The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 121 Greedy Nobles Have a Way to Destroy Themselves
Unfortunately, most of them didn't take it seriously, and many even thought that Zhu Yuanzhang might not go to Fengyang Prefecture.

Even if they discover this, they can still get away with it thanks to the imperial edict they hold.

However, when it happened, everyone panicked.

Zhu Yuanzhang was so furious that no one knew what the final outcome would be.

The one who was most worried and afraid was Zhu Liangzu, the Marquis of Yongjia.

They used various pretexts to embezzle public funds and engage in forced buying and selling; this wasn't the first time their subordinates had done such things.

Previously, they would turn a blind eye to such things, since they could still benefit from them anyway.

Who would have thought that this time they would actually run into a brick wall?

Those fools actually dared to offend His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince.

"Brothers, what should we do about this? Give me some ideas, we can't just watch Old Zhu get into trouble!"

"Besides, those people in Fengyang Prefecture are all our relatives. They're helping us out, so we should lend a hand!"

"Otherwise, who will be willing to do things for us in the future!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, as if it were the most natural thing to do.

Hu Weiyong was furious when he saw that these people were still thinking about saving the people from Fengyang Prefecture.

"His Majesty is absolutely right. Why didn't you die on the battlefield? What kind of time is this to still be thinking about saving them?"

"You should think about how to save your own life!"

Everyone was startled when they heard this.

Zhuge Liang scratched his head.

"Lord Hu, things aren't that serious. So many people in the world are doing this, it's not just us. Even if we're to be punished, it won't be just us!"

"That's right. We've all rendered meritorious service to the Ming Dynasty. We have imperial edicts personally issued by His Majesty. No matter what happens, as long as we don't rebel, we can be spared death once. What are we afraid of?"

After listening, everyone nodded, as if Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't do anything to them.

Hu Weiyong sighed and pointed at these people.

"Do you really think that piece of scrap metal can save your lives? His Majesty hates corrupt officials more than anything in his life. How are you any different from those corrupt officials now? His Majesty won't care about such things!"

"Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, has made so many contributions and holds such a high position and great power. Did you see what His Majesty said when the Crown Prince tried to take action against him?"

"Besides, in terms of merit, Duke Xu Da of Wei and Duke Tang He of Xin are both better than you. But even if they stay at home obediently, it's because they understand His Majesty's character. You're just asking for trouble!"

Hearing this, everyone felt a little scared.

Previously, they had looked down on the actions of Tang and Xu Da, but now, upon closer reflection, they couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

If what Hu Weiyong said is true, then they will probably face a great calamity soon.

"Lord Hu, we're all in this together now. You must help us. If anything happens to us, you'll be held responsible!"

Hu Weiyong sighed, wondering how he could have found so many useless helpers.

"Alright, things have come to this point. There's only one way now. Take the imperial edict and confess to His Majesty. No matter what crimes are found, don't object. Return all the land you embezzled, then retire to your hometowns. This is your only chance!"

Marquis Tang Shengzong of Yan'an looked extremely grim. These lands were the result of their long and painstaking efforts; to return them like this meant all their hard work over the years would be for nothing.

Moreover, there's no reason why a death warrant could exempt someone from death once; such a thing is unavoidable.

"Brothers, I don't think things are that serious yet. Why don't we write a letter to Her Majesty the Empress and plead for mercy? Her Majesty cares about us old brothers the most, and I'm sure she won't let this go unpunished!"

"Besides that, we can also go to His Majesty!"

Back then, we followed His Majesty in conquering the world.

His Majesty promised us that we would share wealth and honor.

Surely they won't punish us for such a small thing.

After listening, everyone nodded, finding it very reasonable, and then turned and left the place.

After they had all left, Hu Weiyong angrily smashed his teacup on the ground and shouted curses.

A bunch of useless brutes, not worth discussing strategy with.

At this moment, the steward standing to the side asked with a puzzled look on his face.

Why did you let them leave, sir? Didn't you still need their strength? If they were to leave this time, they would surely die, wouldn't that delay your plans? "No need, they are no longer of any use!"

Their fate was sealed the moment their deeds in Fengyang Prefecture were discovered.

I had already advised them to stop, which might have saved their lives. Since they wouldn't listen, they deserve to die.

Hu Weiyong knew perfectly well that these people would never give up what they had already obtained.

Rather than letting these useless people drag me down, it's better to let them fend for themselves.

Now he only has one path left: to deal with the blank seal case.

It was worthwhile to use the Jiangnan gentry as stepping stones.

Hu Wenying quickly ordered all her men to mobilize and search for evidence.

Then the list was handed over to the Ministry of Justice and the Military Command, who were instructed to arrest the people.

The entire capital was in a state of panic.

Countless people were even sent to Jiangnan to arrest powerful families like the Qian family.

The powerful families of Jiangnan were furious when they learned of this news.

"Has Hu Weiyong gone mad? Before, I thought he didn't dare to oppose us aristocratic families, so he still had some self-awareness. Now he's so confused. Doesn't he know that if he uproots the foundation of us aristocratic families, it will definitely not benefit him as prime minister at all?"

The head of the Lu family in Jiangnan snorted coldly and said in a sarcastic tone.

"Hu Weiyong is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He can betray his teacher Li Shanchang, so he can certainly betray us, not to mention we don't have much to do with him!"

"The most urgent task now is to find a way to preserve our foundation. This time, besides Hu Weiyong, I'm afraid the Crown Prince also has plans to take action!"

"Now we are seeking help from other forces to put pressure on His Highness the Crown Prince, and at the same time destroying evidence and transferring our family members. No matter what, we must not lose the foundation of our aristocratic families!"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded and began to take action.

(End of this chapter)