Chapter 272 The Bell of the Fifth Year of Jianping (Part 2)

Due to the situation, Fan Zhicheng could not stay in Songjiang Prefecture for a long time. ɱCongratulating Li Zhi was the top priority, and he could spare two days of free time, which was already his limit. As long as he met Chen Heng this time, he would take a small boat and a speedboat to chase the delegation.

After resting in the inn last night, he rushed to Huating County Office this morning and urged Chen Heng to take him on a good tour. He wanted to take a good look at the changes here with the company of the person concerned. If possible, it would be even better to persuade Chen Heng to take him to Chuansha Hall in person.

Coincidentally, Chen Heng also had something to ask him, so he agreed naturally. After properly settling the affairs of the county office, Chen Heng led Liu Xianglian, Pan Youan and others to accompany Fan Zhicheng to play.

Because most of the men in the jurisdiction were doing corvée labor in Chuansha Hall. The people walking on the street were mostly old people playing with their grandchildren. Their first stop was to the open space in the south of the city that was still under construction.

This place is at the base of the city wall, next to the military parade ground of Songjiang Guard, and opposite is the Guandi Temple with good incense. Two streets away is the Zhengmeng Academy of the Fuxue. Fan Zhicheng saw nearly a hundred carpenters setting up sheds and beams here, and hurriedly working on the construction. He asked, "Sir Chen, what are you going to build here?"

The sea breeze was getting colder, and the white air coming out of his mouth was floating in front of his nose. Chen Heng wrapped himself in a cloak and pretended to be mysterious: "Sir Fan, you will know when you go in and take a look?"

Seeing that Chen Heng was deliberately keeping it a secret, Fan Zhicheng smiled and couldn't wait to cross the gate. The place of Songjiang Prefecture City is not big. As soon as he crossed the gate, Fan Zhicheng noticed the gaps between the wooden buildings, which were visibly crowded.

Such a layout and structure is not in line with the life aesthetics of the Orientals, and Fan Zhicheng muttered in his heart. It is a common problem for people in the south of the Yangtze River to love the poetic and picturesque rural mountain residence. He walked two more steps in, bypassed the screen wall, and found a strange landscape. A ship model that was reduced several times was placed in the middle of the small courtyard.

In the slightly messy and crowded small courtyard, various building woods were piled up. However, these things were deliberately avoided from the ship model in the middle. Fan Zhicheng's heart suddenly jumped inexplicably, and he walked towards the rooms in the depths. As he got closer, the sound of reading in the house became clearer.

Fan Zhicheng stood outside the corridor and listened for a while before asking Chen Heng beside him: "Is this the school run by adults?"

Chen Heng smiled and nodded, and introduced the origins of these boys to the other party. When he heard that these people were all found from the orphanage. Fan Zhicheng looked around strangely, and his last gaze fell on the model of the courtyard.

Fan Zhicheng thought for a long time, and finally sighed: "It seems that Master Chen is going to run a naval school."

"Master Fan, we are so familiar with each other, don't say anything casually to hurt me." Chen Heng laughed and retorted directly.

If we want to run a naval academy, it is not a local matter. In addition to reporting to the court for instructions, we have to wait for the court to select an imperial envoy to take charge of this matter. By then, there will be no room for me to speak.

Chen Heng put his hands in his sleeves and shook his head to explain the cause and effect to Fan Zhicheng, "It's just to train some sailors for some merchants to go to Southeast Asia. The crew left by Lord Fan will go back soon. Ha, this is a matter of urgency. I had a friendship with them before, and they came to me for help, so I can't just ignore it."

I don't believe your explanation. Fan Zhicheng sighed. But he also knew that a huge country like Dayong is just like its mortal enemy, Tsarist Russia. As long as they are determined to carry out the ocean-going plan, no one can stop Dayong's footsteps. The key is only the court of Dayong, whether it wants to or not.

The implementation of a policy must first see whether there are vested interests who come out to defend it. Fan Zhicheng thought about the history of his country's rise, and he knew that as long as there were the first batch of people who tried it, the people behind would naturally follow. Otherwise, how could Dayong have the famous saying "The world is bustling, all for profit".

Compared with the Dayong officials he met before, this Lord Chen has a sophistication and maturity beyond his peers. The former is more persistent in making changes in the upper class, while Lord Chen's eyes seem to have always been on the larger middle and lower classes. By influencing more people, an unstoppable wave is formed.

Is this route twice as effective with half the effort, or half as effective with twice the effort? Fan Zhicheng couldn't judge the good or bad of it, so he had to say insincerely: "I really want to congratulate you."

As Fan Zhicheng said this, he felt a faint anxiety in his heart for the prospects and future of his country. An outstanding diplomat must have the foresight of a politician. He has vaguely seen the scene of Dayong ships running rampant in Nanyang in the future.

Chen Heng heard the sourness in the other party's words, and immediately smiled and said, "I hope the British have the same broad mind as Lord Fan."

One sentence woke up Fan Zhicheng from his sleep. Yes, why worry about something so far away. The real enemy at present is Britain. Dayong may be a strong enemy in the future, but now it is a means for his country to check and balance Britain.

Mature politicians will focus on the current predicament. Compared with it, the future troubles will be left to the future people. Fan Zhicheng smiled and shook his head, accompanying Chen Heng in the cold wind.

"Lord Chen specially invited me here, but do you want to ask me for help?"

"That's right." Chen Heng admitted generously, and replied with a smile: "I want to ask Lord Fan to introduce some teachers to me." Chen Heng's mind is not greedy, and the resources he can use are limited, so he can't support a bigger stall.

"As long as they are boatmen or sailors who can speak Dayong dialect. It would be great if you could introduce some Frankies to me. The treatment here will definitely not be bad." With money on hand, Chen Heng opened the door The recruitment conditions are also very neat.

"I can ask Mr. Chen." Fan Zhicheng agreed readily, before a major breakthrough in voyage technology occurred. Two countries separated by thousands of miles will never have conflicts of fundamental interests.

"But I also have something that I would like to ask Mr. Chen for help."

"Master Fan, please tell me." Chen Heng was a little surprised, but he still asked immediately. For the sake of those boatmen and sailors with ocean-going experience, as long as the demands were not particularly excessive, he had the intention in his heart to agree.

"I hope that the trade agreement can be signed for another three years according to the original conditions. I wonder if Mr. Chen can say a few good words for us in front of His Majesty." Fan Zhicheng said loudly.

"This is impossible." Chen Heng shook his head and refused. The previous three-year agreement was a temporary measure. Now I still want to imitate the cat and the tiger. Do you think my surname is Xiao or Nalan?

Refusal was not enough, Chen Heng directly poked Fan Zhicheng's lung tube. "Lord Fan, you might as well save it and tell the British mission."

No matter how you say it, Dayong is now the actual center of the world. Regardless of the output value and type of manufacturing industry, it is the highest in the world today. This has always been the case since the Qin and Han Dynasties. They are the ones who want to pursue themselves. The initiative is in their own hands, so why bother to lower themselves.

This is just the first step in price negotiation, and Fan Zhicheng is not angry. If Chen Heng could really agree, he would look down on the other party and revise his own evaluation of Chen Heng.

"Then we will continue to sign for three years, and we can slowly negotiate other conditions." Fan Zhicheng, who wanted to kill the British with a stick, tried his best to win favorable factors for his country.

The group of people had already passed through the gate and returned to the lively main street. Chen Heng blew the cold wind and still said harsh words, "Master Fan thinks too highly of me. I am only a local county magistrate now, how can I decide major affairs in the court."

This was a disguised rejection, and Fan Zhicheng smiled bitterly. He knew Chen Heng's influence on Li Zhi, but what could he do if the other party refused to fall for it.

"We are willing to inject capital into Mr. Chen's school and shipyard, and introduce a group of the country's most outstanding scholars to the school. They will bring all their knowledge to teach students in the school. Even if you need it in the future, we will You can place an order at Dayong’s shipyard and help you expand your ship sales in Europe.”

"Da Yong is not short of money." The conditions are a bit tempting, but they are all benefits that are not immediately available. Chen Heng still shook his head and said, "What Master Fan can give us, the Britons and Francois can also give us. Master Fan, what do you think?"

"We just defeated the British." Fan Zhicheng said angrily. One of his subordinates was a defeated general, and the other was a defeated general of his subordinates. They were also used as threats by Chen Heng, which made Fan Zhicheng very angry.

"So the British people need Dayong's products more than Lord Fan." Chen Heng said bluntly. This sentence hit Fan Zhicheng's Achilles' heel again.

Although Britain and the Red Haired Fan are in a state of truce, the turbulent situation has just ended, and no one can predict when the war will resume again.

What a far-sighted politician likes to do most is to be prepared for danger in times of peace and worry about things that have not happened. Fan Zhicheng looked up to the sky and sighed. Through a few words, he had already tested Dayong's bottom line. Coming here to renew the trade contract this time is probably going to be even more difficult.

Chen Heng also understood the reason for the other party's entanglement, but now his team of businessmen was cultivating Nanyang aggressively. Whatever the benefit, of course you have to give priority to your own family.

In the next few years, it would not be in Dayong's immediate interests to quarrel with the Hongmao Fan. Rather than hiding some words and destroying each other's personal relationship, it is better to just open the skylight and say it openly.

"I understand, thank you Mr. Chen for your advice." Fan Zhicheng said with a cupped hand, "I will help Mr. Chen make arrangements for the school teacher's affairs when I get back."

Chen Heng nodded, unwilling to say more on this matter. When those teachers come, give them money when they should be paid, and entertain them well when they should be entertained. Nowadays, everyone in the world thinks of the great Yong's reputation. If they say something unpleasant, Chen Heng goes out and shouts. Come to Songjiang Prefecture School to teach five students, and I will apply for Songjiang household registration for free. There are many Hongmao people who are willing to come.

In fact, if the red-haired fan really wants to talk to Dayong, it's not impossible to do so. It's just that they will definitely not be able to agree to the conditions that Dayong wants. At this time, the relationship between Hongmaofan and the Japanese shogunate is very close.

Japan is Dayong's close enemy. The two countries are almost as close as they are to each other. Chen Heng wanted the red-haired fan to spit out this piece of fat meat from Japan, but unfortunately, Dayong's navy couldn't eat it at the moment. In this case, it would be better not to mention it.

"Master Chen, where should we go next..."

Hearing Fan Zhicheng's question, Chen Heng thought for a moment and suddenly laughed out loud: "I have a place that I have never had the chance to go to. Today I will borrow Mr. Fan's gold face and we will go there together."

When Fan Zhicheng heard this, he suddenly became interested. Are there any places in Songjiang Prefecture that Mr. Chen can't go to?

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"Ma'am, ma'am. It's not good."

When Xueyan hurried into the house, Daiyu was reading to Yinglian. The book the two of them read today is the Book of Songs, and they have already read from Fengji to Yaji.

"What's the matter?" The female teacher Daiyu put down her book and looked at Xueyan who was in a hurry, the smile on her face was not gone.

Xue Yan didn't expect that the second lady was here, and originally wanted to tell her in her ear. In this situation, we have no choice but to speak out in public, otherwise what will happen to Mrs. Zhen’s face?

"First Madam, Second Madam, Master... Master, he..."

Seeing that Chen Heng was involved in this matter, he also saw the difficulty in Xue Yan's hesitation in speaking. Daiyu and Yinglian's expressions gradually darkened. Before the two ladies could ask further questions, Xue Yan finally gritted his teeth and said: "The servant who was accompanying me just now reported back that the master is following Mr. Fan to the brothel. He asked the government to prepare a carriage to go there because he is worried that the master will get drunk."

Daiyu was stunned when she heard this, and asked in a tone of disbelief: "What did you say?"

"Madam, the master has gone to a brothel!" Xue Yan repeated.

What this meant was that Chen Heng was not here, otherwise Xue Yan would have to be arrested and beaten up.

Daiyu was convinced of what she heard. She was stunned for a moment. She finally laughed and said, "I know, I know. You idiot. I thought something big was happening. I've been making trouble for a long time." Daiyu shook her head, waved her hand and said, "Go down and let Zijuan arrange the carriage. Remember to bring back a pot of tea."

"Oh." Xue Yan nodded and said nothing more. I just took a careful look at Daiyu and saw that she did not look angry, so I felt a little relieved.

After the girl left, the two read poems again. Yinglian took advantage of the opportunity and asked, "Sister, are you really not angry?"

Daiyu also asked strangely: "Sister Lian, do you think I will be angry?" She couldn't help showing her small tiger teeth and smiled sheepishly, "I don't look like a Hedong lion. Why, sister, I usually Is it fierce?"

Zhen Yinglian laughed and hurriedly explained: "No, no, my sister misunderstood. I just didn't expect that your husband would suddenly go to this place..."

"Hahaha." Daiyu chuckled and said confidently: "Sister, don't worry, I can probably guess what my husband wants to do." After saying that, she couldn't help but tease a bit bitterly, "Besides, as for his If you have some skills, you can dig a few more pieces of land."

"Hahahahahaha." Yinglian couldn't help it and was amused by Sister Lin's verbal skills.

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"Master Chen, you just brought me here???" Fan Zhicheng was really puzzled. Not only him, but Liu Xianglian who was accompanying him was also very puzzled. The latter has known Chen Heng for several years, and he can count on one hand the number of times he has been here.

"What? Mr. Fan doesn't like it?" Chen Heng looked at the scenery of Ruanjia Lane as he walked, with a curious expression on his face.

Ruanjia Lane is located outside the south of the city. It is one of the three major fireworks places in Songjiang Prefecture, and it is as famous as Suzhou and Yangzhou. The famous Liu Rushi once settled here temporarily. I don’t know how many stories of talented men and beautiful women have been told here. Some of them finally got married, and some even separated from each other.

The excitement on this street is much better than that in the city. The elderly and children cannot be seen. There are really many talented people idle around. Because Chen Heng and Fan Zhicheng were wearing casual clothes, they didn't cause much commotion.

Ruanjia Lane consists of two streets and eight lanes, and there are countless famous brothels in it. Although it is winter, festive ribbons are still hung on the eaves lined on both sides, and there are even considerate turtle slaves standing at the door loudly soliciting guests. It's just that the sisters are not plucking the strings on the axis in the corridor, and the slight sound has to be distinguished from the sound of the wind.

Chen Heng and Fan Zhicheng were both here for the first time. Fortunately, they took Liu Xianglian with them when they went out today. This person was a frequent visitor to the Fireworks Place, and he was extremely familiar with Ruanjia Lane. He asked about the busiest brothel on the street. The group of people walked a short distance and arrived at the entrance of Baiyun Tower.

They originally planned to come over to chat for a while, have tea, and look at the winter mountains outside the city. Unexpectedly, Liu Xianglian's appearance was really outstanding, and she was recognized by the turtle slave as soon as she entered the door. Within a moment, the madam from the building led a few maids over, saluted Chen Heng and said, "I am so lucky to have Master Qingtian here today."

Chen Heng was still wondering how he was recognized. Liu Xianglian, who was standing behind him, coughed rather shyly. Now, let Shangfeng know his personal preferences.

Chen Heng suddenly realized it and simply smiled at the old bustard and said: "There is no need to work hard to entertain, just call a few quieter maids to come over and serve wine and dishes."

This is the parent official of Huating County, and his business is within the other party's jurisdiction. How could the old bustard take Chen Heng's words seriously? He arranged for a girl from Yishui as soon as he left the house.

The leading bartender girl is as beautiful as a flower. The serving maid who came in together was also quite pretty, and she was even more articulate. Finally, there are a few young and inferior maids who are responsible for handling chores for the former.

Chen Heng looked around and found only the last group of people left, and asked Pan Youan to invite the first two out. The county magistrate has orders, and others dare not disobey them. This made Fan Zhicheng very anxious and asked quickly: "You are such a disgrace. What's the point of drinking? You can't even play with the drinking order."

Although Liu Xianglian doesn't drink, she deeply agrees.

"Just call a few singers to come." Chen Heng laughed. He didn't expect people from Hongmao Fan to be so particular about Dayong literati. Fan Zhicheng then gave up and sat down and said, "I thought Mr. Chen would take me to Chuansha Hall to see your shipyard."

"It's something that hasn't happened yet. When the shipyard is finished, please ask Brother Fan to come over and have a look." Chen Heng smiled and took the initiative to change the title.

Half an hour passed like this, and I was slightly tipsy from the wine. The atmosphere in the private room became more and more lively. Chen Heng suddenly pointed at a little maid and asked: "You. Yes, that's you."

When the little maid saw the distinguished guest waving to her, she hurriedly came up with the wine bottle. Just as he was about to pour wine for the county magistrate, Chen Heng had already stopped him and asked: "The accent you just spoke with, do you think you are a native of Songjiang?"

The little maid nodded repeatedly.

"Where are you from?" Chen Heng asked pleasantly.

"Back to Sir, this is Jixian Township."

What a coincidence, isn't this one of the eight townships under his rule? Chen Heng nodded and asked: "You are not very old, how old are you this year?"

"Sir, my little slave is eleven years old." The little maid's childish words were very surprising. The child's face was heavily smeared with rouge and gouache, and he looked like he was thirteen or fourteen years old.

"How did you come here?" Chen Heng smiled and asked patiently.

"It was my parents who sent me..." Fortunately, this maid was quite clever. As soon as she spoke, she remembered the old bustard's teachings and quickly changed her words, "They sent me here to give me a way to survive."

"Okay, I understand." Chen Heng's tone became gentler, and he asked when the other party came. When the other party said it, it turned out that in the middle of this year, families in the countryside who had suffered disasters began to sell their sons and daughters.

Fan Zhicheng, who was still happily drinking, felt something was wrong when he saw Mr. Chen holding the child and asking questions. He poured Chen Heng a glass of wine himself and couldn't help but laugh: "Okay, Mr. Chen, you actually used me as a shield."

"Hahaha." Chen Heng shook his head and let the little maid go without further explanation.

"Drink, drink." Chen Heng took the initiative to persuade him with a glass.

The two of them began to concentrate on drinking, but Liu Xianglian behind them saw what Chen Heng meant. He quickly pulled Pan Youan over and whispered to him. The latter nodded repeatedly, not knowing what Liu Xianglian said. He hurriedly ran out the door. After a while, he returned to Liu Xianglian and made a two-character gesture with his hand.

After the reception banquet, Chen Heng sent Fan Zhicheng back to the inn to rest. Sitting in the carriage going back, Pan Youan reported back to Chen Heng in the carriage: "Sir, the madam refused to accept the money at first. She said that if you like it, you can just take the child back. It will be her own blessing. I After asking a few more questions, she said that it would only cost twenty taels of silver."

"Sir, this is a lion's mouth." Liu Xianglian has been hanging around here all year round, and he knows the market very well. Generally, a girl like this can be sold for five taels of silver in the land of fireworks, which is a lot.

"I know, let me think about it, let me think about it carefully." Chen Heng frowned, showing a thoughtful look.

After arriving home, Chen Heng saw the two ladies. Seeing his preoccupied look, Lin Daiyu simply smiled and asked, "My husband saw something new and strange in Ruanjia Lane today, so that you will still be thinking about that place when you return home."

Okay, you are actually getting angry with me. Chen Heng stopped laughing and said hurriedly: "Madam, please don't laugh now. If I can't do it for my husband, I still ask my wife to donate generously for a while."

Daiyu also became energetic when she heard that her husband wanted to spend money. This is the first time Chen Heng has spoken after getting married. Although Daiyu usually dresses inconspicuously and stands out, Daiyu holds the dowry and the betrothal gift from the Chen family in her hands. Not to mention Chen Heng's salary of twelve taels per month and the monthly dividends sent from his hometown.

"How much does your husband want?" Lin Daiyu asked with great interest. She, a little rich woman, would use this to make a fool of herself.

"I can't say for the moment. I'll give it some thought to my husband tonight." Chen Heng put down his mundane matters and said to the two beauties under the lamp, "Eat first, eat first. When our family eats in the future, I will try my best to Don’t talk about things outside.”

"I'm afraid I won't even believe what my husband said." Yinglian laughed.

Seeing her becoming more and more comfortable and relaxed in this home, Chen Heng was also very happy. He hurriedly teased himself and said with a smile: "If you do it again, I will drink three drinks as a penalty."

As soon as he finished speaking, he was glanced at by Daiyu and rolled his eyes, making the head of the family feel itchy.

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On the 20th of the twelfth lunar month, a group of officers and soldiers suddenly poured into the bustling Ruanjia Lane as usual. The owners and guests here were all very puzzled when they saw this scene. When Liu Xianglian, dressed in official robes, walked into the center of the street with a few catchers and several wooden boxes. He also called the directors of each brothel to the front and announced in front of everyone.

"The county magistrate has an order, ordering each of your families to quickly bring all the children under fifteen in your building."

A group of people were confused, looking left and right, hesitant. Another bold person asked: "Bantou Liu, is there anyone among us who is harboring any important criminal from the imperial court?"

"You are still smart, you have guessed all this." Liu Xianglian smiled inexplicably, and hurriedly waved her hand to coax, "Don't worry, it's a good thing. You go and call everyone here. Remember, no one is missing, I will turn back to my brothers and go door to door to check, if we find someone harboring someone..."

He patted the shackled brother and threatened, "My brother will not be merciful when it comes to his affairs."

"Yes yes yes."

Youdao means good people don't fight with officials. Don't look at these brothels, which in the eyes of ordinary people, pride themselves on taking both black and white. Everyone was very honest in front of the county government's real swords and guns.

Not long after, the young children were picked out by the heads of each family.

Among all the female dolls, there were only thirty male dolls. Liu Xianglian roughly estimated the number, and felt a chill in her heart. There were as many as one or two hundred people in front of her.

Ahhhh, it’s too late. Sorry, but the word count is still enough.