The man in black looked at Qin Mubai with the hollow eyes of his mask, as if he was very proud. He patted his clothes, sat down, and said slowly and politely: "Don't worry, General Qin. Business is negotiated slowly. . We have spent a lot of time and don’t care to talk for a while.”
"What do you mean?" Qin Mubai also sat down and asked.
"Ho ho!" The man in black laughed with great pride, "To this day, I will tell you the truth! Ever since last fall when various places started to pay taxes and grain, we have been asking Zhang Luo who will be the next one. Later, we learned that it was you and Li Ke who would take over as the governor of Xiangzhou. "
"Why?" Qin Mubai couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.
"Because only under the cover of big shots like you can we live better and make more money. When we make enough money, it's time for us to quit." The man in black chattered with a strange smile. , so proud, "Are you feeling quite angry, General Qin? In fact, you don't have to be angry, we don't mean to look down on you at all. In fact, we are really afraid of you, especially you, Qin Mubai. You are smart, Qiang Gan was very difficult to deal with. Li Ke, with his reputation and reputation, was not a threat, because he had a big mind. He only regarded Xiangzhou as a place he was passing by, so he didn't take it seriously at first. , we have planned a detailed plan on how to deal with you."
Qin Mubai frowned: "So, you have been monitoring our every move with passwords since we stepped onto the ground in Xiangzhou?"
"Wrong." The man in black said, "Since you haven't left Chang'an, every move you make has been under our surveillance. I even know that your father went to Lanzhou, and your wife has never been married to you. He runs a wine shop in Chang’an and is planning to open a shop in Xiangzhou to make a living.”
Qin Mubai couldn't help but feel a little annoyed: "If you dare to touch my family, the consequences will be very serious!"
"Don't be angry, General Qin. We are just looking for money. We never hurt anyone innocently, and we don't want to make enemies everywhere. After working hard for a long time, why not just make friends with General Qin and make a fortune together?" The man in black was calm. He said calmly, "I think you probably know something about us. I don't have to hide it from you. Yes, we do have a large amount of food on hand that we are eager to get rid of. You know food. The climate in Jiangnan is humid and prone to mold. . Once it becomes moldy, it will be worthless. Didn't you pretend to be a merchant from Chang'an and go to Zhengchang Grain Company to discuss business? What a coincidence. Later, Zheng Anshun really came to Xiangzhou, which was a godsend. Then, some changes occurred in our plans.”
"Then can you tell me your original plan?" Qin Mubai said coldly.
"Ho ho, it's okay to tell you!" The man in black laughed, "Originally, we planned to wait for your unmarried wife, Wu Meiniang, a businesswoman who has become famous in recent years, to arrive in Xiangzhou, and then find a way to get her with her. She made a fortune together, and then through her, we had access to you and made things easier for us. Unexpectedly, after we performed a scene in Baguidu to test your attitude, you came to our door. By coincidence, They also moved out of Zheng Anshun. This is a God-given opportunity. This is the largest buyer in the world. "
"So, Zheng Anshun disappeared, Princess Wu and her daughter disappeared, my deputy Pang Fei and the naval commander Zhao Chong also disappeared, right?" Qin Mubai said coldly.
"What you said is absolutely correct. However, if something goes wrong, please take care of General Qin! If we grass bandits want to sit down and negotiate business with General Qin, we should have some capital in our hands, right? But don't worry "We definitely didn't dare to abuse any of them. They were all served delicious food and drink. Everyone was safe and comfortable." The man in black said, "It's a thousand words and ten thousand words. We just think, Qin." How can it be so leisurely for the general to make a fortune together with us
"What do you mean, each takes what he needs?" Qin Mubai asked.
"Haha, General Qin, why do you have to pretend to be stupid?" The man in black said with a smile, "Which of the successive governors of Xiangzhou and military commanders is not in the same spirit with us? It is precisely because we know that the hearts of Wu King Li Ke and General Qin are the same. You are an unusually arrogant person, so we are cautious and cautious about all kinds of temptations. We have no choice but to take this step after seeing that you seem to be incompatible with us. In fact, why should you do this in your life? But when the grass and trees are shining, you can earn more money and live a good life. You have a wife, a beautiful concubine, a vast acre of fertile land, and you have enough to eat and have no worries all day long. Wouldn't it be a leisurely life for you? You are of noble birth, and you don't have to worry about money and livelihood. We are just like grass bandits. They are poor people who have to find their own way if they want to be rich and prosperous.”
"So you robbed homes, killed people and stole goods?" Qin Mubai sneered.
"Okay! I'm not here to tell you these big principles." The man in black seemed a little impatient. He tapped his fist lightly on the table and said, "I am very sincere in cooperating with General Qin. We've made a fortune together. But I don't know what General Qin wants."
"Everyone wants to get rich, and no one has any hatred for money." Qin Mubai touched his chin and said, "I just want to know how we can work together, what should I do, and what can I get? What risks do I take?”
"Okay. What General Qin said is the attitude a person should have when talking about business." The man in black nodded and said, "What we need General Qin to do is actually very simple. That is, there are so many things to do next. God, you don’t care about what’s going on on the river. At the same time, issue a military order to allow us to sail unimpeded on the Han River.”
Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Do we need to lend the military's Shenyu spaceship to you? That thing has a large load capacity and no one can check it. I'm afraid there is no safer cargo-carrying vehicle in the world than a military ship. ”
"General Qin, don't be sarcastic." The man in black said calmly, "Actually, as long as you are sincere and sincerely willing to cooperate with us, you don't need to do anything. Every year and every month, we will step forward and take the initiative to honor you. I I guarantee that even if you celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival, the filial piety money you receive will be more than your three-year salary. If you want, you can become the local emperor of Xiangzhou, whether it is in the officialdom or in the green forest. You will be able to respond to a hundred calls, and everyone will look up to you."
"What about Wu King Li Ke?" Qin Mubai said, "He is the governor. Logically speaking, he is the leader of Xiangzhou."
"He..." the man in black said with a chattering smile, as if he was a little disdainful, "Although he is a prince born from a concubine, he has great ambitions. He went to Xiangzhou to serve as an official, seeking neither fame nor profit. We It's hard to impress him with these things, but I can guarantee that he will live a very stable and peaceful life in Xiangzhou, and he will not be impeached by people who made irresponsible remarks like when he was in Anzhou. Yes, although Li Ke is smart and capable, he also has a lot of bad habits. Just pick one, such as being addicted to sex and gambling, which is enough to get him to report to the emperor. "
Qin Mubai's eyebrows sank slightly, and he couldn't help but be a little surprised: This group of people actually have such extraordinary abilities? !
"Don't be surprised, General Qin. Don't get it wrong either." The man in black said calmly, "We are just a group of grass bandits with no one to support us in the court. It's just that now that Zhenguan and Tang Dynasty officials govern the Qingming Dynasty, and ordinary people want to sue the prince, then I'm afraid it's not difficult. If someone writes a complaint to the Dali Temple in Chang'an or the Censor's Office, the officials won't dare to ignore it or conceal it, right?"
"You guys are really deliberate, vicious and despicable!" Qin Mubai scolded in a deep voice.
"Haha, thank you for the compliment." The man in black said with a smile, "These days, the gentlemen are either dead long ago, or they don't have enough to eat. Compared with the two, I am still willing to be a despicable and shameless villain. In fact, we are really a bunch of people. The grass bandits, who have no ambitions and no ability, just want to make some money and then go back to be good citizens. They don't seek to be rich and wealthy, but they want to live a slightly better life than ordinary people with food and clothing. That's enough. If General Qin is in trouble, we are afraid that it will be difficult to explain to the court and the emperor. As long as we sell this batch of food, we will quit and retreat, and the Xihe Water Ghost will disappear from now on. King Wu and General Qin can also report this achievement to the court, saying that after you take office, the government of Xiangzhou will be clean and clear, and there will be no worries about thieves. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"
"It sounds good, it's really tempting. I, Mr. Qin, don't have to do anything, I can make a lot of money, be peaceful, and get awards." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "But I have feelings all over the place. I am seeking skin from a tiger."
Qin Mubai thought very clearly. The so-called thief is one who never dies. Just like those guys who sold Shakehead K-Powder on the dance floor of Hall D in the previous life, they deceived the ignorant young people, even if they gave them away for free for free the first time, and said how good it was and how happy they were. Then when others become addicted to drugs, they are on board a pirate ship, and they start to exploit and threaten them, and even force them into prostitution.
The man in black is currently using the same trick. She started talking nonsense and tried her best to drag him into the water. After he entered the water, the control was simply in the opponent's hands. It is said that those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. These water ghosts are always trying to survive with their heads on their waists, always ready to take a knife to remove their heads. An official like Qin Mubai didn't want to risk his life like this, so he had no choice but to submit to them. Under their coercion, he continued to work for their benefit and was completely reduced to a tool and puppet.
This is what is often said, if you often walk by the river, your shoes will not get wet; since your shoes get wet, just take a shower; once you fall into the water, never go ashore.
This is probably the routine that the water ghosts in Xihetao have always relied on to make a living. For serving officials, they used coercion and inducement to lure them into the water, and then, with the indulgence and support of the government and the army, they began to run rampant. Every time they change officials, they always do the same thing. Because you always hold other people's levers in your hands, you are always confident. For those who are unwilling to cooperate, there will probably be no easy end. Either they were ostracized, or they were impeached on accusations of slander, and many of them must have died violently in the end.
At this time, Qin Mubai became more and more certain that Du Chengyuan in the military mansion was definitely an accomplice of the water ghost. They are very smart and will never assume the role of "top leader". Instead, they will have a leader who is like a puppet to take the blame for him. In fact, he is the undisputed local bully in the army.
On the other hand, Wei Xiaochen must be in the same situation in the Governor's Mansion.
So over the years, the governor of Xiangzhou and the captain of the military government of Xiangzhou have become puppets, doormats, and scapegoats. No wonder the people in these two positions are changing more and more frequently, but everyone has been tight-lipped and has not leaked any news about the water ghost to the outside world.
Come to think of it, an "industrial chain" is almost forming between the Xiangzhou water ghosts, the government, and the army, with many hidden rules.
…
"Actually, we are the ones seeking skin from tigers." The man in black took Qin Mubai's words and said, "Throughout the history of Xiangzhou governors and military captains, there is no one more troublesome than you and Li Ke. In the past, we even All the problems can be solved by sending a lobbyist and giving them two cages of gold and silver. At most, they can use some despicable tricks as you say to force people into submission, but you are all powerful. We don't dare to force you to submit and be our puppets. We just want to honor you very humbly. If we make money, the majority will go to you. We will only take some meager profits to support our family. . Is this too much?”
"It means that from now on, I, Mr. Qin, only need to sleep in the military mansion and do nothing else to become an official and make a fortune, right? Otherwise, I will never have peace. Is it possible to lose your official position, lose your relatives and friends, or even have your family destroyed?" Qin Mubai said.
The man in black nodded solemnly: "If you put it bluntly, this is indeed the situation."
"Then it seems that I have no choice!" Qin Mubai smiled bitterly.
"General Qin is a very smart man. We believe that you will make the right choice." The man in black said.
"I need to think carefully." Qin Mubai said, "And before I make a decision, I should know whether the princess, mother and daughter, and people like Pang Fei and Zhao Chong are safe."
"Don't worry, they are all very good. Thieves also have their ways. We all follow the rules in doing things, otherwise we would not be able to survive for so many years. You will see them after the incident is completed. Before that, please forgive me for being unreasonable. We can't let you see them." The man in black said, "We will wait for General Qin's good news within three days. When you figure it out, you will tell Lady Hua."
Qin Mubai glanced sideways at the flower lady standing beside him, and the woman chuckled and said: "General Qin, why are you so narrow-minded? Are you still angry with the slave family? The slave family just sees that you are handsome and wants to tease you. . Just like when you men see a beautiful woman, you always want to flirt with her, it’s no different.”
Qin Mubai frowned in disgust and said, "Are you just here to find her?"
The man in black nodded: "I would like to tell General Qin that your every move is always under our watch. Please don't play any tricks. Otherwise, if you anger us, it will be a matter of life and death. ! The ugly words have come from the front, please forgive me, General Qin. We just want money and don’t want to hurt anyone.”
"Okay, I understand." Qin Mubai stood up, "I will give you an answer at this time in three days. But please also ensure that all the hostages you robbed must be safe and sound. Especially the sick ones. The princess and the young princess will bear the consequences if they make any mistakes!"
"Don't worry. I know this kind of thing well. General Qin just needs to take care of himself." The man in black also stood up, nodded slowly, and two cold rays of light shot out of the empty mask eye holes, casting them on Regarding Qin Mubai, he said, "I also ask General Qin to be careful and not to do something he shouldn't do. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the same consequences."
"See you!"
Qin Mubai shook his robe and walked downstairs.
"Giggle--" The flower lady smiled coquettishly, and she touched the man in black. She rubbed her plump breasts up and down on the man's elbow, and said: "Damn it, I'm so fucked by this little man." **|I’m so excited that I’m all on fire. Come and let me get rid of the fire!”
"Okay, hahaha!" The man in black laughed deliberately and grabbed the flower lady's breasts with both hands. The flower lady immediately moaned loudly.
Qin Mubai, who had just come downstairs, suddenly felt frightened, his whole body was hot, his mouth was dry, and there was an evil fire burning in his lower abdomen. There was almost only one thought left in his heart, he wanted to lie on the flower lady and live. Kill her!
"What's going on? What's wrong with me?" Qin Mubai touched his face with his hands, and it was as hot as burning!
"No, I was poisoned by poison, and I only realized it now!" Qin Mubai looked at the eight glazed lamps on the roof alertly, and was shocked: By the way, this strange smell is poison!
"Giggle!" The flower girl laughed wildly and swung down the stairs naked. She covered her vagina with her hands and hummed in an incomparable way, "Come on, handsome little man, sister. I will definitely love you very much!”
"Bitch bitch, you actually poisoned me!" Qin Mubai roared angrily.
"Oh, don't be angry! Is it possible that my sister's figure and appearance are really a loss to you?" Hua Niangzi leaned on the stairs, licked her lips, and raised her fingers at Qin Mubai, "No man has ever been able to escape my grasp, don't you?" You will be the first one. At this moment, you have been poisoned by my strange flowers. If you don't have sex with me heartily, you will become a eunuch. How about it, make your own choice?"
I heard the man in black upstairs scolding: "Bitch, I told you not to attack General Qin, but you didn't listen. He is our honored guest!"
"It doesn't matter, it's just for fun, and it won't hurt him. In the end, it's me who suffers!" The flower lady said with a charming smile, "Speaking of which, if he didn't have the bad habit of flirting with women, How could he be poisoned? Don’t you think we’re fine?”
Qin Mubai was startled: Could it be that I picked a gardenia when I entered the house and smelled it, and mixed it with the strange fragrance of the lamp oil in the house, and was poisoned
"Bitch, old witch, I'd rather be a eunuch than mess around with you! Bah, go ahead and eat your cucumber!" After scolding Qin Mubai, he strode forward, only to find that the door was locked. He was so angry that he kicked it down with all his strength. The huge and strong door was knocked over by him, frightening both the man in black and the flower girl.
"You bitch, you seem to have gone too far!" the man in black scolded.
"How did I know he was so strong-willed? Is there such a man in the world?" Lady Hua was also a little stunned and said regretfully, "Every man will obey me after having fun with me. Isn't this also arranged by you? One of the strategies?"
"It seems... we still don't know him well enough. He is indeed not an ordinary man!" The man in black sighed, "Forget it, fortunately it is just some small charm medicine, not too toxic, and will be healed after an hour or two. Explain yourself. Why did you scare him that if he didn't have sex immediately, he would become a eunuch? "
"Because no man can stand such coercion and inducement." The flower lady stamped her feet angrily, "Is this guy a eunuch?"