In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 653 At this point, there is no other way but to...

When the news of the summons reached Shi Yu's ears...

He felt a chill run down his spine.

A feeling of comfort washed over me, and a huge weight was lifted from my heart.

He knew better than anyone that if the adults were willing to meet, the matter would be more than half settled.

With such unease in my heart,
As Shi Yu entered the yamen, a wave of warmth washed over him.

Shi Yu spotted the person sitting behind the desk at a glance.
The so-called Assistant Commissioner Liu, with his dark complexion and robust physique!

For a moment, he stood there stunned. "Young...too young."

Although his head was down, one could still sense his youthful energy.

She even felt that he was younger than her own son.

A strange feeling quietly spread.
He looked back.

She suddenly realized that her son hadn't come along.

Soon, a wave of fear washed over him.
Luckily, her son didn't come along; if their actions had been discovered, things would have been terrible.

"Call for help!"

Fang Chenfeng was so anxious that he kept stamping his feet.
What's wrong with Shi Yu? He's usually so quick-witted, why is he acting so dazed today!
Shi Yu then realized what was happening, quickly stepped forward, and bowed deeply towards the head of the table:
"This humble commoner, Shi Yu of the Taxue Trading Company, greets Vice Commissioner Liu." His voice was loud, yet it could not conceal his humility.

Liu Heiying put down his pen and paper and pointed to the seat next to him:

"You must be Manager Shi. Please sit down, have a seat. I've come to get you some tea."
You don't know this,
This is fine tea brought from Yingtian; every drop is precious!

As he spoke, Liu Heiying stood up and went to the tea table to begin preparing the tea.

This made Shi Yu feel somewhat flattered.

What's going on? Wasn't he supposed to be difficult to talk to?
Fang Chenfeng was also somewhat surprised, but he didn't show it.
Instead, he sat there quietly, giving Shi Yu a reassuring look, as if to say,
"Don't worry, I have strong connections!"

Shi Yu nodded repeatedly, filled with gratitude towards Fang Chenfeng.

Given the current situation, things seem to have a high chance of success no matter how you look at it.

Liu Heiying brewed tea for the two of them and handed it to them with a cheerful smile.

The two accepted the tea with a somewhat flattered air, and smelling its delicate aroma, Shi Yu praised it:
"Liu Qianshi, this tea has a rich aroma; one whiff of it tells you it's a precious commodity."

Liu Heiying didn't explain, but instead picked up a cup of tea as well.
He sat down opposite the two of them, smiling, and asked:

"I have long heard of the name of the Beiping Snow-Treading Trading Company."

I wonder what Manager Shi is transporting today?

Shi Yu pursed his lips, straightened his back, and slowly said:

"I dare not deceive you, sir."
The items I am transporting today are some commonly used porcelain and ironware.
And many other things such as salt, sugar, and tea.

It was no different from what had been transported before.
However, there were quite a few merchants queuing at the West Gate today, which is why I thought of...
Could you please trouble Vice Commissioner Liu to make an exception for us?

This will allow the merchant's goods to enter the city as soon as possible.

Liu Heiying looked enlightened after hearing this and nodded repeatedly:

"With the New Year approaching, there are indeed many more merchants outside the city."

"But these alone are not enough to make me grant you special favors."

Upon hearing this, Shi Yu immediately became somewhat anxious.
Just as he was about to speak, Liu Heiying raised his hand to interrupt him:
"Hey, Manager Shi, don't be anxious. I'm not targeting you."
However, the operation of the city gates was the responsibility of the city defense troops.
If I were to intervene rashly, it would put my subordinates in a difficult position.

Shi Yu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly lowered his voice:
"Please rest assured, Vice Commissioner Liu."

"I have prepared a generous gift, but I fear it will put you in a difficult position."

"Oh? What generous gift?"

Liu Heiying immediately showed an interested expression and spoke very frankly.

Not only Fang Chenfeng looked dazed,

Shi Yu was even more shocked.
However, he quickly broke into a smile.

As a merchant, he wasn't afraid of people asking for money; what he feared was not being able to give money away!

Shi Yu quickly pulled out the gift list from his pocket, took a few quick steps, and handed it over:

"My lord, some of these items are congratulatory gifts for your new appointment, while others are for bribing officials."

After all, the affairs of the trading company shouldn't trouble the adults and cause them any estrangement from the men below.

Liu Heiying raised an eyebrow after taking the gift list, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

This Ta Xue Trading Company is truly powerful; they don't hold back when they make a move.

He placed the gift list aside, stood up, and returned to his desk.

He picked up a pen and paper and wrote quickly.
Then he hesitated between the two large seals on the table.
Finally, he picked up the larger one and slammed it down.

"Manager Shi, come and take a look."
With this document, you can enter the city sooner.

A surge of joy erupted in Shi Yu's eyes.

Even Fang Chenfeng was somewhat surprised.

Could it be that the previous impression of Lord Liu being difficult to talk to was wrong?

The two approached and took the document.
Upon seeing the large seal on it, a look of horror flashed in his eyes.

It was actually the seal of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief. Shi Yu felt much more at ease.

"It seems that what Fang Chenfeng said about the two having a close relationship is indeed true."

Shi Yu neatly folded the document, solemnly stepped back, and spoke in a clear voice:

"Thank you for your kind words, Vice Commissioner Liu."

If you have any requests in the future, please feel free to speak up.

The Snowwalking Merchant Guild will certainly do everything in its power.

Liu Heiying smiled and waved gently:
"Go on, go on, it's getting late, let's get into the city sooner and get some rest."

"Yes, the grassroots are resigning."

"This humble official takes his leave."

After the two left the yamen, Liu Heiying darted to the door.
Watching their departing figures, his deep-set eyes...
He opened the door, looked at the guards standing outside, and gave the order:

"Send people to follow Shi Yu, especially regarding the goods they bring into the city."
We need to find out where the goods went, including who Shi Yu met.

"Yes!"

The guard's expression immediately turned serious, and he quickly left.

Besides the Commandery,

Shi Yu looked at the document in his hand, his face beaming with joy.
"Lord Fang, thank you so much for today."
Without your help,

Mr. Shi truly didn't know what to do.

Fang Chenfeng laughed:
"Brother Shi, this matter cannot be delayed; any delay could lead to unforeseen problems. Please bring the goods in quickly."

If you have nothing to do tonight, you are welcome to come to my residence.

Many beautiful girls have arrived at the brothels in the city; I'll take you there for some fun.

Shi Yu maintained his smile.

Knowing that the old man in front of her wanted to have fun but didn't want to spend money, she smiled and agreed:

"Tonight, I, Shi, will send someone to the yamen to fetch Lord Fang."

"When the time comes, Lord Fang will have to find the most expensive girl in the city."

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

"Very well, then I will wait at the yamen."

At the west gate of Daning City, clerk Yao Tongchen stood in the gate tower.

He watched silently as the grand caravan entered the city, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
"Go ask them how they were able to enter the city without being checked."

"Yes!"

A clerk ran off quickly, but returned less than a quarter of an hour later with a strange expression on his face.
"My lord, according to the commander defending the city..."
They took Lord Liu's documents.

It also bears Lord Lu's official seal.

"Ok?"

Yao Tongchen frowned immediately, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
"Send someone to follow them and find out where they are staying."

"Uh"

The clerk behind him hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked:

"Lord Yao, they're holding your official documents! Do we still need to pursue them?"

Yao Tongchen's expression remained calm as he spoke softly:
"Our orders from the lord are to investigate any caravans we deem suspicious."

The caravan of the Snowwalking Merchant Guild in front of us is highly suspicious.
We are strictly following the adults' orders, so go quickly.

"Yes!"

The carriage moved slowly.

After the last fully loaded flatbed cart entered Daning City,
Shi Yu finally felt completely relieved.
A smile unconsciously appeared on his face.

He glanced at Shi Baifeng beside him and spoke calmly:
"Bai Feng, nothing in this world is as good as power."
We must cherish Lord Liu in the city.

If this were in Beiping, would we also have such an important person to help us?
"Why did things come to this? We're in such a panicked and rushed state." Shi Baifeng said.

"Father, in this way, we have turned misfortune into a blessing in disguise."
"If we hadn't made this trip, we wouldn't have had the chance to meet Vice Commissioner Liu."

"Yes, you're right. Vice Commissioner Liu helped us a great deal today; we can't be stingy with our gratitude."
Go into the city and ask around.

We learned everything about Liu Qianshi's past conduct and how we could be of use to him, down to the smallest detail.

With preparation,

Only then can we properly handle the situation and further strengthen our relationship.

Shi Baifeng pursed his lips slightly, a hint of hesitation in his heart:

"Father, we have already presented our congratulatory gifts."

"Hey Bai Feng, you're still young."
With the gifts presented and the goods brought into the city, the transaction was complete.

If you want to go again in the future, you'll need to make new preparations.

Using the same objects as before to try and establish intimacy would be a poor choice.

"I understand, I will go and find out right away."

"Hmm," Shi Yu waved his hand.
"Go."

Only after Shi Baifeng left did the smile on Shi Yu's face slowly fade.
He looked at the steward beside him and spoke in a deep voice:
"Prepare the horses. There's no need for you to come along. I have something to take care of myself."

The manager was somewhat worried:

"Shopkeeper, you must be careful. This Daning City is not like Beiping."

"Don't worry." Soon, Shi Yu rode away from the west gate.

The back gate of No. 15 Fu'an Lane, Daning City.

The sky was already dark, and the dim sun had been replaced by the moon.

The back door was also dimly lit and difficult to see clearly.

Just then, a figure flashed over from the end of the alley and gently knocked on the door.

"Boom boom boom, boom boom boom."

A rhythmic melody began, and hurried footsteps echoed from behind the dilapidated door.

The door opened quickly.

"Quick, come in!"

A figure slipped inside!

This residence is not large; judging from the size of its backyard, it is only a two-courtyard house.

The two hurried along, turning east and west, until they arrived at the main hall.

Only here, the candlelight was dim.

Two figures entered one after the other.
The interior of the main hall was not as simple and desolate as the exterior.
Instead, it was a scene of luxury.
The floor was covered in pure white tiger fur, and the tables, chairs, and benches were all made of fine mahogany.
Even the central stove was made of bronze.
The teacups and utensils on the table were all made of gold and silver.
The walls are covered with calligraphy and paintings by famous people!

As soon as the two entered,

A figure sitting in the corner suddenly stood up.
Stepping quickly out of the shadows, it was none other than Shi Yu, who was over fifty years old!

He looked at the tall figure of the newcomer, a look of delight flashing in his eyes, and quickly bowed:
"Shi pays his respects to Lord Qu."

"It's been several months, but Master Qu is still as charming as ever."

The newcomer ripped off the hood covering his head.
The face of Qu Qingfeng, the commander of the Great Ning Vanguard, was revealed!

He looked at Shi Yu and gave a dry laugh:
"Manager Shi, don't be so polite. Something went wrong with what you were trying to do."

"what?"

Shi Yu, who had been half-bent over, suddenly raised his head, his face showing shock.

"Sir, what has happened?"

At this moment, the figure standing to the side waved his hand:

"Brother Shi, don't worry,"
It happened so suddenly; none of us expected it to turn out this way.

Shi Yu suddenly looked at the person who spoke:

Brother Hu, do you know...?
How much effort did I expend to transport this sugar into Daning City?

Hu Chongyi shook his head helplessly:

"I have never doubted Manager Shi's abilities."
But things went wrong, and the transaction couldn't proceed smoothly.

Qu Qingfeng sighed and sat down on a chair nearby.
She told Shi Yu about what happened yesterday and this morning, which caused Shi Yu's expression to change frequently.
"You mean Liu Qianshi discovered the matter of the grain supplies?"

"You hurriedly transported the grain back again?"

Hu Chongyi's face was as black as charcoal, and he nodded emphatically:

"I'm exhausted after this night."

Qu Qingfeng glanced at Hu Chongyi:
"If Manager Hu finds it too tiring, he can simply choose not to do it."

Hu Chongyi's face flushed red for a moment.
He hesitated several times before finally letting out a long sigh:
"Lord Qu,

You kept insisting that it wouldn't be discovered.

That's why Mr. Hu agreed to do it for you.

"Ah"

Qu Qingfeng chuckled softly:
"Does Lord Hu not want to earn this money?"
Is this the situation I wanted to see?

"I've already summoned Manager Shi; there's no point in saying anything more."

Hu Chongyi's face flushed red and then turned pale, before finally falling silent.
Shi Yu, sitting to the side, had also understood somewhat, and he tentatively asked:

"Since Vice Commissioner Liu did not investigate the matter further, can the business continue?"
After receiving the message from Lord Qu, Shi...
They immediately gathered all the sugar in the merchant guild and rushed over, all for the sake of the grain.
If he made a wasted trip, he wouldn't be able to explain it to anyone.

Hu Chongyi also raised his head and looked at Qu Qingfeng, waiting for his reply.

"We can't do it anymore. We still don't know if Liu Heiying received a tip or if he went to investigate on a whim."

We can't take any more risks!
If we transport the grain away,

If he comes to investigate again, I will find no grain to fill the gap!

Hu Chongyi leaned back in his chair.
The disappointment on his face was quite obvious.
But he quickly remembered something and sat up abruptly:
"Manager Shi, why don't you sell all this sugar to Hu, and split the profits fifty-fifty?"

Hu Chongyi's eyes lit up; the sugar had already entered the city.

It would be such a waste not to make money out of all this money sitting there.

But Shi Yu looked at him as if he were an idiot.
A smirk twitched at the corner of his mouth.
"Manager Hu, if you can sell your goods to the grasslands, so can the Snowwalking Trading Company."
The Snowwalking Merchant Guild doesn't earn all that silver itself.

What's the point of sharing it with others?
If it weren't for Lord Qu saying that he had enough provisions,

Why would Mr. Shi come here at the end of the year?

Hu Chongyi's breath hitched; that was indeed the case.
He looked at Qu Qingfeng with some annoyance.
He was the one who approached me back then, saying he had a big business deal to make.

But now, the deal fell through, and all that effort was wasted.
I was on edge all day, what a waste!
"Ugh!"

Hu Chongyi let out a heavy sigh.

Qu Qingfeng's expression shifted repeatedly, his eyes filled with struggle and resentment.

He did the math.
If this transaction goes smoothly, it will bring in at least tens of thousands of taels of silver.

But now, all efforts have been in vain.

He was further troubled by the suspicion of the commander, which made him extremely annoyed!
Taking a deep breath,

Qu Qingfeng narrowed his eyes, looked at Shi Yu, and said in a cold voice:
"Manager Shi, I am now being watched by the Commander-in-Chief."
You never know when you might have to pack your bags and leave.

This time, I'd like to ask you for a favor. What do you say?

Upon hearing this, Shi Yu's white beard trembled.

He was inwardly groaning and began to curse loudly!
He forced a smile.
"Lord Qu, there's no such thing as forcing someone to buy or sell in business."

Qu Qingfeng's breathing was slightly rapid as he said in a deep voice:

"Manager Shi, the sugar from outside can't get in, and the sugar from inside can't get out."

It's impossible for you to send these things back to Beiping intact.

Why not take the opportunity to send them to the grasslands, make a sale, and make a friend?
Afterwards, I will take 30%, Manager Hu will take 30%, and Manager Shi will take 40%. How about that?

Hu Chongyi's eyes lit up, and he began to make plans in his mind.

Shi Yu's face was extremely ugly.

The dim candlelight couldn't illuminate his entire face, but it only made him look more ferocious.

"Damn it, that bastard! He's never satisfied!"

Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Qu Qingfeng spoke softly.
The voice was like a venomous snake, and the entire face was hidden in darkness.

"Manager Shi, you should think this through carefully. This is Daning City."

The atmosphere inside the room was extremely tense; none of the three spoke for a long time.

Finally, Shi Yu could only manage a bitter smile.

Now we are at their mercy, like fish on a chopping board.

Even if he didn't agree, he had no choice.
He let out a long sigh and nodded:
"Let's do as Lord Qu suggests."

(End of this chapter)