The leader's heart was also in turmoil at this moment, but he maintained his composure in front of everyone. He had no choice but to order a few Japanese men to go to the post station to request an audience with Xiao Wangye.
Although they could still sustain their losses for the time being, this was ultimately their own country. If Xiao Wangye, the regent, was determined to fight them to the death, they would be the ones to lose in the end.
By the next day, several merchants who held no small status among the Japanese arrived at the post station with gifts, hoping to meet Xiao Wangye.
As fate would have it, it was one of the guards who had visited the Japanese quarters the previous day who was on duty. Upon hearing this news, he sneered and drove them away without a second thought.
The Japanese, upon hearing this, became even more convinced that Xiao Wangye was angry because of yesterday's events. They quickly organized more people and prepared even more generous gifts.
This time, the guard at least reported it. However, Xiao Wangye's attitude was identical to the guard's – he refused to see them.
The Japanese were humiliated as they were scolded and mocked by the guards at the entrance of the post station, and they left with darkened faces.
Many passersby witnessed this scene and mocked them behind their backs, pointing fingers.
The entire Ningcheng was now boycotting the Japanese merchant convoy's malicious price gouging of grain, and naturally, they received no pleasantries from these Japanese people.
Not only could they not sell their grain, but even walking on the street was like being a rat crossing the road, with everyone wanting to catch them.
In such a situation, the Japanese were bound to complain. Zhu Chang wanted to intervene, but he had no legitimate reason and dared not rashly dispatch his men under Xiao Wangye's nose.
He could only let the common people have their way.
"Your Highness, those Japanese people came three or four times this morning, and they were all cursed away by my subordinates."
Yang Ming stood before Xiao Wangye, a look of satisfaction flashing across his face, feeling incredibly pleased.
Yesterday, these Japanese dared to disregard their Regent. Now, wanting to come for peace talks, how easy would that be?
Xiao Wangye heard this and a cold smile flickered in his eyes. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
While Xiao Wangye had vented his anger and sent a clear message, thoroughly humiliating the Japanese, the Japanese, repeatedly turned away, did not feel so good. They stayed cooped up in their rooms, full of grievances.
They were worried about what actions Xiao Wangye would take next, and they were also worried about their grain not selling, their losses increasing, and the growing resistance from the people of Ningcheng.
Seeing everyone filled with resentment, the leader, who was already burning with anger, turned and stormed out of their residence, heading straight for the Ningcheng Prefecture yamen.
"Lord Zhu, how many days has it been? The situation in the city is only worsening. How do you expect us to continue our cooperation? If you still cannot resolve the problem, you will have to return all the kickbacks you've taken from us over the years."
As soon as he met Zhu Chang, the Japanese unleashed a torrent of scolding, showing no regard for courtesy.
He couldn't see Xiao Wangye, so he didn't dare to offend him. He could only vent all his anger onto Zhu Chang.
Zhu Chang, suddenly reprimanded, was also bewildered. His face turned from green to white, and he suppressed his anger, unable to lash out.
"This official has done his best. Don't get too agitated; everything can be discussed."
Facing this Japanese man, Zhu Chang could only swallow his pride. After all, his weaknesses were in the other party's hands. If he angered him, he wouldn't fare well himself.
"Done your best? You tell me the Regent came to trouble us, and then he wants to talk peace. Now, I chased him away, and he's targeting us even more! I'm telling you, if you can't settle this, none of us will live."
The Japanese man flicked his sleeve fiercely, glared at Zhu Chang, and slammed the door shut as he left.
Zhu Chang, having suffered a barrage of angry words for no reason, was also furious. He slammed his palm on the table, his face so dark it looked like water was about to drip out.
"This Regent, he comes and immediately ruins my affairs and cuts off my financial path."
Now, Ningcheng was in an uproar, known to everyone. Even his back was being whispered about and speculated upon by many.
As the prefect, he would likely be ridiculed by his peers in neighboring regions.
Furthermore, he had no idea what measures Xiao Wangye would take next.
It seemed that the Japanese were being pushed to their limit. If they were cornered and resorted to desperate measures, Zhu Chang would not be able to escape.
They were Japanese, and their identity protected them! But he was merely the prefect of Ningcheng. When the blame fell, he would not be able to evade it.
Just as Zhu Chang was agonizing over this matter, a sneaky head popped into the room, chuckling at him a few times.
"Is Your Excellency still worried about the matter of Japanese grain prices? This subordinate has an idea, I wonder if Your Excellency would be willing to hear it."
The man slunk over to Zhu Chang and spoke in a low voice, his face filled with sinister cunning.
Zhu Chang looked up and recognized the man as his longtime aide. This aide also knew about his dealings with the Japanese.
"Speak."
With both sides watching him closely now, Zhu Chang was truly at a loss. At this moment, someone voluntarily offered a suggestion, and he was naturally happy to listen.
The aide heard this, gave a sly laugh, and leaned close to Zhu Chang's ear, speaking in a very faint voice:
"Since Your Excellency does not wish for the Regent to uncover the truth of the matter, why not secretly assassinate him? Our Emperor's apprehension towards this Prince is well-known. Afterward, you can shift the blame to the Japanese. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
The ones who hated Xiao Wangye the most now were the Japanese. If they sent people to assassinate him, no one would be suspicious.
In fact, Zhu Chang himself also harbored resentment towards the Japanese.
On one hand, he coveted their wealth, and on the other hand, he did not want to be coerced by them.
The idea proposed by the aide was indeed perfectly suited to his intentions, and Zhu Chang was immediately swayed.
This plan, which killed two birds with one stone, could not only help him resolve his current predicament but also illuminate his future. How could he not be tempted?
Seeing the willingness in Zhu Chang's eyes, the aide chuckled and asked softly:
"What does Your Excellency think?"
Suddenly brought back to his senses by the question, Zhu Chang furrowed his brow and did not follow his initial impulse to voice his approval.
This idea sounded perfect and tempted him, but in reality, it was still very difficult.
Zhu Chang was a cautious person. Otherwise, he wouldn't have remained the prefect of Ningcheng for so long, nor would he have cooperated with the Japanese for such a long time without revealing any flaws.
He was not completely fooled by the aide's words and carefully considered the matter again in his heart.
Even if the aide was right, the current Emperor was indeed apprehensive and displeased with the exceptionally talented Regent. However, no matter what, the latter was still a Prince, a descendant of the late Emperor.
Even the Emperor had to tolerate him. If he, a mere prefect, were to commit the heinous crime of assassinating a Prince, and the matter were to be exposed, it would be a capital offense punishable by execution of the entire family.
Zhu Chang desired wealth and a prosperous official career, but all of this was predicated on him being alive to enjoy it.