumbfounded!
I knew the task was heavy, but I never expected it to be as heavy as Mount Kunwu!
After a long pause, he swallowed hard and said awkwardly, "Brother Su, you're not joking with me, are you?"

"To collect 500,000 taels of silver within ten days? That's impossible!"

Su Mo glanced at him expressionlessly: "Brother Zhang, do you think I look like I'm joking?"

Zhang Xuzu swallowed hard again: "Doesn't look like it!"

He then said with a wry smile, "But I still think this is simply impossible!"

Five hundred thousand taels of silver!
Even if you sold the entire Ningguo Duke's Mansion, you still wouldn't be able to raise 500,000 taels of silver!
Su Mo said calmly, "No matter how impossible it is, we must do it!"

He emphasized, adding, "This is a sacred decree!"

Su Mo didn't hide anything from him and then gave a general account of the Tiannan Road earthquake and the million-dollar disaster relief fund.

He then added, "To force merchants to pay their fines voluntarily, people will surely die. Therefore, I have obtained the power of execution from His Majesty!"

Zhang Xuzu's eyelids suddenly twitched!
Su Mo said coldly, "We will also offend countless court officials, powerful families, and even military nobles!"

"Therefore, I went to Brother Zhang's residence overnight to discuss a plan with Brother Zhang and Cao Feng!"

As he spoke, seeing Zhang Xuzu's face turn slightly pale, Su Mo sneered again: "Lord Zhang, are you afraid?"

Zhang Xuzu gave a wry smile: "Even if I say I'm not afraid, Lord Su probably won't believe me."

"None of the major merchants in Qinghefang are simple characters! If we collect commercial taxes normally, those merchants might not risk their lives to oppose us."

"Now the penalty is ten times the original amount, so there's no way we won't fight back!"

Zhang Xuzu gave another bitter laugh, then let out a long sigh, his tone suddenly turning fierce: "However, the imperial decree is difficult to disobey!"

“We are the legitimate sons of noble families who have no right to inherit our fathers’ titles. If we want to make achievements, we will naturally offend people.”

"If Lord Zhang isn't afraid, why should I be afraid of him!"

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, then he frowned and said in a deep voice, "However, this matter is of great importance!"

"I believe we should first gather Cao Feng, Ning Xiaoxiao, and Ma Wei, the three trial centurions, to discuss this matter together!"

Su Mo's face darkened: "That's what I mean too."

"If they don't have the courage, they should leave the Hundred-Household Office as soon as possible so that I can find someone else!"

The matter was settled.

The Qinghefang Hundred Households Garrison became famous in one battle, displaying its might and becoming feared by everyone thereafter!
If we lose.

Although he, Zhang Xuzu, and Cao Feng were not going to lose their lives, they would certainly have no future.

Ning Xiaoxiao, Ma Wei, and others are very likely to lose their lives.

In such a major battle, everyone must be of one mind and there must be no dissent within the organization before we can fight with all our might!
(End of this chapter)