It was noon at this time, and despite the cold wind, Luoyang city was still bustling with people. Several people walked from Zhuque Street to Xiaoyuanmen in the south of Luoyang.
Luoyang in the Han Dynasty was the most prosperous city in the world at that time, and it was extremely unique. According to historical records, Luoyang City at that time was "seven miles east to west and nine miles north and south." The city was divided into several districts based on different properties.
Among them, the prosperous industrial and commercial places include Nanshi, Mashi, Sushi and Jinshi. If you read Ban Gu's "Ode to Two Capitals" and Zhang Heng's "Ode to Two Capitals", you can appreciate the prosperity of the two capitals.
This Zhuque Street is paved with bluestones. The flat and wide street is lined with shops. They sell everything from daily necessities for food, clothing, housing and transportation to rare treasures, calligraphy and paintings.
Because there were so many pedestrians walking shoulder to shoulder, a few people did not ride horses but led their horses on foot.
While Cao Ang was joking with Yuan Xi, a young man carrying a load of things came towards him. In vain, the man staggered and fell towards Cao Ang.
Cao Ang was quite agile, and just when he was about to collide with the man, he stepped sideways to let him go. The young man immediately fell to the ground, and several odds and ends in the basket also rolled to the ground.
"It's not my fault. Please don't blame me, sir. Don't blame me, sir." The young man stood up, picked up the debris on the ground, and apologized to Cao Ang.
Cao Ang thought he was fine and didn't take it seriously, so he took the horse and left. Just when the young man picked up the burden again and was about to leave, darkness fell in front of him, and a tall body blocked his way.
The young man couldn't help but gasped when he looked at the man. The person standing in front of him was an unusually burly man. The strong man has broomstick eyebrows, copper bell eyes and nose, a dark complexion, and a beard like a steel needle. He is really ugly and fierce. Moreover, there is a large sword with a ring on his waist. When you stand there, you really look like a King Kong with angry eyes.
It was Xu Chu who blocked the young man. He shouted angrily: "Shuzi, how dare you do such a shameful thing in front of your Grandpa Xu, and you still haven't handed over the jade that you stole from Mr. Cao!"
Cao Ang was stunned for a moment and then immediately touched his waist. Sure enough, a piece of fine ancient jade he was wearing was missing.
During the Han Dynasty, people worshiped jade. Wearing jade represented people's social status. Scholars often used jade to metaphor a person's virtue. Confucianism emphasizes that "a gentleman must wear jade" and "jade will not be removed from the body without reason".
In the Wei and Jin Dynasties, some people among the nobles even believed that jade had the effect of immortality. Whenever they found a good ancient jade, they would crush it and swallow it.
The jade ring that Cao Ang wore on his belt was an ancient jade of excellent quality. This thief knew the goods well and was very skilled, but he just didn't happen to meet Xu Chu, a fierce god with first-class eyes.
At this time, a circle of passers-by gradually gathered around.
When Yuan Xi heard the words, he couldn't help but look at the young thief. He saw that he was wearing a rough linen clothes. He was in his twenties and had an average appearance. His body was a little thin, but his eyes were dark and lively.
The young thief still wanted to argue, but Xu Chu didn't say anything to him. He stepped forward and grabbed his shirt with his left hand, then made a fist with his right hand and swung it towards his stomach.
"Ah!" With just a small amount of force, the young thief fell down holding his body in pain. Xu Chu then rummaged through his load of groceries and took out a ring-shaped ancient jade.
Cao Ang took the ancient jade monster and shouted: "Okay, a little thief dares to offend you, Uncle Cao!" After that, he grabbed the young thief and said, "I know how many thief you, Uncle Cao, have caught and entered the court." The government office?"
The thief covered his stomach with one hand, raised his hand and begged, "Sir, have mercy on me, please have mercy on me, please let me explain. There are many reasons for this."
Cao Ang also wanted to see what tricks he could play, so he pushed him away and let go.
The thief then said in a panic: "The villain was ordered by someone to steal the adults' things, and that person is... over there!" He pointed to the crowd behind him.
When everyone was watching, the thief squatted down, kicked his legs, and slipped under the belly of Cao Ang's green-leaf horse. Before Yuan Xi and others could react, he slapped the horse on the butt with a sharp object in his left hand.
Qingye Ma was in pain and kicked up Lao Gao with his front hooves. Everyone took a step back for fear of being hurt. Then the Aoba horse was frightened and ran wildly forward. The onlookers didn't dare to stop him, so they all got out of the way. One vendor was a little late and was knocked seven or eight feet away by the green leaf horse.
Cao Ang didn't care about anything else and hurriedly ran to catch up.
Just when the thief wanted to take advantage of the chaos and slip away from the crowd, someone grabbed him by the collar behind his back and he fell backward instantly. After a heart-wrenching punch, his vision turned black and he fainted.
Xu Chu put down the thief again and asked Cao Ang's followers to tie him up. Yuan Xi was worried about the frightened horses and led Xu Chu to catch up.
Besides, after the green leaf horse rushed out of the crowd, snoring "chichichi", it ran wildly on Suzaku Street like a madman. Many stalls were knocked over and several people were knocked down. But because there are many blocking objects on the street, it can't run very fast.
After accelerating several times, Cao Ang finally caught up with the Qingye horse. He rushed forward and grabbed the reins from the horse's back. The green-leaf horse couldn't keep its hooves on the ground, pulling Cao Ang around in circles. After a few back and forth, Cao Ang's hand became sore and he was hit by the green-leaf horse, and he was immediately thrown away.
The green-leaf horse became even more frantic without anyone to restrain it. This time it ran in the direction back, and it ran in front of a treasure shop. The trouble lies in the fact that there are several bewildered female relatives standing outside the store, including a girl in palace clothes who is being supported by a girl.
The green-leaf horse's snoring was frightening, and it kicked off the ground with its front hooves. The two servants standing next to it were so frightened that they didn't dare to move. The horse's hoof hit the two girls.
At this time, Yuan Xi finally caught up. Seeing that the horse was about to hurt someone, he didn't care. He stepped forward in one stride, turned sideways and pushed the servant away with one hand, and with the other hand he took the girl in palace clothes to avoid the horse's hooves.
Qingye Ma kicked off his hind legs, preparing to hit him again, but Xu Chu was following Yuan Xi, how could he allow this beast to hurt anyone. His big hand like a cattail leaf fan grabbed the reins and the horse's hair and pushed them down with an angry roar. The green-leaf horse neighed in pain and its hooves thrashed about, but it couldn't move any more. After a while, it finally became quiet. After getting down, Xu Chu let go of his hand.
Seeing this scene, passers-by couldn't help but cheer, what a miracle!
Yuan Xi saw that Qingye Ma had recovered, and then he looked at the person he had rescued. The person was a young girl wearing a luxurious silk palace dress, and she looked a little flustered and pale due to being frightened.
"Princess!?" Yuan Xi said in surprise, where is this? Princess Wannian actually left the palace privately.
"Yuan Xianyi, why are you here?" Princess Liu Yan said in surprise.
But the girl next to Liu Yan made Yuan Xi's eyes light up. She was only fifteen or sixteen years old, but her face was white with pink, and her facial features were delicate and picturesque. What concerned Yuan Xi the most was that he felt a vague charm from the girl. Yuan Xi's heart beat a beat faster, as if he was touched by something, and he felt an inexplicable feeling.
But he immediately took a breath and came back to his senses. He bowed his hands and said to the girl in palace clothes: "The young lady is frightened."
"Hmph, hum!" Liu Yan, with bright eyes and white teeth, was dissatisfied that Yuan Xi didn't ask her first.
The girl in palace clothes nodded slightly with Liu Yan's support, "I would also like to thank you for saving me. I wonder which master you belong to?"
Yuan Xi replied: "It's just a matter of hands. Yuan Xiaowei of the Chinese Army is my father, and his name is Xicao and his courtesy name is Xianxi."
Cao Ang also came forward, and Yuan Xi introduced: "This is Cao Ang, the eldest son of the Dian Army Cao Xiaowei." He briefly explained the whole story of what had just happened.
The girl in palace clothes said sharply: "I can't blame you." She smiled slightly and said to Yuan Xi: "I know you. Sister Yan'er often mentions Mr. Yuan to me."
Now it was Yuan Xi and Liu Yan's turn to be embarrassed. Liu Yan ran to Yuan Xi and lowered her voice, "Yuan Xianyi, she is my eldest brother's fiancée Tang Ji." Little Liu Yan was just as afraid as the little hen that she would treat Tang Ji. Ji has an idea, although she does have an idea.
Yuan Xi was surprised, not that the girl recognized him. With his reputation as a talented young man and the prince's companion, being recognized was nothing.
He was surprised to see the girl's beautiful and charming appearance, and then contacted the Hongnong Princess Tang Ji. Yi Wu said goodbye to the deposed emperor Liu, how could he not be surprised by the girl in front of him. Although the girl was not yet stunningly beautiful, she did have the capital to be stunning, no less beautiful than Gao Yue.
Tang Ji is the concubine of Hongnong, the deposed emperor of Han Dynasty. Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty died, and Zi Bian was established. Dong Zhuo deposed him and placed him in the pavilion, and ordered the doctor to order Li Ru to commit suicide. The king said: "You want to kill my ears." He refused to drink. Qiang Zhi had a banquet with Ji and the palace people to say goodbye. In the wine shop, Wang lamented:
"The way of heaven is easy for me. How difficult it is for me. I abandon my ten thousand vehicles and retreat to the feudal lord. The rebel ministers see the pressure and my life will not be extended. I will pass away and you will be in the dark."
Because I asked Ji to dance, Ji resisted her sleeves and sang:
"After the emperor's heaven collapsed, the earth fell into decay. As an emperor, his fate was destroyed at an early age. Life and death have taken different paths, so he has been good from now on, but he is alone and feels sad in his heart."
After singing, I cried and sobbed, and everyone sitting there was stunned. The king said to Ji: "Your Majesty, you are your concubine. She is no longer the wife of officials and people. Fortunately, you love yourself! From now on, I will say goodbye." Then she drank poison and died at the age of fourteen. Ji returned to Yingchuan. Her father, Mao, the prefect of Kuaiji, wanted to marry her, but Ji vowed not to allow it. When Li Jue conquered Chang'an, transferred money to Guandong, and got a concubine, he wanted a wife, but he refused to listen, and in the end he didn't realize it. Jia Xu, the Minister of Public Affairs, knew about it and presented it to the emperor in the Bai Han Dynasty. The emperor felt sad and welcomed his concubine into the garden. The servants held the ceremony and worshiped her as Princess Hongnong.
Under Yuan Xi's stern questioning, he learned that it was Liu Yan who secretly dragged Tang Ji out to play. Yuan Xi looked around and said, "It's not peaceful now. Let's escort Miss Liu and Miss Tang back home."
Tang Ji did not refuse and nodded slightly: "That's very good, then I'll trouble you, Young Master."
Only Liu Yan expressed dissatisfaction on the side, "Bastard, Yuan Xianyi." Two servants asked Liu Yan and Tang Ji to get on the carriage. Yuan Xi, Cao Ang and others led the horse to find Cao Ang's entourage, who had already tied up the thief.
Cao Ang was so angry that he stepped forward and gave the thief a few whips, making him whimper. Yuan Xi thought about it and advised: "Zixiu, we will send him to Tingwei Yamen later. We can lynch him on the street without fear of being known by Uncle Cao.?"
Cao Ang glared at Mao Thief bitterly and ordered his entourage to lead him behind the carriage. Soon Yuan Xi and Cao Ang sent Liu Yan and Tang Ji near the palace gate, then said goodbye and left.
Yuan Xi, Cao Ang and the other two led the thief to the east side of Nangong. To the east of the South Palace of Luoyang City in the Eastern Han Dynasty was the gathering place for government offices. Situ Mansion, Sikong Mansion, and Taiwei Mansion were all located in the southeast corner of the Nangong.
Yuan Xi said to Cao Ang: "Let me escort the prisoner to Tingwei Yamen. You can quickly take care of your horses and tell Uncle Cao Shi about the situation."
Cao Ang was worried about Qingye Ma and his father's criticism, but unexpectedly he thanked him and left with him.
When he was about to arrive at the Dali Yamen, the thief begged: "Sir, listen to me, I do this despicable thing for real reasons." Yuan Xi sneered and said, "Is it okay to ignore the laws of the country and commit some indiscipline when there are difficulties? What’s going on?”
Dragging his body covered with whip marks, the thief knelt down in front of the street and said, "Master, please forgive me for once. I am willing to tie a ring of grass in my hand to repay you."
Yuan Xi couldn't help but become interested after hearing this, since a thief also knew how to tie grass into a ring. You must know that education in this era was concentrated in the hands of the gentry and bureaucrats, and ordinary people rarely had the opportunity to study.
Yuan Xi asked Xu Chu to take Mao Thief and follow him to a secluded corner.
The thief cupped his hands and said: "I wish you all the best to the people in Yuzhou, Oban. A few years ago, when there was chaos in the Yellow River, I just followed the villagers to flee to Sili. I have been wandering in the past few years, and I didn't come here until the year before last when it was really difficult to make a living." I went to Luoyang to make a living, but I was really incompetent and had no skills, so I had no choice but to get acquainted with some idle people in the city and started doing this business. It didn't matter that I was hungry and cold, but I still had an old mother and Brother, you are a noble person who understands the truth and you should know what 'poor family means old people'. The younger one will definitely not be able to get the official salary, but he can't bear to see his mother suffer. I beg the young master to let the villain live."
Yuan Xi heard what he said was nondescript, but he was also very organized and clever. If he was really a filial person, he might as well keep it for his own use. Then asked: "Have you read the book?"
"No, I just learned calligraphy from a fortune teller for a few days in my hometown." Yuan Xi sighed inwardly. Because of the war and the exploitation of officials, many people were displaced. Life is worse than pigs and dogs, he knows this.
Yuan Xi asked again: "Are you willing to do something for me?" Zhu Ao let out a sigh. Unexpectedly, Yuan Xi made such a request. He immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "It is a small man's blessing to be able to work as an ox and a horse for the young master." , you still don’t know your honorable name?”
Yuan Xi said: "My surname is Yuan. You can just call me Second Young Master. You will make an oath to be loyal to me. The contract for you to be my slave will be discussed another day."
In this era of the Eastern Han Dynasty, people still attached great importance to loyalty. Don't you see that Liu Bei walked the world with loyalty and survived despite all defeats? This is the power of loyalty.
"Second Young Master Yuan? Could it be that he is a talented person from the Yuan family!" Zhu Ao said in surprise. You must know that even though he became a slave, he had a life to rely on with a powerful master.
At this time, the signboards of the fourth and third sons of the Yuan family are still very valuable. Of course he has heard of the names of the Yuan family and Yuan Xi, and people like him are the most knowledgeable about gossip. Yuan Xi also valued this point.
Zhu Ao did not hesitate to swear an oath of allegiance. Yuan Xi asked him to wait at the back door of Yuan Mansion tomorrow, and then he and Xu Chu would ride back to Yuan Mansion.
At this time, it gets dark early in January, and the sun has already set in the west. The setting sun reflects the blood-red light in Luoyang city, and the number of pedestrians on the street is gradually becoming less and less.
"There are many servants in the house. Why would the young master accept someone with dirty hands and feet?" Xu Chu asked.
"Zhongkang, everyone has something they are good at. Some things need to be done by people like him. It's better to employ people based on their strengths. The weather is going to change and we have to make some preparations. You can go to the 'Gambling House' later. Ask Hua Xu to check on this person."
Xu Chu rubbed his head and said, "I don't quite understand, but the young master is one of the most talented and knowledgeable people among men. What he does will definitely be right. I, Old Xu, can just eat meat, drink and fight with the young master."
Yuan Xi smiled and said: "You were really good at those two shots today. Go back and ask Mr. Wen, the accountant, to get a pot of old wine for you."
"I've thanked you, Master!" Xu Chu said cheerfully. Returning to Yuan Mansion, Yuan Xi asked Xu Chu to get wine, and he came to the front hall himself.
He was just in time for dinner, also known as "snake". In fact, during the Qin and Han Dynasties, people only ate two meals a day.
Due to underdeveloped agriculture and limited food, even two meals depended on the person. The first meal is called "Chaoshi" or "祔", and the second meal is called "駧" or "Shi". Of course, families like the Yuan family only have three meals a day.
Yuan Wei and Yuan Shao were both present that night. The eldest son Yuan Tan was taking care of family affairs in his hometown in Runan, and the third brother was arranged to go to Hebei. Yuan Wei is currently the Taifu. He is over sixty years old, but he has a kind face and a kind-hearted look, and he has the air of an elder. Yuan Shao is also very handsome and majestic.
Yuan Xi bowed deeply to the two of them, and then knelt down at the end of the banquet after being greeted by Yuan Wei.
Yuan Wei smiled and said: "Where has our Qilin gone?"
"Uncle, you are making fun of the child. You are the treasure of the Yuan family." Yuan Xi said.
Yuan Wei twisted his beard and smiled, and ordered his servant to bring the food. Yuan Xi looked at the wheat rice in the cauldron and couldn't help but lament. You must know that in previous lives, rice was eaten, but in the Han Dynasty, although rice was available in the Central Plains, it was not popularized.
Rice is generally steamed with millet, wheat, and beans, while meat is cooked in an "urn" and cut on a cutting board called "Zu", so there is an allusion that people use knives to make fish and meat.
Fortunately, the Yuan family is a wealthy family, and there are still some other exquisite dishes. Because it is a meal sharing system at this time. The servants served dishes to everyone one after another.
Among the gentry, especially the Yuan family, which has "four generations and three nobles", etiquette is the most important thing. Yuan Xi also had to pay attention to this and that when dining with his elders. The meal was very depressing.
Fortunately, Yuan Wei, Yuan Shao and other elders valued him, the "Qilin son" of the Yuan family, and did not make any demands on him in some small matters.
After dinner, Yuan Xicai reported what happened in the palace recently to Yuan Wei and Yuan Shao.
Yuan Wei led Yuan Shao and Yuan Xi to the study, and ordered his trusted aides to guard the door. Yuan Xi knew that his uncle was going to discuss secrets with his father. He was not qualified to participate, but because of his status as the prince's companion.
He can also be regarded as the eyes and ears of the Yuan family in the palace. He has reported to the family more than once or twice about the situation in the palace, and his talent has been highlighted. The elders also value him more and more. So I made an exception and allowed myself to discuss matters.
Yuan Wei asked him straight to the point: "Xi'er, have there been any changes in the palace recently?"
Yuan Xi collected his thoughts and said: "The child has been in the palace for three days recently. His Majesty has not visited the princes for their homework for a long time. It is said that His Majesty is slightly ill, but..."
"Huh? What's going on!" Yuan Shao asked. Yuan Xi glanced at Yuan Wei and said hesitantly: "I heard privately that Your Majesty's condition is good and bad, but when he gets sick, it becomes more serious. And there are many rumors that Your Majesty wants to establish Prince Xie as the heir apparent. .
"Yuan Wei and Yuan Shao looked at each other and both felt the seriousness of the matter. Yuan Wei said to Yuan Shao: "You asked the general to step up preparations. Once something unexpected happens, that is the best time for us to take action against the eunuchs. "Yuan Shao nodded in agreement.
After seeing Yuan Wei off, Yuan Xi said goodbye to Yuan Shao and came to his mother Liu's house. Although Mrs. Liu was described as a cruel and poisonous woman in the history books, in Yuan Xi's view, this mother who came from a wealthy family was not only jealous, but also quite elegant. After all, she was a young lady from a wealthy family.
Liu's maiden name is Yu, and she is Yuan Shao's second wife. She is only thirty this year, and she has a luxurious and graceful beauty. Yuan Shao was still a little afraid of or doted on this lady.
Liu Yu valued Yuan Xi, his second son, very highly. Although he was not as good as Yuan Shangke, he was not too unfavorable to one. Some of the things Yuan Xi has done over the years were only possible because of Liu Yuming's secret and covert support.
Mrs. Liu asked her maid to add charcoal to the fire, then took Yuan Xi's hand and sat down to greet him. When Yuan Xi talked about some things in Runan's hometown, Liu Yu frowned and said, "Your eldest brother has been ill-intentioned towards you since you were a child. You have to be more careful."
Yuan Xi thought that he still had a great advantage in the future struggle for power, and there was no chance at all.
But if it is like history, the three brothers were consumed by internal fighting and were taken advantage of by Cao Cao. Then you must establish your own civil and military team in advance, so that you can survive in this troubled world.
But now that I am still young after all, it is not easy to recruit talents without any power, troops or influence. I can only rely on some knowledge of history and make some efforts within my ability, which can be regarded as laying the foundation for the future.
Liu Yu stroked his head and said, "Do you still have enough expenses? I'll give you the hardware later." This was the time when start-up funds were needed, and Yuan Xi of course agreed.
After eating the "morning meal" the next day, Xu Chu was already waiting outside Yuan Xi's house. Yuan Xi, Xu Chu and the other two brought the horses and just walked out the door when they saw Zhu Ao squatting in the opposite corner.
When he saw Yuan Xi coming out, he quickly stepped forward and saluted. Yuan Xi nodded slightly and asked him to follow. Then the three of them came to a "gambling house" next to Luoyang Gold Market.
In fact, this gambling house, including several other small shops in Luoyang City, are all properties under Yuan Xi's name.
In the past two years, he raised funds through various methods and then opened several shops. The person who helped take care of it was named Hua Xu. He was a short-skinned man in his thirties. He was originally a businessman, but he went bankrupt because of a conflict with Zhang Rang's nephew.
By chance, Yuan Xi gave him some assistance. Hua Xu was grateful and recognized Yuan Xi as his master and helped manage the property in his name.
Yuan Xi did not expect any profit from these shops, but they were just used as an intelligence point for him to attack places in Luoyang, and he could collect some intelligence after expanding the scope in the future.
The waiter led Yuan Xi to a room upstairs, and Xu Chu was watching Zhu Ao in the courtyard. Hua Xu had been waiting here for a long time. After saluting, he told Yuan Xi what he had learned about Zhu Ao.
Zhu Ao was actually a refugee from Yuzhou. He had an old mother who usually helped people wash clothes and did chores, and a teenage brother. The family was living a very difficult life. Zhu Ao also did some handyman work but eventually turned into a thief because it was difficult to support his family.
After hearing this, Yuan Xi said: "I think he is quite smart and has read some books, so let him go to Chang'an to manage a shop and recruit some lackeys."
"If the young master wants to find out some information, a gangster like him is suitable. I will make some arrangements when he gets there." Hua Xu nodded. Yuan Xi asked Hua Xu to go out to do some work, and then invited Zhu Ao and Xu Chu.
He said to Zhu Ao: "I know something about you and your mother and brothers, but you are in trouble. This time I will give you a chance to go to Chang'an to help me manage a shop."
Although Zhu Ao was happy, he was a little hesitant, "But I've never managed a shop before, so I don't know if I can do it."
"You can learn if you don't know how. Someone will guide you, but there is still an important thing for you to do. After you go to Chang'an, you will take care of the shops openly, but secretly you will help and recruit some people like traffickers and thieves." "Ah! Why is this?" Zhu Ao said in surprise.
Yuan Xi frowned, his eyes a little cold. Xu Chu shouted knowingly in a rough voice: "Master, why do you have so many problems in doing things? Just do it and I will do it for you Master Xu or I will twist your head off." Zhu Ao trembled with fright, "I obey, I will do it." As commanded.”
Yuan Xi continued: "After you recruit those people, ask them to help find out some information. I will send someone to tell you the specific things. In the future, you will only contact that person and be responsible only to me. Do you understand?"
Zhu Ao nodded hurriedly, "I will definitely handle the matters assigned by the young master."
"Your mother and brother will stay in Luoyang for now and do some work in this shop. I won't treat them badly." Zhu Ao said gratefully after hearing this: "It's the young master who gave my family a chance to regenerate. Zhu Ao only has this chance." I will repay you with my life, Master."
Yuan Xi nodded, this is the method of imperial control, which talks about giving both kindness and power. The fourth son of the Warring States Period also recruited a large number of followers to prepare for emergencies. Didn't his father Yuan Shao also raise a number of talented followers? As the saying goes, like father, like son, the ancients do not deceive me.
