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Although Zhao Junchen is a man with a sinister mind, he often still subconsciously underestimates the dangers of people's hearts and the coldness of the world.
Take this time as an example. When he stated that he wanted Li Zeguang's business to go bankrupt as soon as possible and to incur huge debts, the time limit he gave was three months.
However, the actual situation is that in order to please Zhao Junchen, all walks of life in South Zhili are very active and unscrupulous. They can say that they will do anything. As long as they can see results quickly, they are willing to use any vicious means!
Under such circumstances, it would not take three months to defeat Li Zeguang, only half a month would be enough!
Dai Fengfu, who has always been known for his kindness and kindness, took the lead in meeting Li Zeguang and said that he had a big business and wanted to cooperate with Li Zeguang. The profit could at least double within three years. However, if Li Zeguang wanted to join, he must have at least Take out two hundred thousand taels of silver.
The figure of two hundred thousand taels of silver was carefully evaluated by Dai Fengfu!
According to Dai Fengfu's judgment, with Li Zeguang's wealth, he can only raise 150,000 taels of cash at most in a short period of time. Therefore, if he still wants to raise 200,000 taels of silver, there are only two ways left. Can go - either borrowing debt or mortgaging property.
Li Zeguang naturally didn't want to miss out on such an astonishingly profitable business that could double his two hundred thousand taels of silver in three years. Moreover, Dai Fengfu was one of the leaders in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang business circles and had always had an excellent reputation, so he hesitated. After a long time, I finally decided to take a chance!
So, relying on his always good reputation, Li Zeguang borrowed 50,000 taels of silver from several familiar partners, and then squeezed out 150,000 taels of silver from his various businesses, and finally scraped together 20,000 taels of silver. One hundred thousand taels of silver were handed over to Dai Fengfu.
Later, Li Zeguang and Dai Fengfu also signed a written note, clearly stating that Dai Fengfu would return the 400,000 taels of silver to Li Zeguang three years later with interest!
Because he had this document in hand, Li Zeguang was naturally very relieved and could only wait for his net worth to double in three years.
In Li Zeguang's view, after taking out this huge sum of money, although his various businesses will be short of funds in a short period of time, as long as his business can still operate normally and then tighten some expenditures, such a situation will It will be over soon.
Next, Lin Yunpu, the leader among Jiangsu and Zhejiang merchants, also approached Li Zeguang and said that his business had been very large recently and the warehouse used to store goods was no longer enough, so he hoped to temporarily borrow Li Zeguang's warehouse to store a batch of goods. , it only takes a few days, and Li Zeguang will be given a sum of money as a thank you afterwards.
In Li Zeguang's opinion, this kind of thing was just a trivial matter, so he naturally wanted to sell it to Lin Yunpu to save face, so he agreed on the spot and also signed a written agreement.
Things have progressed to this point, everything is still normal!
But who would have thought that things would change drastically in the next ten days!
First of all, Bai Mingyu suddenly made a statement, saying that any businessman who cooperates with Li Zeguang in the future will be regarded as Bai Mingyu's enemy!
Bai Mingyu has always been known for being ruthless and ruthless. Ordinary businessmen would not dare to offend him, so in just two days, all former partners cut off contact with Li Zeguang.
At the same time, Li Zeguang had just borrowed 50,000 taels of silver from several partners. These partners were worried that the money they lent to Li Zeguang would be wasted, so they blocked the door one after another and demanded that Li Zeguang repay the debt immediately!
Then, all the merchants who competed with Li Zeguang spared no effort to suppress Li Zeguang's business and used various means to compete with Li Zeguang for customers. For a time, two tea houses, three restaurants, and a grain store under Li Zeguang's name were all over the place. There are so few people around, and there is no business left for them all.
Then, the warehouse where Lin Yunpu's goods were stored suddenly caught fire. Not only was Lin Yunpu's goods worth more than 100,000 taels of silver burned overnight, but Li Zeguang himself also suffered heavy losses!
Then, Xie Bingde, who had the most extensive connections among the merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, also took action.
Huizhou was the place with the strongest commercial atmosphere in the Ming Dynasty. Just as officials always liked to find Shaoxing people as their masters and staff to advise them, merchants in this era also liked to find Huizhou people as shopkeepers to take care of their business. The same is true for Li Zeguang. More than half of the restaurants, teahouses and grain shops under his name are held by Huizhou natives.
As the president of the Huizhou Chamber of Commerce, Xie Bingde had a very high status in the eyes of Huizhou merchants. Under his personal initiative to instigate rebellion, several shopkeepers under Li Zeguang rebelled one after another. Some people took advantage of the money and ran away, some deliberately caused mischief, and some even Go to the Yamen to report Li Zeguang's crimes of tax evasion, tax domination, deception, abduction and other crimes!
Finally, all forces in South Zhili took action. The government suddenly seized Li Zeguang's property, local gangsters continued to find troubles and provocations, rumors in the market poured dirty water on Li Zeguang, and rural elders also led the tenants. Making trouble on purpose...
In this way, Li Zeguang, who was originally short of funds, only persisted for less than ten days, and his business completely collapsed!
If it was just that the business collapsed, it would be fine. Li Zeguang also faced a lawsuit and was almost imprisoned.
He could have persisted if he had just suffered a lawsuit, but Li Zeguang still had more than ten creditors coming to call for debts every day - at this time, he not only owed as much as 50,000 taels of silver to his former business partners, but also because of Lin Yunpu's goods. Because it was burned down, he owed Lin Yunpu a huge debt of more than 100,000 taels of silver!
Under such circumstances, Li Zeguang's only hope is that Dai Fengfu is willing to return his principal of 200,000 taels of silver in advance, even if it is "ten for nine", as long as Dai Fengfu returns him 180,000 taels of silver. Let him get through this difficulty!
However, Dai Fengfu, who has always been generous and kind to others, this time he stuck to his principles and said that he must abide by the terms of the contract. If he said that he would pay back the money after three years, it must be three years later, not even one day in advance! Three years later, the promised 400,000 taels of silver will definitely be not less!
However, Li Zeguang was at the end of his rope at this time and would never be able to persist until three years later.
Due to government seizures, tenant protests, green skin harassment, creditor blockades and other reasons, Li Zeguang and the Li family, who were once well-off and well-known among merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, are now almost unable to live in even their old home in their hometown and will be homeless at any time. street!
At this time, Li Zeguang was in deep despair, but he still did not give up the struggle. He was a smart man, and he quickly understood that everything that happened during this period must be that all walks of life in South Zhili were deliberately targeting him!
Li Zeguang can only think of one person who has such huge energy and can call on all walks of life in South Zhili to target him, and that is Zhao Junchen! ——Not even Huang Yourong, the governor of Southern Zhili, has such ability!
After figuring this out, Li Zeguang hurried to Suzhou Mansion, hoping to see Huang Yourong and Huo Zhengyuan.
Huang Yourong is Zhao Junchen's ally, and Huo Zhengyuan is Zhao Junchen's confidant. Only by winning the understanding and support of these two people can Li Zeguang have a chance to win a chance!
For this meeting, Li Zeguang worked hard, moved here and there, squeezed out the last bit of money he had, and spent a lot of money to prepare a generous gift!
This was Li Zeguang's last glimmer of hope, and he had to give it a try.
*
But he said that while Huang Yourong and Huo Zhengyuan were talking about Li Zeguang, Li Zeguang was waiting anxiously outside the governor's office in Nanzhili.
Although Li Zeguang is a businessman, he has also studied poetry and books, and he has a somewhat Confucian temperament. In addition, he has always been good at maintaining and paying attention to appearance, so he has always had an excellent image. Although he is not confused about his age, he looks Like he's in his early thirties.
However, after all the events during this period, Li Zeguang's image at this time was completely different. His temples quickly turned pale, wrinkles appeared on his face, his eyes were depressed and gloomy, and his expression was haggard and anxious, just like a man. He sounded twenty years older.
While Li Zeguang was waiting anxiously, one of Huang Yourong's staff strolled outside the governor's office and said to Li Zeguang: "Master Li, Mr. Huang Ge and Mr. Huo are very satisfied with the gift you sent. They have received it." Got off."
After hearing this reply, Li Zeguang couldn't help but be overjoyed and asked quickly: "So, Mr. Huang Ge and Academician Huo agreed to see me?"
The staff member had a meaningful smile on his face and nodded: "Of course I am willing to see you..."
Li Zeguang became increasingly happy and was about to enter the Nanzhili Governor's Yamen.
However, as soon as Li Zeguang took a step, the staff member stopped him with his hand.
Then, the staff member continued with a smile: "Although I am willing to see you, both of you have been busy with official duties recently, so the time to see you is not today. It will have to be arranged separately."
Li Zeguang asked quickly: "What about tomorrow? The day after tomorrow? Can the day after tomorrow work?"
Every time Li Zeguang asked a question, the aide would shake his head in denial, and then said: "Maybe it will be tomorrow, maybe the day after tomorrow, maybe the day after tomorrow, or maybe even longer... Everything depends on when the two adults finish their official duties!
All in all, if the two adults promise to meet you, they will definitely keep their promise, but the meeting time can only be arranged separately!
Also, Bachelor Huo suggested that Shopkeeper Li find a place to stay temporarily in Suzhou. When Mr. Huang Ge and Bachelor Huo finish their official duties, they will definitely summon you to meet. "
Hearing this statement, Li Zeguang was stunned.
He is not stupid, so he naturally understands the meaning of these words - this is another way of saying "rejection"!
In other words, Huang Yourong and Huo Zhengyuan deliberately delayed it. By the time they summoned Li Zeguang, the day lilies would be cold!
Such an approach is not only a desperate attempt to save someone, but also adds insult to injury!
In particular, Huo Zhengyuan's suggestion to let Li Zeguang stay in Suzhou and wait was even more vicious!
You know, due to the deliberate targeting of all walks of life in Southern Zhili, Li Zeguang is now at the end of his rope. If he listens to Huo Zhengyuan's suggestion and stays in Suzhou to wait, he will only further waste time and watch the situation worsen!
What's even more disgusting is that Huo Zhengyuan and Huang Yourong clearly didn't want to see Li Zeguang, but they changed their words and then shamelessly accepted the generous gift that Li Zeguang had worked so hard to come up with!
In order to prepare this generous gift, Li Zeguang spent a lot of money and invested the last bit of capital. As a result, Huo Zhengyuan and Huang Yourong actually received the benefits but did nothing!
As a result, Li Zeguang lost all his money and lost his last chance to make a comeback. The situation will definitely become more difficult in the future!
These officials are even more evil than profiteers!
For a moment, Li Zeguang was so angry and resentful that he no longer cared about the former city government. He just glared at the staff member in front of him fiercely and wanted to curse!
But the last thread of reason told Li Zeguang that if he cursed loudly at this time, Huang Yourong would only find reasons to accuse him, and in the end he would only bring humiliation to himself.
As a result, Li Zeguang finally suppressed the anger in his heart, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
When the staff member saw Li Zeguang's performance, and after carefully admiring the change in Li Zeguang's expression for a moment, a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes.
But just as Li Zeguang was about to turn around and leave, the staff member suddenly said: "Actually, I have also heard about the situation of shopkeeper Li... In my opinion, shopkeeper Li just hasn't been found yet. It’s just the root of the problem! If we find the root cause, there may be a glimmer of hope in the future.”
Li Zeguang was stunned for a moment, but the next moment he put on a humble smile, turned around and bowed to ask for advice: "Please give me some advice from this gentleman!"
However, the staff member smiled and said nothing, but looked at Li Zeguang meaningfully.
Li Zeguang was stunned again, but he quickly came to his senses.
I saw Li Zeguang gritting his teeth, with a look of heartache on his face, but he grabbed a jade pendant from his waist, gave it to the staffer with both hands, and said with a stiff smile: "It's a small thing, I hope this gentleman will accept it." !”
This jade pendant was a token of love between Li Zeguang and his late wife. Although it is not very valuable, it is the only thing that Li Zeguang can afford now.
After the staff member reached out to take the jade pendant, he observed it for a moment, his expression a little dissatisfied, but he also knew that Li Zeguang could not squeeze more money out of him, and finally said slowly: "Since you are still sincere, then I will Let me show you a clear path! You are in this situation today entirely because you offended a noble person. But if you think about it carefully, you have never had any relationship with that noble person, so why did you offend him?
If you think about it carefully, if you have not directly offended that noble person, but the people around you have offended him? To untie the bell, you must tie the bell. No matter who has offended that noble person, he must come forward to apologize to that noble person in the end... Otherwise, no matter how hard you struggle, you will never be able to resolve the crisis! "
After hearing the advice from this staff member, Li Zeguang quickly understood the meaning behind his words.
If the mastermind behind all this is Zhao Junchen, Li Zeguang has never had any contact with Zhao Junchen. It can only be that his son Li Chunchen, who serves in the court, offended Zhao Junchen, so the Li family is in today's disaster!
Therefore, only Li Chunchen himself can resolve this crisis!
After thinking about this, Li Zeguang bowed his hands to the staff member and thanked him. When he saw the staff member, he was unwilling to say more. He once again took a deep look at the jade pendant that the staff member was playing with, and then turned and left.
As he left quickly, Li Zeguang looked thoughtful and thought to himself: "Could it be that all this happened because Lin'er offended Zhao Junchen? But Lin'er is just a small figure in the officialdom, so how could he offend Zhao Junchen? A powerful minister like Junchen who covers the sky with one hand?"
The so-called "Lin'er" is Li Chunchen's nickname.
Thinking of this, Li Zeguang suddenly thought of something again, and his expression changed slightly again.
"Some time ago, Lin'er sent a letter home, saying that he would soon make a big career, and the Li family would soon shine...
Could it be that it was this so-called big business that made Lin'er offend Zhao Junchen and also implicated the family?
Speaking of which, Lin'er seems to have been somewhat hostile to Zhao Junchen in the past. When the United Shipping Company was founded, I did not join it because of Lin'er's strong persuasion. Lin'er said at that time that for the sake of his future career, he would never have anything to do with Zhao Junchen. Too many relationships...
It seems that Lin'er must be told what happened during this period. If he is willing to give up that so-called big career, maybe he can get Zhao Junchen's forgiveness... With Zhao Junchen's vicious methods, he must not offend him unless absolutely necessary. This is also for Lin'er's good!
However, Lin'er has always insisted on his own opinions since he was a child and will never waver... It's not easy to convince him to give up. Even if the Li family is facing disaster now, it will be difficult for him to waver... If you want to convince him , we must think of some ways...
Lin'er...don't blame father, I'm at my wits end now..."
Thinking of this, Li Zeguang's eyes flashed with pain, but his steps became faster and firmer.
Li Zeguang lost his wife in his early years and raised Li Chunchen single-handedly. Needless to say, he doted on Li Chunchen. He would not have held back his son unless he had to, but as the head of the family, he had to make a choice.
*
But he said that after seeing Li Zeguang leaving, the staff member also returned to the governor's office and came to the main hall to report to Huang Yourong: "Mr. Ge, I have already told Li Zeguang what you told me."
Huang Yourong nodded lightly and said: "In this case, I can be considered worthy of his generous gift... Otherwise, based on his knowledge, I'm afraid it will take a long time to figure out these things... This approach should also be in line with Zhao Junchen's thoughts, I guess, Zhao Junchen's rectification of the Li family must be just to force Li Chunchen to bow his head. I don't know what Li Chunchen did to make Zhao Junchen deliberately target... Zhao Junchen's methods are beyond the capabilities of ordinary people. "
Speaking of this, Huang Yourong's expression was a little complicated, but he thought of the times when he and Zhao Junchen were fighting openly and secretly.
On the side, Huo Zhengyuan smiled and complimented: "Mr. Huang Ge is indeed a kindhearted person."
At this moment, another staff member stepped into the main hall.
But this staff member was not Huang Yourong's staff, nor could he even be considered Huo Zhengyuan's staff. Instead, he was one of the three staff members assigned to Huo Zhengyuan by Zhao Junchen when Huo Zhengyuan left the capital and went south. He is the biological brother of former young master Guo Tang—— Guo Min!
Because of Guo Min's status, Huang Yourong and Huo Zhengyuan both put on smiles after seeing him.
After Guo Min saluted and greeted the two of them, he went straight to the point and said, "Scholar Huo, I have something to do and need one hundred thousand taels of silver."
He directly reached out to ask for money from Huo Zhengyuan without giving any reason. This behavior immediately stunned Huang Yourong's staff.
But what's even more surprising is that Huo Zhengyuan didn't ask any questions at all, and just said: "It just so happened that I got a lot of benefits from merchants in Jiangsu and Zhejiang in the past few days. Now Ouyang Bo is responsible for keeping the money. You can go and use it directly." That is, if it’s not enough, ask for more.”
Guo Min nodded slightly, saluted again and left.
The conversation between Huo Zhengyuan and Guo Min had no beginning or end, which made Huang Yourong look a little unhappy, thinking that the two of them were hiding something from him.
Noticing Huang Yourong's behavior, Huo Zhengyuan quickly explained: "Don't blame Mr. Huang Ge. It's not that I'm deliberately hiding something from you. In fact, even I don't know what Guo Min is going to do next! At the time, Mr. Zhao Ge arranged I hired three staff to assist me. Among them, Guo Min is a bit special. Besides assisting me, he also has a secret mission. But what this secret mission is, I am afraid only Zhao Gechen and Guo Min himself know, so he asked me for money. When doing things, I won’t deliberately ask questions.”
After hearing Huo Zhengyuan's explanation, Huang Yourong's expression improved a lot, and he said slowly: "Guo Min is the biological brother of the former young master Guo Tang, and now he has also joined Zhao Junchen's sect. Hey... it seems like There are quite a few people who have turned enemies into friends with Zhao Junchen... However, this Zhao Junchen has countless overt or covert plans and arrangements. I'm afraid he is plotting something every moment. , I sometimes feel tired for him!"
Huo Zhengyuan sighed: "But it is precisely because of this that Zhao Gechen has reached the point where he is today... In my opinion, everyone's preferences are different. Zhao Gechen may feel tired, but he may not be unhappy. in."
*
While Huang Yourong and Huo Zhengyuan were chatting, Guo Min quickly left the Nanzhili Governor's Office, boarded a carriage that had been prepared long ago, and then took the carriage to the east of Suzhou City, and then got off The carriage walked in circles for several streets.
When he was sure that no one was following him, he ducked into a seemingly inconspicuous shop.
This shop is called "Haiyu Chamber of Commerce".
This store seemed inconspicuous, but when Guo Min entered it, he saw that the goods sold in the store were all rare items of this era - Western clocks, gem decorations, peacock tails, and crocodile skins. , you can even see rhino horns and ivory.
Obviously, this shop is very powerful, otherwise it would not be possible to collect these rare items.
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It’s still two chapters in one, six thousand words!
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