Jin Nation, Nanyue.
"Pavilion Master, Cao Xingyu is outside asking to see you." Song Jiong tiptoed into the study and looked at Murong Ke, who was engrossed in studying nautical charts. He sighed inwardly. He was thinking of finding Lu Yaoyao again.
Ever since he knew that Ye Yiqing brought Lu Yaoyao out to sea, Murong Ke had been studying nautical charts almost every day. He even had people build ships at all costs.
If not for the trouble in Nanyue, the Pavilion Master would have left long ago.
Hearing Song Jiong's words, Murong Ke's eyes darkened. He slowly put away the charts. "Let him in."
Having been in Nanyue for half a year, Murong Ke had already blended in with the merchants here. However, there were still some things that had not been investigated, so he did not leave.
"Sixth Wangye." Cao Xingyu hurriedly walked in. "Sixth Wangye, I heard that the imperial court has ordered the closure of Nanyue's ports?"
Murong Ke looked at the ashen-faced Cao Xingyu. This was the first time he had seen such an expression on this crafty old fox's face. "It's not the closure of the ports. It's just that the imperial court wants to inspect the illicit salt. Master Cao does not do the illicit salt business, so don't worry. They'll just detain the ships for a few days and you'll be able to go out to sea soon."
Cao Xingyu took a deep breath. For the past half a year, he had always been on guard against Murong Ke. Even though the other merchants of Nanyue had complete trust in him, he still didn't dare let Murong Ke know his background. Who knew if this governor was trustworthy or not?
Now it seemed that there was no other way. If he did not choose to trust Murong Ke this once, his ships would be detained. At that time, his loss would not only be a few ships, but the entire Cao family.
"Sixth Wangye, can you let the Cao family's ships out first?" Cao Xingyu asked with a smile. Half a year ago, the original governor of Nanyue was sentenced for his crimes, and Murong Ke became the new governor. He had been holding a wait-and-see attitude, letting the merchants bribe him. If he accepted it, it would prove that the previous rumors were false.
There was news in the capital that the emperor had sent the Sixth Wangye and the young Wangye to Nanyue to investigate the taxes and the case that year. Later, the young Wangye was injured, and then the empress had an accident. It seemed that the emperor had given up investigating Nanyue. Now, he suddenly wanted to close the ports to investigate the illicit salt business. Who knew what was going on?
Can this Murong Ke be trusted?
Murong Ke glanced at Cao Xingyu, "Head Cao, are you joking with this Prince? There are so many ships at the port, but even Sun Jiasheng's ship can't leave, so how can this prince let your Cao Family's ship leave first? Don't worry, it's just a routine check. It'll only take a few days. "
Sun Jiasheng was still the head of the Nanyue Trading Company, while Cao Xingyu had always been manipulating things from behind the scenes. On the surface, Sun Jiasheng's position was indeed higher than Cao Xingyu's, but only the few of them knew who the real boss of the Nanyue Trading Company was.
"Sixth Marquis, why did the imperial court suddenly want to investigate the illicit salt trade?" Cao Xingyu asked softly.
Murong Ke glanced at Cao Xingyu with a smile. "Master Cao, you must be muddle-headed. Inspecting illicit salt is a common practice. How could it be so sudden?"
Previously, Cao Xingyu had bribed Li Jingyao, so the entire port was under his control. Naturally, no one would inspect the Cao Family's ships. In the past six months, Cao Xingyu had used Sun Jiasheng to test him from time to time. Murong Ke had already played along for so long, so he was too lazy to continue playing dumb with Cao Xingyu.
Cao Xingyu's expression became even more solemn. He knew that if he didn't completely open up to Sixth Marquis, he was afraid … that his illicit salt trade at the port would be exposed. At that time, as long as Sixth Marquis wanted to deal with him, the Cao Family could be exterminated at any time.
Selling illicit salt was a capital crime, not to mention that he had an astonishing amount of illicit salt. It was absolutely not that easy to fool him.
"Sixth Marquis, we smart people don't beat around the bush. Name a price." Cao Xingyu said in a low voice.
Murong Ke raised his eyebrows. "Master Cao, what do you mean by that? What price do you want this prince to name? "
"Sixth Marquis, the goods at the port are really in a hurry to be delivered to others. If it is delayed for too long, the losses of these ships will be immeasurable." Cao Xingyu said in a low voice, but in his heart, he was filled with regret. How could he be so careless as to think that Murong Ke would not seal the port and seize the ships?
What exactly went wrong? Cao Xingyu always felt that he had been deceived today. It was too sudden, and the informant he planted in the Governor's Office did not even reveal any information …
Murong Ke smiled. "Master Cao, according to what you said, we have to release all the ships at the port?"
"Sixth Marquis …" Cao Xingyu wanted to directly name a price to Murong Ke. After all, he had embezzled a lot of money in the past six months.
"Alright, this prince has already sent people to do a routine inspection. It's just for show. The ships will be able to sail away tomorrow." Murong Ke smiled. It seemed that there was indeed a problem with Cao Xingyu's ships.
When Cao Xingyu heard Murong Ke's words, he slightly relaxed. "Sixth Marquis, this Cao will remember your great kindness."
Murong Ke raised his eyebrows and did not comment.
"Sixth Marquis, then this Cao Xingyu will take his leave first." Cao Xingyu said. He had to immediately go to the port and keep an eye on it. He absolutely could not let anyone inspect his ships.
"Alright." Murong Ke nodded.
After Cao Xingyu left, Song Jiong walked in from outside. "Pavilion Master, it seems that the informants in the Governor's Office were telling the truth. There is indeed a problem with Cao Xingyu's ships."
"Arrest all the people who gave them up." Murong Ke coldly ordered.
In order to investigate the case of the Pan and Feng families, he had already wasted too much time here. Now that he had some clues, he did not want to delay it any longer. Those who should be arrested should be arrested, and those who should be interrogated should be interrogated first. The truth would eventually be revealed.
"What about Cao Xingyu?" Song Jiong asked in a low voice.
Murong Ke's eyes were cold. "Arrest him if he is found to be smuggling salt."
Song Jiong looked at the gloomy sky outside. It seemed that the weather was about to change.
When it was almost evening, the north wind whistled through the calm Nanyue City. Suddenly, a group of soldiers rushed out of the Governor's Office and guarded every street in Nanyue City. At least a dozen merchants' heads were arrested and brought to the Governor's Office.
"What are you doing? What did I do wrong? "Sun Jiasheng's hands were grabbed. He had a face full of panic. He did not understand what was going on.
"Head Sun, you will know when you reach the Governor's Office." Lu Xiangzhi glanced at him indifferently.
Finally, he was able to arrest these vermin of Nanyue. It really … wasn't easy.
"Sixth Marquis, I want to see Sixth Marquis!" Sun Jiasheng shouted.
Lu Xiangzhi smiled faintly. "You will see him soon."
Sun Jiasheng was dragged into the carriage. Only then did he realize that the entire street was filled with soldiers. Moreover, he was not the only one who was taken to the Governor's Office.
What was going on?
...
(Nine-Headed Bird Academy)
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