Chapter 147: Wei Zhongxian Studies the Great Learning

Northern Bastille Prison.

Wei Zhongxian looked at Zhou Jianzong, whose body was covered in blood, not a single inch of skin intact.

He still craned his neck stubbornly, as hard as iron, showing no sign of compromise.

Tian Ergeng stood at Wei Zhongxian's side, smiling sinisterly: "Your Grace, this Lord Zhou truly does not fear torture instruments—a man of unyielding integrity."

Wei Zhongxian's expression was calm as he looked at Zhou Jianzong, whose face was beyond recognition, and said flatly: "Lord Zhou, my hospitality has been lacking."

Zhou Jianzong forced his eyes open, spat a mouthful of blood-mixed phlegm onto Wei Zhongxian's face, and cursed furiously: "Castrated dog! Heaven's justice is clear, and upright men fill the court—they will never let you run rampant for long!"

Wei Zhongxian's expression did not move. He wiped his face with his sleeve, a tide of murderous intent surging in his eyes, yet suppressed again in an instant. He pulled a book from his bosom and recited in a calm tone: "Now, the establishment of schools is so extensive, and the methods of teaching, with their detailed sequence and programs, are likewise so. Yet the substance of what is taught is all rooted in the sovereign's own practice and personal realization, not sought beyond the daily necessities of the people's livelihood and the constant relationships of human life..."

"

Zhou Jianzong had little strength to speak, only his face filled with fury and ferocity, his bloodshot eyes glaring through a narrow slit.

Wei Zhongxian finished reciting, looked up at Zhou Jianzong, and said: "Lord Zhou previously impeached me, saying 'pointed at by a thousand fingers, not knowing a single character.' How do you feel now?"

Zhou Jianzong's face twitched, and he grew even angrier: "A wolf-dog that knows letters is as fierce as a tiger! Castrated dog, you will die a horrible death!"

After hearing Zhou Jianzong's words, Wei Zhongxian's expression seemed to relax. He turned to Tian Ergeng and said: "Do not stop the torture—alive or dead, it matters not!"

This was a kill order.

Tian Ergeng understood at once, the corners of his mouth curling up with traces of ferocity: "Your Grace, rest assured—I will not let him die too comfortably!"

Wei Zhongxian wiped his face again, turned, and walked out of the Provost prison.

"Ah! Castrated dog! Heaven will not tolerate you!"

As Wei Zhongxian walked out of the prison gate, he could faintly still hear Zhou Jianzong's agonized cries. His expression shifted from gloomy to a sliver of sunlight. He took a deep breath and strode away.

He had not gone far before a squad of Embroidered Uniform Guard rushed in. A series of orders flew out, and every person in every position was replaced—like thunder sweeping through a den—thoroughly purging the Northern Bastille Prison.

Tian Ergeng, who had been gloating over the torture, felt as if doused with cold water. He no longer even had the authority to enter the dungeon.

Tian Ergeng sat on a chair, pondering coldly for a long while. He suddenly stood up, his expression fearsome as he shouted at his subordinates: "Prepare a generous funeral offering for me—I am going to pay respects to Lord Luo!"

"Yes, sir!" An Embroidered Uniform Guard beside him bowed.

In a side chamber of the Luo residence, Luo Yangxing sat holding a teacup, drinking tea calmly.

Tian Ergeng knelt on one knee, utterly respectful, not daring to breathe too loudly. After this experience, he finally understood: even with Eunuch Wei's support, without Luo Yangxing's nod within the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he could not move an inch—he had no power whatsoever!

Luo Yangxing looked at the half-kneeling Tian Ergeng, the sorrow in his brow undiminished yet tinged with severity: "I hear it was you who led Eunuch Wei to the Northern Bastille Prison?"

The Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard had never gotten along—competing, scheming, and clashing openly and covertly for who knows how many years.

Tian Ergeng did not yet know that Luo Yangxing was Zhu Xu's man, but that did not stop him from understanding Luo Yangxing's meaning. He lowered his head and said in a deep voice: "Sir, Eunuch Wei was investigating a case by imperial order. I merely cooperated within the scope of my authority. Should anything disadvantage you or the Embroidered Uniform Guard arise, I will resolutely refuse!"

Luo Yangxing nodded, his gaze majestic and piercing, and said coldly: "Good that you know. From now on, you should have a clear sense of how to conduct interrogations and how to cooperate. Our Embroidered Uniform Guard cannot be led by the nose by the Eastern Depot. What merits should be ours, and what should belong to the Eastern Depot—you must also exercise proper judgment."

Tian Ergeng lowered his head: "Sir, rest assured—I understand all of it."

Luo Yangxing nodded: "Mm. Three days from now, go to Shandong and settle that case."

Tian Ergeng knew this was Luo Yangxing's punishment, and answered without hesitation: "Yes, sir! I will handle it flawlessly!"

"It's snowing."

Before Jinghuan Palace, Zhu Xu watched the snowflakes falling one by one, his mood exceptionally good.

"Sister Qingqing, set out the tea table—let's brew tea and enjoy the snow!"

Yao Qingqing had long grown accustomed to Zhu Xu's sudden whims. Smiling, she moved the tea table to the doorway, arranged everything, and began brewing tea for Zhu Xu.

Zhu Xu rocked gently in his rocking chair. This was the year's first snow—a sign of what would be a very good beginning.

He rocked back and forth, waiting with a beaming smile.

"Your Highness, you're waiting for someone, aren't you?" Yao Qingqing asked Zhu Xu with a smile as she busied herself with the tea set.

Yao Qingqing had been in a good mood lately, because her wedding with Bi Maokang was drawing near—early next year. Likewise, she had come to understand Zhu Xu very well.

Zhu Xu waved his hand and laughed: "This time next year, I must compose a fine poem about snow!"

Yao Qingqing chuckled softly and handed him a cup of tea.

Zhu Xu, wrapped in a thick cotton coat, held the teacup and blew on the steam. Before long, he saw Fu Tao braving the snow, striding quickly toward him.

"Your Highness." Fu Tao stopped not far from Zhu Xu's chair, brushing off snow while calling out.

Zhu Xu hastily handed him a cup of tea: "Brother, have a drink quickly—ward off the chill."

Fu Tao took a sip of tea and only then felt a bit better: "Your Highness, everything has been audited and all accounts settled." So saying, he pulled a thick ledger from his bosom and handed it to Zhu Xu.

Zhu Xu took it, and at the same time said to Yao Qingqing: "Sister Qingqing, bring a stool for Brother."

Yao Qingqing knew this was something she should not hear. She acknowledged, brought over a stool, arranged the tea set, and quietly withdrew inside.

Zhu Xu slowly flipped through the ledger, understanding the specific profitability of his four major enterprises.

The Huitong Trading Company had branches in all coastal provinces, and would next further subdivide so that every prefecture had a branch office. Through various connections, it had established ties with the Jiangnan official-merchant bloc, the Shanxi merchants, and the Huizhou merchants. Current silver reserves stood at fifteen million taels, with net profit of seven hundred thirty thousand taels.

The Huimin Merchant Association had further expanded its channels into Jiangnan and several provinces beyond the capital, though it was not yet refined enough, and its network was insufficient. With inadequate preparation this year, net profit was limited—only a bit over one hundred thousand taels.

The Huiyun Shipping Company, having just been established, had attracted considerable business, but with early expenditures on ships and the like, it could barely break even.

The private salt, however, was highly profitable—having monopolized smuggling to the Later Jin, it earned seven hundred thousand taels in a short time!

Adding in the continuous purchase of land, between total expenditures and total profits, aside from the Huitong Trading Company's silver, he actually had not made much profit.

Zhu Xu closed the ledger, squinting, his expression thoughtful.

This was the first year—everything was just beginning. Once past next year, when everything matured and operated smoothly, silver would flow into his pockets like water.

Moreover, many things from the workshops east of the city could gradually be brought out—those were the true profit-making weapons!

At the same time, as long as the Huitong Trading Company's silver achieved a balance between lending and deposits, he could draw upon it freely!

"By the way, Your Highness—when I was coming here, I heard that Zhou Jianzong died in the Embroidered Uniform Guard prison."