The situation was exactly as Su Wangting expected. When Cheng Sanwu and his party returned to Quzhi City and had just washed up, Wen Changshi from the Duhu Mansion took the initiative to visit them.
"It's rare for Wen Changshi to come to Humble House. Please take a seat quickly."
Since Wu Maocai took away almost all of his men, leaving no one to take charge of the property that originally belonged to Baochang Society, Su Wangting was able to return to his mansion safely. When he saw Wen Changshi coming to the door, he took the initiative to welcome him into the back hall.
I saw a dining table placed on the couch, displaying various dishes. A pot of steaming alfalfa wheat rice was next to the fragrant and fragrant mutton soup. There were also vinegar, apricot and date candied fruits and cheese physalis as cold dishes.
Cheng Sanwu sat at the table and ate happily, his cheeks were rounded by the dishes, his neck was thick from eating, and his forehead was sweating.
Afu, who was sitting opposite, was much more elegant. She took off her boots and socks, leaned against the table, scooped up the yogurt with a spoon and tasted it carefully, then twisted a candied fruit and took a bite. She saw Wen Chang
When Shi arrived, he just glanced briefly, then picked up the glass cup filled with wine and looked at Cheng Sanwu again, with curiosity in his eyes, as if he wanted to see how much this man's stomach could hold.
Seeing this, Wen Changshi folded his hands and said nothing. There was no emotion or joy on his face. Su Wangting took him aside and sat down, apologizing: "Wen Changshi made Wen Changshi laugh. We have been traveling for days and are hungry and thirsty. It's not easy to get back."
When you get to Quzhi City, you don’t have to worry about too much."
"No need to worry about it." Wen Changshi couldn't hear the underlying resentment in the other party's words, but he had other important matters here. He said: "The military affairs in the Western Regions have been busy recently, and I really have no time to take care of everything. I heard before that your company and Mao
Is there a conflict in Caishe?"
Su Wangting smiled and said: "Our two families do have some disputes over business, which makes Wen Changshi worried."
Wen Changshi was reluctant: "Oh? But I heard that your two families are competing for something called Mani Pearl?"
Su Wangting thought for a moment and replied: "Actually, my colleagues from the Baima Society were responsible for escorting the Mani Pearl at first. It was only later that I was entrusted to go to the Baima Society. Unfortunately, during the journey, the Maocai Society intervened and took it away.
Mani Zhu didn't say anything, but he still relied on force to show off his violence and seize the property of Baochang Society in Quzhi City. Wen Changshi, the Protectorate must uphold justice for us!"
The Western Region has a vast territory. It is impossible to establish states and counties and appoint and remove officials like the Central Plains. Instead, it retains most of the princes and chiefs and appoints and confer additional titles. In addition to paying tribute regularly and sending sons to the dynasty, each ministry also has to pay tribute when the succession changes.
Only those who are canonized and appointed by the imperial court are in compliance with the rules and regulations.
In addition to training troops to defend against enemies in the Western Regions, clearing wasteland for cultivation, and checking household registrations, most of the four towns' governors were mainly responsible for implementing the administrative order system and appointing and dismissing officials and miscellaneous officials in areas directly under the jurisdiction of the governor's office, such as in the Central Plains.
But even so, even Quzhi City, which is under the eyes of the Duhufu, often faces a shortage of manpower. For many things, it is inevitable to have help from large families such as Maocai Society or Zoroastrianism.
Therefore, Su Wangting's so-called "upholding justice" could not mean going to the prefecture or county yamen to redress his grievances, but directly discussing with Wen Changshi privately.
"I can't just listen to one side of the story about this kind of thing." Wen Changshi's attitude was ambiguous: "You know, many of your company's properties are not in compliance with the court's laws. Maocai Society had previously taken the initiative to file a complaint with the government, complaining about your company's various illegal acts.
Business.”
Su Wangting suppressed the anger in his heart. His Baochang Society has been in Quzhi City for more than ten years. You, Wen Changshi, had already done a great job before you came. In the past, you have never neglected to make contributions to the Duhu Mansion. There are some things.
Everyone knows it well, there is no need to write a big book on it!
"The properties of Baochang Society are all obtained from honest management in previous years. We dare not bully and dominate the market, let alone illegally." Su Wangting put on a gentle look: "But I also know the court's laws. If we really want to conduct a thorough investigation, then I will do it."
Please ask Wen Changshi to come up with a charter so that I can make arrangements."
Su Wangting really did not intend to completely stalemate the situation. Anyway, Mr. Wu was dead and the Maocai Society had no backbone. With a little effort, he could bring back all the original properties. In order to stabilize Wen Changshi, Su Wangting did not
Mind cutting the flesh and bleeding it.
After all, having traveled thousands of miles to be an official in the Western Regions, he was faced with complicated military and civil affairs all day long. If he could not make progress in his career, he would have to make up for it with money and silk.
Wen Changshi leaned slightly on the back of the chair. He was somewhat satisfied, but still dissatisfied. He tapped the chair handle with his fingers: "Master Su just came back from outside. Could it be because of the Mani Zhu incident?"
Su Wangting knew that he could not avoid it, so he could only reply: "I am also a loyal person. Mani Zhu is very important, so I must come forward in person."
"So, the Mani Pearl is now in the hands of Manager Su?" Wen Changshi asked.
"Yes." Su Wangting was no longer polite: "Wen Changshi, you and I are doing things for others, so there is no need to ask too deeply, right? Otherwise, we will not look good on each other."
Faced with Su Wangting's hint, Wen Changshi turned a blind eye: "But you just said that Maocai Society took away the Mani Pearl. Now that your society has obtained the treasure, I wonder what is the condition of Mr. Wu, the director of Maocai Society?"
"Who knows the vastness of the Gobi desert, the dangerous roads, and the endless emergence of horse thieves and demons?" Su Wangting gently brushed the dust off his legs, not caring.
Wen Changshi's voice was deep: "Master Su, I'm afraid you've forgotten. Let me remind you - Wu Mao is the son of an English duke. If he dies in the Western Regions, someone will have to pay the price."
"The five-hundred-mile sand sea between the two states of West and Iraq is the most dangerous. Wen Changshi might as well send troops to search along the way." Su Wangting said in a cold tone.
"Okay, very good." There was a bit of anger on Wen Changshi's face, and he changed the subject and said seriously: "I believe that the recent turmoil in the Western Regions was caused by Mani Pearl, and the Protectorate has the right to seize it.
, to ensure stability. Manager Su, you know what to do."
Su Wangting looked forward, silent, as if he was deaf. Wen Changshi frowned slightly, about to urge him.
boom!
Suddenly there was a loud noise, and it was Cheng Sanwu who stood up and shouted towards the outside of the house:
"Is that roast chicken ready yet? Do you want to starve me to death if you haven't served it for a long time?!"
Cheng Sanwu's roar was like thunder, which echoed in the back hall. Some dust on the roof of the beam was shaken and scattered. Wen Changshi swallowed back the words that just came to his mouth.
Immediately, a servant came in with a roast chicken, placed it on the dining table and hurriedly left.
Cheng Sanwu cursed, grabbed the roast chicken, easily tore it into two sides, and handed it to Afu opposite him: "Do you want it?"
Afu suppressed her laughter and shook her head gently. Cheng Sanwu sat down and said, "You don't want it, I want it!"
After saying this, Cheng Sanwu took the roast chicken that had just come out of the oven and ate it, chewing the bones together, making a chilling crunch.
Wen Changshi didn't say anything. Of course he knew that Cheng Sanwu was a thug raised by Baochang Society and had superb martial arts skills. Being in the same room with such a tough warrior, his identity as Chief of the Protectorate, Shi, might not be able to stop him from being impulsive and violent.
.
Mani beads are very important, but it is not worth it to easily throw away one's life for this thing.
"It seems that Manager Su is not willing to assist the Protectorate." Wen Changshi stood up slowly: "Well, then we can only handle official matters."
Wen Changshi walked away with a puff of his sleeves, and the room fell into silence, leaving only the sound of Cheng Sanwu enjoying his meal.
"Can you still eat it?" Afu couldn't help but ask Cheng Sanwu: "You are going to go against the Protectorate now."
Cheng Sanwu raised his head and drank a bowl of wine, put a mouthful of chicken into his stomach, wiped his mouth casually, and said nonchalantly: "Do you treat me like a three-year-old child who doesn't understand anything? This guy named Wen
They are just here to cause trouble. How can we just give away the Mani beads that we fought so hard to get back?"
"But he is the chief of the Protectorate after all, and discussing in private is already a show of dignity. If we really want to do business on an official basis, you won't be able to hold on until the end, right?" Afu asked, supporting her chin.
"Asking Lao Su about these things, I never have the brains." Cheng Sanwu lay down on the couch after eating and drinking: "Old Su, I scared the god of plague away, it's your turn to make some plans."
Su Wangting gently pressed his temples: "Before Prime Minister Lu sends someone here, I plan to place the Mani Pearl in the Fire Worship Temple."
"It is said that the Mani Pearl is a sacred object of Zoroastrianism. Can it be taken out again after entering the Fire Worship Temple?" Afu asked.
"If you can't hold on to the hot potato, it's best to throw it to others." Su Wangting stood up and said: "Currently, the General Protector of Qi is still outside leading troops to quell the chaos, and Wen Changshi is in charge in Quzhi City. I know this person well, he
Seeing that Baochangshe was weak, he immediately came to ask for Mani beads, but he did not dare to take the risk of provoking a civil uprising among his followers."
"You are a coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong." Cheng Sanwu cursed.
"And..." Su Wangting thought for a moment, glanced at Afu secretly, and continued: "I suspect that the Mani Pearl may not be a Zoroastrian sacred object. Even people like Mu Xide don't know anything about it."
"Are you sure?" Afu's green eyes glowed: "For this Mani Pearl, all kinds of monsters and monsters have been mobilized. Like the dragon that lurked in the sand before, it took less than two hundred years to grow up. It can accurately sense the location of the Mani Pearl.
, indicating that someone is secretly controlling it."
Cheng Sanwu immediately sat up and gestured with his hands: "Is that big insect controlled by someone? Like, like those snake charmers from Tianzhu? Can you swing it with a flute?"
Afu was amused by his words: "You... if you insist on thinking so, just let it be."
"The key is not to control the demon, but to accurately discover the Mani Pearl." Su Wangting understood the key. He looked at Cheng Sanwu: "Old Cheng, when you took Peng Ning to the North Path of the Hanhai, there were only two of you.
?"
"That's right, just the two of us."
"So there is no possibility of a traitor tipping off someone." Su Wangting scratched his head in confusion.
Afu's face was rarely serious: "Someone uses advanced magic to closely watch the whereabouts of Mani Pearl..."
"Oops." Su Wangting reacted immediately: "The other party must know that we returned to Quzhi City with Mani Pearl."
"What should we do?" Cheng Sanwu looked at the two of them: "Is there another demon ready to kill?"
Su Wangting pondered: "This is Quzhi City, the headquarters of the Protectorate. Where can any demon dare to come?"
Cheng Sanwu raised his hand and pointed at Afu, but she slapped it away, laughing and scolding: "Does this count for me?"
"I'm not worried about monsters like earth dragons and corpse vultures." Su Wangting rubbed his brows and tried to cheer up: "But this master hiding in the dark can instigate far more than just monsters."
"Are you afraid that you won't be able to guard the Mani Pearl?" Cheng Sanwu snorted coldly: "I would like to see if there are any powerful people who dare to steal things."
"Where can one guard against thieves for a thousand days?" Su Wangting sighed and said, "We can't count on the Protectorate. If it doesn't work, just leave it to Mu Xide."
"You make your decision." Cheng Sanwu didn't bother to think too much: "If Mu Xide refuses to return the Mani Pearl in the future, I will rush in with a knife and snatch it away."
"Old Cheng, you..." Su Wangting took out the black jade box from his arms and said with a wry smile: "But in the end, I don't even know whether the contents inside are Mani beads."
…
Everyone had a good night's rest, and Su Wangting made careful preparations the next morning. He first sent people to notify the Fire Worship Temple, then contacted various industries in Quzhi City, regrouped people, and then mobilized a batch of money, cloth, and traditional Zoroastrianism.
Soma grass for wine making, tamarisk wood for burning, and pomegranate branches for worship.
After preparing all these, Su Wangting ordered people to beat gongs and drums, and went to the Zorofang Fire Worship Temple with great fanfare. He claimed that Baochang Society had experienced disasters and was able to survive almost because of the protection of the Great Light Lord, so he wanted to go there.
The Fire Worship Temple is also willing to offer sacrifices.
This immediately attracted Zoroastrian believers all over the city to gather and watch. Who among the people living in Quzhi City did not know about Baochang Society? In the past, in their eyes, Director Su of Baochang Society was just one of the richest men in the city.
He is good at doing business and lending, and he also relies on a group of vicious thugs headed by Cheng Sanwu to earn a big and dirty business.
In the eyes of Zoroastrian believers, these merchants have always been regarded as sinister, stingy and unclean in nature. It is very rare for them to take the initiative to contribute money this time.
When the team arrived outside the Fire Worship Temple, Zhu Dharma Sa Bao had already led a group of Dharma protectors and Zhu Zhu to wait in line outside the gate of Zorofang. Even if the poor believers did not like it, the elders who ran the Fire Worship Temple were very happy to see Su Wangting.
The arrival of the rich man.
Su Wangting did this deliberately to show off and tell the people hiding in the dark that he had entrusted the Mani Pearl to the Fire Worship Temple. If he wanted to rob it, he should just face the Zoroastrian Church directly.
After exchanging pleasantries with Dharma Sa Bao, Su Wangting ordered people to deliver the offerings to the Fire Worship Temple, and then said: "Today I came to Guibao Land. In addition to wishing to make offerings, I also want to ask Elder Mu for advice."
Holding Dharma Sa Bao thought for a moment: "What a coincidence. Elder Mu has been feeling cold these days and cannot see outsiders."
"That's it..." Su Wangting pretended to be regretful. When he saw this, he wanted to win over such a rich man. He didn't want such a rich man to slip away, so he quickly said:
"Elder Mu is actually not seriously ill. Why don't you wait for a while, Manager Su? I'll send someone to visit you right away. If Elder Mu is able to see the guests, how about letting Manager Su see you?"
Su Wangting looked happy and stepped forward to hold Dharma-holding Sabao's hand: "Then I'll trouble Master Sabao."
Holding Dharma Sa Bao nodded with a smile. From the corner of his eye, he happened to catch a glimpse of a handful of gold beads that Su Wangting put into his hand. It was heavy and its remaining temperature was hotter than the holy fire. It really made people feel so happy!