Chapter 1077
Going with Eunuch Li
Chapter 1077 Going with Eunuch Li
The sun was shining brightly.
The streets were bustling with people. After discussing the matter of the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment venue), the group headed towards Yunhai Money Exchange.
The money exchange here was just a large one, with its main gate half-closed. Three layers of guards surrounded the entrance, and inside was a partially open room where the accountant, behind a curtain, fiddled with his abacus, making a loud "clattering" sound.
It seems,
The people inside this gatehouse must be the place where they open for business, but the estate is so big, isn't it a bit too shabby to do business like this?
“Ningbian, that’s where Yunhai Money Exchange does business. It feels like their business is shady, like a pawnshop.”
They were hiding their true intentions, and looking around the estate, there were quite a few side gates, and the place was drafty, so there must be some clandestine business going on.
"My lord, the work of depositing silver should naturally be done discreetly. If it gets out, it will be troublesome. That gate over there is for exchanging small amounts of money. If you have a lot of silver, you can go in. However, before you go in, you need to have your silver notes checked. There are quite a few rules."
Ningbian has clearly come more than once. There are many rules here, but it is precisely because of these rules that Sihai Money Exchange has been able to stand the test of time. Therefore, it will likely be somewhat difficult for the Marquis to retrieve the silver this time.
"Hmph, rules are rules, but people are flexible. Now that you have the silver notes, you must withdraw the silver and bring everything you need."
Zhang Jinyu had collected a considerable amount of silver notes from the south, amounting to several hundred thousand taels in total. Combined with the money allocated to the Prince of Jin, it would just be enough. Therefore, no matter what, they had to obtain it.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, everything has been brought, and there are even some extra items,"
Thinking of the Marquis's instructions to take those bloodstained items, he was somewhat puzzled. Why take the silver and those furnishings in the room?
"Let's go, let's go over there,"
At Zhang Jinyu's command, the entire group marched towards the gate of Yunhai Money Exchange. Just then,
suddenly,
From the street corner ahead, the sound of chains being dragged could be heard. It turned out that the Imperial City Guard was escorting more than a dozen blue cloth carriages, which slowly came to a stop in front of the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) gate. The gray paint on the carriage shafts had fallen off, revealing the dark red base paint underneath, which was the regulation for the families of convicted officials.
Zhang Jinyu raised her hand, then realized something was amiss. So many officials had fallen from grace in just a few days, yet there hadn't been much news about it in the capital. Just then, a southerly wind blew, rustling the blue cloth covering the area, and she glimpsed a corner. Inside the cage, there was half a lotus-root-colored skirt, the gold-embroidered cloud pattern on the hem stained with mud.
Then, the blue cloth was removed, first revealing a brocade pouch embroidered with silver butterflies. The woman at the head of the group, about thirty years old, had a pale white dress with muddy hem, and her silver hairpin was askew. She was holding a seven or eight-year-old girl in her arms, one of the girl's embroidered shoes missing. Several other children followed behind, all biting their lips tightly, refusing to cry out.
Following closely behind was another pretty woman, dressed in a light ink-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), which was much cleaner; however, all those escorted were women.
After everyone got off the carriage, a burly manager came out of the brothel and cursed.
"Stop crying! Stand up straight, all of you!"
Seeing that no one paid any attention, he took out a whip from his waist and lashed it hard against the ground. The loud crack silenced the group of women. Seeing their reaction, the manager smiled with satisfaction.
“You’re all a bunch of lowly women. According to the rules, you are all sinners. From now on, you’ll live in the brothel. First, hand over all your valuables.”
Everyone was somewhat frightened, and the two wives instinctively protected their gold and silver jewelry for peace of mind. However, this action did not escape the notice of the steward, who flashed a fierce look and shouted angrily.
"search,"
Several thugs from the brothel rushed over, surrounded the women, and began to rob them of everything—gold and silver jewelry, jade belts, jadeite, even the silver hairpins in their hair.
"Manager, spare my life! That's the money to save the child's life!"
Mrs. Hu staggered and tried to snatch it, but was kicked back and fell heavily to her knees.
"Hmph, life-saving money,"
The thug grinned maliciously.
"You'll be working for the Imperial Music Bureau in the future, wouldn't it be better to use all this money to buy cosmetics?"
After saying that, he handed over the gold and silver items he had looted to the captain in charge of the Imperial City Guard, and said ingratiatingly;
"Sir, you must be tired from your journey. This is my humble offering. The handover is now complete. Thank you for your hard work, sir."
"Well, it's not hard work. Sign the documents, hand over the goods, and these people are all in your hands now, brothers, let's go."
The captain escorting the goods, perhaps already accustomed to it, nodded with satisfaction as he held the package of gold and silver items before leading his troops back.
This scene,
Zhang Jinyu observed everything. Looking at the ladies' attire—fine brocade dresses and skirts, clearly in the style of Jiangnan—he wondered if the offending official was from Jiangnan.
"Ningbian, go and ask them where these families came from and what crimes they committed. I'm quite curious,"
Whether it's genuine curiosity or not, only he knows. Could it be a major case in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangnan?
"Yes, my lord, I will go and inquire immediately."
He then selected a few personal guards and rushed straight to the gate of the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau).
Meanwhile, from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau), another eunuch emerged from the building, strode out, toying with a jade thumb ring in his hand. His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on the two at the head of the group. His loose black hair fell around him, making him appear somewhat undignified.
"The two ladies are well-educated and reasonable, and they should also know a little about the rules of officialdom, as well as some crimes and the rules of the Jiaofangsi. They cannot leave."
The steward's voice was a little hoarse, but he did not insult her. On the contrary, he was very polite. Seeing that the steward was easy to talk to, Ma's wife straightened her back and her face became more serious.
"Father-in-law, although we are women, what crime has our husband's family committed to warrant such a devastating blow as to the confiscation of our property? We beg you to treat our daughter kindly and not to do this."
"Hmph, treat her well, Madam. Magistrate Ma and Hutongzhi are not unaware of the offenses they committed. This is the Jiaofangsi, a place for serving men. Do you think this is a nunnery? However, considering that Madam knows proper etiquette, these younger ones will be sent to the laundry room to serve. But ladies, you will be entertaining guests."
The steward walked over, reached out and pinched the child's cheek, and smiled.
"She's still a girl; if it were a boy, I'm afraid..."
Before he finished speaking, the sound of hooves came from behind. A group of golden-armored cavalry galloped over. Leading them was Ning Bian, the deputy general of the Marquis's mansion. With a cold face, he scanned the crowd and looked at the eunuch in front of him. This person was also familiar to him. He was Li Jin, the old eunuch from the Jiaofangsi.
"Eunuch Li, I apologize for disturbing you."
"Oh, it's General Ning. I'm so sorry for my neglect. My eyesight is getting worse and worse. General Ning, is there anything I can do for you? Why don't you come in and have a cup of tea?"
Steward Li looked up and saw that it was Ning Bian, the deputy general of the Marquis's residence. How could he be negligent? He insisted on pulling General Ning inside.
"Thank you for your hospitality, sir. My master is still waiting there, so it's not convenient. My master would like to ask, do you know whose family members these people who have been brought in are?"
Ningbian had no interest in arguing with the eunuch, so he quickly dodged away. Looking at the pretty woman before him, he felt a pang of regret in his eyes.
"Ah, the Marquis has also arrived. Perhaps you have some complaints about our poor hospitality last time? How about this, since you are here for tea this time, we will definitely make it up to you. I will go and pay my respects to the Marquis."
With his mind still filled with the image of the Marquis's anger from the last time, Eunuch Li, without waiting for General Ning to stop him, led a few eunuchs and ran across the street.
Ning Bian was dumbfounded and had no choice but to turn back and follow them. Just as he was about to leave, the women knelt on the ground and blocked his way.
"Your Honor, we are innocent! Our husband's family has been bewitched!"
Before he could even speak, he was slapped across the face by a thug from the brothel.
"You bastard, how dare you speak like that!"
Ningbian left nothing behind and spurred his horse away.
Across the street,
Zhang Jinyu, who had been waiting for news, was somewhat surprised to see a pregnant eunuch in a brocade robe running towards her.
When the people arrived, they recognized him as an acquaintance. "Eunuch Li, don't be in such a hurry. It's been many days since we last met. You look quite prosperous. It seems that the business of the brothel is booming."
"Haha, oh dear, I've been wanting to see the Marquis for a long time. Today, with such good news, I was wondering if I had met a distinguished person. Look, I've just stepped out and met the Marquis. What a joyous occasion!"
With a flushed face, Eunuch Li showered Zhang Jinyu with flattery, leaving her somewhat overwhelmed. It's said that eunuchs have unparalleled eloquence, and that's certainly true.
"You're too kind, sir. It's fate that we met. As soon as I arrived, I saw the group of people escorted by the Imperial City Guard. Judging from their clothes, they seem to be from Jiangnan. May I ask whose family they are?"
Seeing that Ningbian and the others had returned, they knew they hadn't found out the truth about the matter, so he had no choice but to speak up himself to verify his suspicions.
Eunuch Li smiled, leaned closer, and whispered;
"Ah, I truly believe in the fate that you spoke of, Lord Marquis. Today is my first day on duty, and I have already found you, Lord Marquis. The matter you just asked about, I suppose you must have met these officials before. The families of Ma Guangcheng, the Vice Prefect of Jinling Prefecture, and Hu Wenxuan, the Assistant Magistrate, arrived early this morning on a ship from Jiangnan."
As soon as this word comes out,
Zhang Jinyu was suddenly startled. They had returned so quickly. It seemed the cabinet had already made a decision—no, it must be His Majesty's decision. In that case, Xu Changwen and Xu Dong should have returned to the capital as well. But why hadn't any news arrived?
"But those officials from Jiangnan have returned to the capital."
"To be honest, Your Excellency, all the officials have returned and are staying at the Military Affairs Office, where they are temporarily detained. As for Ma Guangcheng and Hu Wenxuan, the evidence is conclusive, and they have been sentenced to immediate execution. They are just waiting to be executed in the autumn, and their families will all be sent to the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution)."
Eunuch Li tilted his head, looked around, and then replied in a low voice that news of his arrival today had not yet spread.
Zhang Jinyu then realized what was going on, took out a hundred-tael silver note from his sleeve, and handed it over familiarly.
"Eunuch Li is really generous. I'll make up for this invitation later. I have important business to attend to today. Let's go to the brothel for drinks next time."
"You're too kind, Lord Marquis. I'll make arrangements for your next visit to the Music Bureau. May I ask what brings you here today?"
Just as he was about to leave, he saw the Marquis arriving with his troops, followed by a carriage. Could it be that they were here to collect silver? Realizing he had spoken out of turn, he quickly tried to apologize and leave.
But a sudden inspiration struck Zhang Jinyu, and she replied;
"I almost forgot about something important. Eunuch Li, you've come at the perfect time. I've picked up quite a few banks in the south of the capital, as well as some things I've been hiding. I'll take them all out today and send them to the palace. Why don't we come in together, Eunuch Li?"
Steward Li stamped his foot. How could a mere eunuch like him know about the Marquis of Luoyun coming to collect the silver for the palace? Thinking back, there was no way he could claim it was picked up from the south. Perhaps it was intercepted and killed. The area south of the capital was vast; countless wealthy families had fled. Perhaps…
Thinking of this, my body suddenly shuddered.
"Oh dear, my lord, I dare not get involved in this matter. Please do as you see fit."
They had come full of excitement, but now they were eager to leave. Zhang Jinyu, unwilling to accept this, dismounted and gestured for them to proceed.
"I heard that you, sir, are also coming to collect the silver. Why don't we come together?"
Zhang Jinyu suddenly reached out and grabbed Eunuch Li's wrist, from which a thousand taels of silver notes flowed and landed in Eunuch Li's hand. It appeared to be a bow, but was actually a plea for him to stay. Faced with the thousand taels of silver notes in his hand, Eunuch Li felt helpless and cursed his bad luck inwardly.
"Very well, since it is the Marquis who has invited me, I will take out some silver. Please, Marquis."
moment,
Eunuch Li smiled again, waved to the eunuch behind him, and the group walked towards the courtyard gate together.
This scene was witnessed by the accountant inside the silver chest, who immediately sent someone to the backyard.
They hadn't gone far when they saw a large group of people enter the courtyard. Just then, the head manager, Wang Henian, was leading his men towards the gate. Upon meeting, Wang Henian immediately clasped his hands in a salute.
"Greetings, Lord Marquis; greetings, Eunuch Li. I, Wang, have failed to greet you properly."
He quickly calculated in his mind what these two distinguished guests had come together for, especially the Marquis of Luoyun's residence, which he was most wary of. Yunhai Bank had taken a lot of silver from Sihai Bank's bank.
Zhang Jinyu had no time to think about these things. Looking around, she saw a landscape of artificial hills and gardens, the exquisite courtyards even more magnificent. The central building was like an open shop, fully equipped with tables and chairs, but the interior was concealed by hidden doors. The imposing presence of the world's number one money house was certainly well-executed.
"Why say so much? I've come today to collect the silver. I'll exchange all 1,100 taels of silver notes for cash."
Without any apparent reason, Eunuch Li handed over the silver notes given to him by the Marquis. Wang Henian looked puzzled; this amount of silver could be exchanged at the gatekeeper's money exchange, so why bother coming to the manor?
Seeing that Marquis Luo Yun remained unmoved, he suspected that his purpose in coming here was not simple. He quickly took the silver note, touched it casually, and then handed it to the accountant behind him.
"Don't worry, sir, the silver will be brought soon. May I ask what brings you here, Lord Marquis?"
The amount of silver was a small matter, but with so many people following Marquis Luo Yun, it must be something else entirely. Wang Henian's gaze swept between the three men, and he noticed a hidden gold thread in Eunuch Li's sleeve. He quickly made up his mind; it seemed Eunuch Li had been promoted.
"We've come to collect the silver, and it's quite a lot. Since Manager Wang is here too, we can easily trouble him."
Behind her, Ning Bian handed her a wooden box. Zhang Jinyu took it and opened it a crack. Inside, it was filled to the brim with silver notes from the Sihai Money Exchange. Some of the notes even had bloodstains on them.
A foul stench of blood made the group frown. Manager Wang was startled and quickly took a step back.
"My lord, Eunuch Li, please come inside and discuss this further."
Then he quickly called out to the waiter behind him.
"Someone, bring tea to the first-class room on the east side."
"Yes, Manager."
And so, led by Wang Henian, the group arrived at the east wing. The spacious flower hall contained only a large table, along with fine decorations and all sorts of utensils; even the floor was covered with a carved carpet.
As soon as I sat down, a maidservant brought in tea, filling the cups with fragrant tea.
On the middle table, Zhang Jinyu placed the wooden box in the center, opened the lid, looked at the somewhat uneasy Manager Wang, and smiled.
"Manager Wang, these silver notes are also entrusted to me. They total 1.1 million taels of silver, and I want cash."
He tapped his fingertips on the table, then poured all the silver notes onto it, leaving them scattered all over the table. There were many more scattered around. Eunuch Li looked horrified. The teacup he was holding trembled, and a drop of tea spilled out, but he didn't even notice. Where did the Marquis get such a huge sum of one million taels?
Upon closer inspection, his gaze swept over the silver notes, which bore faint cinnabar marks. His pupils contracted sharply. These were the private seals of those large merchant guilds, holding large-denomination notes. The Marquis had been entrusted by them. The bloodstains on those notes were extremely glaring.
"You jest, my lord."
Wang Henian's eyes had already scanned the silver notes and receipts on the table. Most of them were stubs from various chambers of commerce in southern Beijing, or rather, the marks of wealthy merchants. But the Marquis only had silver notes, without any inscribed marks. How could he possibly withdraw this silver?
"My lord, these silver notes are the reserves of various merchant guilds. They all have special markings and can only be exchanged with the seals and stamps of each guild. I wonder if you have brought any with you?"
The situation in southern Beijing is common knowledge, and all the major banks within the Great Wall have suffered heavy losses, including the Sihai Money Shop. If everyone could exchange these for silver, would the Sihai Money Shop still be able to continue operating?
"Oh, you need a mark? Okay, Ningbian, bring the things over here."
Zhang Jinyu remained calm and instructed Ning Bian to bring in a gray box. The box appeared old, and its contents were unknown.
"Open it and let Manager Wang have a look,"
"Yes, Lord Marquis."
Ning Bian's lips curled into a smirk as he reached out and opened the box. A stench of decay wafted out. Inside, besides severed limbs and other remains preserved in ash, there were also numerous bloodstained artifacts.
Such a horrifying scene, witnessed by the group, caused the servants to scream and retreat in terror. Even the worldly-wise Wang Henian was filled with horror. The severed limbs and dismembered bodies clearly did not belong to one person. Some of the bloodstained jewelry still had scalp and hair attached, indicating that their owners had long since died a violent death, severed by a sharp weapon—a truly gruesome sight.
In a moment of fear, his face turned deathly pale as he asked;
"My lord, what do you mean by this?"
(End of this chapter)