Ming Dynasty: Empress Ma and I swapped clothes!

Chapter 89 The Final Compromise

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke earnestly and explained his difficulties.

"Ten thousand taels won't do."

Ma Xiuying resolutely refused to back down.

It wasn't that she couldn't back down, but saying the number ten thousand taels was too embarrassing.

Although she knew that Zhu Chongba was just that kind of person, and that's how he treated Liu Bowen before.

This could be directed at Ma Wenxiang.

Ma Xiuying absolutely cannot back down now.

After all, Ma Wenxiang is also a future member of the Ma family and part of the Ma family's lineage, so Ma Xiuying still cares about this.

"How much should it be?"

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke softly and gently, and lowered his head.

"One-tenth."

Ma Xiuying said.

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately started calculating in his mind: 30% would be three million taels.

He only felt angina.

"Half a percent, what do you think, Father? And most of this money, I think, can be used for people's livelihood and development after Father discusses it with that person in the future."

"What is Father Emperor's opinion?"

Just when neither of them was willing to back down, Zhu Biao came up with a compromise solution in the Wuying Hall.

This preserved both the prestige the Empress Dowager desired and the interests the Emperor wanted.

As for the choices involved, and the specific amounts that can be calculated next, that depends on each company's capabilities.

At least their large family can get through this difficult time.

"Biao'er's suggestion is excellent."

Zhu Yuanzhang breathed a silent sigh of relief, nodded immediately, and then looked at Ma Xiuying, "What do you think, sister?"

We think there's no better suggestion than Biao'er's.

This is quite a sum, ranging from at least one million taels to as much as one million five hundred thousand taels, or even more.

He's just a farm boy, he's neither established in his career nor settled down, he's neither married nor has children, what does he need so much money for?

It would be better if we, as the elders, kept it safe for him.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang directly regarded himself as Ma Wenxiang's elder and readily used Ma Xiuying's words, showing that he had made a good plan.

Ma Xiuying snorted coldly before reluctantly agreeing to the matter.

In this way...

She had at least given Ma Wenxiang and the Ma family an explanation.

So, before leaving...

She then offered Zhu Yuanzhang another sweet treat: "If there are any other wonderful methods in this ancient book, I will persuade that boy to offer them up, and Your Majesty will not have made this concession in vain."

"The girl is still on our side after all."

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled softly, then turned to look at Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, aren't you right?"

Zhu Biao nodded slightly.

But then, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly walked up to him again and asked with a serious expression, "Biao'er, do you think that rascal has any other treasures up his sleeve?"

"Your subject does not know."

Zhu Biao maintained a faint smile, remaining calm and composed from beginning to end.

……

"One million taels, Your Highness, how can you bear to part with that?"

"No, Your Majesty, absolutely not."

After returning to Kunning Palace, Su Qing'er and Sun Miaoran learned about what had happened in Wuying Hall and hurriedly tried to dissuade them.

In their eyes, this was like a child holding gold—full of danger.

So, even before entering the Ma family, they began to make plans for Ma Wenxiang.

Having spent a long time in this palace, even they, as servants, have come to know the current emperor's temperament.

Let alone one million taels, even twelve thousand taels would be something His Majesty might not be willing to give, let alone such a large sum.

Even if they give it to you openly, you'll definitely feel uncomfortable inside.

Just because we're not doing anything now doesn't mean we won't do anything in the future.

Since ancient times, being targeted by an emperor has never been a good thing.

Therefore, it is reasonable for Su Qing'er and Sun Miaoran to react in this way.

"Alright, this is what that kid Wen deserves."

Ma Xiuying spoke calmly, "The imperial court can earn more than one million taels of silver every year from this snowflake salt production method; it's more than ten times that amount."

Moreover, that young man Wen is a clever fellow; there's no way he only has this one method.

He's very clever.

Qing'er, Miaoran, don't you two know yet?

Ma Xiuying's words left Su Qing'er and Sun Miaoran momentarily speechless.

After all, it's really hard to justify siding with either Ma Wenxiang or his own wife.

So the two of them could only remain silent, which was a solution.

This matter was thus completely settled.

……

The matter of snowflake salt was gradually delegated to the Ministry of Works.

This method of salt production naturally spread within the palace first.

After all, if one wants to produce salt in large quantities, the method of salt production must be passed on to others.

However, so far, those who know this method are only the most trusted eunuchs and craftsmen in the palace.

If this method were to spread to others, it would be obvious that the "Salt Case" would likely be the first of the four major cases recorded in history during the Hongwu era.

It will surely terrify everyone; do not underestimate the murderous intent of the Zhu family.

Since a reward has been received, it is naturally to be divided into several portions, with everyone who participated receiving a share.

"Third brother, is this true? This is over a hundred taels of silver! Did Father really bestow it upon us brothers?"

Looking at the glittering gold ingot in front of him, Zhu Shuang could hardly believe it.

Although he was a prince, his daily food, clothing and other necessities were all within the palace, so there was naturally no place for him to spend money.

Even if they did exist, they would be strictly restricted by the Emperor.

Over time, these poor princes have received so little pocket money in recent years that it makes people envious.

This small amount of silver, even when all of it is added together, is not as much as the hundred taels in front of them, which is enough to show their predicament.

"Second brother, it's true, it's really true."

"This is a full one hundred taels, one hundred taels for second brother, and one hundred taels for me too. It's true that only by following Mother can we have meat to eat. Second brother, this time all of us brothers have really made a fortune."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Zhu Gang was so excited that he danced with joy.

"That's for sure. We're Mother's own sons; how could we possibly suffer if we followed her?"

"No, absolutely not."

Zhu Shuang laughed heartily, waving his hand, he was extremely happy at this moment.

However, if the local powerful families and wealthy households outside the palace knew about this move, they would probably all be at a loss for words.

After all, who would have thought that a prince of the Ming Dynasty would be so excited about a mere hundred taels of silver? It was indeed a bit strange.

Not only the two brothers, but Zhu Di also received one hundred taels of silver. The other eunuchs and maids in the palace also made careful notes in the evaluation book and received some money as well.

Although it wasn't much, it would certainly be of great help to their future prospects.

Many of these palace maids were able to leave the palace early and find good careers, which is beyond doubt.