Xiaoqi

The northern city, which covers an area of ​​more than ten miles, can still be seen to be a barren and abandoned city wall, but now it has been renovated and expanded.A series of newly built three-storey attics rise up from the ground, lined up horizontally and vertically, with wide streets and alleys, reasonable layout, clean and grand.Thinking about it, it will become one of the most prosperous markets in the city soon, with broad prospects and unlimited business opportunities.Regarding business operations, Mi Zhu is still extremely conceited. After all, the Mi family in Xuzhou is the home of merchants, involving various business fields, including the sale of houses and shops.

To be honest, when Mi Zhu saw the newly built North City, his heart skipped a beat, and countless business opportunities appeared in his mind, and they were all deals that would make a profit without losing money.At one point, he even couldn't wait to buy real estate in this city, and then set foot in the construction of the North City, where he could grab a considerable amount of money.It's a pity that this idea can only be thought about. Judging from the current situation, it is undoubtedly wishful thinking for him to set foot in the business world of Xiliang, and it is impossible at all.

In addition, Chang'an City's bustling market, orderly law and order, and strong commercial atmosphere all made Mi Zhu's heart flutter.In the dead of night, he had imagined more than once that with the billions of dollars of the Mi family in Xuzhou, if they set foot in the Chang'an business world, participate in the expansion of the North City, and then do business with the Western Regions, they would definitely make a lot of money. What's wrong?

It's a pity that the reality is cruel, the world is in chaos, and the princes are divided into regimes. This can only be a beautiful vision.

Regrettably, Mi Zhu couldn't help but think of the Wuji Zhen family who had business dealings with him.

Just at this time last year, there was news that the Wuji Zhen family moved to Chang'an, and the head of the Zhen family, Mrs. Zhen, also made Li Li a concubine. Pinned on Li Li.At that time, as soon as this news came out, it was ridiculed by many families. The Zhen family and the entire Zhen family were criticized, and people pointed at them behind their backs, making them laugh out loud.

However, in just one year, the Zhen family rose strongly, and the caravan once again entered the states of the Central Plains.Except for Jizhou under the rule of Yuan Shao, there were footprints of the Zhen family caravan in other states and counties, but they were not blocked or made things difficult by the princes of all parties.Not only did the feudal princes turn a blind eye, but they also privately instructed their staff to take proper care of the Zhen family’s shops, and would never allow any enmity with the Zhen family’s caravan; this was the case with Liu Bei in Xuzhou. personally carry out the order.Therefore, the business of the Zhen family returning to the states and counties was extremely smooth, and it can be said that the green light was given all the way, and it went smoothly.

Mi Zhu has always remembered this incident. At that time, he really couldn't figure out why the Zhen family caravan dared to go to various states to do business in the chaos of the world.It wasn't until he set foot on the boundary of Xiliang again that he finally knew the answer.

In fact, the reason is very simple. The princes that the Zhen family is attached to are Li Li, the number one overlord in the world, and none of the princes from all walks of life dares to challenge Li Li's supremacy alone.Therefore, they naturally did not dare to make things difficult for the Zhen family caravan who had a close relationship with Li Li, and even made sure that the Zhen family caravan did not cause any accidents on their own territory, otherwise it would incur Li Li's anger and the Xiliang army.Therefore, even though the princes from all walks of life fought against Li Li, as long as they failed to completely defeat Li Li and the Xiliang Army under his command, no one would dare to attack the Zhen family caravan.

Today, all the merchants in the world dare to laugh at the fact that the Zhen family used to be dependent on the whole family.On the contrary, many families of merchants praised and envied Zhen's act of attaching to Li Li.Because the Zhen family's actions at that time seemed naive and impulsive, and it was tantamount to a big gamble to help Li Li with all the power of the family, but the facts proved that this woman really had a discerning eye, and she made the right bet for the Zhen family. A solid foundation has been laid for another take-off.

Asking himself, Mi Zhu often laments that he is not as courageous as Zhen Shi.If I were myself, I would never put the fate of the whole family on a young man like Li Li.And this also determines that he will not achieve such a great success as the Zhen family, and can only sit behind the Zhen family, curl up in a corner, and be a rich man in the East China Sea.Not only that, after fully serving Li Li, two sons of the Zhen family became officials one after another. The brother was rewarded again by Li Lida, and he was promoted to a noble.For this reason, Mi Zhu is very envious of the wealth and status of the Zhen family at this time, and this is also the goal he has been pursuing and fighting for.

In view of the great success of the Zhen family, Mi Zhu once wanted to follow the example of the Zhen family and use the strength of the whole family to help Liu Bei achieve his great cause.However, Liu Bei's fortune was not good, and he was repeatedly frustrated when he first took the position of Xuzhou Mu, so that he was in a difficult situation and had to donate a lot of money and food to Li Li.

However, Liu Bei never expected that he sent Mi Zhu to Chang'an out of trust, but unexpectedly, Mi Zhu was greatly stimulated on the way to Chang'an, which led to many ideas that he had never thought of before.Prior to this, Mi Zhu was very optimistic about Liu Bei, thinking that Liu Bei was persevering and persevering, and Guan and Zhang Zhiyong would surely achieve great things in time.For this reason, Mi Zhu followed Liu Bei all the time, and even wanted to marry his younger sister to Liu Bei, so as to deepen the relationship between them and truly become Liu Bei's confidant.

However, many people and things in this world cannot be compared, especially the comparison and comparison between people.Mi Zhu always believed that Liu Bei could accomplish something, but after arriving in Chang'an City this time, he felt that the Xiliang prefectures and counties were full of vitality and contained endless energy, and that the Xiliang Army was extremely powerful and had a bright future.

This extended to Liu Bei and Li Li, and Mi Zhu suddenly discovered that Li Li was stronger than Liu Bei in every aspect and had a bright future.Once this kind of thought appeared, it remained in his mind, lingering, lingering, and always lingering in his heart, which made him very distressed, but he had to think about it.After all, this matter is related to the rise and fall of the whole family of the Mi family, so it is a big matter and cannot be sloppy at all.It's just that he has thought about it but still has no clue. Up to now, many people and things are entangled and intertwined. He no longer makes decisions easily like before, and a little carelessness will lead to catastrophe.

Throughout the whole day, Mi Zhu still found nothing. While waiting anxiously, many thoughts entangled in his mind came to his mind, which made him extremely distressed.

Chapter 836

In the evening, Mi Zhu returned to the inn with a tired face, and behind him were a dozen followers who went out together.

"My boss is back. The young one has prepared hot water for you. You have to wait for a while for dinner, and then the young one will bring it to you." Zhu Jiu, the store clerk, walked up quickly and smiled humbly.

"Well, is Miss back?" Mi Zhu nodded slightly, and asked casually as he walked into the inner hall.

Without hesitation, Mi Zhu revealed the true identity of the younger sister who was disguised as a man, but Zhu Jiu, who was following behind him, didn't seem surprised at all, with no abnormal expression on his face, as if he knew that the handsome young man was a "tomboy".

It was precisely because Zhu Jiu looked normal that this caught Mi Zhu's attention.After hearing Zhu Jiu say that Mi Huan was eating in the lobby of the front yard, he called Zhu Jiu to sit down at the round table, and chatted without saying a word while washing his hands.

After a little grooming, Mi Zhu was sitting on the east side. At this time, Zhu Jiu dexterously served hot tea, and sat down on Mi Zhu's head, listening sideways to the question.

Zhu Jiu's series of actions made Mi Zhu secretly approve, and couldn't help but take another look at this guy who had served him for more than ten days, and really began to pay attention to this extremely inconspicuous little man who was always on call.Prior to this, Mi Zhu had never looked at this person seriously, or innkeepers like Zhu Jiu would not have attracted his attention at all, and the mere obedience was not enough to make him look at him differently.

However, it was only at this time that Mi Zhu realized that this Zhu Jiu was really a young man with great eyesight. He had unknowingly replaced Mi Xing, an old servant who had served him for many years, and had been serving him all these days.Just go back to the inn by yourself.This Zhu Jiu was within his line of sight, and he was there whenever he was called, serving him very attentively.Inadvertently let myself get used to his existence, but whenever there is any errand, I will naturally order him to do it, and he can always satisfy myself, and it is extremely easy to use.

Mi Zhu didn't notice this extremely subtle point before, and he didn't know it until now when he really started to pay attention to this person.Only then did I realize that this person had unknowingly gained my trust, except for resting and going out to do errands, he was never far away from him for almost a moment.So far.Mi Zhu suddenly became alert, and pretended to drink tea from the cup casually, but in fact he was paying attention to this unattractive guy, Zhu Jiu.

"Is Xiao Jiu your name? It seems that you are not very old, you have not yet reached the age of weak crown?"

After Zhu Jiu heard the words.Without hesitation, he said: "The youngest is named Dongsheng. He is the youngest in the family, and there are five half-brothers and three older sisters in front of him. My mother was remarried by my father. Since I was a child, my brothers and sisters called me the youngest." Nine, I’ve been calling it that way since then, if the owner doesn’t mind, just call me Xiao Jiu. I just had my sixteenth birthday last month, and now I’m seventeen. I’ve worked in this Xinglong Inn for more than two years. Backroom buddy."

Mi Zhu nodded slightly.He laughed and said, "Dong Sheng is a good name, and Xiao Jiu is also good. Jiu is extremely good. It seems that Xiao Jiu will definitely have a great future. Hehehe!"

"Thank you, Master, for your compliment." Zhu Jiu heard that his cheeks were slightly flushed, with an unconcealable joy on his face, and he said respectfully: "The guest officer is over-rewarded, and the young one is just a buddy, so he can make a lot of progress. But our boss treats people very well, my little one." Since I have been working as a buddy here, the owner has never reprimanded me, and when there are many customers, they will give more rewards every month."

"Well, it can be seen that you are quick at work, diligent in your legs and feet, and have a good sense of speech and actions. You have done a good job." Mi Zhu nodded happily.

After smiling, he changed the subject: "Xiao Jiu, you don't have to be shy from now on, just call me my boss, and listen to get close. Oh, by the way, this is near the General's Mansion, do you know the subordinates of the General's Mansion Where do you often go with your servants? Or, where can you meet the subordinates of the General’s Mansion, such as the generals and housekeepers of the General’s Mansion?”

"Uh! This..." Zhu Jiu's expression changed upon hearing this, and he looked up at Mi Zhu with a look of embarrassment on his face.At this time, Mi Zhu shook his sleeve, and a heavy ingot of silver appeared on the palm of his hand, then stuffed it into Zhu Jiu's hand, nodded to indicate Zhu Jiu to accept it, but smiled without saying a word.

Holding the heavy silver in his hand, Zhu Jiu was not happy, but became more and more nervous. He carefully observed Mi Zhu's expression, and said in a trembling voice: "My master's accent is not like that of a Xiliang person. I dare to ask a question, but I don't know my master. Where is the family, why do you inquire about the General's Mansion?"

"Oh?" Mi Zhu was quite surprised when he heard the words, he couldn't help staring at Zhu Jiu with burning eyes, and said softly: "Why did Xiao Jiu ask this question, can't you inquire about the affairs of the General's Mansion?"

Before Zhu Jiu could answer, Mi Zhu went on to say: "But what Xiao Jiu said is right, I am indeed not from Xiliang, but from Xuzhou. I came to Chang'an this time to pay a special visit to the chief of the general's residence, Shi, the best I was able to meet the general, but I had no way to go, and I ran for many days but found nothing."

Keenly aware that Zhu Jiu seemed to be secretive about the situation in the General's Mansion and was an insider, Mi Zhu simply told the truth to save Zhu Jiu from having doubts and refusing to speak out.Because, with his extraordinary eyesight, he had already seen some clues from Zhu Jiu's eyes, especially when he mentioned the General's Mansion, Zhu Jiu's eyelids twitched, and his whole body became tense instantly.And this action revealed a lot of content invisibly, at least Zhu Jiu knew a little about the General's Mansion, even if it was only superficial, he knew much more than himself, a native of Xuzhou who came from afar.

And this is exactly what Mi Zhu urgently needs to know right now.Otherwise, there is no way to wait like he is now without a clue. He can only find another way and try his best to get close to the people in the General's Mansion, and then seek the way to see him from them.

After hearing Mi Zhu's self-report, combined with his own judgment, Zhu Jiu finally breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense expression gradually eased.

"It turns out that the owner's trip is to meet the general, but the little one thought hehehe!"

Mi Zhu followed Zhu Jiu's words, smiled and said, "Could it be that Xiao Jiu thinks that the group of people I waited for came to Chang'an on a special trip to inquire about the military situation?"

Zhu Jiu didn't dare to look up at Mi Zhu, but still nodded lightly, and said respectfully: "However, I can see that the Dong family and his party are dressed in luxurious clothes, and they will attract attention wherever they go. Xi Zuo will never wear such clothes, let alone It will not attract so much attention. Therefore, the owner and his party are not bad people, and the younger one believes that he will not be mistaken. To tell the truth, the younger one is from Meiyang County under the jurisdiction of Jingzhao, and he is a fief under the name of the general. Yi, that is, the tenant servant of the General's Mansion. It's a pity that I don't have any skills, so I can't enter the General's Mansion. I even went to sign up for the army several times, but because of my thin body and too young age, I was screened out. It is precisely because I am the General I’m a servant of Shiyi Mansion, that’s why our boss took extra care of me, never punished me for more than two years, and instead gave me extra money every month.”

Speaking of this, Zhu Jiu's whole spirit was renewed, and he looked very confident, as if he had changed into a different person, and he no longer called himself a servant inadvertently.

Immediately afterwards, he became more and more confident and fluent when he spoke to Mi Zhu: "A few days ago, I saw that my master went out early and returned late every day, and was very tired. I couldn't help but want to ask, but I was worried that my master would not be happy, so I went to see you." I dare not speak too much. Now that my boss has asked me, I will tell you everything I know. I heard it mentioned before that there are many properties under the name of the General’s Mansion, among which the vegetables and The livestock are supplied by our village, and my two elder brothers will deliver vegetables every five days. It is said that this large-scale restaurant is managed by the General’s wife, Mrs. Zhang, and occasionally the General will go there. In addition, The Heroes Building on the main street of Dongcheng is also owned by the General’s Mansion. It is said that many important events in the world and court affairs are reported from the Heroes Building. Unfortunately, except for the generals and a group of officials, other people enter the Heroes Building It only needs three taels of silver, and ordinary people can't get in at all. Therefore, the owner can go to these two places to have a look, and maybe you can meet the person you are looking for."

After Mi Zhu heard the words, he suddenly realized: "So that's the case! No wonder I found that there are so many people going to Nanyuan Restaurant to drink in the past few days. It turns out that this is a restaurant under the name of the General's Mansion, and the people who want to come in and out of the restaurant are under the command of the General. staff and generals."

After figuring out what was going on, Mi Zhu took out another ingot of silver and stuffed it into Zhu Jiu's hand, and said with a smile, "If things can be done this time, it all depends on Xiao Jiu's words. You take this little silver for now, and when things come to fruition, I will Thanks again. Hehehe”

"Thank you for the reward from my master." Seeing that Mi Zhu gave the silver ingot again, Zhu Jiu hurriedly declined, but Mi Zhu's expression suddenly changed, revealing that he could not refuse, so Zhu Jiu had to put away the silver ingot and thank him respectfully.Immediately after seeing Mi Zhu's thoughtful expression, he hurriedly bowed to leave, and when he went out, he did not forget to light up the lantern and close the door.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Zhu Jiu closing the door on tiptoe. Mi Zhu couldn't help showing a joyful smile on his face. The rest of the ministers and ministers, but in vain, did not expect to show a little courtesy to a young servant today, and asked for the way out easily, it is really unexpected! Hehehe"

The backyard of the Sikong Mansion, two miles away from the Xinglong Inn, also burst into laughter at this time.

"Why does the father have time to visit his daughter today? If there is something to do, the father may as well say it bluntly, as long as the daughter can do things, he will definitely not let the father down."

In the inner hall of the backyard, Sikong Li Jue's wife Yang Shi and his father Yang Qi sat in the hall talking.

The father and daughter haven't seen each other for some time, since Li Li returned from victory, Yang Qi has never been to the Sikong Mansion, and naturally he will never see his daughter Yang.But I don't know which gust of wind brought him here today, and he actually walked into Sikong Mansion again.

Coincidentally, Li Jue was not in the mansion today, so the father and daughter were talking in the backyard.And Yang is a filial daughter, she coaxed Yang Qi to be very happy, laughing heartily from time to time; it can be said that father and daughter meet, happy and harmonious.

Chapter 837

Yang Qi didn't come to Sikong Mansion recently, it doesn't mean he didn't want to step into Sikong Mansion before.

On the contrary, when Li Jue was in charge of the court, Yang Qi often came to visit, no, to be precise, he came every day.

Every time he used an excuse to visit his daughter and grandson, but in fact he came to get close to his son-in-law Li Jue, so as to make up for the rift and estrangement between Weng and his son-in-law.

In the early years, when Li Jue saw Yang's beauty, he forcibly took her away and took her as a concubine.For this reason, Yang Qi, the father-in-law who was serving as a servant at the time, had some criticisms against Li Jue. He once scolded Li Jue in public for being bold, bullying men and women, and having a habit of thieves, and claimed that he would never recognize Li Jue as his son-in-law in his lifetime.

In the next few years, Yang Qi was really a stubborn person who kept his word and never recognized Li Jue as his son-in-law.Even when Yang Shi gave birth to his beloved son Li Shi, Yang Qi didn't come to have a look. Even the entire Yang family in Hedong didn't come to visit.

However, since Li Li entered Chang'an and Li Jue was in charge of the court, Yang Qi, who had always denied his daughter and son-in-law, posted it immediately, saying that the son-in-law Zhang Kou kept his mouth on his daughter, which was extremely affectionate.