71

Nowadays, there are etiquettes for entertaining guests.

Literati and scholars would hold a poetry meeting, invite some celebrities to accompany them, and stroll around the garden to enjoy the scenery;

The wealthy and powerful would set up a banquet, with fine wine accompanying the food and beautiful women dancing, and they would drink and chat in great joy;

Entertaining soldiers is even easier. Just provide them with good wine and good food, a few courtesans, and some novel toys. Are you still worried that they won't have a good time?

However, for a guest like Cheng Xi, Lu Jian did not choose any of the above options, but instead took him shopping.

Starting from the famous Foreign Goods Street in the east of the city, we walked along the way, stopping and visiting shops from time to time.

Spices, ivory, and pearls from Southeast Asia, gems, glass, and exquisite toys from the West, as well as some silk and porcelain shops that were obviously for export.

Lu Jian's appearance and demeanor made him look like a young man from a wealthy family. He was accompanied by Cheng Xi, a handsome companion dressed in brocade, and quite a number of guards. Naturally, he attracted the attention of various families. They all invited him to a private seat, served him tea, and had the store owner personally introduce the treasures in the store.

If this person was someone who cared about face, he would have spent a lot of money, but these two people did not come into the store to buy anything.

Cheng Xi was really curious, and Lu Jian was also a connoisseur, so one asked carefully and the other answered seriously, which made the shopkeepers sweat on their foreheads, and they were confused about the purpose of these two people's visit.

After looking at each store one by one, Cheng Xi finally took a fancy to a tortoise-shell mirror from the West and bought it.

Walking out of the store, Cheng Xi turned the magnifying glass in his hand and asked: "Are mirrors like this only produced in the West?"

"We also make colored glass here, but those from the West are always more transparent. Are you interested in this, brother?" Lu Jian was also a little curious. This kind of thing would only be bought by scholars with poor eyesight. Why would Cheng Xi, a wealthy man from the sea, value this thing?

"Yes, there are some. It would be better if the cost was lower." Cheng Xi also brought money with him when he went out this time, but a pair of magnifying glasses cost twenty taels, which was really outrageously expensive.

In the future, telescopes will all be made of glass, but she knows nothing about the craftsmanship, and she thinks it can't be made by simply burning sand.

There was also no idea about the metallurgical technology needed to make cannons and the chemical technology needed to refine cannon powder.

It is easy to rob money as a pirate, but it is not so easy to engage in industry yourself.

Putting away the magnifying glass, Cheng Xi said, "Today has really broadened my horizons. Where are we going next?"

Lu Jian said, "There's a century-old shop not far ahead. The food is quite good. After dinner, if you want to look at other shops, let's go to the south of the city. They sell groceries destined for Southeast Asia. If you get tired of shopping, you can also take a look at the city's scenery."

This is really the standard "host's hospitality" of accompanying people to eat, play and go shopping. Cheng Xi smiled and shook his head: "Brother Mingde is so kind to me. I am flattered."

Lu Jian laughed heartily: "After all, I am a traveling merchant, so it is only natural for me to wander around and see the market. On the contrary, having you as my companion allows me to do some research."

This is the person who knows how to get things done, Cheng Xi sighed in his heart.

It was she who had the fleet, it was she who planned to run maritime trade, and it was she who went for a stroll at the trading port. So what else could she be going out for? Could it be that she was really here to enjoy the scenery?

Not only did he take time out to accompany her to explore the market, but he was also able to do it quietly and without being abrupt at all. This is the way he deals with people.

It will also give people a clear understanding that they are being treated as guests of honor rather than chess pieces that can be thrown away at will.

The attitude was there, the friendship was there; the treatment of a "strategic partner" was truly different. Whether there was any ulterior motive behind this companionship, even Cheng Xi couldn't quite guess. But for someone like Lu Jian, achieving multiple goals at once was probably a habit, so there was no need to dwell on it now.

So Cheng Xi followed the group to eat and continued shopping.

When he got home that evening, Yan Yuan finally found the opportunity to report: "Boss, the person who went to get information has returned. He said that the two bandit chiefs will be escorted to the capital in half a month."

Cheng Xi raised an eyebrow slightly: "Then we came at the perfect time. Is the city well-defended?"

"A lot of soldiers and officers have arrived, and the garrison has also sent people, but it's clear they are loose on the outside but tight on the inside. I'm afraid they are setting an ambush to lure the enemy." Yan Yuan directly pointed out the key point.

These two bandit leaders are definitely baits released by the government in order to catch more rebels.

Since the city is heavily guarded, we can only wait until we leave the city to take action. It can be said that the entire plan of "escorting to the capital" is to force those straw raincoat thieves to rob people halfway. By then, we don't know how many backup plans they have arranged, waiting for people to jump in.

Cheng Xi tapped the table with his finger and shook his head: "If we can think of these, others may not be unable to think of them. I'm afraid that something will happen in the next two weeks."

"Then what should we do?" Yan Yuan asked immediately.

"Of course it's about taking advantage of someone's misfortune. If someone really breaks into the prison, whether it succeeds or not, it's our chance to save him. If we can take advantage of the situation, we'll take advantage of it. If not, we'll create a time difference. The best cover is to stay in the dark." Cheng Xi answered straightforwardly.

This is a bit risky, but it may be a solution.

Yan Yuan nodded, and suddenly asked, "Do you still want to go shopping with Lu Jian tomorrow?"

"Of course we have to go. We are here for the Lu family's affairs. Don't forget." Cheng Xi said with a smile.

She didn't know what Lu Jian meant by asking her to go shopping, but on the other hand, Lu Jian probably didn't know what she was thinking.

This is the best decoy. No matter how things develop in the future, there will be a way out.

Yan Yuan understood and nodded. Although he felt that doing so was a waste of time, when he thought about it carefully, there were still ten days before the escort, so there was no need to rush. It seemed that it would be a good opportunity to inquire about the market in Panyu.

It's just that Lu Jian is too conceited. I really don't know what he's up to. What will the legendary Third Young Master of the Lu Family do? We can only wait and see.

Having made up her mind, Cheng Xi patiently strolled around. Lu Jian, as a landlord, was truly competent. Not only did he explore all the main commercial streets in the city, he also took her to the harbor to understand how this government-run wharf operated.

Sitting in the teahouse, looking at the slightly empty dock outside, Cheng Xi sighed softly: "Such a big official port, but it's not as popular as the private port."

"It's inevitable with the imperial ban. Besides, even the tribute ships have stopped these days, so how can Panyu Port improve?" Lu Jian took a sip of tea, his expression normal.

This is a very complex issue and cannot be solved easily.

Now, if the court hadn't been incompetent, how could the maritime merchants have made such huge profits? Cheng Xi couldn't help but laugh. She was also a vested interest, so it was indeed a bit hypocritical to say this.

Lu Jian smiled and changed the subject: "I heard that there are more people than boats recently, and some small boat owners have started renting cabins."

Cheng Xi asked curiously, "How is it rented? Is it the same as a passenger ship?"

"You have to pay a fee to get on board, and the boatman will provide you with food and drink along the way. When you buy and sell goods in Southeast Asia, they will take 20% to 30% of the value of the goods." Lu Jian smiled, "Of course, whether you can return safely depends on your luck."

What is luck?

While drifting thousands of miles, you might suddenly fall ill, encounter a storm, be robbed, or even be thrown into the sea by an jealous ship owner who would find a random excuse to rob you of your money and kill you.

If you go out to sea in this situation, what else can you rely on except luck?

Cheng Xi suddenly asked, "Are there many people going there?"

"Countless." Lu Jian only gave four words.

Why would someone go to sea knowing how dangerous it is? Is it to get rich quick, or is there no other way but to risk their life?

The peak period of going to Southeast Asia has always been a time of great domestic unrest. Does this change indirectly prove that this dynasty is showing signs of destruction?

Cheng Xi fell silent, sipping the tea in the cup one sip at a time, and said no more.

After finishing their tea, the two went downstairs and walked towards where the carriage was parked.

This teahouse is a bit out of the way and there is no parking space around, so you have to walk a few steps.

Fortunately, the Lu family's servants were smart and had prepared the car early and were waiting on the roadside.

Lu Jian smiled and said, "No matter how good the tea is, it won't satisfy your hunger. Let's find a place first..."

Before he could finish his words, Cheng Xi suddenly turned around and looked at a team of laborers walking slowly about ten steps away.

Those shirtless men were pushing a large cart with their heads down. This situation was normal at the dock, but Cheng Xi felt that it was strange and out of place. It was just a cart, so why did so many people need it?

By chance, a laborer raised his head, and just a glance at him made Cheng Xi roar in a low voice: "There's an ambush!"

The sound was like thunder, shattering the disguised calm. With a series of clanging sounds, all the Lu family guards drew their swords, and Yan Yuan, in a flash, rushed forward first!

The assassin pushing the cart hadn't anticipated being exposed so quickly. Hastily pulling out the steel knife hidden under the sack, he tried to turn back and attack, but a tall man slashed with his sword, blocking three of them. Behind him, the Red Flag Gang's personal guards also sprang into action, half drawing their swords to aid, while the other half gathered around the leader.

In an instant, there was a fight in front.

Lu Jian stood there in a daze. Before he could react, he felt his wrist tighten and someone pulled him into the carriage.

"Get down, don't show your head." Cheng Xi drew the short knife from his waist and said to the people around him, "There will be more than one wave, watch out for your retreat!"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone else rushed over from behind. He was probably lying in ambush at the alley entrance and immediately came to help after hearing the noise.

The Lu family's guards were no mere decoration and rushed forward to meet the enemy.

After this fight, people could tell something was wrong. The skills of the man who came were really mediocre. Not to mention the soldiers of the Red Flag Gang, even the guards of the Lu Mansion could be dealt with.

Cheng Xi frowned and stood in front of the car, showing no intention of taking action. Lu Jian seemed to come to his senses, grabbed the car window and shouted, "Leave some of them alive!"

Cheng Xi immediately raised her voice: "A Yuan!"

Yan Yuan rushed to the front, but did not forget to pay attention to what was behind him. Hearing this sound, the blade that was originally intended to chop him suddenly shifted and hit the enemy in the face. The man screamed and fell backwards.

The other bodyguards also had a tacit understanding and more or less restrained their killing moves. It didn't take long before they knocked everyone to the ground, tied up those who needed them, and gagged those who needed them.

Here, the guards of the Lu Mansion also subdued the assassins who came later. There were quite a lot of them, twelve in total. Two of them were seriously injured, and the rest were all tied up tightly.

"Boss, these assassins seem to be just ordinary ruffians, a little weird." Yan Yuan had already put away his knife and whispered to Cheng Xi.

If they were sent by the Third Young Master Lu, it would be a disgrace to the reputation of the Jiangdong Lu family.

Cheng Xi turned to look at the carriage and saw that Lu Jian had already gotten out. His face was a little pale, but his expression was unusually cold.

He bowed to Cheng Xi and said, "Thank you for your help, brother."

"It's a small matter." Cheng Xi paused, "What should we do with these people?"

At this moment, there were already quite a few people gathered on the roadside, and people were leaning out of the teahouse in the distance to look around. Even though they were at the dock, it was government territory, so how to end it was a problem.

Unexpectedly, Lu Jian looked around and raised the corner of his lip: "If someone wants to kill me, I must report it to the police."

Yan Yuanke didn't expect him to answer like that. He was stunned. He looked around and saw Cheng Xi also put away the dagger. He smiled and nodded: "I will go with Brother Lu."

To report to the police, one has to go to the government office and meet the prefect. Ordinary people would be scared when they heard about it, not to mention that Cheng Xi is a real sea tycoon who has killed countless people. How dare he say such things?

Even Lu Jian was stunned and shook his head, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, brother, but this matter is directed at me. How can I implicate others?"

Does this mean they don't want outsiders to get involved? Cheng Xi thought for a moment and changed his tone, "Who knows if there will be assassins? I'll take Brother Mingde there. At least there'll be someone to take care of him on the way."

Lu Jian sighed, "It is my great honor to have your help."

Having said that, it would be hypocritical to refuse any further. Lu Jian asked the guards to find a cart, threw the tied-up assassin on it, and he and Cheng Xi got on the carriage and rushed to the government office with great fanfare.

What's the situation in Panyu City right now? It's no exaggeration to say there's a guard every three steps, and a sentry every five steps.

This strange convoy immediately attracted the yamen runners, and the news was quickly delivered to the prefect.

"There's a fight at the dock, and you're reporting it to the police?" Upon hearing this news, Prefect Lin felt like his scalp was about to explode.

The docks are full of merchants, so fighting and killing are normal. They've always been handled privately. Why are they suddenly reporting it to the authorities? It's already late, and there are so many people watching the city. How can we avoid causing trouble again?

But after all, he was a fourth-rank official, and Prefect Lin was not ignorant of worldly affairs. He hurriedly asked, "What is the origin of the person who reported to the authorities? Have you found out?"

"I heard that it was a businessman named Lu who just moved here and opened a rice shop." The clerk replied hurriedly.

"The surname Lu..." Prefect Lin frowned and thought for a moment, his expression suddenly changing, "Could it be that the man's name is Lu Jian?!"

"I don't know about this either..." The clerk was startled and answered with a grunt.

After all, the person who reported to the authorities had just arrived and had not yet paid a visit to the yamen. How could he know clearly?

"Oh no!" Magistrate Lin stood up and paced around the hall.

He had heard from the Governor Liu before that a young man from the Jiangdong Lu family would come to Panyu to do business, and asked him to keep an eye on him. It was not because he wanted him to take care of him, but because the man had an unusual background. He was the eldest son of the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Lu.

This identity is very subtle. Everyone knows that Lord Lu once divorced his wife and remarried. His current wife is from the Chen family of Nanyang and has given birth to a son, who is the third son of the Lu family.

Lu Jian was the second son born to the divorced ex-wife, and also the legitimate eldest son. However, he was ostracized by his stepmother and ran away from home early, which made Madam Chen very embarrassed.

Although the maternal family of this Second Young Master Lu is not as powerful as the Chen family of Nanyang, they are also from a powerful family in Lingnan. Now that he has come to Panyu, he must want to achieve something.

But the problem was that the mistress of the Lu family also opened a shop in Panyu, and the steward had visited her and given her gifts.