Time flies, and half a month has passed by. The Lin family's turmoil in Hangzhou has gradually subsided. Only those business coveters are secretly paying attention to the Lin family's news. They hope that this time the Lin family will be in chaos.
Maybe there will be some opportunities to take advantage of it. They are also paying close attention to some changes in the Lin family's business, and a series of measures promulgated by Lin Jue are also known to them through various channels.
Some merchants are confused in their hearts. On the one hand, they feel that Lin Jue is afraid that by doing this, he will completely lead the Lin family into greater chaos, which will be extremely fatal to the cooperation with the Lin family. On the other hand, they seem to think that
This is beneficial to them. After all, once the big fat piece of the Lin family falls, merchants of all sizes will have the opportunity to get a share of the pie. The Lin family has occupied 40% of the most profitable shipping business in Hangzhou, and even monopolized water transportation.
Business gave other merchants huge pressure. When Lin Ke was alive, there were few merchants who were not threatened by the Lin family's aggressive posture. If the Lin family fell, they could take revenge.
For the Lin family's business enemies and enemies with personal grievances, such as Qian Zhongze, Qian Zhongze saw this series of situations as an opportunity that had come. Qian Zhongze had a close relationship with him.
The head of a merchant's family once said six words in front of him without any concealment, and those six words represented his attitude.
"Take advantage of his illness to kill him," Qian Zhongze said.
Compared with the undercurrent in the dark, the news about the Lin family on the street slowly faded away. After all, the expected chaos of the Lin family did not appear, and the people's attention did not last long. In addition, in Hangzhou city,
There are already many hot topics, and people have already turned their attention to other things.
The news about the upcoming Oiran Competition on August 15th has entered the final preparation. This is an annual grand event that the people of Hangzhou City are eagerly looking forward to. Moreover, some rumors are circulating that this year’s Oiran Competition seems to be much different from the past.
s difference.
Regarding the upcoming new play "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" at the Jiangnan Grand Theater, it is said that this time two famous actors from the Jiangnan Grand Theater, Zhao Mengyue, the pillar of the Dongcheng Grand Theater, and Xie Yingying, the mainstay of the Jiangnan Grand Theater, will perform together. The performance is about the former Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty.
The story with the imperial concubine is even more interesting.
In addition, regarding the upcoming triennial Autumn Examination of Zhejiang Road and Zhejiang Road, who of the candidates from Hangzhou Road can pass the threshold and get the qualification for next spring exam? How many people here will soar to the sky and become human beings?
man of.
Wait, wait, there are still a lot of things to happen. In short, there are too many eye-catching things in this upcoming autumn, and the gossip of the Lin family has already quietly dropped off the hot search list.
The Lin family also acted in a very low-key manner. One morning, people passing by the Lin family's mansion were surprised to find that a golden plaque of "House of Loyalty and Righteousness" given by the emperor was hung on the lintel of the Lin family. The Lin family did not even celebrate or publicize anything.
, just quietly hung this plaque on the lintel. This was an opportunity for the Lin family to regain attention, but it was so quietly abandoned.
…
Half a month passed by and Lin Bonian's vacation came to an end. He had to leave Hangzhou and return to the capital.
This trip back to Hangzhou as an imperial envoy to announce the decree and visit relatives was an unforgettable trip for Lin Bonian. Before coming, he thought it would be a pleasant return trip to his hometown. However, when he returned to Hangzhou, one thing happened after another
Only then did he suddenly understand how difficult and difficult this trip back to his hometown was.
Lin Ke's involvement in bandits frightened him to death. In the end, Lin Ke died in front of his eyes. After that, he had to consider himself and the Lin family and join forces with Lin Ke to seize the position of head of the family. In fact, his heart was
It was painful, especially when Lin Ke had just passed away, and he had to give his eldest brother a bigger blow. Lin Bonian couldn't bear it. But he had to admit that it was his best chance to seize the head of the Lin family, and also turn the Lin family around.
The best time for the situation. However, there is still some emotional guilt, especially after he went to see Lin Boyong several times and was turned away. Lin Bonian understood that his elder brother would never forgive him for the rest of his life.
.
Lin Bonian is actually a very contradictory person. Sometimes he feels that his actions are correct and he must turn around the situation of the Lin family. He has a clear conscience. But sometimes, he is irritable and blames Lin Jue for forcing him to do what he did.
This was something that made him feel uneasy. But sometimes, he was very happy that he actually became the head of the family. This was a position he had never thought about getting involved in, but after he got it, this feeling was also very good.
When everyone calls him the head of the family, the feeling is even more satisfying than being a high official in the imperial court who is the deputy envoy of the Third Division.
During this period of time, Lin Bonian was going through such strange emotions. Sometimes he was full of melancholy, sometimes he was full of pride, sometimes he blamed himself and regretted it, and sometimes he felt confident. In short, Lin Bonian had never been so confused in his life.
Chaos passed.
Lin Bonian had very complicated feelings about Lin Jue. On the one hand, he believed that Lin Jue was definitely the leader among the younger generation of the Lin family, and his ability and resourcefulness were unquestionable. But on the other hand, he also had some
Faint fear and worry. Lin Jue acted ruthlessly and decisively. Even if he was ruthless to his own Lin family, he would never be merciful or unscrupulous. Moreover, the meticulousness and planning of his actions were really scary. It can be said that whether it was Lin Ke's death
, or whether he was forced to work with him to turn the Lin family upside down, it was all the result of his careful planning. When Lin Bonian even thought about these things, he thought that he was just a pawn for Lin Jue to achieve these goals.
However, Lin Bonian tried hard to get rid of this negative view, because at this moment, all he could rely on was Lin Jue. Whether it was his family affairs after leaving Hangzhou and the Lin family's business, or in the future through Lin Jue and Prince Liang's Mansion.
In terms of relationships, Lin Jue is the person he must win over.
In short, in terms of gains and losses, I gained a lot from this trip to Hangzhou, but what I lost was nothing more than the years of friendship with my eldest brother. It is difficult to calculate which is more important.
July was about to end, and autumn was getting stronger. The night before Lin Bonian left, he once again went to see Lin Boyong. This time, Lin Boyong did not refuse. However, afterward, a servant said that the first master and the second master were just
They sat facing each other in silence. The two of them sat there until the sky was dim and bright, and they didn't seem to say a few words. Later, the second master said goodbye and left, but the eldest master sent him out with a cane and watched the second master's car drive away.
Far away, he was still standing at the door and watching.
This was the first time that the two old brothers of the Lin family did not burst into lively laughter when they got together, and it was also the first time that they stayed together all night. The second master came back, although the eldest master said many times that they would sleep together.
They talked like that, but they never actually stayed together for a whole night.
When Lin Jue learned about this later, he frowned for a long time. He called the farewell between the two uncles of the Lin family the final reconciliation and eternal break. Lin Boyong was not a fool. He should have figured out some things while behind closed doors.
, he should also understand his failure when he was the head of the family. But even so, the close brotherly relationship between him and Lin Bonian was forever broken and irreparable. But they are brothers after all, and the breakdown of their relationship does not matter.
It means that he cannot understand the other party's actions, so Lin Boyong's meeting with Lin Bonian is a sign of reconciliation and understanding. And this scene may only happen to Lin Bonian. If he goes to see Lin Boyong, he may be greeted forever.
The door was closed.
On the pier outside Beiguan Gate, the imperial envoy was preparing to board the ship. Officials from Hangzhou still came to see him off, and the scene was still grand and lively. However, Lin Boyong and his son were missing from the crowd, and the prince did not show up. Only the young prince was sent, and it was the prefect Yan.
He still appeared in the crowd seeing him off with a serious face, wearing the same clothes and maintaining the same attitude as when he first welcomed the imperial envoy.
After bidding farewell to everyone, Lin Bonian called Lin Jue to the bow of the ship. Looking at the golden light of the canal when the sun was rising, Lin Bonian frowned slightly, as if he had many things on his mind.
"Lin Jue, I'm in the capital, and I can't take care of things at home. We can only communicate through letters. After I leave, I'm afraid you will have to take the lead in trivial matters at home. I thought about it again and again, and I can't ask my eldest brother to come out to take charge of things. If he
You may not be willing to take care of it, but secondly..." Lin Bonian pondered and stopped talking.
"Secondly...the Lin family can't go the same way anymore." Lin Jue filled in the unfinished words for him.
Lin Bonian squinted at Lin Jue and said, "As long as you understand. When I came back this time, I didn't expect so many things to happen in my family. The reason why I agreed to your plan to become the head of the family was not because of selfish thoughts, nor because of selfish motives.
I am not forced by you. I just can't watch the Lin family go to ruin, so I would rather bear the name of injustice and take the position of the head of the family. You must understand this in your heart."
Lin Jue cupped his hands and said, "My nephew understands that what he said that day was inappropriate. Please forgive me."
Lin Bonian waved his hand and said: "There is nothing to forgive or not to forgive. Your original intention is to think about the Lin family, and there is nothing wrong with it. But what I want to warn you is, don't be too scheming, don't be too evil, especially towards your own family.
It's even more inappropriate for people. If you don't understand this, I'm afraid you will go astray in the future. As your second uncle, as the head of the Lin family, I must warn you about this."
Lin Jue nodded silently. This time the serial plan was indeed too intense and inappropriate. I think Lin Bonian also felt this, so he said these words to warn himself. Of course, after planning this plan with Lin Jue,
After everything, Lin Bonian said such words again, which would give people a feeling of hypocrisy. But Lin Jue didn't want to dwell on these things, so he just nodded in agreement at this moment.
"Things at home...can only be managed by you. There is no other way. You can write to me about big things, and you can decide how to deal with trivial matters yourself."
Lin Jue nodded and said: "Second uncle, don't worry. I will discuss it with my uncles in the clan and decide the important matters. I will write to your second uncle for advice. Second uncle, you don't have to worry. There is nothing major in the Lin family. It's just some business matters."
Trouble, I want to ask my uncle to take care of it, but I'm afraid he won't. The two eldest sons cannot be entrusted to me. Who will take care of it is a difficult problem. Second uncle, what do you think we should do?"
"What I mean is that you will continue to serve as the chief manager. In the past half month, haven't you made many arrangements? If you change someone else, I am afraid that all of your arrangements will be abolished. It will go back and forth and cause trouble.
What good will it do to the Lin family's business if people are in panic and chaos? Since you can control the situation, you have to take more responsibility. Besides, it is not appropriate to ask the eldest brother to come out to take charge of the affairs. You naturally understand the reason."
Lin Jue sighed and said, "I'm just trying to get myself into a cocoon. I have no interest in doing business at all. I still have to take the Qiu Wei exam."
Lin Bonian said in a deep voice: "I know you have to prepare for the Qiu Wei exam, but are you really sure that you want to give up this spot to Lin Youde? If you don't need to take the Qiu Wei exam, you can have more energy to take care of business.
and family affairs."
Lin Jue smiled and said: "What you say will throw away water, let alone in front of so many people." Lin Bonian frowned and said: "Sometimes you don't need to care too much about face. Let me tell you, words don't mean what they say.
I have seen a lot of things. In the capital, some people have reached the status of prime minister, privy envoy, etc., but their words still count? That’s all, I don’t advise you, I just think you don’t have to act out of emotion. If you don’t succeed in Qiu Wei,
Wouldn’t it make a bigger joke?”
Lin Jue laughed and said: "That's really a joke, so I have to spend some time studying and preparing for the exam."
Lin Bonian glared at Lin Jue and said: "Don't beat around the bush with me. Do you think I don't know that you are already prepared? What do you mean by forming the 'business meeting' composed of the old shopkeepers? Isn't it just to handle the trivial business matters for you?"
So that you can be the boss? Since there is a business meeting, you will naturally have a lot of free time, what? You have to ask me to point it out? "
Lin Jue's face felt slightly hot, and he admired Lin Bonian's sharp eyesight, and he actually saw his intention to fight. Although the business meeting was formed to deal with trivial matters, it was not Lin Jue's preparation. Lin Jue
I originally thought that I should ask Lin Boyong to come out and continue to be in charge of the business, but I soon realized that this was impossible. As a big manager, I was afraid that I could only continue to work, so the affairs committee was his agent. Lin Jue was absolutely unwilling to do it every day.
Stuck in those business matters.
"Don't you need me to take care of the business meeting? They can only deal with small things, but they don't dare to make the decision on big things. I can't let them make the decision. That's all, I just do it part-time. As for studying and taking exams, I find time to do it.
Yes. A sage once said that time is like water in a sponge. If you squeeze it, it will eventually be there."
Lin Bonian smiled and said: "Which saint said this? Why haven't I heard it?"
Lin Jue said: "The book I read was written by a sage named Lu. In short, it's just a bit more hard work. Don't worry, second uncle."
Lin Bonian smiled and said: "That's good. After I return to the capital, I will ask Lin Chang to come to Hangzhou. Then he will represent me and you brothers will discuss the matter."
Lin Jue was slightly startled when he heard the words, nodded and smiled. Lin Chang is Lin Bonian's son and Lin Jue's cousin. Lin Bonian asked Lin Chang to return to Hangzhou to train the next generation. No matter how high-sounding he said, it was just
This move exposed his selfishness. Once he obtained the position of head of the family, Lin Bonian would never pass on this position to the big house again.
Seeing Lin Jue's strange smile, Lin Bonian felt a little guilty and said sternly: "Don't think too much, I didn't ask Lin Chang to come here to replace you as a big manager. On the contrary, Lin Chang's ability is not as good as yours, and I'm afraid the business will be in his hands."
It's going to be a mess. I just want him to come and stay here for me to show that my second wife means to be with the Lin family."
Lin Jue smiled and nodded: "My nephew understands."
Lin Bonian nodded and said: "Okay, you can go back, it's time for me to leave. If anything else happens, I'll tell you later in the letter."
Lin Jue said goodbye with his hands crossed, turned around and disembarked. Lin Bonian ordered his entourage to pull anchor and set sail. The official ship set sail off the shore and headed north with the help of the south wind.
…
After Lin Bonian left, the Lin family actually fell into a situation of ownerlessness.
Lin Boyong, the head of the old family, had long since moved out of Lin's house and was staying in the villa behind closed doors to recuperate and reflect on his past mistakes. The eldest son died of illness, and the second son Lin Song and the third son Lin Run lost their father's protection and their status was embarrassing. Although they did not move away
The Lin family has a large house, but they go out and drink in the fireworks and willow alleys every day. They are drunk, smell of alcohol, and talk in weird and disgusting ways. They have neither the qualifications nor the ability to manage things.
Lin Quan, the eldest son of Sanfang, seems to have changed a person recently. Originally, he wanted to take charge of several grain, oil and cloth shops again, but Lin Jue told him that taking charge of shopkeepers would be stressful. After all, the elimination system was just talk. If he
The management was not good, so he had to resign his position, which was not good. It was better to take another position, which was not involved in business, but was more comfortable. Lin Quan thought about it for a long time and felt that what Lin Jue said was reasonable, so he took the job with peace of mind.
The position of captain of the Lin family's security team. His daily duty is to patrol the docks with more than 30 recruited gangsters, not only to deal with the gangsters causing trouble outside, but also to maintain the order of his own business. Lin Quan only worked for a few days.
, and completely fell in love with this new position, because it suited his laid-back and casual personality so well, and it also allowed him to show off his authority, which was perfect.
However, Lin Quan naturally cannot be the person in charge of matters at home.
Lin Jue is the only person who can take charge of the affairs. Although he is just a concubine of a third wife, he was originally the one least likely to take charge, but now they don't see it that way inside and outside the Lin family. They have seen what Lin Jue is capable of.
However, after all, Lin Jue is just a young man who is not as young as Wen Guan. Can he handle the internal and external affairs fairly? This is everyone's biggest doubt. And this doubt is also written on everyone's face.
Lin Jue naturally understands the psychology of everyone. No matter how bad Lin Boyong was to them in the past, people inside and outside the Lin family always have a leader. The Lin family is like a group of sheep. Even if the leader in the past often used his horns to goad people,
Even if it takes them to the edge of the cliff, at least the other sheep don't have to think too much and can just follow. But now, the first sheep is gone, and the other sheep are bumping around like blind men, not knowing where to go. This kind of
Panic is psychological and unavoidable.
If Lin Jue wants to be the leader of the sheep, he must first make all the sheep believe in him and be willing to follow him, and he must tame the rebellious ones in the flock.
