The story was drawing to a close. The moon hung high in the sky, and a biting wind swept through the courtyard, hinting that the first snow in the capital was likely just days away.
As talk turned to the common folk, a somber mood settled over the small courtyard.
The old Taoist suddenly sighed, "Human life is filled with much suffering and little joy… Take the past few days, for instance. Disaster refugees from Xuan and Da have reached the outskirts of the capital, still cold and starving… Yet in the south, the people are beating gongs and drums, working in the silk industry… Truly, some rejoice while others mourn…"
Hearing of the blizzard, Zhu Mo was jolted into remembering something and said,
"My two elder brothers, in three years, all the people in the realm will have superior clothing… In the future, the suffering from hunger and cold will gradually decrease…"
Oh?
The two were momentarily stunned.
They had just spoken of everyone eating imperial salt,
And now, everyone would be wearing superior clothing?
Zhu Mo continued, "The principle is the same. With increased production, prices will naturally fall… Zhang Juzheng and I calculated that within three years, it will be industrialized, and production will increase a hundredfold! Imagine, by then, the prices will also drop significantly. The common people will only need to spend a tenth or a hundredth of the money to buy clothes… It's a simple principle…"
The two pondered for a moment and then nodded in unison,
Indeed!
If that salt can succeed, then silk and fabric can also succeed…
They dwelled in pleasant anticipation for a while, but then felt those images were too beautiful to be true… It felt rather unsubstantial…
Both were very practical people. They smiled and dismissed the thought.
The old Taoist sighed, "Now, the disaster relief efforts have begun, but there's no money… The Shun Tian Prefecture has issued a notice, asking our Taoist temples and monasteries to take in some refugees, and those with means to donate money…"
"Yes, not to mention we are out of money. Even the imperial court is waiting for the silver from Yan's salt inspection to alleviate the emergency…"
At this point,
The two lost all interest.
After all,
The Great Ming's urgent needs were paramount. While they liked Zhu Mo's ideas, they felt they were just castles in the air. Although Zhang Juzheng was highly supportive and explained them thoroughly, the two elderly men, both over sixty, now only saw the refugees and the immense pressure from the Yan family.
According to secret reports from the Eastern Depot, Yan Maoqing's silver was divided into two shipments. One shipment of over a million was seized by Zhu Mo; the other, carrying three and a half million in actual silver, was arriving soon.
The two had initially hoped Zhu Mo would hand over the money for emergencies, but they understood now—
Zhu Mo had likely used the money to handle the salt business…
In that case, there was nothing they could do, and they certainly couldn't bring it up with him! Besides, that was also a proper matter! They couldn't fault Zhu Mo for anything…
This time, they would likely have to bear the brunt of Yan Shifan's subsequent scolding.
They exchanged a knowing glance, looked at Zhu Mo, and then at each other, their eyes filled with helplessness—
We must endure hardship ourselves and for the sake of the people…
Having reached this point, they felt a sense of release.
The old Taoist thought that nothing was more important than Mo'er being alive. He cast aside all worries and focused on enjoying the utmost pleasure of life in the courtyard.
…
Unexpectedly,
At this moment, Zhu Mo also noticed the unusual expressions on their faces—
Huh?
You're not officials, why are you so anxious? And I brought the money for disaster relief… Tomorrow, I'll have Liang Menglong and Zhu Qi hand it over, won't that be enough?
It's like the emperor isn't worried, but the eunuchs are! Could it be that the Taoist temple is out of money to donate and wants me to contribute a little? But the salt field also needs money right now. Once I collect the deposits in a few days, I'll raise some for you!
Or perhaps…？
He suddenly remembered something and immediately said, "Uh… My two elder brothers, you are not outsiders, so I have something to tell you clearly… However, if I say it, please don't blame me…?"
The two were startled—
What is it now?
Li San chimed in, "Of course. Even if you stormed the Heavens, we would still be happy for you. How could we blame you… Hahaha…"
"Alright then, I'll tell you, this is a commercial secret, so please don't tell any outsiders… Uh, I've set up a salt field in Jiangnan this time, and so far, I've invested tens of thousands of taels… The money, this, this, Old Li, please don't be upset when I tell you…"
Upon hearing this,
The two were instantly taken aback—
So, Yan Maoqing's silver was indeed used for salt!
And tens of thousands had already been spent?
Why is it so money-consuming?
How can this child spend money without batting an eye?
Just as they were wondering,
Unexpectedly,
What Zhu Mo said next made them feel ashamed for a long time—
"Hehe, Old Li, I took the jade pendant you gave me as collateral… It's mortgaged at the Jiangnan government-run money house, handled by Zhang Taiyue's subordinates. I borrowed 30,000 taels of silver… Hehe, it was unavoidable, wasn't it? When one can't make ends meet, everything must be mortgaged… If your temple doesn't have cash, go pawn a few things first! I'll redeem it for you after I receive the salt deposits!"
Hiss~~
These words hit the two like a thunderbolt, the realization dawning that the money for his business came from mortgaging the jade pendant!
This means,
He had no intention of using that silver at all?
The old Taoist, having experienced countless adversities throughout his life, had become cynical over decades and always viewed people from a negative perspective. Now, facing Zhu Mo, he suddenly felt a pang of awkwardness, even a sense of inferiority, and coughed dryly.
Li San, who had always believed Zhu Mo would never take advantage of anyone, now smiled at the old Taoist—
See? You doubted him for no reason… Who is actually greedy for money here…
The old Taoist looked up at the moonlight and thought to himself—
Alas, how could I suspect Mo'er like this…
He suffered so much in the common folk, and I never gave him anything,
And now I suspect him of corruption?
Thinking of this,
An immeasurable sense of guilt surged from the bottom of his heart!
He suddenly gritted his teeth and made up his mind—
No!
I must give him what he deserves!
"Uh, … Young Master Zhu, shouldn't your residence be renovated? We live far away, and it's inconvenient to come over… Uh, this, Li San'er, I heard you have a vacant house?"
Saying this,
The old Taoist gave a sharp glance.
Li San's heart suddenly trembled—
My goodness~
Why so ruthless?
I didn't offend your son…
It was clearly you who doubted your son, and now it seems like I'm in the wrong…
Li San, with his forty years of friendship with him, understood his intentions perfectly!
"Uh, yes, there is such a thing… Uh, it's a house belonging to a distant nephew of mine, who served as an official in the capital. Two years ago, he was dismissed and returned to his hometown. He figured he wouldn't be coming back, so he wanted to sell the house. At that time, I had some spare cash, and I thought, why let good fortune go to outsiders? So I took it… I spend my days in the temple accompanying the Daoist master in his spiritual cultivation. I have no children, and this house has remained empty all this time… Tomorrow, I'll have people tidy it up and give it to Young Master Zhu!"
Hmm?
Zhu Mo was taken aback—
This is a house in the capital?
Do you mean to give it away, or rent it out?
While he was wondering,
The old Taoist also laughed, "Yes, yes, I remember! That house is quite decent! Young Master Zhu, don't you disdain it! Li San'er has dedicated his life to spiritual cultivation, with no children or heirs. Who else would he leave this house to? In a few more years, if no one lives in it, it might even become haunted! Hahaha…"
Upon hearing this,
Zhu Mo was sure they were giving him the house,
But,
Is this appropriate?
One should not accept favors without earning them!
After a brief consideration, he said, "Hmm… I can't just take your house for free. How about this, after a few years when I've made some money, I'll buy it!"
The old Taoist and Li San nodded. Although they were smiling, their faces showed infinite surprise.
This young man was truly remarkable!