From the Red Mansion, you can travel through the world of martial arts

Chapter 105 Liu Rushi

It was already evening when we came out of the Salt Transport Office.

Jia Wei led a team of Jinyiwei and rode his horse through the streets of the houses. Now that he had finished all his affairs, he had the leisure to appreciate the picturesque Yangzhou city under the setting sun.

The bluestone road is covered with mottled traces of time, and horse hooves make clattering sounds on it. On both sides are gray tiles and white walls, with flying eaves and brick-carved gatehouses.

After being accustomed to the solemn and majestic buildings in the capital, you will be able to appreciate the elegant and lively beauty of the Jiangnan water towns.

Ya, Ya, it’s so Ya!

Jia Wei was still sighing when he suddenly saw several wealthy country gentlemen dressed in silk and satin appearing in front of him. Shen Lian was about to drive them away when the country gentleman bowed and said, "Sir, is this Master Jia?"

Shen Lian looked at Jia Wei, and only let them in when he saw Jia Wei nod.

The country gentleman came up to him quickly and said respectfully, "I am Huang Zhiyun, your student. I heard that Master Jia has come here, so I have prepared a small banquet to welcome you. I hope you will come and show us your kindness."

The man had a fair complexion and smiled attentively.

As the head of the Jinyiwei, Jia Wei had seen the detailed information of the eight major salt merchants on the ship, including their direct descendants. Huang Zhiyun was from the Huang family, one of the eight major salt merchants, and had the title of scholar.

It was interesting to say the least. He received news that the imperial envoy had just rejected the invitations to a banquet from the major salt merchants, and now this salt merchant's son had set his sights on him...

He leaned forward slightly, and said with a half-smile, "Did your Huang family send someone to keep an eye on the Salt Administration Office? Or did you send someone to follow me?"

Huang Zhiyun was so frightened that he lowered his body a little, and tried to argue:

"Reporting to the Lord, the Lord and his entourage are dressed in gorgeous clothes, and they are very impressive, so they naturally attract people's attention. I only learned from the common people that the Lord has entered the Salt Administration Office, so I am waiting here specially..."

Jia Wei smiled and said, "Since you are all ready, lead the way."

Isn't it just the corruption of the salt merchants? Jia Wei had expected this. When faced with sugar-coated bullets, Jia Wei always peeled off the sugar coating and shot the bullets back!
Let the bad habits of the salt merchants blow in!
Under the cover of night, lights have been lit in the wine shops, teahouses, brothels and brothels in Yangzhou city. In the hazy night, stars are twinkling in the sky, and the sounds of singing, dancing and orchestrations are endless.

With its ten-mile-long towers and lights from thousands of houses, Yangzhou has been prosperous since ancient times.

Huang Zhiyun respectfully led Jia Wei all the way to a pleasure boat named "Yanyu".

There are carved beams and painted rafters, curtains made of Su brocade, lamps made of pearls, velvet carpets on the floor, and the aroma of incense curling up from the incense burners is tangy.

Although it is cold in autumn, the houseboat is still as warm as spring.

Jia Wei has finally opened his eyes. It has to be said that in this regard, the Jiaofangsi, as a state-owned enterprise, is indeed a bit backward.

In addition to the children of salt merchants, there were also students from Yangzhou Prefecture and famous scholars. But when Huang Zhiyun welcomed Jia Wei into the room, everyone stood up and saluted.

After some greetings and introductions, Jia Wei sat down and a beautiful maid served him wine. He glanced forward.

There is a beautiful lady in white playing the piano above. She is dressed in plain clothes, even though she is in a place with willows and smoke. Her temperament is indifferent and elegant, as if she is untainted by the mud. Her face is covered with a white veil, so her appearance cannot be seen, but just a pair of eyebrows and eyes that are revealed are enough to make her stunningly beautiful.

Jia Wei couldn't help but take a breath...

Which cadre can withstand such a test?

He looked around again. Except for some people who were paying attention to his actions, the rest were looking at the woman in white. Some of them were even shaking their heads, as if immersed in the music... How did this look like a celebrity meeting?
Huang Zhiyun appeared out of nowhere and answered his doubts in time. He smiled attentively and said:
"My Lord, this is the courtesan of the Misty Rain Boat, Liu Rushi, known as one of the 'Eight Beauties of Qinhuai'. She is an excellent singer and dancer, and is good at reciting poems and composing fu. Miss Rushi heard that my Lord was coming, so she specially presented a song..."

Jia Wei patted his shoulder and said with great satisfaction: "You are thoughtful. The Huang family is very good. I will remember it."

Huang Zhijun kept smiling. Didn't he go through so much trouble just for this sentence?
After the song, guests kept coming to toast Jia Wei, and Jia Wei accepted all the guests. "…The Lianghuai salt administration was established by Taizu, and it has been a hundred years. There are many problems, and we have suffered a lot. I heard that you followed the imperial envoy to the south to rectify the Lianghuai salt administration. This is a move that benefits the country and the people. I would like to ask you, what good plan do you have?"

When the others heard this, they all looked at the young man in gorgeous clothes sitting on the main seat without showing any emotion.

Jia Wei smiled and said, "It is the duty of the imperial commissioner to rectify the salt business. I will naturally obey the imperial commissioner's orders. Come on, come on, have a drink. Is it too much of a distraction to talk about official business?"

When others saw this, they all looked at him coldly. Knowing that Jia Wei was so young and in a high position, and was indulging in wine and women, they couldn't help but regard Jia Wei as a corrupt official and a treacherous villain.

It is natural to try to please and make friends with such people.

Everyone's heart was slightly moved, and they believed Jia Wei's words that he didn't care about the salt business to about 70%.

As he spoke, a maid came quietly, holding a brocade box.

Jia Wei glanced at everyone and asked with a smile, "What does this mean?"

Huang Zhiyun smiled and said, "My Lord, you have traveled a long way to deal with the salt business. We feel bad for you, so we specially collected 300,000 taels of silver. I hope you will not refuse..."

"Well, thank you all for your kindness." Jia Wei was too lazy to act, and gave a look to Shen Lian who was standing beside him, asking him to accept it.

As they were talking, the sounds of stringed instruments and orchestras began to sound again, and women in bright clothes, with cloud-like hairpins and skirts, appeared in the house. They danced gracefully, their breasts were round, white, and as beautiful as pearls.

Everyone dispersed tactfully. Jia Wei watched the dance. Although he found it pleasing to the eye, he always felt that something was missing...

Jia Wei thought of the woman in white again, Liu Rushi.

Although these dancers are all beautiful and have attractive figures, they cannot compare to Liu Rushi's moving eyes and extraordinary temperament.

While he was distracted, Jia Wei suddenly smelled a strange fragrance. He turned his head and saw the masked woman in white approaching with a wine glass.

Liu Ru was worthy of the title of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai. Her every move attracted the attention of the guests...

"Greetings, Uncle." Liu Rushi bowed gracefully, her voice soft and smooth, her eyes like jade.

Jia Wei was stunned. How could he read a hint of admiration in the other person's eyes?
"I have heard of your great reputation for a long time. You were selected as an official through military examination. You saved the emperor and suppressed the rebellion. You wiped out the eunuchs and killed the Wei thieves... I only regret that the capital is too far away and I have no chance to see you."

Jia Wei looked at the serious look on the young lady's face and was a little puzzled. You know so much about my achievements? Could it be that you are my fan?
If this was arranged by the salt merchants, this acting skill could win a Golden Rooster Award...

"Ru has never been interested in wealth and fame, but only in writing poetry and poetry, and he admires chivalrous men the most. Now that the nine borders are in turmoil, only heroes like Bo Ye can resist the foreign enemies and keep the world peaceful.

"If I am willing to redeem myself, I will offer myself to be a maid under the command of the Lord, serve tea and water for him, change his clothes and put on his hat, and do my best to help him. This life is enough for me."

After all, she was one of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai, the top female star of the time. When Liu Rushi said this, the scene was in an uproar. Even the fair-skinned and chubby Huang Zhiyun, who took the lead, was shocked and at a loss.

Jia Wei was also puzzled. Could it be that her family was also harmed by Wei Yan, and now she wanted to repay her gratitude?

I cried my heart out. Even in a different world, Liu Rushi is still so patriotic!

Suddenly, Jia Wei heard a voice from among the many discussions behind him:
"What's the reason for this kid to be so successful? He's just a first-class earl... Look, he's prettier than a woman. He must have been promoted by selling his ass to the little emperor!"

"Brother Jiang, be careful with your words!"

Damn, are you making up a dirty rumor about me?

Can this be tolerated?
(End of this chapter)