Relationships are something you become familiar with once you get to know someone in many places.
After practicing yoga for a while, Xu Yan and his brother-in-law Hong Yu began to chat about legendary dramas, and naturally talked about "The Peony Pavilion".
Hong Yu was very interested in The Peony Pavilion, and Xu Yan also talked about it enthusiastically, and the two had a very pleasant conversation.
So much so that Hong Yu was reluctant to leave.
But separation is always inevitable. After finally sending his future brother-in-law away, Xu Yan was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
You wouldn’t have guessed that Hong Yu is not only a literature and art lover, but also a fitness expert.
If Xu Yan hadn't had the sudden inspiration to think of yoga, God knows what Hong Yu would have said.
It would be terrible if it affected his future brother-in-law's impression of him.
After having lunch at his grandfather's house, Xu Yan decided to go to Miaofeng Hall to take a look.
Today, the Xu family has opened several branches in Hangzhou, but the main store is still in Yongjinmen.
However, when Xu Yan arrived at the Yongjinmen main store, he found that Xu Wei was not in the store. After a brief inquiry, he learned that Xu Wei had gone to Wulinmen.
It turned out that Xu Wei was attracted by the prosperity of Wulinmen and opened a branch there.
Now that the new store is open, his focus is there.
It must be said that Xu Wei had a very good vision. Wulin Gate is the northern gateway of Hangzhou, connected to Taohua River in the west and facing West Lake.
As the northern gate of Hangzhou City, Wulin Gate is directly connected to the Grand Canal and is an extremely prosperous market.
When the sun sets, "the masts and sails are unmoored, and all kinds of goods are sold in the market"; after nightfall, "the bonfires and candles are still lit, just like daytime."
Compared with it, Yongjin Gate seems a bit pale in comparison.
When Xu Yan rushed to Wulin Gate, he indeed saw the plaque of Miaofeng Hall in a very conspicuous position.
The traffic in this prime location is naturally top-notch. It can be said that the shops near Wulin Gate have no disadvantages except that they are expensive.
When Xu Yan entered the store, he saw Xu Wei directing the shop assistants to organize the books.
He walked forward and greeted him, and Xu Wei finally reacted and came out to greet him with a smile.
"Sir, long time no see."
Xu Yan also sighed, "It's been several months since I last saw Brother Wen."
"Sir, please come in."
Xu Wei ushered Xu Yan into the backyard, poured him some hot tea, and then said with emotion, "This 'Peony Pavilion' that you sent me is truly a masterpiece. It was snapped up as soon as it was released, and its popularity is no less than that of 'Journey to the West'. You are truly a genius."
Xu Yan thought that this was certainly due to the high quality of "The Peony Pavilion", but it also had a lot to do with the good foundation laid by "Journey to the West".
After all, "Journey to the West: The Legend of the Condor Heroes" was first launched by Miaofengtang, and it unknowingly left a good impression on the people of Hangzhou.
Therefore, when Miaofengtang launches a new book, its reputation is guaranteed.
On this basis, "The Peony Pavilion" became popular again. I am afraid that Miaofengtang will be given the title of "Xu family products must be high-quality" in the future.
"Brother Wenchang, you are too kind. I only came across The Peony Pavilion by chance. I was just lucky."
No matter what, Xu Yan would never admit that he was the author of "The Peony Pavilion".
Although Tang Xianzu did not cause any trouble for writing "The Peony Pavilion", it is still better to be cautious in everything so as not to give others a handle.
Xu Wei sighed in admiration, "It would be a shame if such a good play were not performed. Xu took the initiative to cooperate with the Cheng family opera troupe and the He family restaurant, setting up a stage in the restaurant every day to perform operas, and he has made a lot of money."
Xu Yan thought that Xu Wei had quite a business acumen. The Ming Dynasty opera troupes already had the prototype of later generations, but they generally did not have a fixed venue to perform.
So we cooperated with restaurants and teahouses, and sang wherever we went.
"Brother Wen is in charge, I trust him."
The two of them were chatting happily, and just when they were getting excited, He Changli, the owner of He's Restaurant, came running over with a sad face.
Xu Yan saw that his handkerchief was pulled off, his sleeves were torn, and his face was even bruised. It was obvious that he had just had an argument with someone.
"Shopkeeper Xu, we can no longer cooperate on this business."
He Changli didn't look at Xu Yan, but cried to Xu Wei, "You and the Cheng family troupe should find another place."
Xu Wei couldn't help but frown and asked, "What do you mean, Shopkeeper He?"
He Changli shook his head and sighed, "People in the same industry are enemies. This time, Jishengju has taken away the Zhao family's business by letting the Cheng family perform in our restaurant. The Zhao family is so angry that they sent people to smash the restaurant and drive us away. Manager Xu, how do you think we can continue this business?"
Xu Wei's face was filled with anger: "Manager He, was this injury also caused by a beating from the Zhao family?"
He Changli sighed, "It's just some flesh wounds this time, I don't dare to think about it next time."
Xu Yan couldn't help but ask, "This Zhao family is so lawless, do they have any powerful background?"
Seeing Xu Yan dressed like a scholar and sitting next to Xu Wei, He Changli asked in confusion, "Who is this young man?"
"This is a certain owner."
Xu Wei hurriedly introduced.
He Changli quickly bowed and said, "It turns out to be Master Xu. My apologies."
He Changli paused, swallowed, and said, "The Zhao family was originally a wealthy family in Cixi County, Ningbo Prefecture. Later, because a Jinshi scholar became successful, their entire family rose to prominence. Not feeling that their lordship in Cixi was not enough, they moved to Hangzhou to enjoy their own prosperity."
"His family primarily runs a restaurant business, located in the Wulin area. A few years ago, they were somewhat cautious, but in recent years, they've become increasingly brazen and aggressive. I heard it's because the Jinshi has become a high-ranking official in the capital, giving them complete confidence. Anyone who 'steals' their business will undoubtedly be punished."
"If you know what's good for you, you'll take the initiative to admit defeat. If you don't, I'm afraid you won't be able to stay in Hangzhou anymore."
Xu Yan couldn't help but frown.
"How can the Zhao family be so shameless? I don't even know the name of that high-ranking official."
"I heard his name is Zhao Wenhua."
He Changli recalled for a moment and said.
Xu Yan shuddered when he heard this name.
Zhao Wenhua?
He is so familiar with this name!
Xu Yan, who specialized in the history of Jiajing, would feel hatred whenever he saw this name.
As the number one lackey of the Yan Party, Zhao Wenhua is capable of doing all kinds of evil.
The most notorious case is the atrocities committed by Zhao Wenhua in the 34th year of the Jiajing reign, during his tour of duty in southeastern China to fight against Japanese pirates while serving as Minister of Works. At the time, Governor-General Zhang Jing won a major victory at Wangjiangjing, but Zhao Wenhua took credit for it and submitted a letter impeaching Zhang Jing and Li Tianchong for harboring the invaders. The Jiajing emperor, believing the slander, unjustly executed Zhang Jing and Li Tianchong.
This led to Hu Zongxian coming to power.
Of course, Zhao Wenhua did not have such great power at that time.
After becoming a Jinshi in the eighth year of Jiajing, Zhao Wenhua was initially appointed as the head of the Ministry of Justice, but he was not very noticeable.
But Zhao Wenhua was a man who would do anything to get promoted. He worshipped Yan Song as his adoptive father and flattered him.
Yan Song was very pleased with the flattery and took care of and promoted Zhao Wenhua, who then rose through the ranks.
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