What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 259 Leaving the Capital! Mountain God Temple! Salt Smugglers!
The name Li Liangduo is auspicious. Abundant grain was a simple wish for ordinary people and even the powerful in ancient times.

Unfortunately, his father, who named him, forgot a very important thing.

They didn't give him a sufficiently low-class nickname, such as Gousheng, Tiedan, or Ji Nu, Aman, or Zhier. Since he was ranked second, they simply gave him the nickname Erlang.

Names often contradict reality; the more humble a child's nickname, the easier it is to raise them.

A person named Fugui (富贵) may not actually be rich and noble; a person named Liangduo (粮多) may find that even a rat in a rice jar could starve.

Fortunately, Li Liangduo has a good brother-in-law.

This brother-in-law seems to have struck it rich recently. He gave him two taels of silver and told him that he would introduce him to a good job after the New Year.

Li Liangduo didn't know if his brother-in-law was reliable or not, but now that his brother-in-law was making a lot of money, what he said must be true.

After the New Year, I will go to work in the fiefdom of that Lord Su.

Of course, Li Liangduo didn't believe his brother-in-law's boast that he had become an official.

Since ancient times, there has never been any reason for a blacksmith of lowly status to become an official!

Recently, rice prices have been rising, reaching one tael of silver per shi (a unit of dry measure).

Li Liangduo pondered that grain prices might continue to rise in the future, so early in the morning he carried a cloth bag, with two taels of silver given to him by his brother-in-law in his heart, and walked nervously toward Baofeng Grain Shop, intending to buy a few bushels of coarse grains, some New Year's goods, and save the rest of the money for a rainy day.

As he approached the grain shop, a sudden thought struck him.

Outside the grain shop, several fierce-looking Imperial Guards, dressed in blue robes and carrying straight swords at their waists, stood guard.

Upon seeing Li Liangduo approach, the Imperial Guards glared fiercely at him.

Li Liangduo's legs went weak instantly. He wanted to turn around and leave, but his legs wouldn't obey him.

Seeing that Li Liangduo dared not leave, the two Imperial Guards approached him with darkened expressions: "What are you doing!"

Li Liangduo broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly stammered, "Your Excellency... I... I went to the grain shop to buy grain."

"Buy grain?" one of the Imperial Guards sneered. "What for? How many people are in your family? How much grain do you need?"

Li Liangduo was speechless.

Of course, we'll come here to eat the food we buy!

Before he could speak, another Imperial Guard impatiently said, "Why bother talking to him so much!"

"I think this guy is either a local thug who has committed crimes, or a wanted criminal by the imperial court. Let's take him back to the yamen for questioning!"

Upon hearing this, Li Liangduo's face turned deathly pale!

Bring them back to the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters?
But before he could even protest his innocence, two Imperial Guards grabbed him and took him away!
"Injustice! Injustice! Your Honor!" Li Liangduo finally realized what was happening and hurriedly cried out in a frantic, wailing voice!
The onlookers, as well as other people who wanted to buy grain, were so frightened by this scene that they dared not utter a sound!

Li Liangduo screamed as he was dragged out of the crowd and into a small alley.

Just when Li Liangduo thought he was going to die in the Jinyiwei prison, the two Jinyiwei guards suddenly released him and glared at him coldly: "Remember this!"

"Don't buy grain from Baofeng or Lifu grain stores again, or I'll make you regret it!"

Li Liangduo stared dumbfounded as the two Imperial Guards strode away!
How is this going?

Are you not allowed to buy grain from Baofeng or Lifu grain stores?

Li Liangduo was completely bewildered when a familiar voice suddenly came from beside him: "Second Brother Li? What are you doing standing here?"

Li Liangduo turned around and saw that it was Wang Daye, who lived next door. He was a little flustered and blurted out, "No...it's nothing!"

Wang Dayan looked at Li Liangduo suspiciously, then noticed the cloth bag Li Liangduo was carrying, and quickly said, "I can't talk to you anymore, we still need to go to the grain store to buy rice."

"Rice prices have been rising higher and higher lately. You should buy some rice quickly, or the price might go up again tomorrow!"

Buying rice?

Li Liangduo immediately came to his senses and hurriedly grabbed Wang Daye's hand: "Whatever you do, don't buy rice from Baofeng or Lifu grain shops!"

Wang Daye was bewildered: "What happened? Did they add too much sand to their rice again?"

Li Liang took a deep breath, his face filled with fear, and said with lingering apprehension, "I don't know how much sand was mixed in!"

"I just went to Baofeng Grain Shop to buy rice, and I was arrested by the Imperial Guards!"

He warned me not to buy grain from those two grain shops!

Wang Daye...

Li Liangduo and he usually had a pretty good relationship, calling each other brothers, so he would never make up such a thing.

He asked repeatedly, "If we're not allowed to go to Baofeng and Lifu, then where are we going?"

Li Liang thought about it for a moment, then said somewhat uncertainly, "I guess I can go to other grain shops?"

"Hmm... Let's check outside first and see if there are any Imperial Guards on guard!"

He's not stupid!

The same scenario played out in more than a dozen Baofeng and Lifu grain shops throughout the city.

People who come to buy rice, even if they have nothing to hide, dare not go over!

The menacing Imperial Guards didn't say what they were investigating, and of course, no one dared to ask them what they were investigating. They just carried around portraits and would occasionally compare them with people near the grain shop, which was quite frightening.

Not only did people buying rice dare not approach, but passersby also avoided it!
……

The Shanghai Institute ranks first among its six affiliated institutes.

In terms of power, Qian Jin, the commander of the Upper Left Office, did indeed surpass Wen Yannian, the commander of the Upper Left Office, who was ranked fourth.

Qian Jin stormed into Shangzuo, his face dark as he stared at Wen Yannian and demanded bluntly, "Commander Wen, what do you mean by this?"

Wen Yannian stared at Qian Jin in astonishment: "What do you mean by that, Commander Qian?"

Qian Jin snorted heavily: "Why does Commander Wen pretend to be ignorant when he knows the truth!"

"To be frank, why did the Left Guard surround the shops of Lifu Grain Store and Baofeng Grain Store?"

Wen Yannian suddenly realized: "So that's why Commander Qian came here!"

He paused slightly and explained, "I received news that bandits have infiltrated the capital with the intention of purchasing rice and grain to transport back to their stronghold. Therefore, I have ordered a thorough investigation of any suspicious individuals involved in the grain purchase..."

Before he could finish speaking, Qian Jin interrupted him with a cold laugh: "Do you think I'm a fool?"

"They're only checking Baofeng and Lifu grain shops, not other grain shops?"

Qian Jin snorted heavily: "Let's not beat around the bush. You withdraw your men and give me face, and I'll pretend this never happened. Otherwise..."

Wen Yannian interrupted him, sneering, "This is because Commander Qian didn't give me, the Left Guard, any face!"

Qian Jin was stunned; he hadn't expected Wen Yannian to be so tough.

He could only suppress his anger: "When have I ever failed to give face to the Left Guard?"

Wen Yannian took a sip of tea slowly and then said leisurely, "Everyone knows that Commander Su comes from the Upper Left Office."

"Commander Su has condescended to present invitations to two commoners. How dare these lowly commoners be so arrogant and bully their superiors? Isn't this disrespecting the Left Office?"

He looked at Qian Jin with a half-smile: "Doesn't Commander Qian think that such an arrogant fool should be taught a profound lesson?"

A fierce glint flashed in Qian Jin's eyes as he coldly said, "Is Commander Wen determined to stand up for Su Mo?"

"Don't think I can't do anything to you!"

"You should know who is capable of trading grain in the capital! I can't do anything to you, but there are plenty of others who can!"

Wen Yannian's expression changed slightly.

Qian Jin then coldly added, "This official is using courtesy first, then force!"

"If you remain obstinate, the next time you come, it may not be me!"

Wen Yannian downed his tea in one gulp, slammed the teacup heavily on the table, and said expressionlessly, "Someone, see the guest out!"

Qian Jin was stunned.

In the end, he could only glare fiercely at Wen Yannian before leaving dejectedly!

In name, the Shanghai Institute of Technology (SIT) ranks first among the six affiliated institutes, ahead of the Institute of Left.

However, the six institutes were independent of each other, and Wen Yannian did not give him any face, insisting on going against him, the commander of the upper institute. Qian Jin really couldn't do much about Wen Yannian.

Wen Yannian glanced at Qian Jin's retreating figure with a cold laugh. In his eyes, Qian Jin was already a dead man!

As a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the emperor's henchman, he instead served as a pawn for powerful families and court nobles.

This is a path to death!

If no one takes it seriously, fine. But if someone does take it seriously, and has the ability and courage to report this matter to the Ziwei Palace, how can Qian Jin possibly survive!
Su Mo is exactly that kind of person.

Behind Lifu and Baofeng Grain Stores are four powerful families, two fourth-rank officials, and connections like Qian Jin. To ordinary people, they are indeed incredibly powerful.

This even included a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard like Wen Yannian.

But is Gufeng Shanzi an ordinary person?

That's a ruthless character who can stand up to the most powerful and influential figures like Zhang Guojiu, a relative of the emperor!
When an official reaches a certain level, the worst thing is to be opportunistic and two-faced.

Once you choose a side, you can only stand there until the end. Even if you don't think about yourself, you have to think about future generations!
Changing your mind now will not only fail to please Qian Jin, but will also offend Su Mo to the point of no return. Wen Yannian, who has risen to the position of Commander of the Left Guard, surely understands such a simple principle!

……

The distance from Shenjing to Wanghai County was 500 li, which is 250 kilometers in later times. It doesn't sound that far.

The two places are connected by an official road, which is frequented by merchants and can be traveled by horse-drawn carriage, but the road conditions are not worth mentioning.

Time was of the essence, so Su Mo did not choose to travel to Wanghai County by carriage, but instead set off on horseback.

In the world of cultivation, the quality of horses far surpasses that of the ancient times Su Mo remembered.

A top-quality warhorse can truly travel a thousand miles in a day and eight hundred miles at night!
After summoning the people from Changping County, Su Mo sent them to Gufeng Mountain and had Liu Siyun settle them in. Then, he, Chen Qian, and Chen Zhong rode fast horses straight to Wanghai County.

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng also arrived at the Su residence early and set off with Su Mo.

Seagoing vessels are crucial to the immense wealth generated by the soap trade.

A monthly income of ten thousand taels of silver is even comparable to half a year's income of the Ning Duke's Mansion in previous years!
This is no longer just a matter between Zhang and Cao, but a matter between the Duke of Ningguo's mansion and the Marquis of Hanping's mansion!

Zhang Lie, the Duke of Ning, personally wrote a letter back to his residence, in which he severely reprimanded Zhang Xuzu regarding the matter of glycerin, and also specifically inquired about the soap trade, showing how much he valued this business!

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng naturally wanted to see the ship Su Mo mentioned, as well as the giant Kun that could produce huge amounts of oil in the sea!
Su Mo, Chen Qian, Zhang, and Cao were all quite skilled riders, while Chen Zhong was much less so.

To accommodate Chen Zhong, the four of them had to slow down.

The five men rode forward on horseback. Zhang Xuzu finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Lord Su, are you leaving the capital now and ignoring the grain trade?"

Cao Feng chimed in, "Even if the grain merchants back down, they won't be able to find Lord Su. We shouldn't let this ruin everything."

Su Mo smiled and said, "Then Baofeng and Lifu are backed by the four great families of Zhao, Du, Wang and Qian, and they also have two fourth-rank officials in the court as their support."

"Although these four families are not as powerful as the five surnames and seven clans, they are still deeply rooted and should not be underestimated. They will not easily back down."

"Of course, if they are sensible and back down early, I have arrangements. Lord Nangong will handle this matter on my behalf!"

He paused, then smiled and said, "Brother Zhang's elder brother has agreed to lend me five thousand shi of rice, and Magistrate Xue of Tianchang County has also promised to send one thousand shi to Gufeng Mountain. This should be enough to support us for a while."

"I have plenty of time to play with them!"

Although the Duke of Ning's mansion did not have much cash.

However, the mansion of a three-dynasty duke had tens of thousands of acres of fertile land and thousands of tenants, and the autumn harvest had just been completed, so he could still produce five thousand shi of rice.

Although Zhang Zong, the former military commander, had never actually met Su Mo, he knew that his family and the Su family were inextricably linked.

Last night, someone came to lend him 5,000 shi of rice, which gave Su Mo more confidence.

This is not just about borrowing rice; it also demonstrates the attitude of the Duke of Ningguo's mansion in this matter!

Su Mo and Zhang Xuzu have always had a good relationship, but the third son and the eldest son are completely different concepts!
Zhang Xuzu represents an individual.

Zhang Zong represents the entire Ninggong State government!

Upon hearing Su Mo's words, Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng both fell silent.

If Su Mo hadn't mentioned it beforehand, Zhang Xuzu wouldn't even have known that his brother had sent someone to the Su residence last night!
No matter how much money he earns for the family, the third son is still the third son, and he can never replace the eldest son's position!
The two realized even more the importance of having power!
They all secretly resolved to help Su Mo manage the Qinghefang Hundred Household Office well, and in the future, when they went north with the army, they would make meritorious contributions and earn their own titles!

Don't use terms like marquis or earl.

Even being a viscount like Su Mo is ten times better than being the third legitimate son of a duke's or marquis's family who has no official rank!
Previously, the imperial court did not bestow titles of nobility upon Zhang and Cao, so they dared not even think about it.

Now that the imperial court has set a precedent with Su Mo, it's not something that can't be considered.

If Su Mo can become a baron and a viscount, why can't I?
Su Mo was unaware that his successive bestowal of the titles of County Baron and County Viscount had greatly inspired countless noble sons in the capital!

Five people rode forward on horseback.

The situation was alright near the capital, but after only two or three hundred miles outside the capital, it was discovered that the situation outside had undergone a complete transformation compared to that inside the capital.

There were noticeably more disaster victims on the road, and they were instinctively gathering together to escape.

There are fewer individual caravans now.

They traveled in large groups of three to five caravans, with dozens of vehicles and two to three hundred people.

This shows how unstable the world is!
Even more often, frozen corpses can be seen by the roadside, their clothes and other belongings completely looted, and the corpses even show signs of being eaten by wild dogs!

Su Mo also noticed that suspicious-looking people appeared behind him from time to time.

However, since all five of them were riding fine horses and carrying weapons, they looked like they were not to be trifled with, so they were not actually robbed by bandits.

Su Mo was in a bad mood and inexplicably felt down.

This is a true depiction of the saying, "Behind the red gates, meat and wine go to waste, while on the roads, frozen corpses lie."

I thought that the people of Changping were already living a pretty bad life back then.

Later, when they arrived in the capital, Tianchang County, the people there were doing relatively well, and they didn't see so many disaster victims on the way to the capital.

Only now do I realize the true situation of ordinary people in the Great Wu Dynasty.

A single natural disaster, resulting in a poor autumn harvest, forced hundreds of thousands of people to become disaster victims and become displaced!

The original plan was to reach Wanghai County in one day, but due to taking care of Chen Zhong, they only traveled about 300 li by the time it got dark.

At this time, there were very few pedestrians and merchants on the road, and the distant mountains and fields could be faintly heard with the howls of wolves and the sounds of various wild animals.

Su Mo turned his head and looked around. There was no village in front and no shop behind, but there were faint lights in the distance.

Outside a mountain god temple, a number of people seemed to have gathered.

"Let's go! Let's rest for the night at that mountain god's temple, and continue our journey tomorrow!"

Chen Qian nodded: "Alright!"

"However, the wilderness is dangerous and unpredictable, so everyone must be careful."

Zhang Xuzu and Cao Feng knew very well that their knowledge and experience outside were far less than that of Chen Qian, a seasoned official, so they did not dare to be careless and both nodded in agreement.

The group slowed down and arrived at the mountain god temple, then simultaneously squinted their eyes.

There were over a hundred people gathered in front of the mountain god temple.

Despite their ordinary attire, even their tattered clothes, they were all young and strong men with fierce expressions and bulging waists, clearly concealing weapons!

Upon seeing Su Mo and his group of five arrive, the people gathered at the Mountain God Temple instantly became wary and gave Su Mo and the others a gloomy look!
The baskets covered with oil paper were neatly arranged together!
There were also a few other horses nearby that looked quite good!
Su Mo and Chen Qian exchanged a glance subconsciously!
Salt smugglers!

The two of them couldn't possibly be mistaken!
They were all protectors of smuggled salt dealers, and some even participated in the smuggling of salt themselves!

The private salt smuggling team numbered over a hundred; it was quite a large operation.

The salt-making team that Chenjiazhai, under Su Mo's protection, and Niujiazhai, together with the people of Niujiazhai, couldn't even match the size of Su Mo's team!
Moreover, judging from the way these people acted, they instinctively looked at each other when they saw someone approaching, clearly indicating that they were not just a few salt teams temporarily put together.

Such a large-scale illegal salt trade is no ordinary salt smuggling operation!
These are salt smugglers!

Seeing the group of salt smugglers staring at him with grim expressions, Chen Qian lowered his voice and said, "Everyone be careful, these are all salt dealers!"

Zhang Xuzu was slightly taken aback: "A salt merchant?"

Chen Zhong was the most cautious among the crowd, which is why he was able to survive in the palace for thirty years.

He hesitated for a moment: "How about we find another place to rest?"

Little did he know that his nephew was incredibly strong despite his young age.

I never knew that a spoiled brat like Zhang Xuzu was actually a top-notch expert!
(End of this chapter)