Two more days passed, and the matter continued to ferment, once overshadowing the sound of the silver dollar.

Tao Lifu followed Pei Jizhong's advice, expanded his influence and stirred up public opinion.

He has the strength to do it.

Because he has money!

Hongchang Chamber of Commerce is composed of all Wei merchants in Daning. It is not a loose chamber of commerce. It has strict internal management and works together!

They came up with their biggest trump card, which was money!

First, let's benefit the people. Many businessmen from the Hongchang Chamber of Commerce jointly created a campaign and directly found an excuse to distribute things to the people.

It's just a pity that the city has not yet reached the point where there are a lot of refugees in the capital. Otherwise, Shimibu porridge is definitely a good way. In short, in order to gain fame, he will do anything.

Spreading a large amount of money will naturally be useful. They just want to prove that our Wei merchants coming to Daning will only benefit Daning and not harm Daning, showing the image of righteous businessmen.

At the same time, they also used business as an inducement to attract local businessmen.

It's nothing more than making some profits. As long as the big plan can be completed, these are not problems.

In just two days, the impact expanded once again, and they gained sympathy.

Such righteous businessmen should not be boycotted, let alone cracked down on, but should be given preferential treatment and protection!

Business knows no borders!

Your Majesty should be able to tolerate others!

More Wei merchants came to Beijing, forming a larger-scale protest, surrounding the Commerce Department Yamen, and many local businessmen also participated.

Some people actually went to the palace to knock on the palace door to see Concubine Yi.

The emperor's reputation for persecuting Wei merchants and suppressing merchants spread. Under this situation, some officials also began to advise the lifting of the three bans...

Royal Palace, Chui Gong Hall.

A detailed report was placed on Long's case.

"Your Majesty, it's time to take action."

Hua Xinghe, the commander of the Jinyi Guards, said: "These Wei merchants are so audacious that they dare to stir up public opinion. Their intentions are worthy of death!"

"What the Commander said is correct. Recently, our Commerce Department investigated and found that these things were done by the Hongchang Chamber of Commerce. They benefited the people and directly distributed rice and flour to gain a low reputation in an attempt to fight against the imperial court!"

Han Angyu reported immediately.

I thought the Three Bans policy was inappropriate before, but now it seems that these Wei merchants are really dishonest.

It is a taboo to stir up public opinion so openly!

"I don't mean anything else. I just treat Wei merchants like this. Do you need a reason? There are many common people and businessmen from this country."

Fei Tian hesitated slightly.

He still thinks about the impact.

"In Daning, we must abide by Daning's rules. What's the reason for this?"

Song Yongnian, the Minister of Rites, said bluntly: "Jin Yiwei doesn't need a reason to arrest someone."

These words made everyone else's eyes widen.

Somehow, this Minister of Rites looks like the commander of the Imperial Guard.

"Aren't you afraid that this move will damage the relationship between the two countries?"

Zhao Nanxing asked with a smile.

"Whoever is afraid is a coward. The Wei State doesn't dare to come to light, so it just does these dirty things. It's just because it doesn't deserve a beating!"

"Mr. Song's words make sense, I admire you!"

"You are the toughest Minister of Etiquette."

Everyone sighed one after another.

Then they all looked at Guan Ning, this is not a trivial matter, and it needs to be decided by Your Majesty.

"It's time to take action!"

Guan Ning's voice was calm.

The Commerce Department has investigated the situation around Jinglu.

Wei merchants have begun to build momentum to purchase copper and iron. They are mainly concentrated at the county level, where the imperial power is difficult to reach. For the sake of profit, local officials will not strictly control it and just turn a blind eye.

It is these small places that form the foundation of Daning.

Iron smelting furnaces have been built in some villages and countryside, and the people are already sharpening their knives, seduced by the benefits.

Naturally, there was no iron ore, so we took out our own iron tools and resmelted them in the furnace.

Farming iron is also an option.

This is simply harmful.

If you don't stop it, something big will happen!

"Crack down hard and make no mistakes!"

Guan Ning said eight words and set the general tone.

"Behind this incident is not only the rebellion of Wei merchants, but also the collusion of our officials!"

Guan Ning said, showing the investigation report sent by Wang Lun to everyone.

"this……"

Everyone was curious and passed it around, all looking surprised!

It turns out that Your Majesty did not hit the wrong person!

"Pei Jizhong has colluded with Tao Lifu, the vice president of the Hongchang Chamber of Commerce, and accepted huge bribes from him to build momentum and make suggestions for him. Naturally, he also endorsed his advice!"

"Your Majesty, I am not supervising you well and I am willing to be punished!"

Xue Qing hurriedly spoke.

Pei Jizhong was the person he recommended for promotion. Unexpectedly, he colluded with foreign businessmen and committed traitorous acts. He cannot escape the blame!

"The Ministry of Accounts has too much authority and targets many people. This has nothing to do with you."

Xue Qing is busy enough every day, how could he notice this.

Moreover, their collusion in private was secret, and Pei Jizhong did not do anything abnormal except this remonstrance...

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Xue Qing breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that His Majesty would not punish him, but he still lost face.

"There is no shortage of people who are chasing fame and fortune, which is normal."

Guan Ning took it very lightly.

Maybe it’s because I’ve seen it too much.

"Go and deal with it, it's up to Jin Yiwei to execute it."

Guan Ning looked at Hua Xinghe.

It is natural for Jin Yiwei to do this kind of thing.

"According to the order!"

"Your Majesty, an urgent report has been sent from Lin'an!"

At this moment, Cheng Jing walked in quickly.

Lin'an?

Qian Dafu's memorial has arrived.

"Send it up!"

"Three memorials?"

Guan Ning was slightly startled, then he picked it up.

One belongs to Qian Dafu, one belongs to Lin'an Prefect Yin Shenyongzhi, and one belongs to Jiangzhou Prefect Liu Xiwen.

Three urgent reports!

Daning has strict regulations on the urgency of letters, and the paint on the outside of the envelopes is of different colors.

There are three red lines on it to indicate its level.

Guan Ning first opened the urgent report from Qian Dafu.

What is written here is about the promotion of Baochao and the measures he took, with a detailed report.

He also mentioned Wei Shang’s acquisition of copper and iron.

Guan Ning picked up the report from Liu Xiwen, the governor of Jiangzhou, and immediately frowned after looking at it carefully for a moment.
To be continued...