MLMD -Chapter 388 A New Official Brings Three Fires (Part 3)

Jinan, originally called Qizhou, was elevated to the status of Jinan Prefecture in the sixth year of the Zhenghe era of the Song dynasty (1116). Due to its strategic location, Jinan had always been a highly contested city in military terms, and its convenient transport made commerce flourish. Nearly half of Shandong’s wealthy gentry and merchants were concentrated here, while a large portion of the city’s residents were commoners.

Today, the front courtyard of the Mo Residence was filled with merchants and traders. The Mo Residence was one of the most prominent estates in Jinan. Its main hall was spacious and lavishly decorated, and the merchants gathered inside were all dressed in fine robes, exuding wealth and prestige.

Each of these merchants sat leisurely in the hall, talking and laughing. Deals involving sums unimaginable to ordinary people were often concluded after just a few words. Many of these merchants were grain and salt traders, but some also ran businesses in medicine, textiles, furs, pawnshops, inns, money-lending, tea, and storage. Each of them had amassed a vast fortune, and their every gesture radiated wealth.

Although the Ming dynasty was officially considered poor, this only referred to the government. In reality, the populace, especially these merchants, was far from lacking in money. Those with assets of ten thousand taels of silver rarely admitted to possessing any, while those with a million taels were considered average. Among the wealthy merchants, Shanxi, Beijing, and Anhui merchants were particularly affluent.

For these merchant magnates, even the greatest natural disasters or political upheavals could not affect their lives. Their cellars were filled with gold and silver shaped like gourds, and their massive granaries held enough grain to feed them for a hundred years. To them, most things were transient; only silver was worth pursuing. Displays of wealth among merchants—from extravagant incense and jade decorations to flamboyant competitions of opulence—were endless.

Behind these merchants stood rows of beautiful maidservants and attendants. The tables and chairs they sat on were finely crafted from huanghuali wood, while at the far end of the hall, a well-known troupe from Jinan Prefecture played music, performing string and wind pieces. Such a lifestyle was unimaginable to the impoverished commoners struggling to fill their bellies, but to these merchants, it was ordinary. Of course, while this was top-tier luxury for Jinan, it was still provincial compared to the wealth of Jiangsu and Zhejiang’s Suzhou and Hangzhou.

As the merchants whispered among themselves, a middle-aged man in a long gown, looking like a steward, stepped forward with a smile and cupped his hands toward the hall. “Gentlemen, please remain calm. Lord Mo has arrived.”

At the steward’s words, Lord Mo entered the hall with the help of Mo Jingqi. Upon seeing him, the merchants immediately stood and bowed, greeting, “Greetings, Lord Mo!”

Today, Lord Mo looked different from yesterday, when he had met the Shandong elites Ke Zhennan, Ma Ke, and Lu Zhili. His face was composed, and his demeanor exuded authority—a man accustomed to commanding in the center of wealth and power.

Lord Mo certainly deserved their respect. The Mo family owned hundreds of thousands of acres of land in Jinan alone, in addition to businesses in grain, oil, textiles, cotton, livestock, and mines—essentially covering nearly every profitable trade. Moreover, many of Mo’s relatives held official positions throughout Shandong, giving the family considerable influence. When wealth and power combined, they became a force no one could underestimate.

However, once in the hall, Lord Mo relaxed his previously solemn expression. He cupped his hands and made a formal bow, speaking warmly: “Gentlemen, it truly honors the Mo Residence that you have come today. I extend my thanks in advance.”

“Not at all, Lord Mo, you are too polite,” the merchants responded, bowing and slightly turning their bodies. They knew well that, despite the old man’s gentle demeanor, he was cunning and ruthless behind the scenes. Offending him could cost them not only money but also far worse if he bore a grudge.

Seeing their respectful manners, Lord Mo nodded in satisfaction. He had a naturally proud and uncompromising character; anyone who had crossed him in the past had ended up badly. Known as a local tiger of Jinan, he smiled amicably at the merchants before sitting in a chair at the center of the hall.

Once seated, he addressed the assembly: “Gentlemen, you are all leaders in Shandong’s various trades. I will not waste words. Today’s gathering, I believe, is clear in purpose. The Loyal and Brave Marquis, Marquis Yue, intends to implement the policy of taxing land by acreage and integrating gentry contributions. I have called you to discuss a response. Speak freely.”

After speaking, Lord Mo closed his eyes, appearing to rest. But observant merchants noticed that his eyes were subtly watching their reactions.

The merchants whispered among themselves, agreeing unanimously on one point: they absolutely opposed the proposed tax and service integration. Even with immense wealth, no one wanted to voluntarily part with a single coin.

Lord Mo, observing their expressions, began formulating a plan. Soon, a tall, slender merchant stood and addressed him:

“Marquis Yue’s actions compete with the people for profit. Have you not heard of the disasters of commercial taxation in the Wanli era? Tax collectors, eager and relentless, looted everything. Honest shopkeepers barely sustain themselves; if the court now squeezes them, they may be forced to beg in the streets. Local officials are like tigers in ferocity and wolves in greed. Once this precedent is set, it will be uncontrollable. Today one hundred taels, tomorrow a thousand, until our fortunes are plundered!”

“Exactly!”

Another gentry named Liang added angrily, “I am inexperienced, yet I have never heard of taxing the gentry by land. Since the times of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the gentry have been the backbone of the nation, always treated with respect. Yet the Loyal and Brave Marquis acts in the opposite manner, collecting taxes from the gentry. This openly defies ancestral precedent and will surely be condemned by all!”

The merchants, one after another, judged the policy as oppressive and felt outraged. Seeing them form a consensus, Lord Mo opened his eyes and nodded: “Your words are right. The Marquis’s actions do indeed contravene the sages’ teachings on loving the people. It is our duty to advise him to see the error of his ways.”

The merchants exchanged glances, puzzled by what Lord Mo truly meant. One dared to ask:

“Lord Mo, you are the most respected among Jinan’s gentry. In this critical time, we must follow you. What is your plan?”

Lord Mo smiled faintly. “I am but a feeble old man; what grand plan could I have? Yet the land of Qilu is a place of the sages. I cannot watch the Marquis act recklessly. I do have a modest proposal—would you care to hear it?”

The merchant urged, “Lord Mo, you are the most esteemed here; no one would dare oppose you. Please, do not keep us in suspense.”

“Very well, I shall speak plainly.”

Lord Mo smiled: “I have heard of Marquis Yue’s deeds in Shandong. After taking command in Shanxi, he suppressed bandits and cultivated farmland, benefiting the people. This is good, earning public praise and allowing commerce to continue. More so, he led his army beyond the borders, defeated the enemy general Yueto, and angered the enemy leader Huang Taiji—this greatly enhanced Ming prestige. Truly a great accomplishment.”

At this, the merchants’ expressions changed slightly, realizing they were dealing with a military man commanding over 100,000 troops.

A prominent merchant spoke nervously: “Lord Mo, Marquis Yue comes from the military. He may be hot-tempered. Perhaps we should first offer him ‘yellow rice’ and ‘white rice’ as a gesture before taking further action.”

“Yes! Master Hong is correct.”

“Indeed, we must show magnanimity before force,” others agreed. They knew that Yue Yang, as a marquis, provincial governor, and commander of tens of thousands, was not someone to offend. His new policy of taxing the gentry and requiring service made them even more cautious. A trial of gifts first would test his reaction.

Noticing their shift toward offering gifts, Mo Jingqi frowned, about to speak. Lord Mo, however, laughed: “I know what you intend. Do not worry—the gifts have already been sent to the provincial office. We should receive news soon.”

“Really!”

The merchants were first surprised, then smiled, praising: “Lord Mo always plans meticulously. So you had prepared in advance—now we are at ease.”

Mo Jingqi muttered under his breath, disdainful: “Such sycophants.”

“Silence!” Lord Mo, despite his age, heard clearly and scolded softly.

Meanwhile, at the Provincial Governor’s rear hall on Southwest Street, Yue Yang sat calmly in the center. Wang Yue, Dong Xiaowan, and Li Xiangjun sat on either side, scrutinizing over a dozen chests and four young maidens standing before them. Yue Yang’s gaze drifted with both curiosity and amusement over the boxes and girls.

After a moment, he picked up an inventory sheet: “Lord Mo really went all out: 5,000 taels of gold, 10,000 taels of silver, three chests of antiques and calligraphy… No wonder rumors say he is the richest man in Jinan Prefecture!”

The lead maiden spoke softly: “If Marquis likes them, it suffices. Lord Mo said before we left that these are mere material things; only when in the hands of someone who truly needs them do they have value. These are his small tokens. If Marquis is pleased, he will continue to offer modest gifts.”

“Heh… Lord Mo is thoughtful!” Yue Yang waved his hand. “Very well, I accept. You may leave.”

The four girls froze. The lead maiden hesitated: “Marquis, Lord Mo said before we left that upon arriving at the residence, we would be yours… how can we return?”

“My people?” Yue Yang paused, then laughed: “What nonsense! Being mine is not so easy. Go now. Tell your master I accepted the gifts and that I will use them to purchase grain to aid the disaster-stricken people—so in a way, he is doing charity through me. Now leave.”

“Marquis… we…”

Yue Yang interrupted with a cold snort: “I have already spoken clearly. Do you not understand?”

The girls shivered at his stern gaze, unable to speak further. Yue Yang waved impatiently: “Go. Tell your master exactly what I said; he will understand.”

“Yes!”

The girls, fearful and embarrassed, bowed deeply and left.

Wang Yue, next to Yue Yang, stood and linked arms with him cheerfully: “Husband, those girls looked fine. Why not keep them?”

“Hey… do you think I am desperate?” Yue Yang feigned anger, lightly scratching her nose.

“But we still need maids in the residence. Wouldn’t it be better to keep them?” Wang Yue blinked innocently.

Li Xiangjun rolled her eyes at Wang Yue: “Enough nonsense. We’ve just arrived in Jinan; it’s complicated here. We dare not take these girls. You, from an official family, should know better.”

Wang Yue stuck out her tongue playfully: “Heehee… I’m not confused. I was testing you to see if you liked other girls. Remember, before we left, Sister Hai Lanzhu reminded us to watch you closely.”

Yue Yang shook his head, knowing their worries. He already had six wives and would marry a princess next year. Bringing local girls could risk danger, especially if they were gifts from potentially deceitful merchants.

After receiving the gold and silver, Yue Yang sent the girls back. Soon, the news reached Lord Mo, waiting in the hall. Mo’s face turned pale with rage, muttering: “Ungrateful wretch!”

“What? He actually said that!”

The merchants in the hall were shocked. Yue Yang was giving them no respect.

After a long moment, Mo’s eyes glimmered coldly: “It seems Marquis Yue will give no quarter to Shandong gentry. We are left with no choice but to take necessary measures. Shopkeeper Liang, your grain store is top-tier in Jinan. Can you rally others to close their stores for a few days?”

Liang nodded: “No problem at all.”

“Shopkeeper Yang, inform the salt shops. Prepare to close!”

“Master Niu, your cloth shops…”

With Mo’s orders, a dense network of influence slowly spread, targeting the newly arrived Loyal and Brave Marquis in Shandong…