Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 248 Son pays debt to father

"I met with Brother Xu Shen the other day, and we both mentioned that we had received a great deal of kindness from Zhang Lang. When you come to the prefecture in the future, I will definitely treat you with the utmost hospitality..."

Upon recognizing Zhang Dai, Liu Sihu was extremely enthusiastic. He stepped forward, took Zhang Dai's reins, and looked up with a smile, asking, "Young master, what brings you to the gate of the mansion? If there is anything you wish to convey, please speak frankly!"

"Indeed, I have business to attend to at the manor to see Lord Yuan. I trouble you, Liu, to inform him. After this matter is settled, I will invite Liu and Xu Shen to reminisce about our parting!"

Zhang Dai was quite surprised to run into such an acquaintance. Seeing Liu Sihu's attentive attitude, he spoke directly as well.

"It's nothing, sir. Please wait in the front corridor for a moment, and I will inform the magistrate that this year's top scholar, Young Master Zhang, has come to visit the prefecture!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Sihu quickly nodded with a smile and invited Zhang Dai to sit down in the front hall of the mansion before hurrying to the inner hall himself. Zhang Dai also invited the state official who had accompanied him to be led in so that he could first explain matters to the governor.

Zhang Dai waited in the front hall for almost half an hour before Liu Sihu finally returned. The state official who had accompanied him was nowhere to be seen, and Liu Sihu was no longer smiling as before, presumably having been reprimanded inside.

"I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting, sir."

Upon entering the hall, Liu Sihu bowed to him and spoke, but then hesitated to continue.

Zhang Dai had no intention of making things difficult for Liu Sihu, since the other party had treated him quite warmly. He simply asked, "I wonder if Lord Yuan has time to summon me at the moment?"

"My lord, my lord says no, my lord is currently very busy with cases and has no time to entertain you, young master. I can only give you a reply to what you have to say later."

Liu Sihu hurriedly spoke up, inwardly lamenting his predicament. He hadn't expected that Governor Yuan Fu would have such a deep prejudice against this young master Zhang. As soon as he opened his mouth, he was met with a barrage of reprimands and then expelled.

"It is only natural that Your Excellency, with the well-being of the people of this prefecture at your disposal, would not have time to summon a mere idle person like me. The desolation and decline of the prefecture that I have seen along the way must be quite tiring for Your Excellency as well."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai sneered, and then said, "However, since I am in this situation, I do not wish to return empty-handed. Please ask Liu Sihu to provide paper and pen, and write another letter for me."

Liu Sihu was also in a dilemma. If it was simply because of the friendship he had built last year when he bought the epitaph, he naturally didn't want to get involved again after being reprimanded by the governor. However, considering what his friend Xu Shen had said and the fact that this young master Zhang was the newly appointed top scholar, he still waved his hand and asked the state official to bring in the paper and ink.

As darkness fell, Zhang Dai ceased his lengthy accusations. He simply reiterated his initial intention to provide disaster relief and assistance in the letter, stating that the transfer of goods was not for profit. He also understood Yuan Fu's predicament as the governor of a prefecture, and that he would not disrupt procedures for a private request.

Therefore, he did not intend to collect the various taxes he had previously paid immediately, but hoped that Yuan Fu could carefully apply and then help him collect them from the state treasury. The collected money would be temporarily stored there, and he would go directly to his father, Yuan Qianyao, to collect it after returning to Luoyang, thus settling the score between them.

Here in Bianzhou, you are the governor of a prefecture, and I am just a commoner passing through. Naturally, I have no power over you, and I will accept whatever fate befall me. But once we return to Luoyang, we are all spoiled brats, so why should I be afraid of you?

You're trying to swindle me out of my money without even finding out who paid for it! I'm too weak to get it back, so I'll have my uncle go to your house to ask for it!
To avoid Yuanfu getting angry and detaining him in the prefectural government, Zhang Dai wrote a letter and handed it to Liu Sihu, instructing him to submit it after he left the prefectural government. Then he left the prefectural government immediately.

"Outrageous! This Zhang fellow is truly arrogant! I govern a prefecture and have my own policies, which his followers should follow when they enter the country. What business is it of my family? If he dares to come and cause trouble, I will not let him off!"

After reading the letter, Yuanfu was furious. After Zhang Dai left, he said angrily, "Tomorrow, arrange for two state officials to accompany and supervise this man. If he violates any regulations in his actions or use of materials, he will be severely punished by the state magistrate!"

Despite his fierce words, he was still somewhat wary of Consort Wu Hui, who was behind Zhang Dai. Consort Hui lived deep within the palace, yet she was being manipulated by this man, using money and resources to stir up trouble in the prefecture. She was simply using the natural disaster to win people's hearts and create momentum for her ambition to become empress.

Yuan Fu could see through these thoughts and tricks. Although he was unwilling to be a direct enemy, he also did not want to be an accomplice to evil, especially not to let the people of the state be misled into cheering for him, which would only lead to him being attacked by public opinion. Therefore, he only gave a perfunctory response and did not publicize it.

Right now, all he wants is to drive Zhang Dai out of the state as soon as possible, so that he won't stay in Bianzhou and get in the way.

Other prefectures and counties might covet the disaster relief supplies he carried, but Bianzhou's treasury was well-stocked, and its revenue since the beginning of spring had exceeded that amount. Moreover, he believed that the disaster situation within the prefecture was under control, so he was not interested in such things.

The governor did not welcome Zhang Dai, but others in the prefecture did not share the same view.

When Zhang Dai returned to Wang Yuanbao's inn outside the city, it was already dark. He found the place bustling with activity, a gathering of carriages and horses. Wang Yuanbao, with a large entourage, rushed to the gate to greet him. Wang Yuanbao first clasped his hands in greeting to Zhang Dai, saying, "The people of Bianzhou are incredibly enthusiastic. Upon learning of your arrival, they all came to pay their respects." The group behind him also bowed in greeting, their eager expressions making Zhang Dai, who had just been rebuffed in the prefectural capital, feel much better. He responded with a smile and, together with the others, entered the inn's main hall.

The banquet inside the hall was already prepared, but it had not started because Zhang Dai had not returned. Now that Zhang Dai had returned, everyone took their seats.

Then Wang Yuanbao introduced them to Zhang Dai one by one. They were all wealthy merchants in Bianzhou. Some owned dozens or even hundreds of cargo ships, some owned a large number of mansions and shops, and others controlled various scarce resources.

It was clear that Wang Yuanbao had a good reputation here and had certain connections with these wealthy merchants. He explained their businesses and assets in just a few words, and these people all showed Wang Yuanbao a certain respect. As for Zhang Dai, they were even more enthusiastic in their flattery and fawning.

"Wang Er recently made a poor decision and found himself in a predicament. Fortunately, he received a word of guidance from Young Master Zhang, which revived his business. After hearing this, all his disciples were filled with admiration. Especially after learning about the flying money business that Young Master Zhang had created, they wished they could directly join Young Master Zhang's school and learn this excellent business strategy!"

Wang Yuanbao came forward again to pour wine for Zhang Dai, and said with an expectant smile.

The others nodded in agreement, clearly envious of the incredibly lucrative business of making money through financial means. It seems that wealthy people ultimately gravitate towards finance, drawn by the idea of ​​making money from money.

Zhang Dai was not in the mood to discuss these matters at the moment. Upon hearing this, he simply replied casually, "The business of making money through illegal means may seem simple, but in reality, there are many interpersonal disputes involved. If one is not careful, one may suffer losses. Acting rashly may result in losing everything."

"That's why I wanted to seek your advice, young master, and ask if you have any good solutions..."

Wang Yuanbao had personally witnessed the exorbitant profits of the "flying money" business and was amazed by its money-making ability. Unfortunately, the area between the two capitals was teeming with powerful and influential people, far beyond the reach of a mere merchant like himself. Therefore, since arriving in Bianzhou last year, he had been actively visiting these wealthy merchants in the area, hoping to gather their resources to operate a "flying money" network outside the two capitals.

He was in high spirits, but when he saw Zhang Dai frown, he quickly lowered his head and said, "There is no need to rush. Young master, you have been traveling and are tired. You should rest and recuperate before discussing other matters."

Since Zhang Dai wasn't in a very high mood, the banquet didn't last long. The wealthy merchants, some of whom owned properties outside the city and others who were staying overnight, soon got up and took their leave.

After escorting Zhang Dai to his room, Wang Yuanbao said to Zhang Dai with an embarrassed and uneasy expression, "I recently gave away the calligraphy I left behind to someone else without your permission. It was only because of your brilliant talent and exquisite word choice that even I, a vulgar merchant tainted by money, was captivated and could not bear to discard it. But in any case, I have broken my promise. Whatever punishment you may impose, I, Wang Er, will accept with utmost respect!"

Zhang Dai was indeed quite angry and wanted to teach Wang Yuanbao a lesson, but he had other things to worry about now.

Moreover, Wang Yuanbao was probably unaware that Wang Rouniang had eloped and that his uncle, whom he considered a relative, likely hated him. The consequences of this affair were far more complex than he currently knew. Thinking about the situation Wang Yuanbao would face upon his return, Zhang Dai felt a pang of sympathy for him.

"We'll settle this score with you later. Are all these wealthy merchants in this region willing to partner with you to make money?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Dai looked at Wang Yuanbao and asked a question.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuanbao nodded quickly and then said, "After the governor of the prefecture entered the country, he abused his power and acted against the proper procedures. He also frequently used the money from carriages, boats, and port to lend to wealthy households in the prefecture to collect interest, causing the rich to worry and the poor to grieve. Everyone suffered and their livelihoods were uncertain. These followers also want to start a different way to make money, so they are all willing to invest and work together."

"Cart and boat transportation fees" refers to the transportation costs for goods. When people paid their taxes, they also had to pay a certain transportation fee, which was a miscellaneous surcharge in addition to the regular taxes. Because it was a miscellaneous tax, the imperial court usually did not have a unified management standard.

These freight charges are usually overcharged and are not used up exactly. As the main hub for water and land transportation, Bianzhou is a hub for vehicles, boats, and porters from various prefectures, which often converge there in various ways, thus forming a huge sum of cash.

Storing this cash locally would not generate any profit, but lending it out would bring interest, making it a form of government-run usury. This was a common way for the government to exploit wealthy households within its borders.

"Since they are willing to spend money, you should raise 10,000 strings of cash from them in the coming days."

Zhang Dai had gained some understanding of the current situation in Bianzhou. After a moment's thought, he said that these merchants all had their own agendas. What they said was just for show, and the necessary compliance tests were still required.

"Don't worry, young master, the vast fortune will arrive in just one day!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuanbao quickly nodded and said that he knew Zhang Dai was not a greedy and unrestrained playboy. Since he was asking for something, he must have given an explanation.

(End of this chapter)