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next day

Yangzhou Yanyuan Yamen

Jia Heng had just put on some clothes when he heard the news that Wang Shouqi was visiting outside the door. He introduced Wang Shouqi into the living room with greetings, sat down briefly, and asked what his purpose was.

Wang Shouqi said with a smile on his face: "Uncle Yongning, I want to go to Jinling to do something, but now the ferry is blocked, I still need a warrant from Uncle Yongning."

When Jia Heng heard this, his expression seemed startled, and he said gently: "Now the army is searching for Duduo. How much cargo and manpower does Mr. Wang have? How about waiting for a few more days?"

After all, I had received hundreds of thousands of taels of silver from someone before, so I still had to give him a good look. He had just been assassinated the day before yesterday and was angry, so it was understandable.

"As for the old man and his two servants, there is an urgent matter for the Jinling business and I need to go over to deal with it." Wang Shouqi smiled and explained: "Uncle Yongning can rest assured. You can send Jinyifu guards to escort you along the way to prevent thieves from taking advantage of the opportunity.

move."

Jia Heng said: "Master Wang, you're too polite. I haven't given you a serious reward for donating food and salary last time. How about this, Master Wang and I take a boat to Jinling?"

Wang Shouqi could no longer sit still and wanted to test his tone again.

Compared with other salt merchants, Wang Shouqi experienced many storms during the Longzhi period, and would not choose to break up whenever there was a slight possibility of compromise.

Of course, as long as it is clear that there is no room for compromise, I am afraid that there will be a big chaos in Yangzhou in an instant.

He never doubted that these wealthy businessmen who had been working in Yangzhou for many years did not let Liu Jixian continue to arrest them following the Ma family's smuggling case yesterday.

Even today it is impossible to say that we have to make another compromise.

When Wang Shouqi heard this, he was quite surprised. After thinking about it, he said happily: "Then I would like to thank Uncle Yongning. It just so happens that I have something to ask Uncle Yongning on the way."

Jia Heng nodded, and when Liu Jixian came over to report, the boats were ready, and Jia Heng and Wang Shouqi headed for the ferry.

Arriving at Yangzhou Ferry, Wang Shouqi looked at several ships flying the flags of the Zhen family not far away and asked: "The fleet of the Zhen family? I heard that the two princesses have also arrived in Yangzhou. Are they going back to Jinling?"

During these days, Zhen Qing and Zhen Xue came to Yangzhou Yanyuan Yamen to visit, and naturally they fell in the eyes of Wang Shouqi and other salt merchants.

"The Zhen and Jia families are family friends. I heard that Mrs. Zhen is not in good health. The two princesses came to visit from Shenjing, but they were stranded in Yangzhou because of the previous assassination. This time I will go to Jinling to escort her."

Heng said slowly.

Wang Shouqi knew what was going on, and secretly thought that when he waited in Jinling, he could ask the Zhen family in Jiangnan.

Jia Heng and Wang Shouqi boarded the ship. After that, they sat down on the small table across from each other in the cabin. Qingwen served the tea and then slowly retreated to the side.

Wang Shouqi glanced at Qingwen, Xiren and Chen Xiao who were standing not far away with hands hanging down, and asked: "Uncle Yongning, can you allow me to take a step to speak."

Just as Jia Heng was about to pick up the tea cup, he secretly said something.

At this time, Xi Ren quickly saw the opportunity and gently pulled Qingwen, who was peeking at Jia Heng's face, and then left the cabin. For a while, only Chen Xiao was left in the cabin.

Wang Shouqi looked at Chen Xiao who was standing still.

"This person is my confidant." Jia Heng whispered.

Chen Xiao's eyes flashed, and he pursed his lips. He was a confidant, and his hands and feet were pretty much the same.

Seeing this, Wang Shouqi ignored it and said: "Uncle Yongning, at the beginning of the founding of the Han Dynasty, the salt industry was booming. My ancestors once cooked and sold salt with Taizu, and were highly regarded. After the founding of the country, they gradually came from Huizhou to Yangzhou

, it has been almost a hundred years now, and it has been passed down to my generation for four generations. From the four general merchants at the beginning, to the eight general merchants now, people say that a gentleman's fortune will be cut down after five generations. It is said that the Wang family is about to arrive.

The fifth life.”

When Jia Heng heard this, he asked in surprise: "Master Wang is so good, why did he talk about this?"

Why did Wang Shouqi look like he was going to show off his cards when he opened his mouth like this?

"Over the years, Yangzhou's salt industry has been like a piece of oily fat. I don't know how many people have coveted it. Everyone wants to get involved. I am the head of the general merchant and try my best to maintain the overall situation. Every year, the transportation department is released to the household.

The salt tax of the Ministry is endless, and we have never owed one tael of salt tax to the court." Wang Shouqi said.

Jia Heng nodded and said: "Master Wang is a sincere businessman, and these officials have heard about it in Beijing."

Wang Shouqi said sadly: "Who would have thought that someone like Ma Xianjun would appear later, who was greedy for money, made huge profits, and smuggled to the East. It is really a shame for the Yangzhou salt industry!"

As he spoke, this merchant, who was the leader in Yangzhou salt merchants, patted the table hard, his gray beard trembling slightly under his chin.

Then, he apologized to Jia Heng and said, "I am so sentimental at the moment. I hope Uncle Yong Ning can forgive me."

Jia Heng stared at Wang Shouqi, who suddenly showed off his acting skills, and asked: "Master Wang, these salt industry matters should be explained to Mr. Qi who will be stationed in Yangzhou. How can you mention these to me?"

Wang Shouqi looked at the young man with his old eyes fixedly, and said softly: "Uncle Yongning is a hero of the world. Even the Jurchen Prince Duduo personally assassinated him and returned home defeated. He has a bright mind and is well aware of the centuries-old disadvantages of Yangzhou's salt industry."

"My understanding of salt is limited to the daily needs of ordinary people. Selling private salt can lead to huge profits." Jia Heng did not accept the so-called disadvantages of the salt industry and said, "Actually, the day before yesterday, Duduo was too proud of his own abilities.

, too careless, Mr. Wang has given too much praise."

Wang Shouqi observed the calm young man opposite him, and his heart became more suspicious and vigilant, and said: "To be honest, in recent years, when Huainan salt tax collection was urgent, like the Ma family, they colluded with the Donglu to engage in smuggling business.

Yes, I’ve heard a little bit about it.”

Jia Heng was picking up the tea cup, bringing it to his lips to taste it gently. Hearing the words, he raised his eyes and asked, "Oh."

What kind of trick is this Wang Shouqi doing? Are you afraid? Are you going to betray a group of teammates and cut off your tail to survive?

Wang Shouqi pondered for a moment and said: "As far as I know, the merchants doing smuggling business with Donglu include the Cheng family, the Huang family, and the Bao family."

Jia Heng frowned, narrowed his eyes, and asked: "Is there any evidence for what Master Wang said?"

Wang Shouqi said: "I have also heard about it, and with Jinyi Mansion's ability to investigate, I can find out immediately."

He wanted to see how Jia Heng responded to this matter.

Jia Heng said: "It is difficult to investigate this kind of thing, because who knows whether it is the instruction of the family head or the personal behavior of the clan members? There is always room for argument. In addition, the guards of the Jinyi Mansion are still tracing the whereabouts of Duduo, but Mr. Wang said

Some people are colluding with Donglu, can you provide any clues?"

Wang Shouqi had thoughts in his mind and said: "This, this old man doesn't know."

Jia Heng said: "Even if the imperial court proves that the Donglu colluded, it will not implicate it. If the chief of Duduo's personal guard had not said that Ma Xianjun often colluded with the Donglu, I would not have sent troops to arrest the Ma family. I would organize it in Yangzhou."

Military affairs are inseparable from the strong support of the local folks in Yangzhou."

When Wang Shouqi heard this, his heart moved slightly, knowing that it was the previous three hundred thousand taels of silver that made Uncle Yongning want to continue to rely on him.

This is actually a good thing.

Jia Heng thought for a while and said in a deep voice: "I will ask the Jinyi Mansion to investigate the case of several other salt merchants colluding with Donglu based on the clues provided by Mr. Wang. What does Mr. Wang think?"

Whether Wang Shouqi was out of temptation or he really wanted to eliminate the remaining three families, he only guarded a little and would not be led around.

Wang Shouqi thought for a while and said seriously: "This method is quite appropriate."

I thought to myself, Uncle Yong Ning still has some concerns, and maybe we still need to talk about it.

Jia Heng said: "Going south to rectify the military equipment in the south and north of the Yangtze River, and there are still a lot of food and salary matters that we need to rely on Mr. Wang."

If you ask someone for this, saying it in advance is a reassurance, but as the situation evolves, it won't last long.

"Uncle Yongning is welcome." Wang Shouqi had a smile on his face, but a faint shadow cast over his heart. Is Uncle Yongning true to his words? Is he going to reorganize his weapons or just make a false shot?

At this moment, Liu Jixian stood outside the bead curtain and stood tall, clasping his fists and saying, "Sir, lunch is ready. Miss calls you over."

Jia Heng said: "Mr. Wang, I'll excuse you now."

"Uncle Yongning, please help yourself. I won't bother you anymore. Just go back to the ship and have a meal." Wang Shouqi said softly, and then accompanied by his servant, he got off the ship and returned to his home ship.

"This old fox." Jia Heng whispered and stood up.

Chen Xiao walked closer and saw a faint look on his pure jade face, and said, "He is still testing you."

Jia Heng said: "It's a matter of family and life. How can this decision be so easy to make? If you have any doubts, you must be cautious. And even if the fish dies, the net may not be broken."

If they really break up, Yangzhou will be in chaos, and the Yangzhou salt merchants will definitely be wiped out. Of course, his errands may be too earth-shattering. Although his ability will not be doubted because of this, it will not be detrimental to the stability of the overall situation.

Chen Xiao nodded and said softly: "Don't be careless. He is looking for someone in the south of the Yangtze River. Maybe there is an expert who can understand your purpose."

Jia Heng looked at Chen Xiao steadily for a moment, making Chen Xiao feel uncomfortable.

"What are you looking at?" Chen Xiaoxiu frowned, her eyes filled with doubt and fear, and she couldn't help but take a step back.

She was now worried that this person would pinch her face again. Yesterday, when she saw Xinxin being pinched on the face, she looked back in the mirror and understood why. He was really teasing a child.

It really doesn’t matter how big or small it is.

Jia Heng said: "Xiaoxiao, you reminded me in time. Mr. Wang doesn't understand officialdom, but there are people who do. There are too many smart people in the south of the Yangtze River who can see through the fog."

Wang Shouqi didn't know who he was as a person, or the urgent affairs of the imperial court, so he was still fantasizing.

It roughly means, "Never give up on peace before despair comes to an end, and never make sacrifices lightly until the moment of sacrifice reaches the last moment."

They don't want to believe the determination of him and the emperor in the palace, but Jiangnan, whether Shen Fang or Zhen Yingjia, will be able to guess some of his thoughts when the cavalry troops stationed in Henan Dusi arrive at the Jiangbei camp tomorrow.

This is a dog-fighting with closed doors, no one can escape.

Chen Xiao whispered: "It's good for you to know."

"That being said, you still need to pay extra attention." Jia Heng said clearly.

It's okay to organize the Jiangbei Camp in this way. At least Shuiyu dare not mess around on the surface. Besides, he will later mobilize troops from Henan Dusi to deter him. However, the Jiangnan Camp is different. The forces are complex, including the Zhen family, the Governor of Liangjiang, and the Nanjing War Department. , the scope of involvement is wider, and his power in Jinling is almost zero.

"If the salt merchants react and realize the life-and-death crisis, they will also join forces with the Jiangnan officialdom. In addition, if you rectify the Jiangnan camp, attract rejection, or cause trouble in Yangzhou, then the rectification of the salt affairs will fall short, so you With Zhen Qing... it can be considered as business." Chen Xiao said softly.

Thinking about it now, he might have been hanging out with Princess Chu and Princess Beijing for business.
To be continued...