Wang family.
Although it is freezing cold outside, it is as warm as spring inside. The precious sandalwood slowly rises from the hollow gaps of the incense burner, forming wisps of changing lines in the sunlight.
The old butler Wang Zhong stood respectfully at the door of the study, waiting for the new master's instructions.
Wang Gui, who temporarily acted as the head of the Wang family, sighed, rubbed his sore eyebrows tiredly, and casually put down the account book he was holding.
This is a report compiled by the steward of the family about the status of the family's remaining property.
The situation is not optimistic.
The last incident almost exhausted the Wang family's accumulated wealth over the years.
Today, the Wang family is only an empty shell, which makes him a little exhausted after taking over.
However, even so, there are still some people in the clan who cannot see clearly the situation, hold grudges against their master's family, and keep making small moves in private. Only then did he realize how difficult it was for Wang Yan to keep the huge Wang family in order.
He originally had a cold temperament, and during this period of time, dealing with these chores in the clan every day really made him physically and mentally exhausted.
"Let me tell you that during this time, there are some difficulties at home, so everyone should be frugal. Except for ancestor worship, the standards, etiquette and expenses of other matters should be lowered - "
After thinking about it, he sighed helplessly.
"This is not the time for internal friction. Let them all calm down for a few days -"
Wang Zhong nodded respectfully.
"Master, don't worry. Every room in the house is sensible. After thinking about it, you will understand the painstaking efforts of the master..."
Wang Gui couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart when he heard this.
If you really understand, why have you reached this point and are still fighting for power and blaming others?
If there are internal and external troubles, the family will no longer be able to withstand any big storms, and I will certainly not tolerate them continuing to act recklessly.
When Wang Gui saw that Wang Zhong had finished speaking, he did not leave. Instead, he stopped talking and frowned slightly.
"Anything else?"
"There are crazy rumors outside that Chang'an Marquis is raising monsters..."
After Wang Zhong finished speaking, he glanced at Wang Gui's face carefully, and then added.
"Many people have seen with their own eyes a huge round monster rising from the Chang'an Marquis Palace, and it can also breathe fire-"
Wang Gui couldn't help but frown when he heard this.
"It's really ridiculous - what monsters are there in this world? This kind of thing can be ignored by people in the market after dinner. If we, the Wang family, join in the fun, it will be ridiculed..."
Speaking of this, Wang Gui suddenly thought of something and glanced at Wang Zhong sharply.
"Is there someone in the family who wants to use this to cause trouble for the Marquis of Chang'an? Tell them, our Wang family will not be involved in this matter-"
Wang Zhong nodded repeatedly and said he didn't dare.
Seeing Wang Zhong slowly retreating, Wang Gui suddenly felt tired.
These idiots think too simply.
Prince An's Chang'an Houfu is located in Chongrenfang, and Chongrenfang is right next to the imperial city.
If there really is a monster that can swallow fire and fly in the air, His Majesty has already taken action. Will it be their turn to use these unintended thoughts?
However, he also knew.
My own words may not necessarily have much effect.
Since Wang Yan's death, many people have started to have their own petty thoughts, and many people are being obedient to them. After all, he intervened halfway, and he didn’t know the roots of many family affairs and many industries.
Therefore, he has recently been sorting out the family's properties one by one.
Now after this period of time, most of the industries except salt and ironware have been roughly understood. Just wait until the end of the year, when you really have the salt and ironware in your hands, and it will be the time for you to make drastic changes to your family style.
He sees the current situation very clearly.
The problem is not that there are a few scum in the family, nor is it because of that Prince An, or the tall dog thief who stabbed the Wang family in the back, but that His Majesty in the palace cannot tolerate it.
If the Wang family does not wake up and restrain themselves, I am afraid that the family will be destroyed for hundreds of years.
Fortunately, it's not too late.
…
Hezhou.
It belonged to Longxi in ancient times. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, it was occupied by Jincheng captain Xue Ju. Later, Li Gui and Xue Ju defected to the Turks, and Hezhou was included in the Turks' sphere of influence. It was not until the first year of Wude that the troops of the Tang Dynasty cleared away Li Gui's forces, and Hezhou was re-established and Pohan was used as the seat of government of Hezhou.
This place is located at the junction of Tubo and Tang Dynasty. It is connected by Tao River and Wei River. Its geographical location is very important.
Not long ago, a market was just established, which became an important hub for trade between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo and Tuyuhun. Its military and economic status was even more important.
Although it is extremely cold here, merchants from all over the country gather here, and all kinds of bulk goods are distributed and traded here. After just a few months, Panhan, as the seat of Hezhou, has become somewhat prosperous and lively.
Wang Gang, who was the inspector of the Tang and Tubo food markets here, was sitting in a restaurant, overlooking the bustling crowd at his feet, slightly lost in thought.
It has been several months since I was demoted here.
But apart from the fact that this place is not as prosperous as Gyeonggi, he has not suffered much.
His identity as a direct descendant of the Wang family is a resounding golden sign wherever he goes. The inspector of the land market has the power of trading in three places, which makes him prosperous here. No matter whether it was business in Tubo, Tuyuhun or Datang, they could not get around his threshold.
In the past, his residence was crowded with guests every day. If ordinary people had no connections, it would be difficult for them to see him. But today, he is here, waiting for a distinguished guest.
Standing next to him to keep him company is his former classmate and friend, Chu Yuanheng, the current military envoy of Hezhou. In fact, Chu Yuanheng was born into a poor family. The reason why he was able to sit in the position of Hezhou's military envoy was because of the Wang family's efforts behind the scenes.
"Brother Ji Yuan, who are you going to entertain today? It's so grand that you can wait here in advance——"
Chu Yuanheng teased half-jokingly.
Wang Gang looked at Chu Yuanheng and smiled slightly.
"A noble man - in my lifetime, whether you and I, brothers, can take a step further, I am afraid it will depend on the person who comes..."
When Chu Yuanheng heard this, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. Seeing that Wang Gang didn't seem to be faking it, a serious look suddenly appeared in his eyes.
"Brother Ji Yuan, after so many years, you still haven't gotten rid of your habit of being a show-off. Well, I won't ask. I want to see who this noble person is, worthy of Brother Ji Yuan's attention."
Chu Yuanheng laughed, flirted, sat down on the table, picked up a bowl of milk tea and drank it all in one gulp.
He has been stationed in Hezhou for these years and has unconsciously adapted to the living habits here.
This place is severely cold and the conditions are difficult. Many locals like the nobility and like to boil mare's milk, goat's milk, milk, etc. with the tea bricks shipped from the Tang Dynasty to enjoy.
It can fill the stomach, keep you warm, and get rid of the greasy feeling in the abdomen.
Looking at his former classmate whose behavior was somewhat similar to that of a foreigner, Wang Gang's eyes flashed with a hint of imperceptible disdain, but a gentle and steady smile appeared on his face.
"Brother Chu, after so many years, you are still as fast-talking and impatient as ever, but there's no need to wait. Look, they're here -"
As he spoke, he pointed toward the window.
Chu Yuanheng couldn't help but get up, walked to the window, looked down, and frowned suddenly.
