country

"Master Hou, I lost again!"

He Ruhui respectfully conceded defeat, and played three games in a row. At the beginning, He Ruhui still had the heart to let Xue Poye, but when he really fought, he found that Xue Jue's chess strength was not inferior to his own at all, and even surpassed him. , three consecutive sets have the same ending.

It is said that Go is a strange way, and those with superb chess skills are definitely very good at playing tricks and tricks.

Xue Poye's chess strength is naturally not superb, not even top-notch, but in the eyes of He Ruhui, since he can beat himself, then the way of conspiracy must be superior to him, so from the bottom of his heart, he is even more powerful. Added a bit of caution and caution.

Xue Poye put down the chess pieces, looked sideways out of the window, and saw that the sky outside had started to get dark. These three games of chess had already consumed a lot of time.

A cautious voice came from outside the door: "My lord, 170 of the four merchants in 63 have already raised donations."

He Ruhui hurriedly got up, took the brochure in the past, and presented it to Xue Poye.

Xue Poye reached out to take it, opened it, and saw that the name was written all over it eloquently, and the amount was also written in detail behind the name. Most of them were hundreds of taels of silver, and occasionally there were thousands of taels of silver. The merchant donated 8000 taels, which is the biggest donation.

Xue Poye saw that the name did not belong to the Qiao family, but a businessman surnamed Huang, so he pointed to the name and said, "This man has some meanings, he understands my intentions, and the 8000 taels can be regarded as he knows the current form." After a pause, he asked, "Master He, your roster was divided into grades earlier, what grade does this person belong to?"

He Ruhui hurried to the desk, took the brochure again, flipped through it for a while, and finally said: "My lord, this is a porcelain merchant, he can be regarded as the number one person in Suzhou, he is also very generous, and he has a good reputation in Suzhou. "

Xue Poye touched his nose leisurely and asked, "How much should he donate?"

He Ruhui thought for a while, and said slowly: "The Lu family donated 5000 taels, so he must donate at least [-] taels!"

"5000 taels?" Xue Poye reached out and tapped on the edge of the table, thought for a while, and finally said, "Master He, please ask him to talk alone, and if you add another 7000 taels, his business will be over. Don't forget Tell him that he donated the money, and the Ministry of Accounts will record it when he returns, and within three years, half of his tax will be reduced."

He Ruhui hurriedly said: "Your official understands!" and slowly retreated.

"There must be something sweet." Xue Poye looked at He Ruhui's back and said to himself.

……

As the sky gradually darkened and the temperature dropped, some weak-willed merchants had already donated silver, and even began to persuade the merchants around them to donate silver as soon as possible.

After all, it was the imperial court asking for money, and they couldn't resist.

However, although businessmen are the most profitable people in the world, they are also the people who are most stingy with money. They suddenly have to spend tens of thousands of taels of silver, which is unacceptable anyway, so many people are still insisting, hoping to pass Insist on letting the court charge less.

The officials carried up the lampposts and lanterns, and the courtyard became brighter again.

Although the courtyard is bright, the hearts of the merchants are even more gloomy. Look at the situation, Mr. Shi Lang wants everyone to spend the night in this courtyard. Thinking about the long cold night and the misery, many people are already terrified.

Nan Huaiwu, who had been sitting quietly for a long time, finally stood up, walked in front of Mr. Cashier, took out a stack of bank notes from his arms, and said in a voice that everyone could hear but not very loud: "Hangzhou, Xue Poye , 2 taels!"

There was a commotion.

In fact, although Xue's enterprise has the potential to become the leader of Hangzhou's business community, this is only in terms of posture. In terms of real wealth, Xue's enterprise has limited funds in just half a year of operation. This shot of 2 taels is already considered a real big deal, reaching the limit.

In fact, although part of the money was paid out of Xue's enterprise's accounting office, most of it was obtained by Hangzhou officials as a filial piety to Xue Poye, and now it has been donated.

This not only solved the problem of accepting bribes, but also made Xue's enterprise more famous. Without these contributions, Xue Poye would not have been able to take out 2 taels of silver all at once.

Nan Huaiwu seemed very low-key, and sat back in his seat after donating the money.

Just a moment later, a Habayashi guard came over, clasped his fists at Nan Huaiwu, and said respectfully: "Master Nan, it's freezing cold, you have done your best for the imperial court, and the minister appreciates your loyalty to Da Chu." Love, let you go down and rest first."

Nan Huaiwu stood up and cupped his fists politely, and someone immediately shouted: "Wait a minute, didn't you say that you can't leave even after donating the money? Why should I keep the money I donated to be frozen, but Nan Huaiwu can leave?" It was Lin Tao who donated one tael of silver.

Habayashi Wei didn't turn his head, and said very straightforwardly: "Leave? It depends on whether you are loyal to the court or not."

Everyone can understand this. The so-called "loyalty or not" depends on the amount of money you donate.Lin Tao donating one tael of silver is disloyal, but Nan Huaiwu donating twenty thousand taels is loyalty.

So no one spoke anymore, and everyone really understood that Mr. Shi Lang was playing a rogue trick. It seemed to be a feast, and he didn't use swords or guns, but in fact he put everyone in a cage. Let some blood, and starve in the cage.

……

……

The accountant finally brought good news to Xue Poye. These businessmen couldn't pretend anymore, and even started asking the accountant how much he should donate to meet the standard.

So the trained accountants used a very lazy tone, according to the instructions on the roster, euphemistically and sincerely reminded the merchants of the minimum amount of donations that should be made.

The merchants were full of resentment, and scolded the court and Xue Poye, but in front of the accountant, hesitantly, some people had obediently pulled out the money that should be donated, and the accountant shouted Their names and the number of donations made their hearts tingle.

"My lord, 110 seven people have donated, and the total amount of donations is 340 taels!" Mr. Accountant handed the account book to He Ruhui, and through He Ruhui to Xue Poye.

Xue Poye leaned back on the chair, flipped through it, a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and said softly: "It seems that they have understood a lot." Suddenly shook his head and sighed: "It's just that some people don't understand things too much. Yes, most of the merchants in Yangzhou have not donated."

He Ruhui approached and said: "Master Hou, the merchants in Yangzhou are all based on the face of the Fang family. Fang Xiaohu has not moved yet. Even if the people under him want to donate, they have to think about the consequences."

"***." Xue Poye said with a swear word, and said with a sneer, "I expected there would be a nail, but I didn't expect this nail to be so hard, interesting and interesting." , take them to the main hall for a banquet, let Mrs. Fang prepare what they want to eat, even if they want a woman to sleep with them, find them for them. Those who don't donate money, hehe, let them continue to consume. "

Habayashi Wei agreed and immediately went down to make arrangements.

Xue Poye said to He Ruhui again: "Master He, since this nail is so hard, it seems that I have to sharpen it myself." After a pause, he said: "Please go to the side hall for dinner, Mr. He, please go and accompany me." , As for Master Fang, hehe, invite him here, I want to have a drink with him."

He Ruhui rolled his eyes, and soon understood what Master Xue meant.

Drinking too much wine may be true, but as for "speaking joy", it can only be that Master Xue is "happy" and Master Fang is "displeased".

He Ruhui is a smart person, he smiled knowingly, and immediately went to kiss Fang Xiaohu in person, still thinking in his heart, what method will Hou Ye use to make Fang Xiaohu submit?This Fang Xiaohu is not easy to deal with.

A few dishes of side dishes, two jugs of fine wine, the house has been lit, but the lights are not bright, Xue Poye seems to deliberately create this kind of atmosphere, the elegant hall is very dark, but also very warm.

When Fang Xiaohu stepped into the elegant hall, he immediately saw a young man in official uniform sitting on a comfortable chair, playing with a wine cup in his hand, looking very interested.

Under the illumination of the lights, Fang Xiaohu found that this young official was extremely handsome, with fair skin, and wearing an official uniform, he had an aura of calmness and prestige.

"Caomin has seen your lord!" Fang Xiaohu fell to his knees, his voice seemed respectful, but his heart was full of resentment.

Businessmen are classified as untouchables, and this is the reason. No matter how much wealth you have, no matter how famous you are in the state capital, and no matter how powerful you are in the business world, when you see court officials, you can only act like The grandson of a turtle is pawing on the ground, showing the gap in identity between the two.

Xue Poye frowned, stood up and cupped his fists and said, "Master Fang has been waiting for a long time, I'm really sorry, I'm busy with official duties, and I only have a clue about how to deal with it now, I'm rude, come on, come on, it's freezing cold, let Master Fang Suffering from the cold outside is really my fault, here is delicious wine and side dishes to warm you up." After finishing speaking, he went up to help Fang Xiaohu very politely, with a very friendly look on his face.

Fang Xiaohu cursed secretly in his heart: "What a pretentious guy." But he also had to admire Xue Poye for being so rich at such a young age, and thanked him with a look of gratitude: "What do you say, your business is important, Fang Xiaohu is still there." It's really bothering adults."

Xue Poye pulled Fang Xiaohu to sit down at the table, poured wine politely, and said softly: "This time, I have come to Jiangnan to collect donations according to the order of the Holy Majesty. I heard that Master Fang is a rich man in Jiangnan I don't yearn for it, and I wanted to visit a long time ago, but because of my busy schedule, I haven't had time. It's really gratifying to meet Mr. Fang today. Mr. Fang created a family business and made great contributions to my great Chu business flow. , I should really be grateful."

Fang Xiaohu smiled faintly, cupped his hands and said: "My lord, you are welcome. The little old man is just doing some business to support his family. As for the name Jiangnan Fu, it is pure nonsense. I hope you don't believe me."

Xue Poye waved his hand and said: "Master Fang is being modest. Before I left, I really inquired about it. Even many officials in the capital knew about the Fang family's wealth in the south of the Yangtze River. I heard that Zhan Shifutang Yuanling Fang Yifei, Mr. Fang is the eldest son of Mr. Fang, so Mr. Fang is still the senior of this official."

Fang Xiaohu's eyelids twitched, and he said lightly: "Don't dare!" He really didn't want to say these half-yin and half-yang words to this sinister servant, so he glanced at Xue Poye and said: "My lord asked the grass people to come, I don't know Any advice?"

"Where is there!" Xue Poye said with a smile: "I am a junior, and the rice I eat is not as much salt as Master Fang's. I don't talk about any advice, I just want to thank Master Fang."

"Thank me?" Fang Xiaohu was taken aback for a moment, and became alert, not knowing what Xue Poye wanted to do.

Xue Poye raised his wine glass and said, "Master Fang, I'd like to respect you!" He drank it all in one gulp, and then he looked at Fang Xiaohu with a smile on his face, his eyes were indescribably kind, but Fang Xiaohu was from Xue Poye's. There was cunning in the depths of his eyes, he had seen a lot, he had experienced countless difficulties in his life, and he had dealt with countless situations, but in this weird elegant hall, he unexpectedly trembled slightly for no reason.

If the other party was a scheming old guy, Fang Xiaohu might not be afraid, but such a cunning young man with a hidden knife in his smile made Fang Xiaohu a little depressed, his chest seemed to be blocked by something, and it was difficult to breathe.

Fang Xiaohu frowned slightly and drank the wine, but it was as hard to swallow as vinegar.

"For this fundraising, I heard that the Lu Mansion generously donated 5 taels of silver. I was very happy. I am from Hangzhou, and the Lu Manor's doing this is also a facelift for me, Xue Poye." Xue Poye said with a smile. "But just now Master He came over and told me that in order to be loyal to Great Chu and His Majesty, Master Fang actually wanted to donate 20 taels of silver. I want to show my face to the sage, and I beg the sage to reward you well. Master Fang, you have raised the face of the whole Jiangnan, admiration!"

Fang Xiaohu stood up in shock, and lost his voice: "You...what did you say?"

When he stood up, Habayashi guarding the door shouted loudly: "Bold, what do you want to do?"

Fang Xiaohu knew that he had lost his composure, and his expression froze, but he saw Xue Poye waved his hand at Yu Linwei, and reprimanded him: "Why are you yelling? Master Fang is my guest, he really has no rules, so he won't go down." See After Habayashi went down, he said kindly: "Master Fang, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

Fang Xiaohu sat down on the chair, looked up at Xue Poye, and suddenly sneered, "My lord, I'm afraid you made a mistake. Caomin never said that he would donate 20 taels of silver. Is this groundless?"

"It's groundless?" Xue Poye immediately pulled his face down, and said coldly: "Master Fang, this is a major national event, so you can't joke about it. Mr. He just came to report and kept saying that Master Fang was going to donate 20 taels of silver. Is there something wrong? This is a joke about beheading."

Fang Xiaohu saw that Xue Poye's face was covered with frost, and said slowly: "My lord, this matter is really a joke of Mr. He. 20 taels of silver, hehe, the grass people can't take it out, I wonder if Mr. He has listened to the errand, It’s still the wrong person. There are many rich merchants out here, and there are so many rich people. I’m afraid there are other merchants who are willing to give 20 taels of silver, but our Fang family can’t.”

Xue Poye shook his head and said, "No, no, in this rich and prosperous place in the south of the Yangtze River, if Mr. Fang can't afford 20 taels of silver, then others can't even. But I heard that Mr. Fang is making money every day. Although ten thousand taels of silver is not a small amount, for the Fang family, it can only be a fraction of a drop in the bucket, haha, if it is said that Mr. He made a mistake, it would be wrong."

Fang Xiaohu couldn't hold back anymore, stood up long, and said: "My lord, I will be loyal to the country, and I will do what I have done. Now, I don't hide it anymore. My Fang family donated 20 taels of silver. As for the [-] taels , that can’t be taken out. If your lord is dissatisfied, you can let me sit outside. Even if you sit dead, I still say that, no. But I think your lord will not be true this time when he is on business under the emperor’s order. A few people will be frozen to death, and if that happens, I'm afraid it won't be easy for my lord to come back." After he said these words, he suddenly felt a little hot all over his body, and it seemed that he was a little excited.

Seeing Fang Xiaohu's face turned red, Xue Poye smiled, sat down, touched his nose and said, "Master Fang, you are a happy person, and I will give you a happy word, for you, 20 taels of silver is for beggars." I won’t accept the money. I’m still saying it here today, if you don’t donate [-] taels of silver, it’s considered that Xue has failed to complete the errand of the Holy One and return to the capital without face.”

Fang Xiaohu was furious, so he wanted to leave with his sleeves, but he knew very well that the servant of the household department in front of him was now in a prosperous and prosperous state, and he could not tear his face openly, so he suppressed his anger, and said calmly: "My lord said so, the grass people have nothing to say, the grass people leave, Go and sit outside."

Xue Poye also said coldly: "Master Fang, I understand your thoughts. It is nothing more than the backing of the East Palace supporting you, which makes you more courageous. The money you send to the capital every year is more than one million. Two, I am well aware of this. However, none of these silver coins were brought into the national treasury, and none of them were presented to the Holy Majesty. It seems to you that it is not a big deal, but I am honestly telling you that your move Someone has already been secretly investigating such a small move." After a pause, he said with a cold smile: "There is a Metropolitan Procuratorate in Kyoto, and there is a Kyoto Prefecture. They only need to send any subordinate at will to compile your affairs. Make it into a book and submit it to the Holy Majesty. The Holy Majesty has a lot of things going on every day, so it’s just that you don’t have time to read it. If the interest comes, do you think you can still get something out of it?”

Fang Xiaohu's face twitched, looking very strange in this dark elegant hall.

"Actually speaking, even if the Holy Majesty is not free, as long as I remind you a little, the Holy Majesty will also see the file about Master Fang. You can rest assured about this. As for the Majesty's reward or punishment, no one can tell. Yes." Xue Poye's voice was soft, but the meaning was extremely sinister: "Master Fang should have heard some rumors. A while ago, there was a storm in the capital. Speaking of it, it was not a disaster caused by forming a party for personal gain. Although His Highness the Crown Prince doesn't grow out to move around, the Holy Majesty is extremely disgusted with the branches surrounding him...Master Fang, you should understand what I mean?"

Fang Xiaohu stared at Xue Poye for a long time, then sneered: "Master Xue, are you threatening me?"

"Threat?" Xue Poye laughed, and walked slowly to the window, looking at the businessmen sitting under the night lights. Most of the nearly 200 people had already left by now, leaving only a few scattered. Some people, those people are obviously members of the Yangzhou Chamber of Commerce, are suffering now, waiting for the movement of Fang Xiaohu.

"Is that necessary?" Xue Poye said without turning his head: "I'm just stating some facts to Mr. Fang. You don't need to donate money, and I can also go to the Holy Majesty. This is a fair thing, and there is nothing to intimidate Yes." Wei Yi pondered for a while, then lowered his voice and said, "Master Fang, you are also a person with a lot of experience in the world, can't you see that I am helping you today?"

"help me?"

"That's right!" Xue Poye still didn't look back, but said leisurely: "You should understand the meaning of the phrase "breaking money and eliminating disasters. If you donate 20 taels of silver today, you will naturally be a meritorious person. If the big tree falls down in the future , relying on this credit, your branch may be able to recover from a desperate situation, at least it will not die with the collapse of the big tree, do you think this is the reason?"

Fang Xiaohu's face was startled, and he frowned immediately, as if he was thinking about something.

"20 taels of silver is still available to you now." Xue Poye said eloquently: "This 20 taels of silver will not hurt your Fang family, but it is possible to keep it in the future." You are from the Fang family, so you can't figure out such a simple question?"