Awoo!
As evening approached, a gentle sea breeze blew.
On the observation deck, Yin held a telescope and looked out at the sea with Yin. Sure enough, they could see the situation in the nearby sea area, and even all the buildings on the coast.
"Fourth brother, Xiao Guai has chosen a good place. No wonder Fei Yanggu likes it so much." Yin glanced at the environment and admired Fei Yanggu's observation skills even more.
Behind them, Qingyan and Yingenjueluo sat at the table, chatting with smiles on their faces.
"Little darling, the scenery here is excellent, and it's very peaceful!" Yin Genjue Luo Shi was annoyed by the recent events, one after another, which made her lose all interest in going out.
If I stayed in Yangzhou, I would probably have to deal with those court ladies every day.
"This is a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway!" Qingyan took a sip of her tea. The children, accompanied by Erlu, went to play on the beach, while Qingyan chatted and talked leisurely and contentedly.
Yin Genjue Luo smiled. On the way here, she sensed that Yin was unhappy and had a gloomy face. His smiles towards the mother and daughter seemed somewhat forced.
"Have you bought a house here?" Yin Genjueluo thought that she was getting old and would live here with Yin to retire.
Qingyan is definitely a real estate expert. He thinks the location of Yuelai Inn is very good, as it is close to the market and the village.
"Sister-in-law, go and see for yourself tomorrow and you'll understand!" Qingyan said bitterly.
The next morning, the group got up early, changed into their outdoor clothes, and followed Qingyan toward the vicinity of the fishing village.
The once bustling fishing village wharf is now guarded by layers of government officials.
These constables watched as the villagers pleaded, but they couldn't release everyone. Occasionally, a few would give them some copper coins, and only then would they release one or two.
“Little darling, this…” Yingenjueluo walked to Qingyan’s side. She looked towards the fishing village. Apart from the fishing boats that went out to sea, the rest of the people had to buy things from the yamen runners through the fence.
Hehe!
The Kangxi Era, is this it? For the first time, a look of disdain appeared on Qingyan's face. Outsiders always talk about how great the Yongzheng Emperor was, but at least the Qing Dynasty he governed wouldn't be like this.
The women in the village squatted on the ground, separated by a wooden fence, buying household necessities from the vendors. The constables watched them closely, limiting the amount they could buy. If they bought even a little more, they would barge into the house to check, for fear that there was an extra person in the house.
"Let's go buy seafood!" Yin paused to observe for a while, then decided to buy seafood near the imperial ship. "Little darling, come with me."
Yin is a hothead; going with him might cause trouble. Qingyan, on the other hand, is very experienced in dealing with these kinds of things.
Qingyan followed Yin to the dock, with Sulan supporting him. As they approached the dock, a yamen runner quickly came over. Seeing the two men's extraordinary bearing and the many servants behind them, he realized they must be young masters from wealthy families in the city, staying at the Yuelai Inn.
A few months ago, after the Yuelai Inn was completed, many wealthy young men came to visit, which brought the Fujin's fishing village a fortune, making the prefect envious.
This incident has given them an opportunity to exploit the villagers; it would be good if they could cough up some money.
"Young master, it's best not to come near here. There are orders from above that outsiders are not allowed to pass through this area," the constable said gently.
The oppressive atmosphere surrounding Yin made the constable dare not make any further moves.
"Master, this is such a disappointment. Madam Cao was praising the scenery here, saying that the fishing boats would come early in the morning and there would definitely be good food. We finally made it here, and this happens." Qingyan rolled up his handkerchief and said with a displeased expression.
Madam Cao!
The simple three words left the yamen runners uncertain. Cao Yin's wife had indeed come two months ago, and she had even brought her maids to buy seafood, a lavish gesture that left the villagers speechless.
“You always believe everything you hear. Madam Cao’s words are just an exaggeration. The Emperor is over there, Madam Cao doesn’t have time to pay attention to that, does she?” Yin said, following Qingyan’s lead.
Qingyan had been observing closely. Whenever the Cao family was mentioned, the yamen runners would tense up, indicating that the order must have been issued by Cao Yin.
"Hmph, when I see Madam Cao again, I'll have a good talk with her. Isn't this all a lie? She claimed to be good sisters, but I stubbornly insisted that Master come with me on this trip. It's such a misunderstanding!" Qingyan pouted her pink lips, looking unhappy. "She even said the villagers' handicrafts were quite good, pshaw!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the magistrate quickly gave a wink to the person in the distance, signaling him to go and inform the captain that there was someone here who was acquainted with Cao Yin.
"Don't worry, if you want to go and launch a campaign, I won't stop you. Anyway, I'm rich and powerful, let them come begging for help." Yin sneered.
Just as they turned around, they were stopped by a rough voice.
"I failed to properly receive these two distinguished guests!" A man in his forties walked over from a distance. Yin squinted at him, judging from his appearance to be a military officer.
"Who are you?" Yin asked coldly.
"Young master, what is your status? Someone who knows Madam Cao must be of high status!" the man asked directly.
"A salt merchant!" Yin's lips curled up slightly. As long as someone was a salt merchant, he would definitely not miss the opportunity to make a quick buck.
drink!
The man gasped twice. He had long heard that Lord Cao had an excellent relationship with the salt merchants, and that Lord Cao would receive a certain kickback every time a deal was successful.
"Can't we go in here? Madam Cao was showing off the pearls she bought to me, saying she bought them from the village!" Qingyan said, referring to the matter.
Before leaving Yangzhou, she heard from Dong Eshi that Madam Cao would wear pearl headdresses at every gathering, saying that the raw materials were purchased here and personally delivered to Linglong Pavilion to be made.
"If you like it, just ask Madam Cao for it. It's not like we can't afford it." Yin waved his hand dismissively.
"No, I've never been outdone by anyone in my life, not even Madam Cao!" Qingyan shook her head directly. "Can't you really let me in? You can name your price. I just want the pearls, and I'll just take a quick look around!"
Qingyan looked at the man opposite her, hoping he would be accommodating.
Asking for a price?!
The man's eyes lit up. Could this really work?
Arriving at the village entrance to stand guard, the villagers found that there was very little profit to be made. They realized that going out required paying money to bribe them, so they simply stopped going out and used this clumsy method to buy daily necessities.
"Thirty taels of silver, just let us in to take a look. She's been pampered since she was little, and no one has ever said anything to her!" Yin said helplessly as he approached the man.
Upon hearing this, the man smiled, a smile that merely conveyed a hint of understanding to Yin.
"Alright, hurry back, I can't give you any more leeway here!" The man took the silver and let the people in immediately.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
