Chapter 112
By late March, the weather in Jiangnan Road had warmed up and became very hot.
Boss Xiao Xu's caravan stopped at the largest silk city in Jiangnan Road. This city was larger than the previous one they passed through for a few days. It was a big city. Ordinary people there wore clothes with few patches, and some girls in the city would dress up a little, which was very particular.
For example, the color of the jacket and skirt should match the hairpins, and the embroidery on the silk handkerchief should be coordinated with the embroidery on the clothes.
In short, when you come to this city, you can feel the scene of "peace and prosperity" and "people living and working in peace and contentment" everywhere.
However, the happiest person was not Boss Xiao Xu, but the companions around Boss Xiao Xu.
Wang Yuanyuan, the great steward Wang finally realized his dream!!!
This is a long story. A few days ago, Boss Xiao Xu just arrived in the county town of this prefecture and booked an inn with his people. There were many of them and they also brought some goods, so the innkeeper greeted them warmly.
"I'll rent it for a month first."
"We are from Shengdu City. My father is an official, you know?"
The shopkeeper thought, for a young boss like you who behaves like a young master, it's not surprising that your father is an official. You don't look like a business veteran and seem rather unfamiliar with the world of wealth.
Boss Xiao Xu was a little annoyed after he finished speaking, muttering: "Officials cannot compete with the people for profits. Fortunately, I didn't tell them who my father is, otherwise it would be a real rip-off."
When the shopkeeper heard this, he almost laughed so hard that his stomach hurt. He pretended not to understand and said, "So what kind of business do you want to do here?"
"I'm the second child in my family." Boss Xu, borrowing from his father's rank as an emperor, sighed and said, "I was not good at studying when I was young. Now the imperial court attaches great importance to the imperial examination, so I can't be an official. My family is small, and when my brothers divide the family, I guess there will be nothing left. I want to do business while there is still some money at home. I heard that your silk is good. I haven't figured out how to make a profit by buying and selling it."
"I said I was doing business and was afraid of being robbed, so I hired some escorts and thugs." He looked very smart.
Shopkeeper: He booked his inn for a month without thinking it through, and even generously hired the escort leader to go on an empty escort mission. This young master really is just out for fun. Well, well, he is not his son anyway, so they can make some good money.
"Besides silk, what else do you sell that's in high demand?" asked Boss Xu.
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "That's a lot. Our silk is famous for its medicinal materials—"
"Medicinal herbs are not good if they are bitter. I don't like them. Besides, I don't think I can make money if I sell them to Shengdu." Boss Xiao Xu denied it.
The shopkeeper said: "Then there are pearls. We have a White Jade Lake here, and the pearls produced there are very good."
"Pearl seems to be OK. Where is this White Jade Lake?"
The shopkeeper said: "Not in the city. Every household in the town over there is a good fisherman. They also pick lotus roots. However, the lotus roots haven't come down yet. Otherwise, Boss Xu could buy some lotus root powder and it would sell well."
“Lotus root powder sells well?”
"It sells well, this food is suitable for all ages, especially the lotus root here, which is of superior quality and is very durable..." The shopkeeper praised again and again. He was not trying to be a shill, but was kind-hearted. The young boss was young and inexperienced, and if he bought pearls, which cost a lot of money, he would suffer a huge loss if he got it in his hands.
But if I buy lotus root powder, which is cheap, and send it to Shengdu City, I should be able to make some money, right?
The shopkeeper judged the other person by himself, and looked at this honest and simple-minded young boss. If this was his son, he would lose all his family fortune.
"But it's only March now, there's no lotus root starch, right?" Boss Xu asked, then stroked his chin and said, "That's because there's no lotus root starch. If I get it out of season, I might be able to sell it at a high price."
Shopkeeper: ...
It should be said that this small boss has some brains, but he is not very reliable in business. If lotus root powder is sold out of season, can it be sold at the same price as pearls? He is really an outsider and should not get involved in business.
"In the town over at Baiyu Lake, every household has stock," said the shopkeeper.
After breakfast that day, Boss Xu and his family drove a horse-drawn carriage to Baiyu Lake. It was not far and only took a day and a half to get there.
The roads outside the city are covered with lush grass, flying birds and hanging willows, creating a beautiful scene of spring.
Boss Xiao Xu was lying on a cargo truck. The "cargo" was not actually cargo. Instead, it was packed in linen and contained Boss Xiao Xu's "belongings" for traveling, such as picnic mats, pillows, blankets and the like. Some of the trucks were boxes, and the boxes were filled with tea cups, bowls, chopsticks and other large pots and knives used for eating.
There were four trucks in total. Boss Xu left the covered truck alone and lay down on it. He did not ride his horse, but crossed his legs and held a piece of grass in his mouth. He said incoherently, "I found that I could see the clouds when I looked up when I sat in this truck."
“Very comfortable.”
General Liu Qiang, who was disguised as a thug, looked up and said, "I can see the clouds when I'm riding a horse." What's so strange about lying on a cart?
"no the same."
Yan Huaijin rode on the other side of the cart, walking slowly, and said, "When you left today, the shopkeeper looked at your expression and was really worried that you would lose all your wealth."
"He's quite nice." Xu Duofu smiled, lying on his side and looking at Yan Jinjin, "He really believed that I was the boss. I've already said that my story is very real, and my character is half real and half fake."
For example, he is uneducated and has poor academic performance, and you can tell at first glance that he is genuine.
Another example is that he looks very rich but has little social experience. This is also true.
"Brother Lin Zheng, don't you think so?"
Lin Zheng, who was leading the way, nodded, "I guess so. But we will meet up with the big ship in the next prefecture or county? You promised me."
"Of course, of course." Xuan Fu assured, "Zhou Quan and Li Ang are on board the ship, disguising it as my travel habits. No one will doubt that I am not on board."
Two or three days of fun in the city is enough. In March, most girls go out together to enjoy the spring, fly kites, drink tea and appreciate flowers. This has little appeal to Xuanfu. When he was a child, his father took him to fly kites, have picnics and climb mountains.
Since they are out now, they naturally go out to enjoy the natural scenery under the pretext of purchasing goods.
At night, the group slept in the wild. They unloaded and loaded their trucks, and the personal soldiers rode horses to the nearby village to buy some chickens, ducks, fish and dried vegetables. There was also an imperial chef in the team. His Highness had been away for a year, and the imperial chef's cooking skills had become rough. The exquisite plating was no longer needed, so he just had to cook big pot meals.
But the taste is particularly suited to your highness's taste.
Today, there is a pot of rice stewed in a big pot cooked over firewood, and another pot of stew. There is also a circle of pancakes stuck next to the pot - Liu Qiang really likes to eat it this way. He doesn't like rice but likes to eat these coarse grain pancakes.
Xuan Fu sat on a felt mat and ate from a big pot with Yan Jinjin.
“It smells so good.”
"Master Liu has great skills."
It’s even more delicious than the food I cooked in the East Palace.
Imperial Chef Liu: He was happy but had a complicated look on his face. He didn't know if his knife skills would still be able to carve patterns after he returned - so he didn't eat it. He took a piece of dough and started carving patterns. He couldn't help but feel happy, thinking, his skills had not declined.
That's it.
After a while, the flower-shaped dough was attached. Liu Qiang was not full after eating one round, so he stared at the flower possessively the second time and said, "I want that flower."
Lin Zheng: ...It makes us eunuchs seem to like eating flowers.
When it was cooked, Liu Qiang held his bowl with a cake on it and went to find Wang Yuansun.
"This is delicious, you eat it."
Wang Yuansun looked at Liu Qian’s flower cake. Actually, the shape of the flower was not clear. He just felt that this cake was different from other round cakes and looked a little strange. However, Liu Qian held it carefully like a treasure, so Wang Yuansun ate it.
He also said, “This cake is delicious.”
Liu Qiang was overjoyed. "The flowers carved by Master Liu just now were so beautiful before they were steamed."
"It's not bad now, it's delicious." Wang Yuansun then realized that the cake was actually a flower.
The two of them had a quick and sweet meal, and the personal soldiers took the pots and bowls to clean up, while Wang Yuansun Liu Qiang patrolled the area, mainly for fear of snakes and rats in the wild.
Xuanyuefu lit some insect repellent incense and said, "When we get to town tomorrow, I'll book a yard for us to stay in for a few days. We can take a bath then."
"The experience I gained from eating rabbits in Changtu Town with Yan Jinjin last time."
Yan Huaijin tilted his head and looked over when he heard Duo Xinfu say this. "Are you craving for rabbit?"
"! How did you know!" Xuanyuefu was shocked.
"You just mentioned Changtu Town and made me swallow my saliva."
Xuanyuefu: "Yan Jinjin, you really are possessed by a detective." He had just eaten and was not hungry now, but when he mentioned Changtu Town, he thought of spicy rabbits.
Not to mention Boss Xu, Liu Qiang, who was returning from patrol, heard it and said, "What rabbit? Where is Changtu Town? Shouldn't we go to Baihu Town?"
"Yan Jinjin and I were talking about the last time we went to Changtu Town to eat rabbits. You were away at the war with Wang Yuansun and our fathers. The rabbits there were delicious. They were spicy after being fried, and even more fragrant when they were cooled."
Liu Qiang swallowed his saliva and said, "Then let's go together next time."
He had been eating at Jiangnan Road for almost a month and couldn't stand the greasy sweet taste of the food.
So right after they had finished their meal, the group talked about rabbits for a while. Xu Lingguan laughed in his heart, thinking that his master only remembered the rabbits in Changtu Town and forgot about Zhao family scholar Lang Zhao Zihe. This scholar had tried to cling to the reputation of the prince before, and he should not have misunderstood him at that time.
Nowadays, even if eight Zhao Zihe come, let alone one, Xu Lingguan will not misunderstand his master.
After talking about rabbits for a while, they talked about treasure. Xuanyifu and Yan Huaijin chatted with each other, talking about the adventure of finding treasure and eating rabbits. Yan Huaijin mentioned Zhaozi and.
"Who?" Xuan Fu was not pretending. He was confused at first, thinking that the name sounded familiar, and then he suddenly realized and remembered, saying, "It's the Zhao family we are staying at. That Zhao Zihe is quite quick-witted."
Yan Huaijin smiled.
Manyu Fu immediately said: "I have forgotten what Zhaozi looks like."
"I'm not jealous." Yan Huaijin said with a smile: "I trust you very much."
Xuanyuefu: Don’t believe it. Yan Jinjin loves him very much. Fortunately, he has excellent moral cultivation.
pride.
At noon on the second day, Boss Xu's caravan arrived at Baihu Town. They did not attract much attention, because Baihu Town often had caravans coming to purchase goods. However, most of them were ordinary stewards in ordinary clothes. Even when the boss showed up, he looked ordinary and weather-beaten. He was nothing like the man today who looked like a rich young master.
"What are you here to buy, Master?"
Someone took the initiative to come forward and talk.
Manyu Fu jumped off the cart, walked aside and said, "What young master? I'm the boss."
"Hey, I said something wrong. Hello, boss. What do you want to buy?" It's not a problem if the other party has a bad temper, but it's a problem if the other party doesn't talk back. It's obvious from the tone of this young boss's voice that he has no experience, so maybe he can make a fortune.
Xuanyuefu glanced at him and said in a pretentious tone, "Buy whatever is famous in Baihu Town. I have plenty of money. Buy some pearls, lotus root powder, etc. But don't make it too expensive. I won't buy anything too expensive. I'm not stupid."
Yan Huaijin was trying to hold back his laughter. Xuanyu Fu really put a lot of effort into creating the characters of "rich and powerful" and "average in business", and he had to act this out wherever he went.
"I know, I know. What's your surname, boss? My surname is Zhou and my family is from Baihu Town. I have a brother-in-law who is from the village next to Baiyu Lake. If you want to buy pearl lotus root powder, I have connections and can introduce you to good products." Zhou Ming said.
Xuanyu Fu waved his hands and said, "Don't worry, I have a lot of helpers, let's find a place to rest first--"
"Boss, you want to stay at the inn? I'll lead the way?"
"No, I won't go to the inn. It's too small. I'm used to being pampered. Don't you have any vacant mansions for wealthy lords in your town?"
Zhou Ming was in a dilemma. "Yes, I do, but I am just an ordinary person with no connections. The masters' houses are empty, so how can I borrow money?"
"If you don't lend it to me, I'll rent it with my own money." Many nouveau riche people were possessed by him, "I don't believe that money can't break down someone's door."
Liu Qiang: ...Xu Xuanfu is the one who makes him want to beat Xu Xuanfu.
When Zhou Ming heard this, he didn't want to let the big boss go, so he said stiffly: "Then let me lead the way. You see, although our town is smaller, there are many rich families." He first picked the old masters with a good reputation.
Also his surname is Zhou.
…
They spent the whole afternoon on this matter, because it was hard to rent a good house. Yan Huaijin comforted Xuanfu, saying, "It's not that you acted badly. There are many wealthy families here who don't mind a little money."
"This town is full of hidden talents and rich people." Xuanyun Fu sighed. He couldn't use his status to act tyrannically and live in other people's empty houses.
The wealthy lords in the town would rather leave their houses empty than have outsiders move in, even if they are offered money - there is a saying here. Later, when Zhou Ming saw that the young boss looked unhappy, he added some polite words.
For example, businessmen pay attention to feng shui. Although the house where they made their fortune is small and has not been lived in for a long time, the house is prosperous for the family and has good feng shui. They are afraid that outsiders will borrow the feng shui of their family.
There are also empty houses that actually house mistresses.
There was no other choice, so Duo Xinfu booked an inn in the town. That evening, the boss, Xiao Xu, changed his face and said, "It's not that you can just go anywhere if you have money. In fact, the inn is good, convenient and neat, let's stay for a few nights."
"Boss, we are used to traveling all over the country, and this environment is not bad." Lin Zheng said with a smile.
Xuanyu Fu: ...very good, everyone is immersed in their own personality.
Brother Lin Zheng is the leader of a escort team, Wang Yuansun is his sworn brother, and Liu Qiang is a brainless thug.
Everybody looks good.
Yan Huaijin is a small boss of Xuanfu. He is a scholar he met on the road and wanted to invest in him. The scholarly temperament of Yan Huaijin is too obvious.
Wang Banban even put on a beard and pretended to be his butler.
Because Zhou Ming helped them run around for the whole afternoon, although the job was not done, Boss Xu's reputation as a "stupid man with a lot of money" became known. Boss Xu also gave Zhou Ming one or two taels of silver as a fee for running errands and asked Zhou Ming to accompany them here for a few days.
That’s one or two taels of silver!
Even though Jiangnan Road was richer and had more merchants, the value of money for ordinary people remained the same. Zhou Ming was particularly happy and promised, holding the silver, that he would take the small bosses to Baiyu Lake early the next morning.
When he got back, he slammed the silver on the table and said in a vivid manner, "Today, a small business owner from the north came. He seemed to have no business experience, spoke very bluntly, and did not understand the rules here. When he arrived in the town, he said he wanted to rent a few vacant houses from the masters."
When the family heard this, they realized that he was indeed an inexperienced young boss.
"I found some excuses to cover it up. I can't say that the house is empty and there are people in the prefecture and county who are here to entertain relatives and friends." Zhou Ming said.
The thing about natural Feng Shui is true, but because the pearls produced in Baiyu Lake are famous - this is the main source of money, several lords in the entire Baihu Town have made their fortunes with pearls, and secretly they rely on their connections in the prefecture and county.
No matter how rich an outsider is, it is impossible for him to live in someone else's house.
That bucket of pearls can be sold for several thousand taels of silver. Who would care about the money for renting a yard?
"Then you should be careful. The young boss has been generous in giving you money. Don't get into trouble when doing business here." Zhou's soft-hearted mother said at this time.
Zhou Ming nodded, "I know, but I dare not provoke those black tyrants."
He just wanted to make a little money and run errands. It looked like the small boss had a clean mind and no experience. It would be best for him to just buy some loose beads and lotus root powder and leave. Everyone would be safe and sound, and there was no need to provoke those bullies.
In the small inn.
Although the inn is small, the service is very good because merchants often come here. The only problem is that there are not enough rooms as there are so many people, so Xuanyu Fu volunteered to live in a room with Yan Jinjin.
Wang Yuanyuan: ...I’m used to it.
Wang Da, the chief steward, personally changed the bedding for the young boss, and used the bedding rolls he brought. Xuanyifu dragged Yan Jinjin to take a bath. The inn had a bathroom with hot water and a bathtub, but Xuanyifu thought that everyone couldn't use it cleanly, so he used a bucket and a gourd to scoop water to wash.
"Yan Jinjin, let me wash your back!"
Behind a screen, Xuan Duofu was showering himself with hot water and asked the person next to him. Yan Huaijin said, "No, I can wash myself."
Manyu Fu: "Don't be embarrassed."
"I'm really embarrassed," said Yan Huaijin.
Many blessings: a pair of bright eyes!
Hey, hey, the big pervert is coming~
"You are too timid to come here. This is a public bathroom outside." Yan Huaijin explained in a low voice.
The great pervert has many blessings: …
"Ever since that time outside Xining City, you have looked down on me!"
"You are cute even when you are flat."
"Damn you Yan Jinjin, I'm older than you, you are not allowed to look down on me."
"Okay, I know, I don't look down on you. We'll come again when we get back and have a place to stay." Yan Huaijin coaxed Xuanfu.
Xuan Fu snorted, "That's more like it." He didn't forget to say something harsh, "When we get back and get engaged, I want you to take a good look at me. I'm not a flatterer!"
Yan Huaijin held back his laughter.
Flat Bian's many blessings are really cute.
The two chatted while washing themselves. When they came out after changing into clean clothes, Xuan Duofu was shocked. "Xiao Liu, you are a pervert. You are eavesdropping at the bathroom door."
Veins popped out on Liu Qiang's forehead and he clenched his fists.
Xuanyu Fu: ...give in.
"Okay, okay, thank you for your hard work. Go in and take a shower. I'll pay for the hot water." Xuanyufu quickly left the scene with the dirty clothes and Yan Jinjin. He couldn't help but feel lucky: Fortunately, I'm a big pervert like Bianbian, otherwise it would be really embarrassing!
The inn has good service, good food, and most importantly, spicy food. Xiao Liu was finally happy and ate four bowls of rice. It was late at night, and there were no entertainment activities in the town. Every household went to bed early. If it weren't for the fact that this place was very close to Baiyu Lake, I'm afraid there wouldn't even be an inn.
The inn waiter yawned and said, "Boss, you are here too early. The lotus roots haven't come down yet."
"What about Pearl?"
The waiter glanced at the boss and said vaguely, "It's always before or after the New Year. The weather is cold, the pearls are well-preserved, and there are more pearls. But if you want to buy loose pearls, it's best to find a local and don't go into the surrounding villages."
"I know. I found someone from your town." Xuanfu nodded and sighed, "It's hard to go to the lake to collect pearls in winter, but you are rich here, so it's good to earn money through hard work."
The waiter laughed twice and said nothing more.
Early the next morning, they ate buns in the inn - stuffed with scallion oil and shredded eels. Liu Qiang was able to finish five trays by himself, and Xuanyuefu also ate a lot. The buns in this restaurant were really good. Halfway through the meal, Zhou Ming came.
Xuan Fu was also generous, "It's not too late, sit down and eat together."
"Thank you, young boss. I'll be polite then." Zhou Ming knew that the young boss was easy-going, so he picked an empty table and sat down. It happened to be on the East Factory's territory.
Lin Zheng smiled, "Xiao Zhou is here early."
"I will naturally do my best since I've been paid for running errands." Zhou Ming said hurriedly.
Wang Yuanyuan called the waiter for more steamed buns and ordered porridge for Zhou Ming, saying, "The breakfast here is delicious and suits our young master's appetite. You can have some too."
Zhou Ming felt that this chubby uncle was a really good person. He was very kind and caring yesterday, but his voice was a little soft sometimes.
After breakfast, the 'thugs' harnessed the carriage. As they had some shopping to do, they also took the cart with them, but they did not pack bedding, food, or other supplies. They left them at the inn and set off with the empty cart.
Manyu Fu was thinking on his horseback, "Buy some lotus root powder with pearls. When the time comes, Xiao Liu will bring some to your grandfather. My father will also want some. Uncle Yan and Auntie should keep some too. I will pick out some beautiful big pearls to make some jewelry for Auntie."
Zhou Ming also thought that this young boss was really not cut out for business. He hadn't made any money from his business yet, but he was just thinking about giving things away.
"Then I'd like to thank Mr. Xu." Yan Huaijin bowed to express his gratitude.
Xuanyu Fu laughed and said, "You're welcome. We hit it off right away. If you can pass the imperial examination and become a scholar or a juren, and become an official, I won't just be a helpless merchant with a little money. I'll have a backer."
Zhou Ming: So that's the relationship. But this young boss is too gullible. How can a top scholar pass the exam so easily? This scholar looks delicate and tender, but who knows if he has any real talent or knowledge.
I guess she's just hanging out with the small boss and eating for free.
It is very close to Baiyu Lake from Baihu Town, and it only takes more than an hour to get there. The roads are well-trodden and driving is convenient. Before arriving, you can see a vast freshwater lake that stretches as far as the eye can see. The water is clear and sparkling.
When we got closer, we could see some small boats docked nearby, some fishing nets and tools, and villagers dressed as fishermen. There was a lot of noise, some people were crying and kneeling on the ground, and a group of people were surrounding them with tools in their hands.
"...You really don't know how to live or die. The man's legs were broken, and you're good at swimming, aren't you? You won't cry until you see the coffin. I'll let you all see who owns the good stuff in this lake."
Someone shouted loudly.
The woman knelt down and cried, "No, no, no, please let my son go."
"Let him go? Didn't I tell you that this area belongs to the Xu family?"
"But my son didn't go into the water at Xujia Lake. He was walking around nearby..." Before the woman could finish her words, she was kicked to the side by the man.
The trapped boy cried for his mother and hated the bully in front of him.
"The mother and son said that they were not fishing in the lake on owned territory. Now you want to break the son's legs? What a bully!" Xuanyi Fu frowned and shouted "go!" The horse galloped faster.
When Zhou Ming looked, he saw that the head of the escorts behind the young boss had caught up with him. Oh, how come he ran into the bully from the Xu family? What he feared would come true. He couldn't afford to offend him.
The author has something to say:
Boss Xiao Xu: Make my fist, make my fist. You are trying to act like a boss in front of your Grandpa Xu. Take my punch!
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