In the north of Anyi City, in a mansion.
In the study.
Kong Yifu is looking through this month's account books. He is in his early forties, the prime of life. It's just that at this stage, he has already started to gain weight, and he likes wine and meat, so he is very fat. When he sits cross-legged, he also has a big belly.
The shop run by Kong Yifu not only sold grain, but also smuggled salt, iron, etc.
If you sell these to Da Qin, you can earn a lot of money.
Of course, not much of this money actually fell into his hands. Because every month, Kong Yifu had to honor Xu Xianzong, Duke Cheng, and King Ning and King Lu. Only when these people were comfortable could he make money.
Kong Yifu naturally liked money.
But, he also likes power. With the support of Xu Xianzong, King Ning, and King Lu, he ran rampant in Anyi City, and not many people dared to provoke him.
Moreover, he can also run some official positions.
He has a background and a backer, so naturally people will come to him. He used his connections to say hello, and many things were done. In a way, this is selling out. Kong Yifu didn't care about this, as long as he could make money.
The Xia Kingdom was like this, it was already riddled with holes, and he was not the only one to sell his official position. How could he control so much.
Kong Yifu calculated the income in September. Every month, he had to send money to Duke Chengguo's Mansion, Prince Ning's Mansion and Prince Lu's Mansion.
He had to keep an eye on the money. If he couldn't get enough money, people like Xu Xianzong wouldn't give him a good look if he didn't have the money to pay when the money was due at the end of the month. Don't look at him as a yeller in front of outsiders, but in front of people like Xu Xianzong, he is just a dog.
Kong Yifu naturally had moments when he was angry, but that was just the reality.
That's been it for his whole life.
After Kong Yifu read the account book, he frowned and murmured: "So far, the income this month has only been 3,000 taels. According to this progress, the money earned this month will probably be just over 10,000 taels." Duke Cheng Guo Prince Ning’s Mansion and Prince Lu’s Mansion all have three thousand taels of silver every month.”
"More than 10,000 taels, and the money turned in is 9,000 taels. The money I have here is less, less than one thousand taels. No, I have to make some arrangements to make more money. Otherwise, wouldn't I be the only one? There’s no money to be made.”
Kong Yifu thought in his mind.
When it comes to making money, he has many ways to do it. This is something Kong Yifu has long been accustomed to, and he doesn't find it difficult.
"Someone is coming."
Kong Yifu suddenly gave an order.
Something suddenly occurred to him.
Crunch!
The door was pushed open, the butler entered, and bowed.
Kong Yifu said in a deep voice: "Guanjia Huang, the magistrate of Anyi County, committed a crime and was imprisoned, right?"
Butler Huang, who was about fifty years old, bowed and said: "Sir, the county magistrate's name is Tian Feng, because he insisted on investigating Qiuyue Tower in Anyi City, saying that Qiuyue Tower was hiding prisoners. How did you know that Qiuyue Tower was the imperial palace? The Duke of Zhao is behind him. As soon as the Duke of Zhao speaks, someone will naturally deal with Tian Feng, so Tian Feng is now imprisoned for questioning."
Kong Yifu nodded and asked, "Is there no candidate for the position of county magistrate yet?"
"No!"
Butler Huang shook his head and answered.
Kong Yifu's eyes lit up and he said with a smile: "Since the candidate for the county magistrate of Anyi County is vacant, please let the public know that whoever wants to serve as the county magistrate of Anyi County should come to me. I can help him operate it. Come early. If you have a chance long ago, if you come late, you won’t have a chance.”
Butler Huang immediately understood that this was to ask the operator to serve as county magistrate, which meant selling his official position.
This is normal operation.
Butler Huang didn't delay, turned around and went down to make arrangements.
Kong Yifu sat alone, thinking about how to make money. Within a month, excluding the money of Xu Xianzong and others, if he didn't earn five or six thousand taels of silver, how could he be worthy of himself?
While Kong Yifu was thinking about it, suddenly, the knock on the door came from outside the room again.
Butler Huang entered, bowed and said: "Master, someone from outside has sent an invitation. Yue Yuanwang, the shopkeeper of Yue's shop in the city, please tell me at Wangjiang Tower tonight when you go to Xu, saying that there is a big deal that I want to discuss with you. Let’s discuss it together.”
Yue Yuanwang?
Kong Yifu thought carefully.
Suddenly, he looked like he had suddenly realized something, and said: "I remembered that Yue Yuanwang came from Daqin and was mainly engaged in the grain business. This man is very low-key, but he has great strength and is very generous. I have met him. Twice, but we never had a deep friendship.”
Butler Huang said: "Master, do you want to keep the appointment?"
Kong Yifu stroked his beard under his chin and said with a smile: "Wangjiang Tower is not an ordinary place. Yue Yuanwang asked me to go to a place like this for an appointment, so naturally I have to go. You answer the messenger, and I will go to the appointment on time."
"Here!"
Butler Huang turned around and left.
Kong Yifu suddenly felt happy.
If Yue Yuanwang comes to invite you, then a big deal can be negotiated, which may be another way to make money. Kong Yifu didn't care what Yue Yuanwang's status was, as long as he could make money, there would be no problem.
Without money, it is difficult to move forward.
The rest is nothing to worry about.
Kong Yifu was so happy that he had no time to think about anything else. He went directly to the hall and called the singer to dance.
Watching the singer dance is fun.
Kong Yifu also ordered people to prepare West Wind Drunk. The taste of West Wind Drunk was also very good. Kong Yifu liked this kind of wine.
Drinking wine and watching singing and dancing, it’s so fun!
After two glasses of wine, Kong Yifu looked at the singer who was wearing a thin shirt, especially the singer's slim figure, and her enchanting figure when dancing, showing her graceful posture. More thoughts gradually grew in his mind. Just when he was about to stand up and take action, Butler Huang hurried in and bowed: "Master, the steward of Duke Chengguo's Mansion is here."
"Please."
Kong Yifu was unhappy, but he could only arrange it directly.
He waved his hand and the singer retreated.
Not long after, a man in his forties entered. The visitor was dressed in luxurious robes and held his head slightly high, looking very arrogant.
Kong Yifu did not dare to neglect, he stood up to greet him personally, and said with a smile: "Steward Zhou, what brought you here? If the Duke of the country has something to do, you can inform him directly, why do you need to go there in person?"
Butler Zhou looked solemn and said calmly: "Master Kong, I am here today to convey the Duke's arrangements."
Kong Yifu said: "The Duke's affairs are naturally important, so I will do as he pleases. Butler Zhou is in charge of the affairs of the Duke's mansion and is very busy. You are a busy man and it is rare for you to come here. I will immediately arrange for people to prepare a banquet. Zhou How about the butler staying for a couple of drinks?”
Housekeeper Zhou said: "No need, there are still things to do in the Duke's Mansion."
Kong Yifu murmured in his heart, Housekeeper Zhou always liked to take advantage of him, especially drunk with the west wind, but today he was unwilling to stay.
He had a bad feeling in his heart.
I'm afraid it's not a good thing.
Kong Yifu cheered up and asked, "Steward Zhou, what's the matter?"
Butler Zhou said: "The Duke said that the money to be paid this month will be ten thousand taels."
"ah!"
Kong Yifu was surprised.
Ten thousand taels!
This is no small amount.
Kong Yifu cursed in his heart and wished he could refuse directly. However, he did not dare to show a look of resistance on his face, and said cautiously: "Steward Zhou, I used to get three thousand taels of silver every month. This is already my limit. Suddenly, why do I need ten thousand taels of silver this month? How about two?"
"You ask me, who should I ask?"
Butler Zhou was extremely forceful and said directly: "Master Kong, the Duke asked you if you can do it. If you can't do it, the Duke will find someone else."
Kong Yifu was even more angry.
Does he have a choice?
If we don't do it right this time, we will not only lose Xu Xianzong's care, but also make Xu Xianzong evil.
When the time comes, he will be unable to move even an inch.
Even if Kong Yifu was unwilling to do so, he could only agree and said: "Butler Zhou, don't worry, I will pay all the 10,000 taels of silver this month, and not a cent will be missing. In addition, please ask Butler Zhou." Tell the Duke that this matter must be kept secret and cannot be leaked, otherwise, everyone will come to fight against the autumn wind. After all, it is very difficult for me to raise ten thousand taels."
Butler Zhou nodded and said, "I still have something to do, so I'll leave first. Kong Yifu, don't betray the Duke's trust."
Kong Yifu personally sent Butler Zhou away. When he returned to the hall, he was furious.
Ten thousand taels of silver!
Xu Xianzong asked for 10,000 taels of silver at his word. He was so cruel. He simply didn't treat him as a human being.
Do you think he is a mountain of gold and silver?
Before Kong Yifu's anger had completely subsided, Butler Huang hurried in again. He said with a grimace: "Master, it's not good. The stewards from Prince Ning's Palace and Prince Lu's Palace have come together, and they are very aggressive."
Kong Yifu had a bad premonition in his heart.
What's going on today?
Kong Yifu had no choice but to greet him in person. As soon as he walked into the hall, he saw two housekeepers entering together. He had a smile on his face and bowed.
The steward of Prince Ning's Mansion said: "Kong Yifu, the money I have for Prince Ning's Mansion this month is ten thousand taels."
The housekeeper of Prince Lu's Mansion said: "Kong Yifu, my money from Prince Lu's Mansion is only ten thousand taels this month. You can do whatever you want."
Both of them spoke in commanding tones.
There is no room for negotiation.
boom! !
Kong Yifu's mind almost exploded.
Ten thousand taels!
Three to ten thousand taels!
This is thirty thousand taels of silver. No matter how much money he makes in a month, he will not be able to make thirty thousand taels of silver. If he wants to survive this month, he has to lose money, otherwise, he will not survive this month.
Kong Yifu did not dare to refuse, and said directly: "Please rest assured, I, Kong Yifu, will give the money even if I sell the iron. But I am still a little confused. Can you please give me some advice?"
When the housekeeper of Prince Ning's Mansion heard Kong Yifu's direct agreement, a smile appeared on his face, and he nodded and said, "Just say it."
The steward of Prince Lu's Mansion said: "If you can answer, I will answer you."
Kong Yifu said: "Every month I pay filial piety to Duke Cheng, King Ning and King Lu, they are all three thousand taels each. They are all the same. Suddenly, why do they all become ten thousand taels? How can I make money? It’s not easy, I’m not trying to grab money, and I don’t have that much money.”
The steward of Prince Ning's Mansion snorted and said: "His Royal Highness Prince Ning's adjustment was naturally based on the boasts of Duke Cheng Xu Xianzong. News came out from his mansion that you will contribute ten thousand taels this month. We in Prince Ning's Mansion naturally have the same. Why? Prince Ning’s Mansion is less expensive than Duke Cheng’s Mansion?”
The housekeeper of Prince Lu's Mansion nodded and said, "It's the same here."
Kong Yifu vomited blood.
He had already asked Butler Zhou to tell Xu Xianzong to keep a low profile and keep it secret. Xu Xianzong sold him out in a flash.
hateful!
How hateful!
Kong Yifu cursed secretly in his heart and became even more angry. But he had no choice but to admit it. He solemnly said: "You two, let me prepare. How about drinking two glasses of wine at my house?"
"Let's go, I have something else to do."
The housekeeper of Prince Lu's Mansion turned around and left.
The same goes for Prince Ning's housekeeper.
Kong Yifu felt resentful and had to send the two of them away with a smile. He returned to the hall and sat down, thinking about it in his mind. According to the stewards of Prince Ning's Mansion and Prince Lu's Mansion, it was Xu Xianzong who showed off. But according to Kong Yifu's understanding, the three of them are all familiar.
These three people are not good people. Are they plotting against themselves because of money?
possible!
Kong Yifu was very angry in his heart.
In the current matter, it was very likely that he was being plotted by the three people to exploit him, but there was nothing he could do about it.
I can only admit it.
Kong Yifu was extremely irritable and wanted to kill Xu Xianzong and others. Such thoughts were suppressed in the blink of an eye. He is just an ordinary businessman, and his power comes from Xu Xianzong and others, so he can only think about revenge.
In front of Xu Xianzong, King Ning and King Lu, he was like an ant. Even though he was so powerful in Anyi City, it would be easy for Xu Xianzong and others to kill him.
Kong Yifu's mood was not high. When night fell, he left Kong's house and went to Wangjiang Tower.
The location of Wangjiang Tower is in the south of the city.
In the south of Anyi City, there is a river passing by, and the river is winding. Wangjiang Tower is built in the place where the river bends, surrounded by rivers on three sides, and the location is excellent.
In Wangjiang Tower, there were many singers, many literati, and countless dignitaries.
It's an all-night operation here.
There are countless people coming and going.
Yue Yuanwang was waiting at the door. The moment Kong Yifu got off the carriage, Yue Yuanwang saw it. He greeted him directly, bowed and said with a smile: "Shopkeeper Kong, please!"
Kong Yifu nodded, and the two of them went to the private room on the second floor.
When Kong Yifu saw Yue Yuanwang's behavior, he was moved. It was obvious that Yue Yuanwang was just a front-line person, not a person behind the scenes. Kong Yifu felt happy in his heart. Only if the other party's identity is not simple can he make money.
Otherwise, how can we make money?
Kong Yifu went up to the second floor, entered the elegant room, and saw Lin Feng. Today, Lin Feng looked extremely luxurious in a brocade attire. A beard stuck to his lips and under his chin, and his skin color became darker after makeup, making him look rougher.
The whole person has a rough and heroic air.
This is the Qin style.
Lin Feng cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Shopkeeper Kong, I am Qin Feng. I come from Great Qin."
He didn't beat around the bush and said directly that he was from Da Qin. For a person like Kong Yifu, there is no point in going around in circles. On the contrary, it will wear down the other person's patience. To directly say that he came from Da Qin, Kong Yifu knew that there was a profit to be made, so he was willing to talk about the next thing.
Kong Yifu raised his eyebrows, and his heart was filled with anticipation. His originally uncomfortable mood became a little more joyful again.
Tonight, maybe there will be some benefit.
No, there are big benefits.
Kong Yifu bowed his hand in return and said with a smile: "Shopkeeper Qin, please sit down."
Lin Feng waited for Kong Yifu to sit down before following him. He leaned forward slightly and said, "Shopkeeper Kong, you and I are both businessmen and we are talking about business. I have always believed that doing business requires considering the overall environment. I have a Then the news is an opportunity to do business.”
Kong Yifu asked: "What news?"
Lin Feng said in a deep voice: "The Qin Dynasty has mobilized troops to attack the Xia Kingdom."
Kong Yifu raised his brows, very surprised.
Da Qin wants to attack Xia Kingdom?
Kong Yifu suddenly laughed, with an expression of disbelief and even some contempt, and said: "It is extremely bold for Da Qin to attack Xia State. Since ancient times, Xia State has attacked Da Qin. I have never heard of Da Qin. Dare to attack the Xia Kingdom. I don’t care much whether your news is true or false. But what does this news have to do with our business?"
