Chapter 9: Draining the Pond to Catch Fish, Killing the Goose That Lays the Golden Eggs
Xu Da was somewhat displeased when he heard that the emperor also wanted to get involved. Originally, this opportunity to obtain military funds was limited, but now the emperor wanted a share too. It was simply outrageous. However, he couldn’t say such words, as it would surely anger the emperor. He felt troubled and didn’t know what to do!
Seeing Xu Da’s expression, Zhu Yuanzhang knew he probably didn’t want to share the funds. But these people, especially Li Fan, couldn’t decide on their own. Although there was a reason for auctioning off the imperial city, if he didn’t get a share, it wouldn’t be acceptable.
He directly said, “Actually, there are probably many people watching from the sidelines, afraid of retaliation for purchasing the imperial city. If we issue a decree allowing the purchase, wouldn’t it dispel their concerns and fetch a good price?”
Empress Ma felt a sense of disbelief hearing the emperor’s words. He had always detested merchants, and the imperial city was like his lifeline. He had often mentioned it over the years. How could he suddenly decide to auction it off now? Had he truly changed his mind? Or was he planning to deal with all the merchants in one fell swoop? She needed to ask him carefully later. She couldn’t allow such a reckless act of draining the pond to catch fish, killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
Xu Da actually wanted the emperor’s decree as well. Although he and Li Fan endorsed the purchase of the imperial city, their endorsement didn’t carry as much weight as the emperor’s. Many merchants were still hesitant to act, fearing major problems. If the emperor didn’t acknowledge it, it wouldn’t just be a financial loss, but a crime that would affect their entire families.
With the emperor’s decree, the situation would change drastically. Those who were waiting on the sidelines would definitely join in the bidding, driving the price to new highs. He couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect.
After pondering for a while, he directly said, “Your Majesty, according to Li Fan’s estimate, this auction should fetch six million taels in cash and fifteen million in loans. Deducting the cost of one million taels, there will be a surplus of five million taels, with three million for military expenses and two million left for Fengyang. If Your Majesty desires, then we can only give you one million taels! What do you think?”
Zhu Yuanzhang certainly wasn’t willing to accept such a result. Selling the entire imperial city for over twenty million taels, and he would only get one million? Compared to the empty treasury, one million was already a substantial sum. But after seeing over twenty million taels, who would be satisfied with just one million? He shook his head quickly to express his dissatisfaction.
“One million taels definitely won’t do. That’s only one-twentieth. We must have at least half. One million taels, you go back and discuss with Li Fan. If even one tael is less, neither of you will be able to sell it!”
Xu Da realized the emperor was being unreasonable, leaving him speechless. If the emperor truly issued an order to stop the auction, the imperial city wouldn’t sell. He never imagined the once upright emperor would act so shamelessly. He sighed deeply and said helplessly, “I need to discuss this with Li Fan.”
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement. He knew Xu Da couldn’t make this decision alone. As long as Li Fan accepted the terms, he was willing to issue a decree. He glanced at the imperial city again. If it could really sell for ten million taels of silver, what harm was there in selling it? With ten million taels, he could accomplish many things he previously couldn’t even dream of.
He told the dazed Xu Da, “Go quickly, don’t just stand there. We still need to draft the decree!”
Xu Da understood that Li Fan would likely agree with the emperor. If he didn’t, the entire plan would fall apart. He saluted the emperor, “I will go discuss this with Li Fan immediately.”
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling Xu Da to leave. He then took a deep breath and said to Zhu Shoucheng, “Three days from now, we’ll attend the auction together!”
Zhu Shoucheng nodded quickly. Whatever the emperor said, he had to agree to, otherwise there would be severe consequences. “As you command!”
Ignoring Zhu Shoucheng, Zhu Yuanzhang began wandering around Fengyang. Without any preconceptions, he found Fengyang quite impressive. He pointed to a crowded noodle stall and said to Empress Ma, “Let’s go have some noodles.”
Once seated, the proprietress came over warmly and asked, “What would you like to eat? We have everything, and if we don’t, we can get it delivered. Very convenient!”
“Three bowls of noodles and a few of your best dishes,” Zhu Yuanzhang replied without hesitation.
The proprietress beamed, pleased with such an easygoing customer. “I’ll make sure you’re satisfied. Back in the day, the emperor himself loved my father’s noodles. The recipe has been passed down through generations. You should try it!”
Zhu Yuanzhang watched the proprietress leave, unable to recall ever having a fondness for noodles. During his time in Fengyang, he was just a beggar, and later a monk, never having tasted noodles. However, he did remember a dish called “Pearl Jade White Jade Soup,” a taste he could never forget but had been unable to find for years.
Seeing the emperor’s confusion, Zhu Shoucheng quickly explained, “Your Majesty, there are thirty-six noodle shops in Fengyang claiming you loved their noodles! So, no need to remember specifically.”
“Why is that?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked, puzzled.
“This way, they can sell more noodles, especially to passing tourists who are easily deceived and then charged high prices.”
Zhu Yuanzhang was displeased. Merchants were indeed unscrupulous, lying so easily. What couldn’t they do?
A moment later, the noodles were served. As Zhu Yuanzhang ate, he pondered how to deal with the merchants of Fengyang. Should he send troops to wipe them out? He wondered if Li Fan could offer any advice.
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