"Damn you two!
Let go of that Taoist priest!
Don't you know he's injured? "
Taoist Priest Bai Xue and Qin Hui were both stunned when they heard the angry shout.
Then, the Taoist priest became vigilant. How could this bastard be so kind?
Qin Hui sneered inwardly. Hmph, you two really do know each other!
Zhang Jianyuan walked over quickly, his eyes filled with anger. However, Lord Qin was smart enough to let go of Daoist Bai Xue before Zhang Jianyuan could say anything. Then, he cupped his hands and said, "Are you Zhang Jianyuan, Minister Zhang?"
Zhang Jianyuan looked Qin Hui up and down. This CEO was from the underworld. She had a pair of sharp eyes and was very good at judging people. Judging from her bearing, behavior, and mysterious calmness, the person in front of him was either rich or noble. He was probably born in an official's family. If it had been the previous Embroidery Hall's Big Head Zhang Jianyuan, he would have been scared to death.
But now …
Hmph … As a righteous businessman in Mingzhou, who doesn't know that I help the weak and the poor?
Even the Lord praised me personally. I'm a man who wants to become a capitalist. I have money, people, and fame. I also have a powerful weapon like the newspaper in my hand. Don't you know that it's more important to prevent the people from talking about me than to prevent the river from flowing?
Why should I be afraid?
He cupped his hands and bowed in return. "Yes."
Zhang Jianyuan's behavior made Qin Hui's eyes flash with a strange light. Her heart skipped a beat. "I once heard the marshal mention that merchants are great thieves who steal from the country. If they are allowed to grow wild, there will be a day when they will dominate the world through money and benefits. They will treat the world as their money bag."
Their methods are steady but deadly. When they become successful, even if the imperial court decides to eliminate them, they will cause turmoil in the world. The price of goods will soar and the people will complain. Therefore, we have to be careful and take precautions. However, we still have to rely on them to run the world and make money. Therefore, we have to use both the carrot and the stick.
He looked at Zhang Jianyuan again. This person had no scholarly achievements, no official position, and no military achievements. He only had property, wealth, and fame.
This kind of businessman was a fat piece of meat in the eyes of the government. Even if he lived a luxurious life, he still had to live humbly and carefully in front of the country. But he didn't see any cowardice in the eyes of Minister Zhang. This came from confidence. Was it because of his backing?
I'm afraid not …
Alarm bells suddenly went off in his heart, and a thought flashed through his mind. Zhang Jianyuan was probably the capitalist that the man had mentioned before.
Sigh, he was really a meticulous schemer. Even if he died without knowing why, he could predict what would happen a few years later with just a casual sentence from him …
It's a pity that His Majesty and the imperial court are deliberately diluting his traces. My words carry little weight. Even if I report the harm done to the merchants, I'm afraid I'll be treated as a joke. After all, which of the imperial court officials and century-old aristocratic families doesn't have two or three giant merchants seeking refuge?
They were still counting on these merchants to make money for them. Why would they kill their own golden hens?
That year, I also asked that person, if the merchants really did become big enough to shake the country and even commit a major crime of stealing the country, how could it be resolved?
The marshal only smiled faintly and said, "Sickles and hammers can be broken." I've thought about these words for a few years and have no clue …
For a moment, Zhang Jianyuan and Qin Hui both sank into deep thought. These two were typical representatives of the new bourgeoisie and the old feudal bureaucrats. Through their rich psychological activities, they set the tone for the conversation that followed, which was not very friendly.
Qin Hui was already on guard against Zhang Jianyuan, but he was a mature person of the imperial court. He was very familiar with honeyed words and swords in his heart. Even if his heart was filled with murderous intent, he still appeared to be amiable on the surface. The imperial envoy smiled slightly and said with a sincere expression, "I've long heard of your great name. It's an honor to meet you today."
Zhang Jianyuan didn't say anything. He looked at Taoist Bai Xue and huffed slightly.
Qin Hui didn't get angry. Seeing this, he pointed at Taoist Bai Xue and complained, "This Taoist priest is familiar with Zhang Jianyuan?
He was really rude. When he heard that I wanted to visit Zhang Jianyuan, he said vulgar words and insulted Zhang Jianyuan. He said that you were a heartless profiteer, insulted your character, smeared your business, and barked wildly. I really couldn't stand it anymore. I was filled with righteous indignation and dragged him here for Zhang Jianyuan to deal with! "
Zhang Jianyuan smiled sinisterly and glanced at Taoist Bai Xue. Taoist Bai Xue saw that he had fallen into the tiger's den and decided to throw caution to the wind. He straightened his neck and said, "What are you looking at!"
The Taoist priest was about to have shit all over his head. He was even calmer than before. He thought, "Today, I've fallen into the hands of this bastard. I'm afraid it's going to be bad. But this Qin guy is really rude. I must teach him a lesson.
I got it … Although this bastard Zhang Jianyuan is vicious, he only admires Master Sun. After all, he's a hopeless bastard in this life. Naturally, he admires and admires Master Sun, an upright moral role model … "
"This Qin guy intended to be rude to Master Sun. Although Zhang Jianyuan is heartless, he can't ignore this matter …"
He was thinking about how to disclose this matter to Zhang Jianyuan when he heard the CEO waving his hand. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll take him. What else do you want?"
This was a little rude. Wan Yuanzhong, who had been listening from the side, became angry when he heard this. He didn't know why, but he was inexplicably unhappy with Zhang Jianyuan, so he said, "How dare you!
Do you know that in front of you … "
Qin Hui reached out and interrupted Wan Yuanzhong. He smiled and said, "To be honest, there are two reasons why I'm here today.
First, when I first came to Mingzhou, I heard that there was a righteous and generous official here. After hearing about your deeds, I was very impressed and took the liberty to meet you. I hope you won't abandon me. As for the second reason … I have something to ask of you … "
When Taoist Bai Xue heard this, he thought that this person must be Master Sun, so he secretly winked at Zhang Jianyuan, reminding him to be careful.
Zhang Jianyuan had fought with this Taoist priest for more than ten rounds before, fighting with wisdom and courage. It was easy for him to notice the subtle changes on Taoist Bai Xue's face. Seeing this, he felt a chill in his heart. Without asking for details, he cupped his hands and said, "Since you've come from afar, you're my guest. Please come in, come in."
He welcomed them in. Now the Embroidery Hall had completely become the Embroidery Hall Food Co., Ltd., and it was no longer the secret meeting place of the underworld. However, the structure and layout were still the same. Qin Hui and Wan Yuanzhong were both discerning people. When they saw that the headquarters of the Embroidery Hall was very orderly, they were secretly shocked and became more vigilant against Zhang Jianyuan.
When they came to a reception hall, Zhang Jianyuan looked around a few times, as if he was waiting for someone to appear. However, there was no one, so he had to invite them to sit down first. Then, he chatted with Qin Hui and introduced himself. The two of them began to pretend to be polite to each other.
Zhang Jianyuan thought, "Although Taoist Bai Xue is a bastard, he won't join hands with outsiders to deal with me. He just winked at me, obviously telling me that they don't have good intentions and that I should be careful.
However, there are too many people here, so it's not good to ask him what's going on. What is Qin Hui doing here? "
He thought for a while and went through the people who might be hostile to him recently. "Recently, I've hugged His Excellency's thigh, helped the poor, and took the opportunity to build momentum. It's about time. If there's anyone who's still hostile to me, it must be my business competitors.
Qin Hui's movements are noble, so I'm afraid she's not a businessman. Could it be that some ignorant yamen was persuaded by their subordinates and came to make trouble for me? "
Qin Hui was also thinking secretly, "I came to find Zhang Jianyuan to inquire about the female cat burglar, Qin Yu, so that I can find a decisive flaw in Zhao Feihuang's flawless lie. But now, it seems that this matter is not so simple. This Taoist Taoist Bai Xue actually knows Zhang Jianyuan, so I'm afraid there's more to it. I have to slowly figure it out. So, where should I start?"
As expected, it was better to start with his family's stinky tofu … Going straight to the point wouldn't be nice.
Thus, he cupped his hands and said with a smile, "I've long heard that Embroidery Hall's stinky tofu is popular in Mingzhou. Everyone thinks it's a delicacy. I've just arrived in Mingzhou a few days ago and haven't had such good luck. I wonder if Squire Zhang is willing to fulfill my wish and let me taste it?"
As Qin Hui said this, she smiled inwardly. I'll start with the stinky tofu that he's most proud of and then slowly make him talk …
When Zhang Jianyuan heard this, a cold light flashed in his eyes. Hahahaha, fulfill my wish?
Just arrived in Mingzhou?
Who are you trying to fool?
Sure enough, he's coveting the recipe of the stinky tofu and came to take it by force.
President Zhang was thinking about how to get rid of this person when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps. He turned around and saw San Wazi holding a black jar and walking out from the back hall.
When Taoist Bai Xue saw this, his face turned green, and he looked at Zhang Jianyuan with a murderous gaze.
Zhang Jianyuan shouted in his heart, "Oh no!"
Sure enough, what the president was worried about happened. Qin Hui's eyes lit up. She stood up and said with a smile, "Is this the stinky tofu?
Squire Zhang is really hospitable … "
Big Incense Head complained in his heart. He can't f * cking eat it!
This thing was originally for Bai Xue, who knew how many special ingredients were added to it. This Taoist Taoist Bai Xue had been through hundreds of battles and had rough skin and thick flesh. He also knew some Taoist spells. He would at most feel uncomfortable for a while after eating it. However, ordinary people couldn't eat it!
He was very anxious and didn't know how to refuse Qin Hui. After all, he didn't know the purpose of this noble lady's visit. It was very likely that she had come for the recipe of the stinky tofu. If he ate this kind of unclean thing, he would definitely have a reason to vomit and have diarrhea. Moreover, he wouldn't be in the right either. Even the Prefect wouldn't be able to say anything …
Therefore, he looked stiff and laughed dryly. "This … this is just a trial. If Brother Qin is interested, I'll send someone to pick a few jars of the best quality …"
Before Qin Hui could say anything, the young man holding the jar ran to Zhang Jianyuan's side in a panic and whispered in his ear.
This time, the imperial envoy came for another purpose. His curiosity and attention were unprecedentedly strong. Although he didn't say anything, he had already raised his power to the peak and listened attentively. Fortunately, although the young man was whispering, he didn't have much vigilance. Although his voice was very low, it was still heard by Qin Hui!
Those few words in the imperial envoy's ears were like thunder from the Ninth Heaven.
"President, Master Sun just came and said that you didn't do a good enough job. Then, he stuffed something in this jar and asked me to give it to you. He also asked you to take a good look and think about it. Don't make the same mistake next time. Let's forget about this matter first. Don't look for him for the time being …"
Master Sun.
Didn't do a good enough job.
Stuffed something in.
Take a good look and think about it. Don't make the same mistake.
Don't look for him for the time being …
Qin Hui felt that he had fallen into an ice cave. He almost immediately wanted to get up and chase to the back hall to find traces of Master Sun. He roared loudly in his heart. He was here!
That guy surnamed Sun just came!
Was this a coincidence or on purpose?
Why was he everywhere?
In the end, he suppressed the urge to immediately chase after him. Not to mention that this was the Embroidery Hall. If he rashly did such a thing, he was afraid that it would cause a strong backlash from Zhang Jianyuan. Secondly …
He looked at the jar in San Wazi's hand. There was something stuffed in it …
The imperial envoy paid close attention to Zhang Jianyuan's expression. As expected, after hearing these words, Zhang Yuanwai, without any surprise, revealed an expression of shock. He nodded his head and waved his hand as if nothing had happened. "Since it is like this, take this thing away first …"
How could Qin Hui let him do as he wished?
He immediately said in a loud voice, "What?
What is so precious about this jar of stinky tofu that you can't even bear to show it to others? "
Zhang Jianyuan was anxious in his heart. He casually cupped his hands and said, "Brother Qin, this jar of stinky tofu is just a prototype. I'm not sure if it can be eaten. If Brother Qin wants to eat it …"
Qin Hui simply patted his chest with enthusiasm. "I won't hide it from Brother Zhang!
In my life, I've only been greedy for food. Since it's a prototype, someone must taste it. Why can't it be me?
What an honor it is to be able to taste stinky tofu for Brother Zhang … Brother Zhang, you won't not even give me this face, right? "
Zhang Jianyuan was a little impatient. He made up his mind. Eat it?
I'll let you smell it. If you still dare to eat it, then don't blame me!
He directly opened the mud seal and handed it to Qin Hui. "Here, if Brother Qin can stand this smell …"
— Huh?
He sniffed it and felt that something was wrong. He heard Qin Hui exclaim, "Smell?
I thought the stinky tofu was stained with the word 'stinky', so the smell wouldn't be good. Isn't it quite nice?
This trace of refreshing coolness, this leisurely fragrance, could it be the smell of mint and camphor? "
This, this, this, this, how is this possible?
When I put the jar in, I had to wrap a few layers of cotton gauze around my nose!
He looked at San Wazi in surprise, and San Wazi turned his head to the side with a complicated expression.
Then, Zhang Jianyuan stuck his head out and looked into the jar. There was a faint layer of green light inside, and it was not as gloomy as before. In addition, this jar of stinky tofu seemed to have been stirred, but he had never seen such a perfect stirring result. Could it be …
At this time, Taoist Bai Xue also came over and said in surprise, "This … this smell is not right?
Why are you so kind? "
Now is the time!
A cold light flashed in Zhang Jianyuan's eyes. He directly picked up the teacup next to him, scooped out some stinky tofu at lightning speed, and poured it into Taoist Bai Xue's mouth.
Taoist Bai Xue was stunned as if he had been struck by lightning. He was stunned and could not speak for a long time.
Zhang Jianyuan was surprised and doubtful, "How … how is the taste?"
Taoist Bai Xue said bitterly, "I … I am touched … This is the best stinky tofu you have ever made … The smooth tofu and the delicious soup are a perfect combination of heaven and earth, embracing each other in the most passionate way. The fragrance of mint and the richness of the soup are harmonious, and the contradiction is completed in this small bowl of stinky tofu. Mankind has once again received a gift from nature. This is the best stinky tofu in the universe!"
"Then … then why are you crying?"
Taoist Bai Xue sobbed and said, "I just thought of my father who passed away when I was young. When I thought that he would never have the chance to taste such delicious food, I felt so sad that I couldn't help myself …"
Zhang Jianyuan nodded with a confused face. He looked at the jar in his hand again, as if he was hesitating about something.
— — Now is the time!
Taoist Bai Xue suddenly grabbed the teacup next to him, scooped out stinky tofu, and poured it into Zhang Jianyuan's mouth. His actions were as fast as lightning.
Zhang Jianyuan was stunned for a moment, and then he covered his face. Big drops of tears fell through the gaps between his fingers. Men did not cry easily, but only when they were deeply hurt.
Taoist Bai Xue sighed and said, "Is it delicious?
Why are you crying? "
Zhang Jianyuan covered his face and sobbed, "Your father died so tragically!"
The two of them were speechless for a while.
— — Now is the time!
Suddenly, Qin Hui and Wan Yuanzhong exploded!
One of them kicked over the table, and the other took the jar in Zhang Jianyuan's hand, and then ran away!