When Liu Qi returned from Jiangdong, he immediately transferred Guan Yu to Nanyang. When the news reached the Central Plains, the military and civilians were shocked.
A few days ago, Liu Qigang issued an order to withdraw the defenses in Ye County and announced that this place would be used as a transit point connecting the Central Plains and the south of the Yangtze River. No matter whether it was merchants or travelers, as long as they paid taxes in full and did not cause trouble, their identities and origins would no longer be checked.
During the war, so much goods were piled up that the merchants were already impatient. Many caravans poured into Ye County overnight. Everyone knew that this was a very risky business, but the profits were also very considerable.
Within three days, every street and lane in the city became a market. All shops and houses were sold out. Goods of all sizes flowed into the city, and the lights in Ye County were on all night long.
Just when everyone was immersed in the joy of counting money, the news that Guan Yu had arrived in Nanyang came. It was like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads. The joy in many people's hearts was halved, and they even felt a little depressed.
Guan Yu's reputation had long been known throughout the Central Plains. If he led his troops to attack Xuchang, Ye County would be the first to suffer. For a moment, everyone began to wait and see, hesitating to move forward.
Zhang Liao had previously suspected that Liu Qi's withdrawal of troops was a trick, and as expected, Guan Yu arrived in Wancheng soon after. He immediately sent scouts to inquire about the situation in Jingzhou, and sent express horses to report at least twice a day.
The city of Ye County was in turmoil and people were in panic, but there was one man who remained calm and composed. He was still moving goods in an orderly manner and going to various markets to make money every day.
"Young Master, we have earned over 30,000 today. It is time to stop."
At dusk, a housekeeper walked quickly into the courtyard with an account book, his expression mixed with joy and worry.
Xiahou Mao lazily leaned back in his armchair and chuckled, "Don't worry. The more chaotic they are, the more anxious they are to sell the goods. The more money I will make, and this way I can better prepare military funds for the Prime Minister."
The housekeeper said anxiously, "My Lord, I believe that we should be content with what we have and know when to stop. Everyone says that Liu Qi is preparing to attack Xuchang, and Guan Yu may arrive tomorrow. By then, we will be destroyed together and have nothing left!"
"Everyone says that, is it true?" Xiahou Mao picked up the tea bowl, took a sip, and said slowly: "We earn 30,000 a day, and Liu Qi can probably earn 100,000 a day. Ye County is now a cash cow and a treasure pot, how can he bear to destroy it? Don't worry, I know Liu Qi!"
The housekeeper was skeptical and went to order more goods. However, Xiahou Mao sighed. Although he made a lot of money every day, he felt like he was suffering a great loss.
When Liu Qi first proposed to set up a market in Ye County, he also suggested to Cao Cao that Kunyang should also be withdrawn to set up a market. However, he was scolded by Cao Cao, who really took his kindness for granted.
Now seeing the prosperity of Ye County, he lamented that he had met the wrong person. If he had cooperated with Liu Qi, it would have been no problem for him to take all the wealth in the world into his pocket.
Now Liu Qi is reaping the benefits and making a fortune every day. Xiahou Mi sees it and feels anxious. The more he earns, the more he feels he is losing.
"Someone, change your clothes!" As night fell, Xiahou Mi went out as usual.
He liked walking on the busy streets, looking at the bright lights, the bustling crowds, the hawking sounds, and even arguing over a few coppers, as if everyone's breath was filled with the smell of money.
"My Lord, Hanyuan Bank is opening today. I heard that new banknotes have been issued. You can exchange them directly in Rang County, Xiangyang, Jiangling, and Changsha. You don't have to worry about money anymore."
"Money?" Xiahou Mao was startled and waved his hand, "Go and have a look!"
Turning the street, you will reach the government office, the busiest intersection on the left. The original three-story restaurant has been renovated with a gold-plated paint and a wooden sign is erected on it: Hanyuan Money House.
There is a line of eye-catching red characters on each side: Jingzhou official business; money bills, deposits, loans, pawnshops
There were crowds of people at the door, all asking about the origins of this money house. Although lending and pawning were common in money houses, some wealthy families even relied on them as their main source of income.
However, this was the first time that a government-run money shop appeared. Especially the two items of money bills and deposits were extremely novel and unheard of, so everyone came to find out.
"Jingzhou government-run bank?" Xiahou Mao was also surprised when he saw it from afar. Then his eyes lit up and he clapped his hands, saying, "Since this bank is run by Liu Qi, it must be able to make money. Go and find out more."
He walked forward quickly with two followers. Suddenly, a man was thrown out from the gambling house on the left and hit Xiahou Mao directly. A loud curse came from inside: "You dare to gamble without money? I will take your kidney next time!"
Xiahou Mao was knocked back several steps and was about to scold him, but the man quickly got up and apologized, his eyes widened: "You...you...are you Zhang Wei?"
The man was startled, and when he saw that it was Xiahou Mao, his face suddenly changed. He stood up and was about to escape, but was held down by two followers.
Xiahou Mao's face was gloomy. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice: "Boy, this is really a narrow road for enemies. You cheated me so hard in Xiangyang last time. I will not forgive you!"
Seeing that he could not escape, Zhang Wei knelt down and begged for mercy: "Master Xiahou, I am also a victim! Now my family property has been lost, I am penniless and have nowhere to go. Please spare my life!"
"You are still pretending?" Xiahou Mao said angrily, "You are clearly a spy arranged by Liu Qi, deliberately deceiving me."
"Oh, God!" Zhang Wei cried bitterly, "I have an irreconcilable hatred with Liu Qi, so how could I be his spy? If that were true, how could I have fallen to such a state?"
Xiahou Mao looked Zhang Wei up and down and saw that he had a thin face, disheveled hair and beard, and looked down and out. He signaled one of his followers to go to the gambling house to inquire about the news and took Zhang Wei back to the manor first.
Zhang Wei complained all the way, saying that he had survived by chance after rushing downstream from the Xiangjiang River that day, but he could not return to Xiangyang, so he fled to the Central Plains to avoid Liu Qi's pursuit.
However, due to the war between the two armies, the border inspection was extremely strict, so he had to hide in the mountains. Recently, he heard that Ye County no longer asked about his identity, so he sneaked in. He cheated people in the casino every day, but he was discovered and driven out just now.
Soon the followers came to report that everything was just as Zhang Wei said. Xiahou Mao believed it to about 70%. Thinking about how so many gold bricks and the huge manor had turned into nothing, he felt a little sympathetic.
After thinking for a while, he asked, "I am in need of someone right now. Are you willing to serve me?"
"If you want me to join the lowly business of business, please don't say a word!" Zhang Wei suddenly became tough: "I am the descendant of three ministers, and my ancestors have studied and served as officials for generations. How can I be a person who seeks profit?"
"Bah!" Xiahou Mao was so angry that he yelled, "You are hanging around in casinos, cheating people like a beggar, and you still dare to speak so shamelessly?"
"I am poor but ambitious!" Zhang Wei said proudly, "Although I work in a casino, I make a living by talking nonsense. As the saying goes, one can stay clean even in the mud! If I were to get into a lowly job, it would be difficult for me to make a comeback. Wouldn't that bring shame to our ancestors?"
"You bastard... Good, good, good!" Xiahou Mao cursed halfway, then suddenly clapped his hands and nodded, saying, "Even though you are in such a miserable state, you still remember your origins and have lofty ambitions. You are indeed a talented person, I admire you very much!"
Zhang Wei was startled, and turned his head away again: "I have heard of Master Xiahou's great name, but he is just a businessman and a family man, and money is just a passing cloud. Master Xiahou is not the wise master I am looking for, so I am sorry that I cannot obey your order."
"Do you really think I'm just a businessman?" Xiahou Mao smiled coldly, crossed his arms and said slowly: "What if I am acting on the prime minister's secret order?"