Chapter 43 Show favor and power to the villain

He Shen has all the power in the world, so of course he can't do everything by himself. In order to make those under him listen to him, he always varies the people under him from person to person, and uses both kindness and power to firmly control them. Wang Rulong was a famous salt merchant for a while, he was originally an aide under Zhengrui, Lianghuai Salt Administration.Zhengrui used to be a Taoist, but was later dismissed because of his negligence. In order to regain his employment, he sent tens of thousands of taels of silver to He Shen, who was then Minister of Military Aircraft.As expected, Heshen did things neatly, and shortly after receiving the money, Qianlong issued an edict to enlist Rui as the Lianghuai Salt Administration.Salt and iron have been monopolized by the government since ancient times, and the profits are astonishing. Therefore, the position of the salt administrator is a rare vacancy. The previous salt administrators have all been rich and wealthy officials.

At the beginning of Zhengrui's tenure, Wang Rulong went to meet and meet him, and proposed to him many good money-making strategies such as how to collect taxes and donations, how to track down smuggling and tax evasion, and how to check counterfeit and illegal activities. Zhengrui appreciated him, so he was recruited as an assistant .Wang Rulong is cunning and cunning, and he knows how to adapt to the wind, so he works smoothly under Zhengrui.During the fifth southern tour in the forty-fourth year of Qianlong (1779), Wang Rulong personally urged the big and small salt merchants to donate money, build palaces, pave roads, and buy utensils. He won Qianlong's favor, and he himself gained a lot from it.

No matter what, Zhengrui never imagined that Wang Rulong is a person with lofty ideals. He wants to take this opportunity to get close to Heshen and replace Zhengrui in the position of salt administration.He first donated a famous horse to Heshen together with Zhengrui, so he was able to get acquainted with Heshen.For a corrupt official like He Shen, it is difficult to impress him with ordinary things such as gold and silver, so Wang Rulong is out of the ordinary and always sends some famous people's calligraphy and paintings to He Shen, which immediately attracts He Shen's attention.

Then he presented a Jiangnan beauty to Qianlong through Heshen, which made Qianlong unable to put it down.In He Shen's heart, he was somewhat pleased with Wang Rulong's contribution, but he also felt that this person was too shrewd and inevitably had the ambition to reach the court, and he must be able to force him with power, otherwise it would inevitably be disadvantageous to him. Therefore, He Shen summoned Wang Rulong in private, and put on a stern expression as soon as they met. Wang Rulong was so frightened that he was beaten back to his original shape, and most of his original glibness and cunning were lost.When he was in a panic and didn't know what to do, He Shen said to him in a sarcastic tone: Congratulations, sir, for winning the emperor's favor!Seeing this, Wang Rulong had no choice but to keep silent, quietly waiting for He Shen's lesson.He Shen suddenly reprimanded: You are guilty!To let the emperor indulge in female sex on purpose, so that the king will not rule, the crime should be executed!

Wang Rulong's face turned pale immediately, and he quickly knelt down on his knees, apologizing endlessly, begging He Shen to forgive him.He also said that he has long admired Heshen, and he will definitely honor him in the future.He Shen originally wanted to knock the mountain to shake the tiger, but after hearing this, he felt that his goal had been achieved, so he changed his amiable expression. After going through this life-and-death tribulation, Wang Rulong deeply felt that although he was a wealthy businessman with a high reputation, he was resourceful, tactful, and thoughtful in all aspects.However, in the world of the Qing Dynasty, life is still hanging by a thread, and death may be caused at any time.He Shen is the one who controls his own destiny. If he can cling to him wholeheartedly and let him understand his loyalty, he will have a prosperous official career in the future.

Wang Rulong became Heshen's minion willingly after Heshen's deterrence.He Shen saw that Wang Rulong was convinced of him, so he deliberately promoted him.In front of Qianlong, He Shen first praised Wang Rulong for his good manners, shrewdness and ability, and how he was a rare talent. If it is not restrained, the whole world will follow suit and compete for extravagance, which will be extremely detrimental to the country and the people.Qianlong already had a great reputation, so he naturally didn't want to take the blame, so he ordered Heshen to recommend another candidate to replace Zhengrui Lianghuai Salt Administration.He Shen took the opportunity to recommend Wang Rulong.

Therefore, Qianlong issued an edict: The common people in the world, the officials are all dedicated to their own professions, and they strive to be flashy, so they are characterized by special features and warnings to emulate you.From then on, Wang Rulong ascended to the sky in one step, and became the Lianghuai salt administration in one fell swoop from a salt merchant.From then on, Wang Rulong became even more devoted to Heshen. He was more capable than Zhengrui and handed over more money to Heshen. Heshen was also very satisfied with him. Afterwards, Zhengrui felt dissatisfied, so he went to He Shen to argue, saying that he paid He Shen 100,000 taels of silver every year, why would he still lose the fat of the Lianghuai Salt Administration.He Shen told him calmly, just because others are better at paying, and stretched out two fingers while talking.It can be seen that Wang Rulong not only sent treasures and famous paintings to He Shen, but also sent two hundred thousand taels of silver notes.Zheng Rui was speechless for a moment, and retreated resentfully.

He Shen not only maintained his majesty through the combination of kindness and power, but also convinced his subordinates. There is no reason to say that his methods are really admirable.