Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 137 I'll take 150 for every 100; you know my methods.
As everyone expected.

Before noon the next day, hundreds of ships in the holy procession appeared on the sea.

The crowd of refugees who had been waiting inside the city rushed over as soon as they saw the black line appear on the sea.

After so many days of rendering.

All the disaster victims had placed their hopes for survival entirely on the emperor.

It's true that I had a big meal yesterday.

But what good is that meal alone?
Their farmland and thatched huts, on which they depended for survival, were destroyed by the flood, and their savings were robbed by bandits some time ago.

If the emperor doesn't save them, their only fate will be death.

Then, someone in the crowd shouted, "The Emperor is back! We're all saved!"

Countless starving refugees immediately knelt down in a dense mass, watching helplessly as the holy ship slowly approached them.

It's also because of this sentence.

Everyone was filled with anticipation and longing for how the emperor would provide relief and assistance to them after landing.

of course.

A small number of people also expressed apprehension about this.

I've heard that the emperor is notoriously cruel. Wouldn't he, upon seeing these refugees, fly into a rage and kill them all without any explanation?
However, they didn't dare to think about it any further after the idea had just appeared.

Judging from the emperor's various actions after arriving in Shandong, this was not an impossible thing.

It's better not to think about something so terrible.

Besides the millions of people waiting for the emperor to land,

A secret room on the city wall.

Kong Yinzhi, Tian Hong, and Zhang Zhuo were also holding binoculars and closely watching every move on the sea through the peephole.

Although we have made all the necessary preparations.

However, Tian Hong, one of the three, couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

His slightly trembling hands best revealed his current state of mind.

Kong Yinzhi noticed Tian Hong's nervousness and pressed down on his shoulder firmly: "Brother Tian, ​​there's no need to worry."

"The emperor must have already noticed these tens of thousands of disaster victims at sea; he should be the one who is worried."

After listening to the advice, Tian Hong calmed down a bit.

He took a deep breath and said, "Then let's wait and see."

"I'd like to see what tricks that person can pull this time, facing so many mouths!"

About an hour later...

The much-anticipated royal ship finally approached the harbor.

In fact, it shouldn't take that long.

However, Mao Wenlong noticed that so many disaster victims had gathered on the shore.

They deliberately slowed down and used the time to reorganize the troops to prevent any rebellious elements from taking the opportunity to storm the imperial carriage when they landed.

As the ship docked.

The local officials in charge also came forward with utter despair.

These people were trembling uncontrollably at this moment.

As the official in charge, he allowed so many disaster victims to wander here and obstruct the emperor's journey.

This is a crime punishable by death for the entire family.

Given the emperor's temper and tyranny, the first thing he would probably do upon landing would be to punish and execute these people.

Even if they know they are going to die, they still have to grit their teeth and do this job with the mindset of certain death.

Because even if the emperor wanted to kill them, it would be afterward.

If they disobey orders and don't come.

Then his whole family would be killed first by those big shots in Shandong.

Since we're going to die anyway.

It would be better to leave some assets to his wife and children, so that the bloodline would not be cut off.

These people are aware of this as well.

The important figures sent this group of people to their deaths first.

The purpose was to let these disaster victims see this scene clearly.

Then those sycophants of powerful families hidden among the disaster victims can continue to incite people's hearts.

Therefore, everyone made preparations in advance to attract as much attention as possible later.

For example, when the emperor is punishing someone, the official might shout something like, "I have no regrets dying for my country!" or "I am willing to die, but it is the suffering of the people of my Great Ming Dynasty who have suffered."
But what these officials didn't expect was...

The first group of imperial guards who landed didn't even glance at them, but simply cleared the way.

It seems they simply ignored this group of people.

This puzzled them somewhat, but all they could do was keep their heads down as much as possible to avoid attracting attention.

It's better to live a miserable life than to die a good death.

Not long after.

The guards in the imperial procession lined up in formation, each armed with swords.

Mao Wenlong and Xiao Hongzi scanned the surrounding area with sharp eyes.

If anyone who seemed suspicious dared to show their face, they would be immediately ordered to be executed.

Tens of thousands of disaster victims had been kneeling here for a long time, their knees almost giving way.

But under this solemn atmosphere, no one dared to make a sound.

Everyone just gazed at the dragon boat with anticipation.

Under the watchful eyes of countless expectant gazes, Zhu Youjian's figure finally appeared slowly.

This time, Zhu Youjian did not wear casual clothes or armor, but instead wore the bright yellow dragon robe that symbolized the legitimacy of the Ming Dynasty.

All of this was naturally intentional on their part.

For a head of state, image is an extremely important matter.

Especially when you want to do something as an emperor to influence people's hearts.

External image plays an even more important role in this.

as predicted.

The moment Zhu Youjian appeared, the hearts of countless people instantly boiled over.

'Is this His Majesty the Emperor? He's just as terrifying as the rumors say.'

'The emperor has appeared, so is he here to save us? But why didn't he say a word when so many people came out?'

'.'

Within the secret room.

Kong Yinzhi and the other two couldn't help but feel a slight change in their emotions as they watched this scene.

This was the first time they had ever seen the emperor in person.

Although the two sides were sworn enemies, the three had to admit that the emperor in his dragon robe was indeed extremely majestic.

Just by standing there, he exudes an aura of overwhelming power.

But it's a pity.

Although the emperor possessed the qualities of a wise ruler, he chose the wrong path, which destined his fate to be death.

The three of them composed themselves.

They kept a close eye on the emperor's every move after he disembarked.

As long as the emperor issues an order, whether it's to distribute grain for disaster relief or to gather these disaster victims back to their hometowns, it will be effective.

They have already prepared countermeasures.

When distributing grain for disaster relief, they immediately spread rumors that the emperor's grain supply was far from sufficient; when gathering disaster victims, they claimed that the emperor was preparing to abandon the people of the Ming Dynasty.

Their goal was simply to incite chaos among the disaster victims, thereby delaying the emperor.

However, to the surprise of the three of them...

The emperor didn't say a word after disembarking from the ship.

The guards accompanying him seemed oblivious to the large number of disaster victims, and escorted the emperor's carriage away from the port.

The three exchanged a glance, and each could see the confusion in the other's eyes.

What's the situation?
Was the emperor's response simply to pretend he didn't see these people and return directly to the capital?

How could that be? Do they think we're all fools?!
Kong Yinzhi didn't have time to think about these things.

Because the common people would never dare to obstruct the emperor's journey, if the emperor were to escape so easily.

Then they would really become a laughing stock.

He immediately summoned a trusted aide: "Send someone to stop him."

"Yes!"

At this moment.

The refugees watched the emperor's carriage slowly depart, and they were all bewildered.

They didn't understand why the emperor was turning a blind eye to their existence.

Is the emperor planning to abandon these people?

But wasn't it rumored that the emperor saved many people in Shaanxi?
Why are they ignoring the disaster victims in Shandong, not even bothering to ask them a single question?!

Soon, whispers began to circulate among the crowd.

Even if they were killed, this group of people wouldn't have the guts to rush up and get to the bottom of things.

Watching the procession of the holy beings slowly depart, the group of disaster victims had no choice but to slowly stand up and follow.

Fortunately.

The disaster victims had a good meal yesterday.

Otherwise, after kneeling for so long, some people probably wouldn't have been able to hold on.

And there was more good news: the menacing-looking armored guards in the imperial carriage did not stop them.

This made everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

The group of disaster victims silently followed behind the imperial carriage. For most of them, the emperor was their only hope for survival.

At this time, various rumors and gossip began to spread among the crowd.

Most of them were saying that the emperor was going to abandon them, and that they were doomed.
Just as everyone was cautiously whispering among themselves...

A small group of about a dozen disaster victims suddenly ran forward and knelt down heavily, shouting with tears streaming down their faces:

"My lords! In one night, fifteen counties in Shandong Province successively breached their dikes, and the number of people affected has reached hundreds of thousands."

"What appears here now is only a portion of the disaster victims from all of Shandong Province. We implore you gentlemen to help report this to His Majesty, and we hope that His Majesty will not abandon us!"

The Imperial Guards on the outermost edge of the Emperor's carriage looked at these people and sized them up.

Without any hesitation, he drew his sword and killed them all.

Although these people were somewhat malnourished and resembled disaster victims.

But the details of a farmer's long-term labor cannot be faked.

These bastards are clearly people with ulterior motives.

His Majesty had already instructed them on the ship that anyone with such ulterior motives should be killed directly.

After wiping the blood from his blade, the Imperial Guard looked at the terrified refugees behind him and loudly proclaimed:
"His Majesty will naturally not ignore the disaster, but if anyone dares to step forward to obstruct His Majesty's journey with any ill intentions..."

"Kill without mercy!"

Done.

Without pausing, the Imperial Guards jogged back to the imperial procession.

Apart from the dozen or so corpses on the ground, the vast imperial guards continued to advance steadily as if nothing had happened.

Simultaneously.

The entire procession moved slowly, as if deliberately waiting for the disaster victims to catch up.

Although the group of disaster victims were terrified by what they had just witnessed, they still gritted their teeth and followed after exchanging glances.

They didn't want this to happen, but they had no other way to survive.

After following them for a while and seeing the group of guards with knives, the group began to feel very uneasy and apprehensive.

Those Imperial Guards just said that His Majesty wouldn't abandon them, these disaster victims.

But it seems the emperor has no intention of saving them anymore. Otherwise, why would someone who went up to plead for them have been killed with a single blow?

Let alone these disaster victims.

Even Kong Yinzhi and the other two, who were hiding in the shadows, couldn't hide their bewilderment when they heard the news.

However, the expressions on the three people's faces quickly changed from confusion to excitement.

Although the emperor's actions were somewhat unexpected, things ultimately turned out for the better.

Kong Yinzhi immediately summoned Kong Yinchang and instructed him: "Pass down the word and have our people spread the word among the disaster victims that the emperor has no intention of saving the people from their suffering."

"At the same time, let those lowly people know that the emperor simply cannot provide that much grain."

"Get them into a commotion as soon as possible."

"I understand, brother!" Kong Yinchang bowed and left.

The three of them realized that the emperor was definitely trying to stall for time.

He wanted to intimidate those lowly people first, and then find a way to keep them in check.

But will those three families give the emperor this opportunity?!
Absolutely not!

He's already staked his entire fortune and centuries-old business on the gambling table, how could we possibly leave him a sliver of hope?
Today, those commoners may not cause any trouble, after all, the emperor's prestige is undeniable.

But just let them go hungry for a day.

If we stir things up a little more tomorrow, they definitely won't be as obedient as they are today.

Thinking of this, Kong Yinzhi looked at Tian Hong and Zhang Zhuo: "Brothers, go back today and have your family soldiers prepare."

"If those lowly people make any move tomorrow, our three families will immediately lead our troops to storm the Emperor's carriage!"

"Make our move tomorrow?!" Tian and Zhang frowned.

Kong Yinzhi's gaze was firm: "Logically speaking, we should indeed wait another day or two, until those lowly people are completely in chaos before we take action."

"But that person has endless tricks up his sleeve, and no one can guarantee that he won't come up with some way to deal with these disaster victims."

"Although the cost to our three families will be greater if we take action tomorrow, it will be the safest option! This matter simply cannot be delayed any longer!"

After a moment of silence, Tian Hong and Zhang Zhuo slowly nodded: "Then let's go back and prepare now."

"You two can leave with peace of mind. I will keep an eye on the Emperor's movements, and there will be no mishaps."

"it is good!"

After Tian Hong and Zhang Zhuo left.

Kong Yinzhi immediately followed the large group of disaster victims quietly and at a distance, surrounded by his confidants.

the other side.

Inside Zhu Youjian's carriage.

Looking out the window at the dark mass of figures behind him, Mao Wenlong couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

Although he knew that His Majesty was certainly capable of handling this matter properly.

But his current mindset is somewhat like that of an emperor who isn't worried but a eunuch who is.

So many people followed.

Even if they don't intend to cause trouble now, no one can guarantee that they will remain peaceful in the future.

This group of people was like countless powder kegs ready to explode at any moment, making Mao Wenlong very uneasy.

Most importantly, His Majesty has yet to tell him how he plans to deal with such a large number of disaster victims.

Looking at His Majesty, who was resting with his eyes closed inside the carriage, Mao Wenlong gently asked, "Your Majesty, what are your plans for settling these disaster-stricken people outside?"

Zhu Youjian did not answer the question directly.

It wasn't that he didn't want to talk about it, but if too many people knew about his acting, the effect would definitely be greatly diminished.

He asked Mao Wenlong, "At the current speed, how long will it take to reach the county government where the dam was breached?"

Mao Wenlong: "It will take about an hour and a half to arrive."

Zhu Youjian nodded: "You'll find out then."

Hearing this, Mao Wenlong felt much more at ease.

All his anxiety vanished with His Majesty's nonchalant words, and he slowly bowed and stepped out of the carriage.

Unlike Mao Wenlong's composure.

At this moment, the disaster victims behind the imperial carriage were suffering terribly.

All of this can be blamed on the three powerful families in Shandong.

They really went all out to bring down Zhu Youjian this time, planting countless spies among the disaster victims.

These people, after receiving orders, began to incite others.

Countless unsettling rumors circulated among the crowd.

"The Emperor had no intention of saving us at all; he didn't even ask how bad the disaster was!"

"Even the Emperor can't save us. Where are we going to get so much grain in Shandong right now?!"

"Even if the Emperor manages to procure a few meals, what then? So many of us will be homeless!"

"."

The disaster victims were already afraid.

With the added fuel of various rumors and gossip, people quickly became panicked.

Some even suggested that they should plead with the officials again, begging the emperor for mercy to save the people of the Ming Dynasty.

Just as everyone was about to take action, they were unable to contain themselves any longer.

A group of them suddenly found themselves back in their hometown.

The dilapidated, muddy riverbed was not far ahead, and the outline of the entire county town on the other side also exuded a sickening sense of decay.

And this time.

The emperor's procession suddenly stopped moving forward for some unknown reason.

Just when everyone was confused.

All that could be seen was the emperor, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, stepping down from the carriage with the dragon banners raised high.

Upon seeing the emperor appear, the previously noisy disaster victims instantly fell silent and all turned their gazes toward him.

Under the gaze of countless pairs of eyes.

Zhu Youjian walked step by step toward the river, with his personal guards following closely behind.

The group of disaster victims naturally followed cautiously and slowly.

Discussions arose again among the crowd.

Is His Majesty going to inspect the flood situation?

"Of course! Otherwise, why would they suddenly stop? I knew the Emperor wouldn't abandon us!"

“But inspections alone won’t do any good. A blocked river can’t be cleared in a day or two. Besides, all our crops have been flooded.”

"At least the emperor is willing to save us, that's enough!"

"Don't be too optimistic. We'll probably still starve to death!"

"."

Amidst the murmur of discussion.

Zhu Youjian had already arrived at the collapsed riverbed.

The riverbed was covered with silt, mixed with various stones and broken wood, and a foul stench wafted through the air.

This caused Mao Wenlong and his generals to frown.

They were just about to persuade His Majesty not to go any further.

But then they saw His Majesty, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, step directly into the mud and continue walking forward.

Mao Wenlong and the others were stunned by what they saw.

But it was only a momentary lapse in concentration.

Everyone immediately realized what was happening and followed His Majesty into the mud.

When they reached the middle of the river channel, which was blocked by silt...

Zhu Youjian bent down, lifted a stone from the ground, and passed it to Mao Wenlong, who was closely following beside him.

Mao Wenlong held the stone and looked at Zhu Youjian's hands, which were already covered in mud, with disbelief still in his eyes.

This... is the plan His Majesty came up with?!

It can be said.

The shock of Zhu Youjian bending down to pick up a stone from the mud was even greater than the day His Majesty of Dongjiang Town captured Wunage single-handedly.

Your Majesty, the supreme ruler, bearing the weight of the nation's fate, would actually be willing to immerse yourself in such filth and do such a thing?!

How could this not be awe-inspiring?
It wasn't just Mao Wenlong.

At this moment, all the Ming generals and guards who had followed Zhu Youjian down the river all stared blankly at him.

Their thoughts were largely the same as Mao Wenlong's.

Zhu Youjian ignored everyone.

He simply bent down and picked up another stone blocking the river.

Until then.

Mao Wenlong seemed to wake from a dream, and handed the heavy stone in his hand to the person behind him.

Then the person behind him quickly passed it on to the next person.

that's it.

The emperor and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty worked together to clean up the muddy riverbed bit by bit.

The disaster victims behind were so shocked by this scene that they couldn't close their mouths.

With just a few bends, the emperor's bright yellow dragon robe was already stained with mud.

This created a very impactful scene in the eyes of everyone.

Yes! The disaster victims are short-sighted and easily fooled.

But that doesn't mean they're really stupid.

They knew why the emperor was doing this.

The emperor would go to such lengths to save them?!
The sea of ​​disaster victims, a dense mass of people, looked at this scene and felt as if something was choking them, rendering them speechless.

All the doubts from before vanished at that moment.

Who says the Emperor doesn't want to save us?!
The Emperor has already gone to such lengths for us, how could he possibly refuse to save us?!
As for the fact that the Emperor couldn't provide enough grain to save us...
The Emperor has already gone to such lengths for us, and you still have the mind to think about food?!

A skinny boy could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart and timidly walked forward, seemingly wanting to help the emperor clean the river.

The guards in the river looked at Zhu Youjian, who shook his head to indicate that there was no need to stop them.

With the boy's movements.

The remaining victims, as if waking from a dream, followed along step by step.

Apart from the sound of footsteps, tens of thousands of people did not make a single unnecessary noise at this time.

Everyone stared intently at the emperor, who was still bending down to pick up the filth.

The normally wide river channel appeared so small at this moment.

Zhu Youjian, observing the reactions of the crowd, knew that his plan had succeeded.

However, that's not what he's thinking right now.

The powerful families in Shandong have caused such a commotion, so naturally we have to settle scores with them.

Although this group of people is as ridiculous as frogs in a well, objectively speaking, they have indeed hindered the empire's progress.

Since that's the case, then we must take back everything the empire has lost, with interest.

Thinking about these things, Zhu Youjian suddenly remembered one of his rivals from his previous life, and a smile involuntarily arose in his heart.

That rival's style of doing things was not much different from Zhu Youjian's; he liked to raise the tax rate on capitalists to 95%.

However, Zhu Youjian still felt that a 95% tax rate was too lenient towards those powerful families who had caused the Ming Dynasty a lot of trouble.

He felt that increasing the ratio to 150% would be most appropriate.

In other words.

The Kong family, the Tian family, the Zhang family,

The lives of these three families, their money, and their reputations.

We want it all from the Ming Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)