Chapter 499: The King Does Not Meet the King

Zheng Zhiyan, the leader of Yangzhou Huizhou merchants, hosted a reception in Pingshan Hall today, and the recipient was Xu Lili, the fourth son of Xu Ge, a fellow Huizhou native.

In recent years, Zheng Dachaofeng, as the leader of the salt industry, seemed to be a living target, and was tormented by Lin Tailai.

Until now, Zheng Da Chaofeng still has 7,000 salt nests that have been permanently leased to Lin Tailai, becoming an important part of Lin's salt industry, and there is no hope of recovery.

Three years ago, everyone said that Zheng Dachaofeng was the leader of the salt industry. Three years later, everyone only said that Zheng Dachaofeng was the leader of Huizhou merchants.

You know the taste of it, whether it is warm or cold.

Xu Lili and Fourth Young Master Xu looked at the beautiful scenery outside Pingshan Hall, at the singers and dancers around them, and at the table full of delicacies, and couldn't help but feel a flash of envy in their hearts. This is life.

The Xu family was not wealthy before. Although the family's life has improved visibly after his father became a pavilion elder, they have not yet reached the point of being extremely rich.

After all, my father is only the second assistant, and there is a first assistant in front of him who is generous on the surface, lustful on the inside, and not bad in means.

Moreover, the relationship between his father and Yan Guan was very bad, and he was closely watched by Yan Guan of Ke Dao.

What's more, there are four brothers in the family, and it is impossible for him, the fourth eldest son, Xu Lili, to monopolize the family business.

All in all, compared with these big salt merchants, my living standard is far behind.

As the saying goes, a good life depends on your own hands, so he came to Yangzhou.

After the song and dance ended, the host Zheng Zhiyan raised his glass and said something special to Mr. Xu: "Thank you Mr. Xu Ge for taking care of our Huizhou compatriots over the years."

Mr. Xu Sigong replied thoughtfully: "Everyone from the same hometown should help each other, and it's nothing. You don't need to keep it in mind. There's no need to thank you!"

What I’m thinking is, my father has been protecting you rich people for several years, and it’s time to collect some interest.

Regarding Xu Fourth Young Master's psychological activities, Zheng Dachaofeng could guess pretty much everything.

If he wasn't well fed, who would want to provoke someone like Mr. Xu? Do you think you have too much money?

But there is no other way. A more terrifying person, Lin Tailai, has recently arrived in Yangzhou City. What is even more terrifying is that no one knows what this person wants to do.

In the heart of Zheng Dachaofeng, who was a scornful person, as long as Lin Tailai stayed in Yangzhou and refused to leave, there must be a conspiracy!

In order to balance Lin Tailai's impact, the Huizhou merchants now had to be conciliatory and conciliatory with Xu Sigong.

At least Fourth Young Master Xu doesn't seem to be afraid of Lin Tailai, and he can act as a buffer to some extent.

Besides, Fourth Young Master Xu's main target is not them, but that young boy Wang Qing.

Thinking of this, Zheng Dachaofeng decided to bring the topic to the Wang family, so as to save Xu Fourth Young Master from having to think about himself.

"I heard that a few days ago, members of the Wang family were arrested by the Yangzhou Anti-Smuggling Department." Zheng Zhiyan took the initiative to start the conversation.

Xu Lili said nonchalantly: "Everything is under control, and we can prove the other party's crime of colluding with the government and harming the people for personal gain."

Zheng Zhiyan reminded: "Many days have passed."

Even if the Fourth Young Master Xu is of noble status and the Wang family members are only treated as tools by you, you can't just ignore the life and death of the tool people and completely ignore them, right?

Xu Lili replied: "I have already posted to the Governor of Fengyang and the Governor of Jiangbei to report the evil deeds of Yangzhou Guards.

Punishing a mere Yangzhou Wei Yamen is a piece of cake! Then you can go through the Yangzhou Wei Yamen to dig deeper into the mastermind behind the scenes. "

Zheng Dachaofeng did not know about Fourth Master Xu's operation before, so he continued to ask: "Did Fourth Master's post come from the express delivery shop? Is there any reply from Fu?"

Xu Lili said: "Of course it was sent from the express delivery store. It's strange to say that I haven't received a reply after waiting for several days."

Zheng Zhiyan added: "I heard that the Jiangbei patrol is stationed in Yingshan County, Linlu Prefecture, while the Fengyang governor's trip to Bozhou, Fengyang Prefecture."

Yingshan County, Luzhou Prefecture, is located in the westernmost mountains of the Southern Zhili Administrative Region, already adjacent to Huguang;

Bozhou, Fengyang Prefecture, is in the northwest corner of the Southern Zhili Administrative Region, and further north is Henan.

The location of Yangzhou City is in the southeastern corner of the Jiangbei area of ​​​​South Zhili.

Xu Lili frowned and said, "Damn it! What a coincidence! The Fu and An hospitals are so far away, no wonder the reply is so slow!"

Zheng Zhiyan: ""

Mr. Xu, have you ever thought about the possibility that the Fu and the Second Courtyard deliberately stayed so far away from Yangzhou when they heard that Lin Tai came to Yangzhou? And then you didn't reply on purpose?

"Fourth Master might as well meet with Lin Tailai." Zheng Dachao suggested.

In the eyes of Zheng Dachaofeng, the greatest advantage of Fourth Young Master Xu is his identity. This identity is not "the son of the elder" but "the son of the master".

If Lin Tailai faced Lin Tailai, it would be hard for him to do anything to Mr. Xu.

For example, even if Lin Tailai was so vicious that he could kill the governor, he could never kill the son of the master unless he renounced himself in Shilin.

However, Xu Lili rejected the proposal to meet with Lin Tailai, saying as if enigmatically: "If the two of them fight from a distance, there is still room for maneuver.

If we meet directly, there will be no buffer at all, so it is better not to see each other. As the saying goes, the king cannot see the king. "

I heard that this is how conflicts of interest occur in official circles. Don’t directly quarrel with each other unless necessary.

Zheng Dachaofeng only felt that Xu Fourth Young Master had some problem with his understanding of himself and the enemy.

Finally, he reminded them again: "Those Wang family members still need to be saved, we can't let them go like this."

The reason is also very simple. If these people all "disappear", what else can you use to blackmail Wang Qing, a big salt merchant?

Xu Lili nodded this time, "I will personally go to the anti-smuggling hall and lead the people out."

Immediately, Fourth Young Master Xu sent someone to send a message to Yangzhou Weiwan, saying that he would visit the Anti-Smuggling Department the next day.

The next day, Xu Lili came to the Yangzhou Guard Anti-Smuggling Department near Nanguan.

Commander Wan was already waiting at the gate in advance and respectfully welcomed Fourth Young Master Xu in with impeccable etiquette.

Mr. Zaifu didn't take the yamen seriously. He sat in the main seat of the court and asked in a nonchalant manner: "I heard that Wang Kang and several other fellow villagers from this county were caught here?"

Commander Wan replied: "Thanks to Fourth Master Xu for asking, this is indeed the case."

Xu Lili continued to press: "Out of loyalty to my fellow countrymen, I came to ask why they were arrested?"

Commander Wan replied: "It is suspected to be related to smuggling."

Xu Fourth Young Master chuckled a few times and said disdainfully: "As for your yamen, you can't think of any other excuse!"

Then he said: "I, Xu Lili, can testify that Wang Kang and others came to Yangzhou City just to discuss the inheritance issue with Wang Yanshang, a fellow clan member.

This is reasonable and not illegal. As for smuggling, it is nonsense! "

Commander Wan nodded frequently, "Ah, yes, everything Fourth Master said is right."

Xu Lili said: "As for who asked you to arrest, I won't ask. Now that I am here to be the guarantor, can I release Wang Kang and others?"

Commander Wan responded happily on the spot: "No problem, let him go now!"

Commander Wan's attitude was so submissive that Fourth Young Master Xu was surprised and felt that his authority was completely useless.

In his understanding, Commander Wan should be Lin Tailai's man, and he would not let go of the Wang family members so easily.

After thinking about it, Fourth Young Master Xu tested Commander Wan: "You bent the law for personal gain, colluded with the wealthy businessman Wang Qing, and framed the common man Wang Kang!

I have reported your crime to the Second Hospital of Fu and Jian. If there is any misunderstanding in the process, or you find your way back, you may be able to seek leniency! "

Commander Wan quickly shouted: "Oh, there is really a misunderstanding! I originally investigated Wang Qingwang, so I was linked to his clan relative Wang Kang!

It was not because of Wang Yuanwai’s instigation that Wang Kang was arrested for interrogation! "

Mr. Xu: ""

No wonder some people in Yangzhou City say that Commander Wan is an official tumbler who has remained standing despite many turmoils!

Commander Wan looked like he was doing it for your own good, and urged him hard: "Fourth Master, if you accuse me of colluding with Officer Wang, if others find out, I'm afraid Fourth Master is confused.

Therefore, I advise Fourth Master to quickly withdraw the report, so as not to make people laugh!

There will definitely not be any feedback from me either to the outside world or to my superiors, so don’t worry, Fourth Master! "

Fourth Young Master Xu felt as disgusted as if he had swallowed a fly. His feeling was that Commander Wan didn't take him seriously at all, or was just dismissing him as a fool.

But from all aspects, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Commander Wan.

After coming out of the anti-smuggling department, Xu Lili went to discuss with Zheng Zhiyan.

After Zheng Dachaofeng heard this, he no longer expected Fourth Young Master Xu to defeat Lin Tailai.

Of course, it would be good to be able to hold Lin Tailai down, or it would be good to stand in the front row and hold Lin Tailai up.

Zheng Dachaofeng dared to conclude that Lin Tailai was lingering in Yangzhou City again this time, and there must be some conspiracy! With Fourth Young Master Xu here, I can at least withstand the wave.

Then he came up with an idea and said: "Tomorrow is the day when the Salt Industry Association is officially established, and one hundred and fifty merchants will gather together.

The fourth master could go to watch the ceremony, and took Wang Kang over by the way, and asked Wang Qing about the adoption in public, and then the rest of us helped to put pressure on him. "

Xu Lili imagined the scene tomorrow and agreed: "Very good, I can also get to know some powerful fellow villagers!"

All the people present are rich people, and he likes such occasions.

Then he asked: "But I heard that Lin Tailai likes to be in the limelight. Will he show up at a time like tomorrow?"

Over the years, Zheng Dachaofeng has paid a heavy price for Lin Tailai.

With this kind of dedication, he already had a very deep understanding of Lin Tailai's various habits.

So he said with great certainty: "With Lin Tailai's character and greed for the salt industry, he will definitely attend in a high-profile manner tomorrow!

Moreover, he would also bring a dozen or so small traders from Lin's Salt Industry to appear at the scene in a group to demonstrate to us! "

Xu Lili didn't want to miss this opportunity, as if he was talking to himself: "Then it looks like we'll have to meet the famous one tomorrow.

Lin Tailai's thoughts on Wang's Salt Industry were well known to Sima Zhao. "

Zheng Dachaofeng said: "As Fourth Master, Lin Tailai cannot do anything to you, and most of his methods cannot be used on you, Fourth Master.

The Fourth Master just needs to capture Wang Qing tomorrow. He has no offspring, so it is only natural and logical for his family members to inherit the family property. This aspect is completely justified.

Moreover, half of the people present are from our Huizhou hometown. According to the rules when going out, the business gangs from the same hometown have always supported each other and interfered with each other.

We can all comment on the Wang family's affairs, but Lin Tailai is a foreigner, and he is not qualified to say anything on the Wang family's issues.

Therefore, in terms of public opinion, we are not afraid of Lin Tailai at all, and Fourth Master can rest assured.

So what choice does Wang Qing have? Unless he completely abandons his hometown, no longer cares about his clan, and does not want to return to his roots. "

Based on the concepts of this era, what Zheng Dachaofeng said is correct. Fellow race and fellow villagers are often the basis of a person's social attributes.

The next day, near the Yangzhou City Transport Office, a large courtyard next to the Dongzi Temple was very lively, with gongs and drums, and flags flying.

The Salt Industry Association, which has been prepared for more than half a year, will be officially established here today. This is a major event in Yangzhou City.

There are nearly 200 seats in the five-room hall, and all the merchants have special seats.

At this time, everyone has not sat down yet, and they all gathered in the corridor in front of the hall to talk.

There was a circle of people around the leader of the Huizhou merchants, Zheng Da Chaofeng, and Xu Sigongzi also stood here, enjoying the flattery of others.

However, everyone did not put too much energy on chatting, and they glanced at the direction of the gate at the same time.

Everyone knew that the shadow that seemed to cover the sky and the sun that had been hovering over the salt industry for the past few years had not appeared yet.

However, what surprised everyone was that as the auspicious time was approaching, none of the big figures of the Lin Salt Industry showed up.

The dozen or so puppets and small merchants affiliated with the Lin Salt Industry did come, but what was the point?

None of the core figures, including the real owner, nominal boss, and manager of Lin's Salt, showed up.

As time went by, everyone began to feel uncertain. Was something serious going to happen?

Even the laughter in the courtyard gradually disappeared. Fourth Master Xu looked around in confusion. What kind of horrible sense of oppression was this?

Could Lin Tailai put such great pressure on others just because he didn't show up?

At this tense moment, suddenly the big salt merchant Wang Qing walked into the courtyard from outside the screen wall.

Everyone stopped talking and saluted Wang Qing in unison.

Wang Qing was stunned and laughed, "Why are you looking at me? I'm not Lin Jiuyuan!"

Someone asked, "Why hasn't Mr. Lin shown up yet?"

Wang Qing replied, "Lin Jiuyuan boarded the ship today and went back to Suzhou! How could he be here?"

"Asshole! Asshole!" Fourth Master Xu suddenly lost his composure and cursed.

It turned out that Lin Tailai didn't take him seriously at all!

It turns out that Lin Tailai didn't take me seriously from the beginning to the end!

He didn't even bother to look at me! Completely ignored me!

Yesterday, Commander Wan treated me as a fool, but Lin Tailai treated me as air!

Zheng Dachaofeng, the leader of Yangzhou Hui merchants and one of the three major merchants of the Salt Industry Association, seemed to have been drained of all his energy. He stood unsteadily and leaned on the pillars.

Lin Tailai, who had been a scourge to him for several years, was gone. He should have been relaxed and happy.

But for some reason, his heart was empty and he felt inexplicably lost.

Was he completely insignificant in Lin Tailai's heart? Was it not worth facing anymore?

Wasn't even such a big thing as the establishment of the Salt Industry Association important to Lin Tailai?