In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 665 Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake; pay up.
On the second floor of Bao Cui Xuan, upon hearing Tao Xuan's words, a hint of disappointment flashed in Yue Yao's eyes.
But he still obediently walked to the octagonal table.

Pull out a chair and wait for Tao Xuan to sit down.

After Tao Xuan sat down, Yue Yao obediently sat opposite him, sitting upright.
There was only a hint of sadness on his face.

Her eyebrows kept glancing towards the handsome man in front of her.
Strangely, what came to mind was Mi Bin's rough and ugly face.

Tao Xuan picked up the documents, paper, and pen on the table and pretended to write:

"Tell me, do you think the Mi family is going to make contact with Shiramatsu soon?"

Yueyao's expression was solemn, a thoughtful look flashing in her bright eyes, and she nodded gently:
"Judging from Mi Bin's actions, he has a lot more money in his hands and has become more generous."

The hairpin bought from the adults is also evidence.

In addition, he also said at noon today that he wanted to buy a house in Beiping.
I had overheard him talking about this with others before.
He said the house was too expensive then, but now he's changed his mind.

A hint of surprise flashed in Tao Xuan's eyes, and he slightly raised his head:

"Does Mi Chen still control most of the Mi family's finances?"

"Yes, Mi Chen controls at least 80% of the money."

But Mi Chen is very good to Mi Bin.

"If he really wants to buy a house in Beiping, Mi Chen should agree," Yueyao replied.

Tao Xuan raised his hand to stop him:

"Don't make wild guesses; let the facts speak for themselves."

The reality is that Mi Bin did not buy a house in Beiping, nor did he have that much money.

Whether it's contact with others beforehand or contact with Shiramatsube later, these are dangerous dealings.

He paused and continued,
Mi Bin was arrested a few days ago.
Mi Chen wasn't in a hurry as expected.
They didn't spend a lot of money to get him released.

Upon hearing this, Yueyao raised her head in surprise, her face showing astonishment.

But she could listen to Tao Xuan's words, and after thinking about them carefully, her eyes shone with increasing light:
"My lord, it seems that is indeed the case."
So, the relationship between the two brothers wasn't as deep as it seemed?

Tao Xuan's expression hardened, and he spoke very solemnly:
Whether the brothers have a deep bond or not, neither you nor I know.

Judging from the situation, Mi Chen is doing legitimate business.

Mi Bin was in charge of some dangerous businesses.

If something goes wrong, we can abandon the project immediately.

He looked up and glanced at Yueyao.
"I can tell from you too."

Yueyao's expression darkened, and she let out a somewhat dejected sigh, her head hanging low.

Yes, if the brothers truly have a deep bond,

Why would they send a courtesan from a brothel, especially one that had already been used?

"Therefore, in this kind of relationship, brotherly affection is merely a byproduct of self-interest."

Mi Bin is likely to do something dangerous soon.
Therefore, he displayed a variety of emotions such as excitement and generosity.

Because every time he does such a dangerous thing...
"Whether it's his brother's affection or the money he receives, it can satisfy him," Tao Xuan analyzed.

Yueyao pouted:

"It's not as bad as I said, that Mi Bin is going to make contact with Bai Songbu."

Tao Xuan's expression was solemn, and a rare hint of helplessness appeared on his face:
"Fact-based reasoning versus unfounded speculation,"

The results may be the same, but the processes involved will be very different.

For us undercover agents, knowing the process is more important than knowing the result.

"I understand. What do I need to do?" Yueyao stared blankly at the handsome face in front of her and nodded gently.

"Respond to all changes with constancy."
If the Mi family really made contact with the Bai Song tribe, then these next few days will be the most critical time for them.

Any transgression you make will arouse their suspicion.

"Of course, if we can get in touch with Mi Chen, we can observe his emotional reactions and state of mind," Tao Xuan said.

"A few years ago, when Mi got into trouble, I couldn't find any evidence against him, and I was scolded by my superior."

This time, with your help, we will surely be able to find evidence of Mi's crimes.

After speaking, Tao Xuan looked at Yue Yao with a somewhat solemn expression.

Gently take her hand, your expression sincere:

"Thank you very much."

Feeling a powerful force coming from her hand, Yueyao's eyes instantly became intoxicated.

But she did not succumb to despair; instead, she said:

"My lord, please stop investigating. The Mi family is currently cooperating with the Commander."
Once the smuggling activities of the Mi family are exposed to the higher authorities...
How do you explain the incident involving Kang Le Trading Company?

With a quick search, they found Commander Liu, and with another search, they found Commander Lu.

Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake; we're putting in a lot of effort for no reward, it's too dangerous."

"No!" Tao Xuan's expression turned serious in an instant:
Whether or not Shangguan investigates is not something we need to consider.
But should we report this to our superiors?
It's our business; it's our responsibility.

"Can"

A hint of sorrow appeared on Yueyao's face. Her eyelids lowered, and her bright eyes blinked gently.

"My lord, you know better than I do."

Since the previous attempts to capture these powerful figures failed,

Shangguan did not want to get involved in the affairs of Daning City.

Now you report this matter.
Instead of a reward, he was scolded.

Tao Xuan's previously relaxed hands suddenly clenched, a hint of resentment appearing on his face:
"Last time, someone intervened and helped them escape."
This time, we must make this an ironclad case, leaving them no room for argument.

Sorrow slowly welled up in Yueyao's heart.
She didn't speak, but just stared quietly at the eight-immortal table in front of her.

She believed that the adults in front of her knew better than anyone how difficult it would be to accomplish this.

The entire Embroidered Uniform Guard in the Northern Pacification Command only numbered about a hundred men.
Even if evidence is discovered, what can be done?

They lack the power to arrest people.

It even implicated several high-ranking officials in the military command.

None of them had the ability to leave Daning City.

"My lord, please stop investigating. It won't end well," Yueyao said softly.

"It needs to be investigated."

Tao Xuan regained his composure and became calm and serene once more.
"When Lord Zhou was alive, at most he turned a deaf ear to some things, and neither side went too far."

But now, the government condones smuggling.

To even personally get involved in this matter—what kind of behavior is that!
If this trend is not stopped...
In the future, local governments will follow suit, causing immense suffering to the people.

"But at least, the people of Daning are doing well now, aren't they?" Yueyao's voice was gentle.

“Smuggling is unavoidable in both coastal towns and border cities.”

Even if the government doesn't get involved, smuggling in Daning City will continue.

Kill one batch, and another will come. As long as there is money to be made, countless people will take the risk.

Now, at least the city's residents are getting some benefit.

If we both turn a blind eye, we can live in peace.
Wouldn't it be better to seek another opportunity to leave Daning?

Yueyao's words pierced Tao Xuan's heart like a steel needle.

His expression was somewhat gloomy.

Yueyao is right, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake.

With just a few of them,
It would be absurd to think that a commander could be brought down.

Taking a deep breath, Tao Xuan's expression hardened, and he sat as still as a mountain beside the octagonal table.

"It is my duty, and there is no room for retreat."

Smuggling is inherently harmful to both the perpetrator and the perpetrator; how can we allow it to continue unchecked?

Yueyao didn't speak again, and Tao Xuan also fell silent.

The atmosphere in the room was a little stagnant for a moment.

After a while, Yueyao grabbed Tao Xuan's hand:

"My lord, I will do this for you, at any cost."

"Leave."

Tao Xuan handed over the wooden box that was beside him:

I've replaced the hairpin with a new pendant for you.

It would look better paired with the long skirt I bought you the other day, and it wouldn't look too fussy.

Yueyao took the wooden box and smiled gently, with a hint of playfulness:

"It's winter now, there's no chance to wear a long skirt."

"After winter comes spring, it will always come."

Tao Xuan's words had a double meaning, and his expression was complicated.

Inside Daning City, as afternoon approached, the lively atmosphere grew increasingly intense. The Commander had invited an opera troupe and a lion dance team.
The streets and alleys of Daning City were filled with singing, dancing, gonging, and drumming, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

The people, however, were not annoyed by this; instead, they stood at the door and watched with delight.

The exhaled warm breath drifted in the wind, gathered in the sky, and slowly clung together.
At this moment, there was no difference between the Ming people and the grassland people.

Duan Zhengze arrived at the rear prison of the Regional Military Commission with a slightly lighter gait.

Upon entering, he first glanced at Narisu's cell.
Seeing that he was barely breathing and lying there motionless,
If this continues, Narisu will die a violent death in less than three days.

But that's not something he needs to concern himself with.

Duan Zhengze arrived at the innermost part of the prison, where Huang Huai and Wang Ze were imprisoned.

Their situation is much better than Narisu's.
The cell had a warm fireplace and a neatly made bed.
There was even tea and snacks on the square table in the center.

But the two of them just sat there listlessly.
I had absolutely no interest in these snacks and didn't even dare to touch them.

Although the wound from a few days ago has been treated,
However, once a scab forms and new skin develops, it risks cracking if the skin is moved even slightly.

When the faint footsteps sounded, the two of them jumped and looked sharply towards the outside of the cell.

Upon seeing Duan Zhengze arrive, even though they were terrified of the pain, they quickly stood up.
The tearing of their wounds caused a slight change in their expressions.
But she still forced a smile and exclaimed in surprise:

"Master Duan."

The two days in prison, with their unpleasant smells and psychological torment, felt like an eternity.

"Can we go?"

Huang Huai let out a cry of surprise.
Clinging to the prison bars with both hands, he tried desperately to push his head out.

But the feeling of pressure from both sides made him hesitate.

Wang Ze, standing to the side, looked the same way.

He squeezed his head hard into the gap in the railing, his face full of expectation, as if this would bring him closer to freedom.

Duan Zhengze waved his hand, and his personal guards quickly stepped forward.
Huang Huai opened the heavy lock on the door amidst his anticipation!

Their breaths caught in their throats, and a surge of joy at surviving a close call welled up inside them.

At this moment, a breath of fresh, free air rushes towards you.

It made their breathing much easier.

"Managers, let's go."

Duan Zhengze glanced at them with a hint of disdain.
He walked out of the prison with his hands behind his back.

Before long, Huang Huai and Wang Ze emerged, their steps faltering.

When I saw the white snow outside and the gray sky,
They swore it was the most beautiful sky they had ever seen in their lives.

The two of them took deep breaths of fresh air.

It seemed as if it wanted to expel all the stale air it had absorbed over the past two days.

Duan Zhengze glanced at them and chuckled softly:
"The warehouse fire has been investigated by the Commander-in-Chief for quite some time now."

Although all sides are pointing the finger at the two managers.
However, considering the significant contributions the two managers have made to Daning City,

I am willing to give you both a chance.
I hope that when you return, you will abide by the law and behave properly, and refrain from doing such outrageous things again.

The two nodded repeatedly, though they felt utterly wronged.
But they dared not argue; they just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

"By the way, the families of the two managers have each sent 40,000 taels of silver to the military command."

Once you get back, things will be more peaceful.
"Don't publicize this matter, otherwise I won't be able to cover it up for you," Duan Zhengze said.

"forty thousand?"

Almost instantly, both of them were stunned.

Huang Huai couldn't help but exclaim in surprise:
"Sir, isn't it twenty thousand?"

"Ugh"

Duan Zhengze sighed and gestured for his guards to move away.

When only the three of them remained in the arena,
Duan Zhengze stepped forward and said softly:
Shi Yu and Hu Chongyi in Beiping were not satisfied with this money.
The warehouse burning down is a minor issue; the things inside are very valuable.

A hint of apprehension flashed in Duan Zhengze's eyes. He glanced around and whispered:
"Qu Qingfeng was also involved in this matter, and I have no way to deal with him."

"Qu Qingfeng?"

The two were startled, knowing that this former youngest commander of the military command had a powerful background and came from Beiping.

"How did he get involved too?"

Wang Ze's expression was somewhat absurd.

Duan Zhengze revealed a deep-seated apprehension:
"It's best not to ask too many questions; they've committed crimes too."
Lord Lu was furious about this.
Forcing them to pay up to settle things is not much different from what you're doing.

"They paid up too?"

Huang Huai stood there, somewhat bewildered.

Their warehouse was burned, their goods were stolen, so why should they have to pay money?
But soon, Huang Huai understood, and he asked:
"Is it the white sugar?"

Duan Zhengze nodded, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes:
"Yes, isn't Wanshou Sugar Workshop's white sugar enough to meet demand? Why do we have to travel all the way to Beiping to buy more?"

Upon hearing this, both of them showed a look of understanding.

A hint of schadenfreude appeared on his face.

This made them feel much better.

"I would like to remind you again to do business properly."
Do not harbor any improper thoughts, and do not be stingy with the people; in this way, you will remain safe and sound.

"Your Excellency is right."

"Alright, go back now, your family is already waiting at the door."

"Yes, yes, thank you, sir!"

In a side hall of the military headquarters, Wu Su'an met Shi Yu and Hu Chongyi, who had come to deliver silver.

Both of them looked pained at the moment.

They were wealthy, but compared to the big merchants inside the Great Wall,
Forty thousand taels of silver is still too much.

Especially Shi Yu, whose body is in Daning, but whose money is all in Beiping.
Therefore, all 80,000 taels of silver were borrowed from Hu Chongyi.

To make ends meet, Hu Chongyi collected some debts in advance and borrowed some money, which barely allowed him to scrape together enough.

Both of them were heartbroken.

However, upon seeing Wu Su'an arrive, they still managed a forced smile and bowed deeply.
"Master Wu."

Wu Su'an wore a warm smile and held a document in her hand.
He had just counted the silver the two men had brought.
No more, no less, exactly 80,000 taels!

In the house he just left, there was a full 160,000 taels of silver!

There were nearly thirty large boxes neatly arranged!
It's higher than the entire tax revenue of Daning City last year.

This made Wu Su'an look at the person in front of her with new respect.

Merchants outside the Great Wall are all so wealthy.

He couldn't imagine how much money those big merchants in Beiping, Yingtian, Jiangnan, and Jiangxi had.

Gathering her thoughts, Wu Su'an handed over the document and said with a smile:
"Two managers, this is the written statement you recorded."

After signing and affixing your fingerprint, you can leave; the matter is considered closed.

Upon hearing this, the two men's eyes lit up with joy, and a great weight was lifted from their hearts.

Since ancient times, the common people have never fought against the officials, and this is especially true for merchants.

To be able to spend so much money to save one's life,

Although I'm reluctant, I have to spend the money.

The two picked up the documents and began writing their names and pressing their fingerprints.

Once everything was finished, Wu Su'an looked at Hu Chongyi and spoke in a deep voice:
"The warehouse that Manager Hu burned down"
The reconstruction of the capital will begin after the New Year.

The surrounding houses were also repaired.

Hu Chongyi stood there, stunned.
He looked at Wu Su'an with some surprise, then scratched his head sheepishly.

"Please forgive me, Lord Wu, but my family doesn't have much money, and the reconstruction of the warehouse may have to wait a year."

Wu Su'an looked at him with some astonishment:
"What is Manager Hu saying?"
The money used for the reconstruction of the warehouse came from the Wang and Huang families.
It was Lord Lu who personally gave the order.
The purpose of sending Lord Duan to collect the money was to express our gratitude to the two managers for their support of the construction of Daning.

Huh? Hu Chongyi was stunned on the spot.
A surge of overwhelming joy suddenly welled up inside me!
You don't have to pay for it yourself?

Wu Su'an looked at Shi Yu beside her:

"The previous matter was the fault of the Commander, who failed to notify Yingtian in advance, thus causing Manager Shi to make a wasted trip."

To express his apology, Lord Liu has personally given instructions.

After the New Year, we should purchase more cloth from Taxue Trading Company, and perhaps even partner with Manager Shi to establish a trading company.

Using the latest tools developed by the company, we can complete the fabric processing and benefit the people.

If Manager Shi feels this is not enough,
"You may speak to me about your thoughts, and I will relay them to Lord Liu and Lord Lu."

Collaboration? New items? Joint venture?
Shi Yu is like Hu Chongyi,
They were equally stunned on the spot, but a surge of joy welled up inside them!
But that wasn't what he was thinking about; it was the last sentence.

After a long silence, he decided to press his advantage:
"May I ask, Lord Wu, if my son could stay in Daning City to study?"

(End of this chapter)