Chapter 087 Talking Business
"That's all old news. I guess my sister is the only one in my family who thinks that way now." Fang Ningmo smiled, revealing two small fangs, and lowered his voice, saying, "My grandfather and father agreed to my visit this time. You have no idea how much my grandfather likes you. He says you have a sharp mind, a high level of comprehension, and you understand everything quickly. You're also hardworking. If you weren't a girl, he would have wanted to take you in as his last disciple. As for Dad, ever since he saw that algorithm you wrote and that thing you've been teaching recently... that problem of a canal with water inflow and outflow at the same time, he's been completely obsessed with it. He thinks it could be integrated into a water conservancy dam. If it weren't for the strict rules between men and women and you being so busy with the soap, he would have wanted to come and visit us a long time ago. So, he sent me to lead the way."
Xu Qingying still felt a little guilty towards Fang Ruyu. Fang Ruyu was a bit old-fashioned and dogmatic, but she was not a bad person. Last time, in order to get the supplies back, she inexplicably used her as a raft. Fang Ruyu must have never forgiven her.
Xu Qingying then asked, "What about your sister? Is she still studying all day?"
"That's right. During the day, she spends her time traveling and reading. She's almost become a nerd." Fang Ningmo didn't want to say anything bad about her sister. In front of Fang Ruyu, Fang Ningmo didn't dare to breathe, as if she was meeting a teaching nanny.
But in front of Xu Qingying, she was much more relaxed and spoke more openly than usual.
"As long as the imperial edict annulling the engagement isn't issued, my sister will be the Second Prince's consort. But the government is so chaotic right now, and the young Emperor is so young, I'm afraid Uncle Zhu won't even think of this marriage. Such an unreasonable thing could only happen in our dynasty." Fang Ruyu sighed, "My sister... has no choice. After all, with such a title, everything has to follow the rules. If she says or does anything wrong, it will be our entire Fang family that will be implicated."
Xu Qingying naturally didn't take this seriously. It seemed that Fang Ruyu was still secretly expecting the second prince to come and pick her up to go to Qiongzhou.
How can the days of exile be as good as the days of being a royal concubine?
However, even if an exiled woman really married the second prince as she wished, she would probably be criticized.
With Fang Ruyu's temper, can she really hold on?
"In short, my sister is my sister, and I am me. Although my sister has some complaints about you because of what happened last time, in her eyes, you are just a country girl who is a little clever but doesn't know the rules of etiquette." Fang Ningmo laughed softly and bumped Xu Qingying's shoulder. "But don't worry, most girls in Bianjing are so vulgar in my sister's eyes. She would like to use a ruler as a nanny to teach them. Don't say you are afraid of her. There is no one in our family who is not afraid of her."
Xu Qingying chuckled and briefly summarized what Fang Ningmo said.
Fang Ruyu is old-fashioned and pedantic, but he is not a bad person.
For a free-spirited person like her, being with Fang Ruyu would be like a volcano hitting the earth. It's inevitable that they would dislike each other.
So Xu Qingying decided that if she saw Fang Ruyu in the future, she would avoid her. If such a beautiful girl was made to cry by her, she would be a sinner.
"Xu Liu, you must take me with you today no matter what." Fang Ningmo shook Xu Qingying's arm in a rogue manner.
The second daughter of the Fang family, who was able to advance and retreat in the city of Bianjing and could not do anything wrong according to the rules, has now learned to laugh and scold.
Xu Qingying smiled and said, "It's no problem to take you with me, but you have to promise me that you will listen more, watch more, and talk less on the way, and follow my instructions throughout the entire operation."
Fang Ningmo nodded immediately, smiling brightly, "Okay, I promise to listen to you, Miss Xu Liu!"
"Also, my affairs must be kept secret."
"Of course!"
Xu Qingying looked at her team and still felt that there was something missing, something that lacked soul.
As for what that soul was, Xu Qingying got rid of Fang Ningmo, walked around the camp, and then walked up to a muscular and ferocious-looking man.
Da Zhuang was dozing off under a tree with his arms around his chest. When he sensed the presence of a stranger, he suddenly opened his eyes. When he realized it was Xu Qingying, the murderous look in his eyes instantly faded, replaced by a simple smile: "Miss Xu."
Very good, that’s the look.
He had killed people and seen blood in his eyes.
Xu Qingying had observed long ago that those exiled this time were all family members of officials, most of whom were from the gentry, regardless of gender, age or status, and most of them looked frail.
Except for Liu Dazhuang.
This guy is a mystery.
He looked fierce, but actually he was honest. However, Xu Qingying could tell that this man had been a soldier and had fought on the battlefield, so she deduced that his honesty was probably just an act.
People who have seen blood will have different eyes.
It is as ferocious as a pack of wolves and as sharp as an eagle, with a hint of indifference towards life.
In her previous life, Xu Qingying had seen this kind of person in the military compound. He had gentle eyes and an easygoing personality, looking like a good person who could be manipulated by anyone. But when he really got into trouble, his demeanor was truly different from others.
She also asked around, but it seemed no one could explain why Liu Dazhuang was exiled.
Even Han Ruqing couldn't quite explain his origins.
Observing his behavior, Xu Qingying could almost conclude that Liu Dazhuang had military experience and held a high position in the army.
"Brother Dazhuang, I have a business opportunity. Do you want to take it?" Xu Qingying asked straight to the point.
Liu Dazhuang immediately smiled and said, "How much does Miss Xu pay?"
"One ounce of silver a day."
"Seriously?" Liu Dazhuang stared at Xu Qingying hesitantly again, "Is this a serious business?"
"Escort me into Xingyuan Mansion and keep me safe." Xu Qingying smiled slightly, a dark glint in her eyes. "At the same time, help me deal with someone. I'll give you five taels of silver. Do you want to earn it or not?"
Liu Dazhuang's eyes suddenly turned cold, like a falcon staring at its prey, dark and cold.
But it only took a second for him to show some fear. "I wouldn't dare to kill or rob people."
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Xu Qingying sneered in her heart, half squatted down, and looked at Liu Dazhuang at eye level, "Who said I asked you to kill someone?"
"So there's no need to kill anyone?"
Xu Qingying looked up at the sky and said, "That's not what I meant."
"So do you want this person to die or not?"
Xu Qingying seemed to be speaking her mind with a sincere heart. "Of course I want him to die. Considering all aspects of the matter, he deserves to die. But I also feel that I shouldn't deprive someone of their life like this. I like to use rules to constrain people, not to follow my heart."
Liu Dazhuang hesitated for a moment, "Yellow Teeth?"
Look, this guy's thinking is so quick that he can deduce who Xu Qingying wants to kill in just a few words. How could he be a fool?
Xu Qingying didn't point it out, but instead said in an ambiguous tone, "Not only that, there might be others."
Liu Dazhuang suppressed the naive look on his face and asked, "Why did you choose me?"
"Of course it's because the wisdom in Dazhuang's eyes can't be hidden." Xu Qingying flattered him naturally, "Look at your eyes, they are bright and sharp, like a scabbard that makes it impossible to look directly at them. No matter how reclusive you are, gold will still shine."
Liu Dazhuang choked for a moment, somewhat skeptical of her jokes. However, after spending so many days with her, he knew that Xu Qingying was not a simple person, and he was afraid that his behavior had revealed her true nature.
Now that I've been seen through, there's no point in continuing to pretend.
"Okay, I'll go with you." Dazhuang patted his butt and stood up. His nearly two-meter height gave him an imposing presence. A cynical smile appeared on his face. "And by the way, let's go see how the legendary Miss Xu, who makes a fortune every day, does business."
After selecting the personnel, they were divided into three groups according to the old rules. One group continued to march around the city and waited for them at the pavilion outside the Qianzhou Gate of Xingyuan Prefecture. Another group went into the city to help buy supplies. The other group, along with Xu Qingying, was responsible for entering Xingyuan Prefecture to resolve the issue of Huang Yazi and sell the last batch of soap on hand.
Xu Qingying led this group of people into Xingyuan Mansion in a mighty manner.
Since they were going into the city on business, most of them had changed their clothes and dressed up. At first glance, they did not look like exiled prisoners.
Xu Qingying was quite satisfied with this team as they were good at both literature and martial arts, and could write and do math.
This can barely be considered the staff team she had in the early days of her business.
The agreed time had passed, and Xu Qingying still didn't know whether Miss Qi Er was really capable of finding Huang Yazi, so she planned to stay for three days.
Unexpectedly, just as she entered the bustling Xingyuan City Gate, she saw a dark-dressed servant waiting for her on the roadside with a portrait. As soon as he saw her, he trotted over, bowed, and said enthusiastically, "Is this Master Xu?"
Feng Er said, "Miss, he has your portrait in his hand."
Seeing this, the servant quickly explained with a smile, "Master Xu, I'm waiting for you here on my mistress' orders. She instructed me to invite you to Zuixian Pavilion for a chat as soon as I see you. You see, it's fate. My mistress just gave the order this morning, and I'm here to pick you up at noon."
"Miss Qi Er is so polite. In that case, I won't be polite. Young man, please lead the way."
"Hey! Come with me!" The servant responded happily, made a "please" gesture, and led them into the prosperous Xingyuan Mansion like a fish in water.
Xingyuan Prefecture is really lively, almost as lively as Bianjing City.
But the group knew that they had important business to attend to in the city this time, so they did not dare to relax. Only Fang Ningmo was going out alone for the first time without his parents or the servants. He could not help but be curious and looked around, but he also followed the team closely.
She also did not forget to quietly inquire: "Who is Miss Qi Er?"
Feng'er didn't want Fang Ningmo to disturb Xu Qingying's thoughts. In her heart, when Miss Xu didn't speak, she was thinking about something, and she absolutely couldn't disturb her. So she pulled Fang Ningmo over and said, "She was the customer who bought our soap last time. Miss, you have an appointment to meet her at Xingyuan Mansion."
"Hasn't the buyer already been found? Why are so many people coming into the city?"
"Not necessarily. Business is something that needs to be negotiated."
Fang Ningmo smiled and pinched Feng'er's face. "Little girl, you've only been with Xu Liu for a few days, and you've already become so eloquent. Look at your demeanor, you're almost catching up with the head shopkeeper in my family. I'll have to learn from Xu Liu someday how to discipline servants like this."
Xu Qingying said quietly, "I don't have any servants under me. I call them partners."
Feng'er felt very comfortable in her heart. She naturally knew that Xu Qingying was protecting her face in front of outsiders, but Miss Xu didn't know that even if she was asked to stay by her side as a servant, she would be willing.
Humph, she saw that many people in the exile group wanted to be Miss Xu's slaves.
How wonderful it is to be a slave. With a piece of indenture, I can make a fortune with Miss Xu in this life.
What's more, Miss Xu is such a good person. Even if she becomes a servant, she might live better than the ladies outside.
But Fang Ningmo stopped in front of a notice while walking.
Xu Qingying also stopped and took a look. She saw that the notice said that a first-rank official had been beheaded, the other male members of the family were exiled, and the female members of the family were sent to the Jiaofangsi.
Fang Ningmo's face turned pale as paper in an instant. She looked dazed and stood there motionless.
Xu Qingying looked at her and knew she was someone she knew, so she gently pulled her aside and said, "Ning Mo, there's a lot of talk here, and our identities are sensitive, so don't let anyone recognize us."
Fang Ningmo also realized that he had lost his composure, and quickly recovered himself, forcing an unpleasant smile: "Sorry, I was mesmerized for a moment."
Xu Qingying took her arm and quickly left this dangerous place. She asked again, "Is it someone you know?"
Fang Ningmo's tears finally flowed, but she knew it was a sensitive period and didn't dare let outsiders see it. She immediately wiped away her tears and simply explained, "I am my grandfather's student."
Fang Ningmo naturally would not tell Xu Qingying that the hope of their Fang family's revival depended on this person.
And now, this person has been killed by Prime Minister Han and his head and body have been separated.
How sad and heartbroken my grandfather would be if he knew that his most proud student had been beheaded.
At the same time, there was no hope for the Fang family to recover.
Fang Ningmo felt completely hopeless at this moment. Whenever she heard the elders talking about it, it seemed that they did not take the exile seriously.
Since the late emperor became senile in his later years, the rise and fall of officials has become a common occurrence, and there are also many who were recalled to the court after being exiled.
With his grandfather's connections with disciples all over the world, not to mention getting the young emperor to recall him to his original position with a single document, it is not impossible for him to go further and fight against Prime Minister Han.
Therefore, the entire Fang family took the exile as an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and endure some hardships, and always fantasized that they might have to return to Bianjing City before even reaching Qianzhou.
Not to mention the other people in the Fang family, even Fang Ningmo himself thought so.
But now it seems that the situation in the court is in chaos. Even a behemoth like the Secretary of the Central Secretariat has been defeated. Who will be the next?
Is this world...going to be in chaos?
Could it be true, as my grandfather said, that the Zhou Dynasty is about to end?
Bianjing City... Can they really never go back?
Xu Qingying naturally wouldn't ask more about the Fang family, so she could only pretend not to notice the dazed look on Fang Ningmo's face.
The servant took them to Zuixian Pavilion.
Zuixian Pavilion is the largest restaurant in Xingyuan Prefecture. It is built as high as a four or five-story building, with octagonal flying arches, red tiles and green platforms. It can be said to be unique on the plains of Xingyuan Prefecture.
Standing on the Zuixian Pavilion and looking at the magnificent scenery of Xingyuan City from afar is a wonderful thing for students all over the world.
But everyone has no intention of enjoying the scenery.
After the servant led them into the private room of Zuixian Pavilion, he left, saying he was going back to invite Miss Qi. Suddenly, the only people left in the huge room were the group of people Xu Qingying had brought with her.
"The rest of you wait downstairs." Xu Qingying pointed outside. "Dad, brother, Feng'er, and Zhao Bantou stay."
She waved at Liu Dazhuang and Ming Xiaoshuang again, and whispered in his ear, "You and Ming Xiaoshuang follow that boy and go find out if Miss Qi has found Huang Yazi. If she has, see if there's any way to snatch him away."
Ming Xiaoshuang subconsciously looked at Zhao Bantou, but was glared at by Zhao Bantou. "What are you looking at me for? Didn't you hear what Miss Xu said?"
So Dazhuang and Ming Xiaoshuang retreated.
Xu Qingying put on the tight ring again: "Everyone, be alert. This situation is unusual. Watch my gestures later. If I make a one, it means everything is fine. If I make a two, it means everyone should be alert and ready to fight at any time. Punching the table with my fist means taking action. Do you understand?"
"I understand!" everyone answered in unison.
Xu Huiming asked privately, "Sister, do you think there will be problems this time?"
"The recipe was taken away by Huang Yazi. Maybe he gave it to Miss Qi Er. Maybe even our identities have been exposed. I'm not sure about Miss Qi Er's attitude. What if she wants to rob me?"
Zhao Bantou was determined to do it. "Then let's fuck him!"
Xu Qingying said, "That's not the case. I'm only describing the worst-case scenario. Miss Qi is a businesswoman, and a smart one at that. No matter what, she'll definitely want to maximize her profits, so she'll probably choose to talk to me first. Let's see what the situation is. If it's not right, we'll run away immediately."
"Mr. Xu!"
I heard his voice before I saw him.
Xu Qingying stood up, but saw the door of the private rooms being pushed open, the beaded curtains fluttering, and the light shining brightly. A woman in a green jacket and a white flowered skirt walked towards her holding a hand warmer. She had a smile on her face, and her eyebrows and eyes were charming. The hairpin on her head did not move at all when she walked, which showed that she had been subject to strict family rules since childhood.
Then came the five or six sturdy servants behind Miss Qi Er.
Another person can be vaguely seen outside the screen.
When the people behind Xu Qingying saw so many people coming, and at first glance they were all martial artists, they immediately knew that today's banquet would not be a good one.
Zhao Bantou's expression suddenly tensed.
Xu Qingying, on the other hand, remained calm, seemingly oblivious to the tension between the two groups. She smiled and went forward, "Second Miss Qi!"
Miss Qi looked Xu Qingying up and down, then immediately came over enthusiastically. "Long time no see, Master Xu. Why do you look fatter and darker?"
Haha, you’re really good at chatting.
Xu Qingying even suspected that Miss Qi Er did it on purpose.
Could it be because she cheated on Miss Qi?
"I'm always running around in the sun and wind, and now I got a message from my father asking me to go south. So I've come to Xingyuan Prefecture again to take a look around and see if there are any business opportunities along the way."
Second Miss Qi affectionately took her arm, and everyone realized that Second Miss Qi had actually seen through Xu Qingying's disguise as a man.
Everyone just sighed at how vicious this woman's eyes were.
Before setting off, Xu Qingying spent a lot of time messing around with her hair, using some unknown method to style her eyebrows into sword-like shapes and paint her skin darker, giving her a tomboyish look. Several people traveling with her almost didn't recognize her.
They naturally didn't know that Miss Qi had recognized Xu Qingying as a girl at first sight last time.
If you want to do business, you must have a keen eye.
"Hmph, you're so good! Last time, you told me there was an opportunity to make a fortune in Xingyuan Prefecture, which made me rush here. But as soon as I arrived, you asked me to do something for you. So you tricked me into coming to Xingyuan Prefecture just to have me run errands for you?"
Miss Qi took Xu Zhenying's arm and sat down, insisting, "Now that you're here, don't even think about leaving. You have to tell me where this opportunity to make a fortune lies."
As Miss Qi Er was speaking, she did not forget to ask the maid beside her to order some of Zuixian Pavilion's signature dishes.
Xu Qingying said, "Opportunities to make a fortune are everywhere. But how's the person I asked Miss Qi to find for me?"
"Master Xu, don't you trust me with your work?" Miss Qi evaded the main point, laughing. "You're asking me for help right away, which really hurts me. How about this, let's eat and talk, and you can tell me about our plans for this big move. Master Xu, don't let me down. Just because of your words, I've already called in people from over a dozen businesses. I've already sent the news, and bosses from all walks of life have arrived. You can see, the Zuixian Pavilion is packed today. The big boss came here after hearing my letter, and the small bosses are all moving in. I'm afraid the rumor is spreading everywhere that Xingyuan Mansion is a haven for wealth."
Xu Qingying guessed Miss Qi's attitude, and she roughly understood that Huang Yazi was probably in her hands.
As for the recipe, she really wasn't sure.
So, she had no choice but to follow the host's wishes and said with a smile, "It's true that this is a rumor, but you can imagine how many heroes and heroes Miss Qi has attracted with just a wave of her hand. Don't worry, Miss Qi, this time, I will definitely help you make a fortune. But the beginning must be kept secret, otherwise the later part will not be exciting."
"Okay." Miss Qi Er agreed readily. "I've already made appointments with more than a dozen bosses. I don't know how the soap incident leaked out, but they're all very curious and can't wait to meet you."
"Then let's invite everyone to a meeting. I'd also like to meet the wealthy merchants in Xingyuan Prefecture."
"when."
"I don't like to delay things, so let's find a place where we can talk tonight."
"Why don't we go to my villa?"
"OK."
"Any other requests?"
Xu Qingying smiled, "No. I'll talk about it when I think of something else."
As soon as he finished speaking, various dishes came in one after another.
Miss Qi Er was so generous that she ordered two tables: one for the servants and one for her and Miss Qi Er alone.
Zhao Bantou was a little worried, but Xu Qingying gave him a reassuring gesture. Zhao Bantou had no choice but to go to the table next to the screen to eat.
At this table were Xu Qingying and Miss Qi Er. Feng'er stood behind them, pretending to be her maid and serving the dishes.
It is said that one should not talk while eating or sleeping, but that is the rule for the rich and powerful.
For businessmen, the dinner table is a place of business, how can you not talk?
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