Mu Jingrui led his troops out three days after recruiting able-bodied men, and disaster victims continued to join them along the way.
He trained everyone as he went along, gradually expanding his team.
In order not to worry Mu Jingrui, Shangguan Wanning obediently got on the carriage on the day he led his troops to set out, expressing her willingness to return to Beijing.
Xiao Yujue accepted Shangguan Wanning's suggestion and rushed to celebrate Old Madam Zhang's birthday with a few followers.
As Shangguan Wanning had expected, Zhang Yide had returned home a few days in advance to prepare for his mother's 60th birthday.
Although the current snowstorm is severe, these wealthy businessmen can still live a peaceful and prosperous life.
From afar, the group saw that the gate of Zhang's mansion was decorated with lights and looked very lively.
Those big red lanterns look particularly eye-catching against the snow-covered ground.
"Sir, it seems that the Zhang family is worthy of its reputation and does have some wealth." The guard sighed.
Xiao Yujue said nothing, and walked over with Mu Jingyan and the guards. The butler standing at the door saw that the people were unfamiliar, so he immediately came over, smiled, and asked, "Where are you from?"
The butler is someone Zhang Yide has always kept by his side. He has traveled around the country with his master over the years and has seen a lot of the world.
He looked at the people in front of him, especially the young man in the lead. He was dignified and had an extraordinary bearing. It was obvious at first glance that he was not an ordinary person.
"We are from the capital, and we have had business dealings with the Zhang family. We have long heard of Mr. Zhang's good reputation, but have never had the opportunity to visit him. Recently, we happened to be doing business in the nearby area, and heard that Mrs. Zhang was celebrating her 60th birthday, so we came to congratulate her."
As Xiao Yujue spoke, he flicked his wrist and the guard beside him took out a box and opened it.
Inside is a crystal clear jade Guanyin, finely crafted and priceless. Even if you have money, you may not be able to buy it.
Even the Zhang family's housekeeper, who had seen many good things, was dazzled and the smile on his face deepened.
"Sir, what's your name? I'd better go in and report it to you."
"My son's surname is Xiao."
The butler was startled again.
"Xiao" is the royal surname, so it seems that this young man must be either rich or noble.
The housekeeper did not report, but directly led Xiao Yujue and others into the mansion, found a room for them to warm up and rest temporarily, and ordered the servants and maids to serve tea, cakes and fruits.
Mu Jingyan took a bite of the cake and said with a smile, "The disaster outside is so severe that the people are so hungry that they have to drink snow to fill their stomachs, but in this Zhang Mansion, there is no sign of decadence. This silver... is really a good thing."
Xiao Yujue looked at Mu Jingyan and smiled without saying anything.
Not long after, the butler came in with a tall, middle-aged man with deep eyes.
Xiao Yujue's eyes met his, and both of them were looking at each other.
"Master Zhang, I have long heard of your great name."
"You're too polite, Mr. Xiao." Zhang Yide couldn't help but frowned secretly as he looked at Xiao Yujue's temperament and conversation.
This guy is probably not someone who can be easily dealt with.
"Mr. Xiao and I have never met before. I am really ashamed of your generous gift for my mother's birthday. But..." Zhang Yide changed the subject and asked tentatively, "No merit, no reward. I am afraid I am unworthy of Mr. Xiao's generous gift."
Xiao Yujue felt that Zhang Yide was no ordinary person, as he was able to be so influential in the business world.
He didn't want to waste time beating around the bush.
"Since Master Zhang has said so, I won't hide it anymore." Xiao Yujue stood up and walked in front of Zhang Yide, "I want to buy food and cotton clothes from Master Zhang to help the victims."
"oh?"
This was beyond Zhang Yide's expectations.
He hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help asking, "Are you... planning to provide relief to the victims, or are you planning to buy food and cotton clothes from me and then sell them at a high price? Master Xiao, I have to remind you that if you raise the price of food at this time, not only will the court not let you go, but your own conscience will probably be uneasy, right?"
Xiao Yujue was very satisfied with Zhang Yide's words. At least it proved that he had no intention of raising the price of food.
"Master Zhang, please rest assured that I will use it for disaster relief and will never use it to make a fortune."
"That's even more strange." Zhang Yide was a little bit unbelievable. "Mr. Xiao, do you know how many disaster victims there are in the northwest region now? Not to mention your personal efforts, even the food distributed by the court is probably just a drop in the bucket."
"I understand, that's why I..."
"Mr. Xiao, today is my mother's sixtieth birthday. I just want to celebrate her birthday happily. As for the rest... I don't want to talk about it."
Zhang Yide’s attitude was irritating. After all, there were disaster victims everywhere outside. If we delayed for one more day, more people would starve to death.
"Mr. Zhang, my master is trying to negotiate with you in a nice way, so don't refuse my toast and drink the wine instead."
The guard was impulsive and looked down on folk merchants like Zhang Yide.
Zhang Yide was not the kind of person who bullied the good and feared the evil. He just sneered at the guards.
"If you want to stay for a meal, I welcome you very much. But if you want to cause trouble... don't blame me for being rude."
As soon as Zhang Yide finished speaking, the butler waved and called in a dozen guards.
The guards and Mu Jingyan immediately stepped forward and protected Xiao Yujue behind them.
"Master, the old lady asked me to tell you that a distinguished guest has arrived and she wants to introduce you to her. Please come over."
The maid came over and noticed the unusual atmosphere, and she stuttered when she spoke.
Zhang Yide did not dare to neglect his mother's words and immediately asked the guards to restrain themselves.
"Mr. Xiao, I'm sorry to leave you."
The guard wanted to chase after him but was stopped by Xiao Yujue.
"Young Master, are we just going to let it go like this?" Mu Jingyan also felt sorry for Xiao Yujue.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince condescended to come to the common people to celebrate the birthday of an old lady, but in the end the old lady did not appreciate it and the matter was not accomplished.
"There is no benefit in confronting Zhang Yide head-on. We can't use the power of the government to bully him. We can get things done by doing this, but it is a last resort after all."
Xiao Yujue took a few steps forward, looked at the snow in the yard, chuckled and said, "I am more curious about who this distinguished guest is that even Old Madam Zhang values."
Perhaps, this is another way.
Xiao Yujue actually felt bad inside. The disaster relief was a test from the emperor and also a good opportunity for him to win the support of the people. If he failed to do it well, he was afraid that even his years of hard work would be ruined.
"Mom, you're looking for me."
Zhang Yide suppressed his anger, walked into Old Madam Zhang's room, and helped his mother to stand up.
"Yes, take a look." Madam Zhang pointed to the dozens of scriptures and a picture of Guanyin on the table, "This is the most satisfying gift I have received today. I will introduce you to the person who gave me the gift."
As soon as Madam Zhang finished speaking, Zhang Yide saw a girl in a light yellow dress with her face covered by a veil slowly walking out from behind the screen.
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