Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 133 Behead!
As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang uttered those words, Zhao Deyong's expression changed instantly.

The atmosphere inside the arena suddenly became tense!
Many of the businessmen present were deeply shaken.

What Zhu Yuanzhang said was truly threatening.

They actually brought up old grievances!
The brothers Wu Zhen and Wu Liang each controlled different aspects of the country: one controlled the coastal defenses, and the other controlled the river defenses.

Especially Marquis Jinghai, Wu Zhen, whose power was truly immense.

Especially for those who go overseas to do trade, it is an insurmountable obstacle.

How many of them hadn't given Wu Zhen gifts?
There was no clandestine contact?

The key point is that by this time, Wu Zhen and Wu Liang had already been captured by Zhu Yuanzhang with lightning speed.

Moreover, it had been about twenty days since the brothers Wu Zhen and Wu Liang were beheaded by Zhu Yuanzhang.

The Wu family of Wu Zhen and Wu Liang had already been raided, and the Japanese naval forces had also been taken over by Zhu Laosi immediately.

Heaven knows what Zhu Yuanzhang found when he confiscated property.

Or rather, whatever they copy is not unexpected for them.

And it could very well be fatal.

Zhu Yuanzhang's words at this time are truly intriguing.

If he were to bring up the Wu Zhen and Wu Liang brothers, at least 90% of the people present would be implicated in their case.

"Your Majesty, I was ignorant before and made a mistake. Please forgive me."

Mr. Yu Shan lost his composure and, after several changes in expression, began to admit his mistake.

He emphasized that it was an unintentional mistake and said that he would never do it again in the future.

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but shake his head inwardly as he listened to Zhao Deyong's words and the attitude he displayed.

This guy seemed to be very remorseful, but when it came to the Maritime Trade Office and tax rates, he still wouldn't let go.

This is not an attitude of admitting fault.

Indeed, gold is dazzling.

Gold is yellow, and eyes are black. When gold falls into an eye, the eyeball turns red.

It's very difficult to pry gold out of your eyes anymore.

Even when facing the emperor himself, and having presented the evidence he had gathered of Wu Zhen and Wu Liangxiang's collusion, he was still in a difficult situation.

Mr. Yushan still refused to give in.

We also need to confront ourselves regarding this matter.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him without saying anything and waved his hand.

Immediately, several eunuchs came up carrying three boxes.

And then open it.

It was filled with account books and correspondence.

Zhu Yuanzhang took out the top book from a box next to him and casually flipped it open.

On the eighth day of the third month of the fifth year of Hongwu, Zhao Deyong presented five thousand bolts of fine silk.

In April, another two thousand catties of spices were sent.

In October, ten pairs of ivory, and a box each of agate, pearls, and gemstones were sent as gifts.

Three hundred thousand strings of copper coins, plus several paintings and calligraphies.

The sixth year of Hongwu...

As Zhu Yuanzhang slowly read these words aloud, Zhao Deyong, the Mr. Yushan, changed his expression drastically.

My body, which could barely stand before, could no longer support me.

His legs went weak, and he knelt down before Zhu Yuanzhang, kowtowing repeatedly.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I was wrong, I was really wrong."

I, a commoner, should never have done such a thing.

This... this was mainly because Wu Zhen was in charge of coastal defense at the time.

Without bribing him, there's no way to do business.

I, a humble citizen... I only did this wrong thing because I had no other choice.

I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness; I will never dare to do it again.

The common people support the establishment of the Maritime Trade Office and support the office in increasing tax revenue to four-tenths of the total.

Upon hearing what this so-called Master Yushan said, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed.

He was so angry he laughed.

Damn it, he had already read out the evidence of his bribery of Wu Zhen in public.

Now, this guy actually supports raising the tax rate to 40%.

They still refuse to raise the tax rate to 60%.

I've known for a long time that many businessmen value money more than their lives.

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang truly understood.

How did this guy, who is so stupid, manage to build such a big business?

Was it that I didn't make my point clear enough, or was there a problem with his understanding?
Or perhaps his notoriety isn't enough?

That's what makes these people have illusions, thinking that they dare not do anything to him and are just scare him.

"The maritime ban was issued long ago, but you bribed high-ranking officials of the court, ignored the ban, and went to sea on a large scale to smuggle money."

Really abominable.

According to the law, how should this be handled?

Zhu Yuanzhang's question was not directed at this Mr. Yushan.

Instead, they asked the officials of the Ministry of Justice.

Immediately, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, according to the promulgated maritime prohibition regulations and the provisions of the Ming Dynasty law..."

In such circumstances, the ringleader should be beheaded, their property confiscated, and their family members exiled.

As soon as he finished speaking, an imperial censor from the Censorate stepped forward and affirmed the matter.

I agree with the Ministry of Justice's approach.

It was now the eighth year of the Hongwu reign, and of the three judicial departments of the Ming Dynasty that later generations were familiar with, the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate had not yet been established.

The Censorate was established by Zhu Yuanzhang in the fifteenth year of the Hongwu reign (1380), based on the Censorate.

The Dali Temple is further back.

Therefore, when dealing with these relatively serious cases, the agencies that need to step in are not the three judicial departments.

Instead, it was the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate.

The Ministry of Justice was responsible for sentencing and sentencing, while the Censorate was responsible for reviewing and verifying the sentences.

Then the emperor would make the final decision.

After listening to what the two men said, Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Then let's proceed according to the law and not wait until autumn to execute them."

Such criminals should be executed immediately.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Yushan and all the businessmen present were stunned.

None of them expected the emperor to be so ruthless this time.

They not only obtained the account books and other evidence of their crimes, but also the records of their communication with Wu Zhen and Wu Liang.

He even brought officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate with him.

The case was tried and sentenced on the spot, the investigation was conducted on the spot, and the emperor made the final decision on the spot, resulting in an immediate execution.

The speed was simply astonishing.

In the blink of an eye, the entire process was completed.

Zhu Yuanzhang was truly up to no good!

Mr. Yushan, in particular, was completely bewildered.

He kowtowed forcefully, his mouth full of urgency and sincerity, saying:
"Your Majesty, I was wrong, I was wrong."

That was a slip of the tongue; I didn't explain clearly. I support the Maritime Trade Office in reducing the tax rate to 60%.

I, a humble citizen, wholeheartedly support this!

In his heart, he cursed Zhu Yuanzhang.

I just think Zhu Yuanzhang, that beggar, was truly shameless.

They completely disregard the rules.

They resort to all sorts of underhanded tactics.

They used every means at their disposal to force them to agree to a 60% tax rate.

They used all sorts of underhanded tricks.

He lacked the demeanor and responsibility expected of an emperor.

The main reason he dared to bargain with the emperor was because the emperor's move was too ruthless and too painful.

They really don't want to pay 60% of the taxes.

If that's the case, then the emperor took the lion's share.

Secondly, there are these people, who, taken individually, don't seem particularly outstanding.

But when they come together, their power is actually quite great.

They control too much wealth and control all walks of life.

Many people depend on them for their livelihood.

Moreover, without the participation of these people, the emperor simply could not have gotten things done, including foreign trade and the establishment of the Maritime Trade Office.

This is why the emperor went to such lengths to invite so many of them here and to meet them in person.

In his view, everything he is doing now is just bargaining.

If the emperor wanted to get things done, he wouldn't dare to actually use his sword to kill someone.

All the moves we've made so far are nothing more than threats.

It was all to force them to submit.

As long as he agrees to the emperor's proposal, everything will return to normal.

I have never seen anyone get hurt because of haggling.

He was certain that there would be no danger in negotiating with Zhu Yuanzhang this time.

At most, they'll just be a little startled.

That's why he dared to do all these things.

Even now, he is convinced that as long as he accepts the emperor's statement that taxes are six-tenths of the total, even though Zhu Yuanzhang has already had the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate convict him.

And that dog of an emperor even wanted to kill him outright.

But in reality, they won't actually do that.

They will also grant themselves a pardon.

We ourselves have really suffered a huge loss this time.

They had no choice but to bow their heads and accept the emperor's demand for a tax of six out of ten.

A cold smile appeared on Zhu Yuanzhang's face.

This guy really won't give up until he's faced with certain death, and he won't shed a tear until he sees the coffin!
Only then did he begin to kowtow and admit his mistakes, agreeing to pay six-tenths of the tax.

Unfortunately, it's too late.

Judging from this guy's current behavior, he probably still thinks that as long as he admits his mistake and agrees with his statements, he'll be able to achieve his goal.

He would then pardon his death sentence.

How ridiculous!

All I can say is that I haven't killed enough people.

These maritime merchants had indeed been spoiled since the Yuan Dynasty.

Under such circumstances, how dare they harbor such petty thoughts in front of the emperor himself?

They even have the courage to bargain with themselves.

"Drag him away and execute him."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him and gave the order.

There was no hesitation.

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, soldiers from the Embroidered Uniform Guard immediately stepped forward and subdued the man.

Then they dragged it out like a dead dog.

Mr. Yushan was instantly dumbfounded.

My head was buzzing.

What's going on? What exactly is happening?
Why didn't Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang follow the rules?
Things shouldn't turn out the way I think they should; at this point, everything is just a matter of bargaining.

Now the emperor has won a game by using shameless underhanded tactics.

They have already agreed to his proposal to collect six out of ten taxes.

So, shouldn't we all sit down and discuss the relevant details in a friendly and amicable manner?

Should we finalize the matter completely?
Why is Zhu Yuanzhang still killing people now?
He wouldn't do that!

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! This humble subject has agreed to a tax rate of six-tenths!"
This is business; it's perfectly normal to ask for an exorbitant price and then try to negotiate.

Even if a deal falls through, goodwill should remain; besides, the deal has now been completed.

You can't do this to me, Your Majesty!

"You can't do business like this; you'll never succeed!"

He shouted anxiously, desperately trying to explain and struggling.

He desperately wanted the emperor to speak up and spare his life. He didn't want to die.

If he really dies, what will happen to the huge business he has built up over the years?
Didn't it all benefit the emperor?

Is this damn emperor really going to kill me?

He doesn't want to set up the Maritime Trade Office anymore!
Has the emperor gone mad?

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't say a word, watching as he was dragged away by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

When they came outside, Mr. Yushan was already limp and collapsed.

Two members of the Imperial Guard pinned him down, and someone drew a knife.

With a single stroke, he beheaded him.

Until his death, Mr. Yu Shan's eyes were filled with endless bewilderment and terror.

He truly hadn't expected that his attempt to bargain with the emperor would result in such treatment...

The large courtyard of Tianjie Temple became extremely quiet, and also particularly uneasy.

Many of the businessmen present were feeling quite uneasy.

I was completely shocked by what happened.

A moment later, members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard entered.

He was holding a tray in his hands, on which lay the head of Mr. Yushan, Zhao Deyong.

Many of the already anxious merchants paled upon seeing this scene, their expressions changing drastically, and they trembled with fear.

My heart was filled with horror!

killed?
They actually killed him?!

This is Master Yushan!

The emperor actually killed them in front of so many people?
How can this not shock and terrify them?
The emperor is completely unreasonable!
"We've already made the matter of the Maritime Trade Office clear."

The establishment of the Maritime Trade Office was essential, as was the requirement to collect six out of ten commercial taxes.

This is not a topic that can be discussed.

We set the time for our meeting now to give you relatively ample time.

I want you to think this over carefully, so you don't do anything foolish.

It seems your considerations weren't very sound.

On the table in front of him lay the freshly made, still-warm head of Mr. Yushan.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and looked at the crowd as he spoke.

"I'm not an unreasonable person."

Now, we'll give you time and opportunity to reconsider whether or not the Maritime Trade Office should be established.

Should commercial tax be collected at 60% of the rate?

"We've raised the commercial tax to 60%, are you even making any money?"

He spoke calmly and indifferently.

But those present were influential and powerful maritime merchants in various places.

At this moment, no one dared to let their guard down.

He felt that the Zhu Yuanzhang in front of him was not a person at all, but a living Yama who had come out of the deepest hell!
They were all terrified.

Especially the head of Mr. Yushan, whose eyes were not closed, which was placed in front of Zhu Yuanzhang's desk.

This only intensified the atmosphere.

Then look at the emperor's side, where there are three large boxes, each filled to the brim.

My heart was filled with unease.

Even someone like Mr. Yushan, a leading figure in Suzhou's foreign trade and a highly respected person.

If the emperor could kill them at will, how could they possibly escape if the emperor really wanted to deal with them?
Traditionally, the punishment is to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, but now Zhu Yuanzhang has gone a step further and killed the monkey to scare the chicken.

Let's deal with Mr. Yushan, who is the most prominent among them, first.

In this situation, what can they say?
Then look at the corrupt officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate standing not far from the emperor.

There were also Jinyiwei soldiers standing around, clad in armor and armed with weapons, watching intently.

My heart grew darker and more fearful.

"Your Majesty, a commercial tax rate of six out of ten is the best possible outcome."

Even with a tax rate of 60%, ordinary people still make a considerable profit.

Although we are merchants, we are first and foremost citizens of the Ming Dynasty, and we too have families and a country.

One should have a strong sense of righteousness in one's heart, and not be short-sighted or forget righteousness for personal gain.

Even if you only think about your own small plot of land, you should still consider the country and the people.

A tax rate of 60% is just right.

We, your subjects, will not work for nothing in our business endeavors.

And the imperial court will also have more money in its hands.

With money in hand, the imperial court can better provide disaster relief and give the people a better life.

"When the country becomes stronger, we people will also benefit."

Li Sanshi, a prominent figure in Hangzhou Prefecture, spoke first.

The attitude is very correct.

"Your Majesty, I also believe that the tax should be six out of ten."

In the past, when ordinary people and others engaged in foreign trade, they also had to guard against various pirates.

If you encounter pirates, you could easily lose both your money and your life.

Hiring servants and guards would also cost a lot of money.

His Majesty is now preparing to establish the Ming Navy to combat pirates and protect the maritime trade of the Maritime Trade Office.

With the imperial army protecting them, those pirates will surely not dare to cause trouble again.

Ordinary people should just focus on doing business.

This will save a lot of money.

Ordinary people still have confidence when doing business.

There's no need to worry about being harassed by pirates like before.

The establishment of the Maritime Trade Office, with a tax rate of six out of ten taels of silver, was also supported by the common people.

Li Youtian, a prominent figure in Songjiang Prefecture, immediately followed suit and spoke up...

Their attitude has changed dramatically compared to before.

It's not just them.

After the two of them spoke, the other merchants present also chimed in, saying that the emperor's establishment of the Maritime Trade Office and the taxation of six-tenths of the future maritime trade was a very reasonable tax system.

They were very supportive.

They stated on the spot that they were willing to actively apply for a maritime license.

They were then assigned to the Maritime Trade Office established by the imperial court and subject to its management.

"well."

Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands, and his smile became even more amiable.

“We knew that you were all loyal subjects of our Great Ming, good citizens of our Great Ming, and righteous merchants.”

The previous smuggling was due to the chaotic governance of the Yuan Dynasty. At the beginning of this dynasty, the Maritime Trade Office was poorly managed, and there were many corrupt officials who deceived their superiors.

Now that we're preparing to re-establish the Maritime Trade Office, you righteous merchants have all come, just as expected.

They were all willing to submit to the management of the Maritime Trade Office.

This is the greatest loyalty.

It is in times of adversity that true heroes are revealed and their character is truly shown.

You are all excellent; you are all good merchants of our Great Ming Dynasty.

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, the merchants present were almost in tears.

Do they want to be good businessmen?
Wasn't it Zhu Yuanzhang, that inhuman dog emperor, who forcibly forced them into this situation?
Otherwise, they would be crazy to want to be good businessmen.

That's a huge amount of money!
From now on, they will all be taken away by the imperial court for nothing.

It breaks my heart just thinking about it.

Zhu Yuanzhang was truly a despicable man!
How could they be so shameless as to do such a thing!
And to say such hurtful and hurtful things is truly devastating.

I've never seen an emperor more shameless than Zhu Yuanzhang!

They were cursing inside, unable to feel happy at all, but on the surface they all tried their best to force a smile.

Make yourself very happy.

They were afraid that the emperor might find fault with them.

The emperor, with his shameless and cruel nature.

They might become enraged by this, take offense at them, and abuse the law.

They immediately searched the box for account books and used the same methods they used against Mr. Yushan to deal with them.

The Ministry of Justice and the Censorate were to determine the guilt and execute the offender on the spot.

That would be a terrible injustice!

"well!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was even more pleased after seeing everyone's reaction.

"In that case, let's sign the agreement to voluntarily join the Maritime Trade Office."

The application for the business license was also approved at the same time.

A business license costs 10,000 strings of cash.

With a business license, you are a legitimate businessman of my Great Ming Dynasty.

From now on, you can operate legally.

However, one must comply with the regulations of the Maritime Trade Office, pay taxes according to law, and must not evade taxes or engage in smuggling.

Smuggling and tax evasion will be dealt with severely by the imperial court.

This is a red line that no one may cross.

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

Then, with a clap of his hands, the corresponding officials and clerks came out.

He held paper, pen, and the corresponding documents in his hands.

The merchants were stunned.

They really didn't expect Zhu Hongwu to have this trick up his sleeve!
Many of them had just spoken up in agreement with Zhu Hongwu, saying that the Maritime Trade Office he established was very good and that the taxation was very reasonable.

It was all due to the circumstances that they were forced to admit it verbally.

Many people had made up their minds to resolutely deny everything later.

Especially the Maritime Trade Office, they absolutely refuse to join.

I will absolutely not apply for a shipping business license in the future.

Give the emperor a proper stretch.

In this matter, whoever has the final say and whoever can prevail over whom!

Who would have thought that Zhu Hongwu would act so unpredictably and so shamelessly!
They weren't even given a chance to catch their breath.

They took the opportunity to get the agreement and the business license application done.

A license costs 10,000 strings of cash, why doesn't he just rob it?
Sure enough, Zhu Yuanzhang's establishment of the Maritime Trade Office was a way to swindle these loyal and patriotic merchants.

Before it even started, one person had already swindled 10,000 strings of cash.

If the Maritime Trade Office is really established in the future, who knows how many good days await them.

Shameless! Absolutely shameless!

However, at this point, circumstances forced them to comply, and even if they were unwilling, they had to get things done.

Didn't you see Mr. Yu Shan standing next to Zhu Hongwu, watching them, just staring blankly at them?
Overwhelmed with gratitude, the smugglers signed the agreement and applied for shipping licenses on the spot.

When Zhu Yuanzhang saw the more than 300 people present, he saw them sign the business licenses and other documents, and then quickly took out money on the spot, his face beaming with joy.

The Maritime Trade Office is better.

It's only the first day of its trial operation, and it has already generated over three million yuan in revenue.

Based on the previous Maritime Trade Office's annual profit of around 10,000 strings of cash, this means that he has earned the equivalent of 300 years' worth of money this time.

"Come on, everyone must be hungry, let's have some porridge."

Zhu Yuanzhang greeted them warmly.

Immediately, someone brought over steaming hot porridge and rice.

The merchants who drank the porridge were so grateful that they were moved to tears.

This meal was really expensive!

……

"Haha, Father, it still takes your intervention."

They were completely under their thumb in no time.

On the way back to the palace, Zhu Biao looked at his father with a big smile and said.

"Taking them under control is a piece of cake, isn't it?"

Zhu Yuanzhang displayed an exaggerated expression and boasted.

He then smiled and said, "However, these people won't just obediently comply; they'll definitely cause some more trouble."

Ok?
Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. Given the situation, what other methods could they possibly have?
(End of this chapter)