? ? Fu Tai! " r
As soon as Mei Guozhen got off the horse, these people all came forward to greet Mei Guozhen. r
Mei Guozhen was well versed in the ways of officialdom. He smiled and said, "It's so cold outside. How can I trouble you to welcome me outside? Quick, quick, quick, let's go in and warm up. If you catch a cold, it'll be my fault! Hahaha! " r
Mei Guozhen's words made everyone beam with joy. One after another, they respectfully invited Mei Guozhen into the Kang family's mansion. r
Today, when they learned that Mei Guozhen was coming to visit, the Kang Mansion was filled with the people in charge of all the Shanxi Jin merchant families in Datong Town. r
The Jin merchants had influence in every city and every pass in Shanxi. It was normal for them to have a main point of contact in Datong City. The people who came to the gathering today were all people with a certain amount of authority. Everyone was familiar with each other, so it was easy to talk things out. r
Mei Guozhen had been guarding this place for three years. He was familiar with the people here and had never caused trouble for them. Of course, Mei Guozhen basically didn't accept their gifts. r
Therefore, they often used the excuse of rewarding the troops as a way to curry favor with Mei Guozhen. It wasn't a lot, but it was a show of respect. They had to do it. r
This was what Mei Guozhen meant. He didn't covet for enjoyment. It was fine as long as he had enough to eat and wear. However, if the troops didn't have enough to eat and wear, they wouldn't be able to fight. He couldn't accept this. He didn't want those silks and satin. They couldn't be sold at a good price in the local area. They were not as practical as food and wine. r
It was already good enough that Mei Guozhen didn't come looking for trouble with them. Otherwise, if it were someone else who had the authority to mobilize troops and really wanted to act first and report later, no one would be willing to accompany him in death. r
It was best for everyone to live in harmony and take what they needed. Hence, they had to give face to Mei Guozhen. With an order, the merchants gathered at the Kang family's mansion. r
Scholars loved elegance, and Mei Guozhen was no exception. During times of war, he could endure hardships, wind and sand. During times of peace, listening to songs and drinking wine was a rare enjoyment, so Mei Guozhen did not refuse. r
The person in charge of the Kang Family, who understood this layer of meaning, was very considerate. A charcoal fire was lit inside the Kang Family's mansion, and it was very warm. It was like a different world from the cold outside. They also called the best dancers and musicians to perform a decadent song together. r
The banquet had been prepared for a long time. As soon as Mei Guozhen and Ma Gui took their seats, all kinds of dishes were served on the large dining table in the center. There were also a few small tables on the side that served as accompaniment. r
Mei Guozhen glanced at the table. r
How luxurious! r
Not to mention the meat, eggs, and soup that could never be seen on the table of ordinary people, there were also fish and crab, some dishes from Jiangnan, and old wine. If this table of sumptuous dishes were converted into silver, how many soldiers could be paid and how many food could be bought for the common people? r
Mei Guozhen sighed inwardly. r
"Futai, Futai has been in our Datong Town for more than three years. In these three years, we have been deeply cared for by Futai, which is why we can safely do business in this border area. Our lives are protected, and we have not failed the master's request. r
It can be said that we are deeply indebted to Futai. In the past, we did not know how to repay Futai. Since Futai is here today, there are some things that Futai must accept. These things are not expensive, but it is a token of our appreciation. " r
The leader of the Kang clan said to Mei Guozhen with a smile. r
"Oh? There's such a thing? " r
Mei Guozhen drank a cup of wine and asked with a smile. r
"Of course." r
The leader of the Kang Family clapped his hands. Immediately, a servant carried some boxes and placed them next to Mei Guozhen. The leader of the Kang Family introduced the things inside one by one.
Mi Fu's calligraphy, Huang Tingjian's calligraphy, Su Shi's paintings, and the brush and inkstone that were said to have been used by Su Shi. There were also some other famous calligraphy and paintings, and some bronze antiques. There were no gold and jade wares, and no money. But these things were far more valuable than gold and jade wares and money. r
How could this not be considered valuable? r
Perhaps in the eyes of ordinary people, this was indeed the case. But in the eyes of a knowledgeable scholar, these were all priceless treasures that could only be found by chance. Seeing these things, Ma Gui might not feel anything and feel bored, but how could a scholar like Mei Guozhen control his emotions? r
"It's actually … really so! These … are all priceless treasures! " r
Mei Guozhen was amazed. r
"How is it? Do these ordinary objects still enter your eyes?" r
The leader of the Kang Family smiled proudly. r
"Hahaha, can these still be considered ordinary objects? If these are all ordinary objects, then I would have wasted all those years of studying! You are really considerate. " r
Mei Guozhen admired for a while, then reluctantly put down his hand and expressed his gratitude to the kind old gentlemen at the table. r
The look in Ma Gui's eyes was a little strange. r
"Hahahaha, it couldn't be better if Futai likes it. I'll send someone to deliver these ordinary items to Futai's Estate after the banquet ends." r
Mei Guozhen did not hesitate, nor did he say whether he was willing or not. He raised his cup and said, "I have already experienced your enthusiasm. I want to thank you for your warm hospitality." r
All the people in the hall immediately stood up and drank with Mei Guozhen, then sat down together happily. r
After chatting for a while, Mei Guozhen poured another glass of wine and held it in his hand. The head of the Kang family, who had good eyesight, immediately realized that Mei Guozhen had something to say. This was probably the purpose of his visit today, so the head of the Kang family immediately shouted, "Quiet! Quiet! I have something to say! " r
Not to mention anything else, just his eyesight was first class. r
As soon as Mei Guozhen stood up, the entire hall became silent. The singing and dancing also stopped. r
Mei Guozhen nodded in satisfaction and raised his cup. r
"Everyone, you should know that in recent years, the weather has changed. The weather has become colder and colder. The crops in the fields are not easy to grow when the weather is cold. Before they can grow, they are frozen to death. Therefore, last year and this year, a large area of crops in Guanzhong and Jinzhong has failed. Refugees are everywhere and starving people are everywhere. r
However, my duty is to defend the country's borders. Datong Town is one of the nine borders of the Daming. Since the founding of the country, it has been to prevent the Northern Barbarians from invading the south. With Datong Town and Yanmen Pass, we can ensure that Jinzhong will not be lost. A few years ago, the late Governor Wang Chonggu formed a good relationship with the Tumer tribe and made their leader, San Niangzi, lead her troops to defend the borders for the Daming. This has ensured stability for decades and has contributed to the country and its people. r
But last year and this year, the Tumer tribe suffered the same disaster as the Daming. Their crops failed and their cattle and horses froze to death. It was difficult for them to survive the winter. At least the Daming has the aid of Jiangnan. The soldiers and people have food to eat, but they have nothing to eat. Without food, they will starve to death. Everyone knows what people who are about to starve to death will do. r
Yesterday, San Niangzi came to Datong to ask for help from me. I believe everyone knows that I really have the heart but not the strength. I cannot bear to see the flames of war erupt at the borders and ruin Governor Wang's decades of planning. Therefore, I have come to borrow food from everyone. I hope that everyone will be generous and lend me enough food. With food, I can ensure that Jinzhong and Datong will not be lost. " r
When he finished speaking, Mei Guozhen raised his cup and drained it in one gulp. He showed the cup to everyone. r
"I drink first as a sign of respect!" r
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