Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 156 Not enough to kill! Not enough people have died!
Zhu Di narrowed his eyes, a strong killing intent bursting forth from them.

This time, the troubles that have arisen in Suzhou, Hangzhou and other places are not limited to these maritime merchants.

There were also some local officials.

These people also need to be dealt with!

Previously, he was solely focused on dealing with maritime merchants.

Let's take care of the important things first.

So I ignored these people for the time being.

The maritime trade issues have now been mostly resolved.

It's time to settle accounts with these people!

The fact that he hadn't taken action against those people before doesn't mean he'd forgotten about it.

If we said we would thoroughly exploit the Jiangnan region, then we can't just target the maritime merchants.

This time, no official, regardless of rank, will be able to escape punishment!
We must strike them hard!

Give them a good plowing too!
Next came the establishment of the Maritime Trade Office, and the construction and operation of state-owned enterprises.

These things will become easier to handle.

The government has a great influence on commerce, and these people dared to collude with these maritime merchants and manipulate them.

Therefore, in the future, they may not hesitate to take action against newly established state-owned enterprises.

Now that we're here and have such a good opportunity, we should clean things up properly!
To avoid leaving any trouble behind and having to do it again in the future.

Zhu Di decided to achieve his goal in one decisive battle!
Zhu Di also knew that in the past few days, he had only been targeting the numerous maritime merchants.

No officials were involved.

Under this deliberate numbing of their own anxieties, by this time, many local officials who were originally filled with anxiety had gradually become indifferent.

I thought this whole thing was over.

I won't do anything to them.

But... how is that possible?

They're celebrating too soon!

Now it's my turn to give them a big surprise!
Imagine when the people you sent here suddenly took over.

Some of them will be in a particularly good mood!

With that in mind, Zhu Di quickly gathered his men and gave orders...

As Zhu Di issued his orders, many fierce and powerful soldiers quickly began to move.

After several days of turmoil, Suzhou, which had just begun to calm down, was once again filled with anxiety when a major earthquake struck.

Moreover, it was an even more severe earthquake than the previous one that targeted numerous maritime merchants.

……

Li Youtian was extremely uneasy.

In just a few days, he lost nearly ten pounds.

He also looked particularly haggard.

He was originally quite plump, and with good food, warm clothes, and a healthy lifestyle, he didn't look old at all.

A sixty-year-old can look about the same age as a fifty-year-old.

But now, he looks like he's seventy years old.

Anyone familiar with him would be shocked to see Li Youtian at this time.

They were even hesitant to recognize him.

As a prominent figure among the maritime merchants of Songjiang Prefecture, he certainly had no chance of escaping Zhu Di's arrest operation.
Compared to Li Sanshi, who was secretly manipulating the popular uprising in Suzhou and was extremely vigilant.

His vigilance wasn't that high.

Upon learning that the news was bad, Li Sanshi immediately fled.

They were captured by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had been watching them for many days.

But he is different.

When the troops sent to deal with the maritime merchants entered Songjiang Prefecture and broke into his house.

He was still having tea with his friends.

It appeared relaxed and natural.

After all, he never intended to cause a scene from the beginning.

It was just a procession of some weavers and others, nothing more.

He is a mature and prudent person who knows what he can and cannot do.

It's fine if you just give people a little encouragement.

As for rebelling against the emperor, as Li Sanshi said, he would never do it.

Let the young people handle these kinds of things.

He's too old to keep going through all that trouble.

I don't expect to gain much benefit from this matter in the future.

As long as the status quo can be maintained, or Zhu Yuanzhang's harsh conditions can be eased, that would be fine.

As for what will happen after the matter is accomplished, if he doesn't get the first place, he won't be able to stand up straight when facing Li Sanshi in the future.

These don't matter.

He would be more than happy to support Li Sanshi, this junior, and elevate him to a position even higher than his own.

He's getting old and doesn't want to be in the limelight.

The rain strikes first when the rafters emerge.

He had seen this kind of thing many times.

In his opinion, what he did in Songjiang Prefecture this time was not excessive at all.

Even if the imperial court intends to deal with the matter, it won't implicate me too much.

After all, compared to the troubles that have occurred in Suzhou and Hangzhou, what's happening here is really nothing.

But who could have imagined that this time, Prince Yan, Zhu Di, would act so decisively and swiftly!

So ruthless!

They came directly and arrested people indiscriminately.

It's not just arresting them, it's practically wiping out their entire families!
Many maritime merchants in Songjiang Prefecture were killed on the spot.

All of their assets have been seized.

His family was no exception.

However, unlike many maritime merchants, he did not put up any resistance.

When the government officials came to their door, they surrendered without resistance and ordered the rest of the family not to put up any resistance either.

Great attitude.

So he didn't die.

He has now been taken to Suzhou and detained for two days.

He had originally thought that he held a special position and had not done anything too outrageous in this matter.

Zhu Di had someone bring him to Suzhou alive.

It's intentional that they want to take me in.

However, after being imprisoned for two days, he received news that Li Sanshi had also been brought to Suzhou and then beheaded on the orders of the Prince of Yan.

His idea was immediately dismissed.

Especially later, they learned that Zhu Di, on behalf of the court, intended to confiscate the numerous properties that had been seized and then establish state-owned industries.

The government took over the management and operation, and brought back Shen Rong, Gu Cheng, and others.

After they were brought in to help the government handle these matters.

I felt increasingly uncertain.

I felt like my death was imminent.

If Zhu Di doesn't bring back Gu Cheng, Shen Rong, and the others...

He might still be able to try his luck here, relying on his seasoned experience in business.

But now, these people have been found and they know what happened to Li Sanshi.

It would be strange if he still had any confidence.

I felt certain that I was going to die this time...

The clanging of chains rang out as the cell door was opened.

Armored soldiers came in and took Li Youtian away.

During this period, Zhu Di did not use the local prison guards in Suzhou to guard and arrest prisoners.

They were all replaced by the elite armored soldiers he brought with him.

They replaced him with people they could rely on.

To prevent some people from dying without knowing why.

Li Youtian's face was deathly pale, and he felt grief and fear in his heart.

He knew his days were numbered and he was about to be killed.

After being released from prison, he was not taken to the execution ground.

Instead, she took him to see the King of Yan.

Upon receiving this news, Li Youtian was surprised, but also felt a surge of joy.

His thoughts changed again.

If you quickly gather your strength, perhaps you still have some chance of survival.

The Prince of Yan might be willing to give himself a way out.

Of course, just like Li Sanshi before him, the possibility of being killed after being received by the Prince of Yan is also extremely high...

"This humble subject, Li Youtian, pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Yan."

Upon meeting Zhu Di, Li Youtian knelt down and paid his respects.

Extremely respectful.

Zhu Di, dressed in a dragon robe, sat there quietly watching him without saying a word.

Invisible pressure is coming upon me.

This made Li Youtian extremely uneasy and anxious.

"You came?"

After a moment, Zhu Di spoke, his voice sounding rather relaxed.

He wasn't as angry or stern as I had imagined.

This put Li Youtian at ease.

"Your Highness, I have arrived. I deserve to die for causing Your Majesty so much trouble."

Zhu Di nodded: "Since you're here, then go and meet your old friend."

My old friend?
Li Youtian was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. What old friends did he have here?

Was it someone from the imperial court, or some influential colleague, who was also arrested at this time?

Just as he was wondering about this, an armored soldier came out from behind, holding a box in his hands, and placed it in front of Li Youtian.

A foul, putrid odor emanated from here.

Li Youtian's expression changed slightly; he had guessed what was going on.

"Open it and take a look,"

Zhu Di's voice rang out.

Although Li Youtian was extremely unwilling, he still obediently chose to comply with Zhu Di's words at this moment.

Open it yourself.

My hands were trembling as I did these things.

Upon opening it and seeing the scene inside, his expression changed drastically.

Startled, he stumbled backward. Inside the box, he saw a狰狞 (zhengning, meaning ferocious or hideous) human head staring at him.

This head was clearly preserved with lime.

But it still couldn't mask the stench of decay.

If he didn't recognize the head, that would be fine.

The stimulus I received wasn't that great.

But he happened to know this person.

Not only did we know each other, but we also discussed business together and did other things together.

This man was none other than Li Sanshi, the top maritime merchant in Hangzhou.

Even though they already knew that Li Sanshi had been captured by Zhu Di and beheaded.

But when they actually saw Li Sanshi's head, they were still extremely shocked.

The visual stimulation was simply too great.

"Your Highness, Li Sanshi is a man with ulterior motives, who opposes the court and refuses to submit to its rules."

I have promised His Majesty that I will join the Maritime Trade Office and follow its orders to do good deeds for the country and its people.

They actually went back on their word and rebelliously incited people to revolt.

They attempted to defy the major policies and the imperial court.

They forced His Majesty to concede, making it impossible for the Maritime Trade Office to continue operating.

Such people deserve to die a thousand deaths; even being torn to pieces wouldn't be enough!

Have a good death!
Such a person should have their entire family killed!
Exterminate their entire clan!

Terrified and ashen-faced, Li Youtian knelt on the ground and began to harshly criticize and rebuke Li Sanshi's ferocious head.

They completely sided with the imperial court.

Zhu Di looked at Li Youtian with an indifferent expression.

After he finished speaking, he calmly and slowly began to speak:
"Well said. This scoundrel deserves to die for doing such a thing."

And you? "

Li Youtian's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately said:

"I was deceived by this person and did some things."

Although they did not incite rebellion, the things they did were still extremely heinous and unforgivable.

"Since it involves treason, death is the only good outcome."

Li Youtian's voice trembled slightly as he said this.

Zhu Di nodded: "At least you have some self-awareness. In that case, let's handle it this way."

Upon hearing this, Li Youtian collapsed to the ground.

It couldn't hold on any longer.

Knowing you are going to die and actually feeling that day are completely different.

Immediately, armored soldiers stepped forward, lifted Li Youtian, and carried him outside.

"Your Highness! Your Highness! This sinner has made a mistake."

The sinners were truly wrong!

I will never do such a thing again.

Your Highness, please give the sinners a chance to atone for their sins.

To atone for some sins.

He said repeatedly that he had wet his pants.

“Pull him back.”

Upon hearing Zhu Di's words, the two armored soldiers who had helped him outside then dragged Li Youtian back inside.

Li Youtian felt as if he had heard heavenly music, and he was completely exhausted.

"How do you plan to atone for your sins?"

“The criminals have quite a bit of experience in doing business.”

I am willing to serve the imperial court.

They also know that some families have hidden businesses, and some families have not been thoroughly investigated.

Xiaomin is willing to tell all of this.

Zhu Di shook his head: Even without you, this business can still be done.

There are plenty of capable business people out there; we don't need another one like you.

Li Youtian nodded upon hearing this: "Your Highness is right."

Shen Rong, Gu Cheng, and others are indeed talented.

However, Your Highness cannot rely solely on them when employing people.

These people had similar experiences before.

They can be categorized into one school of thought.

Moreover, part of the reason they were in such a miserable state was that their businesses had been swallowed up.

But... in the final analysis, it was because of the immigration policy implemented by the imperial court at the time.

They were forcibly relocated from various places and brought to Fengyang, which is why this happened.

Now that Your Highness has shown mercy and given them this opportunity, they are naturally grateful.

But... how long can we be grateful?

As time goes by, these people will gradually forget about it.

As time goes on, they will no longer be grateful to His Highness for giving them the opportunity to save them from their suffering.

On the contrary, they will feel that this is what they deserve.

The imperial court itself owes them a debt.

Their current status is a form of compensation from the imperial court.

Moreover, many of them earned their money through their own abilities.

After the restructuring, the number of industries they now operate is many times larger than what they had managed before.

It's not a good thing to let them run the business.

It's inevitable that some unsightly things will happen in the future.

I have failed Your Highness's expectations.

There's a saying that goes, "It's better to have experience than to work hard."

Criminals like these, who deserve to die anyway, are the easiest to manipulate and control.

Since he was supposed to die anyway, the fact that he survived at this time is purely due to His Highness's kindness.

It's like having a sharp sword hanging over your head that could fall at any moment.

So in the following days, they worked diligently and dared not slack off in the slightest.

Moreover, criminals and other people who had committed serious crimes were allowed to help the court manage its industries.

It wouldn't be to the point that Shen Rong and his group, who returned from the north, would become the dominant force.

It can serve as a check and balance.

Upon hearing Li Youtian's words, Zhu Di remained silent.

This made Li Youtian feel particularly uneasy.

My life or death hinges on this moment.

After a short while, Zhu Di suddenly smiled.

"You're quite insightful; what you said makes sense."

Since that's the case, then I'll give you that opportunity.

Let me see how far you can go in getting things done.

If things don't go well, they'll say one thing and do another behind people's backs.

Then don't blame me for killing you on charges of treason."

Upon hearing Zhu Di's words, Li Youtian felt as if he had heard heavenly music, and was overjoyed.

He hurriedly knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.

"Your Highness, now you will see how the criminals behave."

If the sinners do not do well enough.

I have displeased Your Highness.

Your Highness may act at any time and cut off the heads of the criminals.

"Execute the entire family of the criminal!"

"Okay, let's do it that way!"

Zhu Di ordered Li Youtian to be released on the spot.

Next, besides Li Youtian, there were more than a dozen other maritime merchants who were involved in the matter but were not usually that wicked and were capable.

Zhu Di also made them do this as if they were guilty of a crime.

Li Youtian is right about some things: hard work is not as good as practical experience.

This is indeed the case.

Moreover, his father had already given him some instructions on these matters before he came.

Shen Rong and Gu Cheng are people we can use.

However, we cannot use all of these people.

This could easily lead to a single company dominating the market.

Things will only get worse from now on.

The fact that Li Youtian survived this time is not because he spoke any particularly well.

Rather, it means that they had already planned to spare his life.

Let him handle the matter.

To a certain extent, those who made mistakes were indeed easier to use and manipulate than Shen Rong and his group.

……

In Hangzhou, County Magistrate Xiao was in a pretty good mood.

In the past few days, Zhu Di, the fourth son of the Prince of Yan, has been using ruthless methods since arriving here.

It really made him very uneasy.

They were afraid they would be implicated.

Fortunately, Zhu Laosi's actions afterwards gave him a sigh of relief.

Zhu Laosi did not target anyone in the officialdom.

That makes sense; this time, the imperial court is targeting maritime merchants.

The fact that they only targeted maritime merchants has already caused such a huge commotion.

If they were to involve government officials...

That made things even more out of control.

Besides, none of us were involved in the civil unrest.

It's just a matter of turning a blind eye at appropriate times, nothing more.

Moreover, they had specifically warned Li Sanshi not to make a big fuss about it.

In truth, I am the real hero.

They deserve a reward from the imperial court.

Without us watching over them, who knows how far Li Sanshi, that heartless and insane person, would have taken things?

Just as he was thinking this, a commotion came from outside. Before he could go out to investigate, men from the Yanshan Guard and the Embroidered Uniform Guard broke down the door and entered...

(End of this chapter)