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Chapter 73: Sweet Harbor - Xiao Zhanfeng
But they can't get too close. The people gathering here are all acquaintances, and the sudden appearance of two unfamiliar faces can easily make people suspicious. There is no need to listen for news. Chen 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 will attract attention. In this social environment, without the assistance of local people, engaging in intelligence work is just a whim.
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. There were people coming and going in the tea shed, and it was a mixed bag. Even if they didn't ask, they could still hear a lot of news from the discussions of the people around them.
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 mixed, and there are many absurdities. Especially the machines in the South China Factory are almost becoming "demon weapons". Although machinery was not as rare in the late Ming Dynasty as it was in the "Sheng Qing Dynasty", many people still find it mysterious and mysterious to have such a powerful thing that can move by itself without manpower, water or wind.
The next most talked about thing is the private life of the officials of South China Factory. In particular, his relationship with the two Wen brothers has become the object of many people's lust. Listening to the public discussion in the tea shed about their 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 moment, the person next to me was frothing and said, "I think South China is going to suffer a big blow this time."
Why do you think this is something everyone is asking? 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 banknote will be cut off within three days. If you keep saying it, his job will be cut off." Someone taunted, "Look at you, old man, and you haven't seen anything yet." Are you going to the capital to put up a gear?"
"Hanging up the stall" is a procedure for self-castration among the people. People who intend to enter the palace go to the capital to submit themselves as eunuchs.
There was a burst of laughter in the tea shed, and the person who was being laughed at said, "Who knows where they got the money again? I think South China is just hanging on."
"The number of people who were barely hanging on until they were weighed increased to fifteen, which is a threefold increase. There are only so many people in the world who are hanging on to their last breath."
"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 within three to five days."
"Why do you see that?" The other party disagreed, "Is it no wonder that you can't submit the latest chapter since you have two jobs?"
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 lose his face and said anxiously: "Xiao Suanzi, please watch it. Huanan has gone against the grain in Xuwen and ruined the livelihood of many people. Earlier, someone went to sue him but was refuted by the master. But what happened? If you can understand this, sooner or later you 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 door of the South China Sugar Store and talk to the sugarcane farmers. The market price of two taels and five cents has just changed to one tael, and you still have the nerve to say that others are ruining it. people's livelihood"
"Humph, there are only sugarcane farmers in Xuwen." The other party sneered, "I think you are blind. Those people in front of Monk Zou's temple hate South China to death. I advise you not to rush to advocate for South China. After three days, you will be See you later”
"Three days, three days," the scholar put away the fan, "I want to see what happens. Just look at the kind of Lin Zhuang they elected, this group of people will not be able to make a difference."
When Chen Tianxiong heard the mention of "Lin Zhuang", he couldn't help but pricked up his ears and wanted 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 about it?" If you want to be nice, let’s have tea.”
In this way, the topic of "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's burning on this stove and what's the use of it," he sighed. "I wish I could see it with my own eyes."
"It's boiling water." Someone said, "I heard from people inside that they have to drive water inside every day. When the time comes, water vapor will spray out, but I don't know if they boil water like this every day. What effect will it have on boiling sugar?" usefulness"
It is said without intention, but the listener has intention. Chen 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, "In Leizhou Prefecture, there are many big companies who want to do business with South China."
This was the first time I heard that Chen Tianxiong thought that the escorts came out to inquire about information, but they were separated by one layer. Besides, they didn't know which ones the time traveler was most concerned about.
"This is surprising. Apart from sugar, what other business can we do with them?"
"For such a big brand in South China, just eating and clothing is a huge business," 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 seemed 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 an important financial source for the future travel group, and the foundation must be solid. Thinking of this, Chen Tianxiong became more determined to use wrists instead of relying on force to solve the problem.
But in the end, no one mentioned anything about Linzhuang anymore. Chen 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. Chen Tianxiong winked at Zhou Shizhai. 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. Chen Tianxiong was minding his own business, drinking tea in the tea shed and 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 of the county town, come to Hai'an Street, more than ten miles away, to drink tea? Although Xu Wen was young, there were always places to drink 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 careless in his job, he is prone to making comments on weekdays, 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. Chen 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 very 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 - it looks like a deserted house in front of the door.
Zhou Shizhai stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a long while, he knocked the person out. Wearing an old sweater. He was bareheaded and without a headscarf, and 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 two looking for?"
"Look for Xiao Zhanfeng."
"I am a stranger to you." He looked at the uninvited guest curiously.
"I have long admired your name, and I came here to pay you a visit." Chen Tianxiong said a general polite word.
Xiao Zhanfeng's eyes wandered around Chen Tianxiong, and he suddenly nodded: "I see, please sit inside."
Chen Tianxiong originally thought that he would refuse, so he specially prepared a set of words and even prepared to force his way through, but now it seems that there is no need for it. I couldn't help but become more interested in this person.
The courtyard is very deserted, with a lychee tree growing into branches and 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. Before Chen Tianxiong could speak, Xiao Zhanfeng blinked a few times and said, "If I guess correctly, you two are from South China."
Chen Tianxiong secretly praised him for his sharp eyesight and only said: "How can you see it?"
"People in South China behave and look differently from the locals." 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 tantamount to admitting that he is from South China in disguise.
"What's so difficult about this?" Xiao Zhanfeng was quite proud, "I've only seen a few of your big shopkeepers in South China. None of them look like businessmen, but they have the air of being arrogant and looking down on the world."
"Proud of the world" Chen Tianxiong couldn't help laughing. Do we really have the spirit of bastards? Then he thought about it. 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. Chen Tianxiong knew the rules of the Ming Dynasty and asked again: "How dare I ask for 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 wasted my time until now, and I am still just a boy. What's the use of having a nickname?" At this point, he suddenly realized something. : "You two are here, not even tea is served."
"No need to be polite." Chen Tianxiong knew from the appearance here 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 Shizhai knew that the Australian wanted to recruit this down-and-out scholar. He had been in Lingao for a long time. Although he only worked quietly and never commented on the affairs of the Australians, he could still see that their ambitions were not small and they had long been in their hearts. I had different thoughts. He nodded immediately and asked, "I don't know what kind of wine I want to drink."
"I don't want Xu Wenye, it's too sweet." Since Chen Tianxiong was interested in recruiting, he naturally had to spend some money, "Go to the candy store and get two bottles of Guoshi Wushuang."
"No, no, this can't be done." Xiao Zhanfeng blushed, "It's the first time we've met, how can I let you spend money?"
"We felt like old friends at first sight." Chen Tianxiong smiled, "I still have something to ask Brother Zhanfeng."
Although Xiao Zhanfeng felt it was inappropriate, there was only a bowl of cold rice and a few pickles on the stove. Not to mention entertaining guests, it was not enough even for himself. Thinking that the other party was so cheerful, there was no need for me to be coy, so I no longer shied away from it.
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 hand, "Your Majesty is so polite, Zhan Feng can't repay it, I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed."
"We are all our brothers." Chen Tianxiong used to socialize a lot in society, and he was very experienced in this method of building relationships and getting closer. He changed glasses, drank a few glasses of wine, and saw that his conversation became more and more enthusiastic. This is where we get to the point. ,.
