Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 152 is over! All the plans were anticipated by Zhu Yuanzhang!
In Hangzhou, Li Sanshi hummed a little tune, toying with a small, exquisite jade ruyi in his hand.

He seemed to be in a very good mood.

Opposite him sat a man dressed in a brocade robe.

Judging from his attire, he was no ordinary person.

Li Sanshi, a wealthy businessman from Hangzhou, was very polite to him.

This man is no ordinary person; he is the county magistrate of the county government in Hangzhou.

There is a saying: "If the ancestors committed evil deeds, the county magistrate will be attached to the city."

With the Hangzhou Prefectural Government in place, being a county magistrate in Hangzhou is indeed not an easy job.

Not to mention the county magistrate.

But it's just the opposite.

In reality, the county magistrate's actual power could even surpass that of the county magistrate.

The county magistrate was a visiting official.

The county magistrate, however, was not.

Most of them are locals.

Those who can become county magistrates are all extraordinary in the local area.

A true local tyrant.

Even if someone isn't a local tyrant at first, they can gradually become one over time by serving as a county magistrate.

"This matter can only go this far."

The area in Hangzhou cannot be expanded any further.

Otherwise, I won't care.

Not only will they ignore it, but they will also handle the matter impartially and arrest the perpetrators.

The junior county magistrate took a sip of tea, looked at Li Sanshi, and spoke.

"Sir, please rest assured, we will leave this matter here in Hangzhou."

It will not expand further.

It only stopped at the stage of marches and demonstrations.

There will be no unruly people causing trouble, and it will not make things difficult for the county magistrates.

This incident mainly involved our colleagues in Suzhou.

I heard that they intend to cause a scene.

Our places are just an accessory.

They followed behind to bolster their momentum.

Upon hearing Li Sanshi's words, the county magistrate surnamed Xiao smiled.

The seriousness on his face vanished instantly.

"That's good. We can rest assured now that you've said that."

I know you're a reliable person.

But this matter is of great importance, so I must come and ask more questions to get a definite answer.

I still feel a little uncertain.

The current level of government control over important towns in the Jiangnan region.

A large number of people want to gather together and make a big show of it for a march or demonstration.

It would have been truly difficult without the covert cooperation of certain individuals within the government.

Or rather, many civil unrests involved government officials to varying degrees.

Otherwise, it will be very difficult to get things done smoothly, especially if it causes a big fuss.

At this time, County Magistrate Xiao came to see Li Sanshi and explained all of this.

"How far can things escalate in Suzhou?"

He was originally planning to leave.

But as he was leaving, he suddenly remembered something else.

Looking at Li Sanshi, he spoke again.

Li Sanshi said, "I don't know either."

However, Suzhou has many righteous people.

The imperial court has gone too far in its handling of matters related to the Maritime Trade Office.

They are not giving the vast majority of poor people a way to survive.

In order to collect more taxes, they disregarded everything else.

Those many desperate people certainly couldn't tolerate it.

Under such circumstances, there will surely be righteous people who stand up and raise their voices in protest.

Together with others, they demanded an explanation from the imperial court.

We must prevent the court from continuing such harsh policies.

Some things, in the end, need to be taken care of by someone.

Someone will eventually do it.

I believe that the righteous people in Suzhou will definitely set an example for the world.

This will surely make the emperor and the court understand how difficult it is for ordinary people to survive.

The county magistrate nodded, his smile widening.

If the fire doesn't reach Hangzhou, then it's fine.

It's fine to just chime in.

With Suzhou holding the line, the emperor wouldn't really do anything to Hangzhou.

"Hmm, this tea tastes good, but the pre-rain Longjing tea is still the best."

He put down his teacup and praised the tea highly.

Li Sanshi walked to the side, took out several exquisite boxes, and presented them with a smile.

"It just so happens that I have a few boxes here."

This box is offered to the County Magistrate, and this box is offered to the County Lord.

"I'll trouble you, Magistrate, to deliver these two boxes to the Prefect."

Upon hearing this, the county magistrate's chubby face broke into a smile once again.

"Easy to say, easy to say."

As he spoke, he wrapped up the boxes.

He nodded to Li Sanshi and then left.

We won't linger any longer.

In Hangzhou now, people from lowly backgrounds have started to gather and cause trouble.

He, as the county magistrate, still has a lot to do.

It will be much more arduous, and we can't stay here for too long.

Li Sanshi respectfully saw him off to the door.

After watching an inconspicuous sedan chair get into the county town and disappear into the alley, he returned home.

I brewed another pot of tea and slowly savored it.

Li Sanshi had a big smile on his face.

This time things are settled.

Rebellion was inevitable; otherwise, it wouldn't have been enough to create a huge stir.

It's not enough to attract much attention.

It is also insufficient to provide many righteous people with a good opportunity to submit petitions and speak out.

Therefore, there was no way to abolish the Maritime Trade Office, make the emperor realize his mistake, and stop his reckless behavior.

However, there are different places and people who rebel.

There's definitely no way we can rebel in Hangzhou.

In Hangzhou, it's one thing for some people to cause trouble and make a fuss.

The rebellion had to start in Suzhou.

After all, most of his family business was located in Hangzhou.

If a rebellion were to break out and the emperor were to send troops to suppress it, it would be no laughing matter.

So let the Suzhou side handle the rebellion.

In Suzhou, Master Yushan is no longer here.

Of the remaining people, there was no one capable of taking on a major responsibility.

It's quite easy to pull off a move at this point.

Liao Xing is a cautious person; once he arrives there, he'll definitely make a big scene.

This person is very loyal and courageous.

They also like to stand up for the weak and fight for justice.

It's most suitable for him to do this.

This outlaw, whom he had taken in years ago, has finally come in handy.

It wasn't for nothing that I took on so much responsibility and supported him all these years.

With Liao Xing present, even if the emperor reacts...

However, quelling the civil unrest was not so easy.

Moreover, many merchants from Suzhou were also involved.

This matter is not that simple!
Even if it were the emperor, he wouldn't have been able to quell the civil unrest.

He wasn't worried at all that the fire would burn him.

A civil unrest has broken out in Suzhou; some people are planning a rebellion.

What does this have to do with Hangzhou?
Liao Xing would never reveal his identity.

He knew Liao Xing's character all too well.

He could say that he had perfectly hidden himself in the background.

Moreover, he has many backup plans for what he did this time.

That's not all.

Next, there were the mass demonstrations and protests that took place in Hangzhou.

Their two workshops and one shop will also be vandalized and damaged.

The chaos in Hangzhou has absolutely nothing to do with me.

I myself am a victim of civil unrest.

I stand firmly with the imperial court!

Not only that, he will also loudly appeal to the people to behave themselves and not cause trouble.

In a few days, he will also start some workshops here.

They took the initiative to help the imperial court quell the chaos.

Throughout this matter, he has always been a loyal subject of the imperial court.

There is no one more loyal than oneself!

With so many preparations made, we can absolutely ensure that he is safe and sound.

If they perform well, they may even attract the attention of many people in the future.

It's not impossible that they might even be favored by the emperor.

With that thought in mind, he took a delicious sip of tea, and his whole being became more and more energetic.

Who says businessmen can't stir up trouble?
Who says businessmen are lambs to the slaughter?

Who says that an emperor's word is law, and that he can do whatever he wants?

In some matters, as long as you do it well and plan properly, you can succeed.

Even the emperor is not exempt.

They need to be forced to obey.

Just as he was thinking this happily, someone suddenly rushed over.

"Sir, something terrible has happened! The imperial court has sent troops to suppress them!"
Prince Zhu Di of Yan personally led the troops!

They arrived in Suzhou in a very short time.

Although Li Sanshi was just a businessman, he liked to read books in his spare time.

He also disliked having his servants and slaves call him "Master" or "Master".

Instead, they prefer to be addressed as "sir".

In his opinion, the title "sir" was the most appropriate for him.

It's also the best-sounding one.

Li Sanshi remained completely calm. His hand holding the teacup didn't even tremble.

He simply nodded and continued sipping his tea.

He wasn't surprised by this news.

After all, the current emperor seems to attach great importance to the Maritime Trade Office.

And in the past, he had sent his son to do some of the things.

Prince Zhu Di of Yan was also appointed as the Director of the Maritime Trade Office.

In this matter, it was not surprising that Prince Yan, Zhu Di, led troops to carry out the task.

"understood."

He nodded.

"Is there any other news?"

Seeing Li Sanshi's calm demeanor.

This person couldn't help but feel much more at ease.

It also aroused a great deal of admiration.

As expected of a gentleman!
Despite the magnitude of the event, the gentleman remained completely calm.

This kind of composure is something many people don't have.

"In response to your question, sir, this is all the news we have received so far."

As for what the Prince of Yan will do after entering the city, that remains to be seen.

Li Sanshi nodded, and the man bowed and withdrew.

Li Sanshi tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

I took another delicious sip.

The fire has already started and is burning brighter and brighter.

Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, personally stepped in to put out the fire.

It's not that easy to destroy.

If not handled properly, it could make things worse.

Next, many peasants in Suzhou will die.

But what does it matter?
Their lives are all worthless.

It wouldn't matter if some died.

It would be better if more died.

The more people die, the bigger this problem will become.

The more the emperor wanted to establish the Maritime Trade Office, the less likely it became.

They were willing to do something to prevent the establishment of the Maritime Trade Office, for the benefit of loyal and righteous people like themselves.

It is an honor for these people.

As long as the matter is accomplished and the emperor's reckless behavior is stopped.

It's worth it no matter how many lowly people die.

Even some of our business associates in Suzhou will be implicated this time.

But that doesn't matter.

When you do something like this, there are always some people who have to risk their lives and their reputations.

As long as you don't die on your own head, these things are good.

Their deaths were worthy of their purpose.

Li Sanshi didn't care at all...

……

An hour later, another person arrived from outside.

Report the news to Li Sanshi.

Although Li Sanshi was in Hangzhou, he paid special attention to what was happening in Suzhou.

After all, Suzhou is the key to success this time.

"Sir, Zhu Di has entered the city!"
After entering the city, they began a massacre!

The man spoke, panting heavily.

Li Sanshi remained calm, simply nodding slightly without saying anything.

After all, this was something he had anticipated from the very beginning.

The imperial court could not stand idly by when a rebellion broke out.

Even if the emperor's own son led troops there, he certainly wouldn't let it go easily, and it would be perfectly normal for people to die.

Let the emperor kill as many of these lowly people as possible.

The emperor likes to say he puts the people first; let's see how he'll be able to say that in the future!
"Sir, after Zhu Di entered the city, he immediately sent troops to kill the wealthy families in Suzhou."

Master Wang, Master Qian, Master Zhao, and others were not spared.

They confiscated the property and wiped out the entire family.

Not only them, but countless others were also killed by them…

what?
Li Sanshi, who had been very calm, couldn't help but raise his head, his expression showing shock.

I can no longer maintain that detachment I had before.

This news was truly beyond his expectations.

Why does Zhu Laosi act so unpredictably?

Logically, shouldn't we deal with these rioters first and massacre them?
Why are they now targeting so many businessmen first?
He quickly regained some composure.

It's not a big deal.

Although some unexpected events occurred, the situation is generally under control.

Killing more of our colleagues in Suzhou isn't out of the question.

In that case, I'll actually have a lot of competitors in the future.

Let Zhu Di and his men lead the vanguard so that I can properly deal with my rivals in Suzhou.

Remove obstacles from your path.

Once things calm down, it will be much easier to transfer money from here to do business in Suzhou.

This can be considered as doing a good deed.

This time, it seems the emperor has truly been driven to desperation by his own schemes.

Not only should these lowly people be killed, but also some of the businessmen behind the scenes.

So what if they killed them? They were colleagues from Suzhou anyway.

If we deal with both the merchants and these lowly people, then the problem won't be so big.

"What about the commoners? How many were killed?"

"In response to your question, based on the information we have so far, Zhu Di did not carry out a brutal crackdown on the common people."

They simply sent troops to surround and gather the rioters.

After hearing this news, Li Sanshi nodded.

Whether it's surrounding them or not, it won't be long before they launch a swift and decisive attack.

Right now, they're just too busy harming many of their peers to deal with these rioters at the same time.

As long as we eliminate many of our competitors in Suzhou.

Now, it's time to ruthlessly slaughter these lowly people!

I just hope Liao Xing can hold on there a little longer.

Encourage more people to join him in resisting the imperial army.

The longer you persist, the better.

The more things happen, the better it will be for them.

With such a major incident, the imperial court couldn't just deal with the merchants behind it and ignore these rioters.

Even those behind the scenes are being dealt with so severely by the imperial court.

It's easy to imagine how miserable the fate of these lowly people will be next...

……

Two hours later, someone else rushed over to deliver a message to him.

"Sir, Prince Zhu Di of Yan has personally gone to deal with the rioters."

Li Sanshi looked away from the book in his hand and gestured for the man to continue.

"The trouble has been resolved, and many of the rioters have been dispersed."

They all went home.

what? !

Li Sanshi's expression changed drastically, and he threw the book in his hand onto the table.

This was completely different from what he had imagined!
What is Liao Xing good for?!
"What about the leader of the rioters?"

"The bandit leader committed suicide."

Not only did he commit suicide, but before that, he also broke the arms and legs of several people among the rioters who had been sent to keep an eye on him.

It was handed over to Zhu Di.

Upon hearing this, Li Sanshi stood there dumbfounded...

That bastard Liao Xing, how could he do such a thing?

He actually betrayed me!

Such a large-scale rebellion was quelled in such a short time?!

This news was even more shocking to him than hearing that Zhu Di had massacred those behind the scenes.

Is the imperial court really going to give up on life this time?

"Quickly! Quickly! Send the order immediately."

We urge them to stop the protests here as quickly as possible.

Starting tomorrow, everyone should go about their own business.

Just pretend it never happened.

He also immediately informed all the workshops and shopkeepers that they would begin work tomorrow and recruit workers to begin production!

Li Sanshi was really anxious.

After confessing these things, he appeared distraught.

Because once such an order was issued, it meant that they had expended a great deal of effort in resisting Zhu Yuanzhang.

This signifies utter defeat.

Even this tactic couldn't stop Zhu Yuanzhang.

The establishment of the Maritime Trade Office was ultimately completed by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Thinking this, he suddenly smiled again.

If things are done well, then all I'll do is earn a little less money in the future.

If they hadn't gone through all this trouble, they would have simply surrendered and handed over all that wealth to Zhu Yuanzhang.

He really didn't want to accept it.

Although we have failed now, we will not regret it when we think about it in the future.

From now on, he will obey the government's management and continue to do business for the government, even if he earns less money.

"Sir, there is one more piece of news."

"what news?"

Li Sanshi inquired.

I don't think there could be any worse news.

Things are already like this, how much worse can they get?

"Then the Prince of Yan said that he would confiscate all the property of the rebels in Suzhou."

Then, state-run businesses were established, with the imperial court handling their management.

what!
Li Sanshi was struck dumb.

His body was trembling uncontrollably.

How could the emperor be so cruel? How could he do such a thing?!

This is profiting at the expense of the people, absolutely profiting at the expense of the people!

He stood there stunned for a full fifteen minutes, his face dark and grim, before suddenly turning around and walking quickly outside.

He couldn't stay in Hangzhou any longer; he had to get to the sea immediately...

……

A large contingent of soldiers arrived from afar, carrying tallies and orders, and ordered the gates of Hangzhou to be opened overnight...

(End of this chapter)