Remarrying Chun Yuan

Chapter 226 Applying Pressure

Liu Muchi didn't know what his second sister's final move was; he only knew to obey orders.

However, after this order was issued, all the shop assistants and workers in the Liu family's shops were dejected.

But they also knew that their master was helpless, after all, they couldn't afford to be found fault with anymore, since two of the head stewards had already been arrested.

"If all else fails, we can talk to Yue Niang and discuss sharing some of the money with her to find a powerful backer," Wang Fu said, sounding a bit timid. He had actually been encouraging the Liu family to find a powerful backer, since they were anxious without one, but unfortunately, his opinion didn't count.

Liu Muchi's lips curled into a sneer, "Uncle Wang, who do you think would be a more suitable backer for the Liu family?"

"The Pei family mentioned it to the eldest young master a few days ago..." Wang Fu's voice trailed off as he spoke, because Liu Muchi's eyes were all wrong.

“We’ll do whatever the master tells us to do. Besides, he didn’t confiscate your antiques and paintings, so why are you worrying about it?” Chen Cheng had always looked down on Wang Fu, who was cunning and treacherous because of his long service in the Liu family.

Wang Fu dared not utter a word. His antique and calligraphy business also required cooperation with pawnshops, and he could no longer compare to the status of the Chen brothers.

The group said no more and went about their own business.

Liu Muchi personally led people to close and lock all the shops, and then went to see Lu Bingyang.

For three consecutive days, the Liu family remained calm and peaceful, as if nothing had happened.

Wei Gongming went to see the Third Prince again. "There are a lot of people paying attention to this case, and it's not good to keep dragging it out without trying it." After all, Yao Wei had only hit someone, so at most he would have to pay some money. And Song Liu'er had only bought a servant from Yan, and that servant really was just a servant. He had been in Daqi for more than ten years and could not be considered a spy at all.

Without evidence, the case can only be tried and closed, with no resolution reached.

Qin Yongshang took over the topic directly, "Can't we put a little more pressure on the Liu family? Whoever steps forward to go to the Liu family at this time is the mastermind behind it all. The timing is just too inappropriate."

“How else can we put pressure on you? I really can’t think of anything,” Wei Gongming said.

He disagreed with doing things this way in the first place. Besides, he had put in a lot of effort and thought, and even if he finished the job, it would be Qin Yongshang's brilliant idea, and he wouldn't get any benefit from it.

Qin Yongshang naturally understood why he was unwilling. "Magistrate Wei is the most important official in the capital. How could he not even have a solution? The Liu family closed their shop, didn't those merchants cause trouble?"

"And the Liu family's horse farm, with only Young Master Lu busy, will also have many problems."

"I will go see Eunuch Chang again later and ask him to pass on a message to the Liu family."

"And it's only been three days, yet Magistrate Wei couldn't hold on any longer. Was it a lack of willpower, or was he unwilling to take the blame and afraid of damaging his reputation?"

He laid things out directly in front of Qin Muyan, putting Wei Gongming in a very difficult position.

Wei Gongming sneered, "Your Highness hasn't said a word yet, but the strategist is already chattering on and on. Could it be that the strategist can now make decisions for Your Highness? Then I won't bother Your Highness anymore. I can just ask you directly when I encounter problems."

Qin Yongshang: "..."

"Alright, don't put too much pressure on him. The Liu family is indeed too calm." Qin Muyan had been keeping an eye on Yuan Cuo these past few days, but he acted as if nothing had happened, just like always.

Moreover, Wei Tianxuan submitted memorials every day, requesting His Majesty to grant Yuan Cuo an official position, because the Court of State Ceremonies was indeed too busy.

However, Yuan Cuo used the excuse that Liu Yuechu was pregnant and needed care to shirk his responsibilities and refused to do it!

"You're underestimating the Liu family. They only have two chief stewards; that doesn't touch their core interests," he reprimanded Qin Yongshang.

Qin Yongshang said awkwardly, "How about we target their eldest son? We can still dig up some shady secrets about Liu Musheng."

“This is unacceptable,” Wei Gongming immediately refused. “Your Highness wants to get a share of the pie from the Liu family, not to become mortal enemies. By taking action against Liu Musheng, aren’t you essentially pushing the Liu family to His Highness’s side? After all, His Highness is not the Liu family’s only option.”

"Then what do you suggest we do? Perhaps Magistrate Wei could offer a better idea." Qin Yongshang really couldn't think of a better one.

"Your Highness, could you consider arranging a marriage for Liu Musheng? Finding a close female relative to manage the household affairs in the Liu family could also help her compete with Liu Yuechu for power." Wei Gongming knew Liu Yuechu's deep affection all too well. "Liu Musheng is her elder brother. If you really marry him, he will definitely be generous and magnanimous and will not compete with his sister-in-law for power. At that time, Your Highness will also have achieved your goal of getting a share of the pie, which would be a win-win situation."

“Even the daughter of the Prefect of the Capital was not married by Liu Musheng. What good woman do you expect His Highness to choose to marry him?!” Qin Yongshang felt that this matter was somewhat absurd.

Qin Muyan thought this was a good idea. "After all, the Prefect of the Capital gave him a concubine's daughter. He's treating the Liu family like fools... I'll have my mother choose a noble lady from a high-ranking family for him."

"That's a brilliant idea, let's go with it."

"But you should also have those merchants put some more pressure on the Liu family, so they don't get too idle!"

Qin Muyan spoke up personally, and Wei Gongming was happy to agree.

As he left, he deliberately glanced at Qin Yongshang. Although he was smiling, he was already plotting in his heart to find an opportunity to kill this old bastard, otherwise he would never be able to get close to the Third Prince.

……

Two more days passed.

People began to crowd in front of the Liu family's house.

Most of them are people who are unable to pick up their goods or settle payments because their shops have closed, or even people who intend to take over the shops.

Lu Bingyang was also too busy to handle everything, so he simply dragged Liu Muchi away.

Without his third brother's help, Liu Musheng went to see Eunuch Chang alone, where he was finally ordered to reprimand him: if he could not figure out the fur business, the Liu family's official and merchant status would be taken back.

Liu Musheng was dejected and drank alone again, too ashamed to go home.

Liu Yuechu sat at home listening to the gatekeeper report to the people outside, "...some people have already started causing trouble, and they even said they want to go to the yamen to talk to the young master."

"If you're so capable, then go ahead and do it. Don't just stand at the door shouting." Liu Yuechu didn't believe they would actually dare to go.

"But more and more people are gathering around, and I'm afraid things will get out of control and escalate further," Uncle Chun said with some concern.

"The person behind this hasn't stepped forward yet, so we can't rush things." Liu Yuechu was waiting for the person to step forward, otherwise her tactics would be wasted.

"Master, something terrible has happened! They really went to the Surveying Department to look for the young master!"

"The young master is still blocked at the door, they won't let him in!"

The servant at the door rushed in, looking very flustered.

Liu Yuechu frowned. "Take me to the door to take a look."

"You'd better not go, what if you get hurt?" Granny Fang said worriedly.

"No, Hou Lai is with you, don't be afraid." Liu Yuechu was actually hoping someone would hurt her so she could retaliate and cause a huge uproar!

Granny Fang couldn't persuade her otherwise, so she had to call six servants to protect her before she was allowed to go to the door.

At this moment, Liu Musheng was at the door, his clothes torn by the pulling.

"Master Liu, please have mercy and settle our payment quickly. Our family depends on this money to eat. Your household is wealthy and luxurious, you can't be short of money from us."