Chapter 95: Correcting a wrong cannot be done too far; in an emergency, one must exercise discretion
"My lord, I really don't know."

Faced with such a depressing atmosphere, the madam's heart tightened again, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead before she spoke.

"I don't know?"

"A prostitute who sold her body cheated a fourth-rank official out of more than 2,000 taels of silver."

"So you think that your casual remark of 'I didn't know' can make this matter disappear?"

Zhu Gang spoke as he leisurely picked up the teacup beside him. Although his tone was light, every word he spoke revealed a chill that should not be underestimated.

"You don't want to tell me that you don't know that Ma Nanshan is a fourth-rank official in the Ministry of Works of the imperial court?"

Chang Mao was also sitting next to Zhu Gang, and he looked at the madam with a playful tone.

Ma Nanshan's personality is such that he can't hide anything.

Therefore, it is impossible for the madam not to know that Ma Nanshan is an official appointed by the imperial court.

"A fourth-rank official of the imperial court redeemed the prostitute of Yuexiang Tower, and as a brothel owner, how could you let someone escape from under your nose?"

"And he took away more than 2,000 taels of silver from Ma Nanshan. Do you think I believe it?"

After a pause, Chang Mao slammed the table again. With a loud bang, the tabletop shook violently.

With the subtle sound of wood, the tension in the air suddenly increased.

Chang Mao just looked at the old procuress who was already sweating profusely and snorted coldly: "Why don't you tell the truth!"

In response to this, the madam's body trembled again, her face instantly lost color, and a hint of unconcealable fear flashed in her eyes.

Obviously, facing such all-powerful power, even important officials of the imperial court would find it hard to resist, let alone a mere brothel owner.

"Life or death?"

Zhu Gang's indifferent voice sounded again.

"die."

As soon as these words came out, the madam seemed to have all her strength drained away from her body, and her limp posture revealed her inner fear.

"Ah."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly, with a hint of understanding in his eyes.

Just as he guessed, Ma Nanshan’s old lover was indeed dead!
After all, as a prostitute of low status who has fallen into a brothel, how can she escape the control of the brothel?

So this prostitute either died or was sold to Yingtian Prefecture by the brothel.

"But aren't you afraid of offending Ma Nanshan?"

Chang Mao looked at the madam in confusion.

After all, Ma Nanshan was a fourth-rank official in the imperial court, and was also a member of the Huaixi founding heroes party with a good family background.

Then how dare this brothel owner kill Ma Nanshan’s old lover and embezzle the money Ma Nanshan used to redeem his old lover?

No matter how I think about it, this seems a bit weird.
"Sir, of course I'm afraid."

The madam raised her head with a wry smile and said, "After all, the people should not fight against the officials, let alone prostitutes like us."

"If you are afraid, why kill?"

Facing the madam's bitter smile, Chang Mao frowned.

"Sir, although I am a prostitute, I also know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable."

"But facing such overwhelming power, even if I feel wronged, I can only grit my teeth and swallow it."

As she spoke, the old procuress's face became even more bitter, and she continued, "After all, I can't afford to offend you and that noble man, but I can't afford to offend that man either."

"So there is something else involved?"

Chang Mao's frown deepened.

"Ah."

The madam nodded slightly.

Even if the madam had a thousand guts, she would not dare to offend the Ming Dynasty law, let alone offend Ma Nanshan, a fourth-rank official of the court, for the sake of money.

"who is it?"

Zhu Gang raised his eyes and said.

"The son of Prime Minister Hu, Hu Tong."

The madam took a deep breath and then slowly told the whole story.

It turned out that he was the son of Hu Weiyong. Hu Tong stayed overnight in Yuexiang Tower and accidentally killed Ma Nanshan's old lover.

Afterwards, Hu Weiyong sent someone to deliver 500 taels of silver and warned Yuexianglou that they should know what to say and what not to say.

But in the face of Hu Weiyong's power and threats, what can a mere Yuexianglou do?

So they could only lie to the public and say that Ma Nanshan's old lover had run away with the money.

At this point, the matter was kept secret.

But who would have thought that the imperial court was still investigating this matter?
It even attracted the attention of the royal family.

After all, the only person in the world who can call himself "I" is the King of the Ming Dynasty.

"It turned out to be that idiot Hu Tong."

After Chang Mao heard this, he suddenly showed an expression of enlightenment, and a hint of contempt flashed across his words.

Hu Weiyong was an extremely intelligent man, but his sons were all idiots.

Especially this Hu Tong, who, under the name of his father Hu Weiyong, has done many things to bully men and women in private.

But he was intimidated by Hu Weiyong's power and his identity as a resident of Huaixi.

The officials of Yingtian Prefecture were angry but dared not speak out, for fear of offending Hu Weiyong and provoking revenge from the right prime minister.

But who could have thought that Hu Tong, who had always been arrogant and domineering, would this time offend someone that even his father Hu Weiyong could not afford to offend.

"Is it true?"

Zhu Gang still looked at the madam calmly, with no trace of emotion in his voice.

"My Lord, every word I said came from my heart, not a single word was false!"

The madam hurriedly bent down, touched her forehead to the ground, and kowtowed repeatedly.

This is also the madam's only chance to survive.

"Common people cannot afford to offend the powerful officials in the court. I understand that."

"So the death penalty can be avoided, but the punishment for living can't be escaped. However, you can make a decision at your discretion. After this incident, Yuexianglou will no longer be open. Do you understand?"

Zhu Gang nodded slightly and said.

"I understand. Thank you for your kindness!"

The madam's mouth was bitter, but she knew in her heart that being alive was the greatest blessing given by this man, so she choked with sobs and expressed her gratitude.

"Chang Mao, confiscate Yuexiang Tower and leave it to you."

Zhu Gang turned and looked at Chang Maodao.

"Wei Chen takes orders."

Chang Mao stood up and clasped his fists.

"Mao Xiang."

Zhu Gang turned to look at Mao Xiang again and said softly, "According to my order, all officials in Yingtian Prefecture who are involved in this case will be strictly investigated."

"Mao Xiang obeys your command!"

Mao Xiang's heart trembled, and he bowed and clasped his fists.

"One must not go too far in correcting a wrong, and one must take the necessary measures in an emergency."

"It's better to cry at home than to cry all the way."

"It is better for officials to cry than for ordinary people to cry."

"So, I want to punish these people and let the people of the world see it."

"In my Zhu family's world, there is no place for corrupt officials."

Zhu Gang flicked his sleeves and slowly stood up, his eyes full of coldness.

Hearing this, both the prostitutes and the Imperial Guards looked towards Zhu Gang.

There were all kinds of complex emotions in his eyes, like joy, surprise, excitement, and even indescribable expectations.

"Then the Prime Minister's Mansion." But Mao Xiang looked at Zhu Gang with hesitation.

"Why? I can only hit flies?"

In response, Zhu Gang cast a cold gaze towards Mao Xiang.

"I have spoken nonsense, Your Highness, please punish me!"

Mao Xiang's pupils shrank suddenly, and he hurriedly looked at Zhu Gang and knelt on one knee.

Just a moment ago, a murderous aura rose from Zhu Gang's body.

"Jinyiwei does his job without asking why. Don't you understand?"

Zhu Gang's cold voice sounded again: "Order the Jinyiwei Zhenfu Division to arrest and spare no one. I will personally try the case. Anyone who dares to shield the suspect will be punished with the same crime."

"As you command! I'll do it right away!"

Mao Xiang bowed and accepted the order, then hurriedly left Yuexiang Tower.

When this step was taken, the whole Yingtian Prefecture was like a sudden thunderclap.

Even the air was filled with a hint of blood and gore.

And undercurrents are surging in the court, and I don’t know how many officials will be overturned in this storm.

"Chang Mao, if there are people in Yuexiang Tower who want to become good people, you can let them do so. As for where to settle down, Jingdu Yijiangnan can be a place for them to stay."

After saying this, Zhu Gang flicked his sleeves again.

As soon as these words were spoken, there was silence in Yuexiang Tower for a moment, and only Zhu Gang's words echoed and floated in the air.

Even those experienced women in Yuexiang Tower, who were used to the comings and goings of guests, had a glimmer of hope in their eyes.

If life didn't force them, who would want to live in a brothel, who would want to become a shameless prostitute?

Behind every seemingly frivolous smile, there may be an unknown sadness and helplessness.

After all, this is the fate they were born with, which binds them tightly.

But at this moment, Zhu Gang's voice sounded like a gentle spring breeze, gently blowing away the frost in their hearts and the unbearable past.

In an instant, the eyes of these gorgeous prostitutes in front of them were misty, and crystal tears lingered in the corners of their eyes, and finally slowly slid down.

Some of them lowered their heads to wipe their tears, some hugged each other and cried, and some even knelt on the ground.

At that time, choking and sobbing intertwined into one, breaking the tranquility hidden under the makeup of the past, revealing their true fragility and joy deep in their hearts.

And they have also heard of Recalling Jiangnan, where there is no forced buying or selling, no one of good character forced into prostitution, and it is the only quiet place for prostitutes.

"Let's go."

Zhu Gang looked at the scene in front of him, sighed lightly, waved his hand, turned around and left Yuexiang Tower.

Just this moment of turning around further strengthened Zhu Gang's determination to reform the household registration system.

But when you think about it, it's really sad and ridiculous.

After all, some people want to get rid of the identity of prostitutes throughout their entire lives.

But there are also people who, out of greed for fame and fortune, degenerate into prostitution.

"I thank your Highness for your great kindness."

"I hope that in the next life, I will be your servant and serve you like a cow or a horse to repay your kindness!"

Afterwards, looking at Zhu Gang's back, the women in Yuexiang Tower knelt down one after another, their eyes filled with tears of gratitude, and kowtowed repeatedly.

The sound was endless for a while.

At the same time, a large number of Jinyiwei broke into the residence of Hu Weiyong, the right prime minister, and arrested Hu Weiyong's second son Hu Tong.

Moreover, many officials from all levels of Yingtian Prefecture, even the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture and ministers in the court were arrested and taken to the Zhenfu Division.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, who were still in Kunning Palace, also learned the news.

"Old Third, you are just fooling around. How can you attack Hu Weiyong at this time?"

Zhu Yuanzhang closed the memorial presented by the Jinyiwei and then looked at Zhu Biao.

The tax system of equalizing land tax and requiring officials and gentry to pay taxes together was implemented in the areas of Jiangnan and Zhejiang, and there was no backlash from the gentry and wealthy families. Hu Weiyong made the greatest contribution to this.

Therefore, for the time being, the court cannot touch Hu Weiyong. Even if there is evidence, it cannot kill the meritorious official at this time, otherwise it will discourage the ministers.

But at this juncture, Zhu Gang ordered the Jinyiwei to break into the Prime Minister's Mansion and arrest Hu Weiyong's son.

Even if it was Hu Weiyong's son who accidentally killed someone, there should not be such a big fuss. It has to be saved both publicly and privately, after all, the overall situation should be considered.

"Dad, don't worry. The third brother has always been very careful in what he does. Since he dared to do this, he must have his reasons."

After reading the memorial, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and smiled comfortingly, saying, "Anyway, it won't cause any big trouble, so let the third brother do it. Besides, with you here, the Ming Dynasty will not be in chaos."

"His Majesty!"

But before Zhu Yuanzhang could speak, a rough voice came from outside the hall.

This made Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao look towards the door.

"Your Majesty, may you be well."

Duke of E Chang Yuchun, Duke of Wei Xu Da, and Duke of Song Feng Sheng, who had returned to the court some time ago, all walked into the hall and saluted Zhu Yuanzhang.

"I'm safe."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand casually.

"Brother, come on, today the brothers will wash your feet!"

After the greetings, Chang Yuchun walked quickly to Zhu Yuanzhang's side, then, under Zhu Yuanzhang's puzzled gaze, took Zhu Yuanzhang's hand and walked out the door.

"Wash your feet?"

In response, Zhu Yuanzhang exerted a little force with his hands, and dragged Chang Yuchun, and then asked in confusion: "What feet do you want to wash?"

What's wrong with Chang Yuchun today?
And Xu Da and Feng Sheng, what do they mean by their excitement?
Just to wash your feet?
Isn't this right?

"A shop recently opened in Yingtianfu, named Yijiangnan, and the waiter inside is an expert in both tea and music."

"There's also a foot wash and massage. Wow, brother, you're definitely going to love it."

Chang Yuchun described it with great excitement, his words full of excitement.

After saying this, Chang Yuchun wanted to take Zhu Yuanzhang out again.

However, none of them noticed that as soon as the name Yi Jiangnan was heard, Zhu Biao's expression changed subtly, and it became brighter and darker.

After all, the biggest leader of Yijiangnan is Zhu Biao standing in front of them, and Zhu Gang sitting in the Zhenfu Division.

"It's just a brothel, disguised as elegance."

However, Zhu Yuanzhang broke free from Chang Yuchun's hand, then shook his head and said, "I'm not interested."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao immediately breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Zhu Yuanzhang didn't go to Yijiangnan, the two brothers could keep it a secret for a while.

After all, almost half of the many precious calligraphy and paintings in Memories of Jiangnan were bestowed by Zhu Yuanzhang to Zhu Biao and Zhu Gang.

Therefore, once Zhu Yuanzhang went to Jiangnan, he would be exposed.

Wouldn’t the two brothers Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao be blown up?

"Brother, Yi Jiangnan is not a brothel or a pretentious brothel."

"Just follow us and we will definitely satisfy you."

Seeing that Chang Yuchun could not persuade Zhu Yuanzhang, Xu Da patted his chest and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and smiled.

"If you don't believe me, ask Feng Sheng."

Chang Yuchun pointed at Feng Shengdao again.

"Brother, let's go drink some tea and enjoy ourselves."

In response to this, Feng Sheng nodded decisively and smiled.

"Is it really that interesting?"

Looking at these old brothers of his, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes also showed a hint of excitement.

"Boss, change into your regular robes, and let's go out of the palace and take a walk."

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao and waved.

"It's over!"

Facing Zhu Yuanzhang, who was obviously moved and was traveling in casual clothes, Zhu Biao sighed in his heart.

This time I failed!
(End of this chapter)