The Lin Mansion looks gloomy and gloomy on the surface, but on the inside it is full of joy and joy.
Outside Lin Mansion, there are all kinds of sentient beings.
Relying on the news they received from Jia Lian, the salt merchants confirmed that Lin Ruhai was really seriously ill and would die soon. They all let go of their hands and feet and acted more and more unscrupulously.
The same is true for the government. Without Lin Ruhai's suppression, the officials took the opportunity to make a fortune in the salt business and made a lot of money.
During this period, there was collusion between government and businessmen, and the private salt business was booming, almost to the point of being brought to light.
Cuiyun Tower is a famous scenic spot in Yangzhou. Whether you are local in Yangzhou or coming from other places, as long as you are a normal man, you are eager to go and "visit" for a night.
Unfortunately, the high ticket price interrupts most men's dreams.
That night, Cuiyun Tower, which was making a lot of money every day, closed its doors.
It's not that something went wrong and the business couldn't be opened, it's that the entire Cuiyun Building was booked overnight.
The old madam did not refuse because of the other party's identity. Of course, this was also related to the fact that the customer gave enough money.
After all, this was ten thousand taels of silver, and she really couldn't refuse.
On the second floor of Cuiyun Building, in the best private room.
At this time, there were no women present, and a group of old men in their forties and fifties were chatting happily.
suddenly…
"Brother Wang, you are inviting me to a banquet today. What do you mean?"
The person who is speaking is the governor and pacifier of Yangzhou, the veritable number one figure in Yangzhou.
Well, we can't count Lin Ruhai, the Yangzhou salt inspector. Although he has a low position, he does not take it lightly. He has more power and is simple in the heart of the emperor.
He is considered an outlier in Yangzhou, and almost no one dares to mess with him.
In fact, the identities of the people in this box are not simple.
Those sitting on the right are all the top salt merchants in Yangzhou. The brother Wang mentioned by Zhizhou is the head of the Wang family, the largest salt merchant in Yangzhou.
Sitting on the left are a group of high-ranking officials, mainly magistrates, general magistrates, general managers of horse and infantry forces, magistrates...
Well, if there is an assassination now, it doesn't have to be successful. As long as one of them is killed casually, the entire Jiangdu and even the entire Yangzhou will be turned upside down.
Of course, this kind of thing is impossible to happen.
Because there are countless officers, soldiers, government officials, and desperadoes protecting the building inside and outside the building, so not even a fly can fly in.
Faced with the question of Zhizhou, the head of the Wang family asked rhetorically.
"Lord Zhizhou, are you living a comfortable life these days?"
How could a person like Zhizhou not understand what the other party meant? Wasn't it just asking, would it be easy to make money without Lin Ruhai?
Moreover, he could hear the other party's thoughts, but he still deliberately pretended to be confused.
"It's so comfortable. I've always had a comfortable life in Yangzhou!"
The head of the Wang family frowned and cursed the old fox in his heart, but remembering the purpose of this time, he still had to take the initiative to speak out.
"Master Lin is so seriously ill. I wonder when he will recover?"
Zhizhou didn't show any strange behavior and said expressionlessly.
"Ah, Mr. Lin has his own destiny. I believe he will recover soon and continue to inspect Yangzhou Salt Affairs."
"Sir, are you really willing to see me?"
As soon as these words came out, the box fell silent instantly.
"Brother Wang, what do you want?"
"Master Lin has worked too hard. For the sake of his health, it's better to rest."
Zhizhou frowned. He immediately understood the hidden meaning of these words. The other party wanted to get rid of Lin Ruhai, an obstacle.
It's not surprising when you think about it. Although Lin Ruhai knew how to accept bribes, his methods were ruthless. Not only did he steal a lot of wealth from salt merchants, but he also severely cracked down on illicit salt sales.
The salt merchants have long wanted to replace the salt patrol censor with someone who is easier to corrupt and even control.
It's a pity that Lin Ruhai is in the emperor's heart and cannot be moved.
However, Lin Ruhai's "serious illness" this time gave them the opportunity. As long as the government and the army did not interfere, they were confident that Lin Ruhai would "die" naturally.
Zhizhou weighed the pros and cons and made a decision.
"Well, Mr. Lin has worked too hard and it's time to take a rest. Mr. Qi, don't you think so?"
At this time, a rough man's expression changed and he answered without any hesitation.
"What your Excellency said is true."
With the approval of Ma Bujun, the salt merchants and officials all showed proud and expectant smiles.
From this it can be seen that they have been in the forest of bitterness like the sea for a long time.
"Everyone, let's relax today and continue to serve the court tomorrow."
Zhizhou raised his glass and everyone agreed.
Soon, the flowers in the box were blooming, and the birds were singing and dancing.
However, a group of salt merchants withdrew with a wink. It was impossible for them to really "play" with the officials.
In another private room, the head of the Wang family said without hesitation.
"Zhizhou only gave us one night, so we should unite our forces immediately and we must deal with Lin Ruhai tonight."
"good."
No one had any objections. After all, Lin Ruhai was their common enemy.
Qingnang Pharmacy, backyard.
Ye Yuan looked at the man and woman in front of him in surprise, with rich expressions.
These two are his customers.
It's just that one of them is the kind who was taken advantage of, and the other is the kind who took advantage of him. They are completely different.
These two are cousins Jia Lian and Lin Daiyu.
Lin Ruhai, an old fox, actually sent them to Ye Yuan's place to stay temporarily, saying that he would pick them back up tomorrow morning after cleaning up the garbage in Yangzhou Mansion.
At this moment, Jia Lian, who was still a little confused just now, opened his eyes wide and glared at the unscrupulous businessman in front of him.
Ye Yuan had no obligation to indulge him and asked with a straight face.
"What are you looking at?"
"Look at you!"
Ye Yuan was a little depressed. It was really strange that Jia Lian, a noble son whose ancestral home was in Jinling and now lived in the capital, could pick up his words.
However, this does not prevent Ye Yuan from continuing to fight against him.
"Don't look at me like that, what? Mr. Jia has turned into a resentful woman."
Daiyu couldn't help but laugh out loud, then quickly covered her mouth, and then... laughed secretly.
Look at those little crescent moons, not to mention how brilliant they are.
Jia Lian felt sad and angry, but could not accuse Ye Yuan of his crimes in public.
After all, you can't say that kind of thing in front of Daiyu.
However, Jia Lian cares, but Ye Yuan doesn't.
"Haha, Mr. Jia, why bother? It's because the medicine doesn't work?"
How does one answer this?
Jia Lian said awkwardly.
"Ahem, it's useful. Let's not talk about it anymore. Has Xing'er's room been tidied up? I want to take a rest."
"alright."
Hearing Xing'er's answer, Jia Lian breathed a sigh of relief and ran away.
Lord Ye Yuan was in great numbers and did not take advantage of the victory to pursue the attack.
After all, Jia Lian is also his loyal customer.
Moreover, if I go to Beijing in the future, I may have to continue to "rob" money from him.
"ah…"
Daiyu yawned softly, and Ye Yuan suggested.
"Ms. Lin, please go in and rest too."
"good."
Before approaching the room, she said thank you softly and went in without waiting for Ye Yuan's response.
"What the hell is this!"
Ye Yuan shook his head helplessly and walked into the master's room.
Tonight, Jia Lian will stay in Ye Yuan's room, and Daiyu will stay in the warehouse.
As for the accommodation conditions, don’t worry.
The cousins have prepared everything in advance. The maids and servants have all been decorated in advance. The bedding, mosquito nets, etc. are all brand new. They just need to move a bed.
Sure enough, they are worthy of being a noble family.
Looking at Ye Yuan... he wasn't envious at all.
Seeing that they were all asleep, Ye Yuan summoned A Yin's incarnation.