But it is inconvenient for them to get too close. All the people who gather here are acquaintances. Be cautious; two unfamiliar faces can easily make people suspicious. There is no need to listen for news. Kan Tianxiong deeply felt that his time here was too short and he could not "sink" yet. Not only did he let people know that he came from an "outside road" as soon as he opened his mouth, but his behavior was also different from others. Every move you make will attract attention in this social environment. Without the help of local people, doing intelligence work is just a fantasy.
.
Thinking of this, I can't help but admire the secret arrangement that Mr. Wen and the others made in Guangzhou: If there were no Gao family and no Qiwei Escort Agency, the Crossing Group would be alone and trapped, and I don't know how long it would take to open up the situation. There, as now, there is always some local support.
The two of them rested and drank tea in a roadside tea shed half a mile away from the temple. People were coming and going in the tea shed, and even if they didn't ask around, they could hear a lot of information from the comments of the people around them.
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Fortunately, the recent struggle between Huanan and Haiyitang has become a big news in Xuwen and even Leizhou, and the people in the shed are talking about it the most.
The news is very miscellaneous and absurd, especially the machines in the South China Factory, which are almost becoming "monster weapons". Although machinery was not as rare in the late Ming Dynasty as it was in the "Prosperous Qing Dynasty", it did not require manpower or water power. It doesn't move by itself without the help of wind, and it still makes many people feel mysterious about something with such great power.
The second most talked about. This is the private life of the officials of South China Factory. Especially with the two Wen brothers. Their small relationship has become the object of many people's lust. Listening to the public discussion in the tea shed, the two people's anus is very popular in people's imagination. However, no one mentioned Chang Shide's "feat" of buying five women in one fell swoop.
At this time, I heard the person next to me frothing at the mouth and said: "I think this time, South China is going to be greatly deflated.
How can you see it? This is something everyone wants to ask. So far, there have been several predictions that South China will suffer. Among Xu Wen's gambling games, there has been a new bet recently: betting on whether Huanan or Haiyitang will win in this sugar war. A lot of people have been buying Haiyi Tangsheng in the past few days, but with the purchase price of 2 to 25 yuan maintained until now, the number of people buying Huanan Sheng has greatly increased. The locals are not fools. The harvest season has only lasted for more than three months, and now two-thirds of it has passed. The warehouses of various sugar shops below Haiyi Tang are still empty. Victory or defeat is decided.
"Your brother knows how to lick Hai Yitang's feet every day. I don't know who said it last time. The South China banknotes will be broken within three days. Are you going to cut off his job if you keep talking?" Someone said sarcastically, "Look at you, old man, you still can't do it until now." Didn’t you go to the capital and put up a gear?"
"Hanging up the stalls" means self-castration among the people. People who intend to enter the palace can go to the capital to submit themselves as eunuchs.
Continued.
There was a burst of laughter in the tea shed. The person who was being laughed at still said: "Who knows where they got the money again? I think South China is also dying.
"The number of patients who have been weighed for so long that they are suffering from asthma has increased to fifteen, which is a three-fold increase. Is there such a person in the world who is suffering from chronic asthma?"
"Hmph!" The person who was being laughed at refused to admit defeat and said, "Even if there is a lot of money in South China, they have lost the hearts of the people! Just watch, there will be a civil uprising in three to five days!"
"Why do you see that?" The other party disagreed, "Do you have two jobs?" No wonder I can’t vote for a stall! "
At this time, the tea shed was filled with laughter. Everyone was holding their stomachs and falling down. Even the waiter and the waiter were laughing so much that they bent over and wiped away tears.
At this time, the man couldn't hold back his face and said anxiously: "Xiao Suanzi! Just watch it. Huanan's rebellious behavior in Xuwen has ruined many people's livelihoods. Earlier, someone went to sue him but was refuted by the master. But things How can we understand this? Sooner or later, it will trigger a popular uprising!"
The scholar who was called sour shook his head and said with a smile: "I advise you to go to the entrance of South China Sugar Store and talk to the sugarcane farmers. The market price of twenty-two-five cents has just changed to one-tael, and you still have the nerve to tell others." Destroy people's livelihoods. ? ! "
"Hmph, there are only sugarcane farmers in Xuwen?" The other party sneered, "I think you are blind." Among those people in front of the monk's temple, who doesn't hate South China to death? I advise you not to rush to advocate for South China. After three days, you will see the result! "
"Three days, three days!" The scholar put away the fan. "I want to see what happens. It depends on what kind of thing they elected Lin Zhuang. This group of people will not be angry."
! "
Mou Tianxiong heard the mention of "Linzhuang." He couldn't help but pricked up his ears, wanting to hear what happened. Unexpectedly, someone came to persuade him. "You two, you two, this kind of thing has nothing to do with us. Why bother with this? Let's just have tea."
In this way, the topic of the small "Linzhuang" was not mentioned, but the topic was still about matters in South China. The scholar was very interested in the machines in South China, and he just hated that the gates in South China were so strict that he was not allowed to go in for a look.
"I heard that the machine eats sugarcane bagasse and spits out black smoke and blazing fire. It looks like a big furnace." Someone said.
"I just don't know what is burning on this stove? What's the use of burning it?" He sighed.
"It would be great if I could see it with my own eyes."
"It's so hot that the water is boiling," someone said. "I heard from people inside that trucks have to pump water inside every day." At that time, water vapor will still spray out, but I don’t know if they boil water like this every day. What is the use of boiling sugar? "
It is said without intention, but the listener has intention. Mou Tianxiong nodded secretly. The ancients still had some observation skills, but unfortunately they lacked hundreds of years of experience and accumulation, which was a big disadvantage.
"Sugar production in South China is a secret method. Wouldn't it be wishful thinking to enter a sugar factory to see their machines?" an old man said. "Just talking about Leizhou Prefecture, there are many big companies who want to do business with South China.
This is the first time I’ve heard of it! Kan Tianxiong thought to himself that the escorts came out to inquire about the news, but they were separated by one layer. Besides, they didn't know which ones the time traveler was most concerned about.
"That's surprising. Apart from sugar, what other business can we do with them?"
"For such a big brand in South China, just eating and dressing is a big deal." The old man said, "It's a pity that they didn't come for a short time."
What is a pity? You can tell without asking. South China has very little foundation here, not to mention the details are unclear. Most of the large shops in the local area are mature and prudent. They make new customers and do business. Firstly, they have a clear way of doing business, and secondly, they have a good conduct. If there is no problem with both, I will trade with you. Otherwise, I would rather not make money than provoke you.
The showdown between Huanan and Haiyitang appeared to be a matter between the two families, but in fact the whole Leizhou was watching. Thinking about it this way, it goes deeper than before: here in South China, firstly, we want to make money, and secondly, we want to make a name for ourselves. Although this is not a "liberated area," it is the source of four materials for the future traversal group. The foundation must be solid before Zhongli Qiyao's ambition can be more thoughtful, rather than relying on force to solve the problem.
But in the end, no one mentioned anything about Linzhuang anymore. Mou Tianxiong was disappointed. In this case, he had to inquire in person. From the conversations of others, he knew that the scholar surnamed Xiao was called Xiao Zhanfeng. This person has a very good impression of South China. It is rare that he understands the truth and is willing to speak out for justice, so he is a person who can be won over. And the implication is that he knows Linzhuang quite well, and he may be able to get some information through him.
It was almost noon, and Xiao Zhanfeng was going back to eat. Mou Tianxiong winked at Zhou Shili. Zhou Shizhai understood: There are too many people here and it is inconvenient to greet him on the street. It is not too late to follow him home and then visit him at home.
Followed out immediately. Fearing Tianxiong was drinking tea in the tea shed, listening to people talking nonsense. It's just that his level of Leizhou dialect is quite limited, and he can't understand most of them, so he plans to hire someone to teach him.
After sitting for more than an hour, I saw Zhou Shizhai had come back. He dropped a few copper coins on the table and went out to meet him.
Zhou Shizhai told him in a low voice that the place where Xiao lived was actually in Xuwen County. This is quite surprising. Why did he, a resident in the county town, come to Hai'an Street, more than ten miles away, to drink tea? Although Xu Wen is young. There is always a place for tea.
"His home is located in Beiguanxiang, the county seat. It looks very rundown. I even found out about his family's affairs."
Xiao Zhanfeng's parents have passed away. Feng commented that this person has always been idle and talkative, and his family situation is very poor. So I don’t even have a wife so far.
Since this person is a carefree master, he can be trusted with me and put to my use. Mou Tianxiong made up his mind and asked Zhou Shizhai to lead the way to visit the scholar.
Liu Xiucai lived in a courtyard in the back street of Guanxiang. It is also a detached house. Judging from the size, it used to be a well-off family, but now it looks dilapidated. The walls have not been painted for a long time, and even the doors and walls are a little crooked. There is even grass growing on the ground in front of the door, giving it the appearance of a deserted house in front of the door.
Zhou Shizhai stepped forward and knocked on the door for a long time. Only then did they knock people out. Wearing an old shirt. His head was bare and he didn't wear a headband. Although his clothes were old and patched, they were still clean and tidy.
Seeing two strangers coming to the door, Xiao Zhanfeng couldn't help but be startled: "Who are you looking for?"
"Look for Xiao Zhanfeng."
"I am a stranger to you. I don't know you two." He looked at the two of them curiously.
.
"I have long admired your name, and I came here to pay you a visit." Zhan Tianxiong said a general polite word.
Xiao Zhanfeng's eyes wandered around Mou Tianxiong, and he suddenly nodded: "That's it! Please sit inside."
Kan Tianxiong originally thought he would refuse. So I specially prepared a set of rhetoric. I was even prepared to break in, but now it seems that there is no need. I couldn't help but become more interested in this person.
The courtyard is very deserted, with a lychee tree growing out of its branches. There is a broken table and a few bamboo chairs under the tree. There is tea on the table. It can be seen that although Xiao Zhanfeng is poor, he still has the taste of a scholar.
"There are few people in the hall and the house is in chaos. Please take a seat in the courtyard."
The guests and hosts were seated, but Mou Tianxiong had not yet spoken. Xiao Zhanfeng blinked a few times and said, "If I guess correctly, you two are from South China."
Mou Tianxiong secretly praised him for his sharp eyesight and only said: "How can you see it?"
"The behavior and appearance of the people in South China are different from those of the local people." Xiao Zhanfeng smiled quite proudly, "You two change your clothes, but your demeanor cannot change."
"Oh, I would like to ask you something. How can you tell by your demeanor?" This is like admitting in disguise that he is from South China.
"What's so difficult about this?" Xiao Zhanfeng was quite proud, "I have seen a few of your big shopkeepers in South China. None of them look like businessmen. Instead, they have the air of being arrogant and looking down on the world. Xiao.
"Looking down on the world with pride?" Mou Tianxiong couldn't help but laugh. Do we really all have the spirit of bastards? On second thought, modern people are indeed not comparable to the ancients in terms of self-confidence and self-esteem. What's more, the time travelers are all over-nourished, and their energy and spirit are indeed very different from those of the natives.
"Since Mr. Xiao"
"Just call me Zhanfeng."
This is a very polite gesture. The two parties exchanged names. Mou Tianxiong knew the rules of the Ming Dynasty and asked again: "Dare you ask me my cousin's name?"
"What kind of nickname do I have?" Xiao Zhanfeng smiled bitterly, "I started my education at the age of eight, and took the boy's examination at the age of fourteen. I have been running until now, and I am still just a boy. What's the use of having a nickname?" At this point, suddenly, He woke up and said: "You two are here, not even tea is served."
"No need to be polite." Looking at the appearance here, Kan Tianxiong knew that Xiao Zhanfeng was in a difficult situation. Since he wanted to recruit, he had to offer some small favors without leaving any trace. Since it's already noon, why not just treat him to a drink. After three glasses of wine, friendship will be different.
"Master Zhou, please go and order some dishes and some wine.
Zhou Shili knew that the Australian wanted to take over this down-and-out scholar. He had grown up in Lingao. Although he only worked quietly and never commented on the affairs of the Australians, he could still tell that they had great ambitions and had long cherished their ambitions. I had different thoughts. He nodded immediately and asked, "Don't know what kind of wine you want to drink?"
"Xu Wenye doesn't want it, that's ridiculous!" Since Mou Tianxiong was determined to recruit, he naturally had to spend some money. "Go to the candy shop and pick up two bottles of "Guo Shi Wushuang." Come! "
"No, no, this can't be done!" Xiao Zhanfeng's face turned red, "It's the first time we've met, how can I let you spend money?"
"We felt like old friends at first sight." Mou Tianxiong smiled, "I still have something to ask Brother Zhanfeng."
Although Xiao Zhanfeng felt it was inappropriate. But there was only a bowl of cold rice and a few pickles on the stove. Not to mention entertaining the guests, even if I didn't even want to pay homage to the guests, why should I be coy and pretentious? There is no more shirk.
Within a moment, Zhou Shizhai came back, bringing with him a boy carrying a food box. There are all kinds of hot and cold dishes inside, which are quite rich. Xiao Zhanfeng, who has not known the taste of meat for a long time, swallows his saliva.
"It's too expensive!" He cupped his hands. "Your Majesty is so polite, Zhan Feng can't repay you, I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed. Xiao.
"Why are you so polite? We are all brothers." Mou Tianxiong used to socialize a lot in society, and he is very experienced in this method of building relationships and getting closer. After a few glasses of wine, the conversation became more and more enthusiastic, and then we started to get down to business. ! ~!
