Hearing Zhu Wencong's words, the Jin Shang were somewhat tempted. It was time to transfer all their assets out.
These days, whenever the Imperial Court needed money, merchants everywhere had to obediently contribute, or else face having their homes raided and prosecuted.
Previously, Hou Qinglai heard that even the world's richest man was bankrupted by the Qing court, having to bear a portion of the indemnities after every military defeat.
The merchants of the Thirteen Hongs have already been devastated, and the merchants of Jiangnan no longer obey orders but not their wishes. Thus, only the most obedient Jin Shang remained.
Once the Imperial Court lost a war against the foreigners, indemnities would be unavoidable, leaving the Jin Shang with no option but to voluntarily donate money.
Zhu Wencong looked at the crowd, all wearing the masks of suffering. Merchants of the East were always lambs to be slaughtered; money was worthless before power.
