First the Marquis of Zhenbei and then the Marquis of Jingnan ate duck at Quande Tower, and they all came straight to eat as soon as they entered the city. The reputation of Quande Tower can be said to have reached its peak.
But in recent days, Quande Building’s business has seemed very deserted.
Because the ducks in Quande Building are very expensive, ordinary people cannot afford and are not willing to eat them like this, and rich people have no intention of eating these days, even... I can never eat it again.
"Which wave is this?"
Zheng Fan, who was sitting by the window on the second floor of Quande Building, asked.
"Back to Mr. Xiao Zheng, this is the fourth batch."
"Eunuch Zhang, I told you when we first met, don't call me Mr. Xiao Zheng."
p>
"What should I call you, Xiao Fanzi or Xiao Zhengzi?"
The sixth prince happened to open the door and walked into the box, took off the bamboo hat on his head and threw it to Eunuch Zhang who was standing beside him.
He was wearing a coarse long robe. He looked like a poor scholar. There were a lot of mud and grass on the clothes, and the knees were earth-colored.
"What are you doing?" Zheng Fan asked.
"I went to cry at the grave. The incense earth temple I built for my mother and my grandfather was bulldozed the day before yesterday. I went there in disguise and cried for a while. Alas, I was dead of thirst."
p>The Sixth Prince reached out and picked up the teapot in front of him, and drank directly from the long mouth.
"Gurgling..."
After drinking a steam, the Sixth Prince wiped his mouth, handed the teapot to Eunuch Zhang beside him, and said:
"Bring me another pot of tea."
Zheng Fan immediately reminded Zhang Gonggong:
"Change the teapot."
"You dislike me?"< /p>
"Nonsense."
"I'm very sad."
"Then just get hurt."
Eunuch Zhang holds the teapot Went down.
"Don't be too sad." Zheng Fan comforted him.
"It's okay. I've been secretly building that temple for several years, just to prepare it for my father to push it one day."
The sixth prince reached out and picked it up from the basket. I took a bite of a piece of peach shortbread.
"Is that so?"
"That's it. Think about it. If you want to punish a person, you naturally have to take away his precious things to achieve the punishment effect. You are greedy for money. , then I will steal your property; if you are greedy for power, then I will demote your official position;
If you have nothing, then you will have to be beaten to strain your muscles and bones, so, you are There is nothing you like. In order to block the wall, you have to get a few, and the superiors will take them away when needed. And after you are done, you have to look a little sad, so that the superiors will punish you for your achievements. Feeling."
"Is that okay?"
"There's nothing wrong with that. See, below."
Zheng Fan turned to look. , this is the fifth group of prisoners escorted by the Imperial Guard through this street.
"The servants of the Jiang family, the Minister of War, have been raided and executed. These servants have to be sent out."
"The Jiang family?"
"Well, You were transferred from Hutou City to Cuiliubao because of the Jiang family. His youngest son owed a lot of money from my gambling house. Although I am an idle prince, the prince's money is not easy to rely on. "
"Is the transaction of power and money so straightforward?"
"It is straightforward that makes you appear magnanimous."
"That's the truth."
"Furthermore, the Jiang family's property in Huwei has a hilltop that is said to be a coal mine but is actually a copper mine. I have been coveting it for a long time. His family's property has been confiscated. In a few days, I will have people come from the inner palace. Buy it there."
"You have already figured it out?"
"Yes, who told the Jiang family to be unkind? I want to pay for it, but they won't sell it. ”
Zheng Fan nodded,
Just in time, Eunuch Zhang refilled a pot of tea.
Zheng Fan was thinking in his heart while pouring the tea:
If this was a game called "Father's Kindness and Son's Filial Piety",
In the first ten years, it was Emperor Yan who tortured Xiao Liuzi to death.
But Xiaoliuzi is also a smart person. He quickly figured out the routine and began to deliberately brush copies of this game in reverse.
"Aren't you afraid that His Majesty will know?"
His Majesty wants to know that you tricked him and used him as a swordsman, haha.
"My father has so many things to do all day long, how can he have so much free time to come and see what my son is doing every day? He just asks casually when he thinks of me, just like I ask Eunuch Zhang now:
Wei Zhonghe!"
Eunuch Zhang immediately bent down and said:
"I am here."
"How is Cheng Jue doing these days? ?”
“His Highness, the Sixth Highness secretly went to the field outside the city and cried for a long time”
“Pa!”
The Sixth Prince clapped his hands and shrugged to Zheng Fan,
said:
"That's it."
Zheng Fan picked up the teacup. I took a sip of tea. It was Eagle Tea. As you can tell by its name, it doesn’t taste the best among teas, and it has nothing to do with being expensive.
But in Beijing at this time, drinking Eagle Tea fits the atmosphere.
"My father will not ask anymore. He still has a lot to do, including the strategy of waging war against the Qian Kingdom, whether to kill, demote or exile the nobles, there are a lot of things to worry about. As long as the father stops asking, Wei Zhonghe will stop talking, even if the secret agent in Wei Zhonghe's hands knows that I took the Jiang family's copper through the inner government. Shan, but he still won't say anything, oh no, he won't take the initiative.
It's not that Wei Zhonghe will be disloyal to my father, but because this is his nature as a slave. ”
“It’s wonderful”
Zheng Fan commented.
This is the high-end player.
Of course, there is another point in this.
Zheng Fan noticed that the Sixth Prince must have done it on purpose.
After he came here, Eunuch Zhang called him "Little Master Zheng", and the Sixth Prince used " "I" instead of "lonely" as before.
Half a month ago, some news about what happened in the palace came out.
"But there is one thing I'm curious about, what do you need so much money for?"
"Ahem, cough, cough..." The sixth prince coughed after hearing this and pointed with his finger. Zheng Fan's face turned a little red.
Eunuch Zhang immediately stepped forward and patted the Sixth Prince's back.
After the sixth prince calmed down, he pointed at Zheng Fan and said:
"You heartless!"
"Hiss..."
< p>There is something wrong with this style of painting."Do you know how much money Gu has spent on you since he started sponsoring you?"
"A lot."
Cuiliu Castle, The Sixth Prince spent money to find people to build it. The armor in the fort warehouse and the horses raised outside were also sent through the Sixth Prince's channels.
Many things are contraband that are difficult to obtain even if you have money.
"I'm curious. When you were in Cuiliu Castle, did you never read the letters I sent you and the letters you replied?"
"Look. Passed."
Cuiliu Castle tradition, the blind man reads the letter and the blind man replies.
"No, you definitely haven't seen it. Do you know, in addition to these visible things, how much money did I spend in invisible places?
Qian Guo How many insiders did I spend on the fort system on the border?"
"Uh..."
Nah, the blind man didn't tell me.
"I know what you mean."
The Sixth Prince glared at Zheng Fan, sat down again, and said:
"Do you know that I Although it seems that there are many businesses and industries, I really don’t have much money on hand.”
“Is money used to make money?”
Zheng Fan’s previous life. He has never done business, and the comic studio is not considered a serious business. I can only guess that the money earned by the sixth prince from doing business has been invested in the expansion and upgrading of the industry.
“Take the Jiang family’s coal mine as an example. It’s true that I took over a coal mine from the inner government, but previously, I gave it to the Yinlang County garrison at half the market price, which was a complete loss. I bought a batch of coal.”
“Oh, it’s not easy.”
It’s true that you make a lot of money, but you have to pay a lot of protection fees. Who told you to be such a dad? Woolen cloth.
"The most irritating thing is that I clearly know what the court is going to do next, but I can't bear to do anything with the land and food!"
Zheng Fan stretched out his hand from the fruit plate I took an orange and peeled it;
In my heart, I knew very well that the Sixth Princeof frustration.
When doing business, you have to look at the direction of the wind and follow the policies. If you can predict or receive the news in advance, basically...
The Sixth Prince saw that his father had already The adultery with Zhenbei Hou,
I also know that,
This is a drama, a drama performed for the eyes of the great Yan clan.
But he could not rely on his political acumen to pave the way for his business. At this moment, the Zhenbei Army's cavalry was wreaking havoc on Dayan Clan, with their butcher knives raised and blood flowing like rivers.
These sects, those with a heritage of less than a hundred years, are too embarrassed to go out to say hello. They are basically giant leeks that are hundreds of years old. These leeks are almost so fat that they have become entangled in the roots of old trees.
With one blow, land, grain, antiques, gold and silver, etc. will all be squeezed out. Emperor Yan will naturally take a big hit, but the impact of this move alone is so great that if there is a If the big trading houses can make preparations in advance, they will be able to follow the imperial court and make a fortune if this wave continues.
But the Sixth Prince couldn't do this.
Golden and silver mountains are right in front of you, like the girl at the door of the red curtain ogling you and shouting: Master, come in and play.
But you still have to imitate that old scholar who hunched over and ran away while chanting "See no evil, see no evil".
"Making money is just to kill boredom. If you don't sit in that position, the more you earn, the less you earn, it will be an advantage to your brother, and maybe your brother."
The Sixth Prince rolled his eyes at Zheng Fan and said:
"You don't even want to spare my underage brother to try to create a estrangement?"
"Instinct, instinct. ”
“It’s not that I’m reluctant to part with the money, I’m just anxious. I used to think about the steady flow of money, a little surplus, and managing relationships to avoid trouble in the future.
But it’s really worth it. When I was looking for money, I realized that this money grinder is really hard to come by."
"I'll get some good stuff tomorrow, so you can sell it for money."
< p> "It's natural. If it weren't for your soap and perfume business, I would really have lost my money. But it's better down there. It's inconvenient to make money in Yan State, but it's much easier to make money in Qian State. ”Zheng Fan suddenly remembered the empire on which the sun never set back then. He also had a foreign gun and money, and he started a company to make money while fighting wars.
The cooperation between myself and Xiao Liuzi really feels like that.
Yes, the most profitable business in this world will always be robbed of him!
"Hey, I heard that it seems that the Marquis of Zhenbei also appreciates you."
"Then have you heard that the Marquis of Zhenbei gave me a prescription? What conditions?"
The sixth prince shook his head.
It was naturally impossible for this matter to be spread, because there were only four people present at the time, including Zheng Fan.
Qing Shuang looks like an adopted son next to the Marquis of Zhenbei, but his true identity is that of the Marquis of Zhenbei.One of the seven general soldiers of the government.
In addition, there is a Marquis of Zhenbei and a Marquis of Jingnan,
If even the words at that time are passed on,
then there is only one possibility,
That was the news that Zheng Fan let out on his own in order to promote himself.
But obviously, Zheng Fan will not be that boring.
"The Marquis of Zhenbei said that I am a native of Beifeng County and should join the Zhenbei Army. He is willing to promote me to a staff general and allocate a thousand Zhenbei Army cavalry to me."
"Where is the Marquis of Jingnan?"
"Cuiliu Fort in Yinlang County is on guard."
The Sixth Prince nodded and said:
" You made the right choice, it's better to be defensive."
"Yeah, I think so too."
If this news gets out, others will definitely think Zheng Fan is stupid. Bubbling up.
But only the little silver coin understands the thoughts of another little silver coin.
"Zhenbei Hou Mansion, six towns, 300,000 Zhenbei Army, seven general soldiers, alas, the system is strict. After you enter, to be honest, you have to continue to be a grandson, and you have to be ranked according to seniority. No matter how much merit you have achieved, you still have to move step by step, but the higher you go, the harder it will be to move."
Zheng Fan nodded.
Seven generals, six with the surname "Li", unless Zheng Fan shamelessly changed his name to "Li Fan";
But this looks too ugly, too ugly A bit embarrassing.
At the same time, there is also the mysterious young prince.
Joining the Zhenbei Army is like entering a strict new system. The amount of support you get from this group also means how deeply you are bound to this group.
"Cuiliu Fort Guard, alas, my uncle is really optimistic about you, haha."
Cuiliu Fort Guard, his official position has not been changed, and he has not said anything. How many Jingnan troops will be allocated to you?
It seems very stingy, but what is revealed inside is a kind of great laissez-faire.
There is going to be a war soon.
We need development, growth, people, soldiers, power, and status. Go fight for it and grab it yourself!
Just like the small Juntou Wubao in Beifeng County, how fat you can eat depends on your ability.
Jingnan Hou did not force Zheng Fan to join his system, but gave Zheng Fan a chance. If you are really ambitious and willing, then create a new warlord yourself.
The national war is about to begin, and the generals are shining brightly. Some people fall and others rise again. In addition to the Zhenbei Army and the Jingnan Army, it is impossible to say that a new army will rise.
In the past, when defending the country, the two princes from the north and the south were enough, but after that, it was not enough.
"My uncle has returned to Yinlang County for a while, how long are you going to delay?"
"He will leave tomorrow."
Zheng Fan was left behind to collect the body for the Tian family.
There are really not enough coffins in the capital, and the people in Yizhuang have been busy for a long time..
I don’t know how many people have been killed in the capital city alone. It is estimated that more people will die outside the capital city where the real power of the clan is entrenched.
To be honest, Zheng Fan is really not worried that such a large-scale purge will collapse the country. Once Emperor Yan dares to launch it, he must be prepared, such as reserve officials to replace those officials who have been purged. The rise of the poor families is an irresistible momentum, and among the families, there are also those who are divided into exterminators and prisoners. At the same time, some people who have always been close to the royal family and are willing to take the initiative to lower their heads and cut their own wings can still be promoted and reused.
Unrest is inevitable.
But unless Dayan is completely defeated in the war against Qian, the Yan court will still be as stable as Mount Tai.
There is a saying in later generations, don’t think you are too important, the earth will turn the same without anyone else.
The noble families indeed maintain all aspects of the Yan Kingdom, but the Yan army is firmly in the hands of the three giants, and the noble families really can't make waves.
It is the destruction of the system, such as the operation of the court. At most, there will be some problems in a short period of time, but it will not be a problem soon.
Three-legged toads are hard to find, but the streets are full of two-legged people who want to be officials.
In the historical time and space that Zheng Fan was familiar with, there were many examples of people who could enter the Central Plains and establish dynasties with a population of hundreds of thousands. So how did they manage to do so?
What shakes the foundation of the country, corrupts its foundation, and governs a big country is like cooking a small dish? It is just because the emperor and those in power at that time wanted to repair the chair while they themselves had to sit on the chair, so Appear cautious.
But on the Yan side, the three giants stood together.
Zheng Fan thought of Qin Shihuang. After Qin Shihuang destroyed the six kingdoms, he did not take a break and continued to do things. of willfulness.
But as long as Zulong reigns for one day, those ambitious guys and the survivors of the Six Kingdoms will not dare to make mistakes. The power of Zulong can make all changes despair.
Just like the Emperor of Yan, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Jingnan, when they stand together, all the opposition forces in Dayan are just paper tigers.
But when Zulong died...
"What are you thinking about?" Xiao Liuzi asked.
"When I think about going back tomorrow and not seeing you for a long time, I feel a little uncomfortable."
"..." The sixth prince.
"But it's good. Soldiers should fight against soldiers."
Zheng Fan was tired of continuing to use his knife to kill family members. It doesn't fit his aesthetic either. This is the only bit of pretentiousness he has left in this world.
"Actually, I envy you too. After you return to Cuiliu Fort, you will be free."
"Don't be envious. If the start of the battle is not successful, you will be made dumplings by the army." Swallowed it? Don’t think that fighting is easy.”
"This, according to the word you said before, is it called anti-milk?"
"You are so good, you can still remember what I said."
"Breast, This word has more and more charm to me. I have thought about it over and over again these days, only to realize that there is a lot of truth in it."
"It's dirty."
The sixth prince pointed. Pointing to the gloomy sky outside the window,
coughed a few more times.
Apparently he went out to perform a crying scene today and caught a cold.
Of course, only the Sixth Prince himself knows how much of it is acting and how much of it is true feelings.
It was very free and easy to say, but facing the bulldozed Earth Temple on the ridge of the field, could he be very happy in his heart?
"Zheng Fan." The Sixth Prince raised his teacup and continued:
"What they have is now."
Zheng Fan picked up the teacup. After touching the Sixth Prince, he secretly thought that the Little Sixth Prince would start to produce golden sentences after staying with him for a long time, so he added the next sentence:
"What we have is the future."