jdhmnovel Chapter 156: An Insignificant Apology
Chapter 156: An Insignificant Apology
Yan Wanwan's expression was stern, her voice resonating like a bell as she delivered a stern order, each word emphasized: "All inferior goods, counterfeit goods, and fake goods will be confiscated and destroyed! The shops involved will be immediately closed for three months for rectification. During this period, all business activities are strictly prohibited. Not only that, but those responsible will be heavily fined to serve as a warning to others and prevent such illegal activities from happening again."
As soon as she finished speaking, the shop owners present were stunned at first, and then they all breathed a sigh of relief, with even a hint of joy appearing on their faces.
They secretly grumbled, thinking this was some serious punishment! In reality, they had come with a special mission, and running the shop was just a sideline to cover up their mistake. Now, with the shop closed for rectification, they could legitimately stop working, which was a blessing they had been waiting for. So, the shopkeepers nodded and humbly agreed, as if this wasn't a punishment at all, but a blessing from heaven.
Even Grand Tutor Zhou secretly breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Yan Wanwan with contempt. He thought she could give any orders! That's it...?
Yan Wanwan keenly caught the subtle changes in everyone's expressions and couldn't help but sneer in her heart. How could she not know what these people were thinking? She was just playing along.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, a barely perceptible cold glint flashing across them. Then she spoke slowly, her voice still steady and powerful, but with a touch of undeniable authority: "Shopkeepers, don't be too happy yet. This is only the first step. Next, I will arrange for someone to conduct a comprehensive inventory of your stores, from your purchasing channels to your sales records. No single link will be overlooked. If any evidence of collusion with illegal forces or other behavior is discovered, there will be no leniency and severe punishment will be imposed!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the shopkeepers who had been secretly delighted suddenly changed their expressions, and their hearts, which had just been relieved, suddenly rose to their throats again.
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with fear and anxiety. One of the braver shopkeepers stepped forward and stammered, "Sir, we are just a small business, how could we do anything else? Please don't wrongly accuse us."
Yan Wanwan glanced at him coldly and said slowly, "Whether you have been wronged or not will be clear after the investigation. If you are truly innocent, why are you afraid of the investigation?"
The shopkeeper was speechless after hearing her question and could only retreat in shame.
"Also, each of you should write a self-criticism and hand it in to me."
"What is a self-criticism?"
"You will need to write a letter of apology and report any mistakes you've made, such as failing to complete assigned tasks on time or making some deviations during execution, to your superiors. This not only serves as an explanation for your work mistakes, but also demonstrates your willingness to take responsibility and strive to improve, ensuring that you can better serve Nanping Prefecture and the court in the future."
"..."
Several people were speechless and looked up at the sky. Why did these words sound so suggestive?
Seeing this, Grand Tutor Zhou felt a little uneasy and looked at her cautiously, observing whether she knew anything.
"Okay, that's all. Just carry out the instructions and let this matter go. Otherwise... hehe!" She sneered a few times, but made people feel a creepy sense of powerlessness.
Grand Tutor Zhou couldn't help but shudder. He originally thought that she was just a young girl who had just started out in life. Even if she became the general's wife or the county lady, it was just an empty title and she would be easy to deal with. Now it seems that he underestimated her.
He coughed lightly, trying to ease the tense atmosphere, and said, "County Master Yan, isn't this investigation a bit of an overreaction? These shops provide a lot of convenience to the people on a daily basis. I'm afraid making such a big fuss will cause public resentment."
Yan Wanwan looked Grand Tutor Zhou straight in the eye without fear and said righteously, "Grand Tutor, you are wrong. While the convenience of the people is important, the dignity of the law is even more inviolable. If these unscrupulous merchants are allowed to do as they please, it will not only harm the interests of the people but also undermine the foundation of the imperial court. Since I have been canonized as a county princess by the emperor, and Nanping Prefecture has become my fiefdom, I naturally have the responsibility and obligation to maintain order and fairness in the market."
Grand Tutor Zhou was speechless for a moment after being confronted by her, but he felt even more angry in his heart.
He suppressed his anger, forced a stiff smile, and said, "County Lady Yan is truly a man of great principles, wholeheartedly concerned with the interests of the court and the people. However, if this investigation really causes any trouble, His Majesty will probably question the County Lady's ability to handle affairs! Just like this imperial examination."
His words seemed to be for Yan Wanwan's consideration, but in fact he was threatening her, trying to make her back down.
Yan Wanwan sneered in her heart. How could she be scared by such bluffing words from Grand Tutor Zhou?
She raised her chin slightly, her eyes firm as she spoke, "Don't worry, Grand Master. Since I dare to do this, I am not afraid of the consequences. If anything goes wrong during the investigation, I will apologize to His Majesty. However, if I turn a blind eye to these illegal acts because I am afraid of taking responsibility, then I will truly betray His Majesty's trust."
She paused, then continued, "Since you mentioned the imperial examination, Grand Tutor Zhou, have you investigated thoroughly these past few days? Shouldn't you also give us an answer?"
Seeing Yan Wanwan's firm attitude, Grand Tutor Zhou knew that it was futile to persuade her any further, so he said nothing more and dismissed her with a vague and ambiguous remark.
Seeing Yan Wanwan still standing there, he asked in confusion, "Isn't the county lady leaving?"
"No, I'll wait until they finish writing their apologies."
"You...you take care of yourself!" After saying that, he walked away without looking back.
Yan Wanwan couldn't help laughing when she saw his hurried footsteps. Was this considered a desperate escape?
She turned around and yelled at the shopkeepers, "Why don't you hurry up and write?"
The shopkeeper shuddered with fear and immediately went to carry out the order. Isn't it just writing a few self-criticisms? In their view, it was just writing a few self-criticisms, not a big deal at all, and there would be no substantial losses.
However, they never dreamed that these seemingly insignificant letters of apology would become the turning point of their business careers and ruthlessly destroy the good reputation of their shop that had been passed down for a century.
Since then, the shop's business has plummeted. Customers have left one after another, some even spitting at the door whenever they pass by. The former prosperity has vanished like a passing cloud. In just one year, this once glorious shop has completely disappeared into the long river of history, which is a pity.