Chapter 2056: Chapter 2053: Bottom Line

"But Madam Minister said she couldn’t buy it, because Grand Tutor Deng offered fifty percent of the price and bought it in advance, yet when Madam Minister sent people to buy the shop, Grand Tutor Deng and the seller had not yet carried out the final transaction, the contract wasn’t changed at the yamen, so Madam Minister offered the original price, asking if the seller was willing to sell, but the seller refused."

"Isn’t that quite normal?" Emperor Xuanming once again felt his indulgence towards his wife, somewhat speechless, but undeniably relieved in heart: "Minister Chu, you can’t just complain out of bias, can you?"

"I am ashamed. If it were a normal transaction, I naturally wouldn’t mention it to the Emperor, nor would I have the face to bring it up." Chu Heng remained unflustered: "But as far as I know, the seller recently sold other shops, all at normal market prices, yet when it came to Grand Tutor Deng it was half price, so I sent people to investigate to verify the facts."

"From the investigation, I learned that Grand Tutor Deng first sent people to express the desire to buy the shop, proposing the half-price offer, meanwhile, the statement from a member of the seller’s family indicated coercion, and several servants present also confirmed that it was a forced trade by Grand Tutor Deng."

"In fact, such a case is not serious, after all, Grand Tutor Deng did pay silver, and there’s also the possibility that the seller voluntarily lowered the price out of gratitude to Grand Tutor Deng."

Emperor Xuanming chuckled: "Minister Chu, are you accusing Grand Tutor Deng of coercion, or saying that Grand Tutor Deng has good relations?"

"Additionally, you are working for me, isn’t there enough evidence for such a minor matter, or does the evidence you have now not sufficiently prove the truth of the matter?"

Chu Heng: "Emperor, the evidence in my hands indeed proves Grand Tutor Deng forced the purchase, but this matter involves commercial law; if the seller changes their statement, the evidence loses its effect. Speaking of which, it is an economic dispute, different from a criminal case."

"This involves the dealings between officials and merchants, a problem that Great Chu has always had. Collusion between officials and merchants exists throughout history, and if officials can no longer casually accept costly gifts, this problem can be quickly resolved."

"If this issue is allowed to persist, people’s appetites will grow larger."

"Audacious!"

Emperor Xuanming shouted angrily.

Chu Heng stood unflustered at the subordinate’s position.

Emperor Xuanming was already so furious he was pacing back and forth.

After a long time, Emperor Xuanming’s anger dissipated.

He waved his hand: "You may leave the palace."

"I take my leave." Chu Heng, being perceptive, turned around and walked away, not staying to be an eyesore.

Emperor Xuanming stood at the top, his thoughts inscrutable, silently acknowledging for some time, yet admitting that collusion among officials and merchants, and between officials, was what he detested most.

Now, Grand Tutor Deng had evidently touched his bottom line.

When He Dequan entered, kneeling and hearing the Emperor summon Grand Tutor Deng to an audience.

Thinking of Chu Heng who had just left, not knowing if he had said something more, He Dequan dared not speak further, wiped the cold sweat on his forehead, and hurriedly withdrew to attend to business.

Recently, it seemed as if Chu Heng and Grand Tutor Deng were at constant odds, the conflict unresolved.

Grand Tutor Deng arrived an hour later.

As soon as he entered the main hall, several memorials were thrown towards him, causing him to stagger and quickly kneel: "Emperor, calm your anger, I have arrived late."

"Look at what’s written above." Emperor Xuanming laughed coldly twice.

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