Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

Princess Zhaoyang's Residence.

Inside the room, after reading the private letter Jia Lian had written to her, Princess Zhaoyang's face beamed with a smile.

She admired Jia Lian for his heroic spirit, and even more so for her lover who looked down on women and regarded her as his right-hand man.

After writing a reply to Jia Lian, he also wrote a separate letter of greeting to his family, which he sent to the Bai family and then forwarded to his maternal uncle, Marquis Yangwu.

This was not something Jia Lian asked her to do.

When Jia Lian mentioned the Bai family, the salt merchants, while telling her about his recent situation, she understood what he meant.

Although her uncle, Marquis Yangwu, was not in the central government, he was the military governor who held absolute power on the border. Last time in Anxi Prefecture, Jia Lian beat up his brother-in-law, which could be said to be a misunderstanding. This time, Jia Lian "robbed" his money bag, and it's likely that his uncle will hold a grudge against Jia Lian.

Of course, she couldn't just stand by and watch this happen. She had to consider the consequences for her uncle, Chen Ming, and persuade him to back down.

She used to be a carefree princess, but now she's grown up and needs to think about more things. She also feels that her uncle is overstepping his bounds.

At their level, excessive wealth usually brings more trouble than benefit.

She was glad that Jia Lian told her these things.

She knew that Jia Lian wasn't afraid of her uncle, Marquis Yangwu. Although Jia Lian's seniority and official rank were not as high as her uncle's, Jia Lian was a powerful official in the central government and a close advisor to the emperor. Therefore, unless Marquis Yangwu led a rebellion, Jia Lian had no reason to fear him.

On the contrary, her uncle, being far from the central government and holding a high position of power, should be wary of Jia Lian causing trouble for him in the central government.

Therefore, Jia Lian brought this up with her simply because he felt that given their relationship—he and her uncle, Marquis Yangwu—they were natural political allies. Such natural political allies, even without regular communication, should support each other in crucial moments, provided there are no major misunderstandings.

Since she had decided to help Jia Lian rise to prominence, the only thing she needed to do at this time was to help Jia Lian avoid all unnecessary trouble.

"By the way, I heard that the Imperial Concubine Dowager is ill. What happened?"

When her trusted nanny returned to report, Princess Zhaoyang suddenly asked a question.

"Princess Qi, according to news from the palace, Consort Li is indeed ill, but it seems to be a mental illness. I heard that when she went to pay her respects to the Emperor Emeritus yesterday, she angered him and was ordered to be confined by him."

It seems the Emperor Emeritus was truly enraged this time, so even when His Majesty went to Chonghua Palace this morning to plead for the Empress Dowager, the Emperor Emeritus did not summon him.

Princess Zhaoyang listened without showing any expression.

Putting aside the fact that she wasn't close to Consort Li to begin with, she was already certain that sending her off for a political marriage was basically Consort Li's doing, solely to displease the Empress Dowager...

Her own grandmother treated her so poorly, how could she possibly have any genuine respect for her?

"Where is my imperial grandmother?"

"The Empress Dowager has been in good spirits lately. I heard that she spends her days playing the zither and brewing tea in the palace, cultivating her mind and spirit. Occasionally, she goes to Chonghua Palace to accompany the Emperor Emeritus to go fishing or play chess."

Princess Zhaoyang laughed, then shook her head.

She knew that the Empress Dowager had been in a good mood ever since she returned safely to the capital. She also sensed that her grandmother had changed somewhat since her return.

Although she couldn't quite articulate it, she felt that her relationship with the Emperor Emeritus was closer. Correspondingly, Consort Li became increasingly disliked by the Emperor Emeritus, and every so often she would be reprimanded by him.

She felt that her grandmother was partly to blame for this.

Previously, the Empress Dowager would summon her to the palace every two days, but during this period, it seemed as if she had been forgotten.

Perhaps, he really is busy...

Upon reflection, Princess Zhaoyang felt even greater respect for the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager, who had always been so elegant and unassuming, was now taking matters into her own hands; perhaps it was partly to vent her anger on her behalf.

Although she was definitely on the side of the Empress Dowager in her heart, she still had to put on a show of politeness.

"Since the Imperial Concubine is ill, I naturally must go and pay my respects. Order that she proceed to Changchun Palace after noon."

Princess Zhaoyang casually issued the order to enter the palace to pay her respects. Sitting in her study, she recalled that her previous reply to Jia Lian contained some inappropriate words.

So she took it out and revised it several times until she was sure that Jia Lian would fully understand her feelings and affection after receiving her reply. Then, blushing, she copied it out in her delicate small regular script and had a reliable person send it south.

……

Yangzhou City.

Jia Lian also gradually began to send reports on the situation of Yangzhou's salt administration to the capital in the form of official documents.

It is believed that with his report, the imperial court will make a judgment on all the problems in the Yangzhou salt administration. Furthermore, the new Salt Inspector will be appointed soon.

As expected, the salt merchants no longer dared to defy his authority. They divided the money equally according to their salt license quotas and delivered the four million taels of silver to the headquarters in full.

Jia Lian was also very loyal. After receiving the full amount of silver, he ordered all the soldiers stationed outside the salt merchants' houses to be withdrawn.

As for the Wang family's money shop, no one knows what methods the Zhou family used, but none of the other shops competed with them, and Jia Lian did not deliberately make things difficult for them. In the end, Zhou Boru took it over.

After all, the Wang family had their property confiscated and were being investigated. Although Jia Lian immediately ordered the government to take control of the Wang family's money shop, there would likely still be unrest, such as people donating money and fleeing.

Therefore, the Zhou family took a certain risk in acquiring the Wang family's money shop. Whether they can recoup their costs quickly depends on the Zhou family's own methods.

"My lord, this is a small token of our appreciation from your servants and fellow salt merchants..."

After finalizing the deal with the money exchange, Zhou Boru handed Jia Lian a separate list.

When Jia Lian opened it, good heavens, there were two or three whole pages, all filled with good stuff.

They were either paintings or calligraphy by famous people, or antique treasures. Judging by Jia Lian's knowledge, he doubted that a single item would be worth less than a thousand taels!

It also indicated which item it was and which company sent it.

Jia Lian had known they would do this, but he hadn't expected them to show their respect in this way. Thinking about it carefully, it seemed like they were doing it for his benefit.

After all, these items are small and not as conspicuous as real gold and silver, making them excellent gift choices. It's likely that these items were collected by the salt merchants themselves.

"You are all very kind."

There was no intention to refuse. Consider it payment from these salt merchants for knowingly concealing the Wang family's plot to assassinate him. If they weren't accepted, they might not feel at ease.

"As long as you like it, that's fine. In addition to those little trinkets, we have also prepared 100,000 taels of silver for you, which is included in the money for atonement that was brought in..."

"hehe."

Compared to the confiscated property of the Zhao and Wang families, and compared to the four million taels of silver for redemption, one hundred thousand taels was indeed nothing.

"Is there anything else?"

After Zhou Boru finished presenting his filial offerings, he showed no intention of leaving, clearly having something to say.

So when Jia Lian spoke, he immediately bowed and said in a low voice, "Indeed, I have a favor to ask of you, sir."

"Speak."

Having accepted the bribe, Jia Lian appeared to be very understanding.

Zhou Boru stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "Although we don't know how much wealth the Zhao and Wang families have, judging from the evidence of their crimes that you have found, I'm afraid they have done a lot of things that have harmed the local area and extorted money from others."

In this way, their families must have amassed considerable wealth.

Now that the adults are upholding justice and bringing them to justice, it is in accordance with the natural order!

only……

They, like us common folk, were all salt merchants selected by the imperial court. I fear that if the officials report the results of the confiscation of the Wang and Zhao families' property, the court officials might mistakenly believe that every salt merchant family is as wealthy as the Wang and Zhao families…

Therefore, we humble people would like to earnestly request that you, sir, appropriately underreport the assets of the Wang and Zhao families, as a gesture of consideration for us other law-abiding salt merchants.

"As you, sir, surely know, since the court implemented the new salt administration, our profits are not what they used to be. If the officials in the court mistakenly believe that the salt trade still yields huge profits, they will likely try every means to extract profits from the salt administration. In that case, it won't just be us law-abiding salt merchants who would never sell salt for profit who suffer, but also the millions of ordinary people throughout the land who consume salt."

Hearing Zhou Boru's words, Jia Lian felt as if his eyes had been opened.

The salt merchants were worried that if he reported the wealth of the Wang and Zhao families in full, it would "expose" their true wealth and make the officials of the court think they were too rich, which was quite normal.

However, this was the first time he had ever heard someone describe abuse of power for personal gain and corruption in such a grand and noble way.

Judging from his words, if he didn't underreport the assets of the Wang and Zhao families, he would become a tyrant who poisoned the minds of law-abiding salt merchants and a villain who brought disaster to the people.

"Then, as you say, what shall be done with the assets I underreported? Shall they be distributed among you law-abiding salt merchants as compensation?"

There was a reason why Zhou Boru dared to speak out like this.

He immediately said seriously, "Your Excellency is joking. How could we dare to have such thoughts? Your Excellency has traveled thousands of miles south, working tirelessly for the court and the salt administration, and has been twice ambushed by villains. Therefore, the wealth that the Wang and Zhao families have seized by trickery should naturally belong to Your Excellency. It can be considered that the Wang and Zhao families have atone for Your Excellency's sins."

"Hehe, Chairman Zhou, aren't you trying to make me a corrupt official and put me in an unjust position?"

"grown ups……"

Before Zhou Boru could say anything, Jia Lian raised his hand to interrupt him: "Alright, I have already made up my mind about this matter, so there is no need for Chairman Zhou to worry about it."

Chairman Zhou, however, should have a proper discussion with the other salt merchants in Yangzhou about how to improve the salt administration in Jiangnan for the imperial court. If you all continue as you did last year by the end of this year, even if you manage to escape this calamity this time, you'll likely find it difficult to have a good New Year next year.

Zhou Boru immediately dared not say anything more and repeatedly agreed with Jia Lian's words.

But I had a better idea of ​​what was going on.

He could tell that Jia Lian was not a pedantic intellectual, and as long as he spoke his words and Jia Lian heard them, he would have achieved his goal.

Therefore, we immediately skipped that part and started talking about something else.

"I have heard that on the Little Qinhuai River that day, Qingyi offended you, sir. Please forgive her, sir. Qingyi was not disrespectful to you, but rather it is just that she has always had such a cold and aloof personality."

I have already sent someone to reprimand her, please don't take it to heart, sir...

As Zhou Boru was speaking, he noticed that Jia Lian's expression was not quite right, so he immediately stopped talking.

Then Jia Lian said, "First, the girl in green did not offend me. Second, although you were once her employer, now that you have given her to me, she is my person."

My men are hardly worth reprimanding by Chairman Zhou. Therefore, I do not wish for Chairman Zhou to say such things again.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Boru immediately knelt down and said, "My lord, please forgive me. I had no intention of offending you... I will remember this and will never be disrespectful to the young lady in green again."

Zhou Boru used Gu Qingyi as his trump card, which was also his biggest advantage in getting close to Jia Lian.

Therefore, when she heard that Gu Qingyi had not received Jia Lian's favor immediately, but was instead overshadowed by Shen Pan'er, she was somewhat angry and anxious, which is why she mentioned it.

Although he was reprimanded by Jia Lian, he actually felt relieved.

Judging from Jia Lian's tone, he clearly regarded Gu Qingyi as his woman, and his goal was achieved, so naturally he dared not argue with Jia Lian.

"Alright, get up. I will always remember the care and assistance that Chairman Zhou has shown me during my trip to Yangzhou."

However, I am always very stingy and do not like my own women to have any entanglements with other forces.

Therefore, if Chairman Zhou needs anything in the future, he can send someone directly to me. Don't try to be clever and have the young woman in green deliver anything; that might backfire. Chairman Zhou, please understand this.

"Yes, yes, I understand. Thank you for your kindness, sir. From now on, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I and the entire Zhou family will serve you faithfully!"

Jia Lian smiled, offered Zhou Boru a cup of tea, and then let him go.

Zhou Boru is a smart man, and his influence extends throughout the Jiangnan region. If used well, he could be a great asset. Therefore, he doesn't mind maintaining a good relationship with him.

With the salt merchants' problems resolved one by one, all that remains is to thoroughly investigate and seize the assets of all the salt merchants and corrupt officials before preparing to return to the capital.

However, when his subordinates compiled a list of the confiscated property details from Yangzhou officials of all ranks, including Wu Zhirong, Jia Lian was stunned for a long time.

Initially, nearly three million taels of gold and silver were confiscated from the Zhao family. Adding all of the Zhao family's manors, fields, and properties in various prefectures, even if they were all sold at low prices, they could still raise nearly one million taels of silver.

Therefore, the Zhao family alone has nearly four million!

The Wang family's value is slightly lower; even including the Wang family's money shop sold to the Zhou family, the overall value is only around three million.

The Feng family, a small salt merchant family known for their wealth and lack of compassion, had a total fortune of nearly 500,000 taels of silver.

Wu Zhirong and other officials in the prefectural government also had considerable wealth. However, since they did not belong to the salt administration system, Jia Lian only confiscated real gold and silver, as well as easily portable items. As for other assets, they were deposited into the prefectural treasury according to custom, and the treasury would then report to the imperial court.

This was done to reduce trouble and also to give other local officials in Yangzhou some extra money, so that they wouldn't be too envious of the mountains of wealth piled up in the headquarters.

Even so, Jia Lian still managed to seize nearly 300,000 taels of wealth. The majority of this was contributed by Prefect Wu Zhirong.

In addition to the numerous salt officials, both high and low, under the Salt Transport Bureau, as well as salt inspectors such as An Siyuan…

As the Salt Commissioner, An Siyuan was responsible for such a major blunder in the salt administration, and his family's property was confiscated.

As for the An family, considering that An Siyuan showed remorse in the end and was poisoned by the salt merchants, they were given a lenient sentence. Only their property was confiscated, and their family members were not implicated, which was quite reasonable.

As for confiscating property, it naturally varied between a thorough search and a cursory search. With Jia Lian involved, the outcome was obvious.

Although most officials in the salt administration system were of low rank, they were all secretly incredibly wealthy, so the value of the confiscated assets was at least around a million taels of silver. Jia Lian, however, found the assets of these small fry too scattered and was too lazy to inventory them all, so he only confiscated the easily obtainable gold and silver, leaving the rest to the prefectural government to inventory and deposit into their own coffers.

Thus, it amounts to approximately five or six hundred thousand.

Add to that the three million recently given by the salt merchants as atonement, plus one million given to the court officials as hush money, all added together...

More than twelve million!

call.

Jia Lian breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving the number.

I still remember that day in the secret room of the Zhao family, when I saw more than 100,000 taels of gold and one million taels of silver piled up together, a dazzling scene as big as a mountain.

More than twelve million—what an outrageous figure!

Even in the case of the Great Wei Dynasty, with nearly 200 million people contributing to the national treasury's annual revenue, it would account for almost one-fifth.

So, he didn't come to Yangzhou to investigate the salt administration, but rather to help the imperial court increase revenue?

It seems we need to deploy more troops to protect the headquarters; otherwise, if even a portion of such a large sum of money is stolen, the losses will be incalculable.

……

"grown ups……"

At Jia Lian's residence, Madam Xu rolled up from the table she had been lying on, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and then turned around, walked to Jia Lian's side, and sat on the armrest of the armchair.

"Are you sure you want to leave today?"

"Yes, the carriage and entourage are all ready."

"Um."

Madam Xu is the matriarch of the An family. Although An Siyuan is dead, the An family's roots in their hometown remain, and her son needs to return to inherit the family business, so she has to leave.

Although she was reluctant, she had to leave.

Not just for her son, but also for herself.

After their encounter, returning to the right path is the only outcome. Continuing this entanglement would not be good for either her or Jia Lian.

"If you can't bear to part with them, then stay. I can take care of you."

Hearing Jia Lian say this, Madam Xu smiled and felt truly relieved.

She turned and knelt before Jia Lian, took his hand and kissed it, then shook her head without explaining anything. For various reasons, she had already said it all, made it perfectly clear.

"Little girl, I'm really going to miss you. She must have fallen for you. She cried when she went back after she came to say goodbye to you."

Madam Xu said this. The little girl she was referring to was naturally her daughter, An Cai'er.

Jia Lian smiled upon hearing this, not finding it strange at all.

It's quite common for young girls to fall in love easily, especially when they're just beginning to experience romantic feelings, and to develop feelings for their ideal heroes.

It was also Xu's own fault. She always acted like a maid in front of him and even brought her daughter along to help her with household chores, giving her daughter many opportunities to get close to him.

Especially after Jia Lian helped Xu find her son, he could clearly feel that the little girl was very close to him.

"She's still young. She'll grow up in a few years and be fine."

"What if it doesn't get better?"

Madam Xu squatted on the ground, looking up at Jia Lian intently.

Jia Lian understood that this woman hadn't completely let go of her desire to marry her daughter to him.

"Then bring her to the capital to find me. You and your daughter can come with me then."

When Jia Lian teased her by lifting her chin like that, Madam Xu rolled her eyes at him but didn't say anything more.

He glanced at Jia Lian one last time, stood up, kissed him, and turned to leave.