Compared to the various major events that happened in Hangzhou recently, such as Qi Yuankang's death, Li Tianrun's return, and the conflict on Pingchang Street, the Lou Family, as a merchant, should be considered as another system that had not been involved in it.
Although they were already one of the largest merchant forces in the city, when it came to real power, the Lou Family was still in a corner and did not attract much attention. But for the slightly middle-level forces in Hangzhou, they were now a giant whose tentacles were involved in all aspects. Of course, because they had only recently infiltrated the entire system, they did not have too many positions in the power struggle in all aspects. This seemingly large force was, in fact, alienated from the people in Fang La's court.
This was not surprising. Since ancient times, this had been the state of the merchant class. It was the same in the Wu dynasty and the Yongle Dynasty. Compared to before, the Lou Family was now at least one of the largest royal merchants in the Yongle Dynasty. Of course, the Yongle Dynasty's current prospects were really the most worrying problem. In the end, whether the Lou Family would make a profit or lose would still be classified into this problem.
As for the Lou Family, more than half of the reason they stayed in Hangzhou and relied on Fang La was because they had no other choice. But part of it was also because of Lou Jinlin's rational considerations. At that time, the Lou Family already had some animosity with Qian Xiwen and the others. The merchant family was sensitive. If they left Hangzhou, Qian Xiwen and the others had connections in the official circles. Whether they went to other places or returned to Hangzhou, they could still make a comeback. However, the Lou Family's property was all in Hangzhou. If they left here, all the property they had accumulated over the years would be gone.
In any case, Lou Jinlin was not willing to accept this result. The property he had managed for half a lifetime would be destroyed. Moreover, at that time, the Lou Family had already been targeted by Fang La. It was already unrealistic for them to want to leave. After Hangzhou was occupied, Lou Jinlin had been at a loss for a period of time. But very quickly, he brought out the ambitious and ruthless character that he had worked hard all the way. He tried to carve out a wider and more stable path for the Lou family in the future.
Simply knowing his place or sitting and waiting for death was not his personality. Letting the Lou family simply become the number one merchant of the Yong Le Dynasty or waiting for the imperial court to invade Hangzhou and be captured was not the future that Lou Jinlin wanted to choose. For this old man in his fifties, he still had the shrewdness and ability to seize every opportunity and expand the benefits in the real world. The flame of development was still burning in his body.
Just being a merchant and relying on others wouldn't do. Even if the Yongle Dynasty could withstand the Imperial Court's attacks in the future and expand, he would no longer be satisfied with his goal of becoming the number one merchant. At this time, the situation was chaotic. The Lou Family was rich. With the support of Fang Qifo, they also had the power to not be bound by most forces. In Hangzhou City at this time, the most practical way was in front of them.
Over the past month or so, the Lou family had been trying to recruit soldiers and buy horses to expand their strength.
Fang La had the nature of an uprising. Although Hangzhou City had been established as the capital, it was still a mix of good people and bad people. The army gathered, and the war was unrestrained. If they wanted to recruit a group of people here and have their own force, it was allowed in general. However, at this time, the various forces in the city were also close to saturation. If there were really people who wanted a share of the benefits and fought with others, they couldn't compete with those who had been following Fang La since the beginning.
The Lou family didn't belong to this example. They had money and food, and they had many businesses to do. It was reasonable for them to hire guards for their family and hired thugs for their businesses. They could also afford to support them. Now, there was no limit to the number of people. If this war taught the Lou family anything, it was that weapons must be in their own hands. Of course, even with this awareness and convenience, he couldn't go overboard. If he revealed his ambition to take control of the military from the very beginning, he would definitely be killed halfway.
Lou Jinlin was a calm person. There were difficulties on the road, but these difficulties were actually not big for him. Although a group of bumpkins who rose up in revolt were not fools, they were no match for an old fox like him in various operations. After deciding to do things, he bought a large number of excellent weapons, a small number of military horses, recruited servants, hired guards, and at the same time, recruited some real martial artists who were missed by others. For more than a month, he maintained the operation of various materials in the city, and at the same time, he extended the tentacles of his own power.
During this period, of course, there were some problems. For example, the Lou family could afford to raise people, but it was impossible to raise an army. There were also a lot of disaster victims in Hangzhou. He could recruit a thousand or two thousand people who couldn't afford to eat, but there was no barracks or training ground. What was the use? Under such circumstances, Lou Jinlin paid more attention to supporting some small street forces, such as a small group of ten or twenty people, a small gang of twenty or thirty people, and various hooligans who made a living on the streets near the Lou family. In more than a month, the Lou family recruited nearly two hundred guards, and the power they controlled was several times that number. If they really wanted to show off, the number of people they had was no less than the number of middle-level generals in Fang La's army.
Of course, these people didn't have much real combat power. In the past, they could be regarded as a big gang, but it was still too early to say that they were an army. Even so, some leaders of the Revolutionary Army who didn't take the Lou family seriously in the past didn't dare to provoke the Lou family easily anymore.
In the past, as one of the merchants designated by Fang Qifo, the Lou family wouldn't be given too much trouble in Hangzhou City, but many people still latched onto the Lou family like leeches to make a living. As long as there were more than a hundred generals around them, they dared to come to the Lou family to ask for food, drinks, and protection fees. Even after the Lou family sought shelter from Bao Daoyi, they didn't restrain themselves. Because everyone knew that Bao Daoyi wouldn't stand up for the Lou family for this kind of thing. They were all brothers, and the Lou family had a big business. If they came to share some of the profits, they wouldn't smash the Lou family's house. What else could they say? They were just merchants.
In the past, the Lou family treated these people well and never lacked etiquette. It was still the same today. However, as time went by, the Lou family didn't do anything to establish their prestige outside, and the number of such people visiting the Lou family became fewer and fewer. For people in the upper echelons like Bao Daoyi, the Lou family didn't change at all. It was just a normal development. However, for some middle-level and lower-level generals, they could still keenly sense the Lou family's expanding strength and momentum.
"The Lou family isn't easy to deal with now …"
After a meal, these generals who didn't care about the Lou family's identity as merchants couldn't help but sigh. This also proved that the Lou family's strength had quietly expanded to the point where it could be mentioned in the same breath as these people.
However, the identity of a merchant would still cause people to take into account the fact that they had underestimated the Lou family's strength. While others thought that the Lou family's strength had entered the middle-level and lower-level, the Lou family had actually been quietly dividing and roping in some leaders who had around a hundred or dozens of subordinates.
Not to mention other things, the Lou family's resources and economic ability were enough for him to control some of the weaker forces after he had his own strength. Under Lou Jinlin's repeated operations, there were now two groups of such forces. After the leaders lost the power struggle with others, they were willing to rely on the Lou family to obtain protection. To Lou Jinlin, this situation meant that he had already taken the first few steps in the development of his forces.
"It'll take some time before I can have a say in these people. Next, I'll probe Tang Bingzhang. He originally worked under Qi Yuankang. Although nothing happened this time, he must have been greatly affected … "
In the morning, in the study of the Lou family's main residence, Lou Jinlin was discussing expansion with his eldest son, Lou Shuwang. There was no need for the Lou family to recruit more guards. He did not have many experienced veterans under him. Roping in this kind of force was the most cost-effective choice. With a few more groups of people relying on them, the Lou family would truly be on the stage and become one of the middle-level forces in Hangzhou. Due to Fang Qifo's protection, Lou Jinlin was also confident that the Lou family's ascension would not be too rejected. At most, people would feel that they were a little opportunistic and took advantage of the situation to rise. However, once they had strength, who could truly be unhappy with their own family?
"… Hangzhou, for the time being, will continue to develop like this. However, we need to prepare early for the path of retreat in the west and south. A few months later … "Turning the thumb ring on his hand, Lou Jinlin said this and became slightly silent. His white hair was uneven, but it was neatly combed. His eyes were sharp, and his spirit was still full of vigor. He was still filled with the aura of a lion. Although he was anxious about what Hangzhou would become in a few months, there was still a path of retreat. Of course, not long after, he thought of another matter that made him a little depressed.
"Oh right, how's your younger brother recently?"
Compared to his eldest son, Lou Shuwang, Lou Jinlin actually loved his youngest son, Lou Shuheng. When Hangzhou was conquered, Lou Shuheng was dispirited. However, Lou Jinlin had his eldest son by his side to help him. He could understand the impact his youngest son was feeling, so he let him rest for the time being. However, if he was always sloppy to this extent, it would be a little too much. Lou Jinlin hoped that his youngest son would understand more about the family, especially when the Lou family was going through such a change. If he could display his talents, he could be at ease and hand over a part of the family business to him in the future.
In his heart, he did not have the idea of giving all of the family business to Lou Shuheng. Actually, the relationship between his two sons was not bad, but the eldest son was very talented. In the future, each of them would get half of the family business. As the eldest son's share grew, the second son's family would inevitably grow apart. This was naturally a feeling of resentment towards iron for not becoming steel. Lou Shuwang also cupped his hands.
"Younger brother has been quite diligent in visiting recently. However, he has found some wrong people, so he has not been able to find out what he wants to find out. However, the number of people he knows is increasing. I believe that he will be able to finish what he wants to do soon and come back to his senses. "
Lou Jinlin sighed. "You know what happened to him, don't you?"
"I know. He can't forget about the young lady of the Su family. However, what he cares about the most is the humiliation that Ning Yi gave him. I also know about Ning Yi's situation. I have told you before. This time, I didn't take the initiative to help younger brother because I hope that he can take the initiative to complete this matter. To him, it has a special meaning. "
Lou Jinlin waved his hand disapprovingly. He frowned and was silent for a moment. Finally, he said, "It's okay for a man to take revenge, but he must have a broad vision. I remember that Ning Yi, but under the current circumstances, there is no need to keep him in mind! Our Lou family is currently facing such a change. Once we get over it, the entire Hangzhou … the Yongle Dynasty and the Wu Dynasty will have our Lou family involved. Those small matters in the past can be squashed to death like bugs … Sigh, forget it. You just wait and see. Now that the matter is done, let Shuheng return to the main topic. Also, how is Shu Wan? "
Hearing his father ask about his sister, Lou Shuwang's expression was a little complicated, "Actually … my sister and that Ning Yi have some relationship …"
"Hmm?"
Lou Jinlin frowned. Lou Shuwang told his father about his sister's feelings for Ning Yi, "In my opinion, this Ning Yi is quite capable and knows how to take advantage of the situation. When he was a son-in-law, he kept a low profile. When he interacted with scholars, he was gentle and refined. When he was in the Tyrant's Saber Camp, he pretended to be heroic and generous. With our Lou family's current status, it is beneficial for him to purposely get close to my sister. However, my sister actually can't control him … "
He finished speaking his opinion. As a matter of fact, Lou Shuwang had been busy recently. Although he cared a little about Ning Yi, he was still looking down on him. He was alone in the bandit camp, and Li Tianyou was hostile to him. No matter how well he struggled to survive, in Lou Shuwang's eyes, it was nothing more than a good performance.
Lou Shuwang didn't care about Ning Yi. His younger brother and sister were related to him. He only cared about his younger brother and sister. He didn't care if an outsider like him died or lived a life worse than death. From a certain point of view, if his little sister could live a good life with him, or if she could just be as happy as before and get rid of him in the end, he could also persuade his little brother to be merciful and give him some guidance. However, his little sister could not control such a person. If his little brother wanted to vent, then he could only die.
Lou Jinlin understood what he meant. After thinking for a while, he said to him, "You have to pay attention to this matter." Lou Shuwang nodded, indicating that he understood.
After talking to his father, he went to Four Seasons Restaurant to have lunch with Bao Daoyi and the others. He was just a foil and didn't have much to say. Recently, he heard that Bao Daoyi and the Tyrant's Saber Camp had a conflict because of a woman. There had been friction for the next few days. He didn't care about this matter. The Lou family relied on Bao Daoyi's protection, but their foundation was Fang Qifo. The various resources in the city still needed the Lou family to circulate. Others couldn't attack the Lou family. On the contrary, the Lou family could wait and see. After some time, they could also reap their own benefits in such a political struggle.
Coincidentally, he saw Ning Yi and his maidservant Xiaochan eating downstairs.
As they ate, the serious topics were naturally limited to a few. After that, they started joking. Lou Shuwang knew that Bao Daoyi liked all kinds of women, so he led the topic. Bao Daoyi also smiled and talked about the benefits of various women. When the guests and the host were enjoying themselves, Lou Shuwang pointed at Xiaochan downstairs and asked Bao Daoyi for his opinion. Bao Daoyi was quite capable. He took a look at her while stroking his beard and smiled. She was a well-trained maidservant from a wealthy family. Recently, she had been taken as a concubine by the man next to her. She was at the peak of her charm.
With this question, Lou Shuwang had achieved his goal. He knew Bao Daoyi's hobbies. A woman like Xiaochan was exactly what he liked. Now that he asked this question, someone might kidnap Xiaochan later. This was also a difficult problem for Ning Yi.
On the other hand, Bao Daoyi had been busy fighting recently. There were many girls at home who were having fun. After the conflict with the Tyrant's Saber Camp a few days ago, he finally restrained himself from kidnapping girls on the street. This time, he did not make a move on Xiaochan.
Lou Shuwang did this casually and did not pay much attention to it. Of course, it did not matter whether Bao Daoyi caught her or not. If something were to happen, he could see Ning Yi's reaction before his underling made a move against him. Even if he didn't see it, Ning Yi's life would definitely be lost. He had a lot of things to do next, so this kind of small problem wouldn't take up too much of his time.
Then, two days passed. He heard from the servants that Lou Shuheng had met a woman at a poetry meeting recently and fell in love with her poetry and elegance. Lou Shuwang thought that since he had a new hope, he should let him know about Ning Yi as soon as possible. Thus, he stopped thinking about it. However, when he found his follower at noon, Lou Shuheng's progress surprised him.
It was in a small restaurant near Pingchang Street. Lou Shuheng was sitting there with a few servants. These days, he had been looking for traces of Ning Yi everywhere in the city. However, he got the wrong person and did not get much information about Ning Yi. At this time, his beard had grown out and he looked slovenly. But his brother came up. He raised two fingers and shook them, extremely excited.
"Do you know who I found? Brother, do you know who I found? "
"Who?"
"You will never guess … Hehe, you definitely won't guess …"
"…"
Lou Shuwang looked at the scene downstairs in confusion. He did not know what was going on. Lou Shuheng laughed for a long time. He stood up and walked back and forth, rubbing his hands together excitedly. He lowered his voice and said, "It's Su Tan'er … It's Su Tan'er … I found Ning Yi the day before yesterday, then … then I hired someone to keep an eye on him. Yesterday, I found out that he actually came over here. Do you know what I saw … Haha, it's Su Tan'er. She's amazing. Ning Yi was trapped here and she actually sneaked back to Hangzhou with a batch of cloth. Isn't that right? That's amazing, haha … She's back. She actually came back for that Ning Yi. That's amazing … This woman … "
Lou Shuheng laughed so hard that he almost cried. Lou Shuwang frowned and looked at his overly excited brother. After a while, Lou Shuheng stopped dancing under his brother's gaze. He took a deep breath and restrained his expression like a student being stared at by a teacher.
"I want her to stay." He raised his right index finger and emphasized. After a while, he shook his finger forcefully and smiled. "She's leaving tonight, but … I want her to stay … Haha … Haha …"
*****
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
