Ye County, since it was opened as a market by Liu Qi, has become a city that never sleeps.
At first, no one cared about the shops or properties. Later, it became difficult to find a house. Even a street stall on the street cost more than a house in Xuchang.
Here, as long as you don't violate public order and kill people, you can come and go freely, and people from all over the world and from all religions gather here.
If we want to talk about the most influential person in Ye County, it must be Xia Houmao. This person is very capable. He is Cao Cao's son-in-law and has good relations with Jingzhou officials and businessmen. He has both sides and is like a fish in water.
As long as the goods from the south of the Yangtze River are first batch, the first batch will go to Xiahou Mao's hands, and the remaining ones will be picked by other merchants.
Now that Cao Cao has ascended to the throne of Wei Gong, Xia Houmao is the eldest son-in-law, and his status has once again increased. He is worshiped as Wei Fengche Zhonglang General.
While everyone was envious, they were also very puzzled. Xia Houmao only focused on amassing money in Ye County, which really damaged his reputation as a general, but he could still be awarded a high official.
You must know that Cao Pi was only a general with five senses, and their official positions were about the same. Among the young disciples, Xia Houmao's status was second only to Cao Pi.
Confusion turned incomprehension into jealousy, and the people reviled and despised Xia Houmao, thinking that this person was a flatterer and had no real talent. Even his job of making money was to imitate Liu Qi, imitate others, and pick up the wisdom of others.
In response to all the comments, Xia Houmao just smiled faintly, stroked the pile of money in the room, and sneered: "Others laugh at me for eating leftovers, I laugh at others for having empty pockets."
Just yesterday, a piece of blood coral was just shipped from Jiaozhou. It was the size of a carriage and was priceless. It caused a sensation in Ye County, but everyone shook their heads and sighed. No one could afford it.
Only Xia Houmao bought it with a wave of his hand and ordered it to be sent to Yecheng as a congratulatory gift for Cao Cao's accession to the throne of Wei Gong.
This kind of courage made other people envious but helpless. They could only scold him for being prodigal and incompetent, and only flattering others.
He was holding a luminous cup and drinking wine, happily thinking about how Cao Cao would praise him when he saw such a gift when he returned from the Northern Expedition, when he saw his general rushing in.
Xia Houmao said displeasedly: "Why are you so alarmed?"
The general replied: "Our vehicle was detained by General Zhang Liao in Kunyang. He said that no foreigners were allowed to enter, and only a few of us were allowed to drive."
"You bastard!"
The general explained: "The young man explained again and again, but General Zhang refused to listen. He suspected that there was a spy sneaking in. If he talks more, he will be beheaded!"
"How unreasonable!" Xia Houmao stood up and cursed: "Last month's money and food in Ye County were paid for by me alone, but Zhang Liao actually turned his back on me and refused to recognize anyone else. Okay, okay!"
The general asked: "What should we do now?"
Xia Houmao walked back and forth like a trapped animal. He had no military power in his hands, let alone interfered with the military. He had no choice but to do anything to Zhang Liao. After thinking for a while, he ordered: "Go to Zihuan immediately and ask him to help me find a way. If it doesn't work... just say this." A blood coral is the filial piety of both of us."
The general left after receiving the order. Xia Houmao was so angry that he gritted his teeth and the fat on his face twitched with distress. That was a full 100 million yuan, half a year's income!
"Come here!" Xiahou Mao became more and more angry as he thought about it. He called the housekeeper and said: "Starting from this month, we will stop supplying all food and wages to Runan. This money is just for feeding dogs, and I will never give it to Zhang Liao again!"
The steward was surprised and said: "Sir, this is a good deed that the Prime Minister approves of and rewards you. If the confession is cut off, I'm afraid the Prime Minister will be dissatisfied."
Xia Houmao clenched his fists and was furious. At this moment, Zhang Wei asked to see him and brought him in first.
Zhang Wei saw Xia Houmao's angry face and asked doubtfully: "Young master just bought a piece of coral. It will surely please Prime Minister Cao. Why are you angry?"
"Huh, don't mention it!" Xia Houmao waved his hand and asked: "I have a lot of money recently, I don't know where to spend it, and I'm afraid the Prime Minister will blame me if I use it indiscriminately. Do you have any ideas?"
Since meeting Zhang Wei again, everything went smoothly for Xia Houmao and his business was booming.
Zhang Wei helped him plan many ideas and provided information. Although the two of them were not subordinates, Xia Houmao regarded him as a confidant and relied heavily on him.
"Sir, what you said..." Zhang Wei looked shocked.
"Don't worry, your benefits are indispensable." Xia Houmao knew that this man loved money as much as his life, and he could manipulate it as long as he gave him money.
As expected, Zhang Wei looked happy, thought for a moment and said: "The prime minister has become a duke and is discussing the matter of moving the capital to Luoyang. I heard that there is a shortage of funds in the court. If the prince can help repair the palace, wouldn't it be a matter of fame and fortune?"
"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, this is a great plan!" Xiahou Mao said with a smile, stroking his hands: "If I fund the construction of the palace, there will be a place in Luoyang by then, and the Xiahou family will be even more prosperous."
Zhang Wei added: "For such a big event, don't forget the eldest son of the Cao family."
Xia Houmao understood that Cao Pi was about to become the heir apparent, and his benefit could not be lost in this matter. He immediately ordered the steward to inquire about the news, and then discuss the capital contribution with Cao Pi.
After settling his worries, Xia Houmao was in a good mood. He poured a glass of wine for Zhang Weiye, casually took out a few money notes and handed them over: "What do you want to discuss with me today?"
"There is important information!" Zhang Wei slapped his forehead suddenly and whispered: "Liu Qi has been in trouble recently."
"Oh?" Xia Houmao looked around and asked, "What's the military situation?"
Zhang Weiyan said: "Liu Qi and Sun Quan had a secret meeting in Fankou half a month ago, and they have recently mobilized troops in Jiangxia. The movements are suspicious."
"A secret meeting with Sun Quan?" Xiahou Mao was surprised, "Is the information accurate?"
"It's absolutely true, that boy driving the boat has been bribed by me!" Zhang Wei nodded seriously, then patted the money on the table and complained: "Actually, all the money was used to buy information, and I don't have much left. , I am really using the young master’s money to do things for the young master!”
"I understand!" Xia Houmao took out another pile and handed it over, "What is their purpose of deploying troops to Jiangxia?"
Zhang Wei put it away happily, shook his head and said: "This is a major military matter. Unless you can talk to Jingzhou's senior officials, no one else will know about it."
Xia Houmao said displeasedly: "Just tell me how much it will cost!"
Zhang Wei shook his head helplessly: "It doesn't matter how much money you have!"
"Huh?" Xia Houmao said dissatisfied: "There are things in this world that can't be done with money? How high are you talking about high-level people?"
Zhang Wei smiled bitterly and said: "At least as tall as Nanyang guard Guan Yu."
"Uh..." Xia Houmao was a little speechless. After thinking for a long time, he couldn't think of a reason. He suddenly touched his chin and muttered to himself: "I heard that Guan Yu has a little girl, who is only 28 years old. She is waiting in the boudoir. If I can... …Wouldn’t it be possible to find out Jingzhou’s military secrets?”
A hint of disdain flashed in Zhang Wei's eyes, he clasped his fists and smiled: "Guan Yu is just a martial artist. As a young master, Yushu Linfeng, from a famous family, taking Guan Yu's daughter as a concubine is to give him face."
"Seriously?" Xia Houmao was overjoyed. He pondered for a moment and said, "You asked someone to find a matchmaker. If you can accomplish this, you will be rewarded heavily!"
"Are you really..." Zhang Wei's eyes widened: "Young master, are you really giving Guan Yu face?"
"That's natural!" Xia Houmao sighed with emotion: "For the sake of national affairs, I have no choice but to compromise!"
