Chapter 419: Chapter 419: Confiscation of Family Property

Tong Sanlang recalled the pressure and burdens he had borne since childhood, and he couldn’t help but feel aggrieved.

“This “little mistress,” our matriarch, she really is…

Sure enough, she wasn’t born of this family!

Yang Wenxiao saw the pair’s reactions, he turned around and sat back in the palanquin. Smiling, he continued, “Don’t feel wronged, the fewer people who know about such a matter, the better.”

Tong Tiehu clenched his teeth and trembled as he spoke, “You’re right.”

“Although the treasure is now missing, the plan must continue,” said Yang Wenxiao.

“You’re right,” Tong Tiehu replied. He took a deep breath, and with Tong Sanlang’s support, he forced himself to stand upright.

“When I return to the Capital City, I will continue to spread rumors that the treasure has been moved. I will select a new location in order to lure all of those people away. Rest assured, it will not affect your future lives,” he reassured the Tong Family.

“But,” he continued, “there will undoubtedly be some who will remain persistent, looking to investigate further. Therefore, I will not seal this secret tunnel, but let it lie open. Anyone who wants to look, may do so. By being openhearted, we can extract your family from this vortex.”

“My Yang Family and the rest of the Aristocratic Families, will continue our struggle. Your Tong family will refrain from engaging. However, the Chancellor in the Capital City should be involved.”

“So, today’s discussion, you should relay to the Chancellor. Ask him to continue colluding with the Vice-Chancellor according to your mother’s plan, understand?”

“Understood,” TongTiehu responded tremblingly.

“Alt, that lass Qiao Xiaomai, your grandson fancies her, doesn’t he?” Yang Wenxiao asked.

This abrupt change of subject left Tong Tiehu stunned momentarily before he nodded, “Yes.”

“Well then, they should get married,” he said.

“What?” Tong Tiehu was stunned.

What’s the meaning of this?

Why would His Majesty bother meddling in his grandson’s marriage?

Tong Sanlang was equally clueless; he didn’t believe his presence could carry so much weight.

Seeing the confusion on their faces, Yang Wenxiao chuckled, “She’s a little wealth goddess. If Sanlang is unwilling to marry her, I may bring her back to the palace to serve in the Imperial Kitchen.”

Upon hearing this, Tong Sanlang hurriedly replied, “Your Majesty, I am willing to marry, willing to marry!”

“Good, very good.” Yang Wenxiao seemed satisfied.

“However,” he continued, “the loss of the treasure was indeed due to your negligence. How much silver have you accumulated over the years?”

Tong Tiehu was silent for a moment before he reluctantly replied, “Several hundreds of thousands of taels.”

“That’s all?” Yang Wenxiao was surprised.

“Ting Feng Pavilion doesn’t profit much and the extreme flavor residence is in competition with Zuixian Building. Besides, the Chancellor needs silver for certain activities…” Consolidating loyal subordinates, this requires silver. Else, why would people choose to follow him?

Yang Wenxiao nodded, “Then transfer all you have now as a part of the punishment for losing the treasure. Going by your mother’s intentions, the treasure was always meant for the welfare of the people. This concept I approve of. I am not going to keep a single coin. Your silver will be used for the disaster relief of Shuifeng Prefecture.”

Although he was sure her heir had taken the treasure, without witnessing it personally, it was impossible to be completely relaxed.

The people of the Tong Family standing before him were one layer, or generation removed from his own family. They were descendants of Gu Yu, not of his own lineage.

“Rest assured, if the treasure is found in the future, your silver will be returned in full”

Tong Tiehu sighed inwardly. He understood. His Majesty suspected him of hiding the treasure and was first using the family silver to make up for it.

Well, Yang Wenxiao was His Majesty. Whatever His Majesty declared, would be so.

He accepted this punishment.

“Moreover, to make it apparent to all, to show that your Tong Family has indeed distanced itself from this vortex, not just your savings over these years, but even the visible properties of the Tong Family have to be confiscated. Like the vinegar shop in your town, and your fields,” said Yang Wenxiao.

“From now on, keep away from Tingfeng Pavilion and the Extreme Flavor Lodge. You are not a descendant of Prince Pingnan, you are a simple old farmer from Anping Village.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Tong Tiehu’s face was ashen.

Yes, this was a good outcome.

At least all the members of his family were safe.

“That’s it then. Whenever the treasure is found, the silver collected from your family will be returned to you,” said Yang Wenxiao.

Tong Tiehu clenched his teeth and agreed.

[His Majesty doesn’t trust the Tong Family, so he took the family’s wealth as collateral for the treasure. After all, the Tong Family are not her direct descendants.

Emperors are always suspicious.]