In the main hall.
Wang Hui and the others looked outside with unease, silently praying to the Jade Emperor and the Great Emperor Zhenwu, begging that the Emperor would stop exploiting them.
Compared to the tension of the aristocratic families, the wealthy merchants were filled with curiosity and anticipation. Although they were a little afraid, their excitement overwhelmed their fear.
This is the first time I've been summoned to the palace by the Emperor; it's an absolutely glorious thing for my ancestors.
Cough cough!
A grain merchant surnamed Huang, observing Wang Hui and the others, whispered, "Master Wang Clan, why are you all so nervous? Meeting the Emperor is an immense honor; ordinary people can't even get to see him."
He was very puzzled. These people were supposed to be worldly-wise before, so why did they all seem so timid?
Meeting the Emperor was such an honor; he had never had the chance before.
"Glory?"
Zhang Wanhao's lips twitched. Looking at this group of businessmen who seemed to be on a pilgrimage, he felt a little heartbroken.
How naive can you be to think this is a good thing? Have you never considered why we're so scared? We're all being forced into this!
That makes sense, though. Apart from a few familiar faces, the rest of these wealthy merchants were newly risen businessmen who followed the rise of the Great Liang, so they were all filled with gratitude and admiration for the emperor.
Moreover, merchants used to have a very low social status and were not even qualified to meet the emperor, so this was a very important matter for them now.
He couldn't help but sigh, "Brother, the world is a dangerous place. You must cherish the good times you have now, and you'll understand later."
Why!
Upon hearing this, Wang Hui and the others sighed deeply, feeling as if each day was an eternity, and hoping that the Emperor wouldn't be too cruel.
This kind of constant activity, who can stand it?
Old Huang was completely dumbfounded and couldn't help but mutter, "What kind of person is this? So dejected! This is supposed to be a powerful family? They're just pathetic!"
"Hahaha!"
Standing beside them, Cao Cao scoffed at their reactions and couldn't help but laugh.
He scoffed, "What kind of aristocratic family are they? They couldn't hold on so quickly. Their mental fortitude is terrible. They're definitely the worst aristocratic family in history."
" Cao Aman, you've gone too far!" Wang Hui's face turned green; this bastard was truly despicable.
This guy always extorts us, using a combination of coaxing, deception, and intimidation. Now he's saying we have poor mental fortitude. This bastard is infuriating!
Cao Cao picked his nose and sneered, "What, who do you think you are? You won't even let us speak? You want to usurp the throne?"
What kind of aristocratic family is this? That's hilarious! Go ahead and hit me if you dare!
Holy crap!
The surrounding group of wealthy merchants were dumbfounded. How could Lord Cao be so arrogant, completely disregarding the aristocratic families?
They were all from Great Ning, and they were used to the arrogance and domineering attitude of powerful families. They had never seen a powerful family so humble.
To be verbally abused to one's face and remain completely uncomplaining is utterly shameless.
"What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a handsome guy before?" Cao Cao rolled his eyes and said irritably when he saw these guys staring at him like they'd seen a ghost.
ah?
Everyone was stunned, but they couldn't afford to offend Cao Cao. He was the Minister of Ministry of Rites, a high-ranking official in the court, and someone who could cause death.
The group exchanged glances, pretended not to hear, and began to discuss amongst themselves.
"Brother Hu, I never expected to run into you here. What a coincidence!"
"Hahaha, I am honored by His Majesty's high regard for me, Hu. Naturally, I came without delay. This is a matter of great honor for my ancestors; if I did not come, heaven and earth would not tolerate it."
"Same to you, with the Emperor around, we have the confidence to back us up!"
Hearing their words, Zhang Wanhao's face turned green. Who the hell were these people? Didn't they know today was a pig-slaughtering festival?
To try and flatter the emperor at this point is utterly naive.
Looking at Cao Cao on the side, I knew nothing good was coming. I just hoped I wouldn't be tricked too badly.
Just then, footsteps suddenly came from outside, instantly silencing the hall as everyone looked in the direction of the sound.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
In an instant, the members of the aristocratic families suppressed their fear and became serious. No matter how much dissatisfaction they had, they dared not lose their temper in front of the emperor, for that would be a death sentence.
Merchants are different!
The merchants burst into tears upon seeing the emperor; it was the first time in their lives they had ever been summoned by the emperor, a truly unique experience for Scorpion Baba.
"Father, your son has met the Emperor! From now on, I will bring glory to our ancestors!"
Long live the Emperor!
They were so excited; to actually meet the Emperor one day was an absolute honor.
Wang Hui and the others looked at Lin Yi with trepidation, thinking that since the Emperor seemed to be in a good mood, there shouldn't be any problems.
On the dragon throne!
Lin Yi took in everyone's gazes and couldn't help but laugh. It seemed he had been too harsh on the aristocratic families, to the point that they were all so afraid.
It seems we'll need to give them more responsibilities in the future.
These businessmen, on the other hand, were quite interesting. Seeing how excited they were, it was practically a fan meeting!
His gaze fell on Cao Cao, who stood to the side, and he said in a deep voice, "Minister Cao, have all the people I notified arrived? I have always governed by Win People Over with Virtue, so surely no one will be dissatisfied and refuse my invitation?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Hui and the others' expressions changed drastically. Could it be that the Emperor was too lazy to even bother with the small gains, and was instead planning to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?
Thump!
Without hesitation, the men knelt down and said painfully, "Your Majesty, we feel only immense honor and have absolutely no dissatisfaction."
"Your Majesty, we came gladly, without the slightest dissatisfaction. We are all here willingly!"
Zhang Wanhao and the others were terrified. Although the Emperor hadn't said it explicitly, it was clear he was referring to them, which filled them with fear.
The Emperor's Nine Tripod Cauldrons in Great Liang. If he were to express dissatisfaction with us, we would surely face death.
Forehead!
Several merchants stood by, dumbfounded. Why did he suddenly kneel down while they were talking? It was quite unsettling.
Thump!
Gritting his teeth, Old Huang and the others also knelt down. The scene was too intimidating, and they felt it was better to kneel down as well.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Seeing this, Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh out loud and shook his head, saying, "Don't worry, it's a good thing that I called you here this time. If you seize the opportunity, your wealth could even multiply several times over!"
There's only one chance; it's up to you whether you can seize it!
If he wanted money, why would he need to let them into the palace? He could have just had Cao Cao handle the dirty work without having to get involved himself.
"Wealth multiplied several times!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Wanhao and the others, who were still feeling fear, suddenly felt their hearts pounding wildly, as if they were about to jump out of their chests.