In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 732 News is the Most Valuable Item in the World

In late May, the daytime heat in Beiping was already quite intense.

But by midnight, it gets much cooler.

A gentle breeze swept through the streets and alleys, bringing a touch of coolness.
From above, the center of Beiping was shrouded in darkness.
Meanwhile, the corners on the east and west sides of the inner city were shimmering with many colorful lights.

In the first year of the Hongwu reign, the Yuan capital, Dadu, was renamed Beiping Prefecture and placed under the jurisdiction of Beiping Province.

The inner city of Beiping was divided into Daxing County and Wanping County by the central axis.

Daxing County is responsible for managing the affairs of the eastern city, southern city, and eastern suburbs.

Wanping County governs the affairs of the western city, northern city, and western suburbs.

The two counties were governed within the same city as Beiping Prefecture.

A curfew was also in effect in Beiping.
But there are policies at the top and countermeasures at the bottom.

The entertainment venues in Yingtian City were located on the banks of the Qinhuai River outside the city.

The entertainment venues in Beiping were located on the east and west sides of the inner city.

That is, the border between Daxing County and Wanping County.

This area belongs to both the inner city and is connected to the outer city, making it a no-man's-land tacitly agreed upon by all parties.

As a result, some shady nightlife activities began to flourish here.

At this time, Cuiyan Street on the outskirts of Daxing County was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The entire street is amusement park, filled with a dazzling array of lanterns and ribbons.
Even the restaurants where people ate had hung up slightly seductive pink lanterns.

The girls greeting customers at the entrance were all young and beautiful.

They wore gauze skirts and had beaming smiles, and were in no way inferior to the neighboring brothels.

On the street, some young men swayed their bodies.

Their eyes were glazed as they looked around; there were so many girls that they were dazzled.
I was thinking about where I should go for a short rest tonight.

However, a completely different scene appeared on the street just a wall away.
It was eerily silent there, not a soul in sight, making it seem strange and absurd.

The stark contrast between prosperity and desolation.

It leaves everyone who comes here for the first time in awe.

Just then, a carriage appeared in the darkness in the distance.
The horses pulling the carriage were pure white with smooth fur and an arrogant expression, constantly scanning their surroundings.

The white horse would occasionally snort disdainfully at the women who were striking seductive poses.

Many people widened their eyes slightly upon seeing the white horse.

After a moment's thought, he knew who the person was.
They quickly made way, and even the girls' shouts were lowered considerably.

A short while later, the white horse pulled the luxurious carriage to a steady stop in front of Qingxiang Tower.

The carriage curtain was lifted.

A middle-aged man in his thirties, dressed in white and with an elegant demeanor, came out.

His handsome face made many girls swoon.
The young master walking on the road frowned repeatedly, somewhat dissatisfied that this person had stolen his limelight.

However, the identity of the person before them made them hesitant to provoke him.

He was none other than Lu Yiliu, the head manager of the Beiping Taxue Trading Company.

Rumor has it that Lu Yiliu is on good terms with many officials in the Three Departments.

They controlled a significant portion of the trade routes from the capital to the south, and also controlled some businesses outside the Great Wall.

I recently heard that they have started cooperating with the Beiping Metropolitan Commandery again.

Furthermore, due to the immense attention garnered for the recent grain donation,
He had become a prominent figure in Beiping.

"Manager Lu, it's an honor to have you here. I'm so sorry I didn't greet you properly."

A hearty laugh rang out from Qingxianglou, and an old man in his fifties hurriedly came out.

Lu Yiliu looked over, a gentle smile appearing on his handsome face, his voice deep and resonant:
"It's Manager Zhao! Long time no see."

Manager Zhao was beaming, overjoyed at Lu Yiliu's arrival.
"Manager Lu, it's been a long time! Your business has grown bigger and bigger!"

"Some small businesses, nothing to brag about."

Manager Zhao smiled and gestured for them to proceed.
"Manager Lu's business is something our restaurants can't compare to."

"Shall we have a small drink today or host a banquet?"

"Manager Zhao, we are hosting a banquet today, please reserve a private room for me, Lu."
"We'll go upstairs when the guests arrive."

"Okay, the weather's nice now."
Some of the cats in the house have come out, and the private rooms are already full.

But since it's Manager Lu who's here, we have to have something even if we don't have it.

The private room that had been reserved for Lord Sanji was still empty.

The environment is quiet and the place is spacious; it's for Manager Lu to use!

Lu Yiliu was very satisfied with Manager Zhao's attitude and nodded with a smile:

"Thank you very much, Manager Zhao. Please prepare some wine and dishes."

"Looking at the best, money is not an issue, I want the very best."

"Oh, it seems we have a distinguished guest today, shall we?"

Manager Zhao lowered his voice and leaned closer:
"Make a sea fish that came from the canal transport."
There are also fresh lychees from Guangdong, which just arrived today.

You don't know, but it took Zhao a lot of effort to get these things over here.

"Oh? Lychees too? Excellent, excellent!"

Lu Yiliu's eyes lit up; she understood the implication in Manager Zhao's words.
"Since Manager Zhao has connections in the canal transport sector..."

"We can cooperate in the future to do some more profitable business."

"Good! Good! I, Zhao, will cover all the expenses incurred by Manager Lu today."

Once Zhao has fully established the channels, we'll all get rich together.

"Very good."

Lu Yiliu sighed with emotion. The rumors were indeed true; none of those who could establish themselves on Cuiyan Street were simple.

"Manager Zhao, please go ahead with your business. I'll wait for the guests."

Manager Zhao's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and he tentatively asked:

"Who is this esteemed guest? Would you like the food and drink to be a little lighter?"

Lu Yiliu smiled:

"No need, plenty of meat and fish will do, don't be nervous."
The Three Ministers are currently busy with the northern expedition; they have no time to come here for leisure.

"Hahahaha, that makes sense!"

Manager Zhao burst into laughter, even more curious about who the newcomer was.
However, since the person in front of him had already spoken, he couldn't linger any longer.

"Then I, Zhao, will go and get busy."

"Please, Manager Zhao."

Lu Yiliu nodded with a smile, then turned to look at the darkness in the east, her face showing anticipation.

"Manager, who is it that has made you wait here?"

At this moment, the young man who had been following them came up, looking puzzled.

He is a well-known scholar in Beiping City today, named Shen An.

Rumors circulated that he had a high chance of passing the imperial examination, but his family was poor and he had been working at the Taxue Trading Company.

Lu Yiliu stared into the darkness, then let out a long sigh:

"I've gone to great lengths to ensure you pass the imperial examination."
Some things need to be prepared for in advance.

But alas, we merchants are not worthy of such refined tastes.
He knew nothing about the imperial examinations next year.
Today I'm seeking advice from an expert to reassure you and me.

"Oh? May I ask, head manager, which esteemed person is this?" Shen An's face lit up with eagerness upon hearing that it was related to the imperial examination.

Lu Yiliu glanced at him and gently shook her head:

"One must remain calm in all important matters. The person today is not an official, but he is better informed than the three officials."

Shen An was even more puzzled. Who was it?
Lu Yiliu didn't hide anything and spoke calmly:
"News of the northern expedition suddenly arrived at the beginning of the year."

I went to great lengths to inquire and managed to get 10,000 shi of grain to the Prince of Yan's residence before anyone else could.
This gave him a chance to submit a memorial to the emperor.

Some people, however, made preparations quietly long ago.

As soon as news of the army's food shortage spread, grain arrived at the gates of the government office.
They were even earlier than us. Tell me, wasn't it a waste of our 30,000 taels of silver?

"Liu Huaipu?"

Shen An knew who he was talking about. Besides his own head steward, this person was also among those who submitted the memorial!
"It was him," Shi Yu told me.
The news about Liu Huaipu didn't come from Daning City at all; someone in Beiping informed him.

Shen An was startled. "Who is it?"

Lu Yiliu raised her chin: "Here you are."

Shen An looked over and saw a tall horse suddenly emerge from the darkness at the end of the street on the east side.
Behind them was a completely black horse-drawn carriage.
The driver was no more than thirty years old, with a hideous scar on his face.
His eyes darted back and forth as he moved, extremely vigilant.

Following the carriage were more than a dozen burly men dressed in black, with sharp long knives at their waists.

The atmosphere on Cuiyan Street momentarily froze upon the arrival of the group.
Everyone was speculating which high-ranking official from the Commandery had arrived.

Manager Zhao peeked out from the second floor, trying to see who it was.
But soon someone pierced his gaze with sharp eyes, making him shudder.

"My goodness, who is this? Such a big fuss."

The jet-black carriage came to a smooth stop in front of Qingxianglou, and the dark curtain was lifted.

A figure in his thirties appeared.

He was dressed in black and had dark skin.
There are scars of varying degrees around the eyes and on exposed skin.
What's most striking is his half-limping leg and his distinctive crutch!

"Hu Kui?" Manager Zhao on the second floor narrowed his eyes. Why was this madman here?

Soon, something even more shocking happened.

Lu Yiliu smiled and stepped forward, taking Hu Kui's cane and helping him down from the carriage.
"Manager Hu, please forgive me for troubling you so late at night."

"It's nothing, the weather's been bad lately, my legs are hurting a lot, and I can't sleep."

Hu Kui's voice was hoarse, though he had a smile on his face.

But to onlookers, it sounded rather sinister.

Lu Yiliu smiled and said:
"Manager Hu, please. Qingxianglou has reserved the best private room."

There are also lychees from Guangdong, and oh yes, some fresh sea fish.
The weather is nice and cool today, so I'll have a taste.

Hu Kui, leaning on his cane, looked up at the archway of Qingxianglou and chuckled softly:
"Transporting lychees by canal? What a waste!"

Lu Yiliu and Shen An's pupils contracted slightly, and Manager Zhao, who had just rushed over to greet them, also froze in place.
Cold sweat immediately poured down his face.
How does he know?

Seeing that the atmosphere had quieted down, Hu Kui looked at the lively scene inside Qingxiang Tower and nodded in satisfaction:

"Let's go, Manager Lu."

"Let's go!"

Lu Yiliu woke up abruptly, feeling even more wary of the person before her.
At the same time, he was secretly pleased that the information was so well-informed.

Manager Zhao didn't make it forward in time.
He found it hard to believe that a crazy manager who worked as a镖师 (bodyguard/courier) would know such things.
Before long, the group passed through the hall and entered the backyard.

This place is extremely large and spacious, and there is even a pond dug in the courtyard.

The group walked on the stone bridge, looking at the moon reflected in the dark water, their thoughts a jumble of emotions.

Crossing the stone bridge and passing the pavilion,
Soon they arrived at a secluded and spacious huge house.

Upon entering, a sense of spaciousness arises spontaneously!

There are no left or right wing rooms here; there is only one unobstructed building facing south, running from east to west.

The banquet tables were set up on the east side, in the center of the main hall.
A dozen or so women dressed in gauze skirts waited quietly.

Upon their arrival, he bowed deeply.
The thin veil slipped gently off her shoulders, revealing her fair and smooth shoulders and prominent shoulder blades, exuding allure.

Hu Kui glanced at them and nodded slightly:

"A novel idea, and those old fogies in the Three Departments really like that."

Even Lu Yiliu, who was usually eloquent, didn't know how to respond.
She could only smile awkwardly and lead him to a seat.

After he sat down, I sat down myself and looked at Manager Zhao standing to the side:
"Manager Zhao, you can start preparing the dishes."

"Zhao will make the arrangements immediately."

Manager Zhao and his staff slowly left the private room.
The moment the door closed, the sounds of string and wind instruments began to play, light and melodious.

The girls also went from gathering to scattering.

They began to dance gracefully, their movements elegant and their bodies light and supple.

Lu Yiliu introduced Hu Kui with a smile:

"Manager Hu, this is Shen An, a renowned scholar from Beiping."

"I've long admired your name." Hu Kui cupped his hands in greeting.

Shen An was somewhat flattered:

"It is I who have long admired Manager Hu's reputation. I have only read some books and am nothing special."

Hu Kui's expression was serious:

Without achieving official rank, one is ultimately just a scholar.

"Scholar Shen, you must pass the next imperial examination with flying colors! Make us people of Beiping proud!"

A glint flashed in Lu Yiliu's eyes, and she quickly replied:

"I'm not happy with Manager Hu. I invited you here today to find out some news from the capital."
Could Manager Hu please clarify things? The price is negotiable!

He had only recently learned that the person in front of him was so well-informed.

After some investigation, it was discovered that this person had only been in the capital for three years.
He went from being penniless to owning several security escort agencies.

more importantly,
The person in front of him was known as a know-it-all in his small circle.
There's no intelligence you can't get if you're willing to spend the money.

Hu Kui took the hot tea offered by the guard and took a small sip:
"What does Manager Lu want to know? News from Beiping costs one price, but the further south you go, the more expensive it gets."

"To be honest, Manager Hu, the source of this information should be in Yingtian."

But this is a matter of great importance, and there should be some information about it in various provinces as well.

"tell me the story."

Lu Yiliu pursed her lips, lowered her voice, and tentatively asked:

"There are rumors circulating that the imperial court will hold the imperial examinations next year. Is this true or false?"

"Imperial examination?"

Hu Kui looked at Shen An, who was behaving obediently to the side, with a strange expression, and then suddenly realized:
"It seems that Manager Lu's reputation for valuing talent is well-deserved."

"Manager Hu, this is a last resort."
We merchants are not fit for high society; we can only resort to unconventional methods.

"I understand. This is a good path; wealthy landowners in Fujian and Jiangxi have already been doing it."

However, the imperial court has been deliberately suppressing such people.

If Manager Lu wanted to send someone into his home, he would have to maintain a certain distance.
Otherwise, no matter how talented this scholar Shen was, he would not have passed the imperial examination.

After Hu Kui finished speaking, he grabbed a handful of dried fruit and ate it nonchalantly.

Lu Yiliu's whole body tensed up, her pupils slightly contracted.
He hadn't expected that just a few words exchanged during their first meeting would leave him feeling utterly disheartened.

No wonder there have been so few scholars trained over the years, not even a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the lowest level of the imperial examinations).
"Manager Hu, how much silver is this information?"

"One thousand taels, but since this is my first meeting with Manager Lu, consider it a gift."

The next question will cost money, after all…

Hu Kui smiled sinisterly, the scar between his brows twitching:
"In this world, the most valuable thing is information."

"Of course. Of course."

Lu Yiliu was overjoyed; the information was very valuable.

But as a merchant, he knew all too well the saying that you get what you pay for.

"Information about the imperial examinations isn't expensive, only three thousand taels. Manager Hu, would you like to ask the same question again?"

"Please inform us, Manager Hu."

Hu Kui will definitely speak:
"The imperial court will hold examinations next year, probably between March and May. If the examination is not successful, the money will be returned three times the amount."

Seeing his certainty, Lu Yiliu was somewhat shocked.

He increasingly felt that the person in front of him had connections to the highest levels and must have a hidden network of relationships behind him.

Shen Anze's face lit up with joy, and he clenched his fist tightly under the table.

Lu Yiliu asked again:
"Manager Hu, can you inquire about news from Beiping?"

"ask."

"I have inquired from various sources and heard that the Right Provincial Governor Qu has recently encountered setbacks in his career. I wonder if Manager Hu could inform me of this?"
The thing is, the Snowwalking Merchant Guild has some entanglements with Lord Qu.

I'm afraid of being implicated for no reason; lately, all the managers in the business are feeling uneasy.

Hu Kui raised an eyebrow and said bluntly:
"Five thousand taels."

"it is good!"

Hu Kui spoke calmly:
Qu Jiarui's son, Qu Qingfeng, is the commander of the Daning Vanguard.

In early April, he conspired with others to commit treason.

Outside Daning City, they ambushed and killed Liu Heiying, a subordinate officer, whose entire force of a thousand men was wiped out. Liu Heiying was also imprisoned.
Their current fate is unknown; the news is being deliberately concealed by the Beiping Military Command, and few people know about it.

Lu Yiliu's lips felt a little dry, and she suddenly felt a chill in the room.

Rebellion? Leading troops to ambush one's superior? How is that any different from treason?
"Manager Hu, really?"

"Hu never speaks of anything he is not certain of. As always, if things do not go as planned, he will return three times the amount of silver."

"Thank you very much, Manager Lu. This news is invaluable to me. I am willing to pay ten thousand taels of silver."

Lu Yiliu suddenly felt a sense of relief; her body was ice-cold.

Fortunately, I asked around. It's amazing he didn't know about such a big thing until now; someone must be deliberately hiding it from him.
As for why, it's quite simple.

They simply wanted to find some excuse to accuse someone when the incident happened, and then take a huge bite out of the Taxue Trading Company.

Hu Kui waved his hand:

"Every piece of information has a price, and the same piece of information can have different prices for different people."

Five thousand taels is more than enough. Is there anything else you'd like to ask?

"Yes!" Lu Yiliu said in a deep voice.
Hu Kui nodded:

"Mr. Hu has already informed Manager Lu of three pieces of information."
Before the fourth message,

Mr. Hu has something he needs Manager Lu's help with.
Mr. Hu will also provide silver; both our families will get what they need.

Lu Yiliu suddenly felt that the person in front of her was somewhat frightening.
By taking advantage of each other's needs, it is easy to stir up a huge storm.
However, he still agreed.

"Please speak, Manager Hu. I will do my best."

Hu Kui smiled and nodded, then took out a document from his pocket and handed it over:

"The person above is Tang Xingbang, the Vice Commander of the Daning Central Guard."
He fled from Daning the day before yesterday, and it is presumed that he has come to Beiping.

Find him. As for the price, it will be ten thousand taels of silver.

(End of this chapter)