Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: Extortion

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The voice of the little four-year-old boy echoed in the ears of his older brothers:
“I’m not blaming you all. It’s just that Little Twelve wasn’t trying hard and didn’t trust you. Today, Second Brother taught me a lesson. I won’t be like this anymore. Brothers, please forgive me, okay?”

Zhu Qiao played with Zhu Bai’s little head and smiled, saying, “With Second Brother around, who would dare?”

Then, he glanced sideways at everyone, his threatening look unmistakable.

Zhu Di and the others inwardly grumbled; their Second Brother always favored the youngest.

Ever since Fifth Brother Zhu Cu was born, Zhu Di became like someone else’s younger brother; once Zhu Zhen arrived, he ignored Zhu Cu, and so on. Now it was Little Twelve’s turn.

They all liked Little Twelve anyway, and with a bully watching nearby, they quickly reconciled and promised to take Zhu Bai out to play.

‘Truly worthy of me. Tsk tsk, isn’t this better? This family really can’t do without me. Sigh, I still need to check in with the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I am truly outstanding~’

Zhu Qiao shamelessly praised himself in his heart, then arrogantly turned and left with his hands behind his back.

···

However, just a few steps out of the palace, Zhu Qiao awkwardly turned around and asked Qin Er, “Hey, Qin Er, let me quiz you. As my personal guard, do you know where the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s office is?”

“Uh...” Qin Er looked at his unreliable master speechlessly—never seen someone so untrustworthy before. Quizzing me? As commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he can’t even find his own office.

But what could he do? Spoil him, of course~ So he answered, “This way, my lord.”

Then he turned on his heel and headed in another direction.

Zhu Qiao felt embarrassed that his own guard didn’t respect him; he scratched his nose awkwardly and trailed behind.

As they walked, he threatened Qin Er, “You little rascal, if you keep disrespecting me, I’ll dock your salary.”

“Go ahead, my lord. Just don’t forget that because you disdain eunuchs, I handle all the household finances here.”

“Uh, just you wait, Qin Er. I’ll send you to the military camp sooner or later.”

“Suit yourself, my lord. I don’t believe you can replace your personal guard.”

Qin Er didn’t even glance at Zhu Qiao and strode straight toward the Embroidered Uniform Guard office.

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“I am Qin Yi, greetings to Your Highness.” Qin Yi had received the news early and was already waiting with his men in front of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

“Your Highness, the Embroidered Uniform Guard pays respects to the Prince of Qin.” The guards of all ranks knelt in unison upon seeing Zhu Qiao.

“Hmm, rise. From now on, there is no Prince of Qin here, only the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. We are all brothers sharing the same fate. As long as you work well, I will make sure you eat well, drink well, get promoted, and grow rich!”

“But if any of you dare to act deceitfully behind my back, don’t blame me.”

The Embroidered Uniform Guard responded in unison, “We understand!”

One bold guard loudly asked, “Prince of Qin! Old Niu here doesn’t want food and drink. My lord, can I get a wife instead? My mother’s waiting for me to marry!”

“Hahaha, you old Niu...” The guards teased him good-naturedly.

“Alright, alright, as long as you’re capable, I’ll introduce you to palace maids who can read and write!” Zhu Qiao made a generous promise, thinking it was a good investment. Over a few years, the palace would marry off maids, and he could bring some over.

“Okay, you all disperse and attend to your duties.” Zhu Qiao waved them off.

Qin Yi stayed behind, following Zhu Qiao to inspect the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

“Qin Yi.”

“At your service.”

“How are the investigations going?” Zhu Qiao suddenly remembered he had given two orders. The maritime mission couldn’t be rushed, but the matter with the Shen family was different.

Last time, the Shen family’s shop tried to swindle me, but I haven’t forgotten that I always repay grievances fully.

Qin Yi smiled bitterly. “Your Highness, the time you gave was indeed short. In less than a day, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was just established, and the maritime mission hasn’t been arranged yet. I could only summarize the information collected on the Shen family during the interim period.”

“Tell me, is there anything useful?”

“Yes. I found that the Shen family’s business prices have steadily increased since the fifth year of Hongwu. Prices are now almost fifty percent higher than usual. Yet, they still receive goods at original prices, sometimes even lower.”

“Meanwhile, the person in charge in Yingtian Prefecture is Shen Rong, the Shen family’s eldest son. He bribed officials along trade routes with gold and silver worth tens of thousands of taels; the bribes to court officials included porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, gold, and silver, totaling over two million taels of silver.”

“Shen Rong once drunkenly claimed these were necessary tactics for merchants.”

“As for other illegal activities, none have been found. Most of the Shen family are simply interested in commerce.”

Qin Yi quickly finished his report and awaited Zhu Qiao’s decision.

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“That’s all? Any evidence? I can’t just accuse someone of framing without proof so soon after taking office.” Zhu Qiao asked sternly.

“Your Highness, there is. I’m your man; I wouldn’t sully your reputation.”

Qin Yi secretly glanced at Zhu Qiao, thinking, ‘Framing others seems to be your specialty. Now you’re afraid I’ll do it?’

“Let’s go. Come with me to see the Shen family. Bribing hundreds of officials—do they think they have superpowers?!”

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In front of the Shen residence:

“Your servant Shen Rong greets my lord. Please forgive me for not coming out to welcome you.” Upon hearing the news that Prince Qin Zhu Qiao had arrived, Shen Rong hurriedly dismissed the dancers and opened the main gate wide to greet him.

“Rise.” Without further ceremony, Prince Qin strode forward to the main hall.

Zhu Qiao sat directly in the seat of honor, his deep gaze fixed on Shen Rong, making the latter break into a cold sweat.

“My lord, what business brings you here?” Shen Rong, unable to bear the intense stare, wiped his sweat and asked cautiously.

“You want me to do something? So the Shen family is truly powerful, making a prince like me beg Shen Rong for favors?” Zhu Qiao toyed with the teacup on the table, his tone cold.

“Forgive me, my lord, I dare not.”

“Dare not? Your family’s price gouging, bribing officials with over two million taels of silver—what is there to fear? Your family certainly has money.”

“My lord, I have never committed any of these acts! I am innocent!”

Shen Rong knew Prince Qin was not here on friendly terms but did not know why. He knelt and pleaded, betting that the prince had no proof.

“Hmph, Qin Yi.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Qin Yi then took a document from his bosom and threw it at Shen Rong, striking him on the head and making him bleed.

“Open it and see. This was uncovered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. What are you to me, and how dare you think my prince would personally defame you!”