"The girl in Tsing Yi is not only proficient in music and plays the piano and flute, but her talent is also unparalleled in the world. Many of the music and lyrics composed by the girl in Tsing Yi have not only attracted the admiration of countless talented people in the south of the Yangtze River, but also the famous courtesans in the south of the Yangtze River. Everyone is vying to sing it and make it a classic. It can be seen that the talent of the girl in blue is extraordinary and unparalleled. It is not something that vulgar people like us can speculate on."
Perhaps Xu Baoan felt that as Zhou Boru's boss, it was inconvenient for him to show off and boast, so he made the introduction very earnestly, but he didn't see Zhou Boru wink at him at all.
On the other hand, Gu Qingyi himself, after praising him tactfully, looked at Jia Lian with his beautiful eyes: "The slave family is so incompetent that I don't deserve such praise from the masters, especially in front of the imperial envoy.
Even though the slave family has never been to the capital, they have heard about the name of the imperial envoy. The slave family has always believed that the imperial envoys are well-deserved talents. Compared with the adults, the slave family's humble knowledge is really not worth mentioning.
For example, the poem "Long Acacia" written by Mr. Wang, which was spread from Beijing to Jiangnan last year, is really impressive in terms of talent and emotion. Therefore, someone has already composed a new tune and it has been widely circulated. Even Qingyi likes this word very much.
He also boldly added some minor tunes, but Qing Yi knew that he was stupid and was afraid of tarnishing the master's elegant work, so he never sung it with others.
Therefore, although Qing Yi has never met the master, he has been fascinated by the master for a long time. It is truly a blessing for Qing Yi to see the master today. "
The beauty's words were like spitting out orchids, and the nearly transparent veil was blown up slightly, so that Jia Lian could see the beauty's peerless appearance more clearly just by turning his head slightly.
In addition, the beauty herself was relatively close to him, and the fragrant scent transmitted by her elegant body was enough to make Liu Xiahui fascinated. It also made Jia Lian even more certain that the title of the most beautiful woman in Jiangnan was indeed well-earned.
After all, Jia Lian had already seen a lot of beauties, and at this time he forced himself not to turn his head to look at her, so he remained calm, shook his head and said with a smile: "I am a rough man, but I occasionally got a piece of poetry that I barely managed to read." , nothing."
When the security guard heard this, he realized that he had almost gotten into trouble. He only knew that Jia Lian was a military officer, so he subconsciously thought that Jia Lian was also a rough man. His words just now vaguely classified Jia Lian into the ranks of their common people.
If Jia Lian was more petty, he would probably be displeased, right? So I didn't dare to say any more and hurriedly retreated.
Others saw Xu Baoan making a mistake and took the opportunity to flatter Jia Lian.
One person even deliberately looked at Jia Lian and Gu Qingyi and said with a smile: "A peerless beauty like the girl in Qingyi can only be matched by a contemporary hero like you. What is this called, a beauty matches a hero, a beauty matches a talented man..."
"That's right. I just don't know if President Zhou is willing to give up his love and give the girl in Tsing Yi to you."
When the topic came to this point, Zhou Boru naturally wanted to take a stand.
"I don't dare to deceive you. The reason why I dared to change the name of the brothel under my Zhou family's name to "Qianjin Yixiao Building" is all because of the reputation of the girl in Tsing Yi.
In the past few years since Tsing Yi became famous, Qianjin Yixiao Lou has gained much fame and earned money by relying on the name of Tsing Yi girl.
Therefore, although my Zhou family is the owner of the girl in Tsing Yi, in the end, the girl in Tsing Yi is actually my benefactor, the Zhou family.
I have already told the people below that girls in Tsing Yi must be treated with courtesy. Anyone who dares to be disrespectful in the slightest will be severely punished by family rules.
Therefore, although the girl in Tsing Yi is still the oiran of Qianjin Yixiaolou, my Zhou family has already given her the freedom she deserves. Today, in front of the imperial envoy, our Zhou family promises that as long as the girl in Tsing Yi is willing to follow you, our Zhou family will not stop her in the slightest, and we will not ask for a cent of redemption money, so we should repay the favor. "
Zhou Boru seemed to grit his teeth and made a very solemn promise.
Bai Yi and others next to him were impressed on their faces, but they already despised him in their hearts. Old fox, you really look like you are acting.
If you say that you ordered the people below to treat him with courtesy and strictly protect him, they will believe it. But it would be ridiculous to say that the Zhou family had given others their freedom a long time ago and still regarded them as their benefactors.
But they all understand Zhou Boru's approach. When giving gifts, you also need to pay attention to the methods, especially when giving gifts to beauties!
With Jia Lian’s status, will there be a shortage of women around him?
There may be a shortage, but what is missing is definitely not ordinary beauties, but the kind that not only have peerless appearance, but also have unique appeal that cannot be replaced by other beauties. It is best to be the kind that can be cited as a confidante by men. .
This unique attraction can be sexual skills, talent, quality, or even a unique experience with a man.
In short, this woman must be made to feel that she is unique in the man's mind, a fairy sent from heaven, and the salvation deep in his soul. Seeing her is like meeting love.
This is the core of the honey trap.
Therefore, for such a unique and peerless beauty, she accidentally meets the destined man tonight, so she abandons everything and follows her voluntarily, which is naturally much more precious than giving her away like a commodity.
This is also the reason why they don't have much objection to Zhou Boru using the oiran ladies they invited as a foil to Gu Qingyi tonight.
Because, compared to the famous Gu Qingyi in Jiangnan, the oirans they invited always seemed a bit ordinary.
Jia Lian didn't speculate too much, because since Gu Qingyi appeared, he had roughly guessed the result. After all, if you don't want to donate such a "good thing", the best choice is to not let it be seen by people who are much more noble than yourself. Otherwise, wouldn't it make people care about you and cause trouble for no reason?
So after hearing Zhou Boru's words, he turned his head and looked at the girl in green with great interest.
From the beginning, he noticed that this beauty had a coldness about her. Even if she said something before, it seemed that it was based on social survival rather than sincerity.
Sure enough, Gu Qingyi didn't show any surprise at Zhou Boru's words. He just bowed to Zhou Boru, then turned to Jia Lian and nodded softly: "Qingyi's worthless body, if you can win the favor of the adults and be willing to take him in, Qingyi will do it for you." I am willing to serve at your side for the rest of my life."
The words are concise and to the point, and there is not a lot of emotion. It sounds like a faint resignation, but it also makes people feel that it is missing a little surprise.
Facing the expectant gazes of everyone, Jia Lian did not respond directly, but looked at Gu Qingyi and smiled: "The girl in Qingyi just said that she had added a new tune to my lovesickness order, which made me a little curious. The time is just right tonight. , I wonder if I am lucky enough to hear the girl in Tsing Yi play this song?"
Seeing Jia Lian being so polite to Gu Qingyi, the salt merchants were a little stunned. Did they agree to accept it or not?
Zhou Boru also frowned. Although Jia Lian was a difficult person to handle, he absolutely did not believe that Jia Lian could reject his kindness!
After thinking for a while, I probably understood what Jia Lian meant, and sighed secretly in my heart. It seems that if I want to pass the customs this time, I can't do it without paying a big price.
Gu Qingyi, who had always spoken softly and had a calm face, showed a hint of surprise for the first time. He glanced at Jia Lian's handsome face, nodded, and stepped back.
…
When the clear and sweet singing, accompanied by the faint sound of the piano, came out from the hall, it also interrupted the three or five oiran ladies who were whispering in the corridor outside.
As the heads of various flower houses, they can't get together easily.
Only during the annual Oiran Competition, when Oiran ladies from various states were touring and performing, could they occasionally get together in pairs.
I never expected that in such a way, the oirans who I rarely meet but have competed with each other countless times would gather here.
Moreover, the purpose of all of them here is just to please one person.
This is a rare occurrence in their oiran careers.
My heart can't help but feel bitter and happy at the same time.
To my great joy, I met the rumored Marquis Zhenyuan. He was indeed so handsome and mighty.
The bitter thing is that this time, they were completely treated as foils. You know, in the past, in their own flower house, or even in their own state capital, they had others serve as foils for them!
There was a gap in their hearts, but when they thought that the person being foiled was Gu Qingyi, the gap in many people's hearts became smaller.
After all, the reputation of the other party is really beyond the reach of all Jiangnan courtesans, and there is nothing he can do about it if he is jealous.
"Sister Pan'er, I heard that you once performed in the palace of the Marquis. You are also the only one among us Jiangnan oiran ladies who have seen many aspects of the Marquis. Can you tell us what the rumored Marquis Zhenyuan is? Such a person?
When I saw him just now, I just thought he was so young and handsome, but I couldn't see anything else. "
After putting away her makeup, Shen Paner was surrounded by a group of people as soon as she came out for some air.
But she is used to it, so she naturally responds to these competitors who appear to be sisters, but in fact are constantly comparing themselves to each other.
"Also, I heard that you have already served Lord Zhenyuan. Is it true?" A flower lady asked seriously with her innocent eyes open.
Shen Pan'er looked back at her and shook her head, "This must be a misinformation. Mr. Zhenyuan is such a heroic figure. How could he like my sister? My sister does not have such a good life."
The flower girl's face showed a look of secret joy.
"No way. Why did I hear that you have already left the Jiaofang? If you hadn't decided to follow Lord Zhenyuan, how could you have left the Jiaofang?"
Some people questioned it, which immediately caused a chain reaction.
"Sister Pan'er, will you still participate in this year's Oiran Competition?"
"Probably not. After all, I've already participated twice. I really can't compete with Gu Qingyi. What's the point of participating again."
Others became suspicious again.
The Oiran Competition is a stage where countless Oirans compete across Jiangnan. Being able to shine in the Oiran Competition has many benefits for each of them.
Not to mention, once one becomes one of the four major oirans, the minimum appearance fee will go up to one hundred taels.
This brings not only money, but also extraordinary status and more opportunities to meet noble people.
For these courtesans, what is more worthy of pursuit than getting a good home?
Shen Paner had participated in the previous two sessions, but suddenly stopped participating this time. Before the union, it was reported that Shen Pan'er had left the workshop and disappeared for more than half a month. They all thought that Shen Pan'er must have lied.
During that time, he must have been serving Jia Lian.
I just don’t know why, she wants to deny it now? Is it because she is not charming enough to attract Jia Lian, so she is embarrassed to admit it, or is Jia Lian just a false name, but in fact she is also a heartless person who abandoned her after playing with her sister Pan'er?
Thinking of this, some people who had a desire to cling to Jia Lian immediately gave up.
After all, I was born in the world and given this appearance by God. It would be foolish not to cherish this first opportunity of choice.
Of course, excluding two or three of them, they still appear to be gentlemen, but in fact they are no longer perfect people.
Oirans are also divided into those who have left the court and those who have left the court. Usually the status of the courtiers is much higher than that of those who have left the court.
In order to please Jia Lian, the salt merchants naturally invited Qing Guan'er, but even if they followed Qing Guan'er's reputation, there was still a chance of a thunderstorm. After all, even if Qing Guer was secretly dedicated to his favorite lover, or if he was forcibly defiled by a powerful person without reporting it to the building, others would naturally not know about it.
Therefore, these two or three people would not dare to mess with a nobleman of Jia Lian's level. Because it doesn't matter if they fool others. If Jia Lian or the salt merchants find out that they have been cheated, their fate will be tragic.
Shen Pan'er saw the expressions of these "sisters" in her eyes and naturally understood their thoughts. She was willing to cause such misunderstandings to them.
Each of the courtesans who came tonight is a great threat. If the salt merchants hadn't asked her to mediate because they saw that she had "served" Jia Lian, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to see Jia Lian again today.
Glancing in the direction of the main hall, I couldn't see anything else except Gu Qingyi's singing and the sound of the piano.
The stairs and corridors were full of officers and soldiers on alert. When I walked to the fence and looked downstairs, I saw that there was also a sentry every three steps and a sentry every five steps.
She had just looked outside from the window in the wing room. The entire Wangjiang Tower was also under guard and control by Jia Lian's officers and soldiers.
Is this the style and power of an imperial envoy?
She also wanted to be protected by this power. It's a pity that his affairs are almost finished. After finishing his affairs, he should return to the capital.
So, this is her last chance.
…
In the hall, after Gu Qingyi performed, Jia Lian and the salt merchants began to talk about the main topic.
This time, the salt merchants were much more honest and did not ramble on to find excuses. Instead, they frankly admitted that the things they did for the court were not thorough enough and that they were at fault, and they were willing to accept punishment from the court.
He was just begging Jia Lian for forgiveness and consideration.
"I can understand you, but you don't understand me.
When I first entered Yangzhou, I gave you some advice. However, not only did you not appreciate it, you sent people to assassinate me again and again. What you did really chilled me. "
Hearing Jia Lian's questioning, the salt merchants cried out that they were wronged, saying that Zhao and Wang made their own decisions, and everything they did had nothing to do with them.
After talking for a long time, Zhou Boru said tentatively: "It's all because of the villain's ignorance. It's not until today that I understood the good intentions of the adults.
If the adults are willing to forgive, the villains are willing to comply with the adults' request that day and make amends for the mistakes they committed..."
Seeing Jia Lian's thoughtful expression, which seemed to have a reasonable meaning, Zhou Boru quickly said: "Although the evil things done by the Zhao family and the Wang family have nothing to do with villains, after all, the reason why the master is frightened is because of the salt policy. Therefore, in addition to following the rules of the master that day, The said three million taels of silver will be used to compensate the state treasury, and one million taels will be given to the adults to manage the adults and juniors in the court. I am also willing to offer a generous gift to the adults alone to calm the adults.
I also ask the adults, for the sake of the villain's sincere repentance, to give the villain this opportunity. "
Zhou Boru said, standing up first and kneeling down to plead.
When other people saw this, they also did the same.
Jia Lian looked at these people on the ground coldly. Today's honesty can be regarded as not crying without seeing the coffin, so he does not deserve sympathy.
If these salt merchants were not involved in the salt-eating problem of nearly half of the people in the Wei Dynasty, and would not be involved in more problems and cause greater turmoil, even if they all had their homes searched and held accountable, there would be no injustice at all.
"Everyone, get up."
"Thank you, sir..."
“I don’t want to embarrass you too much, after all, we are all working for the imperial court.
Forget it, just follow what Chairman Zhou said. Anyway, I have also raided Zhao, Wang and other families. Now you are willing to sincerely repent. After I return to Beijing, I can give an explanation to the court and Your Majesty.
However, I have one more thing to remind you. "
All the salt merchants hurriedly bent down to listen to the admonishment.
"You sell salt for the imperial court and are in charge of the livelihood of the people in the world. You are considered to have done a lot of hard work. Therefore, the imperial court can understand that you have more profits than other merchants.
But there is a degree of caution in everything. The Wei Dynasty governs the people by national laws. If you cannot abide by the laws, I am afraid that even if I forgive you this time, you will still be unable to ensure the continuity of your family in the future.
Therefore, I would like to give you a suggestion: either quit the salt business as soon as possible, or be honest, keep to yourself, and don't be too smart.
For example, you have suffered heavy losses this time. Do you think that after I leave, you can get more money back from the people? "
None of the salt merchants dared to talk.
“It doesn’t matter if you really don’t dare or if you pretend you don’t.
Anyway, I've warned you all.
In fact, because the price of salt on the market is getting higher and higher, the salt tax entering the national treasury is decreasing year by year, which has long caused dissatisfaction with the court and His Majesty.
Some people even suggested that the current method of specific families operating the salt business should be abolished and that all merchants from all over the world should be able to sell salt..."
"How can this be done? If other merchants are allowed to intervene in the salt industry, wouldn't it be a mess? How can we ensure that the salt and iron industry is exclusively owned by the imperial court?"
"Yeah yeah……"
The salt merchants exploded upon hearing such words that they were deprived of their special status. After all, the reason why their family is so wealthy is because they are a family designated by the imperial court to sell official salt.
If merchants from all over the world were to compete with them, wouldn't all their advantages be lost all of a sudden?
This is much more intolerable than Jia Lian taking away their four million taels.
"Quiet."
"I have said that this is the suggestion of some ministers in the court, but the court has not yet adopted it.
But you are all smart people, and you should know that when one day the court really loses trust in you, do you think the problems you just mentioned will still be problems? This is what I have said. Everyone, please go down and make a good summary. "
Everyone looked at each other, and Zhou Boru quickly said: "Thank you, sir, for reminding me. I will learn your teachings carefully later."
Jia Lian said no more. The reason why he said the following words was just that he didn't want these salt merchants to immediately maliciously raise the price of salt to make up for their millions in losses. In that case, it would look like he and Emperor Ningkang were trying to take advantage of each other in various ways. It's like the people are anointed by the people.
Then Zhou Boru and others said that the amount of money to be handed over was huge and they would need some time to prepare. Jia Lian generously gave them seven days. Because it will take a lot of time for him to finish the matter of going south. For example, it will take a lot of time to count and load the huge amount of wealth piled up in Yanzheng Yamen. .
"The Zhao family, the Wang family, etc., violated the national law and had their homes confiscated and held accountable. It was very satisfying. However, the large area they left behind cannot be taken over by someone. Otherwise, over time, the people will not be able to buy salt, and there will be chaos. "
Zhou Boru suddenly mentioned vaguely.
Jia Lian laughed and asked: "As far as I know, although you have a fixed area for selling salt, the imperial court has already formulated laws in order to prevent a state capital with only one salt shop from driving up the price of salt. In the state capital, at least three salt shops must exist at the same time.
What you really want to ask is about the Yanyin of the Wang, Zhao and Feng families, right? "
"The matter of Yanyin is not under my control, and I don't want to deal with it. When the court's new salt inspector is appointed, he will make arrangements on behalf of the court.
However, I do have a piece of cake in my hands. I wonder if you are interested in eating it? "
When Zhou Boru heard this, he guessed that it was the Wang family bank left by the Wang family.
Opening a bank is not a simple matter. They all know that Wang's bank is not easy to change in the hands of Jia Lian. In the end, he will probably find a family with strong financial resources to take over.
Therefore, several people who were confident and wanted to fight for it looked at each other and were secretly thinking about how to get this piece of cake.
After all, if we can really get Wang's Bank at a reasonable price, the loss in Jia Lian's hands should be able to make up for it!
