Becoming an Immortal from the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 112

More and more folks know about Taoist Taoist's method of seizing Lin'an City, which involves many high-ranking figures, and the process is full of ups and downs.

Everyone thinks that Zhangjiao Daozi is a powerful person, but they have never seen Zhangjiao Daozi really do anything to the people.

I was apprehensive, but not really scared.

Now that shopkeeper Han was taken away by soldiers, the merchants on the street were all terrified.

Looking at the sign of "Don't Talk About Political Affairs" in the teahouse, everyone was silent, exchanged glances with each other, and hurriedly closed the stall and went home.That night, when shopkeeper Han's assistant closed the door, there was still no shopkeeper Han in the shop.

It was even more frightening that many people considered whether to close the door to avoid disaster that night.

Early the next morning, the teahouse opened again.

Everyone bravely looked over and saw the man walk out the door, setting off firecrackers crackling.

There is no new opening in this teahouse, and there are no weddings, funerals, promotions and fortunes in the shopkeeper Han's family.

According to the rules of the store, it is natural to set off firecrackers to drive away bad luck.

Thinking about it, shopkeeper Han has already returned.

Sure enough, a person walked out of the shop, it was shopkeeper Han.

I saw that his face was a little haggard, as if he didn't sleep well.However, the whole person is beaming.

The shopkeepers didn't care about the fear, and stepped forward to ask.

The sharp-eyed ones have already noticed that shopkeeper Han is wearing a badge on his chest, which is actually a badge only worn by Taoists of the Longevity Sect.

Shopkeeper Han looked happy and worried, bowing to everyone in turn, and then said: "Shopkeepers, Mr. Meng taught Taoism wrong love. I gave it to the next tax collector. From today on, the taxes on this street will be managed by my subordinates." .”

A group of small merchants were dumbfounded and looked at each other for a moment. Some people dug their ears and suspected that they had heard it wrong.

The fact that Han, the shopkeeper of the teahouse, was a tax collector spread like wildfire on the street.After hearing the news, the servant of the president's family of Yongchang Chamber of Commerce rushed back to the chamber of commerce like a gust of wind, wanting to inform the president of the matter.

When he rushed back to the chamber of commerce, he saw many people standing in the chairman's room, talking about the sudden appointment of many tax collectors by the head teacher.

The servant was stunned to find that shopkeeper Han was just one of them.

In the introduction of everyone, these new tax collectors were doing business, some were driving carts, and their backgrounds could be described as varied.

One thing is the same, they are all recognized by the neighbors as being fair and well-known by the people.

President Zhou frowned. In the past two days, Taoists have frequently visited folk homes, and the visits are all the families of Lin'an officials and neighbors in the neighborhood.Zhou Yongchang thought that he was going to handle some shocking case in the city.

Only now did I realize that he was replacing officials and petty officials.

This matter is really unheard of, and dare to pick some people to use it.

The head teacher Daozi is really reckless and bold.

But thinking back to Zhang Yuqing's method of seizing Lin'an, President Zhou couldn't help feeling a little scared.

Hearing from the servant that shopkeeper Han also became a tax collector, Zhou Yongchang ordered someone to prepare a gift and went to visit shopkeeper Han's teahouse in person.

At this time, the teahouse was already full of people, and the sign that said 'Don't talk about politics' was gone.

The small merchants came early, and three or four were squeezed together on a bench.Those who came late stood on the third floor inside and the third floor outside, crowding the teahouse to the brim.

Seeing Chairman Zhou coming in person, the small merchants reluctantly gave way to open a passage.

Chairman Zhou squeezed in and saw shopkeeper Han holding a document and reading it.Seeing Chairman Zhou coming in, shopkeeper Han quickly stopped talking, and stepped forward to greet him, "Why did you disturb Chairman Zhou, Chairman Zhou sent someone here, and I will come to see you."

"Hi! Brother Haitao, you and I have been together in Lin'an for many years, so there is no need to say such unreasonable things." Chairman Zhou said affectionately, holding shopkeeper Han's hand.

At this time, the servants of Chairman Zhou's family also followed in, and Chairman Zhou took the gift, "Brother Haitao, today is a good day for you to be promoted. Brother, I will prepare a small gift. I hope Brother Haitao will accept it with a smile."

Shopkeeper Han's name is Han Haitao, originally from the capital, although he is not from an official family, he has seen some worldly experience.

Seeing that President Zhou wanted to give a gift, he quickly waved his hand in fright, "President Zhou, forgive me, before taking office this time, the superiors issued repeated orders not to accept gifts, not even a copper coin. Take it!"

Seeing President Zhou's face look sour, he hurriedly said: "Forgive me, forgive me, but I am ordered by the Taoist Master to preach the new tax collection regulations to everyone. President Zhou, do you want to listen together?"

President Zhou happily replied: "That's good. I must listen to Brother Haitao's speech."

A stool was reluctantly placed for President Zhou in the crowd, and Tax Collector Han continued to tell.

The content of the regulations is not complicated. The core content is to prohibit tax collectors from bending the law for personal gain and collecting taxes indiscriminately.

Over the years, tax collectors have behaved mischievously, officials have been changed one after another, and most of them have said the same thing after taking office, but there has been no improvement.

If the government sends someone to say it, the small merchants will naturally not believe it.

However, shopkeeper Han, who had been with him day and night on weekdays, suddenly became a tax collector. Even if the small merchants didn't believe what the government said, they believed that shopkeeper Han was one of their own.

Chairman Zhou has no interest in those old articles, and after hearing the two articles, his expression has changed drastically.

The first is that Lin'an Prefecture will set up complaint boxes in each street, and anyone who has been taxed extra can submit a letter. After investigation, as long as it is true, the tax officer will be dismissed and punished immediately.

The second one is even more ruthless.Reports are also accepted for tax evasion.

Once verified, the whistleblower can get a part of the fine as a reward.

He knew that these two regulations would not have much impact now, but over time, it would definitely cause major events.

Just as he was thinking about asking Han Haitao for a detailed question, the powerful men in the chamber of commerce had already squeezed into the crowd, and whispered to President Zhou: "President, the head teacher Daozi has just posted an announcement. It is said that the county school will also be rectified."

Coming out of Han's tax collector and shopkeeper Han's shop, Chairman Zhou first went to the intersection where the notice was posted, and saw the notice read, 'Ten years to grow trees and a hundred years to cultivate people, education is a century-old plan and the foundation of the country.In order to improve the level of education in Lin'an, a new school will be built from now on, and students will go to school for free.And gradually bring the completed schools and private schools in Lin'an under the management of the Education Bureau...'

After reading the announcement, rush back to the chamber of commerce.All the dignitaries in the chamber of commerce have arrived, and there are mixed expressions of joy and worry among the people, and they are actually more happy.

When President Zhou was seated, Boss Ma said, "President, is he going to ask the head teacher?"

Chairman Zhou sighed, "Education is a good thing. However, Daozi Zhangjiao has said several times that if there is not enough money, he will increase taxes. He will never accept donations from the people. I don't think Daozi Zhangjiao is joking. "

How to let Zhangjiao Daozi understand the goodwill of the Chamber of Commerce has caused headaches for the top figures in the Yongchang Chamber of Commerce.While everyone was discussing, a young voice suddenly sounded, "Uncles and uncles, my nephew has something to ask."

Hearing this voice, most people frowned immediately, and saw that the young man in the last seat was eager to express his thoughts.

This young man is called Wu Youping, and his father, Wu Qingshan, is the number three figure in the chamber of commerce.

Boss Wu Qingshan has only one son under his knees, and he will naturally inherit the Wu family business in the future.According to the ranking of the chamber of commerce, he should have been in the third place.

It's just that Boss Wu's health has been deteriorating in recent years, and he seems to be dying, and he has been bedridden recently.Wu Youping naturally inherited his father's business and attended the meeting of the chamber of commerce instead of his father, boss Wu Qingshan.

Wu Youping is a young boy with no prestige at a young age, and it is not easy to stand up directly for a while, and his father is still there, so he will sit at the bottom for the time being.

But this is not the reason why Wu Youping is hated by others.

Everyone annoyed this guy because he thought he was a student who went out to study, and he always said some scholarly flamboyant nonsense on weekdays, and soon he was hated by people in the chamber of commerce.

Chairman Zhou Yongchang asked patiently: "Youping, what do you want to ask?"

Wu Youping stood up, and said frankly: "Is it our dream not to be blackmailed? Why do you really meet, and all the uncles are worried?"

All the members of the Chamber of Commerce suddenly had a playful look on their faces, as if they wanted to laugh but couldn't.

Wu Qingshan's family treasured a single seedling for thousands of years, and spent a lot of money to let him study.

But this person doesn't want to be an official, let alone learn how to do business, he just casually hand over some lunatics, talking big on weekdays, in Lin'an City, he dislikes this and that, and thinks that uncles are conservative and stubborn, and they are always out of tune with everyone , The big guys really saw a lot of jokes.

At this time, Wu You was talking nonsense again, and everyone was too lazy to talk to him.

Chairman Zhou Yongchang felt very embarrassed. After all, he was not his own son, so he wanted to teach him a lesson, but the other party was also a member of the chamber of commerce, so he didn't agree with the reason, and wondered, this kid is considered to be very knowledgeable, but he didn't know why he was so naive.

If it is a peaceful and prosperous world now, merchants will only show courtesy to officials, and a little bit of filial piety will be fine.Who would really think of ways to give their hard-earned money to those big shots who turned their faces like flipping books.

Looking at Zhang Yuqing's method of seizing Lin'an, it is not the way that should be in a peaceful and prosperous age.

Unlike Wu Youping, who is full of stupid thoughts of scholars, Zhang Yuqing is shrewd and ruthless, and he is undoubtedly the devil in troubled times.If he didn't accept the merchants' solicitation at this time, it meant that Zhang Yuqing would never show mercy to the merchants.

President Zhou was thinking about how to send someone to persuade Wu Qingshan to persuade his stupid son to go home, not to embarrass his father, let alone make trouble for everyone.

The servant ran in again, whispered in President Zhou's ear, "President, the head teacher ordered people to arrest more than forty people suddenly."

Zhang Yuqing did it again!Chairman Zhou's heart beat faster, and he felt that his prediction had been verified again.

If there is anything beyond Chairman Zhou's imagination, it is Zhang Yuqing's action without hesitation, a few days earlier than Chairman Zhou thought.

Looking at Wu Youping in front of him, President Zhou felt even more annoyed, so he said with a smile: "Since that's the case, what good plan can nephew Wu Xian have?"

Wu Youping replied: "Uncles and nephews think that instead of giving money to Daoist Zhangjiao, it is better to openly ask Daoist Zhangjiao about his future plans for Lin'an. Our chamber of commerce has business all over the world and we can do so many things. If it is true I want to make a contribution, and we will take over what the Zhangjiao Daozi will have in the future and work hard to complete it.

I don't think this Taoist master is so reckless, he is clever and knowledgeable, and he will definitely not embarrass us law-abiding merchants.

At that time, everyone could make money, and at the same time, it seemed that the head teacher had a sense of understanding. Wouldn't it be a hundred times more dignified than giving money? "

The chamber of the chamber of commerce fell into silence, and a burst of laughter rang out after a while.All the merchants shook their heads, but no one responded.

Wu Youping pretended that he hadn't seen it, but calmly, he cupped his hands towards Chairman Zhou and said, "If Uncle Zhou doesn't mind, my nephew is willing to come to the door first to ask the head teacher to see what regulations he has, and it can be regarded as throwing stones for everyone."

President Zhou's eyelids twitched, and he said in surprise: "My nephew is serious?!"

"really!"

President Zhou looked solemn, got up and walked to Wu Youping, and took Wu Youping's hand kindly, "Nephew, you have ambition. Since you volunteered, please trouble your nephew. If there is anything, let's meet again." and discuss."

While the two were talking, Chairman Zhou warmly embraced Wu Youping's shoulders and sent him to the gate of the chamber of commerce.When Wu Youping set off, he patted Wu Youping on the shoulder affectionately and encouraged him.

After returning to the meeting hall, Chairman Zhou called the capable men who had been in the meeting hall all the time, and asked loudly: "Did you hear what Young Master Wu said just now?"

"President, the subordinates heard it."

"Since you heard it, tell Boss Wu exactly what you said. Also, tell Boss Wu about Young Master Wu's meeting with Taoist Daozi. Go."

"Obey!" Chairman Zhou's subordinates followed orders and left.

Chairman Zhou told everyone about Zhang Yuqing's cleanup of the government office, and someone immediately said: "The Taoist priest selected new tax collectors from reliable people in Lin'an to replace the old tax collectors, and the treasury was completely in Zhang Yuqing's hands. Taxes are also controlled by Zhang Yuqing. Now even the officials have been cleaned up, this sharpening of the sword, I am afraid that we gentry will be slaughtered next."

Hearing this, a leading figure in the chamber of commerce asked anxiously: "President, just now Wu Youping went to see Daozi Zhangjiao. If he annoyed Daozi Zhangjiao, what should Daozi Zhangjiao blame?"

President Zhou laughed, but there was no smile on his face, "Teacher Daozi is very generous, how could he blame him?"

Saying this on the lips, President Zhou had some calculations in his heart.If Wu Youping went to offend Zhang Yuqing, the Wu family would definitely not be able to please, and it would indeed be detrimental to the chamber of commerce. However, with the current situation, we can only take one step at a time.

At this time, Wu Youping didn't go directly, but went straight home, changed into his school uniform, took a few books, and went to the main hall to meet his father first, "Father, I'm ready. I'm going to see the head teacher now." Daozi."

While talking, the servant came to report, "Master, the people from the chamber of commerce are here."

Wu Qingshan looked slightly, Wu Youping first hid in the wing room, listened to the servants of the Zhou family report the incident one by one, ordered a reward, sent away the people sent by the chamber of commerce, and then returned to the main hall.

After Wu Youping went out, he went straight to the Temple of Longevity.When he arrived at the door, he took out the petition letter and business card he had prepared and handed them over.

Menzi took the business card, looked at it, and told Wu Youping directly, "The teacher doesn't see any visitors today."

Wu Qing stopped talking and just waited outside the door.Not long after, I saw a group of Taoists coming towards the Temple of Longevity, and Zhang Yuqing was among them.Wu Youping stepped forward, and the accompanying Taoist immediately stepped forward to stop him.

(End of this chapter)