In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 652 The Leader of the Group of Inkstones Unblocks Connections

It happened suddenly,

The convoy of the Snowwalking Merchant Guild no longer pushed forward with such force as before.
Instead, they walked out of the queue, which was unusual for them.

It was just parked on the side of the road.

This action naturally attracted the attention of the city gate guards and many patrolling soldiers.

But when they saw the sign of the Snowwalking Merchant Guild,

Instead of going forward to inspect, they waited quietly at the city gate.

These large merchant firms had connections with many important figures and powerful individuals in the city.

They won't provoke anyone unless they run into the line of fire.

Soon, the city gate guards were surprised to find that...

An old man emerged from the convoy of the Snowwalking Merchant Guild.
Accompanied by young men and attendants, they came toward the city gate without carrying any goods.

After a thorough inspection, they were able to enter the city smoothly.
This left many people looking puzzled.
what happened?
Inside the west gate tower, clerk Yao Tongchen sat behind a desk.
He sipped his tea while looking at the day's records, a thoughtful expression on his face.

At this moment, a clerk hurried in, placed the papers on the desk, and respectfully said:
"My lord, there's something strange about the caravan from the Snowwalking Merchant Guild outside the city."
The subordinates suspected that their convoy contained some prohibited items.

Yao Tongchen sat up straight, his eyes lit up, and he took the document to examine it carefully.

"Into the city?"

Wen appeared thoughtful, and said in a deep voice:

"My lord, I have witnessed many such acts of going into the city to grease palms in the past two days."

My subordinates also suspect the same thing today.

After a moment's thought, Yao Tongchen nodded slightly.
"I understand. Tell the brothers to keep a close eye on it and see who they invite."

"Yes!"

Upon entering the city, Shi Yu and Shi Baifeng went straight to the government office of Daning City without any delay.

After handing over the documents and his identification badge, he hurriedly entered.

Shi Yu soon met with Fang Chenfeng, the Assistant Magistrate of Daning City.

He was an elderly man nearing fifty, tall, broad-shouldered, and stout.
They walk with great presence.
He doesn't seem like a civil official; he's more like a military general from the grasslands.

"Hahahaha, Manager Shi!"

It's been several months since we last met.

Why come to this godforsaken place right before the New Year?

Fang Chenfeng laughed loudly as he spoke, without any restraint.

This immediately diminished Shi Yu's imposing aura.
He knew that the person in front of him knew he was in trouble, which was why he spoke up to point it out.

Shi Yu bowed hastily, a hint of bitterness in his eyes:
"Lord Fang, the situation forces me to come."

"I, Shi, have come today to beg Lord Fang for my life."

"Oh?"

A glint of light flashed in Fang Chenfeng's eyes, and he looked thoughtful as he pointed to the many seats beside him:

"Sit down, Brother Shi, there's no need to be so polite."
If there is anything I can do to help, I will certainly do so.

Brother Shi's Snowwalking Trading Company has made a significant contribution to the current state of Daning City.

Although Shi Yu had a smile on his face,

But his body was already tense, his fists clenched tightly inside his sleeves.

Taking a deep breath, Shi Yu smiled and spoke:
"I dare not deceive Lord Fang, the reason I have come to Daning this time is to conduct a business transaction."
But just before entering the city, something went wrong.

"Oh?"

Fang Chenfeng felt relieved, then smiled broadly, took a sip of tea, and asked in a low voice:
"sugar?"

Shi Yu's faint smile froze. He glanced at Fang Chenfeng with some surprise, but finally forced a smile and nodded.

"We came here to purchase some grain."
As you know, Beiping is currently in the process of being visited by the Northern Expeditionary Army.
It was a time of food shortage.
Both the Provincial Administration Commission and the Military Command issued orders.

Let us merchants rely on our own abilities.
However, the Ta Xue trading company was of little influence and could not purchase much grain within the Great Wall.

That's when he had the idea to come to Daning to try his luck.

"I've come to Daning to buy grain."

Fang Chenfeng muttered to himself, his expression somewhat inexplicable and strange:
"Daning City doesn't even have enough food to feed itself."
Brother Shi, you've come to buy grain; that's quite an unconventional approach.

Shi Yu forced a smile and spoke repeatedly:
"The merchant firm had no other choice but to resort to this tactic."
"I humbly request Lord Fang's assistance in allowing the numerous carriages and horses outside the city to enter. I, Shi, would be eternally grateful!"

As he spoke, Shi Yu cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and waved his hand.

Shi Baifeng, who had been standing quietly to the side, quickly placed the wooden box he was holding on the table.
Opening it revealed a neatly arranged inkstone inside!
The moment the inkstone appeared, Fang Chenfeng's desire for it surged immediately.
Staring intently at the inkstone in front of him,

"This is this?"

A hint of heartache flashed in Shi Yu's eyes as he explained:
"My lord, this is a Duan inkstone from Guangdong, also known as the Lanting Inkstone."

This inkstone is made of high-quality stone, with a fine, smooth, and moist texture.
It has the characteristics of producing ink without damaging the brush and being able to grind ink by breathing on it.
The stone is delicate and fine-grained, lightweight, moist yet firm, with intricate patterns.

It releases ink quickly and doesn't dry easily, earning it the title of "the king of inkstones."

Fang Chenfeng stammered, his excitement evident in his words:
"That's right, that's right, it's a fine inkstone."
Previously, I had only heard that the Duanxi stones from Guangdong were of excellent quality and were even a tribute item during the Tang Dynasty.

However, Daning is thousands of miles away from Guangdong, so it has never been seen.
"Today, I can't believe I'm seeing this in Brother Shi's hands."

"I dare not deceive Lord Fang. This inkstone was originally obtained from Guangdong by me after much effort."

It took everyone's efforts to cast the inkstone, which cost nearly a thousand taels of silver in total.

I've long heard that Lord Fang has a fondness for inkstones and possesses beautiful calligraphy; I've come today specifically to present them to you.

Shi Yu spoke and laughed, but his heart was bleeding!

This inkstone is only worth a thousand taels of silver, but the carving on it was done by a renowned craftsman from Yingtian.
It took two whole years to finally get it.
The effort and dedication involved cannot be overwhelmed by a thousand taels of silver.

Fang Chenfeng held the inkstone, looking at it from left to right, and couldn't put it down, repeatedly sighing in admiration:

"What a fine inkstone! What a fine inkstone!"

"Lord Fang, I have come all this way and do not wish to have come in vain. Could you please help me?" Shi Yu asked eagerly.

Fang Chenfeng remained silent, ignoring Shi Yu's eager anticipation.
This caused Shi Baifeng, who was standing to the side, to lower his head, his anger reaching its peak.

Ta Xue Trading Company was a major trading company in Beiping.

The city of Daning actually wants to block people from entering?

Just ridiculous.

Nearly a quarter of an hour later, Fang Chenfeng finally looked away from the inkstone.
Reluctantly, he put it back into the wooden box, a look of regret on his face.
"Brother Shi, it's not that I don't want to help, but that I can't."

Shi Yu felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his whole body turned ice-cold, and he showed disbelief:
"Lord Fang, all I need is for you to write a note."
"We hope you will help us enter the city smoothly."

Fang Chenfeng shook his head with some regret.

"Brother Shi, the situation in Da Ning City has changed drastically in the past two months."

We can no longer act as recklessly as Lord Zhou.
During this period, not only I, but also the Prefect and several assistant commanders of the military command had to keep a low profile.

They were terrified of incurring the wrath of the Commander.

If this had happened two months earlier,

Even if you hadn't taken this inkstone, I could still let your caravan into the city, but now…”

Fang Chenfeng shook his head, his face filled with apprehension.

Shi Yu was stunned on the spot; the words had been spoken so bluntly.

Even a fool could sense Fang Chenfeng's sincerity. There was really no way to resolve the matter.

In a daze, Shi Yu felt a surge of anger and remembered Liu Huaipu's smug smile!
"If he can have such a powerful backer, why can't I?"

"A city gate can stop me? That's outrageous!"

Shi Yu's expression changed repeatedly, even though he was filled with anger.

But she still managed a weak smile and asked:

"Please, Lord Fang, show me the way."

Fang Chenfeng stood up and paced back and forth in the room.
After a long period of thought, he stopped and let out a long sigh:

"Since we have been friends for many years, I cannot refuse to help."
Prepare generous gifts, and I will take you to see Liu, the Vice Commander of the Capital Garrison.

If he were to agree, things would be much simpler.

A sharp glint suddenly flashed in Shi Yu's eyes, and he abruptly stood up:

"Thank you very much, Lord Fang!"

This inkstone will remain here for Lord Fang to enjoy.

Fang Chenfeng did not refuse, but instead waved his hand with a smile:

"Logically speaking, the city garrison should consult General Tan on many matters; if he agrees, they can be allowed to pass."

But you need to know,
Now, the two brothers, Lord Lu and Lord Liu, are in charge of this city of Daning.
Going to General Tan now would only create problems for him; it would be better to go directly to Lord Liu.

"Two brothers?"

A look of doubt flashed in Shi Yu's eyes, and he asked with some surprise.

Fang Chenfeng nodded with a smile:

"Well, it's understandable that you're far away in Beiping and don't know about these things."

Lord Lu and Lord Liu grew up together since childhood; they are childhood friends, more like brothers than blood brothers.

I heard from a friend in the military headquarters that Lord Lu entrusted some important documents to Lord Liu for review with complete confidence.
He doesn't even look at it himself.

If you can take this opportunity to curry favor with Lord Liu,

"Then no one will dare to interfere with your Ta Xue Trading Company's business in the capital." Shi Yu felt his lips go dry, suddenly realizing this was a good opportunity.

He turned to look at Shi Baifeng and waved repeatedly:
"Go back to the convoy and prepare a generous gift!"

"Yes, father!"

After Shi Baifeng left, Fang Chenfeng pulled Shi Yu to sit down:

"Come, Brother Shi, let me tell you about Lord Liu's preferences."
And their manner of doing things, so that you don't say the wrong thing.

"Oh, and when you go to the Commandery, don't let Bai Feng come along."

Shi Yu's expression suddenly turned strange, and he tentatively asked:

"Does Lord Liu have homosexual tendencies?"

Fang Chenfeng was stunned, and waved his hands repeatedly:

"Brother Shi, what are you thinking about?"

Lord Liu has two wives who are as beautiful as celestial beings.
One of them controlled the Kang Le Trading Company in the city, which sold white sugar; there was no other company like it in the city.

Shi Yu breathed a sigh of relief:

"Then why not bring Bai Feng?"

I know you are keen to cultivate Bai Feng.
But Lord Liu is very young; it would be too strange for you to take another young man with you.”

"what?"

Shi Yu was momentarily bewildered:

"Bai Feng is only twenty-three years old? This...this..."

Fang Chenfeng chuckled and waved his hands repeatedly:

"Lord Liu is about the same age."

"what?"

Shi Yu felt somewhat lost.

You'll know when you see them.

Just a reminder, Lord Liu doesn't like beating around the bush.
Just tell me what you want done, and he'll consider it.

"Thank you very much, Lord Fang."

Shi Yu nodded blankly, still not quite recovered.

Inside the headquarters of the Regional Military Commission, there was a joyous atmosphere!
The clerks and officials acted swiftly.
I wish I could finish today's work as quickly as possible.

Go home early and tell your family the good news.

Even the guards seemed much more energetic than before.
He would occasionally touch the neatly arranged banknotes in his pocket!

All the emotions boiled down to one thing—Dusi had distributed this year's bonuses early.

Unlike previous delays, and unlike previous selective payments,

This year, the company is exceptionally generous; everyone gets one!
Even the lowest-paid official received an extra six months' salary; this was the old man in charge of charcoal making at the military headquarters.

He was so moved that tears streamed down his face; such a thing would never have happened to him before.

The largest number of those were the clerks from the Records Office and the Judgment Office.
In addition, there were two hundred-man squads on duty inside the military headquarters and the gatekeepers on night duty.

They are all about a year's salary!

Most other clerks and officials received salaries ranging from six to twelve months.
In short, everyone got a lot of money for free!

Including the bonuses from the previous two years that were recently paid out,
This year alone, they've given out bonuses three times.
This caused the entire command to be filled with joy.
Moreover, the commander also purchased thirty cartloads of New Year's goods from various merchants today.
The items are placed at the entrance of the military headquarters; they will be distributed when the court session ends today.

Whenever I see those things, and touch the silver coins in my pocket...

Everyone reached a consensus.
Lord Lu is good; he has a knack for making money, much better than Lord Zhou!
In the right wing room,

Liu Heiying looked at the numerous documents in his hands, his expression slightly grave.

After a moment's thought, he looked up at Hu Xiaowu:
"Were the people who investigated yesterday sent by various merchant guilds? Were there no officials?"

Hu Xiaowu nodded emphatically with a serious expression:

"Sir, you are right. The largest group among them are members of the Hu family from Fu'an Lane, a total of three."
Others include the Wang, Huang, and Zhao families.

"hiss--"

Liu Heiying gasped.
"What, they're planning to sell their military rations? Where will they sell them?"

A deep sense of doubt welled up in Liu Heiying's heart.
Hu Xiaowu was also somewhat confused, his facial features contorted in a puzzled expression.
Finally, he tentatively said:

"Sir, could it be..."
"Are they more concerned about the adults' movements than the grain supplies outside the city?"

Liu Heiying had also considered this possibility.
"That's possible. Let's continue the investigation."
These people need to be closely monitored to see what they're up to.

"Yes!"

"By the way, make a list of all the merchants in the north of the city who are reluctant to pay."
If they repeatedly fail to correct their behavior, make a list of them and deal with them after the New Year.

"Yes!"

"Also, have the Department of Experience draft a set of regulations."
After the New Year, the military command will send people to inspect the granaries, military farms, and land reclamation in various garrisons.
Keep this confidential; have Wu Su'an draft it personally.

"Yes!"

"Send a few more trusted men to wait on the official roads in the west and south of the city. My father will arrive tomorrow."

"Yes!"

"Xiao Wu, you're getting a holiday for Chinese New Year. Go home and visit your family."

Your brother will go back then too.

I asked Zou Jing; he used a secret route through the grasslands, so don't worry.

A series of orders were issued, and after hearing the final order, Hu Xiaowu...
Her lips moved, and her eyes suddenly reddened.

"Thank you, sir."

"go Go."

"Yes!"

After Hu Xiaowu left, Liu Heiying looked at the table piled high with documents.
He sighed with some emotion and cursed:

"What kind of world is this? Being an official is not as good as selling melons. At least selling melons can rest for a couple of days."

Less than half an hour later,

The guard on duty at the door rushed in to report:
"My lord, Lord Fang from the prefectural government requests an audience."

Liu Heiying didn't even look up, continuing to look at the document in his hand.

"If there's nothing urgent, let him go back; if there are documents, keep them."

"My lord, Lord Fang said it's something urgent."

"Understood, tell him to wait fifteen minutes."

"Yes!"

At the door, Fang Chenfeng, upon receiving the message to wait fifteen minutes, beamed with joy, breathed a sigh of relief, and then turned to look at Shi Yu:
"Lord Liu wants to see me."

"Brother Shi's success or failure hinges on this one battle."

Shi Yu nodded repeatedly, a feeling of "a true man should be like this" welling up in his heart.

This young man managed to make those two old men stand outside the door, waiting like idiots.

They have to keep smiling obsequiously; they're practically behaving like servants.

People are more mad than people.

Fifteen minutes later, Fang Chenfeng instructed Shi Yu to wait there while he went in first.

Upon entering the house, Liu Heiying spoke succinctly:

"Lord Fang, when will the documents for the last three months be submitted by the government office?"

The Bureau of Records needs to register and compile the records, and I, the official, also need to see them.

Fang Chenfeng's expression froze for a moment, then he quickly spoke:
"Tomorrow... I will definitely pay it tomorrow."

"Hmm, what brings you today?"

Liu Heiying put down his pen and paper, his face showing a questioning expression.

"Sir, it's like this..."

Fang Chenfeng recounted everything about Shi Yu in detail, a fawning smile on his face.

"Lord Liu, the Taxue Trading Company has been a long-term partner of our Daning City."

Regarding the construction and initial stages of Daning City,

But he put in a lot of effort.

It's really embarrassing that the goods are stuck at the door now.

If word gets out, the merchants in Beiping will be furious with us; not repaying kindness will be the least of their worries.”

Liu Heiying's expression was extremely strange; although he was listening to him speak,

But my thoughts had already drifted off to who-knows-where.
He discovered that the final link in the investigation of the missing grain had been completed.

"Exchange grain for sugar, then sell the sugar to buy more grain, and make up for the deficit before the spring inventory check?"

"Wow, this is really a good business opportunity."

Liu Heiying pursed his lips and spoke in a deep voice:
“Let him in. Our Command treats these friends from Beiping as treasures.”

Fang Chenfeng's face lit up with joy, and he nodded repeatedly:

"Yes, yes. I'll call him in right away."

(End of this chapter)