Chapter 888: Instruction
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The first thing the government office would investigate was the mastermind who instigated Madam Zhang to stop the princess’s carriage and cry out for justice on the streets, as well as the mastermind who instigated the hooligans who stirred up the commoners.
When all the people involved were arrested and brought to justice, they would then investigate further. It was inevitable that it would implicate the death of Madam Zhang’s husband, the People’s Relief Hall, and the Bai Residence.
After the government office interrogated Madam Zhang, the case would be related to the Bai Residence. The government would issue relevant documents that prohibited the freedom of movement of the people from the Bai Residence. They would also send someone to keep an eye on the Bai Residence’s every move.
It was impossible to destroy the evidence or escape.
Old Master Bai’s heart was ashen. “The Bai family is at the Princess’s disposal.”
Although the Bai Residence had done many injustices, they still had their merits. Yu Youyao said calmly, “I want you to accuse the Han Clan of being unscrupulous and framing the People’s Relief Hall in the court. The motive of the Han Clan to do this is because the Bai Residence has unintentionally obtained evidence of the Han Clan’s corruption and lawlessness…”
“Isn’t— Isn’t this openly challenging the Han Clan…” When Madam Bai heard this, she felt dizzy and the world spun in front of her, almost fainting on the spot.
Old Master Bai’s body trembled as he gritted his teeth. “Princess, please instruct us.”
Yu Youyao was very satisfied with Old Master Bai’s tact. “It’s a long story. Sit down and talk.”
Old Master Bai was mentally and physically exhausted. His legs were as limp as noodles, and his body staggered. He only stopped falling because of Madam Bai’s help. The couple helped each other to the chairs.
The maidservant quickly served tea and snacks.
Yu Youyao held the teacup in her hand, but she did not drink it. “I heard from the maidservants in the side courtyard that the dinner prepared in the residence doesn’t seem to suit your taste. The two of you haven’t eaten dinner.” She smiled slightly and said gently, “My mother’s family is from Quanzhou, and the taste of the dishes follow my mother’s. She prefers salty and fresh food. The chefs in the Yu Garden are also good at Fujian cuisine, but I didn’t entertain them well.”
Her words seemed to be casual, but when the Bai couple heard this, they felt as if they had been pardoned.
Princess Shaoyi’s maternal family, the Xie Residence of Quanzhou, was also a merchant. These words undoubtedly indicated that Princess Shaoyi was very close to her maternal family, which indirectly showed her attitude towards merchants.
This was her sincerity.
Madam Bai quickly said, “Princess, you’re being too serious. We don’t have an appetite…”
Yu Youyao nodded slightly and said, “I can’t let you talk on an empty stomach. I ordered someone to prepare some exquisite pies and pastries from the Liaodong area. Have some to fill your stomach first.”
The Bai couple relaxed and felt thirsty and hungry. After drinking some tea and eating some snacks, they felt much better.
Only then did Yu Youyao say, “What the Bai Residence is most worried about now is that the Han Clan has something on you regarding the sale of inferior medicinal herbs in the People’s Relief Hall.”
Old Master Bai regretted it. The price of medicinal herbs in the North was 20% to 30% higher than ordinary herbs in other areas. Even if the price of inferior medicinal herbs was reduced by 30% to 40%, they could still be sold for a good price. The Bai family had more than 20 halls in the entire North. It was indeed easy to earn money without spending money.
It was inevitable that people in the medicinal herbs business would provoke human lives. The Bai Residence was a big family. As long as there was no problem with the medicinal herbs themselves, it would be settled with a little more money.
However, the person behind Madam Zhang’s matter was the Han Clan. This was simply a disaster for the Bai Residence.
If they had known earlier, they wouldn’t have done it back then. It was too late to regret it.
“However.” Yu Youyao changed the topic. “This isn’t impossible.”
Madam Bai’s eyes lit up and she quickly asked, “Princess, do you have a way?”
Yu Youyao did not keep him in suspense. “Do you still remember the message I sent to you this morning at the Dragon Phoenix Temple?”
Madam Bai was stunned for a moment before she reacted.
“My maternal family, the Xie family, has an ancestral teaching. All the talents in the world should be taken from the people and used on them. Seventy percent of one’s wealth should benefit the region, while 30% belongs to them. If you don’t earn unrighteous money, you can’t do anything unrighteous. This is the way of business. I’ve been taught by my maternal ancestors and have always admired these businessmen and nobles who are dedicated to good.”
This was what Princess Shaoyi had sent to her and the families of the nobles led by the Bai Residence. It coincided with the Bai Residence’s previous plan.
Yu Youyao continued, “Take the initiative to admit that the medicinal herbs sold by the People’s Relief Hall are all inferior medicinal herbs. The two of you are deeply interested in this and have decided to stand up and donate to the government, the You army, and the refugees on behalf of the nobles of the North. The government, the You army, and the commoners will all appreciate your benevolence.”
Old Master Bai was a little hesitant. “But, in that case, the Bai Residence’s reputation will be damaged, and the foundation that we’ve been managing for many years will probably…”
Yu Youyao said calmly, “This matter will be exposed sooner or later. By taking the initiative to admit your mistake, while avoiding being led by the nose, you can also strike first and cause the opponent to run out of tricks and fall into a passive position.”
Mrs. Bai immediately reacted. “The Han Clan will definitely expose the sale of inferior medicinal herbs by the People’s Relief Hall at the best time. At that time, the Bai Residence will completely fall into a passive state. If the Bai Residence steps forward and admits it, it will disrupt the Han Clan’s scheme and catch them off guard. The Bai Residence will still have room to deal with it.”
Yu Youyao nodded. “Just because the medicinal herbs are inferior doesn’t mean that they don’t have medicinal effects. The price of the medicinal herbs in the People’s Relief Hall is low, and this is also the truth. Although the Bai Residence’s reputation will be affected, it’s not uncontrollable. The medicinal herbs in the Baiji Medicine Shop will be sold at a reduced price to the commoners. The inferior medicinal herbs will be sold at half price and given away at the same time. There’s an old saying that goes, ‘The mouth that has been fed by others is soft.’ As long as the commoners take advantage of it, they won’t be too harsh.”
To be honest, the reputation of the Baiji Medicinal Shop was not bad.
The People’s Relief Hall had been in operation for many years, and it had indeed made things a little convenient for the commoners. Its reputation was also passable.
The commoners would fall for this.
The Bai Residence had done many injustices, but they had not lost their conscience. In the end, they had still begged for a way out for the Bai Residence. It was good to leave a way out for others.
“This is a good idea. Let’s do as the Princess says.” Madam Bai nodded repeatedly. In that case, although the Bai Residence would suffer a lot, as long as their foundation was still there, they could still earn back the family business.
However, Old Master Bai was still puzzled. “But once the case of Madam Zhang’s husband’s death spreads and the People’s Relief Hall is involved in a human life lawsuit, I’m afraid the commoners won’t buy it.”
The Princess’s method was good, but the premise was that the Bai Residence was not involved in a human life lawsuit.
Yu Youyao said, “That’s the second question.”
Old Master Bai was stunned. From what she said, was all of this within Princess Shaoyi’s consideration?
Yu Youyao continued, “Although the Bai Residence has committed many injustices, the bitter fruit it has brewed is also a little related to me. The Bai Residence has been accused for no reason, so I can’t just stand by and do nothing. As the saying goes, it’s good to learn from your mistakes. Since the Bai Residence has the intention to be kind, I’m naturally willing to help. Since the death of Madam Zhang’s husband has nothing to do with the People’s Relief Hall, I naturally won’t let the Bai Residence bear this crime.”
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