Wu Sijing stopped immediately, stretched his neck, tugged on his clothes a few times, and turned around with a smile.
"I wonder if Mr. Cai has anything else to say?"
The people around him also stopped and turned to look, watching Cai Xianqing's every move with suspicious eyes.
"It's nothing, it's just that we have gone through a lot of hard work to build the factory, and it's not easy for you and me. Fortunately, it was successfully resolved. I would like to treat you to a few drinks to celebrate." Cai Xianqing's tone was very relaxed.
"In that case, why not invite four merchants to have a drink together? By the way, the magistrate has also done a lot of work." After saying this, Wu Sixing laughed dryly.
"Of course we want to invite you all. At that time, we had to find a bigger restaurant to get together, but it is different from today's drink. You single-handedly facilitated this negotiation. Now that this matter has been concluded, I will beg you in the future. If it's less, why not take advantage of this season to return this favor to you and repay the bishop for your great kindness." Cai Xianqing said methodically.
"this……"
"You don't have to refuse anymore," Ye Yongjia also agreed, "Cai Shilang is right. We are gathering to drink this wine just to thank you. Don't misunderstand me. If you continue to be indebted, the junior's mood will be It will also make you uneasy.”
Faced with the pleading of the two ministers of war, how could Wu Sijing dare to leave and disgrace them? He had to agree with a wry smile.
Seeing that he was relieved, Cai Xianqing immediately called the county magistrate and said: "County magistrate, didn't you drink today? Take out a small jar of the good wine you have hidden and send it to the guest room!"
The group of people arrived in the guest room and immediately closed the doors and windows. Listening to the silence around them, they each filled their glasses with wine and gulped down some snacks.
"Bishop Wu, can you call them all over? Your relationship with those merchants should be good, right?" Cai Xianqing asked while lowering his head to pour the wine.
Wu Sijing was extremely vigilant as soon as he entered the room, and did not dare to show any slightest hesitation. He only hesitated for a moment, and then hurriedly answered: "To be honest, I have lived on the seaside for a long time, and it is only because of the power of language that I have some connection with these people. Friendship. But they are all wealthy people, how can they think highly of me, a humble bishop? After all, they are just deliberately using me as a messenger."
"According to what you said, sir, you didn't actually interfere with their opinions?" Cai Xianqing looked straight at him with sharp eyes.
Wu Sijing stared at the table tightly, deliberately hiding his expression: "Of course, how dare you interfere..."
"Then I find it quite strange," Cai Xianqing put down the bowl in his hand, "Bishop Wu is so willing to be used by them? And he deliberately gets involved. It's really hard to understand. When it comes to use, most of the time it's about mutuality."
Wu Sijing was shivering all over and his face was getting paler. He was afraid that if he continued to speak, everything would be revealed, so he simply turned his fear into anger: "Servant Cai, if you doubt me, just tell me! Anyway, I am just a preacher. , I don’t have the power to restrain a chicken, and I don’t have overwhelming power. If the government wants to arrest me, it’s just a matter of a word!”
Ye Yongjia immediately understood his intention and smiled with Cai Xianqing.
"L-what are you laughing at?" His tongue couldn't move.
"Laughing at Bishop Wu for being too preoccupied," it was Ye Yongjia's turn to speak this time, "Shilang Cai just wanted to understand the situation in Beitang, especially the business style of those merchants. He is used to being straightforward and has no intention of making insinuations. I'm sorry. Don’t be offended.”
Cai Xianqing quickly made several deep bows before Wu Sixing calmed down a lot and sat back down again.
While Cai Xianqing was pouring wine to apologize, she looked straight at Ye Yongjia, and then fell into silence. The latter understood it well - in order to keep the conversation going, he, who had been keeping calm, could make Wu Sijing relax some of his vigilance.
"Bishop Wu, let me tell you something casual. Ye heard from locals in Beitang that the industry in the county is very strong, with more than ten shops opened since last year. Is this true?"
"Yes, there are many businessmen gathered here in Ninghe, and I often come here to buy some utensils." Wu Sijing talked to him more casually, but when he kept looking at Cai Xianqing, he was afraid that something earth-shattering would suddenly come out of his mouth.
"Ye has a concern. Although the merchants built the factory in Beitang, it is still within the territory of Ninghe. The raw materials must be delivered to the firearms factory first. If the local merchants are out of stock, it is really difficult to find them. Even if there is a place to buy, The price will not be cheap either. If such a prosperous business in the city collapses and damages the local tax collection, the court will inevitably hold me accountable." Ye Yongjia frowned and looked at Wu Sixing helplessly.
Wu Sijing suffered the previous losses and did not dare to respond rashly. He thought carefully: "If I say that I can't help, if the store is still prosperous in the future, I will definitely suspect that there is collusion among them. If we investigate closely, it will definitely cause trouble." For myself, if I can help you, how can I, a missionary, be able to help? They will still doubt me...'
"What are Mr. Wu thinking? Is there still room for change in this matter?" Ye Yongjia asked impatiently.
Wu Sijing was still undecided, but he finally made up his mind under his pressure: "When the minister is in trouble, how can I stand by and watch? I think I am a smart man. I will walk around the city a few times in the next two days and ask those who Businessmen will definitely find a way!"
"Ye is so incompetent that he once again asked you, a lonely old man. I feel really ashamed."
"Nothing, nothing!" Wu Sixing smacked his lips and waved his hands.
"Bishop Wu, the problem is that we need to buy materials to build a factory in a few days. What if some shops urgently need it?" Cai Xianqing seized the opportunity and continued to ask.
"Why don't we petition the imperial court to allocate masonry and wood from the Ministry of Industry, so that we don't have to occupy local raw materials." So-called smooth sailing, under the temptation of the two men from the Ministry of War, Wu Sijing naturally said the original plan plan.
Ye Yongjia suddenly showed joy, but in the blink of an eye, his expression calmed down and he said to Bishop Wu: "This is indeed a good strategy! You can ask the merchants to see if they agree?"
"Shipping it from the Ministry of Industry saves time and effort. What else is not allowed? Just report it."
"Well, thank you for your hard work, Bishop Wu." Cai Xianqing rushed in front of Ye Yongjia and slowly took out a banknote from his arms, "This is a reward for you. It's worth fifty taels of banknote. You can see this thing." Did you pass it? You can redeem it at the bank account. This small gift is not respectful."
Wu Sijing was still frightened before, but when he saw this banknote, his eyes were shining. He nodded and took it: "Thank you two adults for your generous report. If you have anything to say in the future, please feel free to mention it..."
