In ancient times, I just wanted to be a salted fish

Chapter 194 Count Linon

The ministers held a potato or sweet potato in their hands and were half full. They all praised the new food for its delicious taste and soft and sticky flavor.

After the court was dismissed, Emperor Xuanwu led his ministers to the entrance of the hall. Looking at the mountains of canned fruits and vegetables in front of him, he couldn't help but look around out of curiosity.

These cans are filled with a variety of delicious foods, such as canned peaches, canned hawthorns, etc., as well as hot and sour sauce.

Most officials had tasted it before, but it was not common because it was expensive and difficult to buy. But now, the emperor has piles and piles of canned food.

However, the emperor was reluctant to share the watermelons and tomatoes with his ministers to taste. After all, he had reserved them for himself and his concubines.

The emperor already knew that Chen Ruotong's grandfather, Chen Jichang, had come to live in the capital. So, after drafting the imperial edict, he asked Xiao Lizi to deliver it directly to Huicui Tower.

Xiao Lizi took the imperial edict, two thousand taels of silver, and more than ten pieces of high-quality cloth, got on the carriage, and came to Huicui Building.

Xiao Lizi walked into Huicui Building leisurely, holding the imperial edict in his hand and with a smile on his face. It was already afternoon and there were not many customers.

When Chen Sanhe saw Xiao Lizi coming, he hurried forward to greet him.

Xiao Lizi explained the reason and Chen Sanhe took him into the back house.

Old Man Chen, Old Lady Chen, Chen Ruotong, Chen Sanhe, and Zhang Ruixi knelt down and kowtowed to receive the order.

Xiao Lizi unfolded the imperial edict and began to read:

"It is God's destiny, the emperor decreed:

Chen Jichang, Baron of Linong, planted potatoes, sweet potatoes and other high-yield crops, which benefited the country and the people. Chen Jichang was specially conferred the title of Earl of Linong with a fief of 700 households.

Kudos to this!"

Several members of the Chen family said in unison: "Thank you, Lord, for your grace. Long live our emperor, long live our emperor, long, long live our emperor!"

The Chen family had experienced this kind of situation before, so they were not nervous when they received the imperial edict the second time.

After they stood up, Chen Ruotong handed a red envelope to Xiao Lizi, who took it and said, "The emperor also gave Mr. Chen two thousand taels of silver and more than ten pieces of cloth as a reward. Send someone to get them from the carriage!"

Chen Ruotong thought: The young emperor is very considerate. He conferred the title of Earl and gave me money. Hmm, not bad, not bad. I am very satisfied. Hahahaha…

Chen Sanhe took two servants, took the silver and cloth from the cart, and delivered them to the rooms of Old Man Chen and Old Lady Chen.

After Xiao Lizi left, the whole family held the imperial edict and were overjoyed.

Old Man Chen and Old Lady Chen were so excited that they kept wiping away tears. Old Man Chen said, "It's all thanks to my grandson. I never thought that our Chen family, who were born in the mud, would have a day to rise to prominence..."

Chen Ruotong smiled and said, "Grandpa, this is what you deserve. Today, our Chen family is also an earl, and an earl is much higher than a baron. The fiefdom is 700 households, which means there are 700 households that can pay grain taxes to Grandpa."

"Grandpa doesn't care about taxes, as long as those families live well! If they don't live well, we have to support them and reduce the burden on the emperor. We have to know how to repay kindness!"

"Yeah, that's what Grandpa said!"

"Xiao Si, tomorrow you should send Feng Liangyu to deliver the imperial edict back to Pingyang Prefecture and place it in the ancestral hall so that our ancestors can see that our Chen family now has a position in the capital!"

"Okay, I'll follow Grandpa's instructions!"

The next day, Chen Ruotong accompanied Old Man Chen and Old Lady Chen to inspect the underwear workshop on the outskirts of Beijing.

Looking at the large farm in front of him and the busy harvest scene of the tenant farmers, Old Man Chen felt very satisfied.

The title of Earl, the silver reward, the big house, the big farm, the old man Chen was full of joy. He always had a smile on his face, and his mood was like a blooming big red flower, bright and brilliant!

These days, Liang Zhilan and Su Kexin were so busy with the human trafficking that they completely ignored the fact that Chen Ruotong had returned to the capital.

However, to her surprise, there was no news of the eight killers and Xiao Liuzi she had sent out before.

She knew in her heart that if the emperor had not intervened, these people would not have disappeared so silently.

She understood that getting rid of Chen Guchuan was not an easy task, but for now she could only put the idea aside and focus on the brothel business first.

After all, only by ensuring the smooth operation of the business can you protect your own interests.

When Liang Zhilan learned that Chen Ruotong had returned to Beijing and brought high-yield grain seeds and some rare fruits and vegetables, and was rewarded by the emperor and the Chen family was awarded the title of earl, she was very angry.

But what can she do? The Chen family has won the emperor's favor and attention, so it is even more difficult for her to take action. She hates herself for being soft-hearted and not strangling Chen Ruotong to death when she first showed signs of being evil.

At the same time, Zhen Yu, Wei Bufan and others are also trying their best to quickly investigate the human trafficking case.

On the tenth day of September, Feng Liangyu returned to Chen Mansion in Pingyang Prefecture with the imperial edict.

Chen Jianshu placed the imperial edict in the ancestral hall, kowtowed and prayed to his ancestors, then set off with his escort team, pulling several carts of potatoes and sweet potato seeds, back to his hometown, Chenjiabao.

Time passed like a white horse passing by, and in the blink of an eye it was already the twelfth lunar month. Chen Ruotong, Old Man Chen, Old Lady Chen, and Chen Sanhe and his wife had lived in the new house for two months.

They have adapted to the pace of life here. Although the consumption level in Beijing is relatively high, they now have enough wealth and do not need to worry about the cost of living. This happy and leisurely life makes them feel extremely satisfied.

On the second day of the twelfth lunar month, a shocking event occurred in the capital city - Princess Liang Zhilan was arrested and imprisoned by the Dali Temple on charges of human trafficking, which resulted in the death or disability of hundreds of people. This news was like a heavy bomb, instantly detonating the entire capital city.

In addition, more than 40 officials of all ranks were implicated, including Xie Renhuai, the prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, and Ma Chenggong, the prefect of Chaoyang Prefecture. At the same time, all brothels and prostitute houses in the capital were forced to close.

This series of events has attracted widespread attention and heated discussions from all walks of life in Beijing.

People expressed indignation at the crimes committed by Liang Zhilan and others, but also supported the harsh measures taken by the court.

This turmoil not only affected the official structure of the capital, but also caused the people to think deeply about the capital's public security and personal protection.

Under pressure from people from all walks of life, Liang Yachi was unable to protect Liang Zhilan. This made him even more anxious, and he made up his mind to plan a rebellion in advance.

Time is running out. The little emperor is now fully grown. If we don’t take action now, we may never have another chance.

This major case was tried from the second to the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. The young emperor handled the matter swiftly and decisively, mercilessly executing those officials who should be executed and exiling those who should be exiled.

As for Liang Zhilan, the young emperor chose not to make a judgment for the time being, but to imprison her first to observe how Liang Yachi would react.

Liang Yachi had never expected that the young emperor would act so decisively. He realized that he might have underestimated the young emperor.

Because he had been hesitant and did not dare to take action, the little emperor gradually became stronger and more independent.

Liang Zhilan is of great significance to Liang Yachi. She is not only his eldest daughter, but also his beloved daughter. She is also an important tool for him to make money. In order to rescue his daughter, Liang Yachi had to take some actions.

However, the little emperor was not in a hurry. He had made full preparations and was just waiting for Liang Yachi to take action.

This struggle has entered a critical stage. Both sides are waiting for the other to reveal a flaw. A thrilling contest is about to begin...