Chapter 185 Brother Su, Brother Hang, I Am Sister Yang (Part 2)
As soon as Yin Jiu finished speaking, Liu Xianglian, who was sitting on the chair, smiled awkwardly. Although he was very talkative, he was as thick-skinned as Chen Heng. But when he thought that a eunuch also knew his reputation for loving to sing opera, he still felt a little subtle and awkward.
Fortunately, Liu Xianglian was smart. After laughing, he picked up the teacup with a normal expression. He said cleverly: "It seems that the lord is also a person who loves opera."
This really hit the spot for Yin Jiu. A rootless person like him, in addition to loving money, has some strange habits. In the palace, he could only follow the nobles and listen to one or two. Now that he has come to Suzhou City, he will invite the team to the bureau to perform three or five shows when he is free.
Fortunately, Liu Xianglian's reputation in the opera world has not yet been heard by the world. As the chief eunuch of the Suzhou Weaving Bureau, Yin Jiu is not short of opera performers, not to mention that Liu Xianglian is from the Duke's Mansion.
Yin Jiu looked at the two of them, and then passed the topic to Baoqin, who was sitting opposite Liu Erlang. Xue Zhen was once one of the most important figures in the imperial merchants, and he had been in charge of the job for more than 20 years. An old man like Yin Jiu naturally knew him, and the two of them had some friendship. If we really talk about relationships, Yin Jiu and Xue Zhen are more familiar with each other than Li Guogong.
Baoqin agreed with a smile, and continued Yin Jiu's topic, chatting about family matters. Yin Jiu's move was not to confirm the authenticity of the two. With the invisible endorsement of Suzhou government office and the memorable face of Liu Xianglian. He believed that the people in front of him came from famous families.
After a few casual words about friendship, Yin Jiu asked about the purpose of the two people's visit. The manager of the government office only told him that there were two distinguished guests who wanted to buy some cloth to take home. He didn't elaborate on what Liu and Xue wanted to buy.
Seeing that the time was right and the atmosphere was right. Xue Baoqin said on the spot that she wanted to buy some fine silk fabrics to take home for her family.
This was very common among the rich and powerful. Yin Jiu nodded indifferently and said, "Did you go to Changmen to have a look?"
Changmen is equivalent to Qiupu Street in Suzhou, where there are dozens of cloth shops. There are vendors everywhere, dense crowds, and a wide variety of products that cannot be listed one by one.
They had certainly visited this place last night. Baoqin shook her fan and replied, "I've been there." Liu Xianglian added, "Everyone knows that the best silk fabrics in Suzhou are in the weaving bureau. Please forgive us, eunuch, we are itching to come and have a look."
As soon as they finished speaking, a faint smile appeared on the face of Yin Zongguan. This was indeed true. Most of the raw silk produced in Songjiang Prefecture and other places had to be transported to the weaving bureau first. After they had selected and purchased them, the rest could flow to the vendors.
Chen Heng, who was standing behind Liu Xianglian, saw that the two of them sang the same tune and successfully made the plan. The tension in his heart was slightly relaxed. He had told Brother Xue before that Baoqin might be more useful than his brother, but it was just an empty phrase to comfort him. Now it seems that he was right.
"Okay." Yin Jiu nodded. His words were final in the weaving bureau. Just by picking up the tea and raising his eyebrows, a purple-clothed eunuch from the inner court ran forward to wait for the order, "Take them to have a look."
It was naturally not the turn of the top leader to personally come forward to accompany people to see the goods. Liu and Xue were not of high status, and it would be possible only if their elders came.
The purple-clothed eunuch smiled and agreed, and led the four people to a larger and wider courtyard. This place was larger than the previous courtyard, with countless silk cloths hanging on bamboo poles, letting the autumn wind blow.
The four people walked to a place, and the eunuch introduced one place. Nowadays, most of the fabrics are three-shuttle cloth and white cotton cloth. The former is exquisitely made, with a smooth and fine surface, which is very suitable for dyeing and sewing. Most of the clothes worn in the palace are woven with this material.
The latter is commonly known as coarse cloth, which is the cheapest. The so-called three pieces of cloth are worth one piece, which refers to the relationship between the two. The three-shuttle cloth that Xiaohuan led the four people to see was mostly expensive.
The three-shuttle cloth hanging in the venue had different colors, some bright red, some bright purple, some red apricots hiding in the wall, and some green leaves and bananas. Baoqin took a general look and chose the most famous Jie Qinglan. This color is unique to Suzhou, the best in the world, and dominates one side.
When Baoqin picked the pattern, everyone was led to the warehouse to watch the needlework. The room here is also spacious, with a large number of cloths folded and placed on the shelves, and various samples hanging in the air, painted with a dazzling array of ingenious needlework for people to appreciate and read.
The four of them were all dumbfounded as they saw this kind of scene for the first time. Chen Heng shouted in his heart: Brother Su is Brother Su, this craftsmanship, this quality, wow.
The accompanying eunuch was trying to be nice, and introduced the needlework of the finished products to Xue and Liu one by one. From Feihua, Youdun to Meizhi, there is also a three-color Jieqinglan that is only used by the emperor. The price of this cloth alone can be quoted to those foreign merchants as high as fifteen taels per piece.
Unfortunately, these merchants can't buy much. Most of them can only settle for the second best and buy two-color Jieqinglan at twelve taels per piece.
The annual output of three-color Jieqinglan is only 6,000 pieces, all of which are sent to the palace, one for the daily use of His Majesty, and the other can be used to reward princes and ministers. But not many people can get rewards for such cloth, and most people get second-rate goods.
Most of the other cloths range from six to ten taels per piece. The products of the Weaving Bureau are naturally very expensive. You have to know that the raw silk that Chen Heng wants to sell is only about five to seven cents in the market.
And the white cotton cloth woven from raw silk is only sold for eight cents in the market. Don't think it's too little, one cent is equal to one hundred coins, and ten cents is equal to one tael.
These huge quantities of coarse cloth need to go through dozens of processes such as selection, weaving, dip-dying, embroidery, etc., before they can obtain the style laid out by the weaving bureau. Among them, we have to accept the constant loss of cloth, so the finished product is naturally rare and precious.
Bao Qin had checked the steps with Chen Heng before. Except for the three colors of blue and blue, most of them bought one or two pieces of cloth of various colors. This amount is just the reason why they want to buy some to take home to their elders.
Chen Heng, who was holding the banknote in his hand, took out one hundred and twenty taels rather painfully and gave it to the servant who handed over to him. Not to mention Yin Jiu, even the young eunuch in purple looked down on a transaction of this amount. The little eunuch just chatted with Xue and Liu, showing his kindness to the landlord.
Yin Jiu looked down upon these juniors, for the little eunuch. As long as he is a son of a prince, he is a well-known figure. Is it possible that the other party will become prosperous?
After buying the goods, Chen Heng glanced at Bao Qin subtly. The latter understood the idea, folded his fan behind his back, smiled at the eunuch and asked: "Eunuch, I wonder if there are any better leftovers in the bureau?"
The young eunuch laughed when he heard this and asked, "Master, do you want to buy it back to make clothes for your servants?" Seeing Baoqin nodding, he immediately said: "Of course there are, there are many more. These things are piled up in the back warehouse all day long. Those who can afford it can’t afford it, and those who can afford it can’t afford it.”
"There are so many things, so we don't notice any tribute items mixed in. Even if they are scrapped and defective, it would be disrespectful to spread them out." The little eunuch sighed with emotion. These things are only for the servants of high-ranking families to wear. , the most suitable. Firstly, it takes care of the owner's dignity, and secondly, the craftsmanship is really good.
Baoqin smiled and listened silently. Chen Heng, who was on the side, came up rather shamelessly, put up his sleeves and stuffed ten taels of silver into the eunuch's hand.
"Oh, I can't do it, I can't do it. How can we, the servants, have the nerve to accept the young master's things?"
When Chen Heng heard this, he secretly added another ten taels.
"It's necessary. Let the father-in-law know. The younger one will definitely be blamed."
Baoqin then smiled and said: "It's okay even if I know. I have my father-in-law to accompany me all the way. If you have some mundane things, just treat me as a cup of tea for my father-in-law."
When the young eunuch heard this, he dared to accept it with a smile. With a little more enthusiasm on his face, he pulled the four of them to the next warehouse. The place here is a bit messy, with many discarded fabrics due to poor dyeing and unqualified stitching piled up here. The sheer number made Chen Heng excited when he saw it.
There is nothing to introduce these things. The eunuch only said a few things, some of which were due to workmanship issues, some to cutting issues, and so on.
After several people listened, Bao Qin smiled and asked about the price. The eunuch couldn't say clearly on this matter, so he only speculated that it ranged from one to five taels. The implication is that it depends on how much face the buyer has.
When the young eunuch turned around, Chen Heng walked to the corner of his sight and made a downward three and then a five gesture to Bao Qin. Baoqin nodded secretly and asked the young eunuch who turned around: "I'm afraid five taels is a bit high. I wonder if my father-in-law can do it for me."
Liu Xianglian said at the right time: "If the price is right, I will buy some for my family. When I get back to the capital, it will be an explanation for my family." He did not say whether what he said was true or not, he just mentioned the name of the elder in the family. , is there really anyone who dares to come and ask?
"Of course there is." As soon as he collected the money, the young eunuch said in a negotiable tone, "Mr. Liu, Master Xue, what price do you want?"
Bao Qin followed Xue Ai to do business everywhere since she was a child. Under the influence of what she heard and saw, in the spirit of repaying money after landing, she tried to quote: "Father, look, how about two taels of silver a horse?"
When the young eunuch heard this, he thought it was nothing. Rich people often buy them back and forth, almost always at the same price, and it's just a matter of sentiment. Then he asked the two of them how much they were prepared to pay.
After hearing Bao Qin say that he wanted to buy five thousand taels, the young eunuch was shocked and said, "Master Xue, how many servants are you going to make clothes for?"
With this amount, even if there is a royal palace at home, it may not be enough for the servants.
"There are many relatives at home, so it is inevitable to have more." Bao Qin replied with a smile.
The young man couldn't make up his mind. At first he thought the other party was just buying twenty or thirty taels. He immediately hesitated and said, "Master Liu and Master Xue, please wait while I go to report to our ancestors. What do you think?"
Baoqin was self-righteous, so the young eunuch left them and rushed to Yin Jiu's room to explain the whole story. Yin Jiu also found it strange that someone would spend so much money on these useless things.
His first reaction was to refuse. He was on an errand in Suzhou and couldn't cause trouble. But just as he was about to speak, he thought that the loss of these defective leftovers would not be recorded in the accounts of the Weaving Bureau.
After all, it was the five thousand taels that fell from the sky, and Yin Jiu was still a little moved. If it were less, he might simply refuse. If it were more, it might be a scam. This five thousand taels, no more or no less, really scratched Yin Jiu's itch.
The steward, who was slightly moved, pointed to the eunuch standing in front of him and said, "Please tell me what they said in detail."
After his men finished repeating, Yin Jiu asked again: "Have any of the people in the capital recently come to buy things?" Seeing that he couldn't help but shake his head, Yin Jiu immediately guessed that it must be the New Year's Eve, and the family named Xue wanted to rely on him. Make some good connections over small things like this.
In fact, it doesn't matter whether the reason is correct or not. What Yin Jiu wants is just a reason to convince himself. This matter is just a piece of cake for him. After all, there is no need to fill in the accounts of the Weaving Bureau after the matter is completed, so he can be said to be invisible.
With the elders of the Liu and Xue families in front, he can enjoy the shade under the big tree. With these nobles, even if someone finds out, he can deal with it. He doesn't need to do anything himself, the Liu and Xue families can naturally deal with it.
The trick here is that those who have the intention have no money, those who have money have no connections, and those who have money and connections have no intention.
Yin Jiu thought about it for a while, and waved his hand and said, "Go, let them choose, you know the taboos."
When the eunuch was about to run out, Yin Jiu felt something was wrong, and chased the servants and shouted, "Let the little girl of the Xue family raise the price again."
Good Yin Jiu, he had seen through Xue Baoqin's details a long time ago. It was just because of the reputation of the Xue family and his little friendship with Xue Zhen that he didn't expose the matter. Yin Jiu entered the palace when he was young and was most familiar with women. Others thought Baoqin's appearance was androgynous, but he could tell at a glance that she was a girl.
It's hard to say whether Miss Xue sneaked out with the boy from the Liu family this time, preparing to get some bargains and go back to persuade the elders to calm down.
"Yes, old ancestor."
The eunuch got the order and ran back to the warehouse happily. After Chen Heng stuffed a hundred taels into him, the deal was finally made at a price of two taels and five cents. Both parties were very happy and immediately asked someone to come and write the sales documents. But this thing can only be kept for private use.
Before going to see Yin Jiu, the eunuch who had a good income today kindly reminded Baoqin: "Master Xue, don't mention it in front of the old ancestor, take this document to the government office for filing. Lest it delay your own business."
"Thank you for your reminder, eunuch, I saved it."
Baoqin knew that he was kind and nodded in agreement. Without this step, there is indeed a risk of breach of contract. But if it is put on the table, Yin Jiu will definitely not agree. Chen Heng had already told her about this matter, and Baoqin agreed very straightforwardly.
The group returned to the front hall and was warmly received by the chief steward Yin this time. They chatted for a few words, and indeed, they mentioned the government matter in a vague way. Baoqin just smiled and didn't mention it. Yin Jiu was immediately overjoyed and looked even better.
The chief steward made a fortune and wanted to treat the two juniors to a simple meal, but Liu and Xue said that they were going to Hangzhou for a trip and wanted to take advantage of the time to visit Suzhou. Yin Jiu was happy to go with them and only ordered the purple-robed eunuch to send them out.
To complete the show, Chen Heng accompanied Xue and Liu to visit the city for another half a day before returning to the inn. As soon as everyone sat down in the room, Chunyan, who was left in the room in a daze, quietly asked the young lady about what happened today.
"Brother Chen, what is your plan?" Liu Xianglian couldn't figure it out. Everyone was obviously out to sell goods, so why did they come to Suzhou and spend five thousand taels first.
Chen Heng put away the trading documents of the weaving bureau like a treasure, and just smiled and replied: "Pack up, we will go to Hangzhou tomorrow!"
Liu Xianglian saw that he still refused to reveal it, so he could only go back to the house with curiosity.
Others were also very curious, but Xinda and Baoqin trusted Chen Heng and didn't want to ask more. Only Chunyan heard that they spent more than five thousand taels for a trip, and looked at Chen Heng with a bit of cunning.
This kid, is he here to cheat our money?
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The next day, the weather was very good.
Chen Heng and others boarded the passenger ship in the morning mist, and arrived in Hangzhou in the evening. Qiantang has been prosperous since ancient times, as the so-called capital of the Three Wus, with smokey willows and painted bridges, and tens of thousands of houses.
Arriving in a new place again, everyone can't help but compare Suzhou and Hangzhou. In comparison, Suzhou City is soft in the water, and affectionate in the softness. The beauty of the orioles and swallows is the spring song in April and the moon under the bridge in May.
Qiantang is different. It has the best tide in the world and the willows by the West Lake. It can be said that it is a combination of hardness and softness, which is unique in the world.
It was a little late when we arrived. Chen Heng thought that he would run around all the way, and he never stopped for a moment. He chose the inn by the West Lake so that everyone could relax and prepare for tomorrow's decisive battle.
Zhejiang Province is mountainous, and there are buildings outside the mountains and lakes outside the buildings. After putting away their things, the people who had just arrived in Guibao decided to start boating on the lake before night fell.
Baoqin and Chunyan were naturally going to go, and Liu Xianglian was also indispensable. Chen Heng stayed in the room to think about tomorrow's affairs, and only let Xinda accompany Baoqin to travel together. The three of them were protected by Liu Xianglian, so nothing serious should happen.
As soon as these people left, the room immediately became quiet. Chen Heng sat in the house. There was a window on his left hand side, facing the West Lake. After he thought about the details and confirmed several times, he looked back out the window and saw one or two pleasure boats moving slowly on the lake. There were birds chirping softly on the willow trees between them and himself.
Chen Heng was also sentimental in this scene. He had come here many times in his previous life. The current West Lake has a bit more tranquil beauty than what he remembered.
The hazy beauty brought by time and space travel makes the bright moon on the water more meaningful. The hustle and bustle of a hundred years later and the two or three lanterns on Sugong Dike now. The two are contrasted and interesting.
"People today don't see the moon of the past, but the moon of today once shone on the ancients." He chanted with emotion. I'm afraid there is no one else in the world who has this complicated emotion except himself.
When Baoqin and others came back after playing enough, everyone gathered together for dinner. At the banquet, everyone was talking about the fun places in Qiantang. Chen Heng just smiled and listened, letting them share the fun things with him.
"The beauty of Qiantang is especially the poetry and prose. It would be a pity to miss it. After finishing the business, you can go and have some fun."
Baoqin suggested sincerely.
“Okay.” Chen Heng nodded with a smile.
This is to make up for yesterday’s work. As the holiday is approaching, the work has suddenly increased. It’s really a headache. I will finish it in the evening. Please forgive me.