Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 374 No Longer a Teenager

Jiao Huangzhong was very utilitarian. Seeing that Gu Dayong was of no help, he started talking to Qiu Ju.

Qiu Ju and Pei Yuan did not have much contact, so their feelings were not as deep as Gu Dayong's.

He immediately replied casually, "I have already asked His Majesty to let me go to the West Factory to help Eunuch Gu manage things. In two days, we will also go to Shandong together."

Xiao Yan was overjoyed again after hearing this.

Lu Ting, an old associate of Hongzhi, had already taken away the Imperial Stables. Now that the East Factory had changed hands and the West Factory had left, Zhang Yong was left alone and there would never be a better opportunity than this.

His burnt yellow face looked somewhat ugly.

His old man Jiao won't be able to hold on for many more years. If he can't return to Beijing to resume his job while the old man still has some energy and spirit, who will care about him after Jiao Fang is gone?

As long as Jiao Fang can return to the court smoothly, which of these people in front of him should he care about?

His eyes moved and looked at Wang Chang again.

Wang Chang, a loser, did not hold a high position in Liu Jin's eunuch party, and he always played the role of being obedient and submissive, which was incomparable to other eunuchs who took the initiative to do things.

But now, people like Zhang Cai who were more powerful and stronger than Wang Chang are all dead, aren’t they?

Jiao Huang's close friend Wei Ne tipped off Wang Chang, who already knew that Wang Chang had handed over his post in the Ministry of War and was seeking a safe landing.

He asked Wang Chang with some hopelessness, "Wang Hanying, do you have anything to say?"

Wang Chang's expression remained unchanged when he heard this, and he even wanted to laugh.

I'm no longer on the same track with you guys.

Now my new boss is sitting in the hall. The scene of vibrant life and flourishing development is right before our eyes. Why should we huddle together with you losers for warmth?
But he couldn't refuse Jiao Huangzhong firmly.

Because Wang Chang had already figured out something. He knew that the reason why Jiao Huangzhong appeared here was because he was the father of Captain Pei's concubine.

Doesn’t this mean that Pei Yuan’s new concubine is Jiao Fang’s granddaughter?
Wang Chang already knew about Captain Pei's strength, and was only slightly surprised for a moment before returning to normal.

But Wang Chang had no idea how Captain Pei would view the Jiao family.

Wang Chang was not bothered by it, since Pei Yuan was there anyway.

So Wang Chang also cast an inquiring look towards Pei Yuan.

This surprised outsiders such as Xiao Yan, Zang Xian and Liu Zhishu.

Today, the performance of Pei Yuan, Gu Dayong, Wang Chang and others basically shows that a small group has been formed politically.

However, they were greatly surprised that this small group not only had such a clear center, but also that this center had such authority.

Pei Yuan was not interested in Jiao Fang's return at all, and did not want his subordinates to get involved.

He gave Wang Chang a clear signal, "The emperor has clearly ordered us to work together to wipe out the Luo Sect as soon as possible. Now the matter in Shandong is the focus, and Governor Wang must also make careful plans."

Wang Chang nodded and said to Jiao Huangzhong without any concealment, "I'm sure Jiao Hanlin understands my situation. If I say more at this time, I'm afraid it will backfire and delay your business."

Wang Chang refused without any mercy, but Jiao Huangzhong didn't care.

He looked at Pei Yuan, his eyes rolled around a few times, and his face became more enthusiastic.

All the information about Pei Yuan in Jiao Huangzhong was obtained from Wei Ne.

But Wei Ne himself couldn't figure it out, so naturally he couldn't say anything useful.

He just made his own judgment based on what Jiao Huangzhong mentioned, that Pei Yuan was well-connected and had some connections.

Seeing Jiao Huangzhong today, is it possible that this person has all the connections and some means?
Maybe his father's return to power will depend on this person.

Jiao Huangzhong placed his hope on Pei Yuan and was not in a hurry to speak for a while.

It was a rare opportunity to meet other people here, but Pei Yuan was already his cheap son-in-law, so was he still afraid of not being able to meet him?
Besides, it would be better for Yan'er to speak instead of him.

Therefore, the rhythm of the following banquet subtly avoided Jiao Huangzhong, the troublemaker, and everyone talked about some changes in the court while drinking.

Because the various parties have different interests, some important information exchanges are only brief.

Pei Yuan openly told everyone about his plan to make money by using the canal, and also spread the word that he was going to do cotton and silk business.

Pei Yuan believed that the landlords in Jiangnan would be very happy to see the emergence of a new sales channel.

Liu Zhishu was very cautious when facing the high-level situation. After the banquet started, she did not dare to respond casually.

From the words just heard, he had already realized who the Prime Minister mentioned was.

When Liu Zhishu figured out the relationship between Jiao Fang and this matter, his heart was filled with turmoil.

If that's the case, then the concubine that Captain Pei took in was actually the granddaughter of the former Grand Secretary of the Cabinet? !

How deep is the water here!
As Liu Zhishu thought about it, he became more determined to get closer to Pei Yuan.

When Pei Yuan finished speaking, Liu Zhishu couldn't help but feel moved.

He is the prefect of Hangzhou.

You should know that the imperial court placed the weaving offices in Suzhou and Hangzhou because these two cities not only had a large number of mulberry fields, but also many looms and experienced craftsmen.

If Captain Pei really wanted to do the silk and cotton business, he had to go to Hangzhou.

With this excuse, isn't this a great opportunity to surrender in a tactful way?
Liu Zhishu moved his lips and wanted to speak, but he was worried that his attitude would change too quickly and would be looked down upon by the younger generation. He also felt that if he approached the issue so abruptly, he might lose some bargaining chips.

While Liu Zhishu was hesitating, Huo Tao at the side actively expressed his opinion, "Since Qianhu is planning to operate from the canal, he can also consider our Guangdong ironware. Guangdong ironware is world-famous, especially iron pots, which have always been in short supply in the market. If Qianhu is interested, Huo is willing to write a letter and ask my family to fully help Qianhu to expand this ironware business."

Pei Yuan was overjoyed when he heard this. He quickly raised his glass and said to Huo Tao, "I am not happy about the ironware business, but I am happy about what Huo Tao said. Come, let's drink this glass to the full."

Huo Tao was flattered and immediately drank with Pei Yuan.

Everyone laughed when they saw this.

On such an occasion, Pei Yuan chose to invite two scholars to sit together, obviously because he valued their talents and wanted to recruit them for his own purposes.

The man named Huo Tao should have understood this matter.

Judging from the final result, Pei Yuan got what he wanted.

Then, everyone's eyes fell on Tian Fu. Tian Fu had already followed Pei Yuan, so he didn't want to spoil the fun and stood up and said, "Tian is also willing to lend a helping hand to Qianhu."

Pei Yuan laughed, took the wine again and drank it all up with Tian Fu.

Huo Tao and Tian Fu's decisiveness made Liu Zhishu a little restless.

These young people, damn.

Liu Zhishu didn't expect them to be so decisive, and they were actually beaten to the punch by the two of them.

If I stand up now, Pei Qianhu will inevitably doubt my sincerity. But if I don't stand up now, won't Pei Qianhu remember it even more?
Liu Zhishu felt a little annoyed.

But when he thought about the name Pei Yuan had just mentioned, including Suzhou prefect Zhai Dean, and Pei Yuan's plan to do business on the canal, he felt more and more that the two prefectures of Suzhou and Hangzhou were already in Pei Yuan's pocket.

He could only stand up and express his opinion, "Hangzhou Prefecture is home to many craftsmen and has the convenience of sericulture. If Qianhu is interested, I will definitely do my best to help."

Pei Yuan heard this and said happily, "Very good."

Then he said generously, "In that case, I'll give you a share of the profits."

Liu Zhishu said hurriedly, "I dare not."

Pei Yuan ignored him and looked at Gu Dayong, Qiu Ju and Wang Chang, "How is it?"

The three of them had just learned of Pei Yuan's idea to make money from the canal, and they were still confused. Seeing that it was Pei Yuan's suggestion, they all said, "Just follow the instructions of the captain."

A civil servant of the fourth rank, who controls a large city like Hangzhou, is already worthy of Pei Yuan's investment. Pei Yuan immediately decided, "Let's do it this way."

Before Liu Zhishu could figure out how to refuse, Xiao Yan on the side started to get anxious, "What about me? Why don't you include me in this deal?"

Pei Yuan was also generous, "Then count it as yours too."

Both the host and the guests were having a great time, and their spirits grew even higher as they drank.

After several rounds of drinking, Pei Yuan remembered that his alcohol tolerance was average and if he drank any more, he would probably get into trouble.

He has important wedding matters to attend and cannot delay.

Pei Yuan drank another glass, glanced at Chen Toutie quickly, and pretended to be drunk.

Chen Toutie understood and hurried forward to support him, pretending to whisper but speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Qian Hu, you've drunk too much."

Pei Yuan was just thinking about what words to say when Cheng Leixiang came over. He smiled and said to everyone, "I'll take Qianhu back to his room first. I'll come back later and have a few more drinks with you all."

While quickly lifting Pei Yuan up, he and Chen Toutie helped Pei Yuan away from his seat.

Everyone felt that they had drunk enough, so they all stood up and said goodbye.

When Pei Yuan returned to the backyard drunk, he waved his hand and his two confidants immediately left tactfully.

Pei Yuan pushed open the door of the middle room. A maid was talking quietly with Jiao Yan'er inside. Pei Yuan gestured and the maid immediately stood up with a smile.

Pei Yuan looked at Jiao Yaner, and Jiao Yaner also looked at him.

Wait for the maid to go out and close the door.

Pei Yuan finally said what he had kept in his heart for a day.

"I've wronged you."

Jiao Yan'er seemed even more stubborn than Pei Yuan had imagined. She just shook her head slightly and didn't say much.

Pei Yuan felt a little guilty, so he decided not to say any more.

He walked straight forward, took Jiao Yaner's hand, and went to the side room.

Jiao Yan'er followed Pei Yuan very obediently, without showing too many negative emotions, which made Pei Yuan secretly think that he did not expect that the little beauty Jiao had adjusted herself in such a short time. Her heart might be much stronger than Pei Yuan thought.

The two had been intimate more than once before, but Pei Yuan did not go to the final stage for consideration of the future.

Pei Yuan had no reason to be polite this time.

He pulled Jiao Yaner into his arms almost roughly, pulling the colorful clothes on the little cutie.

Jiao Yan'er had already prepared herself mentally, but when the time came, she became nervous for some reason.

She covered her face with her hands almost subconsciously.

Pei Yuan somehow suddenly thought of Zhang Yunjun, whom he had met a few days ago.

The joy he felt at that time made Pei Yuan start to have evil thoughts.

He was so excited that he grabbed Jiao Yaner's little hand.

Then he flipped his hand and motioned Jiao Yaner to open her little hand in front of him.

Jiao Yan'er was confused and let her slender white hands spread out in Pei Yuan's hands.

Then, he was taken down by Pei Yuan.

Jiao Yaner's cheeks flushed instantly.

The two had had similar experiences before, so Jiao Yan'er was no stranger to it.

Thinking that the two of them had become a perfect match, she recalled Pei Yuan's previous teachings and wanted to give a response somewhat awkwardly.

Unexpectedly, Pei Yuan leaned close to her ear and whispered, "No, let's just talk."

"Ah?" Jiao Yan'er's cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

Obviously they should continue the love affair between a man and a woman, but Pei Yuan did not continue to ask for it. Instead, he suddenly pretended to talk and said something.

Jiao Yan'er didn't know how to respond and her body became even more tense.

Pei Yuan moved slightly, his face becoming more serious. "Just talk about ordinary things, such as what kind of books do you like to read? What kind of snacks do you like? For example, how did you spend these days at Zhang Lian's house?"

Jiao Yaner, who was already smart, immediately understood Pei Yuan's malicious intentions.

This guy clearly wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to confuse her different identities and roles, and forcibly pull her well-educated lady side during the day into this bed.

Jiao Yan'er was so shy and embarrassed that she didn't know how to respond.

Pei Yuan refused to continue, but instead deliberately brought up one topic after another.

Jiao Yan'er had no choice but to answer reluctantly, but Pei Yuan moved from time to time, distracting her thoughts.

In a trance, she seemed to be in the bright hall, surrounded by maids, talking softly with Pei Yuan as in the past.

However, the feeling in her hands kept reminding her what she was doing.

As her thoughts became more confused, Jiao Yaner's slender white hands moved subconsciously a few times.

Jiao Yan'er seemed to be led by Pei Yuan into that fantasy.

In the confusion, she seemed to be in a bright room, surrounded by people, serving Pei Yuan shamelessly.

She was talking to Pei Yuan with a flushed face. Her occasional heavy breathing and the increasingly active movements of her hands all showed that this well-behaved girl was aroused in a different way by Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan rode forward, and Jiao Yan'er actually looked back boldly.

Pei Yuan looked at Jiao Yan'er with a wicked smile and whispered, "You are not my concubine."

The little beauty's breathing quickened slightly, but she still stared at Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan moved his body and whispered seductively, "Your father and grandfather are from the Hanlin family; you are the granddaughter of a cabinet minister."

Jiao Yan'er pursed her lips lightly, holding her hand, but her body retreated slightly, and asked seriously and reservedly, "Does the Qianhu want to be rude to me?"

Pei Yuan almost touched Jiao Yaner's forehead and looked at her.

The two of them were very close to each other, but they were very measured and just stared at each other, restrained and suppressed.

Pei Yuan's waist moved slowly, and Jiao Yan'er clenched her hands tightly as if she didn't notice.

The temperature in the tent slowly rose, and Pei Yuan could no longer hold back the heat in his heart.

The two of them were very well prepared and should have had a great time.

But the little beauty was so delicate and fragile that Pei Yuan felt sorry for her, so he only enjoyed herself briefly that night.

On the second day, Pei Yuan suddenly became excited and sought out the two singing girls sent by Zang Xian to serve him.

Although it was the first time for the two girls to have sex, they were a little older and finally gave Pei Yuan a good time.

Although their singing voices were still melodious, Pei Yuan always felt that it was not what he had imagined.

For a moment, Captain Pei was also a little sad.

Things are wrong.

He is no longer a teenager after all.

(End of this chapter)