[R18] Will drink wine – “About Wine” Chapter 188 [English]

Chapter 182 Quail

The merchants were locked up in the courtyard for two days without food or tea. The most unbearable thing was the lack of toilets and buckets.They all couldn’t stand it anymore and wanted to climb out of the wall, but Fei Sheng had been prepared and had people guard the wall with buckets of cold water in their pockets, which caused an explosion in the courtyard.

“Dear me! Are you sick?! You’re so scared when you pee!”

Fei Sheng’s buttocks hurt from sitting down, so he stood up and walked a few steps, saying, “Pee, anyway, it’s you who are the one who’s so horny.”

The merchants all held up their trousers and their legs were trembling with anxiety.The man who took the lead earlier scratched at the crack of the door and begged with all his strength: “Master Jun, there are three urgent needs for people! Aren’t you trying to force a confession?”

Fei Sheng said “Huh” and came to the door and said, “What nonsense are you talking about? I didn’t lay a finger on you!”

The man crossed his legs, bent over and said repeatedly: “Yes, yes, but someone has to go to the latrine!”

Fei Shengpi said with a smile: “I have made it clear to you a long time ago. If you think of it, you can just write down the name of the supply officer first.”

The merchants are not from China. They have to return home after doing business, so they are not willing to offend local officials.They refused to write, so Fei Sheng continued to block the door.There is really nothing we can do inside, so we can only endure the shame and take off our pants.It was okay at first, but then I couldn’t stand it anymore. The stinky smell filled the yard, making everyone cover their noses.After two days, everything was explained.

Fei Shengzhi was so proud that he presented the list to Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan wanted the list to find out if there were white scorpions among local officials. If they went east, a large amount of goods would leave traces.

* * *

Yan Heru became hungry and sat cross-legged, looking like he was being tried honestly.he waited for a long time, and when Shen Zechuan didn’t speak, he said, “The Lord is judging me.”

Shen Zechuan put the list in front of Yan Heru and said, “These names must be all your acquaintances.”

“I’m a businessman, I have nothing to do with the government.” Yan Heru tilted his head and read the list, “I’m just some fair-weather friends.”

“If you want to do business, it’s most convenient to do business in Hezhou, but you established a small trade market in Dunzhou and gathered merchants from all over the country here.” Shen Zechuan slept well last night and felt refreshed this morning. He was not impatient about going around the bush. “The intention is not small.”

Yan Heru blinked and said, “No matter how much I have intentions, they are just tricks in the business world. Fu Jun is the real foresight. I won’t mention Huaici Tea, but I get jealous when I mention it. Dunzhou is also Fu Jun’s world now. From now on, I will make a living with you, and I am willing to be your brother.”

“It’s better to make it clear before you ask for help,” Shen Zechuan said. “These local officials embezzled official goods, handed them to merchants to transport here, and then sold them to the border tribes through you, and converted them into silver. You are really upright, leading a group of people to make national wealth.”

“You are so smart,” Yan Heru actually put his hands behind his back and began to explain, “yes, that’s it. I, the Yan family, made a fortune from tea. In order to find a way to survive from the Xi family, the money I collected in the local area went out, but it couldn’t be filled. These big rats are in charge of the local copper and iron mines, and they are so fat at work. They can fish out thousands of taels of silver with just a hand, which will make anyone excited, so I just join them in this business.”

Yan Heru said this without any fear.The business he did successively were all activities that would be reported to the public as losing his head, but he still did it, and he did it quite skillfully.

“But I am not the one who provides copper and iron to Amul.” Yan Heru showed his small fangs and smiled at Shen Zechuan. “The reason why you are interrogating me today is because you found that these are only small batches and cannot afford the equipment of the Scorpion Army.”

Shen Zechuan didn’t answer.

“I remember all the accounts that came out of my hands clearly. By now, the Lord has checked and must have known that I was telling the truth.” Yan Heru sat cross-legged tiredly and swayed a few times, “The first person to do grain business in Zhongbo was Xi Hongxuan.”

After Xi Hongxuan died, all Xi’s shops fell into the hands of Shen Zechuan.He arranged for Ge Qingqing not to move in Juexi just to keep an eye on Xi Dan.He is very familiar with the current account books of the Xi family, and knows that Xi Hongxuan was responsible for the Zhongbo grain trade after the fourth year of Xiande, and that by the fifth year of Xiande, it was directly resold to the Yan family.But Shen Zechuan went through the Xi family’s account books and found no trace of Xi Hongxuan trading copper and iron with various Biansha ministries.

“Whether it was before the defeat or after the defeat, the only place where Amul could sell goods was Zhongbo.” Yan Heru said, “Four years after Xiande, Zhongbo lost its defense, but Amul did not invade again. Why is this? Is your heart enlightened now?”

In order to move goods.

Four years after Hamde’s reign, none of the chief envoys assigned to Zhongbo by Qudu served for a long time, and they were replaced quite frequently.At first, Shen Zechuan thought it was because of the serious banditry, but when he arrived at Zhongbo, he soon discovered that it was not the case. At least at the beginning of the fourth year of Hamdeok, Lei Jingzhe was not that strong.Later, he thought that after Hai Liangyi became the chief assistant, the most prepared thing was to transfer Jiang Qingshan to Qingdu and keep him temporarily to be determined, in order to allow Jiang Qingshan to go to Zhongbo to change the situation at that time.

“I really want to hang out with Mr. Fu,” Yan Heru said, “Let’s just be together.”

“Hezhou was still transporting food to Qidu last year,” Shen Zechuan answered calmly, looking at Yan Heru, “You have money and food, why don’t you go to Xue Xiuzhuo? He has joined forces with JiangQingshan in Juexi, there is no reason to leave you alone.”

Yan Heru’s smile faded and he said, “I also want to hang out with Xue Xiuzhuo, but this person only wants my head.”

Shen Zechuan said: “Xue Xiuzhuo is checking your account?”

“He is not only checking my account, he is also checking Xi’s account.” Yan Heru said, “This man is very fierce, he can’t tolerate sand in his eyes, and he is particularly unkind.”

The last thing Yan Heru wanted to do was deal with people like Xue Xiuzhuo. The reason was simple. He was afraid of Xue Xiuzhuo.He tried to bribe Xue Xiuzhuo as early as the Xiande period when he was still serving in the Ministry of Household Affairs.But it was useless. Not only was it useless, Xue Xiuzhuo almost touched the shop at that time.

Yan Heru’s method of making alliances is very simple, that is, everyone does bad things together and holds each other’s backs.

Shen Zechuan did not follow Yan Heru’s lead and continued.

Seeing this, Yan Heru quickly put his head in and said, “Is this settled? Let’s draw up a charter. We can discuss how to divide and conduct the business of Huaici Tea and Libei Mutual Market in the future. I can also send food to Libei.”

“Business is easy, as long as you provide the Libei cavalry with winter clothes before October,” Shen Zechuan put on the lid of the tea cup. “Hezhou must bear the supply of granaries for Cha and Dunzhou in the spring of next year.”

“Can you establish yourself as king in the spring next year? You can’t. Then the grain from Hezhou will still be requisitioned by Qidu, and it will have to be sent to Qidong to make military rations.” Yan Heru’s mind was racing, “Qi Zhuyin is the military commander of the five counties of Qidong. He is right next to Hezhou, and I have no troops to stop him. Then sheIf you don’t receive the military rations as scheduled, you’ll be the first to deal with me.If the governor is involved, Cizhou will also be in crisis.”

Shen Zechuan knew that he was thinking about Xiao Jiujiu, so he said, “What do you mean?”

Yan Heru’s eyes lit up and he said, “Let’s do this. Hezhou and Cizhou will share the responsibility for the supply of grain silos to Spring Tea and Dunzhou next year. I will take the lion’s share. Is that fair enough? For the part of the military rations that is lacking for Qidong, I will go to the west by myself.I’ll buy the water channel from Baimazhou, where I have an old acquaintance.But the amount of money spent on clearing the level is too high. I have to find a way to make up for it this winter. Why don’t you exempt me from the customs duties of the dealers in Yan’s Pawn Shop?They took the things they had accumulated to Libeihu Market and exchanged them.I bought some rough tea in Yanbu and distributed it in Yongyi Port.”

Shen Zechuan drank enough tea, got up and left without saying a word.

“Hey,” Yan Heru followed Shen Zechuan and said, “Isn’t this okay? Mr. Fu, you are a bit stingy! Even if you are picking up my wool, you have to make me full first.”

Shen Zechuan stepped out of the door, and Xiao Chiye was coming in through the cave door.

Yan Heru simply fell to the ground and shouted, “No, Brother Shen! You are my brother! We can talk about it later!”

Shen Zechuan looked back, glanced at him and said: “The reason why banditry is rampant in Cha, Dun, Fan and Dengzhou is all thanks to you. From the fifth year of Xiande to the present, the money Yan made in Zhongbo has also been lost. I didn’t let Yan’s shop close down, just to give you some face. If someone starves to death in Cha and Dunzhou next year, I will count it on your head.”

Yan Heru was frightened and curled up his neck, like a little quail.He was lying on the ground and saw Xiao Chiye’s boots through the curtain raised by Fei Sheng. Suddenly he had an idea and shouted: “I still have a baby!”

Xiao Chiye held an umbrella on the steps and said, “What treasure? Let your second son open his eyes too.”

Yan Heru immediately put on a smile and said sweetly: “What second master? It’s the second master! The second master likes pearls, jade and jade in the palace, right? I just got a few good things in autumn. As the saying goes, swords are given to heroes, pearls and jade match the second master. I have wanted to honor the second master for a long time!”

Xiao Chiye had always wanted to give Shen Zechuan a few more ear piercings. Hearing this, he became really interested and asked Fei Sheng to continue to lift the curtain and ask, “What kind of thing?”

Yan Heru knew that Xiao Chiye had a close relationship with Shen Zechuan, and that Shen Zechuan was the “husband” whom Fuxian called him.He can’t talk to Shen Zechuan, but he can make Xiao Chiye happy.He said: “When I get out, I will send someone to deliver it to your house for you to play with.”

Xiao Chiye was in a good mood and said, “You are sensible.”

Yan Heru nodded like a fool and said, “The second master and the master came to do some business. They have been staying at my place for several days. I didn’t treat them well. I feel so guilty.”

Xiao Chiye stood on the steps, and Yan Heru secretly smacked his lips, thinking that Xiao Er was too tall, and his shoulders and arms were so broad that he could roll on top.

“What did you call Mr. Fu just now?” Xiao Chiye asked.

Yan Heru replied: “Brother Shen.”

“Throw it out,” Xiao Chiye’s tone suddenly became colder, “Dip him in the pool so that he can wake up and forget about his parents and brothers.”

Fei Sheng leaned over and picked up Yan Heru and walked out.

Yan Heru didn’t know that Xiao Chiye was unhappy again. He kicked his legs and said hurriedly: “Remember, remember! Second Master, don’t abandon me.” The wind outside was very cold, and Yan Heru continued, “I still have something to say to Second Master, you -”

Fei Sheng had already pushed he into the water.

* * *

Five days later, Shen Zechuan set off back to Cizhou, while Tantaihu stayed in Dunzhou.The letter happened to be delivered to the border county and entered the camp.

Qi Zhuyin came out of the military tent, saw Qi Wei dismounting and came over, and said, “Where’s the letter?”

Qi Wei presented the letter and said, “It’s from Zhongbo, and it’s stamped with a private seal.”

“It seems that Shen Zechuan is doing well in Zhongbo,” Qi Zhuyin opened the letter, “and is still alive to deliver the letter to me.”

Although Qi Wei did not read the letter without authorization, he also knew what it was about. When Qi Zhuyin read the letter, he said: “Cizhou garrison was established less than half a year ago. It can defeat the Biansha cavalry in Dunzhou. Its strength should not be underestimated.”

“Thanks to Xiao Er,” Qi Zhuyin handed the letter back to Qi Wei and looked at the gloomy sky, “The longer King Li Bei keeps him behind, the harder he will rush forward in the future.”

Qi Wei said: “After the New Year, it is time for Qudu to urge you to go north to attack King Yi of Fanzhou.”

Qi Zhuyin didn’t answer. She whistled at the soldiers behind her, took the cloak, and changed the topic while getting dressed: “Is my dad okay?”

Qi Wei followed Qi Zhuyin and said, “According to your instructions, five people have been prepared to take turns to wait on you. The aunts in the mansion are not allowed to get close. The aunts are not happy and go to Madam’s place to make trouble all day long.”

Qi Zhuyin was about to mount his horse, but when he heard this, he stopped and said, “Didn’t Hua San whip them?”

Qi Wei scratched his head and said, “She was raised like a princess. She doesn’t want to be like us. She speaks softly to the aunts, but she is gentle.”

“Then she has a good temper.” Qi Zhuyin felt a headache when he thought of the woman in the backyard, and continued, “Dad had a stroke, which made him feel like he was about to die. They are making trouble every day about dividing the family property, and even he is worried about his golden toilet.”

Qi Wei said: “They are afraid of you.”

Qi Zhuyin got angry and said, “Didn’t I give you food?”

Qi Wei said sarcastically: “You keep an eye on my aunts’ account books and deduct their money for rouge and gouache.”

Qi Zhuyin was speechless. This was a bad debt.Qi Zhuyin spent all his personal money in recent years in order to supplement the military pay for the Qidong garrison.The remaining four counties can rely on military garrison to relieve the pressure. In the years without war, the granary was still abundant, but the border counties could not.Lu Guangbai spent all his family property in Bian County, and Qi Zhuyin also spent all his dowry in Bian County.Six months ago, the military rations in the border county were low. Qi Zhuyin borrowed money from Hongshang to pay for it. He could have saved the money and paid it back, but immediately after Hua Qi’s wedding, in order to marry Hua Xiangyi, the Qi family really had very little money left.

The monthly expenses of these aunts were astonishing. The rouge and gouache alone cost tens of thousands of taels. Qi Zhuyin took the initiative and deducted this money, which was a hornet’s nest, causing the aunts to cry in the backyard and want to complain to Qi Shiyu.

Qi Wei knew Qi Zhuyin’s difficulties, so he said, “How about discussing it with Madam? Her dowry…”

Qi Zhuyin looked over quickly. Qi Wei realized that he had made a mistake and immediately fell to his knees.

Qi Zhuyin didn’t look at Qi Wei anymore, got on the horse and said, “Take Hongying back, just say it’s my wish. Anyone in the house who dares to do anything to Hua San, let Hongying be tied up and sent to me without being polite. She married to Qidong, firstly to make up for my shortcomings, and secondly not to be a doormat for my aunt. The name prefixed to her is Qi Shiyu, the lady of Qidong whom I welcomed back after traveling eight hundred miles, to bully herIt’s just bullying me, and bullying me is bullying me in disguise.Don’t take advantage of this little girl, do you understand?”