The next morning, before dawn, while Lin Wanrong was sleeping soundly, he heard a woman calling from outside the door, "Lin San, wake up quickly."
Lin Wanrong opened his eyes in a daze and heard what seemed to be the voice of the Grand Mistress. He was puzzled. Why was this girl up so early? Wasn't she afraid of getting panda eyes?
"Lin San, wake up quickly. We're about to leave." The Grand Mistress's voice came from outside again. Lin Wanrong had no choice but to put on his clothes and walk over to open the door. He saw the stars twinkling in the sky. Morning was still more than two hours away.
The Grand Mistress had already put on a long cloak. Her small face was a little red from the cold wind. She stood outside the door and glanced at him. "I knew you were still sleeping. Wake up quickly. We're about to leave. "
Lin Wan yawned. "Grand Mistress, it's still early. Do you need to be in such a hurry?"
Xiao Yuruo snorted. "Hangzhou is a few hundred miles away. If we don't leave early, how will we make it in time? You're lazy, but you still have to find so many excuses. Next time, I'll find a gong and beat it in your ear. Let's see if you can still be lazy. "
Lin Wanrong thought, here it comes. She's looking for an excuse to discipline me. Hehe, this girl, she's looking down on me. He hastily washed his face with cold water. The weather was getting colder. He took a few more clothes and went out with the Grand Mistress.
The Grand Mistress saw that his actions were swift and clean. Her expression became slightly better. "Don't do this in the future. When did I come to rush you?" Lin Wanrong thought, "It's good that you didn't come. I'll sleep until dawn."
When he reached the door and saw the scene, Lin Wanrong felt a little ashamed. Not only was Lady Xiao standing there, but even Xiao Yushuang was blushing. It was obvious that she had been waiting for a while. When the Second Miss saw him coming, she smiled sweetly, which made Lin Wanrong's heart warm.
I'm probably the laziest servant in this era. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself and walked forward, "Madam, Second Miss, good morning."
The madam nodded and smiled, "Lin San, did you sleep well last night? I wouldn't have woken you up so early if it weren't for the fact that we're traveling so early today. "
Madam's words were really heartwarming, but Lin Wanrong clearly knew that this was a way for Madam to win him over. In any case, he just needed to say some nice things and didn't need to spend money.
"Thank you for your concern. I had a good night's sleep." Lin Wanrong pretended to be grateful.
Madam nodded and smiled, "Xiao Yuruo is a woman, it's inconvenient for her to be alone. You'll have to take care of her on the way to Hangzhou. "
"Not at all, not at all. With Grand Mistress's wise leadership, the journey will be smooth, smooth, and safe." Lin Wanrong made up a facade.
The Second Miss looked at him with a smile and bit her red lips. It seemed that she wanted to say something, but she didn't know how to open her mouth because her mother and sister were present.
When the Grand Mistress saw that the people and horses were almost ready, she said to the madam, "Mother, you and Yushuang should go back and rest. We'll set off now." Xiao Yushuang hurriedly took a few steps forward and pulled the Grand Mistress's hand, saying, "Sister, be careful on the way."
Xiao Yuruo smiled and nodded. The Second Miss turned to look at Lin Wanrong and said softly, "Lin San, you — be careful."
"Thank you, Second Miss." Lin Wanrong quietly moved closer and was about to grab the Second Miss's hand when he saw the Grand Mistress standing in front of his sister and said, "Lin San, have you prepared everything?" Lin Wanrong was infuriated when she saw the cunning look in the young miss' eyes. You little girl, you're deliberately trying to ruin my plans. Damn, one day, I'll ruin your plans too.
"Oh, everything is ready. Right, Second Miss, do you like the Buddhist scriptures you read now? I heard that the Lingyin Temple by the West Lake in Hangzhou is a famous temple. Do you want me to find two good Buddhist scriptures for you? I don't know if there's an illustrated version. "
The Second Miss covered her mouth and secretly chuckled. This bad guy. Isn't the Buddhist scriptures the same everywhere? What's the difference between good and bad? Do you think it's the tabloid that you drew? There's even an illustrated version. You're clearly picking a fight with me.
Seeing the anger on the Young Miss' face, Xiao Yushuang hurriedly said, "There's no need. You just have to take good care of Big Sister. Also, you have to take care of yourself. Don't cause any trouble, don't cause any trouble. Come back soon." Towards the end, her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.
Lady Xiao stood far away and didn't hear it, but the Grand Mistress and Lin Wanrong were very close. Seeing Lin San beaming with joy, the Grand Mistress secretly snorted and said, "If that's the case, then let's go."
She turned around and pedaled the bicycle. The Second Miss took the opportunity to help her sister get on the bicycle and gently threw a small paper ball to Lin San. Lin Wanrong hurriedly caught it in his hand. The Second Miss's face was red. She quietly looked at him and quickly retreated. Lin Wanrong's heart itched. This girl, Yushuang, she even learned such a private action like throwing a small piece of paper. She's getting more and more seductive.
The Grand Mistress lifted the curtain of the carriage and waved to her mother and sister, saying, "Niangqin, Yushuang, quickly go back and rest. We'll be back in a few days." Lady Xiao nodded, but the Second Miss's nose was a bit sour. She waved to the carriage again and again. She faintly saw that the bad guy was smiling and waving at her. Her eyes were a bit red. She was shy and worried. Lying in her mother's arms, her eyes were wet with tears.
Lin Wanrong turned over and mounted the black horse. This time, apart from Lin Wanrong, the Grand Mistress went to Hangzhou with another servant and a maid. That maid naturally followed the Grand Mistress in the carriage.
The remaining two servants were acquaintances. One was the clever Si De, and the other was the honest Xiao Feng.
Because of the flower petal supply problem, the perfume workshop could only produce more than 500 bottles per month. As an advisor, Xiao Feng also had some free time. That Si De followed Uncle Fu and the others to set up the soap workshop, so he wasn't unfamiliar with Lin San. These two servants were personally chosen by the Grand Mistress. Thinking that Lin Wanrong was somewhat familiar with them and that they were easy to use, she took them with her.
Xiao Yuruo saw that the three of them had mounted their horses. She poked her head out from behind the curtain and said, "Lin San, on this trip to Hangzhou, apart from me, you're the leader. You must take good care of them. Don't stir up trouble and fail to live up to my and my mother's expectations."
This chick is quite cunning. She deliberately let me take care of two people to arouse my sense of responsibility. It can be considered a clever move.
Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Brother Xiao, Si De, you two follow me well. Don't get lost."
"Yes, Third Brother," the two of them said respectfully at the same time. Lin Wanrong was now a senior servant, much higher than the two of them. His status in the Xiao Family was like the sun at high noon. Perhaps even the housekeeper Wang would have to respectfully call him Third Brother when he saw him.
This bad person still had dignity. The Grand Mistress secretly nodded and said, "Since that's the case, you two look after each other."
The three of them split into two groups. Lin Wanrong and Xiao Feng rode side by side on the left side of the carriage. The Si De guards rode on the right side of the carriage. The group of people then headed out of the city.
Lin Wanrong's riding skills were getting better and better. He borrowed Xiao Feng's body to block the Grand Mistress's gaze. He gently opened the slip of paper that the Second Young Mistress had thrown over. He saw a line of beautiful small words written on it, "Go quickly and return quickly. I'll be waiting for you!"
Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. Although the words were short, the feelings were long. Yushuang, this lass, was becoming more and more obedient.
When the group of carriages and horses passed by the Food for Immortals, Lin Wanrong saw from afar that the lights in Qiaoqiao's room were already lit. This lass had actually woken up so early. A warm feeling rose in his heart. Just as he was thinking of a way to punish the Grand Mistress and go see Qiaoqiao, he saw a delicate figure standing in front of the Food for Immortals. When he looked carefully, he saw that it was actually that lass, Qiaoqiao.
"Big Brother — —" When Qiaoqiao saw Lin Wanrong, she flew over.
Lin Wanrong was shocked. He quickly got off the horse and said, "Qiaoqiao, why are you here?"
The weather was getting colder. Qiaoqiao was wearing a small red floral coat. Her little face was bright red. She held Lin Wanrong's hand tightly and said, "Big Brother, I've been waiting for you."
Gently brushing away the frost on Qiaoqiao's hair, Lin Wanrong held her little hand and said, "Silly girl, why are you here?"
Qiaoqiao smiled shyly and said, "Last night, the Grand Mistress sent someone to tell me that you're going to Hangzhou with her today. She asked me to prepare food for you."
As they were talking, Xiao Yuruo poked her head out of the carriage and said, "Qiaoqiao, thank you so much."
Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly and said, "Grand Mistress, why are you treating me like an outsider?"
Qiaoqiao waved her hand and two workers from the Food for Immortals carried some food to the carriage. The little girl took a bamboo basket and said to Lin Wanrong, "Big Brother, this is your favorite food. Heat it up and you can eat it."
Lin Wanrong held her cold little hand and said, "Qiaoqiao, don't stay up late in the future. You have to sleep early and get up early. I've told you before that a woman's youth is very precious. Staying up late like this is not good for your health. Don't do it again. Listen to Big Brother and go back to rest now. "
Qiaoqiao nodded and lowered her head. "Big Brother, it's a long journey to Hangzhou. Take care of yourself."
Lin Wanrong gently stroked her little face and said, "Silly girl, don't cry. Big Brother will be back in a few days. Hangzhou is not far away. Big Brother can ride a horse and come back in one day and night. "
Qiaoqiao wiped her tears and hurriedly stopped him. She said, "Big Brother, don't get tired. A long journey is not like staying at home. You have to walk slowly and carefully. Don't rush."
Grand Mistress saw the two of them whispering to each other and seemed to be a little impatient. She said, "It's getting late. Lin San, we should also set off."
Lin Wanrong whispered to Qiaoqiao, "Did Grand Mistress pay for these food?"
Qiaoqiao's tears turned into laughter. She said, "Big Brother, how can you be so calculative?"
Seeing the smile on Lin Wanrong's face, she finally understood that her big brother was trying to make her happy. Xiao Ni was happy and shy at the same time. It was not the first time she had talked to her big brother like this, but every time it happened, it was a fresh feeling. She did not know where his magic came from.
After sending off the reluctant Qiaoqiao, Lin Wanrong saw that Grand Mistress's expression seemed to be a little unhappy. He did not say anything. Now it seemed that all of this was deliberately arranged by Grand Mistress. She deliberately sent people to inform Qiaoqiao in advance to ask for the food leave. She deliberately let Qiaoqiao send them off. It could be considered as giving face to Lin Wanrong. Is this enough to be grateful? This girl is very shrewd.
The group of people walked for a while. The city wall was in sight. They were about to leave the city. In the distance, they saw a few officials holding high torches. They were pasting something on the wall. Looking at it, it seemed to be a notice.
Lin Wanrong signaled Si De with her eyes. This brat was really quick-witted. She mounted her horse and galloped away. Not long after, she returned.
Grand Mistress also saw the situation. She said, "What notice?"
Si De respectfully said, "Reporting to Miss, reporting to Third Brother. It is the Governor Daren's official notice."
"Oh?" Grand Mistress felt strange. This Governor Daren Luo rarely issued any notices. What happened today? Could it be that something big happened?
The group of people hurried to catch up. Lin Wanrong opened his eyes wide. He strenuously looked at the vertical row of traditional Chinese characters. His eyes were dazzled. After glancing at it a few times, he couldn't be bothered to look anymore, so he asked Xiao Feng who was beside him, "I didn't sleep well last night, so I couldn't open my eyes. Quickly tell me, what kind of announcement did the Governor give?"
Xiao Feng said, "It's an announcement to levy new taxes. The Governor said that in order to raise money for the construction of the river defense and benefit the people of Jiangsu, in line with the principle that those with money should contribute, those with power should contribute. The brothels along the Qinhuai River will be subject to management and industry tax. After paying this tax, these brothels can go to the yamen to get a certificate, register it, and officially list it. In the future, they can use this certificate to operate openly. "
Wonderful. This Luo had a way. He only gave him the idea to increase the tax. He went one step further and cleverly combined the tax increase with the issuance of business licenses. In this way, the official prostitutes, private prostitutes, open prostitutes, and secret prostitutes were clearly priced. These brothels were originally half in the light and half in the dark. The imperial court didn't allow or prohibit it. Luo took advantage of this loophole and started to make money. After paying this special industry tax, it was equivalent to the yamen issuing a pass. The brothels also became open and legal. In this way, driven by the sudden profits, even if the tax was higher, those bosses were willing to pay.
Luo's move was indeed beautiful. Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart. But then he heard Xiao Feng continued, "Luo Daren also said that he has issued an order to Jiangsu's commander-in-chief, Cheng Daren, to immediately send the infantry battalion cavalry to the embankment to repair the Yangtze River's river defense. He also called on the whole province's people to actively donate money to contribute to the river defense. At this critical moment, Jiangsu's army and civilians must be of one heart and one mind to protect their homeland. Whoever does not obey the order will be destroying my Jinling, destroying my Jiangsu, and will be a sinner for all eternity. "
Although Cheng De and Lomin did not get along well, Lomin was Jiangsu's highest military and political official in name. Cheng De was also under his control. His move was to create public opinion first, and then he kicked the ball to Cheng De. It was exactly the method he had taught him yesterday.
Grand Mistress despised the business of the brothels, but she was also a businessman, and business was business. Imposing a new tax would not be beneficial to the businessmen. She sighed and said, "It's not easy to do business, but imposing a new tax is only based on an official's word. I don't know which dog-headed advisor came up with this idea. "
Lin Wanrong's forehead was beaded with sweat. Wasn't that dog-headed advisor him? He couldn't bear this unjust reputation. He hastily explained, "Grand Mistress, we are all doing business, this is not false. But businesses are also divided into big and small. For a business like the brothels, I don't need to tell you about the huge profits. But this business is stained with the blood and tears of women, and the silver that falls into the hands of those poor women is less than 10%. Where did the huge profits go? "
Grand Mistress revealed a thoughtful expression. Lin Wanrong continued, "The existence of this brothel naturally has its reasons. To put it bluntly, it can only survive because there is a need. Since there is a need, it is better to make it clear, standardize it, and impose a heavy tax on the huge profits. In this way, it will not only restrict its development, but also have a source of revenue. Killing two birds with one stone, why not? "
What restricting the development? This was completely a lie. Where there is a demand, there will be a market. This was an eternal truth. Imposing a heavy tax on the brothel, in fact, would not have much impact on those vampire bosses. This burden would only be transferred to the customers. Lin Wanrong naturally knew the trick.
As a result, the value of those brothel girls would soar, and visiting the brothel would cost more. Ai, this can't be blamed on me. In this day and age, even the price of pork has risen, let alone the brothel girls. One was willing to be hit, and the other was willing to be hit. Who told men to like this? Contributing to the river defense, he had to accept it.
Grand Mistress looked at him and said, "Lin San, you are defending Lord Luo like this. Could it be that this idea came from you?"
"How could it be? Such a genius idea, how could I come up with it? I reckon that Lord Luo invited the smartest person in the world to come up with such a brilliant idea." Lin Wanrong said with a smile.
The Young Miss snorted and didn't say anything. Just as the few of them were about to leave, they heard the crisp sound of a horse's hooves. A lady dressed in official attire rode over on a white horse. She looked majestic as she spoke to the officials, "Big brothers, have you finished pasting everything here?"
Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that it was Wan Ying. She was an official in Jin Ling Prefecture. Naturally, she had a part in posting the notices.
Wan Ying seemed to have some charisma. The officers nodded repeatedly and said, "Finished."
Wan Ying nodded slightly, turned around and was about to leave when she saw a black horse standing in front of the notice. The person sitting on the horse was looking at her with a sneaky smile. Wasn't it the one who beat people up Lin San?
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