In Lanzhou, after returning from Qin Mubai, it was like the soul returned to the body, everything was back on track, and it gradually regained its former vitality. Although the Silk Road trade route has not yet been fully opened, there are still huge business opportunities lurking in Helong County, Helong County, and Qianli Prefecture, where there are countless millions of people living in the country and it is in the period of "big development". As a result, the business travel in the mainland became active again, shuttling between Lanzhou and Guan Nei. The sound of camel bells awakened the sleeping Gobi and injected a little bit of fresh blood into Lanzhou.
Among the countless caravans that come and go, there is one recognized leader in the business world, and that is naturally Wu's Company.
Regardless of whether they are in the business industry or outside the industry, everyone has unanimously recognized that Wu's firm, with Qin Mubai's support behind it, will be the undisputed commercial leader in Helong, and all businesses will follow his lead and follow the trend. In a very tacit understanding, the Zheng family of Chang'an, the largest businessman in the Tang Dynasty, did not have any involvement in Lanzhou and gave up this huge commercial profit margin to the Wu family company. Not only that, the large quantities of silk, grain, and even prohibited items such as salt and iron shipped by Wu's company from the mainland could be obtained at extremely low prices. Naturally, Zheng was also secretly providing great convenience.
A layman looks at the excitement, an expert looks at the door. Just when the small businessmen and hawkers were eyeing the huge profits made by Wu's Company, there were also some shrewd and sensitive people who vaguely thought of something - why Wu's Company no longer used Qin Xianjiu as its main business as in the past. The main focus has shifted to dealing in sensitive materials such as grain, salt, and iron. Combined with the particularity of Lanzhou and the newly appointed lord of Lanzhou and Wu Meiniang's husband Qin Mubai, many people unanimously came to a conclusion that cannot be supported - Wu Meiniang has now become a complete official businessman, or even a military businessman. . Everything she does now is no longer just for money, but for military and political reasons!
Recently, Qin Mubai has also changed. Perhaps he was influenced by Hou Junji and Wu Meiniang, or perhaps he had experienced too many things and his thoughts had changed, so he began to act "boldly".
A ban was enough to make his "ambition" clear - under the rule of the Governor's Office of Lanzhou, except for the Wu's firm authorized by the Governor's Office, no caravan was allowed to deal in official supplies such as grain, salt and iron, otherwise it would The crime of capitalizing on the enemy and treason will be punished!
If this were done in the mainland, in the capital, no matter who it was, even if it was the emperor, if he did this, he would immediately be scolded and impeached. But Qin Mubai didn't care. Now there are only four words left in his mind - Dare to act and dare to act.
Since the imperial court doesn't give me money and food for my troops, isn't it still allowed for me to earn it myself? After all, is it not for the peace of Helong and the military and national plans? If someone in the court wants to impeach him, let him be impeached; if the emperor wants to blame, let him blame him; as long as I, Mr. Qin, sit in the Governor's Mansion one day, this matter must be done step by step according to my own steps!
In just two months, Wu's firm dominated the Helong business world; Qin Mubai's name was either thunderous or infamous, anyway... people in the streets and alleys were talking about him.
In the past two months, Qin Mu was busy with work, and often had food and accommodation in the military camp. Firstly, he had to train the newly acquired "Vulcan Army"; secondly, he had to train his troops and secretly prepare for recruiting troops, traveling back and forth. He worked in various prefectures and counties and as a herding horse supervisor, often not returning to his mansion for ten and a half days. The third time he came, he planned to build a "military academy" modeled after Baiqi in Lanzhou, but it was only known as "Anxi Yifu" to the outside world, which means to give Anxi A guard force privately trained by Marshal Qin Shubao, the protector of the capital.
In addition to Qin Mubai, the "old principal" of Baiqi, the core confidential figures in An Xiyi Mansion are Su Dingfang and a hundred Baiqi soldiers. After the core was formed, Qin Mubai selected suitable confidants (such as some low-level officers who had graduated from Baiqi) from the elite Yueqi of Yifu that he brought from Chang'an to join Yifu, and formed Anxi Yifu. A solid team.
In the huge backyard of the Metropolitan Governor's Mansion in Lanzhou, in the military camp next to the Metropolitan Governor's Mansion, a mysterious new military camp quietly appeared, which is where the camp of "Anxi Yi Mansion" is located. The military regulations here are strict and the security is tight. No one is allowed to come in or out at will except Qin Mubai and Su Dingfang.
In the early days, 600 students were admitted. It is expected that half of them will be eliminated within three months, leaving only 300 people. Including the original team, An Xiyi Mansion only has a total of 500 people. Including the five hundred newly arrived Vulcan Army, the total number of people in this mysterious camp is no more than a thousand - it is Qin Mubai's trump card that cannot be easily revealed, but has the ability to turn the tide!
Qin Mubai was busy, but Wu Meiniang was even busier than him. In addition to traveling between the mainland and various states and counties in Lanzhou, she was overwhelmed by the large and small affairs of the new business. Suffering from lack of arms and manpower, Wu Meiniang sent letters to Xiangzhou and Chang'an, urging the original team who were detained there to deal with the aftermath to end their affairs as soon as possible and rush to Lanzhou to help.
So not long after, Wu's mother Yang, the Wu family brothers, and Wu Meiniang's former group of capable housekeepers all gathered in Lanzhou. At this time, Qin Mubai had to admire Wu Meiniang's foresight. The Qiongyu Villa she had prepared long ago has now become the headquarters of Wu's business. There are already hundreds of people living in the whole villa, with lights on day and night, cars and horses like dragons, and it has become the most prestigious commercial center in Helong!
Seeing the unprecedented grandeur of Qiongyu Villa, Qin Mubai always unconsciously thinks of places like Ruishi Bank, New York, and Shanghai's commercial streets. At the same time, I sighed with emotion, Wu Meiniang is really an unparalleled genius!
On this day, Qin Mubai had just returned from the military parade at the field army camp outside the city. He and Su Dingfang discussed the military plane and chatted for a while. Today is also the day of the "competition" agreed upon by Hou Junji and Li Daozong a long time ago. It turns out that both men have quite a few brushes. In just one or two months, the soldiers and horses have been trained to a high level. Naturally, it is difficult to determine the outcome of this kind of competition without life and death. Hou Junji is not really ignorant and wants to fight with Li Daozong to win or lose, bet on his head or get under his crotch. In addition, Qin Mubai mediates it, so this matter cannot be solved. Let it go.
As a result, Li Daozong helped Qin Mubai build a staircase for Hou Junji to come down. Hou Junji also bought the favor and joined Qin Mubai's camp half-heartedly. Today, Qin Mubai handed over the command of Lanzhou's 30,000 field troops and the 10,000 elite military cavalry of Yifu to Hou Junji, the "General of the Yifu." Hou Junji did not refuse, and immediately asked Qin Mubai for money, food and equipment, and urged him to recruit troops as soon as possible.
Qin Mubai was secretly happy. These signs showed that Hou Junji had indeed been depressed for a long time. Once he got off this level, he immediately entered the role. Now, he can't wait to do something drastic. Only 40,000 soldiers and horses were given to him, which was a little less. But for a person like Hou Junji, the soldiers were not many but fine, and the general was not brave but strategic. Forty thousand soldiers and horses were enough for him to perform a story. Legendary.
"Young Marshal, I heard about a little thing today, which makes me feel very strange." After chatting about military affairs, Su Dingfang said, "Do you still remember Liu Shanyin, the young minister of Honglu Temple who was sent as envoy to Tibet?"
"Remember, we've been gone for more than a month. What's wrong?" Qin Mubai asked.
"When I returned to the city today, I passed by Lanzhou Guanyi and went in to ask for a glass of water. I met Liu Shanyin's eldest son Liu Yi there." Su Dingfang said, "Isn't this strange? Liu Shanyin went on an envoy to Tibet, how could he His son was also brought to Lanzhou? Not only that, he has been to Tubo for more than a month, and Liu Yi is still living in Guanyi."
"Maybe it's a private matter?" Qin Mubai said, "Do you want to cross-examine me?"
"Liu Yi and I met once in Chang'an. We were acquaintances. We only chatted for a few words without interrogating him." Su Dingfang said, "I asked him why he came here. He said that he was following his father who was suffering from illness. After his father left, he stayed in Lanzhou to wait for his father to return, and then they would return to Chang'an together. As a son, I couldn't do more questioning, but I always felt that he had some hidden agenda in his words, and he didn't want to talk to me. Speak the truth.”
Qin Mubai pondered for a moment and said: "That Liu Shanyin is indeed strange. He has served in Honglu Temple for many years and has been dedicated to receiving foreign envoys. He is already proficient in all kinds of nonsense spoken by Turks, Tubo and other countries, but before leaving, At that time, he asked the governor Xiao Liang to hire three local Hu people as translators and guides. This is strange, but I can't figure out why he did it just now. But it's even more suspicious. I don't think he is a traitor... Let's send a few people to monitor the station day and night, but don't alert Liu Yi for the time being, maybe we will need him."
"yes."
At this time, the doorman came to report that there was a woman asking for an audience outside the gate of the Governor's Mansion, claiming to be from the "Wu Family Company". Su Dingfang smiled and bowed his hands, Qin Mubai asked the doorman to invite someone in.
Wu Meiniang had been in other counties for many days. She must have returned to Lanzhou and sent someone to invite her. Thinking of this, Qin Mubai was secretly happy. Not seeing each other for one day felt like three autumns apart. Both of them were so busy. If they wanted to enjoy a moment of warmth, they had to take a break from their busy schedule.
Those who seek an audience are admitted. As soon as he saw that person, Qin Mubai couldn't help but feel happy!
"I asked who it was, it turned out to be you, an old witch!" Qin Mubai laughed.
"Qin, why do you curse people when you open your mouth?" The man was not polite, he squinted and snorted, "Why do I almost have a skin-to-skin kiss with you? We are a husband and wife in one night and a hundred days in love; even if we are not always married, It must be an old acquaintance. When I meet an old friend in a foreign land, you treat me like this? Didn't I just betray you once in Chang'an and it didn't harm you? Why did you just... "
"Okay, okay, stop it, stop it quickly. I haven't seen you for a few days, and you have really turned into an old woman, so nagging!" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "Su Lianqing, when did you arrive in Lanzhou?"
"Today, I came back from Qishan with my boss and brought a large amount of Longshang's good wheat to feed the tens of thousands of good pigs under your command." Su Lianqing sat down on the guest chair unceremoniously. Erlang lifted his legs and slapped the table with his palms repeatedly, "Serve tea, serve tea! Are you going to die of thirst? This is the way you treat guests in Lanzhou Governor's Mansion!"
"Haha! Come here, serve tea!" Qin Mubai stood up with a smile, walked to sit next to her, and asked, "Mei Niang sent you to call me over, do you have something important?"
"Ha, I and my boss have returned to Lanzhou. Isn't this a big deal? Do you need anything else?" Su Lianqing took a sip of tea, rolled her eyes a few times, and said, "There is another person you might want to meet. See."
"Who is it? It can't be Zheng Anshun, right?" Qin Mubai said smoothly.
"Ha, you still miss him quite a bit! What do you think, you are still afraid that he will steal your love with a sword, right?" Su Lianqing said with a bad smile.
"Speak to business, don't be glib."
"No." Su Lian said with bright eyebrows and an unusually rich expression, "He is a half-dead man we picked up on the way, but when you see him, you will definitely... know that, how, how!"
"who?"
"I have to give up this impasse - let's go, Marshal Qin! Please move a little bit, Qiongyu Villa is waiting for you!"
Qin Mubai shook his head and smiled, called for the carriage and horses, and then left the Governor's Mansion with Su Lianqing and headed for Qiongyu Villa.
Qiongyu Villa has become a common existence in Chang'an West City. Except for its smaller scale and boundary, there is almost no difference in other aspects. Inside the huge villa, many new houses have been built to serve as hotels, restaurants and shops, specifically to receive business travelers. Of course, these industries all belong to Wu Meiniang's name. Not only did she make money by doing business, but she also made money from businessmen along the way. Colleagues say that she has achieved perfection in her business.
Only one boundary in the backyard, where the Qiongyu Pavilion is located, is not open to the public. Wu Meiniang's family lives here, and there is also an elegant and quiet bedroom, which is the world of Qin Mubai and Wu Meiniang.
The carriages and horses entered from the back door of the villa. Su Lianqing invited Qin Mubai to the main hall of the main house. Wu's mother Yang and Wu Meiniang's brothers and sisters were all there. They seemed to be resting after returning home from a long journey.
But when Qin Mubai arrived, the whole room suddenly became lively. Wu Meiniang smiled and watched Qin Mubai and her family chatting indifferently, and Qin Mubai took in the infinite attachment and warmth that she inadvertently revealed.
After the greetings, Qin Mubai asked Su Lianqing where the "half-dead man" he picked up on the road was. Wu Meiniang smiled after hearing this and said: "Don't listen to her nonsense. This half-dead person is just an old acquaintance who fell ill halfway. However, that person is indeed worth seeing."
"Who is it? Where is it?" Qin Mubai asked.
"Follow me." Wu Meiniang stood up and took Qin Mubai upstairs. The second floor was a bedroom for guests. When he opened the door, Qin Mubai saw a man lying quietly on the bed inside, who seemed to be sleeping soundly. Next to him, there was an old doctor writing a prescription.
When he walked to the bed and took a look, Qin Mubai was really surprised and said: "Why is it him?"
The old doctor glanced at Qin Mubai and said, "Master, please keep your voice down. This man is extremely tired and has exhausted his energy and blood. If he is woken up at this time, it will be very detrimental to his condition."
"Okay, let's go out first." Qin Mubai and Wu Meiniang left the room, closed the door, and asked, "One-armed Zhang Tong, shouldn't he be far away in Xiangyang? Why did he come to Lanzhou for you to meet him?"
Wu Meiniang smiled softly and said, "What do you think?"
"Say?" Qin Mubai was startled, "How do I know?"
"Isn't it because you are in Lanzhou that he came here?" Wu Meiniang paused and said softly, "Mubai, you should feel happy to have such an old friend, or friend."
Qin Mubai couldn't help being surprised and said: "You mean, he traveled thousands of miles from Xiangyang to Lanzhou to find me?"
"Yes." Wu Meiniang nodded affirmatively and said, "We met him in the county posthouse forty miles outside Lanzhou City. He was seriously ill at the time, but he talked to me for a few words. He said that he Although "people are in the arena, their souls are in hundreds of horses; although their bodies are disabled, their hearts are not dead; they should still follow the general and lead his horse into the stirrup, and die without regrets"! Mu Bai, these are his exact words, I can guarantee that I will He said it word for word.”
Qin Mubai was speechless for a long time after listening.
After taking a deep breath, he said: "Mei Niang, please take good care of Zhang Tong. After he recovers, I will let him take charge of my commander-in-chief."
"You said, you want him, a one-armed man, to hold the banner and serve as your handsome flag envoy?" Wu Meiniang said in surprise.
"Yes." Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, "The general's flag is the soul of the army. The flag is as long as the people are there, and the people will die when the flag is gone; the commander of the cavalry is the most handsome, and the flag is where the commander is. No one can compare with him." Zhang Tong is more suitable to serve as my flag envoy because his iron-bloodedness, loyalty, tenacity and strength are exactly the qualities that my army must possess!"
"I understand... Although Zhang Tong is disabled, his unique qualities are indeed admirable." Wu Meiniang nodded and said, "Mubai, I don't understand things in the military; but I understand the emotions of soldiers. . Little people like Zhang Tong, although humble, can always move and shock people inadvertently. After coming to Lanzhou for so many days, I have come into contact with many people like Zhang Tong. Now I know why you are so interested in the army and the military. I have so much affection for my colleagues, because military men are much more respectable than many businessmen and officials!"
"Really?" Qin Mubai suddenly laughed slyly, glanced around and saw no one else, and said with a winking smirk, "Then I am also a soldier, am I worthy of your respect?"
"Don't come!" Wu Meiniang giggled, "There are still a few guests. I'll take you to meet them. By then, I'm afraid you won't be in such a glib mood."
Qin Mubai was stunned for a moment: "Are there any guests? What day is it today? Some friends have come from far away."
"Come on, you'll know after you see it." Wu Meiniang smiled mysteriously and led Qin Mubai through the corridors on the second floor several times before stopping in front of the most luxurious guest room and said, "Go in!"
"Who is it, so mysterious?" Qin Mubai was full of suspicion, but deliberately pretended not to care and pushed the door open.
When I walked in, I saw two women in military uniforms sitting at the table drinking tea. Wearing bright light armor, unicorn robes, and a fiery red tasseled helmet with a sword hanging from his waist, he looks like a typical Hundred Cavalry officer, and his dashing and heroic appearance is eye-catching.
"Greetings to the young marshal!" The two girls stood up together and clasped their fists in a military salute, full of heroism.
"Why is it you? Aren't you in charge of Baiqi in Chang'an Palace?" Qin Mubai said in surprise. Just after he finished speaking, his mind flashed and he immediately said, "Could it be that... Princess Gaoyang came to Lanzhou?"
This pair of women in uniform are none other than the twin killers of the past and the only two female officers in the world today, the Tantai sisters.
The two girls pursed their lips and smiled at the same time, even their expressions were the same, and said: "Young Master, keep your voice low, the princess is very tired from the long journey, so she just fell asleep for a while."
Qin Mubai was stunned for a moment, "That guy is really here... No way! Is he really here?"
"Haha! Is Mu Bai here?" In the back bedroom separated by a layer of bead curtains, the extremely unladylike and extremely excited Hedong lion roar suddenly came out, "Thief of the military academy, stinky man! I, Princess Luan, are here, Why don’t you come in and pay homage!”