Linze City.
In the prefect's mansion.
Wei Dong came to wait for the five people, his back was soaked with sweat, and his silk clothes were almost sticky to the flesh.
"Master Chu, what does this mean?"
Only Wei Donglai dared to ask a question.
After all, he was a Jinshi, and he had known the Minister of Works for a while. Although the time was short, his vision and courage were not comparable to those of the other four.
"Mr. Wei, you are highly respected in Linze City, and you were once a court official and a dignified scholar. We must obey the imperial order, but we cannot listen to what is said outside."
Chu Xiquan softened his tone, paused, and then said: "Today, according to the emperor's wishes, you and others will be sent to prison."
"I beg for mercy and say that you are all scholars. You should give scholars some dignity. You cannot punish them without teaching them."
"The Emperor's sage has received many admonitions, so he decided to give you a chance."
Chu Xiquan took out five letters from the desk.
"This is a shipping franchise license issued by the imperial court. You wait for five people, one for each family. If you are willing to obey the emperor's order, take this license. If you don't, then the whole family will be sent to prison. This is not because I refuse to give it. It’s hard to disobey the emperor’s orders due to human kindness!”
After Chu Xiquan took out the papers, he went to work on his own, handling various documents, and ignored them.
Wei Donglai and several others looked at each other.
Among these people, only Wei Donglai wanted to get the franchise license immediately.
On the one hand, you can make a lot of money with a franchise license, and on the other hand, you can go to jail immediately. How should a normal person choose? Do you even need to ask?
But the rest of them didn't dare to make the first choice. They all hesitated.
Because they couldn't afford to offend the person who contacted them and asked them to come to the prefect's mansion to petition.
Those people are the kings lurking underground. They are professional killers. If they don't obey, the lives of the whole family may be at risk in an instant.
Their fingers were trembling and they were hesitant.
"Master Chu, I want this franchise license."
Wei Donglai coughed twice and stepped forward to take a franchise license in his hand.
He glanced sideways at the others and said meaningfully: "Why don't you take it? Do you still need to think about it?"
The remaining people were embarrassed and did not dare to tell the truth, nor did they dare to fall out with Wei Donglai, nor did they dare to openly confront Governor Chu Xiquan.
They were in an awkward situation and were caught between a rock and a hard place.
"grown ups."
At this moment, a man from outside strode in with a sword in his hand, bowed his hands and saluted Chu Xiquan.
"Is the matter settled?"
Chu Xiquan raised his eyebrows.
"It's done. According to your instructions, everyone has been arrested. No one will be arrested."
The man was Wang Qian, he said respectfully.
"Very well, put them all in jail."
Chu Xiquan snorted coldly.
"Here!"
Wang Qian walked out quickly.
Not long after, there were shouts and the sound of whips coming from the door.
Several people in the lobby saw a long queue passing by the door.
The ferocious government servants were waving whips in their hands. Anyone who shouted louder would inevitably be beaten with the whip.
The squires in the lobby were stunned.
Those arrested were all squires who participated in the petition with them.
Chu Xiquan actually arrested all these people regardless of his dignity.
The whipping made them unable to help but feel frightened.
"Help."
"Help me!"
I caught a glimpse of people in the lobby outside, all shouting for help.
The screams instantly broke down their psychological defenses.
"Master Chu, I choose the franchise license."
One of them hurried forward to get back the franchise license.
There is no way, he is still afraid of the "Skynet" killer organization, but that is only a matter of the future. If he doesn't obey now, he will be on the road to death. How can he care about so much.
The rest of the people all chose the franchise license.
"Yes, those who know the current affairs are heroes."
Chu Xiquan said calmly: "Your family, I have invited them all to the Yamen. They will be allowed to live in the Yamen for a while."
The backyard of the Yamen is extremely wide and can accommodate hundreds or more people, not to mention seven or eight people.
"Your Excellency is wise."
Although the children, wives and children were brought into the Yamen, they were equivalent to "hostages".
But not only were they not dissatisfied, but they were grateful to Prefect Chu Xiquan, thinking that he was thoughtful and impeccable in his work.
Because they offended the "Skynet" killer organization.
If the wife and children stay at home, they are living targets, which is tantamount to death.
It would be better to send it to the government office.
The "Skynet" killers still don't have the ability to kill people indiscriminately in the yamen.
"Okay, if you have nothing to do, you can go back. I am busy with official duties, so I won't keep you here."
Chu Xiquan said.
"Sir, I have a request."
Several people looked at each other and then saluted Chu Xiquan together.
"What request? Just say it directly." Chu Xiquan said.
"Master Chu, can the government send someone to take us back?" Several people were a little nervous. They were worried that Chu Xiquan would ask clearly.
But they were worried, so they still wanted to find Governor Chu Xiquan.
"Okay, I will ask Wang Qian to find some good men to escort you back."
To their surprise, Chu Xiquan made arrangements for them without asking anything.
If given the chance, none of them would want to leave the Prefect's Mansion.
However, they want you to go back and take care of the business at home. There are many things waiting for them to do, so how can you waste time here.
Even if they may face danger, they must go back.
…
Send all these wealthy gentry away.
Luo Xingchen walked out from behind the large screen on the side.
The whole time he stayed behind the screen and listened to them.
"Sir, everything you asked has been done."
Chu Xiquan stood up.
"You won't shed tears until you see the coffin. These people will become honest as soon as they see the whip."
Luo Xingchen raised his eyebrows.
These country gentlemen are condescending and pampered, and they will never endure hardship.
So it is normal to kneel down at the sight of a whip. Do you really want to give them a franchise license? It's better to ship it by sea. " Chu Xiquan said.
"Give it, and give it in a big way, so that other wealthy businessmen can see that if you follow the court, you will have meat to eat. If you want the horse to be well-raised, you need to give it top-quality feed.
"Okay, I'll do as you say."
Chu Xiquan said.
"As for the Prefect's Mansion, if you want to make money, just collect taxes, especially business taxes."
"We can't let them continue to be lazy and spoiled. We need to make them active."
"Okay, I understand." Chu Xiquan nodded.
A seasoned person like him naturally knows what to say and what not to say.
"It's hard to collect commercial taxes. We need to hire more accountants. If there aren't many accountants in the government, I'll look for some accountants. It's better to have a shortage than a surplus."
Luo Xingchen said.
