"The wealthiest family right now, of course, is the Zhe family. However, extracting money from them might not be too easy..."
Zhang Bangchang understood what Wang Fu was thinking at this moment.
To thoroughly solve the court's financial deficit was like a fool's dream.
With an emperor like Zhao Ji, who was a prodigal son, not only would mediocre officials like Wang Fu be unable to turn the tide, but even if Wang Anshi were reborn, he would be powerless.
After all, the current emperor's spending was a bottomless pit; no amount of wealth was enough for him to squander alone.
However, resolving the pressing financial issues in the short term was much simpler.
The easiest method was to borrow money directly. Whether the borrowed money would be repaid or not would depend on the emperor's whims.
"Their family has indeed been quite conspicuous recently! But..."
Upon saying this, even Wang Fu hesitated.
Others might not know, but he was well aware that Liang Shicheng had a stake in the Zhe family's business. If he directly sought trouble, wouldn't that be an obvious insult to Liang Shicheng?
"If it's inconvenient for you, Master, why not let your subordinates handle this matter? After all, if this issue is brought to the imperial court, wouldn't it be much simpler?"
Seeing the hesitation on Wang Fu's face, Zhang Bangchang suddenly said with a chuckle.
"I understand what you mean, but who exactly will bring this matter up..."
"Master, rest assured. I will handle the personnel issue, and I guarantee it won't involve you!"
Hearing this, Wang Fu felt reassured.
"Then proceed as you planned. After this matter is settled, there's only one last trouble remaining. I wonder if that brat Han Mo has the fate for it!"
If it were just the insignificant Zhe Kejun, Wang Fu wouldn't have paid much attention. But with Han Mo involved, he felt uncertain.
After all, that brat was too uncanny; even Wang Fu wasn't sure of this fellow's status in the emperor's heart.
Although he had accepted fifty thousand taels of gold from the Pu family, it was precisely because of this that he needed to avoid suspicion!
"He's just a minor figure, Master. Why do you care so much about him?"
Hearing Wang Fu's words, Zhang Bangchang asked indifferently.
"If it were just him alone, it would be of no consequence. But don't you know how highly the Emperor regards him now? This brat has the privilege of submitting secret memorials! If he were to impeach us, even you and I would be in grave trouble!"
From a mere seventh-rank official, who had not even been in his post for several months, the Emperor had now, disregarding all consequences, directly appointed him as the Superintendent of Maritime Trade for all routes southeast.
It was important to note that this position had never existed before his appointment.
Wang Fu had exerted immense effort through Lin Lingsu to subtly sow discord with Prince Yun. If he were to get himself into trouble in this world, things would truly become interesting.
However, while Wang Fu was hesitating, another person was also in the same predicament.
"Chief Shopkeeper, our people are all assembled. Please make your decision!"
"Yes, Chief Shopkeeper. We have made arrangements for our families. We await your orders!"
"Awaiting the Chief Shopkeeper's orders!"
Although there were only a few dozen people standing before Pu Kaishan, seeing their fanatical faces, Pu Kaishan began to hesitate.
From his covert escape to the present, everything had proceeded too smoothly.
It was so smooth that he himself found it hard to believe. He had initially attributed it to his good luck, but upon seeing the kindling materials brought by these people, a sense of foreboding suddenly struck him.
"Chief Shopkeeper?"
Seeing Pu Kaishan's dazed state, a subordinate beside him quickly reminded him in a low voice.
"Ah?"
"Chief Shopkeeper, we know you are worried about your brothers' families. However, at this stage, we will all obey your command!"
The subordinate standing before Pu Kaishan quickly knelt on one knee, helping him out of his predicament.
Pu Kaishan finally came to his senses. At this point, having drawn the bow, there was no turning back!
Even if he harbored doubts, at this very moment, he could only suppress his fear and fight for his life.
"Since so many of you are here, I will say no more. From today onwards, your children are the children of the Pu family. As long as the Pu family exists, they will have a meal to eat!"
After taking several deep breaths, Pu Kaishan quickly made up his mind.
"Thank you, Chief Shopkeeper!"
"Let's go!"
Gritting his teeth fiercely, Pu Kaishan stood up and forcefully lifted a stone in front of him.
Beneath the stone was a deep, dark cave, emanating a foul stench.
However, the people standing before him showed no hesitation.
Each carefully picked up the kindling materials they had collected and then filed into the cave.
---
"Sir, do you think they will come tonight?"
In the shadows of the imperial granary on the west side of the city, Liu Zhili asked in a low voice, his brow furrowed.
"Why wouldn't they come? Didn't your men already discover it? Someone is currently collecting kindling materials all over the city!"
Upon hearing this, Shao Bowen said with great certainty.
"But how can you be sure that the person collecting the kindling materials is their man? Furthermore, the city of Mingzhou is so large, and there are many targets for attack. How can you be sure they will come here? This place is heavily guarded! Regardless of whether they can get in, even if they manage to enter, they would likely suffer heavy casualties, right? Aren't they coming here to seek death?"
Although Liu Zhili was only a minor captain, he not only had good looks but was also very adept at handling matters.
They hadn't known each other for long, yet Shao Bowen had grown fond of this fellow.
Every time this young man spoke, he not only grasped the key points but also managed to strike a chord with Shao Bowen.
Such a professional supporting role was rarely encountered, even by Shao Bowen.
"You don't need to know so much about this. Just stay here with your men and wait. If anyone emerges from here later, do everything I say and absolutely do not let any of them escape!"