Chapter 191

Chapter 191 - Not yet

Every year, the amount of salt shipped to various locations was recorded, but after reviewing the records, Teng Yu noticed that the quantity decreased significantly at each destination.

The official explanation was that a lot of salt was lost along the way. If there was no seal, it would consume a lot, but it was impossible for so much salt to be filled with an urn each time.

There was more to the story, and if the salt on every boat or cart was overstated by ten percent, the annual accumulation of salt would be a staggering amount.

Additionally, he discovered that some salt ships even sank or disappeared entirely, usually during the spring and summer when the rain was heavy. Even if they found out the truth, it would probably be difficult to uncover.

Teng Yu maintained a serious demeanor for several days. Each new clue he found didn't make him happy; instead, it weighed heavily on his mind.

“Tang Jian deserves to die!” Teng Yu slammed an account book he had found from the Tang Family onto the table and paced around the study angrily.

The entire Tang Clan was already imprisoned, and all their wealth had been accounted for. This time, Teng Yu had dug a few feet into the ground to find the account book.

When Tang Jian was transferred to the capital, he likely didn't expect that he would never return, so he preserved the information in his family.

When his crime was announced, the officials from Yunjin City also wanted to act against the Tang Family. However, when Tang Jian left home, he spent a large sum of money to hire many guards to protect his family members.

This account book was very thick and meticulously maintained. Each page recorded the profits Tang Jian had obtained from the salt revenue management, as well as his shares with others.

Among them, the person who shared the most with Tang Jian was the Mu Family, followed by the Xiao Family.

Teng Yu had long expected that if the Duke of Yunjin City didn't agree, Tang Jian's matter wouldn't have progressed so smoothly. Not to mention that the note “Cloud Bridge Pier's Midway” had actually appeared in Xuanzhi Mansion's study.

“Your majesty, news has arrived.” Han Qing walked in quickly and whispered a sentence into Teng Yu's ear.

Teng Yu threw the account book into a box and instructed Han Qing to lock it. With a cold face, he ordered, “This time, those with the surname Mu might not come out personally. Bring your men and cut off the boats. Capture every single person involved in this matter!”

“Yes, and Xuanzhi Mansion...”

“I will naturally find a way to delay them!”

“What if there is resistance?”

“Kill!”

“Yes.”

In the afternoon, the sky darkened. Black clouds rolled in, and thunder and lightning appeared one after another. A heavy autumn rain began to fall.

“Now isn't the time!” Teng Yu's eyes flashed. “The Emperor must have been poisoned for two or three months, so there's no need to rush. Let's wait for news from the palace. If it succeeds, the Emperor will surely have someone concoct the antidote. At that time, we can just make the prescription public.”

In any case, the person who concocted the antidote was originally an Imperial Physician. The Emperor definitely wouldn't abandon the Imperial Physician to find the antidote himself.

“Then you need to send more people to keep an eye on the Duke of Qin. If he interferes, this matter won't be resolved easily.” It wasn't that Yin Xu underestimated Teng Ji, but compared to the cunning Duke of Qin, Teng Ji was still too inexperienced.

Teng Yu immediately flipped to the last page, showing it to Yin Xu. “He just can't stop. Yesterday, the emperor suggested that the storage should be completed as soon as possible to ensure no successors are left out.”

“Oh, your Royal Father must be really angry.” Yin Xu held back his laughter.

“People have been bringing this up for years. It's normal for the Duke of Qin to suggest establishing the crown prince while managing the clan's estate. The emperor might not be furious, but he definitely isn't pleased.”

As an emperor in his prime, who would like someone suggesting finding a successor and remembering his legacy?

“This time, I'm going to force him to reveal himself!” Teng Yu taunted. “His manpower, financial resources, and military strength aren't very strong. The Xiao Family and the Sky Piercing Sect are only cooperating with him and won't give their all to help. When the time comes, these people will be the quickest to fall.”

The Duke of Qin couldn't be left alive. He was a poisonous snake hiding in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.

Teng Yu didn't like the idea of a bystander emerging at the end to fight for the throne.

“You should also be careful of Lai Jiquan. This person has strong martial arts,” Yin Xu reminded.

Teng Yu nodded. He had considered this, but unless he and Yin Xu personally took action or sent hundreds of Dark Guards, it would be too difficult to get rid of Lai Jiquan.

The emperor is suspicious and cautious. As long as he is prepared, Lai Jiquan won't easily succeed. Moreover, I don't think he will act rashly.

At the same time, Manager Xiao also received a letter from the capital. He sat alone in his study and carefully read the letter twice.

After finishing, he sighed and pondered for a moment.

Getting on the Duke of Qin's ship was undoubtedly dangerous, but he needed money and people. If he didn't take the risk, he would remain stagnant for the rest of his life.

Even if it wasn't for himself, for the future generations of the Xiao Family, he didn't want to be stuck as a merchant forever.

He had considered choosing one of the three princes, but given their status, he couldn't get close to any of them.

The Duke of Qin was different. Coincidentally, he met the Duke of Qin and saw his ambition and desire for revenge. The Duke had what he lacked, and he was willing to give the Duke what he needed.

With his protection, the business of Sky Piercing Pavilion would thrive. The Xiao Family's business in the capital would also be quite profitable.

Although the money ultimately went into the Duke of Qin's pocket, as long as he succeeded, it would all be worth it!