Chapter 89: Trouble at the Workshop

Zhu Xu looked at Fu Changzong, shook his head with a smile, and said: "That's not it. Without sufficient reason, even His Majesty probably wouldn't dare touch this piece of land. However, if there really is a chance to get a foot in, I won't let it pass either."

Fu Changzong was somewhat relieved and said: "Mm, that's good. Once I return, I'll handle it properly. Once the salt field is secured, you prepare your people, but the commotion can't be too big."

Zhu Xu nodded and said: "Don't worry, don't worry, I'll take care of it."

The two discussed a bit more, but Zhu Xu's time was limited, so they ended early.

Zhu Xu got on the carriage and shouted: "Quick, quick, quick, back to the palace, or Her Majesty the Empress will really be upset with me."

Cao Wenzhao heard this and hastily spurred his horse as well. Her Majesty the Empress was currently pregnant — absolutely not someone to offend.

The whole way could be described as lightning-fast. Even after entering the palace, Zhu Xu jogged all the way back. The moment he entered, he asked: "Time, time, time..."

Yao Qingqing had recovered somewhat after this period of time. She pursed her lips in a smile and said: "Your Highness need not worry, there's still enough time."

Zhu Xu let out a long breath, sat down in the reclining chair, his face full of helplessness.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, something terrible has happened, something terrible..."

Just as Zhu Xu was about to lie down, Cao Huachun ran in hurriedly, his face full of alarm.

Zhu Xu's heart suddenly jumped. He straightened his back, looked at him, and said: "Has Wei Zhongxian been released from prison?"

Cao Huachun shook his head repeatedly and said: "No, Your Highness. Our workshop has been surrounded by the Shuntian Prefecture."

Zhu Xu's expression relaxed slightly, then he frowned and said: "The Shuntian Prefecture?"

"Yes," Cao Huachun knew that Zhu Xu placed great importance on that workshop, so he explained: "I heard that the major grain merchants of the capital filed a complaint with the Shuntian Prefecture. The Shuntian Prefecture didn't dare act rashly either — they only surrounded the courtyard."

Last time, the court's robbery had favored ready silver and valuables, so the grain merchants had escaped that disaster — their flour and rice hadn't lost much. Now that Zhu Xu's workshop was flooding the capital with low prices, it naturally cost them a great deal, and they were very dissatisfied.

The corner of Zhu Xu's mouth curled up slightly. He had long anticipated this. After thinking for a moment, he asked: "Last time, the things the Embroidered Uniform Guard confiscated — what was said about them afterward?"

Cao Wenzhao happened to walk in at that moment. His gaze immediately turned cold as he said: "Your Highness, the Embroidered Uniform Guard hasn't said anything."

Zhu Xu was startled and said: "Luo Yangxing hasn't sent any word either?"

Cao Wenzhao shook his head and said: "No. But I heard that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had quite a stir a while back — it seems Luo Yangxing and that Yang Zhe were fighting for power and nearly came to blows in public."

Zhu Xu tapped his fingers on the edge of the chair, then sneered: "I figure the Shuntian Prefecture is just going through the motions. That courtyard isn't something just anyone could get their hands on anyway. Here's what — Xiao Cao, notify Li Deyong. Business continues as usual. Aren't there still many people not yet settled? Give them something to do. Have them carry clubs and escort the goods. If anyone makes trouble, beat them within an inch of their lives — just don't kill anyone. As for time, drag it out as long as possible. This is also a living advertisement, letting our customers know our strength."

Seeing Zhu Xu's composed expression, Cao Huachun felt most of his anxiety ease as well. He said: "Yes, Your Highness, I'll go handle it right away."

Zhu Xu waved his hand. He had been tired all day and said almost groaning: "Alright, I'm going to sleep. Unless the sky falls, don't bother me."

At that very moment, in a tavern outside the palace, a group of portly wealthy merchants were toasting with great eagerness a middle-aged man seated in the center — a man with handsome, sharp features and a hint of arrogance and coldness in his expression.

"Lord Zhao, we have you to thank for this. Without you, who knows how much we would have lost."

"Indeed, indeed. Lord Zhao, we toast you!"

"To you."

Zhao Han waved his hand slightly, a reserved smile on his face, and said: "Gentlemen, as Vice Prefect of the Shuntian Prefecture, maintaining the capital's prices is my due duty. There's no need for courtesy."

"Right, right."

A big, fat middle-aged man looked at Zhao Han with great fervor and said: "Lord Zhao, if you have time another day, please visit my humble home. I've acquired a curious stone, and hearing that you enjoy such things, we could appreciate it together."

Zhao Han naturally understood the subtext of "appreciate." His smile grew wider as he said: "Head Steward Xiao, one does not accept rewards without merit. You truly put me in a difficult position."

Xiao Yong was one of the top flour merchants in the capital and had suffered considerable losses this time. He looked at Zhao Han with an ever-widening smile and said: "Lord Zhao jests. This workshop has no name, no sign — it isn't even registered with the Shuntian Prefecture. What if the things they sell are harmful? They've sold quite a lot these past days."

Zhao Han understood Xiao Yong's meaning at once. The smile on his face grew even wider, but he did not speak.

Another man, somewhat thinner, with rat-like eyes and a very shrewd look, raised his wine cup with a smile and said: "Lord Zhao, I hear you're fond of jade. I happen to have a fine piece treasured at home. When you have time, I'll send it over for you to appreciate for a few days."

Once sent out, naturally it would never be asked back.

Zhao Han was sharp-witted. He smiled and said: "Good, good. Thank you, Head Steward He. In a moment I'll go there personally to question their raw materials thoroughly. If you gentlemen have time, you may come along with me."

"That would certainly be good."

"Right, right. We'll follow you, sir, and see your authority on display."

"Indeed, Lord Zhao. Today we rely entirely on you."

With a barrage of flattery, Zhao Han was half-drunk before the wine even touched his lips, repeatedly saying "I dare not, I dare not."

The group naturally didn't let up — flattery and wine came surging in waves.

Halfway through the drinking, Zhao Han stood up somewhat unsteadily, looked at the crowd, and said: "Gentlemen, come with me. Let's see how these merchants deceive the common folk and disrupt proper order with low prices!"

Xiao Yong and He Yunshan exchanged a subtle glance, then also pretended to be quite drunk. They stood up to support Zhao Han and said: "Good, let's go. We're not going for anything else — just to witness Lord Zhao's authority!"

The others naturally chimed in agreement. They all wanted a piece of the pie. They had personally inspected the goods coming out of Zhu Xu's workshop — there was very little real flour in them; other things were mixed in through a special process. They didn't know what it was, but since it was edible and tasted decent, and especially since the cost was so low, they were all in the same trade — there was no reason not to want to seize it for themselves.

The group descended the stairs reeking of alcohol. Immediately a runner in yamen attire came up and said to Zhao Han: "Sir, Lord Shen has already returned to the yamen. Will you be going back?"

"His Excellency the Prefect?" Zhao Han was heavy with drink but hadn't lost his wits. He thought briefly, then said: "Understood. I still have a matter to handle here. I'll return once it's done."

The runner glanced at the people around him and said knowingly: "Yes, sir."

"Let's go!" Zhao Han waved his hand, walked a few steps, and got into his sedan chair.

He Yunshan and Xiao Yong exchanged a glance, both getting into their sedan chairs with a hint of concealed smile, following behind Zhao Han.

Inside the workshop, a crowd surrounded Li Deyong, all wearing worried expressions. They all knew Li Deyong worked for some important personage, but who exactly, they weren't clear. Seeing the Shuntian Prefecture surround the courtyard, they were all filled with fear and anxiety.

Only Li Deyong remained calm, sneering inwardly. These people really didn't learn their lesson. Not long ago His Highness had confiscated their storehouses, and now they actually dared to bully His Highness — they truly didn't know what it meant to court death!