After leaving the Chief Secretary's Yamen, He Zhen returned to He's Mansion located on Daximen Inner Street.
Unlike other rich people who built fortress-like mansions for the sake of their clan's safety, He Zhen's mansion was really just a large mansion with a wok-shaped gable, no different from the mansions of dignitaries in the mainland.
It's not that he doesn't pay attention to the safety of the clan, but the He family still lives in Dongguan, a hundred miles away. He is not in the provincial capital most of the time, and only lives in this house when he comes to do business.
As soon as he returned, He Zhen had his brother He Di and his second son He Gui called to the back hall and briefly told them the contents of his conversation with King Chu and Lin Fantai.
Finally, he picked up the tea cup and took a sip, and asked slowly: "What do you think?"
"Brother, what King Chu said about letting Fujian and Guangdong maritime merchants join the Shipping Department, isn't it just because he wants to recruit us?" He Di said in a dull voice:
"If you ask me, I don't agree. You gave the entire Guangdong to his old Zhu family before. This is just one province. There are only twelve provinces in the entire Ming Dynasty! Don't talk about giving it to a king, just change it one province at a time.
Isn’t it an exaggeration to say that the Duke of the country is not an exaggeration? In the end, he didn’t even give him an earl, and the old Zhu family has simply got rid of the family."
He Gui also echoed: "Second uncle is right, and the imperial court has been trying to mess with us over the years. It has transferred my father to other places several times. Isn't it just that they want us to be leaderless and then defeat each other? Fortunately, we are united and we have not let the imperial court succeed.
.”
"The King of Chu wants to recruit us this time. It's nothing more than trying to find another plan after a failed plan. Seeing that he can't do it forcefully, he is going to use some tricks." He Di then said in a deep voice: "He must have done some research and knows that we are in Guangdong.
A large clan must make a living by going to the sea, otherwise it would be impossible to support such a large clan. They also need to organize team training and build watchtowers, and the money also comes from the sea. So it is not an exaggeration to say that the sea is the lifeline of big clans like us.
"
After a pause, he said angrily: "The King of Chu wants to recruit our fleet because he wants to hold our lifeline in his hands. When the time comes, he will have many ways to manipulate us!"
"Yes, the second uncle is right!" He Gui nodded: "When he wants to deal with us, there is no need to go to war. He will directly cut off our share, causing our income to drop sharply, and the whole family will have to drink from the northwest wind.
go."
"You guys think too badly of the King of Chu. Aren't those big families in the south of the Yangtze River living better now than before?" He Zhen sighed: "I feel that His Highness has a big plan, which can accommodate people like us, and will not take advantage of us.
He wants to use his trust to manipulate us. A smart person like him cannot do such a stupid thing."
"Brother is always like this. He thinks too well of people." He Di sneered: "If the king of Chu is really big enough, why does he still have to monopolize the sea? How can we hinder him in doing our business? Everyone.
Isn’t it okay if the water from the well does not interfere with the water from the river?”
He Di is in charge of the He family's maritime trade. He has been bullied by the shipping fleet in recent years, and he has the biggest prejudice against Lao Liu.
"That's what you said." He Zhen shook his head and said: "The commercial fleet has to clear out pirates every year and prevent foreign merchant ships from entering. This cost is very high. How can we let us just free ride without paying a penny?
"
"If it were you, you would also want to monopolize trade, and the food would definitely be uglier." He glanced at He Di and said, "Don't you think so?"
"That...of course." He Di said without hesitation: "Monopoly trade is so exciting. You can set the price as high as you want, as long as the buyer can afford it."
"So don't say that the water from the well does not interfere with the water from the river." He Zhen said solemnly: "It will be the same for everyone."
"But brother, they can't do anything to us!" He Di was still unconvinced: "In the past few years, the municipal fleet has come to catch smugglers. But as soon as their fleet comes, we can receive the news and escape immediately. Change to
We'll go elsewhere to load the ship. We'll come back after they leave and won't even meet them face to face."
"That's right, if they have the ability to take over all of us, then don't try to establish a monopoly if they don't have the ability!" He Gui is He Di's deputy, so naturally he shares his anger with his second uncle.
"Do you really think that the city fleet can't do anything to you because of your own contribution?" He Zhen said with a smile: "Yes, our sea is wide and there are many islands, making it difficult for the army to find you. But without the protection of Yongjiahou and Xu Zhitai
, can you jump up to this point?"
"..." The two of them fell silent for a moment. Of course they knew that thanks to Marquis Yongjia not cooperating with the Shibo Fleet's actions and Xu Benya's advance notification, they could always be one step ahead and prevent the Shibo Fleet from catching them.
"Xu Jiantai is in danger this time, and even Marquis Yongjia is in danger. The new commander of Guangdong must be from the King of Chu." He Zhen said solemnly: "When the time comes, they will work together to do both land and water. I think
What else are you going to do?”
"Is it true that Xu Jiantai can't be saved?" He Di looked reluctant to give up. The cost of dragging down a provincial inspector-general was too high. If Xu Benya fell, his losses would be too great.
"Isn't this nonsense? If something like this happens, even the gods can't protect him." He Zhen sighed: "This is self-inflicted and you will not survive. You should also take this as a warning."
"What about Marquis Yongjia?" He Di was more concerned about Zhu Liangzu. If this real boss failed, they would have no hope at all.
"Marquis Yongjia should be... okay." He Zhen muttered: "As long as Xu Zhitai doesn't confess him, and there is no conclusive evidence, the King of Chu can't touch him."
After a pause, he whispered: "It's not that he is so powerful, but that the top priority of the imperial court is to recover Yunnan. A war is imminent, so it is taboo to change generals before the battle."
"What about after recovering Yunnan?" He Di asked.
"The future is the future, no one wants to bring up the old things again." He Zhen said slowly. "Of course he has to fight this battle beautifully."
"There will definitely be no problem in fighting Yongjia Marquis, that is to say, can we still count on him?" He Di said with a relieved smile: "Then why are you so anxious to recruit people? There will be many variables when the war begins. It will not be too late to adapt to changes when the time comes.
.”
"Yes, Dad, if we kneel down before someone even raises his hand, not only will it make other people laugh," He Gui also said forcefully: "Even the King of Chu himself will look down on us, right?"
"Alas..." He Zhen sighed and said: "Since you don't hit the south wall and don't look back, then go ahead. But that is your personal behavior and does not represent the He family, and you are not allowed to talk about things under the guise of me.
.I and the He family must still firmly support His Highness’s decision.”
"Dad..." He Gui just wanted to persuade him again, but his second uncle stopped him with his eyes.
"Brother, don't worry, we won't conflict with the King of Chu or cause you any trouble." He Di expressed his position to He Zhen: "We should hide as much as possible so that they can't find it. Unless Chu
The king changed his title to King of Guangdong and ruled Guangdong forever. Otherwise, once he leaves, won't it still be our world?"
"You must keep your word and never hit it with an egg." He Zhen finished his instructions in a deep voice and then said nothing.
