Chapter 300 Businessmen also worry about the people?
Acting coquettishly is a woman's little privilege.
Even if she is a lady in her thirties.
After being grabbed by the wrist, Ouyang Rong and Pei Shisanniang looked at each other. The awkward and stiff atmosphere was quickly lifted by a joke.
Ouyang Rong released the purple-gold lady's wrist as if nothing had happened.
The latter regained his warm smile, left Mrs. Qin's side, and walked with Ouyang Rong to sit down.
"Come this way, Nagashiro-kun, don't let these stupid girls disturb your interest."
The two sat down again.
In the lobby of Youlan Courtyard, the sound of pipa continued to play.
A well-known Qinghuan by the Xunyang River, wrapped in a blue men's robe, with his chest half exposed, holding a pipa in his arms and playing with his head down.
On the right cheek of that little face with habitually frowning brows, a red palm mark was quite clear.
While playing the pipa, Qin Siyu quietly cast a grateful look at Ouyang Rong.
Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes to drink tea and ignored it.
Pei Shisanniang, who was sitting next to her, lowered her head to drink tea and took in the scene from the corner of her eye. Instead of scolding and stopping Qin Siyu, she silently observed Ouyang Rong's reaction to the beauty's gratitude.
It's a pity that the low-key young man in regular clothes in front of him has a face as calm as water. He drinks tea alone and seems to be confused about the style.
Pei Shisanniang frowned slightly.
But at least he didn't leave immediately.
Pei Shisanniang quickly calmed down and poured tea with a smile on her face.
Ouyang Rong took a bite of the pastry, suddenly turned his head, and said to the naked maid standing next to him with his head bowed, "Put on the skirt."
Hong Hao's face was as red as a ripe apple, but she didn't dare to move at all and turned her head to look at Pei Shisanniang.
Ouyang Rong also turned to look at her, and Pei Shisanniang immediately raised her eyebrows:
"Why are you looking at me? Why don't you listen to Mr. Changshi and put on a skirt? How unbecoming is it?"
Hong Xiao ran to get dressed in a hurry.
Ouyang Rong glanced at Pei Shisanniang, who had a standard smile on her face, but did not criticize her.
He shook his head slightly and drank a cup of tea.
In fact, ever since this noble lady who loves to wear silk fabrics got mad and slapped Qin Si in the face, it was a test.
This is also the second test. The first time is of course inviting him into the courtyard, where a man and a woman are alone, and the young woman is naked, to see if it is a firewood, or if a gentleman is careful to be alone.
This Pei Shisanniang wanted to find out his temperament, or in other words, to see if he was as easy to manipulate as the weak and bookish young civil servant.
Ouyang Rong put down the tea cup and looked at Pei Shisanniang, who had a low eyebrow and a submissive look in front of him, who was accompanying tea honestly like a kind woman, and got straight to the point:
"Tell me, Mrs. Pei went to great lengths to invite a junior official here tonight. What are your orders?"
"I don't dare to obey the orders." Pei Shisanniang waved her hands with a weak and self-blaming look on her face:
"I just went to serve Yunwu tea to Mr. Changshi, but I didn't expect Mr. Changshi to come early...
"These little ladies are ignorant and have a lot of petty thoughts. They accidentally offended Mr. Nagashi. I was worried that Mr. Nagashi would be dissatisfied and wanted to leave. Fortunately, Mr. Nagashi has a lot of them."
Pei Sanniang picked up the teacup, stood up and served tea with a serious face: "Come, Mr. Changshi, I want to apologize to you for my negligence just now."
Ouyang Rong shook his head, chuckled, and said, "It doesn't matter if they are not sensible, as long as Mrs. Pei is sensible."
"Giggle." Pei Shisanniang covered her mouth with her long sleeves: "Mr. Changshi's words are really interesting."
Ouyang Rong did not smile, but looked at her intently, as if waiting for the topic.
Pei Shisanniang had no choice but to put down her tea cup, put away her jokes, nodded and said:
"To be honest with Mr. Changshi, apart from wanting to pay homage to Mr. Changshi when I invited you here this time, I do have some selfish motives."
Without waiting for Ouyang Rong to speak, she continued:
"But if it's just for the selfish interests of a few people or a few trading houses, how can I have the shame to come to Mr. Chang Shirou and tell me?
"I have always disliked the unhealthy tendencies between businessmen and officials. Although I have been doing business for many years and have seen a lot of similar things, I can't say anything about it, but I also feel deeply disgusted in my heart."
In the middle of speaking, Pei Shisanniang looked at Ouyang Rong with admiration:
"Today I met Mr. Changshi. He set an example and showed his awe-inspiring righteousness, which made me a little excited. It seems that there are still upright and upright officials like Mr. Lang.
"This time, I did not find the wrong person."
Ouyang Rong's face turned a little red after being praised, and he couldn't help but glance sideways at Pei Shisanniang, who was serious and righteous.
No, flattery is nothing but flattery, but what’s going on with this expression of joy at seeing someone of the same kind?
Was it really not your arrangement to co-author the "Sexual Bribery" just now?
Ouyang Rong's eyes were suspicious, but he didn't reveal them. He looked Pei Shisanniang up and down, nodded and said:
"Mrs. Miao Zan. Let me tell you directly. What is going on? I need to talk to you."
"good."
Pei Shisanniang straightened her back and said sincerely:
"I have heard about Mr. Chang Shi's deeds of benefiting the people by providing disaster relief and water control in Longcheng County. Today I would like to ask Mr. Chang Shi to point out some corrective measures, which are also things that benefit the people and control floods..."
"oh?"
"Changshi Langjun has just taken office. Do you know that Xingzifang suffers from floods every summer?"
"I've heard a little bit." Ouyang Rong nodded.
Pei Sanniang asked cautiously: "Does the gentleman know the specific reason, or does he have a countermeasure?"
Ouyang Rong looked at her with a smile and shook his head.
Pei Shisanniang sighed:
"Speaking of which, I heard about this matter when I came to Xunyang City. I didn't pay much attention to it at first. It wasn't until this summer when I passed by there and got caught in a flood that I realized how harmful this matter was to the people.
"Later I discovered that in the whole city, only Xingzifang was the most severely affected by floods. The other villages, such as Chaisangfang and Lianxi Fang, were not troubled by floods.
"So I made a careful investigation in the past few months and found that the reasons are roughly based on two points."
"You tell me." Ouyang Rong narrowed his eyes.
Seeing his interested expression, Pei Shisanniang smiled brightly and raised two fingers:
"First of all, the terrain of Xingzifang is too low, it is the lowest location in Xunyang City.
"Secondly, Xingzifang, like Chaisangfang, is the earliest main urban area of Xunyang City and the two oldest lanes.
"As a result, the buildings are old, and the drainage facilities such as sewers and canals are too outdated and have not been repaired for a long time. They are naturally aging and congested, and the drainage effect is low."
She shook her two fingers lightly:
"The combination of these two points has resulted in serious natural flooding in Xingzifang. The relatively poor people living there have been flooded every year."
Ouyang Rong nodded and took another look at Pei Shisanniang: "It makes sense, so... what Madam is going to say today, is it related to this?"
"Of course it's relevant."
Pei Shisanniang leaned forward, took the tea cup from Hong Hao's hand, and poured tea for Ouyang Rong Wenwen, with a voice like a female cat:
"Before, Lang Jun had not come to serve as the chief minister, and the officials in Jiangzhou Hall did not pay much attention to this matter. After all, not everywhere can there be a capable minister like you, Lang Jun, who cares about the country and the people.
"The search was hopeless, so I had no choice but to consult a few experts who knew water conservancy in person... Finally, I finally got a plan that had the best of both worlds."
Ouyang Rong raised his eyebrows, "What's the best way to get the best of both worlds?"
"Sure enough, Mr. Lang always cares about the welfare of the people. It seems that he has found the right person today."
She smiled softly, took out a manuscript from her sleeve and placed it on the table between the two of them. She held it down with two fingers and slid it out:
"Mr. Sir, please take a look."
Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes and started reading.
Pei Sanniang's eyes were fixed on Ouyang Rong's expression without blinking. She took a sip of tea from the cup, moistened her red lips and gently opened them, and guided in a soft voice:
"The plan is not difficult. We only need to repair the sewers and drainage channels in each street of Xingzifang. We will go to Chang'an, Luoyang and other places to invite relevant craftsmen to introduce the advanced drainage technology of these big cities.
"The shopkeeper under my command has made a calculation and renovated everything. It may cost a little more money, but it can solve the flooding problem of Xingzifang once and for all."
Ouyang Rong scanned the drawing and nodded lightly: "It makes sense." After a pause, he judged: "The plan is feasible."
The smile on Pei Sanniang's face became more and more enthusiastic and bright: "Chang Shilangjun has a sharp eye and can see the clues at a glance."
Ouyang Rong put down the drawing and sighed: "I didn't expect Mrs. Pei to care so much about the people of Xingzifang and to be a conscientious businessman."
Pei Shisanniang smiled: "Businessmen do pursue profit, but they must also strive for a win-win situation and give back to the people."
Ouyang Rong nodded and asked: "What does Mrs. Pei mean by showing me this plan..."
Pei Shisanniang said directly:
"Mr. Chang Shi, I don't need money from the Jiangzhou Hall. I am not talented. I know some fellow merchants from the Yangzhou Merchant Gang who are equally enthusiastic and worried about the flood in Xunyang...
"After all, I have been in Xunyang City for a long time and have regarded this place as my second hometown. Therefore, we discussed it and decided to raise money to repair these drainage facilities for free for the people of Jiangzhou Hall and Xingzifang."
Ouyang Rong's expression remained unchanged and he did not show any happy expression immediately. He drank tea slowly and said:
"Repairing the drainage canals in the entire building is something Jiangzhou Hall has not not considered.
“However, many old houses need to be demolished, and the impact is too wide. There are too many residents in Xingzifang, including workers at Xunyang Wharf, vendors in the streets and alleys, and foreigners who come to make a living...all live in this square.
"Renovation can easily affect people's livelihood. The most important thing is that the landlords of the old houses in Xingzifang are unwilling to agree, which has delayed their rent collection for several months."
Pei Shisanniang looked like she was listening attentively. After listening, she frowned slightly and seemed to be sad:
"Mr. Lang is right. It is indeed necessary to demolish most of the old houses in the neighborhood, but the landlords who rely on the houses to collect rent will not allow it."
After only hesitating for three breaths, her expression turned into a determined look and she nodded vigorously:
"Mr. Changshi, if not, let's just buy all these old and dilapidated houses. My fellow villagers and I will buy as many as there are, but..."
There was a troubled look on her face, as if she was a little embarrassed:
"But I need a little help from Changshi Langjun and Jiangzhou Hall to issue some official regulations and order the landlords to sell their house deeds within a time limit. Our business gang is willing to buy them all at the current market price. What do you think of this plan?
Is it simple?”
Ouyang Rong didn't answer and looked at her with his head tilted:
"Mrs. Pei repaired the drainage canals and spent all the money to buy the deed of the old house in Xingzifang. How can she do a loss-making business?"
Before Pei Shisanniang could answer, he suddenly said:
"After demolishing the old houses and renovating the drainage channels in the whole neighborhood, what will you do? What will you do on the land that originally had the title deed?"
"Um…"
Pei Shisanniang looked helpless:
"To be honest, Mr. Changshi, we are planning to rebuild some new and high-quality houses with red walls and black tiles like Xiushui Fang and Lianxifang on the land for sale or rent out.
“Xingzifang is close to the river, with unique scenery, and is also adjacent to the prosperous Xunyangdu...
"Well, actually it's not a loss, but a small profit."
Ouyang Rong tilted his head and asked again: "Are you really only making a little money?"
Pei Shisanniang smiled slightly awkwardly, and then she gave him a charming look.
Ouyang Rong smiled.
Pei Shisanniang covered her mouth and smiled.
There seems to be some tacit understanding.
Ouyang Rong asked: "My wife has tried to buy an old house in Xingzifang before, right?"
"Yes, but..." Pei Shisanniang sneered: "There are too many small landlords, some are rigid and unwilling to sell, or they are too open-minded. They are obviously run-down houses that can't be rented for much money, and I don't know where they come from.
of confidence.”
"So you want Jiangzhou Hall to help?"
"Actually, this is also to help Xunyang City and help Lang Jun's political achievements."
"What's the meaning?"
"There are a bunch of dilapidated houses in Xingzifang, mixed with good and bad, which greatly affects the security and appearance of the city. If we buy them, we can not only renovate new sewers, but also build a series of magnificent houses. Like Luoyang City and Chang'an City, the streets will be clean
Jing, this is beneficial to Xunyang City as a whole, and it is also the political achievement of all the adults in Jiangzhou Hall."
"Then the price you sell for must not be low, right?"
"Lang Jun, we must make some money."
After a pause, she looked at Ouyang Rong carefully: "How about... Jiangzhou Lobby also invests some money to hold shares, or does Lang Jun recommend friends who are also worried about the people to join the investment? It's easy to discuss.
.”
Ouyang Rong ignored it and suddenly asked: "What about the original tenants after Xingzifang was renovated?"
"You can buy the house or continue to rent it."
Ouyang Rong nodded with a smile and suggested: "The house is so new and tall, so the rent will have to go up."
Pei Shisanniang nodded: "It's natural. After all these lands are bought and rebuilt as residences, we will look at the situation and set a unified price. Don't worry, Mr. Changshi, Xunyang City is so prosperous, so you won't have to worry about renting it. It won't happen."
Empty rooms in the haunted house: It can also attract more wealthy businessmen to settle down, killing two birds with one stone."
"That's true, you are still smart."
Ouyang Rong smiled and nodded in agreement, but in the next moment, he stood up with a cold face, turned around and left: "Young official, I have something else to do, I'll take my leave."
Pei Sanniang was stunned: "Mr. Lang is not satisfied?"
She got up and chased after her, a little anxious: "Why is this? It's obvious that you can kill two birds with one stone. If you have any dissatisfaction, you can tell me..."
Ouyang Rong didn't look back and said something unclear:
"I think Xingzifang is dirty and shabby, but it's quite good. I have a colleague and friend who lives there very happily. He tells me every day that the roadside stalls in Xingzifang are diverse, cheap and delicious, and they are neat and clean.
There is something not found here in Chaisangfang. He is more energetic every day when he is on duty."
Pei Shisanniang's expression froze: "Mr. Lang, are you taking care of a good friend?"
Ouyang Rong was too lazy to explain and prepared to leave.
The next moment.
"Eldest brother?"
In the Orchid Courtyard outside, a woman's shout suddenly came.
Everyone turned to look and saw a fiery red figure rushing into the lobby.
"Are you OK?"
Seeing that Ouyang Rong was safe and sound, Xie Lingjiang breathed a sigh of relief, but the next second, her eyes fell on the familiar robe that wrapped Qin Siyu's delicate body.
Xie Lingjiang looked at his senior brother silently.