Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The heads of the Zhou family, the seven major salt merchants, all gathered here to discuss the potential impact of the assassination of the imperial envoy.

Suddenly, Zhou Boru's son, Zhou Yan, rushed into the hall with his men, saying in a panic, "Master, something terrible has happened! A large number of soldiers have entered the city and surrounded the Wang family, the Bai family, and many other households..."

"What??"

Everyone was shocked and stood up.

Even Zhou Boru, who was usually unfazed even by the collapse of Mount Tai, couldn't help but tremble. He forced himself to sit in the main seat and asked, "Is the news true? Where did these soldiers come from?"

"They say they were dispatched by the Imperial Envoy to the city to apprehend the assassins and their remaining followers. Sir, what should we do? Judging by their posture, these soldiers are clearly after us; I'm afraid they might…"

Before he could finish speaking, the steward shouted from inside the courtyard, "Master, sir, something terrible has happened! A large number of soldiers have arrived and surrounded all the gates!"

Zhou Boru couldn't sit still any longer and stood up abruptly, his face terribly gloomy.

If he was like this, one can only imagine how the others were; many of them looked ashen-faced.

As the saying goes, "When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless." The same applies to these merchants. They, as salt merchants, have the power to influence officials, but that's only because of the influence of those behind them. However, this is hardly effective against the tyrannical soldiers.

The key question is, how could Jia Lian... how could he dare to directly send troops to surround them!?

Where did he get the audacity and ability to attack them with weapons before they were even convicted?

Does being an imperial envoy really give you the right to disregard the rules and act recklessly? The imperial censors and officials are not to be trifled with.

Although I couldn't understand it and even couldn't believe it, at this moment, fear was certain.

Wang Shanxiang hurriedly pressed Zhou Yan and the steward, "Even the Bai family has been surrounded?"

Which of them didn't know that the Bai family was related to the Empress Dowager's maternal relatives? Although the Yangzhou salt merchants Bai family was only a branch of the Bai family, they were still working for the direct line of the Bai family.

Even if Jia Lian were an imperial envoy, would he dare to directly attack the Bai family?

"They're surrounded, all of them are surrounded. All seven of our families are surrounded by government troops."

Upon hearing the steward's words, Zhou Yanru hurriedly asked, "How is the situation at the Imperial Envoy's residence? What is the Imperial Envoy doing?"

He said that the Imperial Envoy's Residence was not the manor prepared for Jia Lian by the Yangzhou government, but rather referred to the Salt Commissioner's Office. Wherever the Imperial Envoy lived, that was the Imperial Envoy's Residence.

Although Jia Lian's men had tight control over the headquarters, the large government office still needed to continue managing the salt administration, and the people inside still needed to eat. As long as not everyone from before was expelled, the salt merchants would find out what was happening inside the headquarters; it was only a matter of time.

At the very least, someone can be sent outside to keep an eye on the movements of the headquarters.

"The situation inside the headquarters is still unclear, but according to the people below, the prefect and others went inside early this morning, but they haven't come out yet."

As for the Imperial Envoy…”

The steward glanced at Master Zhao and said, "It seems the Imperial Envoy has gone to the Zhao family with his personal guards."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao's face turned deathly pale. He gripped the table and muttered, "It's over, all over..."

The others, disregarding their disdain for him, exchanged glances, and Zhou Yanru said, "There's no use panicking now. Let's go out and check the situation first."

"By order of the Imperial Envoy, the salt merchants of Yangzhou are selling smuggled salt and embezzling salt taxes, which is a violation of the law. From this day forward, all goods and vehicles are prohibited from entering or leaving the city, pending the arrival of the Imperial Envoy to audit the accounts and goods, and to interrogate and prosecute them. Anyone who disobeys orders or dares to resist will be executed without exception."

The number of soldiers surrounding the Zhou family was not large, but they were all imposing and guarded all the entrances and exits of the Zhou family.

Upon seeing Zhou Yanru and the other main figures emerge, the officers on horseback immediately announced the order.

Zhou Yanru and the others were startled and hesitated for a moment before bowing to the officer and asking, "May we ask where the Imperial Envoy is now? We wish to pay our respects to the Imperial Envoy; is that permissible?"

Jia Yu looked down at the elegantly dressed merchants before him, recognizing them as the renowned salt merchants. Normally, these men would have the power to stir up trouble throughout Jiangnan, but now they could only fawn over him.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Jia Yu said solemnly, "The Imperial Envoy has only instructed that all goods and vehicles are not allowed to enter or leave, but there are no restrictions on personnel. Gentlemen, you may do as you please."

Hearing that their movements would not be restricted, Zhou Yanru and the others relaxed slightly, only to tense up again.

He's already used violence against them, yet he doesn't restrict their freedom. Does he think they can't resist him? I don't know if Jia Lian is confident or arrogant.

So Zhou Yanru immediately led the other families to the Zhao family's house.

The Zhao family mansion was already in complete chaos.

All the servants of the Zhao family, regardless of age or gender, were herded to the front yard. Anyone who dared to resist or shout insults was naturally given a good beating, and then could only watch helplessly as the soldiers carried chests of treasure and goods to the front yard.

When Master Zhao arrived home and saw this scene, he almost fainted on the spot.

Led by the officers and soldiers, they arrived at the compound and saw Jia Lian sitting leisurely in the hall, drinking tea.

"May I ask, Your Excellency, what is the meaning of this?" Master Zhao stepped forward and questioned loudly.

Seeing the main character arrive, Jia Lian slowly raised his head and took in the expressions of the seven wealthy men below.

He didn't answer the Zhao family patriarch's question, but coldly asked, "You are Zhao Tang?"

"I am Zhao Tang..."

"Take it."

As soon as Jia Lian finished speaking, his personal guards stepped forward, seized Master Zhao, and forced him to kneel down to the side.

While struggling, he loudly questioned, "May I ask, Your Excellency, what crime has my Zhao family committed? Although my Zhao family is just a merchant family, we also serve the imperial court. The imperial envoy has executed us without warning. My Zhao family is not satisfied!"

'

"To execute without prior instruction? That's an interesting way to put it. Well then, I'll tell you now what crimes your Zhao family has committed."

First, as a salt merchant designated by the imperial court to sell official salt, he used official salt as a cover to sell smuggled salt and embezzled national taxes on a large scale.

Secondly, seeing that his plan had been exposed, he took a desperate gamble and sent someone to assassinate the imperial envoy appointed by the king.

"Both of these crimes are capital offenses. If you confess honestly, I might spare your life. But if you dare to argue again, you will be executed without mercy."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao was terrified.

The first point is one thing; they already knew that if Jia Lian investigated seriously, he would definitely discover their smuggling of salt.

But what does this mean? Of the more than twenty salt merchants in Yangzhou, which one dares to say they haven't done this behind the scenes?

It could even be said that since the establishment of the salt tax monopoly in the Qing Dynasty, the sale of smuggled salt has never been truly and completely eradicated. Moreover, most of the smuggling was carried out by salt merchants holding salt permits. Because of the cover provided by official salt, their smuggling was less likely to be exposed.

But it's not easy to be exposed, not that it will never be exposed, nor that there will be no trace of it. Not to mention, in the past two years, the salt merchants have indeed been rampant in selling smuggled salt. As long as Jia Lian stays in Yangzhou for a while, it won't be too difficult for him to find incriminating evidence against them.

This is why they were determined from the beginning to win over Jia Lian.

However, Jia Lian's appetite was far too great, causing them too much financial strain, so they shelved their plans and sought other solutions.

Who knew Jia Lian would act so quickly and take action against them already? This is very illogical. If a business deal can't be reached immediately, shouldn't they be given some time to consider it?

As for the assassination attempt, that's even more absurd. Even he, as the patriarch of the Zhao family, didn't know anything about it! Could it be that someone deliberately framed the Zhao family?

It must be that old dog Wang Shanxiang. Only that arrogant scoundrel would have such audacity. That day at the Zhou family manor, he was the one who first revealed his intention to assassinate the imperial envoy…

Although he thought this way, Master Zhao wasn't foolish enough to immediately accuse Wang Shanxiang. After all, this wasn't just a matter for his Zhao family; it concerned the entire Yangzhou salt industry.

At this time, unity is very important. If Jia Lian really wants to harm the Zhao family today, he still hopes that the other six families will work together to fight against Jia Lian.

Therefore, he could only vehemently protest his innocence.

"Injustice? If I didn't have solid evidence, why would I have come to your Zhao family?"

"Bring the assassin here."

The "assassin" who had appeared in front of Wu Zhirong and the others was immediately brought in.

Master Zhao naturally recognized his servant. Just by looking at the situation, he completely understood that Jia Lian had indeed come prepared.

"You damned dog slave! I have treated you well all these years, yet you have such wolfish ambitions, daring to assassinate the imperial envoy and even slander the Bai family? Do you know that assassinating the imperial envoy is treason, a capital offense? You can die, but do you want to drag my entire Zhao family down with you?"

"Confess now! Who instructed you? If you tell the truth, the Imperial Envoy might spare your life. Otherwise, you and your entire family are doomed!"

"master……"

"Hurry up and tell me!"

'

Master Zhao was quite quick-witted. He first pointed out that assassinating the imperial envoy was treason, a capital offense. Then, he used a stern tone to force the servant to tell the truth. In this way, as long as the servant revealed even the slightest flaw, he could clear the Zhao family's name.

After all, he was just a servant, and his reverence for Master Zhao ran deep in his bones. Under Master Zhao's interrogation, he immediately burst into tears and said, "Master, I'm innocent! I was on my way home from the shop today when I was ambushed and knocked unconscious. When I woke up, I was found lying in the Imperial Envoy's camp, and I was arrested as an assassin. I'm truly innocent, and I never intended to repay the Zhao family..."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhao immediately pleaded for justice for Jia Lian.

Seeing this, the other six people chimed in with their agreement. At this point, they couldn't just stand by and watch Jia Lian confiscate the Zhao family's property.

Today it's the Zhao family, tomorrow it could be one of the other six families.

"We implore Your Excellency, the Imperial Envoy, to make a wise judgment and deliver justice to the Zhao family!"

Wang Shanxiang also stepped forward and said loudly, "Although Your Excellency is an imperial envoy, you must still act based on solid evidence."

Although we are of lowly status, we are still officials of the imperial court. We salt merchants contribute nearly 20 million taels of silver to the national treasury every year, which accounts for almost a quarter of the entire national treasury's annual revenue! Even the current prime minister and the crown prince have praised us salt merchants as people who have made contributions to the imperial court.

"I urge you, my lord, to act with caution, lest those who have rendered meritorious service to the nation lose faith in the court!"

Wang Shanxiang's words were clearly threatening. The others remained silent, but their silence spoke volumes.

They genuinely believed they had rendered great service to the imperial court. Every year, they spent vast sums of money seeking powerful patrons within the court, partly to protect their status as salt merchants from being usurped, and partly so that if officials attempted to extort them, their backers could smooth things over.

This was their greatest asset, and the reason why everyone knew they were incredibly wealthy salt merchants, yet no one dared to lay a finger on them.

Over the years, none of the officials or forces that hindered the interests of these salt merchants have had a good ending. Those who truly had powerful connections, and those who opposed them, mostly became their own people.

Therefore, they are definitely not to be trifled with. Wang Shanxiang's invocation of the Grand Secretary and the Crown Prince was a warning to Jia Lian not to go too far.

"Hehehe, well said! You truly deserve to be called a meritorious official of the imperial court!"

Jia Lian laughed, walked down the steps, and stood before Wang Shanxiang. He pulled off the imperial sword from his waist and asked with a smile, "Do you recognize this sword?"

Wang Shanxiang's expression faltered, but he feigned composure: "It must have been the Imperial Sword bestowed upon you by His Majesty when you left the capital..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jia Lian suddenly drew his sword and pressed it against his neck, startling him.

"Now that you recognize this sword, you should understand that I am in Yangzhou on behalf of the court and His Majesty."

"How dare you threaten me, you dog?"

Hearing Jia Lian's murderous words and feeling the cold blade against his neck, Wang Shanxiang turned pale and finally abandoned his arrogant demeanor: "This humble one wouldn't dare, this humble one had no intention of threatening you, sir..."

"Not a threat? So you mean that your smuggling of salt and the assassination attempt on me were orchestrated by the Grand Secretary and the Crown Prince?"

Zhou Boru and the others' expressions changed drastically. Jia Lian drawing his sword was bad enough, but now he was even trying to drag the Crown Prince and the Grand Secretary into it?

Is he really courting death?

Wang Shanxiang was so frightened that she knelt down with a thud.

Even with his arrogance, he knew he couldn't accept such a rebuttal. Colluding with salt merchants to sell smuggled salt for profit was one thing; it wouldn't harm the Crown Prince. But ordering the assassination of the imperial envoy was a crime even the Crown Prince couldn't afford to commit.

Because the imperial envoy represents the current emperor!

At that moment, he thought he was going to die. If Jia Lian dared to say something like that, he probably would also dare to kill him with a single sword stroke.

Fortunately, Jia Lian did not. Seeing him kneel down, a hint of arrogant contempt appeared on his face. He slowly inserted his sword into its sheath and said, "I know you have the audacity to slander the Crown Prince."

Before I left the capital by imperial decree, I had met the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people, understanding the hardships Your Majesty endures in governing the country and the difficulties faced by the common people.

Knowing that the salt administration in Yangzhou was in chaos, he was furious. He specifically instructed me to thoroughly investigate the case and severely punish all those involved.

And now you all dare to try and invoke the Crown Prince's name, thinking you can escape punishment? You truly have no regard for your own lives.

After coldly saying these words, Jia Lian looked at the Zhao family manager: "You attempted to assassinate me first, and then recanted your confession on the spot. You deserve to die."

No sooner had Jia Lian finished speaking than a flash of cold light appeared, and a horrifying trail of blood, accompanied by a scream of terror and despair, splattered across the Zhao family compound, causing all who witnessed it to tremble with fear.

Many of the Zhao family members kneeling in the distance were so frightened that they burst into tears, and for a moment, their wails were deafening.

Looking at the Zhao family servant lying in a pool of blood, Jia Lian remained completely unmoved.

The so-called assassination was merely a pretext for his actions tonight, a pretext to silence the powerful figures behind these salt merchants.

Although he knew that with Emperor Ningkang around, even if he wiped out all these big salt merchants, Emperor Ningkang would probably be able to withstand the pressure and wouldn't do something like discarding a used tool after it has served its purpose.

However, he should always consider his own interests.

He was an imperial envoy sent out of the capital by imperial decree, and these salt merchants dared to assassinate him? This was a complete violation of the rules.

It should be understood that even in the midst of court intrigues, assassination is not a common tactic. These salt merchants, frankly speaking, were nothing more than commoners, not even officials.

Killing an official while being a commoner is already a heinous crime. But to kill an imperial envoy appointed by the emperor? With this stated openly, no matter how much he punishes these salt merchants, those behind them will have no say in the matter.

In this way, even if someone impeaches him, Emperor Ningkang will be under much less pressure.

Therefore, the so-called assassination was just a play he orchestrated himself. As for why he chose the Zhao family first, it was simply because his investigation and the list given to him by the Xu family revealed that the Zhao family was one of the three most serious cases of salt smuggling.

The other two families are the Bai family and the Wang family.

The Bai family goes without saying. Even if you don't care about the monk, you have to consider the Buddha. Princess Zhaoyang treated him so kindly, so he had to show her some respect.

He really wanted to use the Wang family as a raft, but ultimately he had to give the Crown Prince some face...

Adhering to the principle of proceeding step by step, after careful consideration, the Zhao family was deemed the most suitable to be the first to be eliminated.

Therefore, this servant of the Zhao family was naturally someone he had captured; he was a manager in the Zhao family. Salt merchants amassed enormous profits in the salt trade, and to protect these profits, the servants they kept were all increasingly ruthless and vicious.

It just so happens that this shopkeeper is one of the more famous ones, and it's estimated that he has more than one murder case on his hands. We can use his life to intimidate these salt merchants.

With the death of the Zhao family manager, all the salt merchants seemed to have understood something and fell silent.

Jia Lian then walked back to the main hall and looked down at them, saying, "The Zhao family has violated the law by assassinating the imperial envoy. All their assets have been confiscated and inventoried, and the proceeds have been added to the national treasury. From Master Zhao Tang down, all members of the Zhao family are to be detained in their current positions until I have reviewed their cases and dealt with them according to the law."

No one spoke, and no one dared to protest.

Everyone was afraid that they would be the ones lying on the ground the next second. Even the patriarch of the Zhao family sat slumped on the ground, saying nothing.

Then Jia Lian looked at Zhou Boru and the others and said, "The salt administration is a major policy of the dynasty, which is related to the fate of the country. The court trusts you and has entrusted you with this responsibility. However, you have disregarded the court's trust and treated the salt administration as nothing for your own selfish interests."

Do you really think the court dares not touch you? Or do you think that without you, the people of the world will go hungry?

"Go back now and prepare all the accounts from previous years. I will personally visit each household to audit them later."

Faced with Jia Lian, Zhou Boru, and the others who refused to give them any explanation, they could only silently follow the soldiers and leave as they had come.

The difference is that there were seven of them when they came in, but only six left when they went back.