After the busy Mid-Autumn Festival, a maidservant presented the list of gifts she had recently received. Li Shishi looked through it and accidentally found a gift from Ning Yi. Only then did she remember that the two of them had not seen each other for a long time.
She asked the maidservant to find the gift. It was a painting of a full moon on the Mid-Autumn Festival. The painter was Tang Zhigui, a famous landscape painter from a hundred years ago. This painting must be worth a lot of money. After taking a quick look, Shishi asked the maidservant to take it back.
A valuable painting might not represent the intention. Girls were the most sensitive in this aspect. Thinking of this, she began to silently criticize Ning Yi.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Fan Lou was busy with business. She had booked a poetry gathering, and there were many customers who wanted to chat. The courtesans in the brothel didn't sleep with anyone. They would either add to the atmosphere at big events, or they would gather alone and give people two to four hours of peace and quiet.
Seeing a person would take two to four hours, and attending a gathering would take even longer. In the capital, there were many people that she couldn't afford to offend or didn't want to offend. Even if she were to split herself into two, it wouldn't be enough. As for the free time, or the time that she could spare, she spent it all on Tong Shu 'er's case. She would either go to the Kaifeng Prefecture to inquire about the case or meet up with the other sisters who were involved. These women weren't all from Fan Lou, but this time, they were considered to have a common enemy in the fireworks industry. Although Shishi wasn't in charge, she was the most important person among them.
The courtesans had to express their attitude. Of course, they couldn't gather a sign to protest on the streets. That would be courting death. In the end, they expressed their dissatisfaction through various kinds of 'friends'. These friends included influential officials, business tycoons, and dissolute celebrities.
After this period of uproar, the prefectural magistrate of Kaifeng was under a lot of pressure regarding Tong Shu 'er's murder case. On the other hand, the official of the Ministry of Personnel, who was the murderer, also had some connections. He did many things, bribing people with money and gifts. Soon after, a clear stream came out and said that the women of the brothel actually dared to criticize the imperial court's murder case and threaten the people's will. They must ruthlessly beat down their arrogance. Shishi and the rest were not afraid. When they met a high-ranking official, they pretended to be weak and cried to them. Then, there would be scholars who would privately write articles to punish the official of the Ministry of Personnel. They also wanted to nail the heartless man who abandoned Tong Shu 'er to the pillar of shame. Amidst the turbulent discussions, the two sides eventually formed a tug of war, and it seemed that the official of the Ministry of Personnel would most likely not be able to escape.
For this kind of matter, Shishi and the others did not need to go to the Kaifeng Prefecture to listen to the trial, but when it was time to be there, Shishi still felt a kind of joy. After all, they were doing a very good thing. Everyone came to help, so there was such a result. Although the Kaifeng Prefecture had repeatedly delayed the trial, in the end, they could not cover up the bad guys, and they could not delay it until the end of time!
It was only at this moment that they could see who their friends were. Ever since they found out that she was related to Tong Shu 'er's case, many scholars who knew her in the past came over to help write and give her ideas. Some who worked in the yamen also came to express their indignation, and some probably secretly pushed for the official of the Ministry of Personnel to be convicted. However, at this time, Ning Yi did not come, and when she thought about it, she felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Of course, she knew that Ning Yi had come over twice, and at that time, he happened to run into her business. When she came back and was informed by the servant girl, he had already left. This was somewhat insincere, saying, "I don't have time, you can wait." In addition, it was true that she could not come out when she was alone, but if she was attending a poetry meet somewhere, with her status as a great scholar, if she really wanted to go in, would there be anyone stopping her? It was as if she was stingy with a few of his poems.
In the past, when they were not familiar with each other, she more or less felt that Ning Yi's personality was strange. However, after interacting frequently for more than half a year, she became used to Ning Yi's personality. Recently, that fellow was always thinking about doing business. Every poem he wrote would be given to a branch of Takeshi's — Shishi had never seen such a "stingy" scholar when it came to poems, but his poems were truly irresistible. In the end, she could only think that he was slightly "lazy" when it came to composing poems.
They were all friends, and this was not an unbearable personality. After getting to know each other, she found it interesting. Usually, when Ning Yi was busy, he would just say a few words and then leave. Shishi also felt that it was normal, because she was originally open-minded. However, recently, when he actually did not come to participate in the events, she more or less felt a little resentful.
Not long after, that resentment increased a little.
That was two days after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Yu Ho-chung and Chen Sifeng came together to visit her. Compared to this, Shishi felt a little warm. In fact, both Yu Ho-chung and Chen Sifeng were now officials in the capital. Although they were both low-ranking officials, among the officials, the capital officials were the most respected. Others could not become officials even if they wanted to. However, because most of the people she interacted with were people of higher status, Shishi's identity to the two was only in the category of childhood friends. When talking about Ning Yi, Chen Sifeng smiled coldly and shook his head. "Liheng, he, he is a little too concerned about money …"
Between the two of them, Chen Sifeng was quite arrogant, while Yu Ho-chung was slightly better. However, with regards to Ning Yi's actions, the two of them could not understand. Then, he continued to talk about other things. "I heard that both the north and the south are suffering from a food shortage."
"The price of rice has risen too high. However, Takeshi has also been collecting grain recently …"
"Actually, both inside and outside the capital, it has not been peaceful recently. The atmosphere in the ministry is also not relaxed …"
"I heard that the Right Minister's residence is using public resources for private purposes. They want to use the court's resources to do business. This is because of the soaring grain price. In the past few days, many officials have been stripped of their hats. The two Prime Ministers are very prepared. However, the officials I know have also made some movements recently. I am thinking, will there be a problem again? "
"The Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censor, Lord Qin, and the Right Minister are from the same family. They can't fight, right?"
"It's hard to say. The Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censor is upright. Last year, he even dared to report Grand Tutor Cai …"
As low-ranking officials, although they could not come into contact with the upper echelons, they were quite sensitive to the changes in the wind direction. They more or less felt that a storm was coming. On Shishi's side, she noted down the matter of the food shortage. In a sense, taking advantage of the soaring grain price to make money was what all businessmen would do. If it was said that Ning Yi had been busy with this matter recently, it was not incomprehensible.
However, it was a famine. At this time, how could he only think about making money …
Although she thought this way in her heart, she knew that this way of thinking was somewhat naive in the eyes of many. In the next few days, while paying attention to the progress of Tong Shu 'er's case, she also inquired about the situation of the famine in the north and south. Among the people she interacted with, there were some who knew the inside story. They told her about the situation of the disaster this year. Then, the merchants hoarded grain and raised the price. The scope of the disaster had already expanded to the extent that it had spread to the north and south! When people talked about this matter, most of them would sigh. It was likely that many people would die this year. Then, they would talk about the inhumanity of those who hoarded grain.
Just like that, on the 22nd of the eighth month, after the first round of busyness, there was some free time in the evening. Shishi asked for leave from Li Yun and left Fanlou to visit the Ning Residence. When she arrived, she met Su Wending. Only then did she know that Ning Yi was still in Takeshi dealing with some matters. Thus, she returned to Takeshi. After reporting, a shopkeeper invited her in and asked her to wait in the side hall. He said that the boss was in a meeting and would come out later. "The boss also said that he has some matters to discuss with Miss Shishi."
Shishi then sat down in the side hall.
*****
At the same time, on the street outside Fanlou, a man dressed in luxurious clothing waved a folding fan and strolled in the night. Behind him followed a carriage and many attendants.
Waving the folding fan in his hand, the man looked at the bustling scene along the way. A faint smile appeared on his face. He tilted his head and said in a low voice to the person beside him, "Du Chengxi, I sometimes look out from the palace walls and see the bustling lights, but I always feel that it's too cold at the top. It's only when I leave the palace and immerse myself in this bustling scene that I feel that this is what the capital should be like. It's like the poem I read recently, 'A night of dancing fish and dragons' … Alright, we're here. Let's go in."
At this moment, the person who appeared was Emperor Jing Han, Zhou Zhe, who had left the palace incognito. Recently, there was a hint of disharmony brewing in the court. Normally, he would be a little annoyed. However, the recent success of the war in the north had swept away the haze in his heart. He watched everything unfold with a relaxed attitude and took some time out to relax. This was not the first time he had come to Fanlou. The last time he had come, he had regretted not being able to see Li Shishi. If he could see her this time, he would be in a good mood.
But this time, she was not in Fanlou. Recognizing that this was the member of the royal family that Grand Military Officer Gao had brought last time, Mother Li Yun quickly came out and apologized profusely. Zhou Zhe was rather magnanimous. He waved his hand to indicate that he did not mind and called for another courtesan to accompany him.
Zhou Zhe did not come to Fanlou often, but looking at Mama Li's attitude, it was clear that his status was extremely high. Some of the servant girls in the building began to discuss in private. Not long after, when Zhou Zhe came out, he inadvertently overheard the conversation between two servant girls. "Speaking of which, where did Miss Shishi go today?"
"I heard that she went to find Young Master Ning Ning Yi. As you know, they were childhood friends … they are quite close."
Zhou Zhe frowned. Then, he smiled at Du Chengxi beside him. "Du Chengxi, this Ning Yi Ning Liheng is not simple."
Du Chengxi frowned. "I know. The poem that Master recited just now was composed by him."
"Oh, it's not about that." Zhou Zhe smiled. "The last time I came, this Miss Shishi went to perform for Takeshi. This Takeshi is owned by his family. In other words, this Young Master Ning has snatched away two women that I have taken a liking to. Isn't that impressive? Haha … "
As he spoke, his voice was not loud. He took a step forward and turned back to look at Du Chengxi's expression. Then, he suddenly frowned. "You, don't look like that! Don't look for trouble because of this! Since ancient times, talented scholars and beautiful ladies have always been romantic. I just came out to have some fun in my spare time. He doesn't even know about it. It's not a big deal! Let me tell you, this Ning Liheng is the right-hand man of the Right Chief Minister. He is a talent! This is also my fate with him … Alright, forget about this. Do you think … I am a fatuous ruler? "
He lowered his voice again and said the last sentence. Then, he turned around and smiled. He went back to accompany the beautiful lady …
*****
In Takeshi, in a large room with flickering lights, more than twenty people gathered. They looked at a large map on the blackboard in front of them. Ning Yi was still talking and making circles on the map. The shopkeeper whispered to Ning Yi, "Miss Shishi is leaving."
"Huh?" Ning Yi blinked his eyes and then looked at the crowd. "I have something to do. I need to go out for a while. We will talk later. Buer, sorry for the delay." At the end of the room, Wenren Bu 'er, who had just returned to the capital today, was actually listening to him. She smiled and cupped her hands at him.
Ning Yi and the shopkeeper chased after her, "She hasn't gone far, right?"
"She said just now. She shouldn't have gone far."
"Really … I have something to ask of her. I might as well ask her to come in and listen …"
Ning Yi whispered and walked out quickly. When he was about to reach the side door of Takeshi, he caught up with Shishi and her maid, "Li Shishi, wait. Why are you leaving so soon? I have something to ask of you …"
Shishi revealed an awkward but charming smile, "I was just passing by today and came to have a look. Liheng, you go ahead and do what you have to do. I have to hurry back."
"Oh …" Ning Yi was stunned and then nodded, "Then … sorry for the delay. I will look for you next time."
"Okay." Shishi bowed and walked out of the door.
When she walked out of the door and the lights of the street shone on her, the smile on her face disappeared and she sighed. The maid beside her heard her sigh softly, "Since you have something to ask of me, you didn't say to look for me tomorrow or the day after. You only said next time … Sigh …"
*****
On the other side, Ning Yi frowned and quickly returned to the room. He continued to look at the big map that was circled with the crowd.
"… Let's continue. Every family here has their own situations. What I've listed here today are just some of the methods that I've taken for granted. The real way to convince them is to adapt to changing circumstances. And the basis of adapting to changing circumstances should be built on intelligence. From this map, it seems that there are still quite a number of people who can be visited, but you have temporarily left them out. Of course, although there is not enough time, I still advocate taking one step at a time. As long as you go to visit them, you have to make it clear and do your work well. Don't forget that you have visited them. You have to be efficient. If they can only tolerate your words once, then your words this time must be of high quality … "
On the big map, the terrain within a radius of a few hundred kilometers around Bianliang was marked. The area was more than one province in the future. There were also big and small dots and circles marked on it. These were the locations of the landlords who owned more than one thousand mu of land in the vicinity of Bianliang. There were more than two hundred of such people on the map. However, because Bianliang was a place where the rich lived, those who lived in Bianliang but owned land in other places were not included.
"Actually, the situation is not optimistic …" When he finished talking to the crowd and finished discussing, it was already late. Ning Yi then told Wenren Bu 'er about the progress of the whole thing in a low voice. "In more than ten days, only about six thousand dans of grain have been confirmed. Adding those who are interested, it can reach about twenty thousand dans. However, the first step is the easiest. If we want to expand, the difficulty will increase …"
He sighed. Actually, five thousand dans and ten thousand dans of grain did not seem to be a lot, but the account was not easy to calculate.
Based on the current situation, the yield of one mu of land in the Wu Dynasty was about a hundred catties. If it was distributed to the tenant farmers, the landlords would get a little more than half a dans of grain per mu. A big landlord with a thousand mu of land could have six hundred dans of grain in a year. No matter how much they ate, they would not be able to finish it. After hoarding for a few years, a landlord with a thousand mu of land could take out a thousand dans of grain.
In fact, although the business of the Wu Dynasty was developed, there was a situation that frequently occurred in this one and a half province. Among these big landlords, at least half of them did not sell grain. When the grain was stored in the warehouse until it became moldy, they would take it to the fields and burn it.
In many places where there was no grain to sell, they solved the problem of grain storage by burning it. This meant that there was grain stored in a large area. But on the other hand, they would rather burn it than sell it. This was enough to prove the firmness of their concept of self-isolation. Of course, there were other reasons, such as the lack of channels, or the aversion to doing business.
Only the situation of "no channels" was the best to solve. And among these two hundred or so households, there were less than half, who were usually the ones with the most grain. Takeshi could not persuade them. They had their own channels and methods. Of the remaining people, half were stubborn and absolutely impossible to persuade. In addition to many other problems, in the end, the results that Ning Yi expected would not be much.
"… In the most ideal situation, before we have food to eat next year, the amount of grain we need to move is at least five hundred thousand dans. On the Bamboo Shop's side, I feel that it should be possible to move fifty thousand dans, but a hundred thousand dans is not possible. Outside, with Prime Minister Qin's connections, Prince Consort Kang's connections, Duke Nian's connections, and Grandmaster Jueming's connections, I feel that it will not be easy to move four hundred and fifty thousand dans."
Although Ning Yi said that Takeshi was a small head, this kind of blossoming everywhere was actually efficient. Prime Minister Qin and the others were influential. They might be able to persuade a few big landlords with three to five thousand dans, or even ten thousand dans. But the number that they could really reach was limited. After Ning Yi said this, Wenren Bu Er nodded, "In addition, I heard that the officialdom is not peaceful either … They have begun to besiege Prime Minister Qin …"
Ning Yi shook his head, "I am not worried about this. The old man is prepared. We just need to watch his performance …" He paused, "Actually, Wenren, the thing that I am most worried about has not arrived yet …"
Merchants pursued profits. The affected areas were storing grain. On the other side, they were storing grain in a different way. At this time, both sides were doing their own things, and no one was alarmed. Once the grain entered the disaster area, the real business began to suppress the price. At that time, all kinds of people whose interests were harmed would jump out one after another.
Before this, in late August, a large scale officialdom storm was brewing and began to erupt in the imperial court. The battle between the two Prime Ministers and the Imperial Censor Qingliu seemed to have abruptly begun amidst the chaos …
All of these, many people did not feel too much for the time being. But on this night, as usual, Li Shishi could not sleep. She looked at the moon and could understand in her heart that this friend of hers had changed.
Just like Yu Ho-chung, Chen Sifeng and the others, they were a little selfish, but they were still ordinary people. There was no Ning Yi, the friend who made her feel different in the past, at this time, began to become ugly. Maybe all capable men were the same. They all wanted to prove themselves in certain aspects by hook or by crook. It was just that … they had become too ugly …
Was it really that easy to do those dirty things?
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