pappabearbooks Chapter 96 Zhu Biao: How much does he resemble his mother?
Chapter 96 Zhu Biao: How much does he resemble his mother?
The murderous intent that had been brewing in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes just moments before thinned out once more.
It's clear that this young man, besides possessing some business acumen and unorthodox skills, also has a certain degree of benevolence.
In particular, the methods just mentioned all involve luxurious items, which are certainly not something that ordinary people can afford.
Such an act can be described as taking the wealth of the rich and powerful to relieve the suffering of the poor.
This approach was exactly what Zhu Yuanzhang wanted.
What is a poor person?
A person without money is a poor person; whoever is poor is poor.
The answer is that simple and unadorned, nothing more.
Anyone else doing this is just trying to profit from the chaos.
"I'll listen to your advice, kid."
Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time before speaking again, "It is true that we should not be impatient or exhaust our resources, but rather let things flow slowly and steadily, so that we can reap greater rewards."
Just as Ma Wenxiang breathed a sigh of relief, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke up, hitting his little secret: "However, this is probably exactly what you've been planning."
Every business practice implemented is subject to the expectation of maximizing profits.
In this way, the merchant laws listed in this register might actually protect your wealth and the Ma family's prosperity for the next few decades.
"That rascal, he's really trying to scheme against us."
"This humble subject dares not."
Ma Wenxiang wasn't too surprised that Zhu Yuanzhang had seen through his thoughts.
There are just too many smart people in this world.
What he relied on was merely the insights of later generations, and his IQ was at most around 80; but those around him who were able to climb up the ranks of the Ming Dynasty court, were all at least 90 in intelligence.
The difficulty he faces in trying to match him is self-evident.
Such self-awareness.
He still has it.
"This humble citizen has a sincere heart; though I may have selfish motives, it is ultimately for the sake of the people of my Great Ming Dynasty."
"I beg Your Majesty to make the right judgment."
Ma Wenxiang's words were earnest; sincerity is his eternal trump card.
Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, but this time he did not refute.
The whole story of why Ma Wenxiang brought out that refined salt method had already been thoroughly investigated by his men.
Although good people may not necessarily be rewarded, they are more likely to be trusted.
In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, Ma Wenxiang at this time could barely be considered a "good person".
"It's barely acceptable, but they're still a good match."
"Get out of here. When we need to see you in the future, we will send Mao Xiang to summon you."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.
Ma Wenxiang immediately accepted the offer and took his leave without the slightest hesitation.
Once they left the Qianqing Palace and found no one around, Yun Qi, whom they had met several times before, had been waiting for them for a long time.
With a smile in his eyes, he led Ma Wenxiang out of the imperial palace smoothly.
"You, Mao Xiang, will keep an eye on this matter. Whenever that kid has a spare moment, have him come up with some ways to make money for us. I'll also let my sister know."
Zhu Yuanzhang then gave his instructions.
Mao Xiang immediately bowed and accepted the order.
Meanwhile, a figure had been waiting for a long time beside the Qianqing Palace.
Upon seeing Ma Wenxiang's appearance, the man nodded to himself: Is this the real person?
He does indeed look somewhat like his mother.
……
After leaving the palace, Ma Wenxiang felt as if he had just emerged from a deadly cliff, his body drenched in sweat.
Facing Yun Qi, with whom she had always had a good relationship.
He finally couldn't help but reveal his true feelings: "Yunqi, I was really scared to death just now. You have no idea how fierce His Majesty can be when he glares at people, and just now, His Majesty even had murderous intent towards me."
"If I had known this would happen, I would never have bothered with the method of refining salt."
Ma Wenxiang grumbled and complained as he walked.
He didn't think that Zhu Yuanzhang would be so petty as to kill him for saying these things.
At least, they still have the Empress to back them up.
"Your Majesty is joking."
Perhaps His Majesty was merely joking with the Empress.
Yun Qi remained feigning ignorance.
In the past, Ma Wenxiang might have let it go, but now he couldn't hold back any longer: "Is this some kind of joke?"
Then came a series of complaints, simply to release all the pressure in her heart.
Throughout the journey, Ma Wenxiang kept talking until they returned to the Ma family mansion, at which point he calmed down somewhat.
As expected, when Yunqi returned to the palace, he picked out the words Ma Wenxiang had said and told them to Zhu Yuanzhang exactly as they were.
Zhu Yuanzhang was not angry after hearing this; on the contrary, he was quite satisfied with Ma Wenxiang's reaction.
Such a cowardly brat could hardly pose a threat to him.
But shortly after Yun Qi left, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly thought of a possibility. He narrowed his eyes and muttered, "This kid, could he have secretly told his sister on me?... Probably not. Even if he had three times the courage, he wouldn't dare."
……
Meanwhile, inside the Ma family mansion, Ma Wenxiang was secretly gritting his teeth.
"I'm going all out."
"At worst, we'll injure the enemy a thousand, but also lose eight hundred of our own. As the saying goes, 'A single punch can prevent a hundred more.'"
His intuition told him that if he backed down this time, it would be an endless series of concessions from then on.
He has the Empress's backing.
Who is he afraid of?
I'm not afraid of anyone.
……
As night deepened, Ma Wenxiang prepared to go to bed.
Suddenly, the door of the Ma family was knocked on loudly, the sound particularly clear in the silent night.
Even though it was already curfew outside, the knocking on the door showed absolutely no restraint.
"They're here."
The servants rushed to open the door and then, looking panicked, informed the inner courtyard.
Soon, Ma Wenxiang strode to the door.
Looking at the young man standing outside the door.
A forced smile appeared on his stiff face, and he stammered, his teeth chattering, "Your...Your Highness, what brings you here?"
"Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Zhu Biao, seeing Ma Wenxiang's appearance, surprisingly laughed heartily, showing none of the seriousness he displayed in the imperial court.
"Please, Your Highness."
Ma Wenxiang quickly pushed open the courtyard gate, but instead of leading Zhu Biao to the main hall, he walked straight towards his own courtyard.
Seeing that even Zhu Biao was so cautious, he felt even less need to have his family come out to meet him.
Especially for Grandpa Ma, who is getting on in years, we should take better care of his health.
"Actually, you don't need to be too afraid. After all, you have done the Zhu family a favor."
Zhu Biao spoke first, his tone calm, "Also, thank you for what happened in the palace these past few days. Xiao Er, Xiao San, Xiao Si, Xiao Wu, as well as Xiao Anqing and Xiao Ningguo, were all much happier because of you."
"It was my oversight as the elder brother."
At this moment, within this small courtyard, there was no longer any Crown Prince; there was only one family.