Under the protection of ten personal guards.
The group of people first went to the bank and exchanged the banknotes they had with them for meeting votes.
The so-called meeting vote is equivalent to a passbook, where you save money in your own name.
Yangzhou is a prosperous place, and there are branches of Dayinzhuang all over the place, which is quite convenient.
Several people left Yinzhuang and stood at the door of Yinzhuang.
Li Xiao looked at the signboard of the bank and couldn't help but sigh. These banks were all run by Shanxi merchants. The banks were really making money. Not only did they get no interest on deposits, but they actually had to charge money for safekeeping.
If you deposit a banknote of 400,000 taels, the handling fee will be 400 taels per year.
When you return to Peiping, you must dig a cellar in your own residence and store your money in the cellar.
Moreover, this bank business can also be done.
"Okay, let's go back to the inn and disguise ourselves, then we'll split up."
The group returned to the inn.
He changed into plain clothes and put on a fake beard, and his appearance changed.
After all, Li Xiao is now considered a minor celebrity in Yangzhou, and being recognized would be detrimental to his work.
Disguise completed, let’s go!
The ten guards were divided into three.
Li Xiao arranged four guards for Zhu Ningyun.
Her job is transportation, mainly to hide the women in the grain carriage after the rescue is completed, and leave Yangzhou City.
In addition, the other people in the inn now need her to settle down and get them on board in advance.
When the rescue is completed, we leave the city gate and go straight to the dock to board the boat and escape all night long!
Three guards were assigned to Zhu Gaoxu, who was responsible for investigating the rescue location, that is, the layout and guarding of Yaxing.
Three guards were given to Zhu Gaosui to secretly purchase hidden weapons without revealing their identities.
There are five gates in Yangzhou City, namely: Haining Gate (Dadong Gate), Tongsi Gate (West Gate), Anjiang Gate (South Gate), Zhenhuai Gate (North Gate), and Xiaodong Gate.
Li Xiao himself took Li Xiongzhi to hang out at various city gates.
See if there is any chance to bribe the defender.
Not far from the east gate of Yangzhou.
A tea shop with a few small tables outside.
Li Xiao was sitting here drinking tea, staring at the guards at the city gate in the distance.
From morning to evening, Li Xiao finally figured out the rules of rotation.
There are three shifts, and the soldiers rotate every four hours.
Perhaps because Yangzhou City is more prosperous, the city gates are closed only at Youshi (6:30). This is somewhat different from Peking, where the city gates are closed at Shenshi (4:00 pm).
Just continue to wait patiently.
In his spare time, Li Xiao thought about the situation of Fengyoujing, looked at Li Xiongzhi and said, "Xiao Zhi, how are you and that old man Li Kefang doing in their research on the formula of Fengyoujing?"
Li Xiongzhi replied: "Don't tell me, that old man is really capable. The guards had some headaches and hot heads, but the old man's illness was cured by the medicine. There are also some people who have hidden diseases and have been cured."
"Nonsense, of course I know that old man is powerful, otherwise I would accept him as my disciple?"
Li Xiao said angrily: "When I ask you about the formula, don't talk nonsense."
Li Xiongzhi chuckled, picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Li Xiao, and then reported:
"That old man Li Kefang is studying the formula every day now, so I will help him buy the medicine. There are all the medicinal materials in Yangzhou City. I have bought them all. Half of them have been developed. It is estimated that it will be completed in ten days and a half. "
Li Xiao nodded: "You will assist him well. When we return to Peking, the pharmaceutical business will be handed over to you and Li Kefang."
Hearing this, Li Xiongzhi was overjoyed: "Okay Brother Xiao, I will definitely do it well."
"Um."
Li Xiao patted Li Xiongzhi on the shoulder: "Do a good job and I won't treat you badly."
In the chat room,
Another hour passed.
The guards changed again.
If nothing else happens, this group of guards should still be them at this time tomorrow.
"He has a clear mind."
As soon as Li Xiao used his mind power, the owner of the tea shop came over and shouted:
"You two gentlemen, you have been sitting here all day. You just drank a pot of tea and ate two cakes. We are about to close up."
Li Xiao was so annoyed that he slapped a golden bean on the table.
This golden bean was obtained by Zhu Gaoxu in exchange for silver.
He changed a large handful and gave Li Xiao a bag.
After accepting Jin Douzi, the latter immediately shut up and returned to the shop. Even if he stayed there until tomorrow morning, I'm afraid the boss wouldn't make a fuss.
"He knows his mind!"
Li Xiao's target was the guard general.
After listening for a long time, I didn't hear anything useful.
The city gate has been closed, and the guards are very bored standing guard.
Everyone was stunned, with no thoughts at all.
After years of guarding the city gate, it seems that he has developed the skill of being in a daze.
This is indeed the case, otherwise they would be so boring.
"It can't go on like this."
Li Xiao looked at Li Xiongzhi, "Xiao Zhi, go to the city gate and throw a piece of silver out to see their reaction."
"good."
Li Xiongzhi said with some confusion: "Is this really useful?"
He had been sitting with Li Xiao for a whole day, and his buttocks were a little sore.
"Just go if you are told. There is so much nonsense. I can judge the degree of their greed for money through their expressions." Li Xiao said.
"Brother Xiao, do you still have this ability? Then see if I am greedy for money."
Li Xiao kicked Xiao Zhi on the butt, "You are the most greedy."
"Hey hey hey"
Li Xiongzhi patted his butt and walked towards the city gate with a bang.
When he walked to the city gate, Li Xiongzhi changed his face, bowed his body and smiled flatteringly: "Masters, can you please do it for me and let me go out to the city gate? It's urgent! My mother is dead and I have to go back. Pay homage.”
"Go, go, the city gate is closed, no one is allowed in or out."
The general guarding the gate said coldly: "If you want to leave the city gate, come tomorrow morning."
"My lord, please be accommodating."
Li Xiongzhi took out a couple of pieces of silver and handed it over.
The guard general reached out to take it and stuffed it into his arms, "These are just for our brothers to drink with tomorrow."
Li Xiongzhi asked weakly: "Then can I leave the city?"
The general who defended the city frowned: "Leave the city? What a beautiful idea, we don't want our heads?"
Li Xiongzhi stretched out his hand and said, "Give me back the silver."
The general who defended the city chuckled: "What silver? Have you seen it?"
The other city defenders shook their heads, saying they saw nothing.
Damn it, the officers and soldiers in Yangzhou City are paid to do nothing. Li Xiongzhi cursed in his heart, then turned around and left.
When leaving, Li Xiongzhi followed Li Xiao's request and quietly dropped one ingot and five taels of silver on the ground.
The soldiers guarding the city held their breath, and no one said a word.
When Li Xiongzhi walked away, the general who defended the city smiled, picked up the silver, and stuffed it into his arms.
The other soldiers could only stare and swallow.
at the same time.
Li Xiao kept using his mind power to target the general who was guarding the city from a distance.
His thoughts are as follows:
[Haha, a fool came to give me money. 】
[One tael of silver is enough to get out of the city gate. What are you thinking? Even if you give me a hundred taels, I won’t dare to open the door. 】
[Hey, this guy is quite rich. When he leaves, pick up the money and it will be mine.]
【I'm so happy, let's listen to the music tomorrow.】
After hearing these thoughts, Li Xiao held his forehead, his head covered with black lines.
It seems that the soldiers at this city gate are too cunning and can only be changed to another place.
"Brother Xiao, the soldiers at this city gate are very thieves. If you don't do things for money, I'm afraid it won't work."
Li Xiongzhi came back and cursed.
"I noticed it too, let's move to another place."
There was no other way, so Li Xiao had no choice but to take Li Xiongzhi to another city gate.
That's it.
Li Xiao rode a fast horse and kept changing the city gates.
West Gate, South Gate, North Gate.
At every city gate, Li Xiao repeated his old trick, letting Li Xiongzhi drop the money, and then listened to his heart.
But the result is the same. These guards are greedy for life and afraid of death, and they are very cunning.
You give him money, he takes it.
But if you ask him to open the city gate, he will never open it.
They all understand the same truth, if you have money, you must have life to spend it.
In the blink of an eye, all the four main city gates were checked. Li Xiao was speechless and gained nothing.
"Is this rescue operation destined to fail?"
Reluctantly, Li Xiao had no choice but to go to the last city gate, the Xiaodong Gate.
This gate is somewhat special. It is a small gate two miles away from the east city gate. I heard that it is mainly used for transporting grain.
Repeating the same trick again.
After Li Xiongzhi dropped the silver, the general who defended the city picked it up calmly.
However, Li Xiao heard something different this time.
【Got any money? Pick it up later]
[Hey, I only have five taels of silver. With these five taels of silver, I have only saved thirty taels of silver.]
[Only in the year of the monkey and the month of the horse can I redeem my beloved girl Ruyu from the Jinmei Building. 】
[To redeem Miss Ruyu, we still need more than five hundred taels of silver.]
[If I could redeem Ruyu and spend the rest of my life with him, I would be willing to die for Ruyu.]
[I picked up five taels of silver and will go see Ruyu tomorrow.]
After reading these voices.
Li Xiao called him a good guy!
This Jinmei Building is probably a brothel.
This Ruyu girl should be a brothel girl.
You just want to go to the brothel as soon as you pick up the money. No wonder you can't save the ransom.
However, it is true that he is willing to die for "Ruyu".
Because this is the voice of one's heart, and it cannot be false.
Li Xiao originally thought the plot was to meet a filial son whose mother was seriously ill and short of money. Then Li Xiao took out the money and the other party opened the city gate for his mother.
As a result, the filial son didn't meet him, but the infatuated son did.
Just wait, I will help you redeem Miss Ruyu!!
"Brother Xiao."
Li Xiongzhi came back and said: "It's not good. It seems that the guards at the five city gates are all gone. Where should we go next?"
Li Xiao stood up, smiled and said, "Let's go to Jinmei Building."
"Jinmei Building?"
Li Xiongzhi was stunned, and then said in surprise: "That's a brothel. We went to the brothel before we had any business to do, and the princess found out. I'm fine, but what are you going to do?"
During this time, Li Xiongzhi had money and liked to go to brothels when he had nothing to do.
"Huh? How do you know Jinmeilou is a brothel?"
Li Xiao asked strangely: "Have you been there?"
"Hey hey hey"
Li Xiongzhi chuckled: "I'm not married yet, I always have some needs. Oh, I understand, the princess has never given it to you."
"What the hell"
Li Xiao was a little annoyed and patted his head, "Stop talking nonsense, let me ask you, is there a girl named Ruyu in Jinmei Building?"
"Yes, I have."
Li Xiongzhi nodded and said: "That's the number one in Jinmeilou. It looks like a flower and jade, and has a very good mark. It's said that it's a showmanship but not a body. Five taels of silver can only talk for half an hour."
"but."
Li Xiongzhi changed the subject and said: "I spent a lot of money, and the other party relented. In fact, as long as you give me enough money, you can have a night of ecstasy with fifty taels of silver."
wipe.
Is there already an escort service in Ming Dynasty?
If you spend more money, you can actually do that. There is a real secret here.
I guess this girl just wants to spend money to play with rich people.
For those who have no money, hang them up
Talking about performing arts or not selling one's body is an excuse, so those who have no money believe it and hold on to the illusion of redemption. They often talk to people with five taels of silver, but in fact, they will never collect enough money to redeem themselves.
High, really high!
"Let's go, lead the way." Li Xiao waved.
"Brother Xiao, you really want to go." Li Xiongzhi said in surprise.
"Damn it, I'm going to do business."
"Yes, yes, it's business."
"My body is not afraid of slanting shadows, I am afraid of hair. What happens tonight is known to God and earth, you know it, and I know it, otherwise you will be doomed!"
"okay."
Not long after.
Li Xiao and the two came to Jinmei Building.
As soon as they arrived at the door, the madam greeted them, but when they saw that they were wearing commoners, their expressions changed slightly.
Li Xiao changed his clothes today, and he really didn't look like a rich man.
"Gentlemen, please come inside."
The madam still invited Li Xiao and two others in.
Although the poor are poor, they can still make some money out of it.
As soon as he entered the door, Li Xiao smelled a pungent smell of perfume.
Then many warblers and swallows came over.
"Sir, you are so handsome. Come to my place and I won't charge you any money, hehehe."
"Sir, would you mind reciting poetry with me?"
"What a handsome young man. Let my sister kiss you."
Yingying and Yanyan were wearing scantily clad clothes as thin as cicada wings, and they all moved closer to Li Xiao.
Li Xiongzhi on the side thought to himself, it’s really good to be handsome, but there are people who are willing to offer you free money. If I were to go with that free girl, I’d go for it.
Seeing the brothel woman approaching, Li Xiao immediately took a step back to dodge, almost getting hit.
He was too lazy to talk nonsense and said directly: "I want Miss Ruyu."
When these girls heard this, they suddenly lost interest, their expressions changed, and they walked away with their waists twisted.
"Hey, sir, you are really good at choosing. Miss Ruyu is our number one here."
The madam sneered, obviously not thinking that Li Xiao could afford it.
"What I ordered is the top card, and I asked her to come and see me." Li Xiao said.
"unfortunately."
The old bustard smiled and said: "Miss Ruyu has a guest today, please change her."
Li Xiao took out a large silver ingot and said, "Can we see it now?"
The madam's eyes were fixed. She thought he was a poor boy, but he didn't expect that he was a wealthy man.
She took the silver and looked at Li Xiao and then at Li Xiongzhi.
For wealthy customers, it is natural to remember their appearance so that they can greet them next time.
Looking at it, I remembered that Li Xiongzhi had visited me not long ago, and he was quite generous.
It's just that I changed into civilian clothes today, so I didn't recognize him for a while.
"Okay, okay, it turns out he is Mr. Li's friend, of course you can see it."
The madam beamed with joy and completely changed her attitude.
"What Master Li?"
Li Xiongzhi didn't want to steal his master's limelight, so he pretended to look unhappy, then pointed at Li Xiao and said: "This is Master Li, I'm just a follower."
"Hey, you are Mr. Li, a distinguished guest. Come in quickly."
As he said this, the madam took Li Xiao into the private room and said, "Hurry and call Miss Ruyu."
After saying that, he looked at Li Xiao and said, "Master Li, can I arrange a few more girls for you?"
Li Xiao waved his hand: "No, I just want Ruyu."
"Okay sir"
The old madam thought to herself, since you have given me enough money, I will make a profit by arranging a girl, but this habit...
She glanced at the two of them.
Two people order a girl, she knows how to play.
It seems that Miss Ruyu will be tired tonight
Li Xiao and two others entered the room.
Li Xiongzhi said with some confusion: "Brother Xiao, I still don't understand. We shouldn't be here to visit a brothel. Otherwise, why would the two of us order the same girl?"
At this time, Li Xiongzhi was completely confused.
Li Xiao said angrily: "Nonsense, of course I'm not here to visit a brothel. I said I'm going to do business. You can also bear witness to me. I won't do anything."
"Huh? This is not a serious matter."
Li Xiongzhi asked strangely: "Why do you want to come here?"
Li Xiao had no choice but to explain: "This Ruyu is the mistress of the general who guards the city of Xiaodongmen. He wants to redeem her body. Do you understand?"
"I see. It's so high."
Li Xiongzhi gave a thumbs up and flattered him: "Brother Xiao is awesome. As long as we redeem this Ruyu, will the general who defends the city be at our mercy?"
"etc."
Li Xiongzhi suddenly felt something was wrong and looked at Li Xiao and said, "Brother Xiao, how did you know about this?"
Li Xiaodao: "I said it. Through facial expressions."
Li Xiongzhi: "????"
Can you tell who the other person’s mistress is through facial expressions?
For a moment, Li Xiongzhi's brain was running out of energy and there was some disconnection.
"Ruyu has met Mr. Li"
At this time, Ruyu walked in with a pot of wine and bowed.
Li Xiao frowned, her appearance was not good either, she looked to be in her mid-twenties, all because of the powder on her face, she was not as good as He Xiaoqian who escaped from the dental shop.
With this kind of thing, how did he seduce the general who defended the city into being willing to die?
Forget it, it's none of my business
"Come and sit."
Li Xiao greeted.
Ruyu recognized Li Xiongzhi as a man who could afford to spend money. She sat down charmingly and poured wine for the two of them. Then she said softly, "If you two come together, you will have to pay extra."
"." Li Xiao was speechless, and then asked: "Let me ask you a question."
"Young master, are you here to have a heart-to-heart talk with me? It's a little cold at night. How about you hugging me?"
Ruyu doesn’t want Feiyang to just come over and chat.
After all, chatting can only earn five taels of silver, which is not cost-effective. He just abandoned other customers.
Li Xiao took out a money bag and threw out a golden bean.
"Wow"
Ruyu's eyes suddenly lit up, she picked it up, took another bite, and then said with joy, "Young master, just ask me what you want to ask. I'll tell you everything I know."
She thought to herself that she was really lucky today. The guests who ate vegetarian dishes were more generous than those who ate meat.
Li Xiao said: "There is a general guarding the city at Xiaodongmen. Do you know him?"
"Ah, this is the problem."
Ruyu lowered her eyebrows and said, "Our rules here are not to reveal guests' information at will."
bang bang
Li Xiao casually popped two golden beans from his fingers and landed on the table with a crisp sound.
Ruyu happily took it. With money, she could say anything now.
"Sir, the little east gate city guard general is named Lin Ren. He meets the slave family once a month and has already fallen under my pomegranate skirt."
"You keep saying you want to redeem me. Isn't that ridiculous?"
"With his salary, he will never be able to redeem his slave family in his lifetime."
"He also said he was willing to die for the slave family. Anyway, the slave family doesn't believe a word of what these stinky men say."
Ruyu spoke out everything she knew.
Li Xiaoxin said, it should be almost the same. This fool is really willing to die for Ruyu. Of course, it’s fine if the other party doesn’t believe it.
"Sir, do you have anything else to ask?"
Ruyu's eyes glowed as she stared at Li Xiao's money bag.
"Gone."
Li Xiao smiled and said: "I am willing to redeem your life, are you willing?"
"What?"
Ruyu was obviously a little surprised and said in confusion: "Master, this is the first time you and I have met, why are you willing to redeem yourself for the slave family?"
Li Xiao said: "There are not so many reasons, I just ask if you are willing."
Ruyu said: "If you want to redeem your slave family, it will cost a lot of money."
Li Xiao smiled and said: "I have plenty of money, so don't worry about it. After I redeem myself, I will give you your freedom."
Ruyu didn't believe it: "How is this possible?"
Li Xiao said: "As long as you say yes, I will redeem your body now. Why did you lie to me?"
After hearing this,
Seeing that the other party was not joking, Ruyu put away her charming posture and her expression became more serious.
She hesitated for a long time before shaking her head, as if remembering the past:
"My family appreciates the kindness of the young master. In fact, I don't want to leave here."
"The slave family was originally a thin horse from Yangzhou that was raised in captivity. She was sold as a concubine to a wealthy family at the age of fourteen. She thought she could live out her life."
"I didn't expect that when the old man was no longer useful, he sold me like an animal to a brothel."
"Today, the slave family is in ruins, and most of the money earned goes into the old bustard's pocket. Even if we leave here, where can we go to make a living?"
This is the current situation of most brothel girls.
They were considered lowly in ancient times. Even if they left here, they would not be able to survive without money.
Therefore, most women can only accept their fate and spend their entire lives in brothels.
It's really pitiful, this is the fate of the Yangzhou thin horse.
Li Xiaodao: "After I redeem you, I will give you another sum of money, five hundred taels of silver, to find a place, buy a house, and find an honest man. It will be enough for you to live for the rest of your life. How about that?"
Five hundred taels of silver, freedom, and no worries for the rest of my life.
Li Xiao didn't believe that Ruyu was unmoved and was not forced to do so. Who would want to be here?
"Five hundred taels of silver??"
Ruyu's heart was beating loudly, and she asked in disbelief: "Master, why did you do this?"
Li Xiao said: "Of course there is a prerequisite. I need you to do something for me. After the task is completed, I will give you some silver and you can leave this sad place."
"What's going on? Is it dangerous?"
Ruyu was a little moved.
Li Xiao shook his head: "There is no danger to you. But it is very dangerous to Lin Ren, as you mentioned, but he is willing to die for you, so this thing should be possible."
"Lin Ren."
Ruyu thought about it for a while, then thought about the other party's position, her face changed and she said: "Do you want to go out of the city gate at night?"
Li Xiao nodded.
Ruyu frowned and said: "This is impossible. I don't believe that Lin Ren is willing to do such a thing for me, a brothel girl. This is a crime of beheading."
Li Xiaodao: "No matter whether it succeeds or not, I will pay you, and you will not be in danger. It is us who are betting, not you. If the other party is willing to do such a dangerous thing for you, then congratulations, I believe you should find If Lin Ren survives, you can find a place to spend the rest of your life together."
After listening, Ruyu was stunned.
This temptation is too big for Ruyu.
If it succeeds, he can redeem himself and still have five hundred taels of silver, enough to survive for the rest of his life.
If Lin Ren was really willing to die for him, then he would be willing to join him.
If it fails, you will still gain benefits and lose nothing.
Thinking of this, Ruyu nodded and said:
"Master, I am willing! Please help me redeem my life."
"I've had enough of staying here."
(End of chapter)
