Liu Qi stayed in Zhao Mansion for two full days. On this day, he suddenly became furious and summoned Zhao Fan to meet him.
Zhao Fan originally thought that Fan Feng had appeased Liu Qi, and he had just calmed down. When he heard that Liu Qi was angry, he came to see him tremblingly.
In the study, Liu Qi looked gloomy, pointed at Zhao Fan and cursed: "Fan Feng is actually your sister-in-law, why didn't you explain it earlier? If you offer your sister-in-law to please others, wouldn't it be unfilial?"
When Zhao Fan heard that it was not about Cao Cao, he wiped a cold sweat and hurriedly explained: "General, calm down, this is my brother and sister-in-law's voluntary companionship, and it has nothing to do with the lower officials! Moreover, my brother and sister-in-law have been widowed for three years, so they have the right to remarry. She is determined to take charge of the Dancing Girl Team and continue to take charge of her brother's estate, and it is not easy for her to be stopped by her lower officials."
Liu Qi said displeased: "But you deliberately concealed your sister-in-law's identity and pretended to be a dancer to serve me. If word spread, wouldn't it mean that I, Liu, use my power to suppress others, which is no different from that Cao thief who bullied Zhang Xiu in Wancheng?"
Seeing that Liu Qi cherished his reputation, Zhao Fan hurriedly apologized and said with a smile: "Don't worry about it, general. I won't tell the officials about this matter, and outsiders don't know about it. What's more, my brother and sister-in-law have admired the general's name for a long time and are willing to serve him. That is also her blessing. How can it be so?" Compared to the traitor Cao who raped Aunt Zhang Xiu?"
Liu Qi's expression softened slightly, and he waved his hand for Zhao Fan to sit down, and said slowly: "Since we are talking about the Cao thief, you and I should also settle the previous matter!"
In the past two days in bed, Fan Feng took the opportunity to tell Cao Cao about contacting Zhao Fan, which caused a lot of gossip.
This matter was also a deal for his uncle and sister-in-law. Fan Feng helped Zhao Fan to exonerate him, and Zhao Fan handed over half of his brother's property to Fan Feng, who would take care of it on her own.
Zhao Fan immediately became nervous when he heard this and said hurriedly: "I know that I have made a big mistake and I am willing to be punished. However, I deeply feel that Liu Mu was kind enough to take him in and did not obey Cao Cao's orders. Chen Ying and Bao Long made their own decisions." , General, please take a closer look."
Liu Qi nodded slightly and said: "You have found your way back and reined in your horse. You are not too stupid. Cao Cao is far away in the Central Plains. If you raise an army, will he really be able to save you? He is just a chess piece in the hands of Cao Cao's thieves and can be used by others!"
Zhao Fan said hurriedly: "What the general said is absolutely true. Fortunately, my sister-in-law reminded me that I didn't make a big mistake."
A smile flashed in Liu Qi's eyes, and he said with emotion: "My sister-in-law understands the general situation. As the head of a county, you are not as good as a woman. How stupid are you?"
"General, you taught me a lesson!" Zhao Fan observed Liu Qi's words and praised him quickly: "Although my brother and sister-in-law are women, they are far more knowledgeable than the lower officials, and they also know how to do business. They are actually my elder brother's right-hand man. It’s not an exaggeration to say that she is a heroine.”
It turns out that Fan Feng was bought from the Kushan caravan by brother Zhao Fan when she was eight years old, and a dancing girl team was formed to buy orphan girls and train them to entertain dignitaries in order to open up trade routes.
Fan Feng himself did not know where he was born, and his background could not be traced. He followed brother Zhao Fan wholeheartedly. He entertained guests and assisted in business for many years, and he was quite capable.
When she grew up, she was very beautiful. When Zhao Fan's brother lost his wife, he took her as a concubine and took over the property in Jingzhou. Now all the arrangements in Zhao's mansion are taken care of by Fan Feng, and Zhao Fan just sits back and enjoys the benefits.
Liu Qi tapped his fingers on the table and asked calmly: "Your sister-in-law intends to use the caravan to explore her life experience. What do you think of the Ming Dynasty?"
Zhao Fan said with emotion: "Although my brother and sister-in-law did not leave any blood for my late brother, they are still members of the Zhao family. What's more, this large industry also has half of the credit. The lower officials are not good at business. If no one takes over, they will disappear sooner or later. Let's give up. If she can really find her life experience and the beauty of adulthood, I can repay the kindness of my brother and sister-in-law for raising her, and I can comfort my late brother Jiuquan's spirit. I am willing to fulfill my wish."
Because brother Zhao Fan often went out, the two of them got together less and separated more often, and had sex only a handful of times. Two years later, they met with an accident when they went out, so they did not leave any heirs.
But after the person died, the entire industry was like scattered sand. The industries in Jiaozhou, Nanyue and even Shendu were completely paralyzed. In the past few years, they had not even interacted with each other. Only Jingzhou was still barely maintaining.
Fan Feng stayed in mourning for three years, thinking over and over again. He had nowhere to go for the rest of his life. It was better to find his own life experience, prepare to take over part of the industry, and look for the Kushan caravan that died.
The arrival of Liu Qi strengthened Fan Feng's confidence. She had already learned a lot of information from Zhao Ling'er, and she sincerely served Liu Qi this time. With his support, she would have great hope in running a caravan or revitalizing the industry.
Liu Qi smiled and said: "There was a Guishan caravan that came to Jingzhou before, but it has disappeared in recent years. It is a pity to think about it. Have you ever thought about it, if you can open up the South Vietnam trade route and trade with Guishang, although this move is not as good as Zhang Qian's emptiness of the Western Region was second only to this. This is an act that will be remembered by future generations. It is a pity that my brother was unlucky and missed it."
"Hiss—" Zhao Fan took a breath of air and looked at Liu Qi in disbelief, "This, how can this compare?"
His brother was just a businessman with a low status. If he hadn't channeled Liu Biao and became the governor of Guiyang, the two brothers would have been unable to establish themselves in Jingzhou, Hebei Province. Liu Qi actually compared him with Zhang Qian, which is really incredible.
Liu Qi smiled and said: "Exploring unknown places and spreading Chinese civilization is beneficial to the present day and will serve the future. Although my brother is pursuing profit, his overseas contacts are indispensable. The only thing missing is a court edict. If he could Successful, this feat will be remembered by future generations.”
Zhao Fan suddenly woke up. After being stunned for a long time, he suddenly burst into tears and said, "It's a pity that my brother is not lucky enough to take on such a big responsibility."
Liu Qi also sighed helplessly. There are countless such regrets in history. Some people were ridiculed at the time, but were sought after as saints in later generations. The limitations of the concept of the times are not something that the authorities can break.
Seeing that Zhao Fan was deeply regretful, Liu Qi said: "Brother has left behind a large area of property. It would be a pity if it were to be ruined. Fortunately, your sister-in-law is still ambitious, and I also intend to open up the South China Sea trade route. If we can join forces, we can , I will definitely be able to expand your brother’s property and make your name famous in future generations.”
Zhao Fan was startled and said in astonishment: "What does the general mean?"
"If you want to achieve great things, leaving half of your property to your sister-in-law is far from enough!" Liu Qi looked at Zhao Fan and slowly clenched his fists: "I want them all!"
"Ah this?" Zhao Fan was shocked and looked hesitant. If this happened, wouldn't it mean that the family property left by his brother would be given away to others?
Liu Qi smiled and said: "There is no need for the Ming government to worry. If those properties are handed over to you, it will only be exchanged for some money. This is tantamount to killing the goose to lay eggs. From now on, the caravan will return to the right path, and the Ming government will also get a share of the dividends; in addition, this The caravan will be named after your brother and sister-in-law, and will be named 'Fengxiang'. Your brother's name will coexist with the business name for a long time."
Zhao Fan looked at the young man in front of him in surprise. He not only knew the art of war and strategy, but also knew how to do business. His brother Zhao Xiang had mentioned this before.
A caravan without a name is like a person without a name or a country without a name. It is difficult to achieve great things. It is a pity that people die before making a decision, but Liu Qi proposed it at this time.
In shock, Liu Qi continued: "Since the Ming Dynasty is loyal and reliable, he can succeed as the prefect of Guiyang and gain both fame and fortune. Why should I have any doubts?"
When Zhao Fan saw that Liu Qi not only did not plead guilty, but also thought so carefully about his brother, he knelt down excitedly and said: "Zhao Fan is willing to go through fire and water for the general, even if he wants to die!"
