Although it is freezing cold outside, it is as warm as spring indoors. The precious sandalwood slowly rises from the hollow gaps of the incense burner, forming wisps of changing lines in the sunlight.
The old butler Wang Zhong stood respectfully at the door of the study, waiting for the new master's instructions.
Wang Gui, who was temporarily acting as the head of the Wang family, sighed, rubbed his sore eyebrows tiredly, and casually put down the account book he was holding in his hand.
This is a report compiled by the steward of the family on the status of the family's remaining property.
The situation is not as optimistic.
The last incident almost exhausted the Wang family's accumulated wealth over the years.
Today, the Wang family is only an empty shell, which makes him a little exhausted after taking over.
However, even so, there were still some people in the clan who could not see the situation clearly, and kept their resentment towards the master's family, and kept making small moves in private. Only then did he realize that Wang Yan was able to manage the huge Wang family in an orderly manner.
How difficult it is.
He originally had a cold temperament, and during this time, dealing with these chores in the clan every day really made him physically and mentally exhausted.
"Let me tell you that during this time, there are some difficulties at home, so everyone should be more frugal. Except for ancestor worship, the standards, etiquette and expenses of other affairs should be lowered - "
After thinking about it, he sighed helplessly.
"This is not the time for internal friction. Let them all calm down for a few days -"
Wang Zhong nodded respectfully.
"Don't worry, head of the house. Every room in the house is sensible. After thinking about it, you will understand the painstaking efforts of the head of the house..."
Wang Gui couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart when he heard this.
If you really understand, why have you reached this point, still fighting for power and profit, and blaming others?
If there are internal and external troubles, the family will no longer be able to withstand any big storms, and I will certainly not tolerate them continuing to act recklessly.
When Wang Gui saw that Wang Zhong had finished speaking, he did not leave. Instead, he stopped talking and frowned slightly.
"Anything else?"
"There are crazy rumors outside that Chang'an Marquis is raising monsters..."
After Wang Zhong finished speaking, he glanced at Wang Gui's face carefully, and then added.
"Many people have seen with their own eyes a huge round monster rising from the Chang'an Marquis Mansion, and it can breathe fire-"
Wang Gui couldn't help but frown when he heard this.
"It's really ridiculous - what kind of monsters are there in this world? It's just a matter that people in the market talk about after dinner. If we, the Wang family, get involved in it, we will be ridiculed..."
Having said this, Wang Gui suddenly thought of something and glanced at Wang Zhong sharply.
"Is there someone in the family who wants to use this to cause trouble for the Marquis of Chang'an? Tell them, our Wang family will not be involved in this matter-"
Wang Zhong nodded repeatedly and said he didn't dare.
Seeing Wang Zhong slowly retreating, Wang Gui suddenly felt tired.
These idiots think too simply.
Prince An's Chang'an Marquis Mansion is located in Chongrenfang, which is right next to the imperial city.
If there really is a monster that can swallow fire and fly in the air, His Majesty has already taken action. Will it be their turn to use these unintended thoughts?
However, he also knew it.
On my own, I'm afraid it may not have much effect.
Since Wang Yan's death, many people have started to have their own petty thoughts, and many people have been submissive to him. After all, he has intervened halfway, and he does not know the roots of many family affairs and industries.
Therefore, he has recently been sorting out the family's properties one by one.
Now after this period of time, I have roughly figured out most of the industries except salt and ironware. I can only wait until the next year, when I can really take the salt and ironware into my hands, and it will be the time for me to make drastic changes to the family style.
He sees the current situation very clearly.
The problem is not that there are a few scum in the family, nor is it because of that Prince An, or the tall dog thief who stabbed the Wang family in the back, but that His Majesty in the palace cannot tolerate it.
If the Wang family does not wake up and restrain themselves, I am afraid that the family will be destroyed for hundreds of years.
Fortunately, it's not too late.
…
Hezhou.
It belonged to Longxi in ancient times. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, it was occupied by Xue Ju, the captain of Jincheng. Later, Li Gui and Xue Ju defected to the Turks. Hezhou was included in the sphere of influence of the Turks. It was not until the first year of Wude that the Tang Dynasty soldiers and horses were cleared.
Li Gui's forces re-established Hezhou and made Wuhan the administrative seat of Hezhou.
This place is located at the junction of Tubo and Tang Dynasty. It is connected by Tao River and Wei River. Its geographical location is very important.
Not long ago, a market was established, which became an important hub for trade between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo and Tuyuhun. Its military and economic status was even more important.
Although it is extremely cold here, merchants from all over the country gather here and all kinds of bulk goods are distributed and traded here. After just a few months, Panhan, as the seat of Hezhou, has become somewhat prosperous and lively.
Wang Gang, who was the inspector of the Tang and Tubo food markets here, was sitting in a restaurant, overlooking the bustling crowd at his feet, slightly lost in thought.
It has been several months since I was demoted here.
But apart from the fact that this place is not as prosperous as Gyeonggi, he has not suffered much.
His identity as a direct descendant of the Wang family is a resounding gold-letter sign wherever he goes. The inspector of the market has the power of trading in the three places, which makes him prosperous here. Whether it is Tubo, Tuyuhun, or...
No business in Datang could get around his barrier.
In the past, his residence was crowded with guests every day, and it would be difficult for ordinary people to see him if they didn't have any connections. But today, he is here, waiting for an important guest.
Standing next to him to accompany him is his former classmate and friend Chu Yuanheng, who is now the military commander of Hezhou. In fact, Chu Yuanheng was born into a poor family. The reason why he was able to sit in the position of military commander of Hezhou was because the Wang family made a secret behind his back.
force.
"Brother Ji Yuan, who are you going to entertain today? It's so grand that you can wait here in advance——"
Chu Yuanheng joked half-jokingly.
Wang Gang looked at Chu Yuanheng and smiled slightly.
"A noble man - in my lifetime, whether you and I, brothers, can go further, I'm afraid it will depend on who comes..."
When Chu Yuanheng heard this, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. Seeing that Wang Gang didn't seem to be faking it, a serious look suddenly appeared in his eyes.
"Brother Ji Yuan, after so many years, you still haven't gotten rid of your habit of being a show-off. Well, I won't ask. I want to see who this noble person is, worthy of Brother Ji Yuan's attention."
Chu Yuanheng laughed, flirted and sat down on the table, picked up a bowl of milk tea and drank it all in one gulp.
He has been stationed in Hezhou for these years and has adapted to the living habits here unconsciously.
This place is severely cold and the conditions are difficult. Many locals like nobles and like to boil mare's milk, goat's milk, milk, etc. with the tea bricks shipped from the Tang Dynasty to enjoy.
It can fill you up, keep you warm, and get rid of the greasy feeling in your stomach.
Looking at his former classmate whose behavior was somewhat similar to that of a foreigner, Wang Gang's eyes flashed with a hint of imperceptible disdain, but a gentle and steady smile appeared on his face.
"Brother Chu, after so many years, you are still as fast-talking and impatient as ever, but there is no need to wait. Look, they are here -"
As he spoke, he pointed toward the window.
Chu Yuanheng couldn't help but get up, walked to the window, looked down, and frowned suddenly.