Delong

Chapter 107 The Golden Cone Walk (18)

On the second day of the first lunar month, when visiting relatives and friends, Zhang Xing had no relatives and friends at all, so naturally he had nothing to do all day.

On the third day of the first lunar month, for most people, the New Year’s Eve has not yet passed, and most government offices are still off work. Of course, Jing’an Station has not fully resumed work, but as a formal military member of the secret service, Zhang Xing From this day on, Qin Bao and Qin Bao will resume their previous duty.

Of course, the so-called Dianmao is not the kind of people who need to see people early in the morning, because for the Jinyi Patrollers, the hard work is there. The so-called Taichung Dianmao is mostly a false story. Internal copywriting, and also participating in the general affairs of the Black Tower, has never been said for a few minutes.

What's more, it's on duty during the New Year's Day?
After a few months, I returned to the familiar small courtyard on Jing'antai Island again. For some reason, the sky was gloomy today with signs of snowfall, but the small courtyard was much quieter. Hei Shou, who was familiar with the Black Tower, didn't send anyone to exchange paperwork. Even the other members of the same group came over to say hello at most, and then left in twos and threes, not knowing where to fish.

At first Zhang Xing didn't take it seriously, he just thought it was because not all the staff went to work yet, so there were few people.

But soon, with more and more such phenomena, he finally realized that these people were deliberately avoiding... However, even so, Zhang Xing still didn't think much about it, only thinking that there was no windshield in the public gate Wall, the news that Bai Yousi was going to be transferred to the Fusi of Xizhen because of the embarrassing political confrontation in Nanya has already spread.

According to the usual practice in the officialdom, if there is a little movement at the top, the bottom will think about it, and then make a big fuss, not once or twice.

However, at noon, when the snowflakes began to fall, Zhang Xing suddenly learned another reason for this phenomenon from an unexpected person.

"Are they afraid of me?"

Zhang Xing raised his head from behind the case in surprise. "What are you afraid of me?"

"It's not that I'm afraid." Xiao Gu said while holding the water bottle. "It's a bit of awe...Actually, Zhang Baishou didn't know that there was a rumor on the island on the afternoon of the New Year's Eve. It was spread from the black people in the black tower, saying that it was Zhang Baishou, you, Bai Xunjian, and Sima Chang. After the inspectors recounted the trip together and left, Zhongcheng said to the black ribbons around him: "Sima Changjian and Bai Xunjian are certainly dragons among men, but Zhang Baishou, you are a man who can slay dragons!""

Zhang Xing was dumbfounded - why didn't he know there was still this play?

"The approximate rumor is this, and it is also the earliest and most fundamental." Xiao Gu continued. "In the past two days, the black ribbons on duty had nothing to do, and because the evaluation was too strong, they all went to read the announcement of Zhang Baishou's trip, and then they all said that they rode up the mountain alone and drove the tiger across the river. It’s too exciting, although it’s a little smaller than Zhang Gong in Nanya’s, but the interior is the same, it can be seen that everyone underestimated you before... Then there are other strange rumors.”

But Zhang Xing continued to listen, and when he heard Mr. Zhang in Nanya, he suddenly realized.

In fact, now that I think about it carefully, when Sima Zheng praised Zhang Xing, he mentioned Nanya; Bai Yousi came yesterday and said that Nanya praised him... But at that time, Zhang Xing hadn't heard about it because of the Huaibei incident. A complete beginning and end, always a little absent-minded... until last night when Bai Yousi came to comfort him and relieved his mood a little, and in addition to the praise of Grandmaster Cao in the rumor he heard today, Zhang Xing didn't know where he was. I have been under the influence of Zhang Shizhao and Zhang Zuocheng from Nanya.

Because riding alone into the mountains and driving the tiger across the river is very similar to Zhang Shizhao's splitting and instigating internal fighting in the Wu clan!
They are all manipulating people's hearts, they are all four-two-handed, they are all masters of fighting fire, they solve the game from an angle that outsiders find unbelievable, and they succeed in the end.

However, the crux of the problem does not lie in the splendor of the strategy and the courage to act. There is no shortage of heroes in the world. The real crux of the problem is that Zhang Shizhao and Zhang Zuocheng who are used as role models are still the poles in Nanya!

He is Bai Yousi's father's elder brother in politics, Cao Zhongcheng's old "buddy", and the confidant of the sage who is in power... That's why this little white ribbon of myself is qualified to be talked about by these big shots, and then caused far-reaching consequences. Super imaginative advertising effect.

But that's really not a good thing.

The level gap is too big, to put it bluntly, a white ribbon of mine is used to compare with a ruler in power, and if you meet a narrow-minded person, just raise your hand lightly in the Nanya, and your future will be gone for a lifetime.

Even the "dragon slaying man" from his immediate boss, Cao Zhongcheng, might not be a good word of praise, maybe it was because he remembered that his majestic grand master would be angry with Zhang Shizhao in Nanya, so he couldn't help but take the opportunity to laugh at himself.

Thinking of this, Zhang Xing felt a little restless, so he simply wrote a sick note and asked Xiao Gu to send it to the Black Tower, and then waited until the Black Tower gave the word "Quasi", regardless of the snowflakes outside, he just slipped away started running home.

This can be regarded as some kind of common sense-such a hot search, hide for a while, and go down in two or three days, why bother to resist?
On the third day of the first lunar month, Zhang Baishou, who had only been on shift for half a day, hurried back to Chengfufang, which was just across from Jing’an Terrace. When he was rushing in the direction, he discovered that something seemed to be happening near his home, and many people were blocking the place, as if they were watching something exciting.

This made Zhang Xing panic for no reason—won't there be a new trending search again?
As the saying goes, the more afraid of something, the more panicked as Zhang Laosan walked, and finally found that it was the alley where he lived was blocked tightly.That's not to mention, in the first snow after the new year, the neighbors who watched the excitement turned around and saw Zhang Baishou coming, but they got out of the way early.

But when he came here, Zhang Xing was too lazy to struggle anymore, and even had a stubborn curiosity.

He would like to know, what kind of hole did he leave when he was in a trance before?
The mystery was quickly revealed.

When they came to the entrance of the alley, someone couldn't hold back and shouted directly: "Zhang Baishou, someone has brought a gift to your house!"

Following these words, Zhang Xing crossed the crowd and saw clearly that there were more than a dozen long common cargo carts lined up on the snow in front of his house, together with the escorted livestock, coachmen, and standing around. There were dozens of people dressed as officials, but they lined up from the front of their own house to the entrance of the alley.

"Happy New Year Zhang Baishou!"

The accompanying people in the convoy turned their heads early following the movement, knowing that it was Zhang Xing who came back, and at this time the seven leaders also stood in a row in the snow, bowing to Zhang Xing from a distance.

Why didn't Zhang Xing recognize that these were the seven high-ranking officials from the seven counties in Jiangdong, and why didn't he realize that Li Qingchen had misunderstood him at all-these seven people didn't deny their account after the fact, but inquired about it during the last few days of their journey When it comes to the whole story, when the plan is over and everything is settled, the precise return will come.

"Zhang Baishou is on top."

After saluting, one of the oldest and most familiar senior planners took a step forward, cupped his hands again to Zhang Xing who had stopped slowly, and spoke sincerely. "The hard work of collecting food in Jiangdong, the kindness of the trip to Huaibei, I will never forget it... It's just that I was anxious to plan things a few years ago, and I can't repay them. Now that the plan is completed after the end of the year, I have a place to go. The excess fire consumption saved was transferred to Beishi according to the market price. This money should have been used by us, but we must never forget the kindness of Zhang Baishou and Qin Xunqi... Repay Zhang Baishou with a hundred horses and some New Year's rituals, and another 50 taels of silver, please pass it on to Qin Xunqi."

When Zhang Xing first heard that it was a gift, his face turned pale, and he was ready to speak for a while, but when he heard the final number, he was at a loss for a while, because he actually forgot the market price of the silk.

But it doesn't matter, the neighbors and neighbors were also in an uproar when they heard the [-] pieces of silk, and immediately helped him calculate.

It turns out that silk, as a general equivalent, has always been an official exchange rate of two to one with copper coins and silver.But in fact, because silk is lighter than copper coins and can be used to make clothes, silk itself is still much harder than copper coins when the price of silver rises and the price of copper coins falls. It's safe enough... In short, although I don't know the specific market price, the value of the [-] bolts of silk has already been shouted out.

The two neighbors who were doing business immediately argued, should it be 300 taels of silver or 290 taels?

Of course, Zhang Xing has seen big scenes after all. Although 300 taels of silver is indeed the Italian city that he has never seen in his life, it is now on the hot search. I always feel a bit awkward that it's the public who pays for the money, and once Zhong Cheng hears about it, wouldn't it be even worse if he said something?

Besides, he still has a bunch of copybooks, calligraphy and paintings left untouched in Chen Liu!Greed for these 300 taels of silver?
Therefore, I want to refuse.

"You have worked hard during the New Year's Eve." Zhang Xing responded straightforwardly. "I don't lack food, clothing, silver and silk, so why give them to me?"

"Zhang Baishou still remembers our rudeness on the Huai River that day?"

Seeing Zhang Xing's refusal, the chief strategist was stunned for a moment, and then the other chief strategist hurried forward and cupped his hands, continuing to express his sincerity.

"We are people in the officialdom. We were resentful and impolite that day. We only thought that we would lose our wealth and lives in this trip. Naturally, we lost our wisdom and vision. But after inquiring about it, we can also understand it. The things that really saved us people were mainly Sima Changjian, Bai Xunjian and Zhang Baishou, then Qin Xunqi who was with Zhang Baishou, Hu Heishou and Li Baishou who led the team to do bait again... And among them, The two Zhu Shou are like gods, and they can't repay them, they can only remember them in their hearts, and among the other four, Zhang Baishou's plan is the most fundamental, and the bravery of Zhang Baishou and Qin Xunqi is the most heartbreaking. If you can't repay Zhang Baishou, won't you be laughed at in the future?"

"It's just... it's just that it's all about fulfilling its duties." Zhang Xing managed to squeeze out a sentence, and he really didn't know what to say.

This is too embarrassing, I can't say, you just give gifts when you give them, why are you making such a fuss?Can't you exchange it for silver and bring it in a cart?

"Zhang Baishou, you have made such a good plan, worked hard, and bravely, how can you not win people's hearts?" Another person stepped forward and sighed. "Besides, I am the chief official in the county... I don't know how long it will take to stay in the county before I can take another turn. Fortunately, I can register my name in Beijing and turn to a new future... The incident in Huaibei is a matter of great concern to Zhang Baishou. Observing our duties, for us, is the foundation of life and death, and no matter how grateful we are, we should be grateful. You don't know, among the seven of us, three of us have been transferred and promoted safely. , Your Excellency accepts it with peace of mind."

"Zhang Baishou, Hu Heishou and Li Baishou have already delivered them, and they are also accepted!" Someone urged. "Zhang Baishou doesn't accept it, so what about them?"

At this point, Zhang Xing was really a little bit embarrassed.

Seeing that the other party was struggling, the senior strategist knew it, but he turned his head and winked, and then took the lead and handed over his hands: "The New Year is hard, we have other things, so I won't bother Zhang Baishou... there is only one sentence left ...Since Zhang Baishou has done this kindness, he should repay it."

"Since Zhang Baishou is so kind, he should repay it." The other six people all bowed their hands.

Then, these seven people left directly with other followers.

Zhang Xing could only bow his hands in return.

After they left, another person in the convoy stepped forward and cupped his hands, but his tone was much more relaxed: "This official, we are hired by the Beishi Car and Horse Company, and we don't know anything. I just want to ask if it's possible to unload the goods now? You There is only a young lady in the house, and the door has not been opened before."

Only then did Zhang Xing come back to his senses and sighed, then nodded, but he turned around and called a familiar helper from the neighborhood behind him: "Xiaoguan, when you unload the silk, you can take a hundred horses yourself. Send it to the commune and let them distribute one horse to the orphans and widows in the workshop, and to the neighbors in the same alley. After this is done, you will receive the benefits of five horses."

Xiaoguan was overjoyed, and the surrounding cheered and jumped up. Everyone praised Zhang Sanlang, but Zhang Xing felt helpless again—it was hard for him to keep a low profile.

However, things are not over yet.

The convoy was unloaded all afternoon, and it was finally unloaded in the evening, and then the snow-covered courtyard was filled with sealed silk and boxes.But when the person left and Yueniang began to check the supplies, she made a new discovery.

"I hear people talking about fire consumption every day. How much is the fire consumption?" Yueniang suddenly turned her head in front of the "hill".

"Taking Jiangdong as an example, the grain must not exceed [-]%, and the silver and silk must not exceed [-]%." Zhang Xing, who sat on the porch and watched the snow fall on the hill, replied calmly. He was also a little worried about the hill and wanted to give it to the poor in Nancheng. , but worried about the idea of ​​inviting people to buy people's hearts.However, if it is all handed over to the commune, it will inevitably make those Taoist priests fatter, and if it is to scare the Taoist priests or something, it is also a bit taboo.

In other words, now that he is on the cusp of the storm, he is somewhat taboo about doing anything.

"Then how much fire consumption will there be in the seven counties of Jiangdong in spring?" Yueniang continued to turn around and ask.

"Food is worthless, it is mainly used for food on the road, the key is that Chunri Shangji already has some gold, silver, jewelry, money and silk tributes..." Zhang Xing blurted out.

"There will be a lot?"

"It must be so." Zhang Xing still blurted out his answer. "The seven counties in Jiangdong are not short of food, but they are not short of money. It is the most affluent place in the world. If the fire consumption of pearls and tribute silver is exposed a little, the price is sky-high."

"So, the fire consumption of the seven counties is only more than 700 bolts of silk? It's worth 300 taels of silver?" Yueniang continued to ask. "A few tens of taels of silver for a county?"

"It must be more than that, but it's a gift, it's a gift for me and Qin Er, it's definitely a big deal!" Zhang Xing finally laughed.

"But why not send money?" Yueniang seemed curious.

"I also want to ask." Zhang Xing was speechless. "Probably because you want to spread out the scene and show that you are a scene person who knows how to repay you?"

"But... is there a possibility?" Yueniang tried her best to pull out a small box from the bottom of the hill. "The family was planning to give away money, but the seven hundred bolts of silk are all concealed goods, used to brag about your name to the neighbors?"

Zhang Xing was taken aback for a moment, and immediately remembered what the man said, that there seemed to be some "new year rituals", so he hurried forward, took out the scimitar, and with all his strength, cut open the box that Yueniang pulled out. The "normal ceremony" was too rigorous, but it was surprising to see a neat box of silver pancakes with trays inside.

Then he asked in surprise, "How much is this?"

"100 taels." Yueniang took one with her head down, and simply answered. "Four liang of pancakes, 25 pancakes in a box, exchanged from Beishi Yuzihao Yinfang... That's the business of the eldest princess's family, and the money given by the Bai family is the same."

"Then it's not the box for Qin Bao." Zhang Xing looked around, but found that it was only on the side of the hill, and he saw seven or eight boxes of similar boxes, so he asked cautiously. "How many boxes in total?"

"Fifteen boxes." Yueniang seemed to have counted them clearly. "A total of 500 taels...the last box should be for Brother Qin...together, it's enough to buy [-] such yards, or [-] to [-] carts of firewood."

Zhang Xing finally took a deep breath when he heard the words—for those who celebrate the Chinese New Year, use this to test the spy?

Should it be replaced with gold bars and hidden in a chicken coop?

PS: Sorry, sorry, late... Good night everyone.

(End of this chapter)