The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 167 The Salt Controversy
Xing'er is Jia Lian's long-term follower, that is, the number one follower. He has arrived at the Miaowan Saltworks in Yancheng County one day ahead of Jia Lian. Now everything is ready, just waiting for Jia Lian to come and show his face, and then he can take care of it. Salt is lifted from the salt warehouse.

Of course, as the Jia family is now a relative of the emperor, it is said that Jia Lian can get things done without personally coming forward, but it is another matter if Jia Lian wants to show off.

It is worth mentioning here that the Salt Transportation Department has a yamen stationed in each salt field, referred to as the Salt Transportation Department, and the Salt Transportation Department mainly has three departments, namely the Salt Affairs Department, the Salt Warehouse Department and the batch inspection office. , each is in charge of a resident ambassador. Although these three resident ambassadors are not of first-class character, they hold real power. The ambassador of the batch inspection institute is mainly responsible for testing the authenticity of salt quotations. The ambassador of the salt department is in charge of tax collection. Ambassador Kuangji is responsible for the collection, storage and transportation of salt.

Therefore, if a salt dealer wants to extract salt from the salt field, he must first go through the batch inspection office. If the batch inspection says that there is something wrong with your salt, I'm sorry, please go back. I will let you know when the verification is completed. It’s impossible to say for sure. Anyway, it will be verified step by step until the household department, the issuing agency of Yanyin, may take several months or even years, so please wait slowly.

Okay, I can’t afford it, can you give me some money?

Be smart. The batch laboratory stamps the seal and passes the customs. Please go out and turn left to find the salt department.

The Salt Division is responsible for tax collection, so this must be easy, right?Wouldn't it be a fool not to accept the money?
Hey, you are overthinking. They really don’t accept it. It’s not that you are stupid, but that you are too smart. The taxes collected belong to the state. Only the benefits given privately can be put into your own pocket. So I’m sorry, but I don’t give benefits. It’s also not stamped, so don’t worry about taxes and money. Please return it!
After finally getting through the first two levels, the last level is to go to the Salt Storehouse to pick up the salt. Don’t think that everything is going to be fine now. The ambassador in charge of the salt warehouse had a straight face and said, just wait, today’s quota for picking up salt has been filled up. , come back tomorrow, but it turns out that the appointment is also fully booked when I come back tomorrow. I drag it day by day, and I really can’t afford it. In the end, I still have to pay for it.

Are you dissatisfied?You have to accept it even if you don’t accept it!

Therefore, although the business of selling salt is lucrative, it is not something that ordinary people can afford. Without any influence, you can't even touch the threshold. And under layers of exploitation, the price of salt is naturally very high in the hands of ordinary people. Ridiculous, for example, the market price of official salt in Dajin is fifty cents per catty, and in some salt-deficient inland areas it even costs one hundred cents per catty, while private salt often only costs ten cents, or even cheaper, and the quality is even higher. Official salt is good.

The common people are not fools, so they naturally rush to buy illegal salt and even provide cover for illegal salt dealers. With such a mass base, you can imagine how difficult it is for the government to detect illegal salt.

Back to the subject, Jia Lian arrived at Jiwanchang in Yancheng County. Xing'er and a salt merchant had been waiting outside the salt transportation department office for a long time. When they saw Jia Lian's arrival, they immediately stepped forward to salute.

Xing'er held the reins of Jia Lian's horse, but the salt merchant actually knelt down on the ground and said, "I, Liu Han, have met Second Master Lian. I wish Second Master Lian good luck and good health."

It turned out that Liu Han was the second-level dealer who took over the salt supply from Jia Lian. He met Leng Zixing, the son-in-law of Zhou Rui, Mrs. Wang's companion, and then got in touch with Jia Lian through Leng Zixing.

Jia Lian got off his horse, helped Liu Han up, and said with a smile on his face: "Liu Yuan is too polite, why do you need to pay such a big courtesy?"

Liu Hantian shamelessly flattered and said: "I govern the world with filial piety. My parents are also my parents. Mr. Lian, you are my parents. To honor your parents, not to mention kneeling down, even kowtowing to you is what I should do."

Jia Lian was very proud and said with a smile: "Liu Yuanwai is indeed a businessman. He is very articulate and well-spoken."

Liu Han said with a smile: "Thank you for your praise, Mr. Lian. Even if I can tell beautiful things with my mouth, I still have to rely on Mr. Lian to reward me with food. A little leakage between the fingers of Mr. Lian will be enough."

Xing'er joked: "Old Liu, our eldest daughter has now been granted the title of a virtuous concubine. As long as she takes good care of our second master, are you still worried about not having enough salt to lead?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Liu Han smiled and nodded. He was originally a second-level salt merchant. In the past, he could only get salt from big salt merchants at high prices. Now he has joined the Jia family and became a first-level salt merchant. Shang, who could get salt directly from the salt field, naturally did his best to please Jia Lian.

Jia Lian coughed lightly and scolded: "You bitch slave, don't talk nonsense. Your Majesty never interferes with matters outside the palace. Instead, you are here to take care of me for my master and carefully peel off your skin."

Xing'er's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly clapped his hands and said, "I'm talking too much, I'm talking nonsense, I deserve to die."

Jia Lian then smiled at Liu Han and said, "Exceptor Liu, let's not delay and go get the salt."

At that moment, Jia Lian, Liu Han and others went straight to the salt warehouse to get salt. As for the batch laboratory and salt department, they had naturally taken care of it. Now they could just go to the salt warehouse to pick up the salt.

At this time, there was already a long queue outside the salt warehouse. They were all horse-drawn carriages, donkey carts, ox carts, and even handcarts preparing to transport salt. It was bustling and very lively.

The Yancang Ambassador happened to be named Jia Xin. He was born with a big belly, a round face and a round belly. At first glance, he looked like a fat man, so he was nicknamed Sanliangjin.

At this moment, Ambassador Jia was leisurely drinking tea and working in the office. There were many people queuing up outside the office, waiting for him to receive the seal. One of the young people was already looking impatient.

This young man was about 20 years old, with chiseled features, piercing eyes, and thin lips pursed into a line. He was clearly the angry young man Li Hongji that Jia Huan had seen that day.

It is said that this Li Hongji is from Mizhi County, Shaanxi Province. His father Li Shouzhong is a small local landowner. His family is relatively well-off, at least he has enough food and clothing. But as the saying goes, when people go to higher places, water flows to lower places. Although Li Shouzhong He didn’t have any big ambitions, but no one would have too much money. By an unexpected opportunity, Li Shouzhong met a salt merchant and found that selling salt was really profitable, so he spent all his savings to buy land to grow grain and transport it to The border army's granary was exchanged for salt.

After a year of hard work, Li Shouzhong finally got 500 taels of salt, which is 2000 jins of salt. According to the price of [-] taels of salt in Dajin market, the market value of [-] jins of salt is [-] taels of silver, excluding The various costs and profits are estimated to reach [-] taels.

Earning 2000 taels a year was definitely a huge profit for a small landowner like Li Shouzhong, so he happily sent his son Li Hongji and nephew Li Hongyi to Yangzhou to collect salt.

Brothers Li Hongji and Li Hongyi rushed to Yangzhou with salt in their arms. They thought they would soon get the salt and make a lot of money. As a result, their dreams were full, but the reality was very cruel. The two rookies who entered the industry for the first time encountered obstacles everywhere after arriving in Yangzhou. It's been two months and the salt hasn't been removed yet.

Li Hong was basically an angry young man. He was made things difficult for him at every turn, and his lungs were naturally filled with anger. However, after his head was bruised and bleeding, he had to face reality after all. He spent a lot of money on it and finally passed the previous two hurdles. , now you only need to open the joints of Yancang Si to lift the salt.

At this time, it was finally Li Hongji's turn. He entered the office of Ambassador Yancangsi, took out the salt guide, and said with a forced smile: "Ambassador Jia, please take a look at it. This is the salt guide. When can I pick up the salt next time?"

Jia Xin's nickname is Sanliang Jin, and the goose has been plucked. There is no benefit. It is impossible to pick up salt. I saw him taking the time to check Li Hongji's salt guide, and found that there was already a batch laboratory and a salt class on it. After looking at the secretary's seal, Li Hongji didn't seem to have any intention of stuffing it with benefits. He thought to himself, this guy must be a fool. He knew the benefits before, but now he doesn't?Perhaps he was looking down on me as the person in charge of the warehouse, so he coughed lightly and said: "Today's quota for carrying salt is already full. I'll register it for you first. Come back in a few days." Li Hongji asked hurriedly: "After that How many days?”

Jia Xin said calmly: "There are too many people collecting salt. It's hard to say. It could be three or four days in the fastest time, or ten or eight days in the slowest time. Anyway, you can come back and ask in a few days."

Li Hongji couldn't help but was dumbfounded. It wasn't that he didn't want to give benefits, but he was really short of money. After spending more than two months here, and paying the benefits for the first two passes, all the expenses he brought were spent. , even food and accommodation are a problem, I really can’t afford it!
Jia Xin glanced at Li Hongji and saw that the boy didn't recognize him yet. His fat face suddenly dropped and he said: "Next one!"

Li Hongji gritted his teeth and was about to take out the last few taels of silver from his body, but a clerk hurriedly walked in and whispered something into Jia Xin's ear. The latter immediately said: "Please!"

Although the clerk spoke in a low voice, Li Hongji had a good ear and clearly heard that Mr. Lian from the Rongguo Palace was coming.

Jia Xin was very unhappy when he saw that Li Hongji was still standing upright. He frowned and said, "Aren't you going out yet?"

Li Hongji reluctantly left Jia Xin's office, and met Jia Lian and his entourage head-on, so he stared at each other fiercely.

Jia Lian was a little confused, but he had to do business, so he ignored it and went straight into Jia Xin's office. As a result, the next scene made Li Hongji furious.

It turned out that there was no time for tea, so Jia Xin personally accompanied Jia Lian out, and took him to the salt warehouse to get salt with a nod and bow.

Li Hongji was a cynical and angry young man. When he couldn't help but get angry, he rushed forward to stop Jia Xin and asked sternly: "Ambassador Jia, didn't you just say there was no salt? Why is this person so much better than me?" It’s too late, but can you bring up the salt right away?”

Jia Lian was stunned and asked, "Ambassador Jia, who is this?"

Jia Xin was blocked by Li Hongji and questioned in full view of the public. He lost his composure and scolded: "Boy, this is the important land of salt warehouse. If you dare to act wild here, I will slap you carefully. Get out of the way!"

Li Hongji's accumulated anger finally couldn't be suppressed at this moment and erupted like a volcano. He stretched out his hand and grabbed Jia Xin's collar and cursed: "Straight mother-in-law, who do you think you are? A low-ranking corrupt official. You dare to threaten me. Now in front of everyone, I will ask you, why did you say there is no salt just now, but this guy who came late can get salt? Why? "

The businessmen who were queuing up to carry salt were naturally very unhappy when they saw that they were cut in line, and they all spoke in agreement.When Li Hongji saw someone responding to him, he suddenly became more courageous, so he held on to Jia Xin's sleeves and glared angrily.

Unexpectedly, this Jia Xin was not a good person, so he was unafraid and sneered: "Why? Why? I am the Second Master Lian of Rongguo Palace. Do you deserve to compete with him? Bah!"

As soon as these words came out, the salt merchants who were clamoring just now fell silent. Although the Jia family in Rongguo Mansion had some troubles in the past few years, they soon became relatives of the emperor, and their power continued to increase. Not everyone could Affordable.

Li Hongji was furious at the moment. He was quenched by Jia Xin. He suddenly lost his mind and hit Jia Xin's face with a punch regardless of the serious consequences.

Li Hongji has been practicing martial arts all year round, and his fist strength is astonishing. With this punch, Ambassador Jia's fat face was smashed open, his nose was flat, his front teeth were lost, and blood flowed violently. He screamed and fell to the ground.

Li Hongji was still angry, so he kicked Jia Xin twice and cursed: "Straight mother-in-law, you corrupt officials, powerful dandies, collusion, preying on the common people, sucking up all the people's wealth, you deserve to be beaten to death!" He said with a lunge! He stepped forward and punched Jia Lian.

Jia Lian was shocked. He had also practiced boxing and kicking, but he only practiced boxing and kicking. How could he be Li Hongji's opponent? He received a slap on the face, and half of his face immediately swelled up.

"Rebellion, capture this lunatic quickly!" Jia Lian shouted angrily, and all the slaves immediately rushed forward.

At this time, the nearby government officials also heard the sound and came over. Although Li Hongji was extremely skilled in martial arts, he was unable to defeat four hands with his two fists. In the end, he was beaten to the ground by his hands and feet. His cousin Li Hongyi wanted to come forward to rescue him, but was also beaten. Beaten to pieces.

"Let me go, let me go!" Li Hongji was held down by four or five people and couldn't move, still roaring like a wild beast.

Jia Lian wiped the corner of his mouth, and his hand was immediately stained with blood. He couldn't help being shocked and angry. He stepped forward and stamped on Li Hongji's head and face, and cursed: "Mad dog and untouchable, you are looking for death, Xing'er, drown him!"

The boy Xing'er immediately untied his belt, took out something and poured it on Li Hongji. Tsk, tsk, in full view of everyone, he was very good at peeing when he asked. The key was to measure the yellow urine in large quantities, so that Li Hongji's face and mouth were covered with water. Almost suffocated.

"Boy, I let you take care of yourself after peeing. Are you worthy of challenging our second master? Bah!" After Xing'er poured the water on Li Hongji, he stepped on the latter's head, causing his face to be covered with urine bubbles. in the mud.

Li Hongji's eyes were completely red, his fingers were pierced deeply into the soil, and even his nails were bleeding, and he let out a humiliating roar.

At this time, Ambassador Jia finally got up and shouted with blood on his mouth: "Hit me, hit me hard!"

The government officials immediately started beating and kicking Li Hongji and Li Hongyi until they fainted, and then Jia Xin had them imprisoned. He also confiscated the three hundred salt coins from Li Hongji and handed them over to Jia Lian, treating them as Li Hongji. The compensation was paid, and Jia Lian accepted it with peace of mind. A slap in the face was worth thousands of taels of silver!

Little did he know that he would develop a deadly feud with a great person, which would pave the way for a catastrophe in the Jia family's future.

(End of this chapter)