Upon entering the location, the family saw a huge sign that read " Ministry of Commerce," which surprised them slightly.
" Ministry of Commerce?"
Everyone was filled with question marks. The current imperial court has six ministries: the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of War. When did a Ministry of Commerce appear?
Wang Hui's face turned solemn, and his previously uneasy expression turned to one of horror. This newly emerged department was definitely not a good thing. Now that Cao Cao had chosen it as the location for a meeting, he was probably targeting his aristocratic families.
He said in a deep voice, "Everyone be careful. This Ministry of Commerce is probably targeting us. Be careful what you say, or the consequences could be severe!"
Creating a dedicated department to control powerful families is no small matter; it could easily lead to bloodshed.
"Business!"
Everyone's pupils contracted. Was the Emperor trying to force the aristocratic families into the commercial sector? This was far too unbecoming of his status.
They soon entered the Ministry of Commerce and saw Cao Cao, who had been their counterpart before. Beside him was Mi Zhu, the Minister of Ministry of Revenue. The two of them looked at the man in the main seat with respect.
The man merely glanced at them, yet it sent shivers down their spines, making them tremble uncontrollably.
emperor!
Upon seeing this, everyone's expression changed drastically; it was actually the Emperor himself who had come!
Ignoring their suspicions, the men quickly knelt on the ground and said in deep voices, "This humble subject greets Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
Regardless of their status, they could only bow down and submit to Lin Yi. The current emperor was not someone they could control. On the contrary Lin Yi could decide their life or death with a single word, ensuring they would never have the ability to rise again.
"Aristocratic family"
Lin Yi glanced at the group, looking at the sweating crowd before him. A strange glint flashed in his eyes. These were probably some of the most humble aristocratic families in history.
He didn't tell them to stand up, but instead smiled and said, "Gentlemen, do you think I invited you here today?"
"We common folk are unaware!"
Zhang Wanhao and the others felt their hearts pounding. The Emperor's refusal to let them rise was undoubtedly a warning to these aristocratic families.
At this point, it's best not to say anything more and just listen to what the Emperor has to say.
A smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes as he said softly, "Powerful families have always been something the imperial power fears. Once the imperial power weakens, these families will inevitably take advantage of it. What do you think I should do with you?"
Holy crap!
Upon hearing this, not only Zhang Wanhao broke out in a cold sweat, but even Zhang Ruohai and the others who had previously submitted to Great Liang couldn't help but gasp in shock, feeling completely uneasy.
What does Your Majesty mean by this? Is this an attempt to purge the aristocratic families?
Bang!
"Your Majesty, spare us! We are the most obedient family in history! We did nothing wrong!"
Several timid aristocratic family heads in the crowd were so frightened they almost wet themselves. They started kowtowing frantically, disregarding all family etiquette. If the emperor made a decision at this moment, their entire clan would be wiped out.
The current emperor is ruthless and decisive; he even wiped out his own father-in-law. So what chance do he have against threats like himself? Once he's put on the purge list, his family will probably be wiped out completely.
Hearing his words, Cao Cao sneered, "Hmph, you dare to disobey? As for not doing anything, that's because you can't do anything. But given the chance, you'd probably dare to do anything!"
He knew perfectly well what kind of people these aristocratic families were; they were a group of people who thought highly of themselves and believed they controlled everything.
If it weren't for the Emperor's domineering nature, these guys would probably have done anything by now, and might even have dared to compete with the Emperor for some power.
The reason they didn't do it was because the emperor was too powerful, and the aristocratic families were frightened.
Once the powerful families have recovered their strength after a period of time, they will definitely stir up trouble as soon as possible. This is a professional skill of powerful families in controlling the discourse.
Oh!
Upon hearing Cao Cao's words, a smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes. This guy really seems to be at odds with the aristocratic families.
It's understandable, though. He was born into a family of eunuchs and was already ostracized and despised by aristocratic families. He was later bullied so badly that he ended up slaughtering several waves of people.
Now that he has the opportunity to take down the powerful families, he naturally feels obligated to do so.
Damn it!
Upon hearing Cao Cao's words, Wang Hui and the others could no longer sit still; this was tantamount to killing someone's spirit.
If the Emperor were to become enraged and order the extermination of all of them, then we would all be doomed.
Wang Hui gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, our Southern aristocratic families are now merely nominally defunct, and we certainly will not cause you any trouble. The Wang Clan is even more willing to serve Your Majesty, through thick and thin, without hesitation!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, my Zhang Clan is also willing to serve you. Whatever you say, that's fine!" Zhang Wanhao simply lay down and accepted the situation. Since they couldn't win, then it was up to you to decide.
Holy crap!
Zhang Ruoyun and the others on the side turned green with anger. "You southern aristocratic families are just lying low because you were already impoverished, but what about us northerners?"
Zhang Ruoyun and the others exchanged glances, their faces filled with bitterness.
Judging from the Emperor's momentum, this is clearly not a minor skirmish; it's bound to cause serious damage. The South can go all in and simply follow the Emperor, while our side is a powerful family at the height of its power.
Such a favorable situation, completely overwhelming the momentum of the Southern aristocratic families, makes it an extremely difficult decision to give up.
Bang!
In the end Zhang Ruohai lowered his head. He knew in his heart that although his northern aristocratic families were powerful, in the eyes of the emperor they were nothing more than fat sheep waiting to be harvested.
If one doesn't follow the emperor, the aristocratic families will soon be purged, and their wealth and resources will still belong to the Great Liang.
He said bitterly, "Your Majesty, my Zhang Clan is willing to heed Your Majesty's teachings and give up land and some resources, but we hope that Your Zhang Clan will spare our lives, considering our small contributions!"
He knew in his heart that other things could be preserved, but the land and the people were probably gone, which was undoubtedly what the emperor feared most.
With him taking the lead, the others lowered their heads; at this point, that was all they could do.
They handed over their land and family genealogy records in exchange for a glimmer of hope.
"Very good!"
Seeing their tactful manner, a smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "I am very pleased with your spirit. It seems I still lack understanding of the aristocratic families!"
call!
Seeing the smile on the Emperor's face, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, finally escaping a calamity and saving their lives.
"Not at all, not at all. If it weren't for His Majesty's teachings..." The crowd chuckled dryly. It wasn't some kind of spirit they were showing; they were just forced into this situation.