The word "notification" was just decided upon by Qiu Yizhi and Lin Shuhan after discussion. If he used the term "discussion", then he and the businessman would be on equal footing; if he used the term "request", he would actually have something to ask for. People, self-demoted by half a level; only the word "report" means that they have already made a decision, but they are just respecting the other party and saying it in advance.
Among the merchants in the hall, there are many shrewd people who have been in the business world for many years. Some of them have long heard the three flavors, and they all opened their eyes wide, wanting to hear what Qiu Yizhi had to say to them.
But Qiu Yizhi bowed deeply to the merchants in the hall again, straightened up and said: "According to former general Cui Nan, reinforcements from all over the city have gathered under the city, but they are not allowed to enter the city, rest or supply. The morale has been reduced. If The battle between the Japanese pirates is full of misfortunes. Therefore, we are about to open the city gate and let in reinforcements from outside... "
Qian Feng, who was sitting behind several cases, was getting more and more uncomfortable as he listened: We didn't just enter the city, why should we discuss it with the merchants? Why is it now said that it has become a done deal
Before Qian Feng could say anything, the merchants in the hall had already exploded into a pot of porridge. They were shouting at the top of their voices, as if they were haggling in the market. Many of the weak and impatient merchants were already blushing.
Qiu Yizhi heard that they were making such a mess, and could not explain to them. In desperation, he took a few steps back, picked up the gavel on Qian Feng's desk, and slapped it with all his strength, until he was holding the gavel. Tang Mu’s left hand hurt.
The originally bustling lobby was silenced by the sound of the gavel tree.
Seeing this, Qiu Yizhi breathed a sigh of relief and said: "This matter is originally a military matter. Lord Qian and General Liu, the Jiedushi envoy, should have autocratic power. You two are still benevolent and righteous. I want to have a smooth communication with you before issuing the order." Explanation, do you have any comments?”
When Qiu Yizhi asked him face to face, the businessmen who had been noisy just now fell silent. Although they were dissatisfied, they looked at each other and no one spoke up.
Qiu Yizhi originally planned to engage in a verbal battle with the merchants, but when the matter came to an end, he found that no one objected, so he simply followed the trend and said: "You are indeed good businessmen who are loyal to the army and love the people. Since everyone has no objection, then Governor Qian and Liu Jiedu is about to recruit reinforcements to the city to rest."
As soon as Qiu Yi finished speaking, all the merchants started discussing again. Finally, a bold man stepped forward and said: "Well... three adults, we... we don't disagree with the reinforcements entering the city for rest." . But this... this cannot be rushed. Can we discuss it again?"
"Discuss and discuss? How to discuss? When will the discussion last? The military situation is urgent at the moment. How can we allow you to discuss more?"
Qiu Yizhi thought so in her heart, but she said more politely: "Aren't we just discussing? It's just that right now we are facing an enemy in the dark, and the Japanese pirates are gathering, and they will attack from time to time. If we can't seize the time to organize the army, then what will happen? We are about to miss something. So we can’t delay any longer. It’s already late today, so we need to make a quick decision before the sun sets.”
It is now late autumn, the sun sets very early, and the golden crow has already set in Youshi, which is less than two hours away.
Another anxious businessman in the hall raised his hands and said: "Shang is the last of the four peoples. We are very happy that you can listen to us. Therefore, if we keep hiding it and refuse to speak our minds, wouldn't it be hurtful? Have the three adults listened to Zeming’s reputation?”
Qiu Yizhi saw that the businessman was wearing a purple brocade robe. He was very fat and bloated, but his words were pleasing to the ear, so she heard him continue: "I'm not afraid that the three adults will blame us for being stingy. I'll tell you from the bottom of my heart. I'll wait for you." We don’t want outside reinforcements to enter the city. The reason is fine. We are afraid that the soldiers coming from other places will not have good military discipline. We cannot save our family fortune by being ruined by them. "
Qiu Yizhi replied: "This official's worries are reasonable. However, the official, as well as the governor and General Jiedu can guarantee that after the reinforcements enter the city, military discipline will be strictly controlled. Once there are people who harass the people and merchants, , we will definitely be punished severely.”
Qiu Yi's voice had just finished when she heard someone in the crowd say: "Which general didn't say that? But what you say sounds good may not look good when you actually do things..." The voice was quite old and seemed to have some experience.
A group of businessmen immediately echoed:
"Yeah, that makes sense."
"There are tens of thousands of people outside the city. If they are brought into the city, who can restrain them?"
"That's right. We are all good citizens who pay taxes according to regulations. When we enter the city, enter the port, or pass by, don't we have to be extorted by the patrolling soldiers? It sounds like it is illegal. When has it been rectified?"
"That's right, maybe it was the officer who instigated it!"
Qiu Yizhi heard that the following topic was getting further and further, and he quickly said loudly: "I also believe that what you said is true. Anyone who has encountered injustice before can naturally complain to the two military and political officials of Jiangnan Province. After calming down, it will be up to the two of you to take responsibility for the matter at hand. I can guarantee that the officers and soldiers entering the city will abide by military discipline. I can issue a military order for this matter!"
"What military order? It's just a piece of waste paper. The court's words never count, I don't believe it!" Before Qiu Yi finished speaking, there was a voice of questioning.
Qiu Yizhi was also an impetuous person. Hearing someone talk about him like this, the fire of ignorance had already risen in his belly, but he had to suppress it and forced a smile to say: "If you don't believe it, I can lead you to the top of the city. Look! The houses that were previously occupied by the reinforcements have now withdrawn and formed new camps in the open space. If you go to the city wall and take a look, you can see what the military discipline is like. Isn't it better than just guessing here? "At the end, there was a certain amount of anger in his words.
But I saw a man in a blue brocade robe cupping his hands and saying, "Sir, why don't we each take a step back from this matter? Since the reinforcements have already set up camp outside the city, there is no need to enter the city. We, the few of us, can work together. , how about we collect five thousand taels of silver to reward the soldiers outside the city?"
Someone in the hall immediately echoed.
This suggestion indeed sounds very reasonable, but Qiu Yizhi cannot agree to it - the reinforcements entering the city are not just to receive supplies and recuperate, but to temporarily use Jinling Fort to organize the army first, select the best and eliminate the worst, and then clarify the control rights. Only with such preparation can we fight against the ferocious Japanese pirates. And now the temporary camp that Zhao Chengxiao has set up outside the city is not enough to protect against wind and rain, so how can it resist the Japanese pirates
However, if Qiu Yizhi said this truth in public, it would only make everyone doubt that the officers and soldiers were not strong in fighting, and spreading it would shake the determination of the soldiers and people in the city to resist the enemy. Therefore, Qiu Yizhi could only say carefully: "This The officer's kindness is appreciated. Whether he enters the city or not is related to the morale of the sergeants. I'm afraid it cannot be negotiated. "
Upon hearing Qiu Yi's firm words, all the merchants immediately became angry and said: "If you can't bargain, why do you ask us to come here? Are you treating us like monkeys?" The solemn lobby of the government office suddenly became noisy, almost Qing Qing The roof of the house made of glass was overturned.
Qian Feng, the governor who had been sitting quietly for several cases, met him. He was not worried but happy when he saw this scene. He even gloated a little. He hid his panic in his sleeves and smiled to see how Qiu Yizhi would deal with the situation.
Qiu Yizhi was anxious and panicked. He really didn't expect the merchants in Jinling City to be so resistant to the reinforcements from outside the city. He quickly stepped back and discussed carefully with Lin Shuhan for a few words, and then said: "Everyone I know my mood well. It would be better for me to give in a little more and let the officers and soldiers outside the city enter the city in three batches. This will make it easier for the general to regulate the army and suppress the lawbreakers. "
Before he finished speaking, objections came immediately: "Three batches? There are tens of thousands of people outside the city. If divided into three batches, there will be more than 3,000 people each time. Who can bear the commotion? Even if they are divided, they will be divided into thirty batches!" "
"There will be 300 people in the thirty batches. I think it must be divided into at least one hundred batches!"
"Moreover, there is no basis for what the officers say about military discipline. We businessmen still have to supervise your implementation!"
The army pays attention to clear leadership and unified power. The merchants' words just now, intentionally or unintentionally, have revealed their intention to interfere in military affairs. This is something Qiu Yizhi cannot agree to in any case, so he can only explain patiently: "The military situation is urgent at the moment, and the Japanese pirates We don't know when the attack will come. It's already too late to enter the city in three days. If we delay it any longer, I'm afraid the Japanese pirates will attack and the reinforcements outside the city will be wiped out."
"So what? The officers and soldiers were originally fighting against the enemy. Those who died or were injured were only because they were not good at martial arts. Who cares about us? What's more, those who died were all outsiders. Without a single son of Jinling City, what's the point? Amazing?" It was the fat businessman who spoke.
What he said was very mean, and he immediately angered Qiu Yizhi: "What are you talking about? The lives of outsiders are not lives? Do officers and soldiers deserve to die? Let me tell you, I want to talk to you about two things. In short, I have given you a huge favor. This will not work, and that will not work. Do we have to do what you said? Without further ado, starting from today, the reinforcements from outside the city will enter the city in three groups to rest. that's all!"
As soon as Qiu Yizhi finished speaking, the merchants in the hall exploded again. Some complained that the fat man just talked too much and annoyed the superior officer; some advised Qiu Yizhi to discuss it again; others were already planning what to do. He transferred his belongings from Jinling City.
At this moment, someone from the crowd walked up quickly, pointed at Liu Qing, who was standing behind Qiu Yi, and said, "General Liu, you are the military governor of Jiangnan Road. Please say something." Ah! In addition to donating military salary, we also give you an extra five hundred taels of silver. What we want is for you to speak up for us at a critical moment? Why are you mute now?"
Qiu Yizhi also heard clearly what the businessman said. He turned back sharply and stared at Liu Qing.
Liu Qing was immediately dwarfed by Qiu Yizhi's sharp and somewhat angry eyes. His originally quite tall and burly body shrank into a ball, and he involuntarily took half a step back, not even daring to raise his head. Hey, how dare you say a word for these businessmen
On the other hand, Qian Feng, the governor who had been sitting on several cases, watched the sudden scene in the hall with great interest. He was filled with ecstasy and wanted to see how this farce would end.
Qiu Yizhi stared at Liu Qing for a long time, and suddenly sneered: "Huh! General Liu, Liu Jiedu, you followed the emperor and didn't learn other skills, but you learned this trick. Let me ask you, you Where did you learn this way of leading troops?" (To be continued)