By the Luoyin River.
When Bai Yan's carriage arrived at the Luoyin River, the merchants traveling along the way almost made him, the lord of Luoyin, unable to cross the river. There were so many people! Bai Yan was a little surprised when he stood in front of the river and looked at the densely packed boats. In the end, he and Bai Yan disguised themselves and went to find people in the village, and then they found a boat for Bai Yan.
However, Bai Yan was not in a hurry to cross the river. Instead, he was drinking tea under the leaky hut on the side of the river.
"Have you heard? The merchants in Naxu City have been losing money recently, and they almost started to steal business!"
"Is this happening? Tell me quickly!"
"Let me tell you, haven't you heard that recently, whether it's Yanmen, Daidi, or Xiongnu, there are a lot fewer traders, and I don't know why..."
Bai Yan listened to the conversation between the merchants at the next table and turned to look at the two people curiously.
Gui Ze looked puzzled, not understanding why Bai Yan was suddenly so interested in those things.
Just when Gui was about to speak, Bai Yan looked at Gui earlier and shook his head.
After signaling Gui to stop talking, Bai Yan slowly stood up, took the tea in front of him, and came to the men who had just talked.
"My dear friends, I am from Luoyang. After visiting my relatives in Xianyang a few days ago, I was preparing to go to Yanmen to do business. I happened to hear what some of you said. I wonder what happened?"
Bai Yan shamelessly saluted the three middle-aged merchants on the wooden table with a smile on his face. While talking, he also greeted the old woman selling tea, took out a piece of money from his arms and handed it to the old woman. .
This move was obvious. The old woman looked at the table and nodded repeatedly to Bai Yan.
Not much money.
However, Bai Yan does not dress like a farmer. He is very smooth and polite at a young age. This makes the three merchants also like Bai Yan. When traveling abroad, for merchants, it is always a good idea to make friends with one more person. a good thing.
"If you go to Yanmen, you'd better put your thoughts away as soon as possible!"
The man who spoke just now said to Bai Yan.
Then he also told Bai Yan the news he heard from other places. Speaking of this matter, he also heard it in Luoyin these two days. Fortunately, Luoyin is now full of merchants and they are very well-informed. He also learned about it from an acquaintance.
After a long time.
When Bai Yan learned that the business of the merchants in Yanmen was bleak and that the Xiongnu suddenly rarely went south, he nodded, thanked the three of them, and then stood up and returned to Gui's side.
"Let's go! Cross the river!"
After Bai Yan finished speaking, he took out a piece of money from his arms and placed it on the table.
Upon seeing this, Gui quickly stood up and followed Bai Yan to the riverside.
Beside the river.
Accompanied by Zhang, Bai Yan smoothly went to the river to take a boat. It was a small boat, not too big, and the boatmen were two young boys, not much older than Bai Yan.
Although the two teenagers had never met Bai Yan, they knew him. He was a butcher before. Whether it was his eyes or the aura he showed, in the village, no matter how naughty the child was, he would be extremely well-behaved in front of him. The two of them are no exception.
at the moment.
Looking at the thing wrapped in cloth carried on Mang's back, watching Mang and four other people with Qin swords following behind the young man, the two young men from She Village showed their longing and enthusiasm.
"Hiss, so many people?"
Gui stood behind Bai Yan and looked at the boats of all sizes traveling along the river. As he approached the other side, he was stunned to see the dense crowds of pedestrians and merchants on the other side.
Mang couldn't help but nodded. Gui was not from Luoyin, but Mang had grown up near Luoyin. From childhood until now, Mang had never seen him. How could there be so many people in Luoyin.
Inside Luoyin City.
If Gui and Mang were dumbfounded by the sight of the river, then as they approached the city and entered the city, the scenes that caught their eyes made Gui and Mang wonder if they had gone to the wrong place. The roads were crowded with traffic and traffic. Pedestrians, this is not Luoyin. It is clearly a scene that can only be seen occasionally in big cities like Luoyang.
Except for Mang and Gui, the other three civilian soldiers were not much better.
After Bai Yan returned to the mansion, Lu Sheng and Lu Qi, who learned the news, hurried to Bai Yan's mansion.
"Yan!"
When Lu Sheng and Lu Qi saw Bai Yan in the study, they looked at Bai Yan with hot eyes. If Bai Yan hadn't been a man, they probably would have wanted to hug Bai Yan and kiss him.
"sit!"
When Bai Yan saw Lu Sheng and Lu Qi, he smiled and asked them to sit down.
The maid also poured tea for the Lu brothers at this time.
"Yan, during these days, the restaurant business alone has been making a lot of money. I finally understand why I said that making money from people all over the world is not as much and fast as making money from merchants. Those merchants in the restaurant are really willing to give up!"
After Lu Qi knelt down, he raised his hands to Bai Yan and said.
Lu Sheng also knelt down beside him and nodded to Bai Yan, his expression full of emotion, and then he laughed.
"Usually, when I see merchants, it is difficult for them to give out a lot of money. Asking for more money is like killing me. Now..."
Lu Sheng said this and looked at Bai Yan.
"Nowadays, in restaurants, all businessmen meet acquaintances almost every day. Whether they are seeking profit or meeting old friends, I don't know how many businessmen have endless drinks and wait in line until the next few days. The key is that almost everyone after that You can see acquaintances all day long! Either way, you’re either treating or being invited!”
When Lu Sheng said this, the amazement in his eyes was beyond words. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Lu Sheng would not have dared to imagine that the money came so fast. It was simply more than what the shops in Luoyang and Taoyi combined could earn.
This sentence is really not a joke at all. Nowadays, Luoyin City is full of merchants. At first, Lu Sheng was worried that there would be complaints because there were not enough boats on the river. Then I thought, there is no need to worry at all. Luoyin City is not a big city, as long as you come When arriving in Luoyin, many acquaintances would not look up to see each other. Whether it was to ask for help or for reputation and future prospects, they would always drink and eat meat. The key is that this did not stop after just one meal, and as the merchants became more and more A lot of information that you might not have known in the past can be found in Luoyin.
This not only attracted more and more merchants who did not cross the river, but also the gentry from the surrounding big cities and many other places planned to move some of their people to Luoyin.
Nowadays, many old nobles have gradually seen the value of Luoyin City, or in other words, they have vaguely guessed Bai Yan's long-term layout.
"The situation here in Luoyin is very good. You just need to be careful of the nobles in the future. Remember, the restaurant is your eyes and ears, but it is also a means for some people to deal with you. The more important something is, the easier it is to be fake!"
Bai Yan looked at the two Lu brothers who were in high spirits, thought for a while, and gave him some advice.
This is what Jin Gong told Bai Yan. Jin Gong always asked him to keep this in mind, and he has never forgotten it. Jin Gong always said that before something big happens, the bigger the news, the more likely it is to be false. Your opponent is afraid that you won't hear or see.
"Ah! Are you leaving tomorrow?"
When Lu Qi and Lu Sheng heard Bai Yan's words, they looked at each other in astonishment. Then the smiles on their faces and the joy in their hearts slowly faded away.
He had been busy before, and then Bai Yan escorted the Qi envoy to Xianyang. Now Bai Yan has finally returned to Luoyin, how can he stay for one night and then leave! There’s a lot left to say!
"Maybe something big is going to happen in the north, so we don't dare to delay!"
Bai Yan said.
"Fortunately, we didn't let the carriage and the cronies around me cross the river from Luoyin before. I plan to return to Yanmen early and leave on horseback tomorrow."
Bai Yan sighed. Before crossing the river today, he overheard what happened in Yanmen. From then on, he had a bad premonition in his heart. He always felt that the Huns must have something up his sleeve, but what it was, he would need to go to Yanmen to know.
"Go back to Yanmen!"
When Lu Qi heard Bai Yan's words, he vaguely felt something. He had known Bai Yan for two years, and he had no doubts about Bai Yan's ability to command an army and attack on the battlefield. Now that Bai Yan was showing such an expression, it was obvious that Yanmen was somewhere. The situation is not much better.
"Yan, do you need me to accompany you to Yanmen?"
Lu Qi thought for a while and looked at Bai Yan. Apart from worry and nervousness on his chubby face, his eyes were extremely clear.
It can be seen that Lu Qi is not just talking, but really wants to help Bai Yan.
"Yes, I can go too if necessary!"
When Lu Sheng heard what Lu Qi said, he quickly woke up and looked at Bai Yan while breathing rapidly. Lu Sheng was not joking. Although he was scared, he really dared to go if Bai Yan needed it. He just didn't expect it just now. That’s all.
"No need! Yanmen will be in turmoil at any time now. Money is of no use. You can only rely on the Qin sword to speak. You are not good at killing on the battlefield! Just let me do it!"
Bai Yan looked at Lu Qi and smiled, then looked at Lu Sheng and also smiled.
When Lu Sheng heard Bai Yan's words, he knew that Bai Yan was right. Lu Qi still looked at Bai Yan with some worry. They had known each other for two years. When he first attacked Han, Bai Yan didn't have such a look. Even when he attacked Zhao , Bai Yan was not so worried.
"Yan!"
The usual smile on Lu Qi's fat face had long since disappeared, and his cheeks were full of hesitation, but after a few breaths, under Bai Yan's doubtful eyes, he still spoke softly.
"Why don't you stay in Xianyang? There are rumors that it's because of the Bai family, and there are also rumors that you disappointed King Qin, but I know that those are not true!"
Lu Qi still asked.
Looking at the young Bai Yan in front of him, Lu Qi had seen Bai Yan wearing official uniforms with a crown on his head, so Lu Qi didn't understand why Bai Yan didn't stay in Xianyang and risked his life to go to Yan'an. Door.
Previously, Bai Yan was taken by King Qin to serve as a regular servant!
Bai's identity? Bai Yan is not from Qin at all, let alone from the Bai clan. Bai Yan has always been from Qi and the Qi country.
And disappointment is even more impossible, he, Lu Qi, understands Bai Yan!
"Yes! Actually, it's good to stay in Xianyang. You no longer have to rush to the battlefield or risk your life. You only need to work beside King Qin and enjoy the wealth and honor in Xianyang. Qin's rights are not outside, but in Xianyang!"
Lu Sheng saw Lu Qi speak. As the eldest brother, Lu Sheng looked at the thin young man in front of him and didn't understand. He didn't believe that the young man really let Ying Zheng down because of his ability.
The scenes in this city are now solid, and it is impossible for Ying Zheng not to see or detect the young man who brought about all these changes.
There is only one possibility!
The young man himself wants to return to Yanmen! ! !
Thinking of this, Lu Sheng was even more puzzled. He didn't understand at all why he was about to become a regular servant, about to reach the position that countless talents in the world and thousands of Qin officials dream of, but he stayed in Xianyang, safe and sound. Isn’t it good to live a carefree life, enjoy glory, wealth, rights, and countless money and beauties? ? ?
In this life, don’t people just seek fame and wealth, enjoy glory and wealth, and be surrounded by beautiful women?
Why should the young man return to Yanmen and the battlefield where his life is in danger at any time?
A regular attendant, accompanying Ying Zheng every day, and a narrow escape, not only without wealth, but also exposed to the sun and rain, these are almost individuals, and they all know which one to choose.
"Stay in Xianyang and be prosperous and wealthy..."
In the study room, Bai Yan looked at Lu Qi's worried eyes and Lu Sheng's puzzled look. After listening to Lu Sheng's words and thinking of that scene, he smiled with emotion and melancholy.
"Bai Yan stays in Xianyang, but what about Bai Yan's robes? In the past, Bai Yan once said that he would live and die with them!"
Bai Yan looked at Lu Qi and Lu Sheng with a smile.
There is a saying that we are brothers, there is a saying that we live and die together, and there is a saying that we know that we are going to die together and don't care about anything.
Just like the words of the Kaonu Valley in the past! Just like the oath of the Kaonu Valley in the past! Just like in the past in the Gaonu Valley, thousands of people, thousands of living lives, and thousands of soldiers followed him with swords like Tigo, killing the Huns without hesitation.
Bai Yan understands Lu Qi's worries, and Bai Yan understands Lu Sheng's words, but in Bai Yan's eyes, there are some things that he must do as long as he lives, just like he wants his grandmother's words to come true, so he does not hesitate to do so. He went to Qin and enlisted in the army.
At that time, he also thought that he would be killed by others on the battlefield.
The world is full of glory and wealth! Who doesn't like it, but if he abandons the Yanmen people who are willing to follow him, the thousands of soldiers and generals, then Bai Yan would rather not have any glory and wealth. His grandmother knows what he does, but she will not let him into the house.
Thinking of this, Bai Yan laughed and looked at Lu Qi and Lu Sheng who were staring at him blankly.
"Rights are good, but no matter how high the power is, for Bai Yan, if the worst happens in Yanmen, and a soldier in Yanmen makes a mistake, even if there are tens of thousands of Xiongnu in Yanmen, Bai Yan will only have one person. , then you must also pick up your sword and go to Yanmen to avenge the soldiers!"
Bai Yan explained, and then stopped talking about this topic. His worry about Yanmen today was not because of possible dangers in Yanmen, but because he was worried about the soldiers in Yanmen. He himself was not afraid. .
In front of wooden table.
Bai Yan picked up the teacup on the wooden table, replaced the wine with tea, and signaled to Lu Qi and Lu Sheng.
This cup of tea was due to Lu Qi's concern and Lu Sheng's reminder, but Bai Yan's mind was already made up.
Outside the study.
The two civilian soldiers, who were wary of others approaching, wiped their eyes with their hands, lowered their heads, and their red eyes gradually turned red.
He was also breathing a little quickly. He didn't smile at the appearance of the two young soldiers beside him. Instead, he was full of longing. He knew clearly that these two soldiers must have followed their benefactor, the general, to kill them. Having been together through life and death, when I heard the general's words, I naturally felt something far beyond what others could understand.
How many generals can there be in this world since ancient times who can give up their glory and wealth like this?
It’s worth it to have a general like my benefactor!
His eyes are also a little red. Who doesn't have a strong heart? It's just because of the person. It is naturally difficult to like a treacherous villain, a hypocrite, and a cunning and powerful person. But for a general like his benefactor, maybe You already understand why some time ago, all the soldiers, without exception, said that if you follow the general, you will die without regrets!
value! ! !
He muttered in his heart, and then he felt his eyes were slightly sore. At this moment, he made a vow in his heart. No matter whether he goes to Yanmen or wherever he goes in the future, whoever dares to harm the general will kill each other as if he were killing a beast. General.
As the sun sets.
On the second day, under the escort of Lu Qi and Lu Sheng, Bai Yan quietly led Gui and Gu and a few others and rode towards Yanmen without disturbing anyone.
Lu Qi and Lu Sheng stood at the city gate, looking at the retreating figures among the merchants coming and going, and then looked at the bamboo slips in the book.
"Brother, something unexpected happened in the Chu Kingdom. Here in Luoyin, I will leave it to my brother to pay tribute. Lu Qi is now going to the Chu Kingdom!"
Lu Qi sighed, looked at the direction where Bai Yan disappeared, turned to his brother Lu Sheng, and gave all the settled shops in Luoyin to Lu Sheng. He himself was preparing to go to Chu State. .
"Chu State? Now that Chu has died of illness, Chu State will definitely be in chaos in the future!"
Lu Sheng looked at Lu Qi with confusion on his face, looking at this chubby younger brother with complete incomprehension. If it had been just two years ago, he would have burst out laughing, waiting to see this brother's joke, and even wished Lu Qi would die. In the state of Chu.
But two years have passed, Lu Qi has changed a lot, and so has Lu Sheng. As an elder brother, he has long forgotten the prejudices of the past.
So now that he heard that Lu Qi was going to give up Luoyin and all the shops in Baiyan fiefdom, and go to Chu country, Lu Sheng was confused. Chu country would definitely be in chaos in the future. How could it be better than staying in Luoyin? If you want to do business, you have to wait until the state of Chu is stabilized.
"Lv Qi knows it, but Lu Qi has a hunch that Yan will definitely need to know the news about Chu State in the future, and he will also need someone to help him take care of him in Chu State!"
After Lu Qi finished the ceremony, he looked in the direction where Bai Yan disappeared, turned to look at his brother Lu Sheng, and smiled.
What happened yesterday, Lu Qi finally understood why the Bai family cavalry, in the hands of Bai Yan, was so brave and fearless that they dared to fight to the death in every battle. Why when he went to Yanmen, he saw so many people willing to follow Bai Yan, even Xunzi's descendants are no exception.
Give back!
Everyone can see the rewards from Bai Yan.
Looking at the bamboo slips Bai Yan handed to him in his hand, Bai Yan did not ask for any of the benefits obtained by the Lu family, except for taxes, and he even mentioned the Lu family to the King of Qin.
This was the reward Bai Yan gave them to Lu.
"Lü Qi is going to Chu State!"
Lu Qi handed the bamboo slips in his hand to Lu Sheng. He looked chubby, but his eyes were extremely firm.
"Brother, I also want to go to the Chu Kingdom! Let my father send someone to take care of Luoyin! You and I, brothers, will go to the Chu Kingdom together!"
When Lu Sheng heard Lu Qi's words, he looked at the bamboo slips and unexpectedly did not accept them. After hesitating for a moment, he sighed and glanced at the city gate behind him, and made a decision that even surprised him.
For some reason, after Lu Sheng said these words, he had two completely different feelings.
At this moment, Lu Sheng, who had finished speaking, laughed and looked at Lu Qi, who looked surprised and stunned.
"No matter what happens to Bai Yan in Yanmen in the future, no matter what happens to my brother in Chu State, even if I die for my brother, I will never regret it!"
As Lu Sheng spoke, he glanced in the direction of Yanmen.
The young man's words yesterday were still vivid in Lu Sheng's mind. He had found a close friend in life and would die without regrets. In his heart, Lu Sheng also wanted to have a good friend like Bai Yan, like his brother Lu Qi, like Bai Yan. Like Yana, he is regarded as a good friend.
"good!"
Lu Qi saw a look he had never seen before appear on his brother Lu Sheng's face. After sensing it, he also smiled.
