No one knows whether Su Wangting has a predestined relationship with the Buddha, but the gift-giving and complimenting really made Wang Yuanbao very satisfied.
When the white jade chime was struck again, the scene of the water and the moon suddenly disappeared, and the Zen room returned to its original appearance. It was difficult to imagine what kind of illusion was used just now.
After ordering the monks on the side to put away the big white jade chime, Wang Yuanbao turned to say: "I heard some time ago that there was a demon causing trouble in the Western Regions. Has Manager Su's business been affected?"
Although Su Wangting and three other people had experienced the turmoil in the Western Regions, Wang Yuanbao, who was in Chang'an, had never experienced it personally. If he were not a businessman, he had to keep abreast of all the news in order to seize business opportunities. It would have been for other wealthy people.
The noble man probably won't care too much about the situation in the Western Region.
The Xia Dynasty has opened up thousands of miles of territory, which is unprecedented in ancient and modern times. However, there will inevitably be delays in the transmission of information and personnel exchanges. Therefore, even if Wang Yuanbao is almost the first person in Chang'an City to learn about the chaos in the Western Regions, by the time he knows
, the actual situation has also undergone major changes.
Not to mention that this kind of thing where demons confuse refugees to cause chaos happens from time to time. As long as it does not capture the capital city, block water transportation, and affect the peaceful days of the Gyeonggi dignitaries drinking and having fun, no one will pay too much attention to it, and the imperial court will send it to them.
There are people to deal with it, and there are also soldiers who are eager for military glory to fight it.
Although An Quti himself was very skilled in magic, the turmoil in the Western Regions only lasted for a few months from beginning to end, and was immediately put down by the Imperial Protectorate, and no state or county city was captured. Looking at this dynasty, it really counts.
It's not a big deal.
The military intelligence report that was finally sent to Chang'an was nothing more than the usual phraseology of "killing the monster and annihilating the rebel party." The request for credit for the execution of the leader did not mention Cheng Sanwu, but instead gave the credit to the chamberlain.
The embroidered messenger of the province.
The Protector-General of Qi recognized the merits of Cheng Sanwu and Su Wangting, and was indeed rewarded with money and silk in private. However, his intention to ban Baochang Society was very obvious, and Wang Yuanbao should have heard about it.
"Ashamed, I happened to bump into the inspectors of the Metropolitan Protectorate. It was revealed that Baochang Society housed a large number of fugitives, and Su was almost arrested and imprisoned." Su Wangting showed a sad look, pressed his knees and lowered his head and said: "
If we hadn't taken care of everything, I'm afraid Su's life would have been lost in the Western Region."
"It's so unruly for the Governor of Qi to do this." Wang Yuanbao frowned slightly: "Do you really think that the situation in the Western Regions can be dealt with by just relying on soldiers and horses? There is no one like Manager Su who manages money, food, and silk.
, it’s all empty airs!”
Su Wangting became frightened: "Principal Wang's words are serious!"
Wang Yuanbao smiled faintly, and then asked: "If Baochang Club's business cannot continue, what are Manager Su's plans for the future?"
"To be honest, Su doesn't know what his future will be." Su Wangting said with a wry smile: "Su originally planned to visit Prime Minister Lu. Although he has asked someone to help him, he doesn't know when or what month he will be able to enter the prime minister's house."
This seems to be a complaint, but in fact it is to show his usefulness in front of Wang Yuanbao. The fact that Su Wangting is an old official of Prime Minister Lu is not a secret. Wang Yuanbao took the initiative to arrange Kungang Hospital for Su Wangting and his party to stay, because he took a fancy to this important thing.
relation.
Chang Qing, who was listening to the conversation between the two, suddenly felt that if Su Wangting really wanted to meet with Prime Minister Lu, he might not have to wait for a long time. As a disciple and former official, Su Wangting was destined to keep in touch with Prime Minister Lu. He deliberately came to see Wang Ting first.
Yuan Bao took the initiative to bridge the gap between the two parties.
Chang Qing guessed that given the way Prime Minister Lu acted, he would not directly negotiate important matters with a wealthy businessman like Wang Yuanbao in person to avoid being caught by others. Therefore, if Su Wangting was to contact both parties, it would be best for Wang Yuanbao to take the initiative to request it.
The land phase has greater room for maneuver and negotiation.
"Master Su has taken himself lightly." Wang Yuanbao praised: "You have been running Baochang Society in the Western Regions for more than ten years, and your business has been booming. Those short-sighted people only see the rich wealth you handle.
But I don’t know that your vision and strategy are the most precious treasures.”
"Principal Wang is so complimentary." Su Wangting bowed slightly.
"I won't say any other nonsense." Wang Yuanbao's expression became serious: "I intend to invite Mr. Su to help with the business."
For a first-class rich man like Wang Yuanbao, his property extends beyond the capital and inside and outside the capital. How can he manage it all by himself? When a business reaches this level, it is natural that many people need to help take care of it. Just like a government office, there are
Many official officials.
However, people who are good at running industries, able to seize business opportunities, and proficient in dealing with imperial officials are rare at any time. Not to mention the close relationship between Su Wangting and Lu Xiang's former officials, who can often learn about imperial decrees in advance.
So as to seize the benefits in advance.
In the past, Wang Yuanbao's business mainly focused on establishing good relations with those princes, but in recent years, it has gradually reached a bottleneck. The four wealthy people in Chang'an and the other three families have also made obstacles for him, encroaching on his territory and manpower everywhere.
Although Wang Yuanbao still has the advantage at the moment, if he ignores it, major changes may occur in a few years. The career he has worked so hard to create will fall apart in an instant, and no one will have time to save it.
Wang Yuanbao himself has many children and nephews, but he knows very well that none of them can inherit this big business. Rather than being completely ruined by them, it is better to recruit a reliable helper to help him stabilize the situation. Wang Yuanbao can also gradually fade out, leaving only
A small portion of his property, becoming an ordinary rich man, and staying away from the troubles in the court, this is the best outcome he imagined.
The arrival of Su Wangting really made Wang Yuanbao see a turning point. He knew this person's abilities. Just the ability to give gifts just now was something that many people would never be able to learn in their lifetime.
Looking back at Su Wangting, he thought for a moment and then said: "It is a great honor for Su to be appreciated by layman Wang. However, I have been traveling in the Western Regions for these years and know very little about my colleagues in the Central Plains. I am afraid that my management will be bad and I will be ruined by layman Wang."
of kindness.”
This is not just modesty. Even if Su Wangting really wants to help Wang Yuanbao take care of his business, he must understand the situation, otherwise no matter how smart he is, he will end up in the tiger's mouth.
"Of course." Wang Yuanbao calculated: "The winter solstice will be in less than three months, and a treasure fighting party will be held in Weinan County as usual. It happens to be my family's turn to host this year, so I will let Su be in charge of the specific affairs.
How about I handle it for you and get acquainted with the people and situations? I remember that Manager Su’s hometown is in Huazhou, next to Weinan, so it will be convenient for travel."
"Bao fight meeting?"
"I was negligent." Wang Yuanbao gently held his forehead: "Everyone knows the names of the four great masters of Chang'an - Wang, Yang, Guo, and Ren. In the past ten years, they have been competing with each other to show off their wealth. There happened to be one year
During the winter solstice, we presented treasures to His Majesty. The four of us were comparing ourselves to one another, and the commotion was not very pleasant. In order to prevent chaos, King Qi came forward to invite the four of us to discuss a safe solution.
"It is finally determined that before the winter solstice every year, the heads of the trading companies under the names of the four families will return to Chang'an with their wealth and treasures, pass through Weinan County to unload the treasures, and hold a treasure fight here in advance. The winner of the treasure fight will be held in that year
If you enter the palace during the winter solstice to present treasures to His Majesty, you will naturally enjoy exclusive honors and favors."
Su Wangting nodded secretly. For the four families in Chang'an, if they could face the saint and offer treasures, the benefits would be self-evident. The four families would definitely try their best to win the treasure fight.
"But this is not a competition. How can we compete with the world's treasures?" Su Wangting asked again.
"When the treasure fighting meeting is held, King Qi will invite all kinds of elegant people to come and taste it, and come up with a fairer result." Wang Yuanbao looked at Cheng Sanwu and Chang Qing behind Su Wangting: "But this treasure fighting meeting is not only
It’s a competition for treasures and financial resources, and the secret competition cannot be ignored. This year it’s my turn to be in charge of the Wang family, and there are many people trying to sabotage it.”
"Does Master Wang really want to entrust such a big matter to Su?" Su Wangting asked cautiously again.
"I believe in Manager Su, not only in your ability, but also in your character." Wang Yuanbao's expression was calm, but he revealed an unquestionable momentum.
"Okay." Su Wangting has been running Baochang Club for many years and has faced many storms. He immediately agreed and said, "But since Master Wang has entrusted this matter to Su, please spare no effort in arranging the manpower."
"This is a matter of course."
…
Afu put on a crimson round-collared robe and a fold-legged turban, and walked among the government offices in the imperial city like an ordinary official. The shape of the fish charm hanging around her waist was different from that of other Nanya officials.
The guards outside took a look and recognized the unique emblem of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and did not dare to say anything to stop him.
In the Ministry of Criminal Justice, there were frequent exchanges of officials, big and small, with some people walking in a hurry holding files, and the sounds of case arguments could be heard in the hall not far away.
At this time, a young Lingshi saw Afu. She was a Hu woman wearing a crimson official uniform. It was very rare even in Chang'an. Could it be a female official in the palace? He quickly stepped forward and crossed his hands to salute, stopped and asked
: "I wonder why Shangguan is here?"
Afu showed the iron token given by Eunuch Feng, with a pattern of a horned deer on the top. Her expression was cold, and she did not even look at the young Lingshi: "The Ministry of Internal Affairs is doing business. I came to review the files and took me to the archives.
"
Hearing the word "housekeeper, save yourself", young Lingshi's knees softened and he almost fell to his knees. Then he wanted to slap himself a few times, secretly cursing himself for insisting on meddling in other people's business and provoking these plague gods.
"Your Majesty, please..." Young Lingshi had no choice but to bring Afu to the archives in a cold sweat. After a brief explanation to the director of the archives, he hurriedly left.
"I wonder which year the Shangguan wants to access the files?" the warehouse manager bowed and asked.
Afu came to the dark and quiet document warehouse and saw that the shelves were lined up in rows and the files and documents were packed tightly. There was no accumulation of dust and dust. The manager obviously cleaned the place frequently.
"Ten years ago...that is, in the third year of the Yuan Dynasty, there were files related to the Heyang murder case." Afu said.
"Heyang murder case?" The warehouse manager was slightly startled, then crossed his hands and bowed: "Please wait a moment, sir."
After waiting for a while, the warehouse manager arrived with a file tied with a yellow silk ribbon. He respectfully explained: "I am reporting to the superior officer that this file is the highest-level 'Yellow Seal' according to the official document. Unless there is
Otherwise, the documents will not be taken away from the treasury. If Shangguan wants to read it, please go to the side hut."
Afu nodded slightly and followed the manager of the warehouse to the hut. After the other party handed over the file, he bowed and left, closed the door, and didn't ask any more questions. The people who can do things here all have a very strict tone and always adhere to the
Don’t say what you shouldn’t say, don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask.
After Afu sat down, she took off the yellow ribbon and slowly unfolded the file. The details of the case were written in neat and square fonts, including detailed records of the investigation of the place where the crime occurred and the body of the deceased.
Interestingly, after a cursory scan, Afu discovered that after a rough inspection by the local government, the imperial court urgently sent a judicial officer who was proficient in investigating cases, autopsies, and apprehending key criminals to conduct a detailed inspection.
The judicial officer named Zheng Xun was serving in Dongdu at that time. After investigation, he found that there was only one murderer from beginning to end in the Heyang murder case, and it was not a group of bandits who committed the crime.
Zheng Xun inspected the corpses one by one, and repeatedly inspected the Sun family manor, and roughly restored the order of the murderer's killings. Just reading the text in the file, Afu had a sense of being there, and secretly said that this judicial officer's writing skills were also extremely good.
wonderful.
Zheng Xun pointed out that the murderer had an extremely meticulous plan to kill the entire Sun family, because that day happened to be the 50th birthday of Sun Shaoren, the founder of Heyang County, and his children, wives, and concubines were all in the manor, and local officials and elders came during the day.
To celebrate, there was a private banquet at home at night, and the murderer committed the crime during the private banquet at night.
Since the banquet lasted all night, there was no need for a large number of manpower to stay on duty. Perhaps as a sign of tolerance, Sun Shaoren allowed a group of nursing home slaves to return home. Therefore, there were only a few nursing home slaves in the manor at that time, and they had received monetary rewards and were gathering in remote places to gamble.
.
As a result, this group of nursing homes was the first to be killed. The murderer struck so hard that the nursing homes didn't even have time to warn them. Their necks were either broken or their throats were smashed. There was no trace of any unnecessary struggle.
Based on this alone, Zheng Xun guessed that the murderer might have served in the army. This method, similar to attacking enemy camps at night and strangulating guards, was often used by small teams of scouts to deal with Donghu outposts in the Youyan border area.
When Afu saw this paragraph, her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. She recalled that Cheng Sanwu's martial arts skills with swords and guns did have a bit of the flavor passed down in the military. She didn't find it strange before, because the Western Region Trading Company had taken in many
Deserted soldiers.
Continuing to read, Zheng Xun found that the murderer did not seem to be in a hurry to break into the main hall where the banquet was held, but instead lured the Sun family servants back and forth several times, and then killed them in batches.
From then on, the murderer no longer cared about the killing method. When the Sun family noticed something strange, one of the sons went out on horseback with two followers. Zheng Xun guessed that they were going to report to the official or dispatch tenants from nearby villages, but the result
He was nailed to the ground with several sharpened wooden sticks, which shows the strength of the murderer.
Later, Zheng Xun believed that the murderer had fallen into madness and began to kill people indiscriminately, without distinguishing between Sun family members or servants. He would also tear apart limbs and trunks with great force, or temporarily seize weapons, killing the few who resisted.
Cut in two.
What's even more terrifying is that when Zheng Xun inspected the body, he found that the murderer may have a bad habit of cannibalism. Sun Deshou, the third son of the Sun family, was disemboweled and there were some bite marks on his throat and internal organs.
Naturally, Sun Shaoren was brutally murdered in the end. His head was forcibly torn away from his neck, and his death was extremely painful. He seemed to have asked several servants to escort a concubine away, but in the end, the group did not survive. The murderer quickly