As the envoy of Hedong Jiedu, Li Keyong holds the military and political power in Hedong, and he also holds the official position of Taiyuan governor. In addition to Li Keyong, the two Shaoyins have the highest status and the greatest power in the entire Taiyuan government yamen.
Zhong Meili is one of these two Shao Yins. He is in his fifties and was born in a prominent family in Taiyuan. His cultivation has stagnated after reaching the fourth level of Qi training, and he has no hope of being promoted to the fifth level of Qi training in his life.
However, this did not hinder his prestige. On the contrary, as the core figure representing the local aristocratic family in Taiyuan and holding power in the government office, Zhong Meili has a solid "mass foundation".
All this is due to his transcendental wisdom in dealing with the world.
Because of this, Zhong's Mansion has always been a crowded place, and there are countless dignitaries, rich merchants and merchants who come and go on weekdays. Those who are not of high status and wealth do not have the qualifications to step into the mansion at all, let alone see Zhong Meili, who is "managing all kinds of opportunities", make friends with him and ask him to do things.
On this day, the weather was fine and breezy, and Zhong Meili's favorite concubine Wei Shi, under the service of a large group of maids, was leaning against the beauty in the courtyard to watch the blooming peonies in the courtyard.
Wei Shi was born with a beautiful appearance and a plump body, but at the age of twenty-four or five, he has matured to the bone, leaning against the wooden railing with his legs folded, his body curves can be seen at a glance. Clothes and make-up are extremely exquisite, every item is not ordinary, and the whole person is like a moving treasure house.
A maid dressed in silk and satin, holding a treasure box in her hand, walked quickly to Wei Shi with a happy face, and handed the box with both hands: "Master, this is the best item I received today. "
Wei Shi slowly stretched out his white jade-like hand, and took the treasure box with orchid fingers, and when he opened it, his brows were filled with joy. There is a jasper bracelet in the treasure box, the flower decoration is exquisite, it looks like a master craftsman.
Of course, this is not a big deal, the key is that this is a very high-grade magic weapon, so high that even with Wei's status, he would not be able to get it in normal times.
"Which lovely person sent this?" Wei Shi picked up the bracelet, stroking and trying it on fondly.
The servant girl said: "That man claims to be the master's distant relative, this time he came here specially to visit the master."
Soon, a young man came to Wei Shi.
This person is so good-looking that he can be described as handsome and handsome, and he is the type that is very pleasing to women.
Wei Shi smiled slightly: "Why doesn't I remember that I have you as a relative?"
The young man behaved politely, with a mellow and kind smile, which made people feel very cordial: "Madam is a noble person who forgets a lot, so it should be okay if I don't remember it, but I still have a fresh memory of Madam." A treasure box, offered with both hands: "This is my token, I believe my wife will remember this cousin after reading it."
Naturally, the box is not a keepsake, but a magic weapon more precious than a bracelet. It is a jade hairpin, which has both decorative and magical effects. Its preciousness is rare even for Zhong Meili.
Wei Shi was a little "flattered", and after Xiao Yingying took this magic weapon, she really "remembered" her distant cousin.
"Tell me, what do you want my concubine to do for you?" Wei asked happily after accepting the gift.
She has experienced this kind of thing a lot, many people can't get in touch with Zhong Meili directly, so they will approach in a roundabout way. Bribery is the most common choice to make wives and concubines, and Wei Shi, as Zhong Meili's favorite concubine, naturally many people come to curry favor and give gifts.
"As long as Madam recommends me to Zhong Shaoyin." The young man bowed and said with a more mellow smile.
"Who are you and where are you from?" After pondering for a moment, Wei did not directly agree.
The person who can easily take out such a precious magic weapon as a meeting gift is definitely not small, at least the financial resources are still higher than Zhong Meili, so what needs Zhongli Meili to do for such a person
The young man didn't make a fool of himself: "Chang'an."
The next day, the young man visited the Zhong Mansion again, this time he enjoyed a completely different treatment from yesterday, he was directly led by Wei's maid to the Wei's courtyard, and the other party even served him tea and cakes.
On the third day, when the young man came to Zhongfu again, he met Zhong Meili as he wished.
The two sat opposite each other, and the young man did not take out the magic weapon this time, but directly presented the gift list.
Because the weight of the gift list is heavy enough, but not so heavy that it scares Zhong Moli, the two had a very happy chat.
The young man claimed to be a merchant from Chang'an, and there were many caravans traveling between Jin Dynasty and Guanzhong. This time, he asked Zhong Meili because a caravan was detained by the Taiyuan army, so he came to ask the other party to help him retrieve it.
During the war, this kind of thing was very common. Zhong Meili agreed on the spot after asking about the caravan's name, size and the type of goods it transported. Although Zhong Meili is not in charge of the military, with his contacts in Taiyuan, as long as the caravan has nothing special, this kind of thing is easy.
Soon the caravan was released, and none of the goods were missing. Not long ago, the young man came to the door with a generous gift to thank him, and Zhong Meili naturally welcomed them.
After going back and forth, the two became acquainted.
In the hands of young men who travel far and wide, there are always rare treasures from all over the world. Although some are not very valuable, they are also interesting, and they will give some to Zhong Meili from time to time.
In addition, he is well-informed, has an extraordinary conversation, and is personable, which suits Zhongli Mo's appetite very well, and the relationship between the two gradually becomes closer.
The young men's shops and caravans in Taiyuan City are also taken care of by the Taiyuan Mansion, which brings them a lot of convenience.
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On this day, the two had a banquet at Zhongfu.
When the wine was half drunk, the young man sighed: "The situation in the world is changing, and wars are constantly going on in various places. It is becoming more and more difficult for us and merchants to survive. Now King An has invaded Hedong, and he will conquer more than ten counties within ten days. The soldiers are approaching Taiyuan City. It's unstoppable, I'm afraid I won't be able to continue this business in Hedong, so I have to make preparations early... "
Zhong Moli's eyes changed, "We will conquer more than ten states and counties within ten days", which means that the army conquered nearly ten counties in Qinzhou and Fenzhou, and several counties in Yizhou.
According to the situation of the army, Taiyuan City will soon be attacked, which is also a concern of many people. Ordinary people will migrate to avoid military disasters, and merchants must make early preparations. Because the army captured the city and entered the city to loot, the first to suffer was the merchants with wealth.
Of course Zhong Meili didn't want the other party to withdraw the shops and caravans in Taiyuan City. The two have not been friends for a long time, but Zhong Meili has already gained a lot of benefits from the other party. As long as they get along with each other, there will be a steady stream of wealth in the future. If the other party leaves now, these will be gone.
Zhong Meili hastily persuaded: "I have a strong army in Hedong, and General Li Cunxiao has been promoted to a general of the army. No one under Li Ye's command is invincible. This battle will definitely not be lost. It is impossible for the opponent's troops to come to Taiyuan City. Brother Zhou There is no need to worry!"
The young man's name was Zhou Chuanwen. He shook his head and sighed, "I'm sorry to disagree with Shao Yin's words. I have never heard of Li Cunxiao before, but who is King An? Does Shao Yin not know? Old King An is still King Xin'an, they fought across the world from north to south, have they ever been defeated?"
Zhong Meili was startled, unable to speak for a while, because it was the truth.
Zhou Chuanwen's voice was heavy: "I have traveled far and wide, made friends with many heroes, and have friends everywhere. Old friends from Pinglu wrote to say that King An is ready to give him a fatal blow at any time."
"In Chang'an, rumors spread that His Majesty is about to send ministers to Hedong to assist in the battle. Although they have no combat power, they have the edict of the emperor in their hands and are qualified to judge right and wrong. Before the battle, they will read the crimes of the Jiedu envoy of Hedong. , It will be a huge blow to morale and people's hearts!"
Zhong Moli opened his mouth, these two pieces of news are not light: "Is this really true?"
Zhou Chuanwen said: "It's absolutely true! So I'm going to collect the goods and be prepared to leave. The so-called three caves of the cunning rabbit are always right to be prepared for retreat."
Zhong Meili was silent for a long time, and said bitterly: "What a cunning rabbit and three caves, brother Zhou is a wonderful person, and there is still a way out, but we in the east of the river will not have it!"
Zhou Chuanwen's eyes flashed: "Hedong doesn't have it, but Shaoyin does!"
Zhong Moli frowned: "Brother Zhou, what do you mean?"
Zhou Chuanwen said: "In fact, Hedong has always had a second choice. The one who has no choice is the Jiedushi of Hedong!"
This meaning is very clear.
Zhong Meili's eyes were deep: "The Duke of Longxi is a man with amazing talents and a bright future..."
Zhou Chuanwen smiled: "In terms of amazing talent and bright future, can the King of Longxi County compare with King An?"
Zhong Meili fell silent again, no matter how optimistic he was about Li Keyong, he couldn't open his eyes and talk nonsense.
Zhou Chuanwen continued: "Furthermore, King An represents the imperial court, and he has a righteous reputation."
Zhong Meili didn't speak for a while, Zhou Chuanwen didn't speak anymore, and the two fell silent.
Suddenly, Zhong Moli looked at Zhou Chuanwen, his eyes were as sharp as a sword, and he wanted to see him clearly: "Who are you?"
Zhou Chuanwen's smile is still mellow: "Businessman."
"It's not like an ordinary businessman!" Zhong Meili said coldly.
Zhou Chuanwen smiled brightly: "A businessman who is a cunning rabbit and three caves naturally has old friends in the court. For the people of the world, the biggest retreat in this world is the court. How can I ignore it?"
Zhong Meili's eyes were gloomy: "You really are from the imperial court! No, you are from King An! Tell me, what are you planning to do when you approach me?"
Judging by his posture, as long as there is a disagreement, Zhou Chuanwen will not be able to leave this room.
Zhou Chuanwen restrained his smile, upright and dignified, and said solemnly: "I am a member of the imperial court, isn't Shao Yin the same? This world is the world of the Great Tang, and the subjects are the subjects of the Great Tang. Isn't it our duty to be loyal to the imperial court?"
When he smiles, people feel like a spring breeze and feel friendly, but when he is righteous, he is like Yuan Tingyue, free and awe-inspiring.
Taking a sip of wine without haste, Zhou Chuanwen looked at Zhong Meili, whose eyes were constantly changing: "As for why I am here, of course it is to save Shaoyin! If I didn't have my servant, Shaoyin's wealth and life would not be safe: it is Because of my subordinates, Shao Yin will be able to show great ambitions and shine brightly in the future!"
This sentence is so overbearing.
Zhong Meili's face changed, and he said angrily: "What a big tone! I want to see, what qualifications do you have to dare to say save me?!" After saying that, he suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhou Chuanwen!
A nine-foot big hand condensed with spiritual energy, carrying wind and electricity, arrived in front of the opponent in an instant. Its power is so strong that there is no doubt that the opponent will be crushed in the next moment!
This time, Zhong Meili's cultivation was undoubtedly exposed, it was not the fourth level of Qi training that ordinary people are familiar with, but the peak of the sixth level of Qi training that has already touched the threshold of the high level of Qi training!
It turned out that he had been hiding his strength all along.
Zhou Chuanwen sat motionless, as if he didn't notice the danger at all, only the corners of his mouth moved slightly, as if in disdain. With a wave of his sleeves, it was like a Buddha removing dust.
The nine-foot hand made a soft bang, and disappeared in an instant.
Zhong Meili, who was about to get violent, suddenly felt a mountain on his body, and fell heavily back to the seat, unable to move anymore.
This made him extremely astonished, the other party's cultivation base was so high, it was simply not something he could compete with. However, a monk with advanced Qi training is already qualified to be a Jiedu envoy, so how can he be a merchant
Zhong Meili struggled to speak: "You...you..."
Zhou Chuanwen's smile returned to gentle, but his eyes had become a little playful: "Now Shaoyin thinks, do I have the qualifications to save you?"
Zhong Moli's forehead broke out in cold sweat.
He made a move, naturally not all because he was irritated by the other party and wanted to teach the other party a lesson. What's more, he wants to test the depth of the other party, to see if this guy with extraordinary background has the qualifications to talk big.
Facts have proved that the other party has.
Now that there is, the situation is reversed.
The other party represents the imperial court, and may even represent King An!
The battle is stalemate, and the situation is not good for Hedong. It is hard to say how the battle will be. But at least, at the moment, it is King An who has captured more than ten prefectures and counties in Hedong.
If Zhong Meili wants to leave a way out for himself and the Zhong family, and also learn the skills of the cunning rabbit and the three caves, what should he do at this moment, he has to think carefully.
Zhou Chuanwen put away the coercion, and Zhong Meili felt the pressure on his body disappear, but the pressure in his heart was even heavier.
After a while, Zhong Meili got up and left his seat, and saluted Zhou Chuanwen seriously: "Brother Zhou, if you have any orders, just tell me, if I can do it, I will definitely not refuse!"
If you want to buy yourself a way out, of course you have to pay the price first and hand in a vote.