Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 30 Gu Tingye! (4k)

On the third floor, by the window, the aroma of tea wafts through the air.

Gu Tingye pushed open the door and entered.

"Zhonghuai, sit down."

Jiang Zhao poured tea from the teapot, smiling faintly.

Gu Tingye nodded, and the two sat facing each other.

"white"

Halfway through his sentence, a hint of hesitation flashed in Gu Tingye's eyes. He stood up and bowed deeply: "Brother Zichuan, please forgive me. My name is not actually Bai Ye. Bai Ye is an alias. I am the son of Marquis Ningyuan, Gu Yankai. My name is Gu Tingye, and my courtesy name is Zhonghuai."

Originally, Gu Tingye wanted to register under the name "Bai Ye," but after hesitating for a moment, he ultimately held back and gave his real name instead.

He and Jiang Zhao had only known each other for a short time, and his request for help was based solely on saving face.

However, he was not a famous person, so where did he get the face?

Gu Tingye was well aware that if it weren't for the title "Marquis of Ningyuan," he would never have been able to gain the respect of the renowned Jiang Lang of Huaizuo, and naturally, he would never have been able to bring up the matter of the will.

Jiang Zhao's hand, which was brewing tea, hovered in mid-air, his eyebrows twitching slightly: "I had long noticed that Zhong Huai had an extraordinary bearing and was not an ordinary person, but I never expected him to be the young marquis?"

"No, no, no." Gu Tingye quickly stopped and earnestly said, "I have an elder brother, and I am actually the second son in the family. I am not worthy of the title 'Young Marquis'."

Jiang Zhao smiled and nodded, saying, "Since he's not the eldest son, I can barely be considered worthy of being the second son of the Marquis's family."

His words carried a touch of just the right amount of teasing.

Marquis Gu Yankai of Ningyuan held a high position and wielded great power, which meant that the eldest sons of powerful families in wealthy prefectures and counties would find it difficult to get along with the eldest sons of the Ningyuan Marquis's family on an equal footing.

However, the famous Jiang Lang of Huaizuo was no less so.

In fact, as long as he showed even the slightest intention to befriend him, the eldest son of the Marquis of Ningyuan's family would have to take the initiative to get close to him.

After all, he was the newly appointed top scholar in the imperial examination, and he was destined to become a high-ranking official.

Moreover, a top scholar is a top scholar, and a Jiang Lang from Huaizuo is a Jiang Lang from Huaizuo!
The only disciple taken in by a high-ranking official during his period of hardship!

A story that has made them famous throughout the world!
A tier of prestige among scholars and officials!
The newly appointed top scholar!
Any two of them stacked together would be a royal flush, and Jiang Zhao had a total of four.

In terms of compatibility, the Jiang family of Huaizuo is not so eye-catching.

Gu Tingye breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "Brother Zichuan, you jest."

For some reason, ever since Jiang Zhao addressed him as "Young Marquis" and gave him a lengthy explanation, the atmosphere between the two of them became much more relaxed.

Jiang Zhao smiled faintly, poured two cups of tea, and moved one cup over.

Gu Tingye picked up his teacup, took a small sip, but a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes.

He had been stubborn since childhood, and this was the first time he had ever asked for a favor; he really didn't know how to bring up the matter of his will.

Fortunately, Jiang Zhao spoke first.

“Zhong Huai and I hit it off immediately. I promised him last time that if you ever had any trouble, you could come to me. Since Zhong Huai is an alias, there must be a reason for it. May I ask if you could tell me? If it is within my power, I will certainly help you.”

Gu Tingye was just wondering how to ask for help when he heard this, and he quickly seized the opportunity to say, "I am my father's second son, and my mother is from the Bai family of Yangzhou. This time, my maternal grandfather passed away, and I came here specifically to attend the funeral, so I used the surname Bai as an alias."

"As for why you used an alias?" Gu Tingye pretended to hesitate for a moment, "That really involves a difficult matter, and I might have to trouble Brother Zichuan."

"Speak freely." Jiang Zhao held his teacup, his expression calm, and waved his hand: "In Yangzhou, my words carry some weight."

Gu Tingye breathed a sigh of relief and said in a clear, unhurried manner, "In his early years, my maternal grandfather was ostracized due to internal strife within the clan. Even his name was removed from the family genealogy. He was heartbroken and left his hometown in anger to run a business. He gradually developed and expanded his business, becoming extremely wealthy."

However, perhaps it was fate, but my maternal grandfather had no sons, only my mother as his only daughter. In his old age, a bunch of shameless cousins ​​reappeared, wanting to exploit his family's lack of offspring.

"I've heard a little about it." Jiang Zhao nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Gu Tingye was overjoyed. Since Jiang Zhao had heard some rumors, this matter would be much easier to handle.

He quickly continued, "My grandfather harbored resentment, but he didn't want the business he had painstakingly built up throughout his life to benefit a few shameless cousins. On his serious illness, he left a will, hoping to see me, his grandson, and to let me inherit the family business."

After receiving the will, I traveled to Yangzhou alone, only to find that my grandfather had already passed away by the time I arrived, and the Bai family had already known about the will.

However, even though they knew the will had already determined the inheritance, the Bai family had no intention of letting go and even planned to assassinate me, wanting to kill me.

My personal servant looked seven-tenths like me; he changed clothes and took my place, which is how I escaped with my life.

Gu Tingye's explanation was relatively brief, but he still managed to convey the general information.

"Oh?" Jiang Zhao's face darkened. "Aren't those people from the Bai family far too presumptuous and lawless?"

His expression was half genuine and half feigned.

It was all an act; he knew Gu Tingye wouldn't die.

Those people from the Bai family were indeed too presumptuous.

After all, Marquis Ningyuan, Gu Yankai, was no ordinary marquis. In terms of real power, he was practically the second-in-command among military nobles, second only to the Duke of Yingguo.

He was the envoy of the Northern Court of Xuanhui and concurrently the deputy envoy of the Privy Council, an undisputed high-ranking official, and was greatly trusted by the emperor.

The Bai family dared to assassinate the legitimate son of such a person.

For a moment, it was hard to say whether the Bai family was bold or simply ignorant and fearless.

"So, Zhong Huai specifically sought me out?" Jiang Zhao asked.

"Exactly." Gu Tingye nodded hastily, his tone sincere: "With Brother Zichuan's magnanimity and spirit, he is certainly not afraid of the Bai family. I was really desperate, so I shamelessly asked for your help."

Jiang Zhao understood immediately and smiled, "Zhong Huai certainly knows how to choose people."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingye knew that the matter was almost certain to be settled. He quickly patted his chest and solemnly promised, "Brother Zichuan, rest assured, I came to Yangzhou to send my grandfather to his funeral. When I inherit the family business, the salt administration will remain the same as before."

This is about protection money.

Throughout history, the most profitable businesses have always been monopolies.

Salt production, mining, border trade, maritime transport, and canal transport were arguably the five most profitable monopolistic businesses in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Among them, the salt industry is the worst, and it is also the industry with the most serious tax evasion.

The reason why Old Master Bai was so wealthy was ultimately due to his several salt estates, as well as the related salt shops, contracted houses, contracted land, estates, and shops.

Among them, the saltworks were the most profitable.

A single salt estate can generate an annual income of nine thousand taels.

Those miscellaneous items are also an astonishing fortune.

Among them, the Jiang, Zhang, and Chen families, who were local strongmen, received three to four thousand taels of silver every year.

Of course, this amount of silver may seem like a lot, but it is actually one of the reasons why Old Master Bai can do business with peace of mind.

For merchants, the three major families of Yangzhou were still quite law-abiding; they only collected protection money and didn't covet what they had.

Once the protection money was collected, the Huainan area was unimpeded, and no one would cause trouble; even pirates and thieves wouldn't give it a second glance.

Yangzhou's wealth and prosperity were due not only to its geographical advantages but also to the strict rules and regulations established by the three major families.

After all, merchants are never afraid of you collecting protection money; what they fear is that you collect protection money but it has no effect, or even that you are greedy and insatiable.

Gu Tingye made a promise, but Jiang Zhao did not immediately agree; instead, she appeared cautious.

"May I see the will? If it's true, I'll take care of it."

Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Tingye took out a sealed letter from his pocket and handed it over, not afraid that Jiang Zhao would destroy the evidence.

He believed in the vision of Jiang Lang of Huaizuo.

Of course, even if he were to be double-crossed, Gu Tingye wasn't a money-grubbing person. He would simply resolve to become successful and then seek revenge later.

Jiang Zhao took the letter, read it word by word, and then nodded slightly.

The letter was handed back to Gu Tingye. Jiang Zhao beckoned and called out loudly, "Hesheng, go and invite Chen Fu and Zhang Ci here." "Yes, young master."

Chen and Zhang?

Gu Tingye had a vague idea in his mind.

In the past two days, he has also inquired about a lot of things related to Yangzhou.

The first thing that naturally comes to mind is: whose territory is Yangzhou?

The answer is the Jiang, Zhang, and Chen families—the three major families!
Jiang Zhao seemed to have seen through Gu Tingye's thoughts. She carried a cup of tea to his side, raised her chin, and gestured, "Zhonghuai, please sit inside. Leave the other side for them."

really!

Gu Tingye quickly moved to a slightly more comfortable spot.

A short while later, Chen Fu and Zhang Ci walked in one after the other.

"Zichuan, what are you doing out here?" Chen Fu laughed heartily, sitting down and pouring himself some tea.

Zhang Ci was serious and composed, rarely smiling.

Jiang Zhao smiled and extended his hand, saying, "This is Gu Tingye, the eldest son of the Marquis of Ningyuan."

The eldest son of the Marquis of Ningyuan?
Chen Fu and Zhang Ci exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

The two men stood up simultaneously and bowed politely, saying, "Young Master Gu."

In terms of historical and cultural heritage, the Chen and Zhang families were certainly inferior to the Jiang family, but they were not far behind. The older generation of pillars of both families were almost all retired at the fourth rank.

However, Chen Fu and Zhang Ci were ultimately no match for Jiang Zhao.

Without a teacher who was a high-ranking official of the second rank, without a reputation that shook the world, and without being a literary giant, the two men immediately became more reserved and less casual in their demeanor.

The higher you go, the more astonishing the disparity in power becomes.

Even a difference of half a grade makes a world of difference.

Take Han Zhang, for example. He held the rank of second grade official, which on the surface was only one or two levels away from the third-grade officials such as the Vice Minister and the Nine Ministers. In reality, Han Zhang could almost easily promote officials to the third grade. It was just a matter of whether it was worth it or not.

Especially in political struggles, a single sentence from a second-rank official can often bring down a powerful regional governor.

The appointment of a fifth-rank official in a prefecture or region is a matter of a single word from a powerful figure like Han Zhang; it's purely a matter of mass production, copying and pasting.

Just because Jiang Zhao can have a leisurely conversation with the eldest son of the Marquis of Ningyuan doesn't mean that Chen Fu and Zhang Ci can too.

Marquis Ningyuan commands the Imperial Guards and wields immense power. He enjoys the Emperor's favor and his strength is undeniable.

They are truly lucky to have married Gu Tingye!
Gu Tingye quickly returned the greeting: "My mother bestowed upon me a courtesy name when I was young, so you may both call me Zhonghuai."

Jiang Zhao then introduced, "These two are Chen Fu and Zhang Ci. Chen Fu's courtesy name is Bofu, and Zhang Ci's courtesy name is Zian. They are both the eldest sons of this generation who have achieved great things and have a promising future."

Chengqi, eldest son.

Gu Tingye suddenly realized.

Once these two words are linked, it means that the next head of the family is almost certain. No wonder Jiang Zhao specially summoned the two of them.

This matter probably doesn't even require the heads of the major families to intervene to resolve.

That's the benefit of finding the right person!
"I specifically invited you two here because of the matter of the old master's inheritance." Jiang Zhao looked at Gu Tingye, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Zhonghuai, tell me more!"

Gu Tingye nodded, placed the will on the table, and brought up the matter of the will again, as well as the protection fee.

He knew that none of the major families lacked such a small amount of money, but he still had to show the proper attitude.

After listening to Gu Tingye's story, Chen Fu and Zhang Ci exchanged a glance, already having made up their minds.

Chen Fu picked up his teacup and was the first to say, "No problem. Since there is a will, it is reasonable for Zhonghuai to inherit the estate."

Zhang Ci nodded repeatedly.

Since the share remains unchanged, it doesn't matter whose protection money we collect, we can also make a friend along the way.

More friends, more paths!
Gu Tingye was overjoyed and bowed, saying, "In that case, thank you very much, brothers. I am extremely grateful. If you three ever encounter any difficulties in the future, just send a letter to the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, and I will do my best to help you if it is within my power."

Military generals and nobles often resided in Bianjing, where their positions were hereditary and their wealth accumulated over generations. Gu Yankai was one of the leading figures among this generation of military generals, and his power was undeniable.

However, when it comes to wealth, they may not be able to compare with some prestigious families that have been established for many years.

Under the emperor's nose, one is destined to act timidly and hesitantly, never daring to make any rash moves.

Otherwise, given the power and influence of the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion, making money under strong pressure would be quite easy, and there would be no predicament of not being able to repay the national treasury.

Military generals and nobles are certainly wealthy, but there are differences in the degree of "wealth".

Inheriting the family business that Old Master Bai had built up over decades was a windfall for Gu Tingye, even for him.

Therefore, it's no wonder he was overjoyed.

Chen Fu and Zhang Ci both laughed.

While it doesn't matter who you collect protection money from, why must you, a complete stranger like Gu Tingye, be the one to collect protection money, instead of the Bai family?
It's all for the sake of making friends and doing someone a favor!

"Zhonghuai, sit down." Jiang Zhao pulled Gu Tingye to sit down, and then said carefully, "There's no problem with the inheritance. But regarding the assassination, if there's no evidence and the Bai family denies it, the authorities might not be able to convict them. Do you have any evidence?"

"Yes."

Chen Fu and Zhang Ci both became serious, their faces solemn.

The Bai family is far too arrogant; they even dared to assassinate the eldest son of the Marquis of Ningyuan.

It should be noted that if Gu Tingye really died in Yangzhou, things would become quite complicated.

Assassinating the sons of high-ranking officials is a taboo that neither the civil nor the military can tolerate.

Who doesn't have offspring?
This means that if Gu Yan were to take drastic measures to seek revenge, both the civil and military factions would choose to ignore it as a warning to the powerful local clans.

From top to bottom, from the fifth to the ninth rank, most of them will probably be dismissed and investigated.

This undoubtedly crossed the bottom line of several major families.

What is the foundation of a large family?
Minor official!

Those hundreds or thousands of minor officials held seven or eight tenths of the real power in the prefecture, and their influence was deeply entrenched.

That's the foundation!
As long as minor officials and clerks remain unshaken, even if a family loses its high-ranking officials for twenty or thirty years, it will not affect the family's development.

Now that the Bai family dares to carry out assassinations, they must be taught a profound lesson, otherwise anyone will dare to act recklessly, wouldn't that lead to chaos?

"This..." Gu Tingye pondered for a moment, his face showing hesitation, and slowly shook his head: "At the time, I was only concerned with escaping, and I really didn't pay much attention to the evidence."

"However, during the assassination attempt, I managed to snatch a knife from one of the assassins, and I used it to injure several people," Gu Tingye added.

“That’s enough!” Zhang Ci, a thin man, slammed his hand on the table: “As long as they haven’t left Yangzhou, we can find them.”

In Yangzhou, if the three major families are truly determined to find a few suspicious individuals, it won't be difficult!
Moreover, this time, the so-called "finding someone through deduction" is actually a search for someone with the answer in mind.

Even if the assassins can't be found, there will definitely be a few people who were "slashed" who will confess.

Localities have their own rules of operation!

Jiang Zhao nodded: "Then let's go and arrest them tonight! And remember to notify the government so that those people can go along too."

Chen Fu and Zhang Ci nodded and got up to make the arrangements.

"Zhonghuai, let's go get something to eat. We'll have a result by tomorrow morning at the latest." Jiang Zhao smiled gently. "However, with the Bai family in trouble, the arrangements for Old Master Bai's burial will probably have to be made by you."

"Exactly what I want!"

Gu Tingye nodded repeatedly.

His maternal grandfather had some grudges against the Bai family during his lifetime, and he didn't want his enemies to send his grandfather to his funeral.

(End of this chapter)