Chapter 82: The close relatives are not close, and the country also has eight opinions

After the words fell, the whole place was silent.

Even Zhu Gang, who usually remained calm even when faced with a huge crisis, widened his eyes slightly.

Than cruel?
It has to be Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

The profit from this transaction is 70%, without any payment, it's completely freeloading.

"Brother-in-law, you need some money to take care of things. Isn't 70% a bit too much?"

Chang Mao also looked at Zhu Biao with some embarrassment.

It’s not that Chang Mao cannot accept a 70% profit, but he feels that this 70% profit can still be controlled.

At least it should be split 40% to 60%, right?
After all, Chang Mao is Zhu Biao's brother-in-law, so it's not excessive to split the profits 40% to 60%.

"Up and down?"

"As the son of the Duke of E, do you still need to curry favor with others?"

Zhu Biao raised his eyes slightly, tapped the table with his fingers, and then said softly: "Which minister in Beijing dares to accept your money?"

"And even if there is, I and the King of Jin are sitting behind you. In this world, besides Your Majesty, who else can you manage?"

After a pause, Zhu Biao looked at Chang Mao with a playful look and said, "Do you want to serve something to His Majesty?"

"Brother-in-law, this is not a joke!"

In response, Chang Mao quickly waved his hand.

Give Zhu Yuanzhang some benefits?
If Chang Mao could establish this relationship, would he still need Zhu Biao and Zhu Gang as his backers?

As for the Ming Dynasty before us, whatever Chang Mao said could be obtained tomorrow, of course this was limited to the scope of human power.

Furthermore, if Chang Mao really had this intention, Zhu Yuanzhang might not kill him for the sake of Chang Yuchun, as he was the son of the Duke of E, but exile was inevitable.

"You should also understand how big a risk we are taking, and if this business affair is exposed, we will definitely be punished."

"Even if you are punished, it will only be a minor punishment. And think about it, who in the world can overcome their power?"

"So it looks like a 70% split, but in reality you're making a killing. After all, who wouldn't want to do business with me and the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Gang also looked at Chang Maodao with a smile.

"Okay, then we'll split it 70% and 30%."

After Zhu Gang finished speaking, Chang Mao nodded without hesitation.

"That's right, you can only gain if you give."

Hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction.

"Then it is settled, and no one can change it. The profit will be split 30% to 70%, with Chang Mao taking 30% and me and the Crown Prince taking 70%."

Zhu Gang also stood up slowly, smiling and clapped his hands.

"Then shall we sign the agreement?"

Chang Mao thought about it.

"If we are brothers, there is no need to sign."

Zhu Biao also waved his hand and said, "I don't think you have the guts to deceive me and the King of Jin."

"Okay. So when do we start?"

After saying this, a hint of excitement flashed in Chang Mao's eyes.

"Don't touch your shops. As for what kind of business you want to do, it's up to you. We brothers won't interfere."

"As for the monthly share, you will set a time, divide it into two parts, and send them to the East Palace and Prince Jin's Mansion."

Zhu Gang thought for a moment before speaking.

"it is good."

Chang Mao nodded without thinking.

After that, the three of them discussed it for a while before Chang Mao left Jinxiu Pavilion.

"The old man guarded against it day and night, but he never thought that it was difficult to guard against thieves in his own house."

Standing in front of the window, looking at Chang Mao stepping onto the carriage below, Zhu Biao spoke softly, with a hint of inexplicable emotion in his tone.

"It's all for the prosperity of Ming Dynasty, what's the problem?"

Zhu Gang still waved his hand nonchalantly.

"But there is one thing I haven't figured out?"

Zhu Biao paused, then turned around and looked at Zhu Gang and asked.

"Which point?"

Zhu Gang raised his head and said.

"Let alone the whole world, there are numerous brothels in Yingtian Prefecture, and can your Yi Jiangnan really make money?"

Zhu Biao said curiously.

Indeed, brothels were everywhere and it was a normal thing in the world, especially along the winding banks of the Qinhuai River, where it was like a riot of beauty, with each one decorated with gorgeous silk and pearls, competing to show off its elegance.

So where did Zhu Gang get the confidence that his so-called "Remembering Jiangnan" could carve out a piece of meat among the many brothels?
"Then let me ask you, according to the Ming Dynasty law established by the old man, can officials and ministers go to brothels?"

Zhu Gang thought about it, then looked at Zhu Biao and asked back.

"Of course not."

Zhu Biao shook his head decisively.

As the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Biao naturally had to be familiar with the "Ming Code". Zhu Yuanzhang attached great importance to the moral atmosphere of court officials and implemented a series of strict laws and regulations to regulate the behavior of officials in order to achieve the goal of clarifying the administration of officials.

However, there are clear clauses in the "Great Ming Code" that explicitly prohibit officials from visiting prostitutes, considering such behavior to be morally corrupt and detrimental to official ethics.

As for officials who violated the law, they would be severely punished, including salary deduction, demotion, flogging, and even dismissal and exile.

"So since the ministers can't go to the brothel, why can't they come to Yi Jiangnan?"

After saying this, Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Biao with a smile again.

"Business is fine, but sex trade is absolutely not."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao shook his head decisively and refused.

"You're talking nonsense! How can I, a prince of the Ming Dynasty, do such a shameful thing?"

In response to this, Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Biao with wide eyes.

"Then what do you mean?"

Zhu Biao was stunned again, and then he asked, with a hint of embarrassment in his expression.

But think about it, with Zhu Gang's personality, it would be difficult to even let him go to a brothel, let alone work there.

So what exactly does Zhu Gang mean?
"In the final analysis, 'Remembering Jiangnan' is a place of leisure and enjoyment tailor-made for ministers and dignitaries."

"After all, they go to brothels mostly to pursue the spiritual pleasure brought by the graceful singing and dancing."

“And ‘Remembering Jiangnan’ can just cater to this elegant taste.”

"Besides, I can avoid violating the strict laws of the old man and enjoy a leisurely life. Isn't that killing two birds with one stone?"

Zhu Gang stood up, walked slowly towards Zhu Biao, also leaning against the window, and then chuckled softly.

"Anyway, as long as it's not a sex deal, I'll do whatever you want."

Zhu Biao also understood Zhu Gang's thoughts, so he nodded.

"All the ministers in the court have concubines, and this is no longer surprising."

"After all, with their status, there is almost no beauty in the world that they cannot pursue, so why do they have to linger in brothels?"

"After all, what they yearn for is nothing more than a carefree life with singing girls dancing and beautiful women everywhere."

"After all, think about it, even if you have been busy with government affairs for a day, don't you still need your sister-in-law to give you a massage?" As he said this, Zhu Gang subconsciously rubbed his neck again, then waved his hand and smiled meaningfully.

“That’s true.”

When Zhu Biao heard this, he was stunned at first, then a smile of approval broke out on his face and he nodded slightly.

Because in fact, after Zhu Biao finished handling government affairs every day, he had to ask Chang Qingyun to massage him to relieve his mind.

After all, who doesn't know that massage can soothe the mind and bring pleasure? It's just a common desire that everyone has.

"Master, Third Master, all the nobles have arrived here."

At this moment, Li Heng's voice clearly penetrated the box and reached the room.

"Let's go."

Upon hearing the voice, Zhu Biao turned his head to look at Zhu Gang, his eyes filled with a tacit understanding that required no further words.

"Ah."

As soon as he finished speaking, the door of the wing room opened, and Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao walked out of the room side by side.

What came into view was that many Huaixi nobles were already seated at the table, their eyes all focused on Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, Your Highness, the Prince of Jin."

Immediately afterwards, all the nobles stood up from their seats and respectfully bowed to Zhu Biao and Zhu Gang and greeted them.

"Forget it."

Zhu Biao's face was calm. He waved his hand slightly, with a hint of casualness in his tone.

"Everyone, take a seat."

Zhu Gang also waved his hand without changing his expression, indicating that the nobles should take a seat.

But who dares to sit down in front of these two gentlemen?

After all, there is an old saying that goes, you are an uncle only if others recognize you as one.

If others do not recognize you as their uncle, then you are their subject.

Especially with today's atmosphere, the ministers always felt that something was wrong.

As Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao sat down safely in the upper seats, the nobles followed suit and sat down in order. However, their eyes were still fixed on Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao, never moving away.

After all, they still haven't figured out whether today's banquet is hosted by the prince or the Ming Dynasty version of the Hongmen Banquet.

Especially Yongjia Hou Zhu Liangzu, he even seemed a little uneasy.

"Marquis Yongjia, is there a nail under your butt?"

Zhu Gang keenly caught Zhu Liangzu's subtle movements and asked softly.

"Reporting to His Majesty, Prince Jin, this is an old illness of mine. It's nothing serious. Thank you for your concern."

After he finished speaking, Zhu Liangzu's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed and apologized, trying to cover up something.

"Marquis Yongjia is an important minister of the country, so you must take good care of yourself."

Zhu Biao also slightly opened his red lips, and although his words were light, not a single bit of warmth was revealed in them.

Zhu Liangzu felt Zhu Biao's indifferent attitude and couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart. This chill seemed to spread to every Huaixi noble present, making them unconsciously tense up.

They understood that this was a Hongmen Banquet, but they had not figured out why.

"I understand. Your Highness, please rest assured."

So Zhu Liangzu bowed again, with a more respectful attitude.

"Yeah. Sit down."

Zhu Biao waved his hand lightly, and Zhu Liangzu then carefully sat down again, but his clothes on the back were already slightly soaked with cold sweat from nervousness.

"Do you know why we are hosting a banquet in Jinxiu Pavilion today instead of in the palace?"

Afterwards, Zhu Gang's words began to flow again, with a hint of deep meaning, and slowly moved the hearts of all the nobles present.

"I don't know."

Upon hearing the news, all the nobles hurriedly left their seats, clasped their fists and bowed as they stood up, but there was a hint of anxiety in their eyes.

"Uncles, why don't you think about why?"

Zhu Biao turned his wrist slightly, moved his knuckles gently, and slowly opened his mouth, his words seeming to have deep meaning.

Zhu Biao's words were like ripples on a calm lake, making every Huaixi noble present feel nervous. They looked at each other with frowns, thinking secretly, but still at a loss. Did they make another big mistake?
no?
My brothers have been pretty safe lately, so they shouldn't have made any big mistakes, right?

sweat.!

After all, with the minds of these rough guys, how could they think of surveying the land?
"Your Highness, Prince Jin, we assure you that we have made absolutely no mistakes recently."

Mei Sizu, Marquis of Runan, who could not be completely regarded as a nobleman in Huaixi, looked at Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao first and bowed.

Can't he be completely regarded as a nobleman in Huaixi?
In fact, this is not wrong, because Mei Sizu's hometown is Xiayi, Henan Province, but as an important general in the early Ming Dynasty, Mei Sizu actively participated in Zhu Yuanzhang's war to unify the country and made outstanding military achievements.

Therefore, he can be classified as one of the meritorious officials of Huaixi, but he cannot be completely regarded as a nobleman of Huaixi.

"I remember that the Marquis of Runan was from Xiayi, Henan, right?"

Zhu Gang raised his eyes slightly, looked at Mei Sizu and asked slowly.

"This old minister is indeed from Xiayi, Henan."

Mei Sizu was slightly stunned, then nodded.

"Then I want to ask you, have you ever been back to Xiayi in these years?"

Zhu Gang asked, his voice still revealing a hint of deep meaning.

"Of course I have."

Mei Sizu said truthfully.

To bring honor to one's hometown and fame to one's family is the dream of any high-ranking official, and Mei Sizu is certainly no exception.

After all, everyone is aspiring to fame, wealth and honor. In this world with so many different situations, who can escape the temptation of fame, wealth and honor?
"Ah."

Zhu Gang still nodded, and cursed in his heart. These Huaixi nobles were all more brave than the other when it came to fighting, but their emotional intelligence was really worrying!

Thinking of this, Zhu Gang's heart moved slightly again, and a hint of contemplation flashed in his eyes.

The military talents of the Huaixi nobles mostly came from actual combat. They came from humble origins, experienced the flames of battlefields, and gradually accumulated great military exploits.

However, they lacked systematic military education and strategic vision, which immediately gave Zhu Gang a new idea.

After all, the Huaixi nobles were really good at fighting, so Zhu Gang really didn't want to touch these uncles unless it was absolutely necessary.

Otherwise, they would be consuming the Ming Dynasty's manpower, but Zhu Gang still wanted them to continue fighting for the Ming Dynasty.

But when it comes to making mistakes, the Huaixi nobles are more ruthless than each other. They don't make big mistakes, but they make small mistakes all the time. And if you scold them, they will only remember the food and not the beating. Even after the scolding, they still dare to make mistakes.

The main character is that I will listen to your scolding but I will never change.

So to be honest, regarding this point, not to mention Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao, even Zhu Yuanzhang sometimes felt helpless.

Then why couldn't Zhu Gang follow the example of later generations and establish the Hongwu Military Academy in the Ming Dynasty?

As for the textbooks, Zhu Gang was devoted to the study of military affairs before traveling through time. In addition, he was gifted with photographic memory after traveling through time, so it was not difficult for Zhu Gang to write them all down from memory.

But there is one thing, can this group of old stubborn people really go to Hongwu Military Academy for further studies?
"All of you present here are important officials of the Ming Dynasty. You are not afraid of life and death, and you have followed Your Majesty to create this great Ming Dynasty."

"So in my heart, you are not only my loyal subjects, but also my uncles."

"The relatives have already said that they are distant, and the country has also had eight opinions, so I just invited all the uncles to a banquet in Jinxiu Pavilion today, and my intention is to communicate with all the uncles."

"If not, I'm afraid all of you will have to wait for your majesty's judgment in Fengtian Palace today."

"After all, it happened once and twice, why three times?"

Having said this, Zhu Biao's eyes were sharp, revealing a power that should not be underestimated, but the warmth and compassion contained in his words had not diminished in the slightest.

(End of this chapter)