The corners of Zhu Yunzhen's eyes narrowed slightly.
If that were the case, everything would make sense.
Although Lao Zhu left the city to recuperate, Yangshan was heavily guarded.
It is impossible for the Japanese pirates to succeed in assassinating Lao Zhu, but they can pin this crime on him.
After all, he is the crown prince and is entrusted with supervising the country.
Who would benefit the most from killing the emperor?
The answer is obvious.
As long as Lao Zhu is suspicious of him, they will be successful.
The old events of Han and Wu happened again.
"What a ruthless plan!"
Zhu Yunxuan said secretly.
Although he has guessed the other party's purpose now, it is still very difficult to deal with it.
Because the hidden Japanese pirates have escaped.
Ouyang Lun is also dead.
No more proof.
Although the Yamen's troops were mobilized in large numbers, in Zhu Yunxu's view, the possibility of catching the Japanese pirates was slim.
But having a clue is at least much better than being completely confused.
"Since they are like this, let's just follow the current and lure the snake out of its hole."
The look on his face gradually turned cold.
"Should Princess Anqing be arrested and interrogated?" Xu Miaojin asked from the side.
If Ouyang Lunruo just hid taxes, he would not be able to implicate Princess Anqing.
Even if you know the other person is involved.
But the royal family’s face still needs to be taken into consideration.
Otherwise, Lao Zhu would not be able to communicate with him.
But Ouyang Lun hid Japanese pirates and tried to assassinate his grandson, which was different.
If Princess Anqing knew about it, she would be rebelling.
"No need." Zhu Yunzhen shook his head: "Don't scare the snake first."
He thought for a while and said: "Go to Yangshan and report today's events to Grandpa Huang."
He didn't say that he wanted to report the other party's conspiracy and purpose.
It is only necessary to execute Ouyang Lun, discover Japanese pirates in his cargo ship, and report the assassination.
With Lao Zhu's shrewdness, he should be able to see through it.
For him to explain it is not beautiful.
Moreover, the matter of killing the prince-in-law should have been reported to Ming Lao Zhu.
Xu Miaojin was stunned and said: "Okay!"
"This is not a good job." Zhu Yunxi smiled and said: "I'm afraid Grandpa Huang will get angry, and you may suffer the same disaster."
Emperors are human beings too.
Hearing that his son-in-law was killed must have made him feel bad.
"Don't worry, I have a way to deal with it."
Xu Miaojin smiled brightly, didn't care about her words, got out of the car and left.
The carriage continued to move forward, but instead of returning to the palace, it headed for Zhao Mian's mansion.
It was a rare occasion for him to come out, so he wanted to take care of everything at once.
After investigating Ouyang Lun's case, it was Zhao Mian's turn.
The Shangshu Mansion is not very luxurious, but rather very ordinary.
The two lions at the door were covered with dust, as if they had not been cleaned for a long time.
The door is closed.
Zhu Yunzhen led Xixi forward and knocked on the door.
"Who!"
The concierge's feeble voice came from inside.
Then there was a "squeak" sound, and the door was opened a crack.
An old man stuck his head out from inside.
"The boy is from Jiashan Prefecture. My father runs some silk business. I have always admired the style of literati. I like calligraphy and painting, especially the thin gold body of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty."
"I heard that Zhao Shangshu is a master of calligraphy. My father is very admired and is willing to pay a lot of money to get a calligraphy treasure."
Jin Yiwei has already inquired about everything.
He just came to verify it himself, so he was already prepared.
The old man looked him up and down and said in surprise: "Why didn't your adults come, but you sent a baby?"
Zhu Yunxuan was polite and said with a smile: "Shang Shu is an upright and upright official, which is well-known among the public. After all, my father is a businessman. If there is news about his association with Lord Shangshu, it may damage the reputation of Lord Shangshu."
"The boy is young and comes to the mansion to ask for advice. It's hard for outsiders to say anything, so he is sent here."
The old man nodded slightly: "Your family is quite polite. Come in."
He opened the door and Zhu Yunzhen quickly went in.
There are ordinary courtyards inside, and the fences and windows are all of a simple style, without much decoration, and there is no luxury at all.
However, the paint color has faded and it looks quite old.
At first glance, it doesn't look like a wealthy family.
After passing through several corridor doors, we arrived at the hall.
The person who came to see them was an elegant middle-aged woman.
Sitting above the main hall, with a lot of jewelry hanging on his body and gorgeous clothes, it is completely different from the simple and unpretentious room, giving people a sense of wealth.
"I've met Madam." Zhu Yunzhen stepped forward and saluted.
This middle-aged woman is Zhao Mian's wife, Mrs. Liu.
He had known that at this time, Zhao Mian was still working in the Ministry of Household Affairs and had not yet returned to the government. His wife was in charge of all affairs at home.
If not, it would be inconvenient for him to pay a private visit in person.
"With such a small baby, parents can rest assured that you will be allowed to come out to do things." Mrs. Liu looked at Zhu Yunxuan with a smile and said, "You are very handsome and smart. I don't know which girl will be lucky enough to marry you in the future."
"Madam, you are joking." Zhu Yunxuan didn't want to delay the time. After some pleasantries, he said: "My father loves calligraphy and has admired Master Shangshu for a long time. He wants to buy a piece of Master Shangshu's calligraphy. I am willing to offer you 10,000 taels of silver."
"What, ten thousand taels?"
Mr. Liu blurted out.
There are many people who come to Shangshu Mansion "asking for calligraphy treasures", but this is the first time she has met someone who is willing to pay ten thousand taels of silver as soon as they ask.
Zhu Yunzhen took out a banknote of ten thousand taels of silver from his arms and presented it, saying, "Exactly. I just hope that it will be convenient for you, Lord Shangshu, in the future."
Mrs. Liu took the bank note, looked at it carefully, and immediately beamed with joy, and said in a loud voice: "If you dare to be affectionate, Master Shangshu likes businessmen who love calligraphy and painting. Knowledge of books, courtesy, trustworthiness and righteousness is the way to do business."
As she spoke, she asked someone to fetch a piece of writing.
It's an ordinary white paper, unframed, with only two words on it - Yishang!
There is no signature, no signature, and no seal. It is extremely simple.
The handwriting is thin, strong and graceful, and it is indeed a good thin gold calligraphy.
At this time, there were countless literati and poets with excellent calligraphy.
An old man selling calligraphy on the street can just wave a calligraphy treasure like this around, but it's not worth a tael of silver.
It can be sold for ten thousand taels, all because it was written by Master Shangshu.
Zhu Yunzhen smiled and put it away, and praised: "Good words! Good words! Ten thousand taels of silver is already low. In my opinion, this boy is worth ten thousand taels of silver. Madam is willing to give it to me, but my family has taken advantage."
Mrs. Liu's smile turned into a hibiscus flower that bloomed in layers, and she said: "The goods are sold to the wise. The young master is a literate person, so even if it is given to the young master, it does not count as burying this calligraphy. If it is Ordinary people who don't understand will not sell even one hundred thousand taels of silver or one million taels of silver."
"Thank you, madam." Zhu Yunzhen said.
After another pleasantry, they left the Shangshu Mansion.
When he was leaving, the old concierge welcomed him in and whispered: "Take this inscription and go to the Ministry of Household Affairs to get the tax certificate and tax payment invoice. No matter how much goods are transported in the future, you only need to pay one tael of silver in tax."
People who come to Shangshu Mansion to buy calligraphy are naturally not really looking for calligraphy.
Although everyone knows it well, it is better to explain it.
If it's not convenient for Madam to tell you, then only he will do it for you.
Zhu Yunxuan pretended to understand, smiled and thanked him, and left back to the carriage.
The smile on his face immediately disappeared.
I thought that Zhao Mian was a useful talent, but I didn't expect that he would be so greedy.
Two characters can be sold for ten thousand taels of silver. This makes money much faster than printing money.
Speaking of which, Zhao Mian can be regarded as someone who helps him with things.
But how could he tolerate such corruption and bribery?
Zhu Yunxuan sighed softly and ordered the accompanying Jin Yiwei: "Go to the Ministry of Revenue and hand this calligraphy to the palm of Zhao Mian, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and say that it is for him alone."
Jin Yiwei took the order and left.
"Go back to the East Palace and summon Yao Guangxiao to see you."
(End of chapter)
