Jiang Sheng always thought that the price of pork in the county town was 10 coins per catty, which was 2 coins more expensive in stall fees than the price of pork in the town was 8 coins per catty.
When she arrived at the market in the prefectural city, she casually asked and learned that pork in Anshui County was actually fifteen coins per catty.
Jiang Sheng almost had to pinch someone's philtrum to save her. Her face was full of question marks. "Is this for real? Is it really that much more expensive? Can I bring pork from the county town to sell in the prefectural city?"
A pure profit of one-third, who wouldn't be tempted?
As expected of a young woman who does business with Zheng Ruqian, her first thought is to make money.
However, Xu Mo poured cold water on her, "Why do you think prices in the prefectural city are so high? It's because all the delivery people have to pay certain fees when they come and go, which is to say, taxes. Goods that originally cost eight coins to buy, after paying taxes, have to be sold for ten coins to break even. Add to that other labor costs, and it becomes fifteen coins."
Jiang Sheng was stunned.
Her dream of a third of net profit was shattered.
"Then why doesn't Xiyang County need to pay taxes?" Jiang Sheng couldn't help but ask.
“Because…” Xu Mo’s expression darkened, “because Magistrate Xu, who loves the people like his own children, secured a tax exemption for Xieyang County.”
Tax regulations are revised every three years, and this one was set to expire at the end of March.
Can merchants who are used to not paying taxes when entering and leaving the city really accept a sudden increase of five percent in taxes?
Xu Mo lowered his head and gave a cold laugh.
The siblings came out of the inn, walked through the market, and stood at the entrance of the government office.
Compared to the sparse crowds and lack of visitors at the county government office, the prefectural government office was much more bustling.
One minute someone comes in with a quarrel that needs mediation, the next someone comes in angrily to complain, and then there's someone pulling and tugging at the door while crying.
After observing for a while, Jiang Sheng concluded, "Indeed, a large crowd makes it lively."
Xu Mo was both amused and exasperated.
This is completely absurd. It's clearly a case of the magistrate of Xiyang County failing to perform his duties. The people know that filing a complaint is useless, so they simply don't go.
When Magistrate Xu was in office, the county government office was always crowded with people, and even the smallest matters had to be discussed in the main hall.
Xu Mo chuckled softly, reminiscing about the past.
At this moment, a large number of people suddenly arrived at the entrance of the government office.
First, they diverted the people who had trivial matters away, and then a dozen or so yamen runners stood on both sides, seemingly welcoming someone.
"Could it be the Prefect himself?" Jiang Sheng stared wide-eyed, watching with excitement.
Sure enough, a sedan chair appeared in the distance, carried by four burly men, and gently landed on the ground.
But what emerged from under the covers was not the imposing and domineering prefect they had imagined, but a... lady.
"Could it be that the Prefect is a woman?" Jiang Sheng asked, her face full of curiosity.
Xu Mo patted the two little tufts on her head. "No."
But when asked who it was, he didn't recognize it and could only watch intently.
Because of this, they didn't see Fang Heng's suddenly changed expression and his slow retreating steps, which made him seem bored to the side.
He only curled up and began to breathe heavily when he was completely hidden, so that not even his hair could be seen.
At this moment, a clerk carrying a feather fan came out of the government office and said respectfully, "Madam Wang has arrived. What a rare guest!"
The woman who stepped out of the sedan chair was about thirty years old. She was exquisitely beautiful and dressed impeccably, a typical noblewoman from the prefectural city. Every move she made exuded elegance.
She slightly raised her long sleeve to cover half of her face, smiled gently, and then said, "I just came to inquire about the whereabouts of my good-for-nothing nephew. Have you found him?"
The clerk shook his head and sighed, "There's still no news. It's the government's fault for not being able to find any trace of Young Master Fang. I hope Madam will forgive us."
Madam Wang's expression visibly fell into disappointment, but she quickly composed herself, "No matter what, I must thank the government for their help. This is my poor sister's only child..."
The two talked as they entered the government office.
The sedan chair bearers retreated into the alley and waited quietly.
Jiang Sheng was a little disappointed. "It's not the Prefect."
“The Prefect is so busy with affairs of state, how could he possibly handle every single matter himself? Most of the time, it is his advisor who takes care of things on his behalf.” Xu Mo’s eyes showed nostalgia. There are already quite a few people like Magistrate Xu who do things personally.
Even though Xieyang County had a small population, Magistrate Xu was busy from morning till night, only able to return to his residence late at night.
"Then how can we get the Prefect to personally handle the case?" Jiang Sheng asked again.
Xu Mo remained silent.
Chang Yan, standing to the side, uttered two words in a low voice, "Blocking the way."
Only in this way can he personally speak with the prefect, and only in this way can he cause a great uproar.
"Are you ready?" Chang Yan murmured.
Xu Mo nodded at the same time as Wen Zhiyun without any hesitation.
The former is prepared to be beaten, while the latter is prepared to save lives.
Chang Yan nodded, "Alright, we'll come here for the next few days to observe the whereabouts of the Prefect of Anshui."
After he finished speaking, he turned around and saw Fang Heng huddled in the corner.
In my memory, my third brother has always been imposing and dignified.
Practicing martial arts since childhood made him grow taller by the age of ten, making him half a head taller than Xu Mo at the age of twelve. His posture was never hunched over, always straight.
He always held a long stick, poised and ready to pounce, like a cheetah ready to hunt at any moment.
But at this moment, Fang Heng was huddled in the corner, his face pale and his body hunched over. If it weren't for his relatively neat clothes, he would look like a little beggar who hadn't eaten for ten days in a beggar's den.
"Third Brother!" Jiang Sheng exclaimed in surprise, "You have diarrhea again?"
Wen Zhiyun quickly reached out to take his pulse, and after a while, he withdrew his hand. "No, it's... excessive shock caused by mental unease."
Generally speaking, only worry and fear will produce this pulse pattern.
The whole family was very worried and surrounded him.
"Third Brother, what's wrong? If you're feeling unwell, tell us," Jiang Sheng said.
“If Xiao San’er isn’t feeling well, we’ll go back.” This was Xu Mo.
"If Third Brother is sad, he should cry." This was said at the long banquet.
Fang Heng's pupils gradually focused, and his soul gradually returned to his body. He looked around, then glanced at his family, and a trace of fear suddenly appeared on his usually stern face.
"I...I saw it..."
He choked up.
Jiang Sheng rushed over and patted his back. "Third Brother, don't be afraid. We're all here. Don't be afraid. Even if we have to wade through a cesspool, I'll be with you."
Wen Zhiyun pursed her lips and nodded seriously.
Chang Yan and Xu Mo, standing to the side, twitched slightly, unsure whether to agree or feel helpless.
Fortunately, the little girl's unique warmth eased Fang Heng's fear.
Recalling those dark days, he finally mustered his courage and choked out, "I just saw... the person who locked me up for half a year."
"She's actually... still looking for me."
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