"The king needs to think about it."
Zhu Yuexian did not make a decision immediately, and Han Chongyi said nothing more.
In fact, Zhu Yuexian's control over the punishment measures from the old eunuch's mouth was a hint that the Wang family could pay a certain price to reduce their guilt.
Didn't Zhu Yuexian see it?
Of course she could see it, but she didn't want to let the Wang family go.
However, the problem of food and grass really gave her a headache. Fortunately, Han Chongyi's words also reminded her that the taxes on the common people could not be increased, but the taxes on wealthy merchants and wealthy families could be tried.
"Your Highness, please forgive me for speaking frankly. If you raise taxes on them, the consequences will be more serious than raising taxes on the common people."
Han Chongyi said softly.
Even if ordinary people rebel, it will be difficult for them to succeed.
But if you really push the wealthy businessmen and wealthy families, they are really capable of causing trouble. They may not be able to make things happen, but they can definitely do bad things.
"Serious? I want to see how serious it will be!"
Zhu Yuexian had made up her mind.
She has not forgotten that in addition to the Wang family, many wealthy businessmen and wealthy families also secretly support the Japanese pirates. This time, she can take the opportunity to deal with these people.
Unfortunately, Yang Fan is not here.
Otherwise, it should be easier to do.
"Today evening, I will hold a banquet in my palace. I will notify the local wealthy businessmen that all principals must be present."
"yes."
Han Chongyi nodded, retreated, and arranged for someone to send out invitations.
Soon, all the famous families and wealthy businessmen in Hangzhou received the invitations.
"Going to the Yue Prince's Mansion for a banquet?"
"I'm afraid it's not a good feast! I don't know what the King of Yue wants!"
Many people immediately linked up and gathered together, and began to secretly guess Zhu Yuexian's purpose.
Some smart people saw the clues.
"What else can it be? Food! Now that there is a major disaster and there are so many refugees, the little food in the treasury is definitely not enough!"
"In addition, I heard that the situation in the far west is getting more and more tense. I'm afraid there may be a war within the year."
"So you are asking us for food?"
Someone frowned and said, "Everyone is in drought, why do you need our food? Besides, we have a family of thousands, and we eat what horses chew, so how can we have extra food?"
Of course, the fact is that they have already hoarded a large amount of food.
When the disaster first appeared, they secretly paid to sweep the goods, and even formed a fleet to sweep the goods and went to other places to purchase large amounts of food.
What is waiting is hoarding and prices are soaring. How can we be willing to release food at this time?
"Who says it's not the case! However, the other party has the power to defeat the bandits and has a great sense of relief. If they don't provide food, I'm afraid it won't be easy for us!"
"What's there to be upset about? It's not like we won't pay, but we should just make a regulation on how much we should pay, so that we won't get into trouble by then."
"That's right, that's right. Then I'll pay you two hundred stones!"
"Then I'll give you a hundred stones."
"I'm fifty stones."
"..."
The group quickly settled on a schedule.
After all, these wealthy merchant clans are closely related to many powerful officials in the imperial court, or there are high-ranking officials in the clan itself.
Even if Zhu Yuexian is the prince, he cannot break the rules and force them to provide food.
Therefore, they are not worried about the consequences of doing so.
As night falls, the party ends.
Snapped!
A cup smashed to the ground.
Zhu Yuexian's face turned livid: "These bastards only come out with these grains, do they really think that I can't carry a knife?"
Although she was mentally prepared, the scene at the banquet tonight still chilled her.
One person donated a few hundred dan, but after the entire banquet, the food donation amounted to only 3,000 dan.
Not to mention being sent to the far west, these grains are not even enough to help local victims!
"Your Highness, calm down!"
The female officer spoke to persuade.
Zhu Yuexian took a deep breath and shook her head.
"I am not angry, and I cannot be angry with them! This banquet is just a test! It's just that I didn't expect that none of these people can share the worries of the imperial court!"
Of course, there was no way she could deal with this group of people.
After all, she sits in the southeast and even has the power to temporarily ban the sea. She can control the lifeblood of these wealthy merchants at will.
However, after all, as a prince, it would be a bit ugly for her to end up like this in person.
Once a material dispute arises, there will inevitably be no room for maneuver.
"It would be great if Yang Fan was here..."
At this moment, news came from someone outside.
"Your Highness, Officer Yang wants to see you."
Zhu Yuexian was slightly startled, and a smile immediately appeared on his face: "Pass!"
Soon, Yang Fan stepped in.
After the ceremony, Zhu Yuexian asked him to sit down: "This king has finally brought you back!"
"What does your Highness mean by this?"
Yang Fan blinked.
When you say that, it’s easy for me to misunderstand!
Zhu Yuexian sighed and told what happened.
"The situation in the far west is tense, and war is inevitable. This time, when I go south, I have the task of collecting grain. However, a catastrophic disaster has affected the summer grain harvest. I am afraid it will be difficult to raise sufficient money and grain..."
"Leave this matter to the humble position!"
Yang Fan took over the matter directly.
For him, he really shouldn't be too good at doing this kind of thing!
"What are you going to do?"
Zhu Yuexian looked at him.
Yang Fan smiled and said firmly: "Since His Highness invited them to have a meal, I might as well treat them to a meal as well!"
"However, food in humble positions is a bit expensive, they'd better hope they can afford it!"
Yang Fan grinned, revealing his white teeth.
"Then I'll leave this matter to you!"
Zhu Yuexian decisively delegated power.
"By the way, Your Highness, why haven't you seen General Chu?"
Yang Fan asked.
After he settled Han Qianyun and others, he went to look for Chu Lianxin as soon as he came back.
Unexpectedly, Chu Lianxin was nowhere to be seen, and she didn't know where she went.
The corners of Zhu Yuexian's mouth raised slightly: "She has done meritorious service in this war. I gave her the Dragon Returning Pill given by His Majesty, which will help her reach another level! Now, she is in retreat."
"I see."
Yang Fan nodded and left.
Returning to the imperial envoy's cabin, as soon as he entered, he found that the cabin was empty, and the group of old eunuchs had gone nowhere.
"Sir, you are finally back!"
Yan Lei stepped forward quickly.
"Something happened again?"
Yang Fan raised his eyebrows, feeling a little surprised.
Yan Lei smiled bitterly and said: "A eunuch came from the imperial court to deliver the message. It is said that he is an old man from Dongchang. All those old eunuchs ran over to pay homage..."
"What's the point of meeting you!"
Yang Fan looked indifferent, "Go if you like!"
"But they went to give gifts..."
"What?"
Yang Fan's eyebrows suddenly rose, "These bastards, I have recently broken through another level. If they dare to give away the congratulations given to our family, our family will have to skin them one by one!"
Only I can cut the leeks I grow!
