Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 7
He Chengjiong took Fang Chongyong to the outside of Kuizhou Fucheng, and saw that there were docks one after another on the west bank of Fucheng!It is not an exaggeration to describe it as covering the sky and blocking out the sun. Many boatmen are working in the dock, and you can also see many wooden boats that have been half-built and are laying the keel.

Zheng Shuqing was right. The handicraft industry in Kuizhou's commercial port is very distinctive and employs a lot of people.

"Not bad, is there anything you can say?"

Fang Chongyong asked calmly, maintaining an indescribable dignity of a superior.

He had learned from Zheng Shuqing that when it was time to put on airs, he had to put on airs.If you are weak, the other party will turn against you.If so, how can you do your own thing well?
"Back to Langjun, there is a lot of potential for shipbuilding in Kuizhou. A large ship can be sold for at least [-] guan. If the government purchases it, the price can be higher, even if it is [-] guan more, I am not afraid."

He Chengjiong said calmly.

Fang Chongyong glanced at him thoughtfully, nodded slightly and said, "You really understand."

"Don't you dare, it's best if you can help Mr. Lang."

He Chengjiong said with trepidation.

"Lead the way to the place where the wine is made."

Fang Chongyong turned around and left!
"Your Majesty, please follow me."

He Chengjiong wisely continued to lead the way.

Kuizhou's wine is actually very famous, the reason why Zheng Shuqing didn't mention it was because no matter how famous the wine was, it was just like that after it was shipped to Chang'an.

How fierce the wine competition in Chang'an is, it's hard to explain in a few words, in short, all the good things in the country are there.Zheng Shuqing was used to being unrestrained in Chang'an, so he naturally looked down on Kuizhou's local fine wine.

After entering the city, the two came to a brewery, and the intoxicating aroma of rice wine hit their faces.

"The Wuxia wine brewed here is Kuizhou's famous wine. It is not the best wine. But after soaking with the young leaves, it will have a delicate fragrance, which is also called bamboo leaf green. Its advantage is that the brewing time is short, and it is brewed in winter and matures in spring."

He Chengjiong introduced like a few treasures.Fang Chongyong couldn't figure it out, how could a bad handsome man know so many miscellaneous things, is it because he knows so much that it is convenient for arresting?

"Let's go. Those envoys and ministers in Chang'an are very naughty. They may not like the green bamboo leaves."

Fang Chongyong said with a cold snort, as if he was dissatisfied with He Chengjiong bringing him here to observe.

"Lang Jun, this is already the best winery in Kuizhou City..."

He Chengjiong complained aggrievedly.

"From what you said, it seems that there is not one in the capital of Kuizhou, but there are in other places in Kuizhou... I think so, right?"

Fang Chongyong stared into He Chengjiong's eyes and asked.

"Yes, but that place is in Yunyang County, west of Kuizhou Fucheng, not within the Fucheng."

He Chengjiong answered honestly.

"Ah, ah, this wine-making workshop is really simple. But the wine is fragrant and mellow...it's not bad. If you want to come to Wuxia Spring, you can look forward to it."

A slightly frivolous voice sounded behind him, Fang Zhongyong turned around, and saw a young man in a white linen robe, in his twenties, his clothes looked spotless, holding a cattail fan in his hand. Elegant and handsome.

Apart from the cattail leaf fan, he had no accessories on his body.

At least he is much more handsome than Zheng Shuqing.

His voice is also very magnetic, which makes people feel good.

"Is your Majesty also here to buy wine?"

Fang Chongyong asked doubtfully.

The man glanced at He Chengjiong, the bad guy saluted Fang Chongyong, then turned and left.

He is here to serve as Fang Chongyong's guide, and he has no obligation to protect Fang Chongyong's safety. On the contrary, if he hears something he should not listen to, he will be killed!
"It's better to meet by chance than an invitation. I would like to invite you to have tea with me. I wonder if you are willing to give me a favor?"

The young man made a "please" gesture.

Fang Chongyong was a little puzzled, did people in the Tang Dynasty know each other like this?

"Your Excellency is..."

"My name is Wei Qing, a descendant of Liyuan."

Wei Qing straightened his chest and said proudly, with a sense of pride.

A guy who plays music and sings is so impressive?

Fang Chongyong looked confused. It wasn't like he didn't know what Liyuan was about. It was an "art troupe" organized by Li Longji.Top-notch artists across the country train and perform there, and Li Guinian is one of the members.

The children of Liyuan were aloof in Chang'an and often visited the homes of powerful people. There are many records in Tang poetry.

"Then let's talk about Fengxian Tower."

Fang Chongyong nodded slightly.

At this moment, he complained in his heart, he was still a child, why did he encounter so many things!

……

In a cubicle in Fengxian Building, Fang Chongyong and Wei Qing looked at Zheng Shuqing who was out of breath and laughed dumbly.

Unexpectedly, after they had sat in the restaurant for a while, Lord Inspector came in a hurry.I have to say that the bad handsome He Chengjiong is really a smart person.Seeing that Fang Chongyong wanted to have a private conversation with someone, he hurriedly reported it to Zheng Shuqing.

This vigilance in the officialdom is really admirable.

"Zheng Shijun, are you alright?"

Wei Qing bowed to Zheng Shuqing and asked with a smile.

"If I knew it was you, I wouldn't have to be so anxious, alas!"

Zheng Shuqing smiled bitterly and sighed. Wei Qing and he were in the same circle. Wei Qing came from Jingzhao Webster, but he followed the path of Liyuan, and he was a person trusted by Li Longji.The presence of Wei Qing here means that Li Longji bypassed the prime minister and sent him to convey his will.

Apart from this, there is no reason to explain why an artist who teaches singing would appear in Kuizhou.Combined with the official documents sent from Guizhou, Zheng Shuqing could now confirm that the envoy from the imperial court was Wei Qing.

"Envoy Zheng, I have some good news for you. Wang Yu has been dismissed and investigated, and returned to Beijing to report on his duties. Zhangchou Jianqiong took over as Jiannan Jiedushi. The imperial court has approved your embezzlement of customs duties to support the Jiannan Army. , it’s not considered a private embezzlement, and I’ve given you credit for it.”

Hearing this, Zheng Shuqing nodded slightly with a heavy face. He was waiting for Wei Qing to say that "but".

"The sage (the emperor after Wu Zhou in the Tang Dynasty was often referred to as a sage) said that Zheng Shijun had made great contributions to the country."

"I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness..."

Zheng Shuqing was so excited that he was about to salute Wei Qing, but saw the other party wave his hand again, signaling him to sit down first, and he hadn't finished speaking yet.

"The sage asks you, do you have any difficulties with the 30 guan tax. If it is really difficult to make up the tax, you can reduce it by [-] guan as appropriate."

Wei Qing's emotionless words rang in Zheng Shuqing's ears!

He finally came to light!Of course, there is no such idiom yet.

To reduce...or not to reduce?Just as Zheng Shuqing was about to speak, he heard Fang Chongyong say:
"Zheng Shijun has dedicated his life to the country and died. If the customs duties are lost, we have to find ways to make up for the taxes. Is there any reason to reduce them? If there is a reduction here, won't the other aspects of the country's expenses also have to be reduced? Then Who will pay for the missing [-] guan? There is no problem with Commander Zheng."

Fang Chongyong spoke convincingly, then looked at Zheng Shuqing and asked: "Mr. Zheng, do you think so?"

"That's right, that's what a certain person thinks, no reduction, no reduction at all!"

Zheng Shuqing suppressed the anger in his heart and said, the expression on his face was distorted.

"Well, in this way, the saint feels at ease. I would like to ask again for the saint whether Commander Zheng still needs any help."

Wei Qing asked, holding back his laughter.

"How dare a humble minister trouble a saint..."

Before Zheng Shuqing finished speaking, Fang Chongyong rushed to say: "Zheng Jun needs help. If you don't help, you will be completely unable to withstand it!"

Ok?
Wei Qing looked at Fang Chongyong in surprise, and subconsciously asked, "What kind of help is that?"

When Li Longji first confessed to him, he just casually said that he mainly wanted to know whether Zheng Shuqing's 30 yuan tax should be reduced.

"Anyway, there's something going on. It won't be too late to discuss it tomorrow when I have a formal meeting with Angel at the government office."

As Fang Chongyong spoke, he winked at Zheng Shuqing desperately, finally calming down the anxious governor.

"How about we live together in the courtyard of Lotus Pond with Mr. Wei? There are so many fish and dragons in Kuizhou City, I'm afraid it will stain your eyes."

Zheng Shuqing said embarrassingly.

Wei Qing shook his cattail fan, stood up and bowed to Zheng Shuqing, then smiled and said: "Although you and I are old acquaintances, we should avoid suspicion. I can just stay at the inn. I will come to visit the government office tomorrow, so I leave."

After saying that, he left cleanly, leaving Zheng Shuqing and Fang Chongyong staring with big eyes.

"You, you, you, you...you are really going to piss me off!"

Zheng Shuqing sighed, only regretting that he had not strangled Fang Chongyong to death before!
"Zheng Shijun, I'm ready. Everything is ready. I just need the east wind. There are many people here, so it's better to go back to the government office to discuss important matters."

Fang Chongyong saluted Zheng Shuqing and said.

Looking at Fang Chongyong who was full of confidence, and then looking at the direction Wei Qing was leaving, Zheng Shuqing felt that he had made the wrong choice in sparing Fang Chongyong's life!

"Okay, let's go back to the government office."

He said weakly.

Zheng Shuqing had already decided that if Fang Chongyong couldn't come up with a reliable plan, we would all end up in hell tonight.

The two of them returned to the study room in the Lotus Pond Courtyard in silence all the way. On both sides of the long and sloping street were various shops, including ones selling salted fish, but they still did not attract Zheng Shuqing's attention.

The 30 guan has become a hindrance to his career, and today he knows about it, if he doesn't handle it well... the consequences will be unimaginable!
"Tell me, what should I do about this matter? Why did you say that just now?"

Zheng Shuqing was too lazy to ask the maid to make tea for Fang Chongyong today.

"I checked the output of Kuizhou today. Then I divided it into pieces and told the envoy one by one."

Fang Chongyong poured himself a glass of water without hesitation, and drank it fiercely, and then found...it was actually honey water!
He casually took a large piece of paper for copywriting from the table and spread it out, and wrote the word "cloth" on it.

" Linen is a specialty of Kuizhou. There are many people weaving it, and large-scale workshops have appeared. However, these have fixed sales channels, so you can't get involved, so it's useless. "

Fang Chongyong drew an X behind the word "cloth".

Zheng Shuqing was expressionless and didn't speak, just watching Fang Chongyong show off his eloquence.

"Kuizhou is close to the mountains and forests, and there are many fruits in it, such as tangerines, oranges, pomelo, etc. Although these are convenient for transportation, they are not convenient for storage. More importantly, they cannot be sold at a price, and hiring someone to pick them will only result in a loss. "

Fang Chongyong wrote the word "melon and fruit" on the paper and crossed it out.

Are you still expecting to sell fruit?

Zheng Shuqing was about to be laughed at by Fang Chongyong.

This guy probably doesn't know the price of fruits in Kuizhou.Even if we pick all the fruits in the orchard, see if we can sell them for a thousand guan?Besides, the fruit won’t fall directly into the basket, so it doesn’t require manpower to do these things!

"You're not really capable of this, are you?"

Zheng Shuqing asked slightly mockingly.

"You probably know the condition of the farmland in Kuizhou. The red lotus rice may still be worth some money, but it belongs to the emperor and cannot be touched. The output of other fields is not something that you can appreciate, so you won't mention it. Whatever."

Fang Chongyong wrote the word "rice grain" on the paper and then crossed it out.

"As for fish, even salted fish, although there are a lot of them, it's not convenient to export them to Chang'an, and they can't be sold to surrounding counties at a price."

Fang Chongyong wrote the word "fish and shrimp" on the paper, and finally crossed it out.

"This won't work, and that won't work either. What do you want?"

Zheng Shuqing couldn't help roaring, he was so angry by Fang Chongyong that he was about to go into a rage!

"Eh? Don't be angry, sir. It's almost time to get to the point."

Fang Chongyong said with a sneer.

"There are many tigers, leopards, white apes and other animals in Kuizhou. Hunting is not easy. Even if they are valuable, for 30 yuan, it is just a drop in the bucket.

The only things that can make you stand up are boats and wine.Others are not worth mentioning”

Seeing that he spoke solemnly, Zheng Shuqing also put away the angry look on his face, and asked thoughtfully: "What kind of boat is a boat, and what kind of wine is wine?"

Fang Chongyong spoke with a half-knowledge, which made him feel itchy and uncomfortable to ask questions directly.

If you ask directly, and the other person's words are very reasonable, it will inevitably appear that you have a low IQ.

"The secret must not be leaked. I have two things to ask you to do. If everything goes well, there will be no problem in handling all 30 in taxes."

Fang Chongyong also stopped smiling, and his unopened little face looked serious and a bit nondescript.

There is no majesty at all, but it makes people want to laugh.

"Which two?"

Zheng Shuqing asked in a deep voice.

"First, invite the official in charge of Red Lotus Rice to come to the Lotus Pond Courtyard for dinner tonight. Eat a good meal so that he doesn't get drunk and doesn't come home!"

Fang Chongyong didn't have a smile on his face, but what he said was not so serious.

Is it a big deal to treat guests to dinner?

Zheng Shuqing nodded slightly and said, "I just know this person, but it's not a big problem to invite him to dinner."

He felt that this matter was not difficult to handle because he would not hit the smiling man with his hand.As the highest chief executive of a state, if the governor invites a small official directly under the central government to dinner, the other party will still give him face.Otherwise, how can you do a good job if the local boss puts small shoes on you?
"The second thing, tomorrow morning, when negotiating with Wei Qing, Mr. Shijun will catch a cold because of the strong wind at night, so he can't speak. Let me do everything for you, okay?"

The second thing is to pretend to be dumb, which doesn't seem to be very serious.

Zheng Shuqing looked at Fang Chongyong with confusion and asked, "What do you want to do?"

"The secret cannot be leaked."

Fang Chongyong smiled mysteriously.

Zheng Shuqing thought about it, and now that the dead horse is a living horse doctor, that's the only way to go.

"Is it really going to be okay?"

Zheng Shuqing was still unsure and asked hesitantly.

"With Lord Shijun's outstanding wisdom, how can I, a child with a yellow mouth, deceive you?"

Fang Zhongyong asked confidently.

"That may not be..."

Zheng Shuqing replied with a guilty conscience. Although he was quibbling with his mouth, he was still very happy in his heart.

(End of this chapter)