Daming: I, the emperor who trains the carpenter

Soon, sister Zhang Xiaowan was taken to the government office.

Wu Renxing looked at Sister Zhang Xiaowan: "Master Li, these two are your female workers?"

Li Shan nodded again and again: "Exactly, we signed the contract."

Wu Renxing looked at Guanshi Wang again: "Guanshi Wang, you said they sold themselves to you?"

Wang Guanshi said: "Yes, magistrate, we have a contract."

Wu Renxing said: "In that case, bring up the contract."

Soon a part-time job contract and a part-time job contract were placed on Wu Renxing's table. After Wu Renxing looked at it, he said, "Shopkeeper Li, these two people were indeed sold to Zuixianglou. Before, these two had nothing to do with you."

After hearing this, Zhang Xiaowan said quickly: "No, that's not the case, my lord!"

Wu Renxing frowned and looked at Zhang Xiaowan: "Sinister, what else do you have to say?"

Zhang Xiaowan said: "My lord, I was forced by my parents to sell to Zuixiang Tower, I was forced! And Liu Er, Liu Er was tricked into Zuixiang Tower, we didn't mean it."

Wu Renxing said, "The deed of sale is here. You say it's not your intention now. Will someone else sign the deed of sale in the future, and you can go back on it at that time?"

"Brave criminal woman! Do you still dare to lie to me here, and want to be punished?!"

Li Shan said again: "But my lord, they were forced to sell to Zuixianglou, it was Zuixianglou who forced them to sell themselves, moreover, Zuixianglou also smashed my factory and injured my workers. "

Wu Renxing said impatiently: "Don't talk about the pushing and shoving between you two."

"However, Zuixianglou smashed your factory, and the money must be compensated by Zuixianglou. Steward Wang, what do you have to say?"

Wang Guanshi said happily: "We Zuixianglou have no objection, we will pay if we should pay, but the magistrate, shopkeeper Li blatantly hid our people, and how much money has been lost to us in Zuixianglou, this money, Li The shopkeeper should also pay, right?"

Wu Renxing nodded approvingly: "Well, then you two should be sentenced to compensate each other, that's enough, let's quit!"

Li Shan was stunned. He watched Wu Renxing leave, and wanted to say something, but was stopped by Wang Guanshi, who said with a smile on his face: "Master Li, let's talk about compensation and these two things." a bitch?"

Li Shan was very unwilling to be pulled aside by shopkeeper Wang: "I have nothing to discuss with you, you have to pay for my smashed machines and injured workers!"

Shopkeeper Wang said: "No problem, but how much manpower and material resources we have spent in Zuixianglou these days to find these two sluts, and how much these sluts have been hiding and not picking up customers these days, you have to pay for it." .”

"Originally these two sluts were about to sell for a high price, but now they have been hiding in your factory for the past few days, who knows if they are clean or not, and they can be sold for a hundred thousand, but they are only worth a few thousand now. , you shopkeeper Li will have to pay us!"

Li Shan looked at shopkeeper Wang in disbelief, how could he say these words?

Shopkeeper Wang looked at Li Shan proudly: "Treasurer Li, pay for it, you have to pay for the money we lost in Zuixianglou, otherwise, it's up to us to drag you to the government."

"I have never heard of it, I have never heard of it, you are extorting, extorting!" It is impossible for Li Shan to accept the conditions proposed by shopkeeper Wang.

Not surprisingly, shopkeeper Wang dragged Li Shan to meet the official again. This time, Wu Renxing didn't give Li Shan any time to argue. First, he sentenced Li Shan to be allocated 50 yuan to Zuixianglou, and then directly kicked Li Shan out.

Li Shan was not convinced, and wanted to argue again, but in the end he was sent to prison, and the factory was even closed.

Only now did Li Shan realize that the magistrate of Yangzhou was actually the backer of Zuixianglou.
But now, it was too late for him to understand.

After three days in prison, Li Shan was released, but his two factories were sealed up, and the workers went back. He returned to his house in a daze, and Li Shan received a letter saying: The letter was written by Zhang Xiaowan: "From Li Shanren, I am grateful for Li Shanren's hospitality for several days. Xiaowan is a kind family, but what can I do?"

Seeing Zhang Xiaowan's description of her miserable life experience and her gratitude to herself in the letter, Li Shan also felt a lot of emotion, and he really didn't know what to do now.

So I found a few friends and got drunk to relieve my worries.

These few friends have also heard about Li Shan's experience during this period. Seeing Li Shan's decadent appearance, they don't know what to say. They came to Yangzhou with great ambition to develop, but the factory was closed and paid The brothel has a lot of money, and its reputation has been tarnished, and no one can accept it.

The distressed Li Shan took a sip of wine: "Oh, dear brothers, I'm afraid I'm going back to Suzhou. I can't stay here in Yangzhou."

The shopkeeper surnamed Wang asked: "What? Are you going to let you go?"

Li Shan said angrily: "Yesterday, the people from Zuixianglou came, and they wanted me to make an apology, and they also wanted my shares in the factory. This is not taking advantage of the fire, it is riding on my head to shit!"

The shopkeeper surnamed Tian sighed: "Here in Yangzhou, that's the way it is. You provoked Zuixianglou, how could you get out of it unscathed? If you want to get rid of it now, it's hard to do, right?"

Li Shan nodded and took a sip of the wine: "Who says it's not, now that the factory is closed, it's impossible to find someone to take over, alas."

"What identities are behind them, why are they so overbearing, the government will help them!"

Seeing Li Shan's expression of displeasure, the shopkeeper surnamed Tian patted Li Shan on the shoulder: "People don't fight with officials, they have background and status, what can we businessmen do, honestly accept the bad luck."

Shopkeeper Wang also said, "That's right, at least you're fine right now, you've got out of the prison anyway, otherwise, you'd be walking around with nothing to eat, and it won't be easy for the brothers to catch you when the time comes."

Li Shan was helpless: "Then, my factory will not come back? Obviously it was Zuixianglou who smashed my factory, but it turned out to be my fault. How could this yamen judge the case like this? In broad daylight, the sky is clear, Wang Where is the law!"

Shopkeeper Tian sighed: "Wang Fa, in Yangzhou City, the prefect of Wu is Wang Fa. With the prefect of Wu as his backer, what else can you do to get Zuixiang Tower? Is it possible that you plan to continue to sue them?"

"Who are you going to sue?"

Li Shan didn't know whether he had been drinking or what, he gritted his teeth: "The imperial court is implementing a new policy to encourage business, but the Yangzhou Yamen and that brothel are in cahoots, I have to sue them!"

Shopkeeper Wang looked at the stubborn Li Shan and couldn't help but said: "I said, Brother Li, just stop, you don't make sense when you say it, there is a reason for the government to seal your factory, who do you go to complain about?" Ah, which yamen here can take care of you?"

Shopkeeper Tian was stunned for a moment: "Hey, maybe there really is a yamen that can take care of it."

Li Shan and shopkeeper Wang looked at shopkeeper Tian together: "What yamen?"

Shopkeeper Tian said: "Commercial yamen, isn't the commercial yamen in charge of business and promoting new policies of the imperial court?"

"Brother Li is a female worker recruited according to the imperial government's policy. The female worker is from a brothel, and Brother Li doesn't know. What's more, isn't the female worker forced to sell to the brothel by her parents? This brothel doesn't take advantage of it."

Li Shan's eyes lit up: "I will set off for Jinling tomorrow, and complain to the commercial office!"

Now that the South is implementing the New Deal, and Jinling has opened up the sea and banned trade, the commercial office has also set up a resident in Jinling.

After Li Shan hurried to Jinling, he immediately went to the commercial office to file a complaint.

Faced with a businessman's complaint and complaint, the people in the commercial office didn't know how to deal with it after knowing the cause and effect. After all, this matter is really complicated.

And Li Shan is not without roots, he is not well-known in Yangzhou, but he is bought by a lot of people in Suzhou, and there are also a few businessmen in Yangzhou who come to help him out. Facing so many businessmen, the business office can only be First appease them, and then send someone to report to the capital.

Let Cui Chengxiu make up his mind on this matter.

After Cui Chengxiu, the servant of the commercial yamen, knew about this, he couldn't make up his mind.

On the one hand, it was Zhang Haogu who said that new policies and new laws should be implemented, women should be encouraged to work, women should be respected, business development should be valued, and businessmen should be valued;

On the other hand, the deed of sale was signed by the family's parents, the fate of the parents is greater than the heavens, and if Wu Renxing suppressed businessmen, you must have solid evidence.

What's more, now a group of businessmen have united to sue the magistrate of a prefecture and the senior officials of the imperial court. This incident has too much influence, and it happened at the intersection of the new and the old, the implementation of the Jiangnan New Deal, the reform of the ancestral system of the Ming Dynasty, the opening of the sea ban and the liberation of women. , he, Cui Chengxiu, really couldn't make up his mind.

Therefore, Cui Chengxiu decided to ask Zhang Haogu for advice.

It is always right to ask more questions, at least if you ask, you will know what to do. What Cui Chengxiu is afraid of is that she has not asked, and will cause problems after handling it privately. Zhang Haogu must take the opinion of this matter.

When Cui Chengxiu came to the cabinet, he happened to meet Huang Zongxi holding a bunch of papers: "Tai Chong, is Yuan Fu in there?"

Huang Zongxi said: "Cui Shilang, Yuanfu is inside."

Cui Chengxiu went in and saw Zhang Haogu reviewing the memorial.

"Yuansuke."

Hearing the voice, Zhang Haogu looked up: "Chengxiu, what's the matter?"

Seeing Cui Chengxiu like this, Zhang Haogu knew something was wrong.

Cui Chengxiu handed over the notebook from the south: "This is the notebook sent by Jinling. The humble position is uncertain, and the chief assistant needs to read it."

Zhang Haogu opened the booklet and looked, it briefly described what happened in Yangzhou, and told how many businessmen had come to complain.

After seeing many businessmen suing the Yangzhou prefect, Zhang Haogu finally understood what made Cui Chengxiu unsure: "The merchants sued the government, or so many businessmen sued the Yangzhou prefect together."

"What's the situation with the magistrate of Yangzhou?"

Huang Zongxi immediately found the archives of the prefect of Yangzhou: "Wu Renxing, the prefect of Yangzhou, is from Changning County, Hengzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province. He was elected in the 40th year of Wanli and entered the Imperial Academy as a bachelor."

Zhang Haogu tapped on the table: "Donglin old party, how does Wang Wenyan evaluate him?"

Huang Zongxi said: "Governor Wang once said that the prefect of Wu is available."

Zhang Haogu nodded slightly: "It's hard to see this businessman suing the officials now."

"Just relying on this note right now, this pavilion can't judge the ins and outs of the matter."

"Too aggressive."

Huang Zongxi took a step forward: "The students are here."

Zhang Haogu put the notebook aside, took a sip of tea: "I remember that the latest decree of the imperial court has been issued to all places, right?"

Huang Zongxi said: "It's like this. Jiangnan has begun to implement the latest government decree. Li Shan in this case is a female worker who was recruited after knowing the latest government decree."

Zhang Haogu nodded: "In this case, Taichong, you and Ningren will go to Yangzhou Mansion to check and find out what's going on. You have the token of this pavilion, and you can find it if you encounter problems. Jiangnan Governor Wang Wenyan handled it."

"But didn't the brochure say that quite a few people in this Zuixiang building were forced to sell themselves, or were sold by their husband's family, or were tricked into coming here? Let's use this as a clue."

Huang Zongxi said: "Students understand."

Just like this, Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu went south to the south of the Yangtze River in disguise with Zhang Haogu's belt badge.

Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu are still young at present, one is only [-] years old, the other is only [-] years old, the two of them dressed up like a romantic talent, after they arrived in Yangzhou Mansion, they did not act rashly, but now they are in Yangzhou Mansion Stay down and inquire about the news.

After staying in the teahouse for two days, Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu also got to know some things through the few words of passers-by and drinkers. After returning to the inn room, Huang Zongxi said: "Ningren, you have heard a lot in the past two days. how?"

Gu Yanwu said: "Looking at the comments from the people, this Li Shan is a benevolent person. He hires female workers, manages food and housing, and allows him to pay money in advance to support his family. Such a businessman, if not a good person, at least he is not a wicked person."

Huang Zongxi nodded: "Well, next, let's go to Zuixianglou to check."

That night, Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu went to the Zuixiang Building. They didn't know if they didn't come. Only after they came did they realize how developed the Yanliu Lane in Yangzhou City and how luxurious the Zuixiang Building is.

Zuixiang Building is not small, it is a very conspicuous and beautiful building, people come and go at the door, cars and horses are constantly coming and going, Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu saw many officials wandering here.

As for why it was found to be an official's, don't look at the casual clothes, but the attitude of the carriage and sedan chair, the entourage, and the old bustard at the door can tell whether it is an official or a businessman.

In the past few years of studying in the cabinet, what Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu saw the most were officials. Officials, their demeanor is different from ordinary people. In front of ordinary people, their aura is too obvious. One look at their haughty appearance, they know that they are very arrogant. Wealth is expensive, and looking at the jade ribbon worn, you can be more sure of your identity.

Gu Yanwu frowned: "Isn't the imperial court's repeated orders not allowing officials to stay in this land of smoke and willows?"

Huang Zongxi was very calm: "The sky is high and the emperor is far away, unless someone comes down to investigate, otherwise who knows what they are like?"

"Come on, go in and have a look."

Gu Yanwu didn't say any more, and followed Huang Zongxi to the door of the Zuixiang Building. The old bustard saw Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu, his eyes lit up, and immediately came up to him: "Young masters, please come inside quickly."

Seeing that the bustard was so attentive, Huang Zongxi couldn't help laughing and said, "This is the first time we're here, are you so attentive?"

The old bustard complimented: "Although it is the first time for the two young masters to come here, they stand out from the crowd at this stop. Look at the clothes and jade pendants of the two young masters. They are made of high-quality materials. If you don't know the two noble young masters again, Then I should poke my eyes out."

Huang Zongxi was also very arrogant when he heard it, and he opened his mouth fluently in Jinling official dialect: "Well, I have a little sharp eyesight, the two of us just arrived in Yangzhou, and I heard that your Zuixianglou is extraordinary. There is no comparison in Jinling."

The old bustard laughed and said: "It turns out that you are a nobleman from Jinling. Please, please, you go in and you will know that our Zuixiang Building is good. I guarantee that the two young masters will never forget to return."

"Little Sanzi, why are you still standing in a daze, hurry up and call the two young masters in."

The youngest son leaned over and smiled courteously: "Young masters, please come inside."

Entering the Zuixiang Building, I saw that the tables were full of pilgrims and women, pushing cups and changing glasses, chatting and laughing, and on the middle stage, there were several masked women dancing songs and dances full of the flavor of the Western Regions. Huang Zongxi As if he was used to seeing the big world, he chose a table at random, and took out a few tickets: "Good wine, and some side dishes."

"Two young masters, wait a moment." The third son nodded and bowed while taking the money and left.

After a while, the drinks and side dishes came on the stage, and the third son asked Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu if they needed company, but Huang Zongxi temporarily refused.

Looking at the seductive Western Region singing and dancing on the stage, and listening to the melodious sounds around him, Huang Zongxi shook his head as if enjoying himself, and soon, the old bustard came again: "Young masters, why didn't you find someone to serve you?"

Huang Zongxi said: "What's the hurry, let's look at Wu first, didn't you say that your Zuixianglou is full of flowers competing for beauty, why are there only these things?"

Seeing Huang Zongxi pointing at the prostitutes around her, the old bustard smiled even more happily. This is obviously a big customer, and she doesn't like these vulgar fans.

Immediately the old bustard said: "Oh, two young masters, we have many beauties in Zuixianglou. After a while, there will be a few beauties performing on stage. If you like it then, just tell the old slave."

After hearing this, Huang Zongxi said, "We'll have to wait and see for that young master."

As he spoke, he took out a few more bills and handed them to the old bustard: "You can't let us down."

Seeing that he is really a big customer, the old bustard also smiled: "Two young masters, please rest assured, the adults in Yangzhou City have agreed that our Zuixiang Building is good, and you will definitely be satisfied."

After hearing this, Gu Yanwu asked: "I heard that the imperial court doesn't allow officials to come here?"

The old bustard scolded: "Oh, adults are tired of handling government affairs, and they also need to relieve their fatigue. Put on official robes, that's an adult, take off official robes, isn't it a man?"

Huang Zongxi smiled: "What you said is reasonable, it is reasonable."

"They're all men."

The old bustard said with a smile: "My lord, you understand that right now, I will definitely not let you two down, just look at it."

After a while, the maikos who were performing dances from the Western Regions on the stage were taken away. It looked like they were taken directly to the second and third floors to serve some big shots. Huang Zongxi narrowed his eyes and looked at the rooms with a smile on his lips. There is a smile:

This Yangzhou city is really not in vain.