The Red Mansion

Chapter 213 The Cruel Official Jiang Nian: What Is There to Fear?

After intimidating Jiang Nian like Yama, the King of Hell, by beheading her, she left the main hall and retreated to the inner quarters.

Inside the main hall, Zhuang Shuli and the other general merchants looked at each other, some exchanging glances, others whispering among themselves. In the end, they all withdrew the salt merchants and salt households who had been causing trouble outside the salt office.

If Jiang Nian had merely used the beheading of Liu Zhongfang to intimidate these merchants, they likely wouldn't have been so compliant. It's important to understand that each of these merchants had powerful backers, some of whom were connected to princes and high-ranking officials in the capital.

The brilliance lies in the fact that Jiang Nian deliberately pointed out that he intended to eliminate the three major merchant families. The Shen and Liu families had already taken two, leaving only one to go. Under these circumstances, no merchant family wanted to become the third. Even if they were extremely unwilling, they had no choice but to swallow their anger for the time being.

So, a quarter of an hour later, when Jiang Nian returned to the main hall from the inner courtyard, only about two hundred salt merchants and salt households remained gathered outside the salt yard, almost all of whom were from the Shen family.

Zhuang Shuli, Tang Chengyu, and eighteen other general businessmen still gathered in the main hall.

Jiang Nian sat high in the hall, slamming his gavel down, his voice like thunder: "In the past three days, this imperial envoy has carefully examined the accounts, and a preliminary estimate shows that the salt tax in Yangzhou is in short supply by more than three million taels! The Shen and Liu families will both be confiscated, and the confiscated property will be used to offset the tax arrears. Even so, it will be far from enough!"

Jiang Nian's gaze was sharp as he swept it over the assembled merchants: "I have a general idea of ​​how much salt tax each of the eighteen merchants here owes. I'll give you one chance. Now, each of you should secretly write down the amount you pledge to pay and sign your name. If it matches the actual amount owed, past transgressions will be overlooked, and you will be safe. However, if anyone's pledged amount differs significantly from the actual amount owed, I will arrest them and conduct a thorough investigation. In addition to investigating their losses, I will also investigate whether they have engaged in smuggling salt, bribing officials, embezzling salt production, maintaining a private army, manipulating salt prices, or hiring assassins. Once discovered, they will be severely punished and become the third merchant group I will eliminate!"

Upon hearing Jiang Nian's words, the eighteen merchants below the hall displayed various expressions: some gritted their teeth, some lowered their heads in thought, and others had sweat beading on their foreheads.

Tang Chengyu secretly praised him: "Although this Lord Jiang is young, he acts like thunder and lightning, yet he is also cunning and shrewd. Not only is he ruthless, but he is also far-sighted. He is truly remarkable! No wonder he is favored by the Emperor and has served as an imperial envoy three times!"

Although Zhuang Shuli was seething with hatred, he was also secretly alarmed: "What a clever and shrewd young imperial envoy! First, he executed Liu Zhongfang to establish his authority, then he set up the 'third party' trap, forcing everyone to feel insecure. Now he's making us admit our losses. He's truly brilliant and shrewd!"

At that moment, the eighteen chief merchants each received paper and pen and sat down in the hall, with soldiers on both sides watching them.

Zhuang Shuli hesitated, his brush hovering over the paper. After much thought, he finally wrote "ten thousand taels," thinking to himself, "Although this amount is less than half of the actual salt tax owed, it is certainly among the best in the world. I don't think Jiang Nian will make an example of me."

Tang Chengyu, however, had a different plan. He carefully reviewed the accounts from previous years and finally wrote down "90,000 taels," which was exactly the amount he owed in salt tax. After writing it down, he sighed and thought to himself, "Since Lord Jiang has promised me the position of 'Chief Merchant,' I should now admit my mistake. Fortunately, my salt tax debt is not much compared to other chief merchants."

Before long, eighteen "plea for compensation" were presented in front of Jiang Nian's desk.

Jiang Nian reviewed them one by one, and found that only five people had less than 50,000 taels. The rest were afraid of becoming the "third party" and therefore dared not be too perfunctory.

Jiang Nian suddenly slammed his hand on the table and said sternly, "These amounts total no more than a million. It seems some people still harbor illusions! Do you still think this imperial envoy is playing games with you? Zhuang Shuli, Le Bigao... Lu Huanyan..." Jiang Nian named nine people in succession, his voice as cold as a blade, "The amounts you wrote down are clearly inconsistent with your actual salt tax arrears! I am giving you one last chance to rewrite them immediately! If you dare to harbor illusions again, don't blame this imperial envoy for investigating and punishing you severely!"

So, Zhuang Shuli, Le Bigao, Lu Huanyan and the other nine merchants once again took paper and pen, each of them as if going to the battlefield.

Zhuang Shuli's hand trembled slightly as he picked up the pen, and the ink stained the paper. He had to lay out a new sheet. After thinking it over, he wrote the four characters "150,000 taels" with great force, his heart filled with resentment: "This 150,000 taels of silver, although still less than the amount of salt tax I actually owe, is still like tearing my heart out!"

Lu Huanyan, however, still harbored a glimmer of hope. The first time, he only wrote "20,000 taels," and now, the second time, he only wrote "30,000 taels," adding just 10,000 taels. He cursed inwardly, "This seventeen-year-old damn imperial envoy is too much of a bully. I might as well take this gamble!"

At this point, the total amount of losses acknowledged by the eighteen merchants had reached 1.5 million taels.

Jiang Nian estimated that with this 1.5 million taels, plus what he obtained from confiscating the property of the Shen family, the Liu family, Tao Yonggui, Yu Fuxi, Zhao Dan, Luo Xiang, and others, he could expect to reach 5 million taels this time!
Even so, Jiang Nian will not give up!
In order to ensure the stability of the Lianghuai salt administration in Yangzhou, he needed to further enhance his authoritative image.

He stared at the merchants in the hall and said sternly, "As I just said, I have a general idea of ​​how much salt tax each of you owes. If the amount you admit to paying is significantly different from the actual amount you owe, you will be arrested and severely interrogated!"

At this point, Jiang Nian picked up a "letter of acknowledgment of compensation," her gaze sharp as a knife as she glared at Lu Huanyan, and shouted, "Lu Huanyan, what a fool! I, the imperial envoy, have given you chances time and time again, yet you still only acknowledge this 30,000 taels? You are courting death! Guards, seize Lu Huanyan and thoroughly investigate his tax arrears and whether he has engaged in smuggling salt, bribing officials, embezzling salt production, raising a private army, manipulating salt prices, or hiring assassins!"

Shen Chuan'en is the largest merchant in Yangzhou, and Liu Zhongfang is among the top five. To maintain stability, Jiang Nian should target an easy opponent to eliminate the third merchant and avoid targeting the top-ranked ones.

Immediately, Meng Xiong led his personal guards and pounced on them like wolves and tigers.

Lu Huanyan's face turned pale. He shouted "Injustice!" while trying to break free. Seeing that he couldn't escape and was about to be taken away, he became truly terrified and cried out hoarsely to Jiang Nian, who sat upright in the hall, "Lord Jiang, have mercy! I'm willing to rewrite it..."

Jiang Nian snorted coldly: "I gave you two chances, but you didn't cherish them. You can't rewrite it now! Take it away!"

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Huanyan was dragged out of the hall, his boots scraping against the blue bricks with a screeching sound, leaving a crooked mud mark.

Upon seeing this, all the merchants in the hall fell silent, trembling with fear.

Zhuang Shuli and Lu Huanyan were close friends; in fact, it could be said that Lu Huanyan always followed Zhuang Shuli's lead. Even so, Zhuang Shuli dared not speak up for Lu Huanyan at the moment, knowing that even if he did, it would be useless and might even implicate him.

Jiang Nian rose and walked down to the hall, looked around, and said in a deep voice, "The amount of losses you all pledged today must be paid in full by the Salt Bureau within three days, otherwise..."

Having said that, he snorted and, ignoring the reactions of the other businessmen, solemnly walked out of the hall.

……

……

Jiang Nian went into the signing room, and soon, after he sent someone to summon Qi Jianyu and Tang Chengyu, they arrived outside the signing room.

Jiang Nian first summoned Tang Chengyu in, without offering him a seat, only staring coldly at him with her phoenix eyes. Tang Chengyu bowed and stood there. Jiang Nian then said, "Since you are about to become the head, you should show me some of your abilities. There are still over two hundred salt merchants and salt farmers from the Shen family gathered outside. You are to disperse them immediately. Can you do that?"

Tang Chengyu pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Don't worry, sir, I will take care of this matter immediately."

There was no refusal, nor was there any hint that it might not be done well.

Jiang Nian nodded in satisfaction: "How do you intend to handle this matter?"

Tang Chengyu said respectfully, "I still have some influence in Yangzhou. Those salt merchants and salt producers from the Shen family outside are just afraid of losing their livelihoods. I promise to take care of them. I will also tell them that the Shen family has committed a serious crime of having their property confiscated. If they continue to be stubborn and are instigated by the Shen family to cause trouble, they will be courting death. If we explain the benefits and the reasons to them, they will naturally disperse."

Jiang Nian's lips curled slightly: "Well said, explaining with both profit and reason! Now go." After Tang Chengyu left, Qi Jianyu entered.

Jiang Nian's expression softened, and she smiled and said, "Shen Chuan'en is cunning. It's not your fault that you didn't get him. I will explain it to the Emperor. Most likely, it won't be like the time you didn't get Shen Chuan Kui, where your merit was negated."

Qi Jianyu knelt on one knee: "Thank you for your kindness, sir!"

Jiang Nian's expression turned solemn: "It's hateful that Shen Chuan'en escaped the net and still dares to stir up trouble, instigating the salt merchants and salt producers of the Shen family to gather crowds and cause trouble! You must immediately raid the Shen family's property and investigate who instigated it. It would be best if you could capture this person!"

Qi Jianyu respectfully accepted the order: "This subordinate obeys!"

After Qi Jianyu leads his troops to raid the Shen family, Jiang Nian will then order Zou Jianyuan to lead his troops to raid the Liu family.

He only mobilized 500 elite soldiers from Jingkou this time. In order to prevent a recurrence of the situation of mass riots today, it is not advisable to disperse the troops too much. Zou Jianyuan is experienced in confiscating property and is also suitable for doing this kind of thing.

……

……

It was already afternoon.

The merchants all dispersed.

The salt merchants and salt producers who had caused trouble outside the saltworks dispersed.

The rain and mist have stopped today, and the sun has come out. The saltworks, which had been darkened by the rain, now shows some bright colors under the sunlight.

Jiang Nian strolled through several courtyards and arrived at the Four-in-One Hall. She entered the inner room and saw Aunt Qiu, Lin Daiyu, Xiao Dan, and Zijuan all inside.

Upon seeing Jiang Nian enter, Aunt Qiu hurriedly rose to greet her with a "Greetings," and Lin Daiyu also curtsied.

Today, Lin Daiyu wore a moon-white silk jacket, with a sky-blue vest over it, and a lotus-root-colored silk skirt. When she moved, the hem of her skirt fluttered slightly, like a light cloud emerging from a mountain peak.

Jiang Nian gave Aunt Qiu a slight helping hand and said, "Aunt, there's no need for such formalities."

Lin Ruhai was leaning against the headboard when he saw Jiang Nian come in and was about to get up. After resting for a while, his health had improved a lot, his complexion had improved a lot, and he was able to get out of bed and walk around a little.

Even so, Jiang Nian still hurriedly stepped forward and pressed down on him: "Uncle, you can still lean against the headboard and talk peacefully."

Lin Ruhai nodded, and Aunt Qiu hurriedly stepped forward to help tidy up the cushions. The green bamboo pattern embroidered on the cushions complemented Lin Ruhai's thin face.

Lin Daiyu whispered something to Zijuan, who understood and moved a chair to the bedside.

Jiang Nian sat down by the bedside. Lin Daiyu had already personally brought over a cup of fragrant tea. Jiang Nian took it and instructed, "Aunt Qiu and Sister Lin, please stay. Everyone else, please leave."

Although Xiao Dan, Zi Juan, and the others were reluctant to give up this opportunity to hear new stories, they had no choice but to bow and leave. As Zi Juan was leaving, she secretly lifted a corner of the curtain, but Lin Daiyu glanced at her and she quickly withdrew her hand and retreated.

"Lin Daiyu is still keeping watch." Jiang Nian took a sip of tea, glanced at Lin Daiyu, and smiled.

Lin Daiyu cursed inwardly, but showed no sign on her face. She simply nodded slightly, and the pearl pendant on her earlobe swayed gently with the movement, reflecting a blush on her cheeks. The gently swaying pearl pendant seemed to be telling its owner's secret thoughts.

Lin Ruhai, unable to contain himself any longer, asked repeatedly, "How did things go?"

Jiang Nian then recounted the situation in detail.

Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu listened intently. When they heard that Jiang Nian had personally beheaded Liu Zhongfang in public, both of them trembled. Lin Daiyu even curled her slender fingers slightly and couldn't help but examine Jiang Nian's official robes carefully. Although she couldn't see it, she felt as if there were bloodstains on the robes.

Upon hearing that Jiang Nian had intimidated the merchants into dispersing the troublemakers and acknowledging the outstanding payments, Aunt Qiu and Lin Daiyu both secretly praised her clever methods. However, Lin Daiyu couldn't help but mutter to herself, "This sly brother-in-law is really cunning, just like a fox spirit!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai praised, "Nephew, your decisive actions are truly remarkable! I served as the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai for several years, yet I have not achieved the same results as you have in just a few days. However..." At this point, he suddenly sighed, his brow furrowing with worry, "This time, it is inevitable that someone will impeach you, especially those princes and ministers in the court who are connected with the Yangzhou merchants. They will likely accuse you of being a 'cruel official'!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu's heart tightened suddenly, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on the embroidered handkerchief, crumpling the delicate water lily on it into a mess. Aunt Qiu also frowned, her face showing worry.

Lin Ruhai's concerns are not without merit.

The salt administration issue involves the most powerful vested interest group in Daqing, especially the Lianghuai salt administration.

Which of the Yangzhou merchants didn't have a powerful backer? Some even had direct connections to princes and dukes in the capital, or even the retired Emperor Jingning—like Shen Chuan'en.

Jiang Nian's swift and decisive actions are bound to draw criticism from both the court and the public, with impeachments flying like snowflakes. It seems that the reputation of "cruel official" will be hard to shake off.

However, what did he have to fear?
He was the grandson of Emperor Jingning and the son of Emperor Taishun, deeply favored by both emperors and blessed with good fortune. His policy of reforming the salt administration had already been approved by Emperor Taishun before he left the capital, and Emperor Taishun had always favored such "ruthless officials".

Thinking of this, Jiang Nian smiled, but there was a stern air about him: "I appreciate your concern, Uncle. But all of this was decided in consultation with His Majesty. Even if there are a thousand impeachments, what do I have to fear?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Daiyu couldn't help but raise her eyes and stare intently, inwardly sighing, "This brat of a brother-in-law does have some guts!" Suddenly, she saw Jiang Nian's gaze turn towards her, and she felt her cheeks flush slightly. She quickly lowered her head and pretended to straighten her skirt. The silk was already smooth where her slender fingers brushed, so why did she need to touch it? It was merely to cover up her momentary loss of composure.

The sunlight after the rain shone through the gauze window, making the pearl pendant on her ear sparkle and revealing another blush on her cheeks.

(End of this chapter)