These soldiers of the Tang Dynasty who pretended to be merchants began to guide the real merchants they came into contact with. They let them follow their own ideas and think about problems. Step by step, they fell into the routine set by Ang Lee.
"We've heard that the Tang Dynasty's army has eliminated many pirates along the way. It's true."
"I've also heard that the Tang Dynasty's army is much stronger than the Western Tianzhu's army. Killing pirates is like stepping on ants."
"Yes, yes, yes. The Tang Dynasty's army is reliable. Moreover, they are now stationed in the port. We can ask the Tang Dynasty to help us eliminate the pirates."
The real and fake merchants discussed animatedly.
The owner of the restaurant thought for a while and frowned. "It's true that the Tang Dynasty's army is powerful, but will they really help us eliminate the pirates? I've heard that war costs a lot of money, a lot of money. "
"Yes! Yes! How could we forget this? War costs a lot of money. Will the Tang Dynasty's army fight the pirates for us for no reason? "
"Not only will it cost a lot of money, but many soldiers will also die. It's not a joke to fight the pirates. Without enough benefits, will the Tang Dynasty's army really fight the pirates for us? "
The merchants discussed.
In the eyes of these merchants, the relationship between people was only about interests. Without enough benefits, they did not believe that the Tang Dynasty's army would selflessly help them. Although half of them were merchants from the Tang Dynasty, they also did not believe that the Tang Dynasty's army was selfless.
After all, many merchants from the Tang Dynasty had been trading in Western Tianzhu for many years. They knew a little about the situation of the Tang Dynasty, but not completely. They were more concerned about business and trade. They did not know the Tang Dynasty's strategy. Naturally, they did not know that the Tang Dynasty must eliminate these troublesome pirates.
In addition, the pirates had actually been eliminated at this time. It was just that after the Tang dynasty's warships entered the pirate's lair, they took the port in a very short time. During this time, no merchant ships passed by the pirate's lair.
Of course, the merchants did not want to be caught by the pirates. Therefore, every time they passed by the pirate's lair, they would try their best to avoid the coastline. Therefore, even if there was a battle in the port, the merchants would not know about it. Pirates and merchants were not on the same side. Although a small number of merchants tried to collude with the pirates, the pirates would not trust the merchants in a short time. Therefore, even if the port was captured by the Tang Army, they would not tell the merchants. Even if they did, the merchants would not help them take it back. They could only admit defeat.
"We have a lot of people, so we can contribute! Everyone will contribute a bit of money, and it will add up to quite a large sum. "
"Yes, yes, yes. As long as the Tang dynasty's army can help us eliminate these damn pirates, we can afford to pay some money."
"I've just been robbed by pirates. I haven't even caught my breath yet. However, since you all have said so, I can't do nothing. You don't have to pay for today's meal. It's my treat. "
The shopkeeper gritted his teeth and stomped his feet. He did not intend to charge them for the meal.
They were so agreeable. Moreover, they even talked about asking the Tang dynasty's army to help eliminate the pirates. He was not willing to pay, and he did not know how much he should pay, but he should at least express his sincerity. Otherwise, if everyone was unhappy and did not come to eat next time, his business would not be able to continue.
"Shopkeeper, you're so generous. Then we really won't pay."
"Since you're the first to pay, we can't be stingy. I'll pay 100 gold coins."
"I'll also pay 100 gold coins."
"Count me in. I'll also pay 100 gold coins."
"Me too. Don't forget me!"
Everyone was eager to pay, but the amount they paid was very small. It was the same as the cost of the meal that the shopkeeper lost. No one was slightly generous.
This meant that these merchants were not sure if they would be able to hire the Tang Empire's army to suppress the pirates. Therefore, they were not willing to pay too much. In addition, the pirates were infringing on the interests of a large group of merchants, not just a few of them. If all the local merchants and merchants from other places were to contribute, then even if it was a small amount, it would not be a small amount when all the money was put together.
"It's not enough with just us. We should contact more people who have been persecuted by the pirates. If we jointly contribute, it must be a large sum of money."
"Yes, yes, yes. It's too little with just us. We should contact more people. Let's split up and act. We'll go after the meal."
"Wait, no matter how much money we gather, it's far from the cost of the army. In addition, we need a reason to pay. We can't say that we're paying to hire the Tang dynasty's army to eliminate the pirates, right?"
"Yes! A country's elite army is not something that we businessmen can hire. We can't say that. Why don't we buy some souvenirs and give them to Assistant Minister Li? Tell him that we businessmen are in trouble and ask the Tang dynasty's army to help us. "
"Okay, that's what we should say. Whether Assistant Minister Li can help us or not, we can't be wrong to say that."
The businessmen began to think about how to use the least amount of money to achieve the greatest profit.
"You're underestimating Assistant Minister Li too much! I've heard that Assistant Minister Li has never been lenient in his attacks against pirates and has never taken advantage of the common people. He is just a little concerned about his reputation. As long as you speak well of him, especially in public, and speak well of him and the Tang Imperial Court, even if you don't give him a gift, he will still agree. If you directly give him a gift, no matter how smooth your words are, Assistant Minister Li will still think that you are hiring him and not giving him face. At that time, he will definitely be very angry. So, let's forget about the gift! There's no need to raise money. "
The fake businessman said.
"How do you know so much? It's as if you know Assistant Minister Li."
The businessmen asked.
"Although I haven't met Assistant Minister Li, my cousin came to me some time ago and told me what Assistant Minister Li did in Malacca. So, I know Assistant Minister Li better than you. He is not only a high-ranking official, but also very rich. He doesn't care about gifts at all. What he cares about is reputation and the respect and admiration of the people in the world. You can't go wrong if you listen to me."
The fake businessman said.
When the merchants heard this, they looked at each other. If this was true, then it would be great. They didn't need to spend money to get things done. Naturally, the merchants were very happy. As for compliments, they were very good at it. It was as if they were born with it.
"What exactly should I do? Such a high-ranking official isn't someone who can meet just because they want to."
"Yes! First, we have to meet him. Then we can find a way to ask Assistant Minister Li to help us deal with the pirates. "
The businessmen said.
"It's very simple. Let me tell you something first. When the Tang Dynasty army first arrived in Malacca, the pirates didn't buy it. In anger, the Tang Dynasty army wiped out a group of pirates. In order to express their gratitude, the local businessmen and people invited Assistant Minister Li and the others to a banquet in the largest restaurant in the area. At the table, the businessmen complimented Assistant Minister Li and told him about their experience of being bullied by the pirates. As a result, Assistant Minister Li burst into tears when he heard it. He immediately decided to station the army for three months and completely wipe out tens of thousands of pirates in the entire Malacca Sea. Now, the businessmen in Malacca no longer have to worry about being bullied by the pirates. Their business is booming!"
The fake businessman said.
"Hey, I've also heard this story. What do you think Assistant Minister Li went to West Tianzhu for? Could it be to wipe out the pirates?"
Another fake businessman said.
"It's possible. It's very possible. Do you want to find out?"
"Maybe the Tang Dynasty army is waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to send out troops with a good reason."
"There's no need to send out troops with a good reason to fight the pirates. You're worrying too much."
"I think the Tang Dynasty army is resting here. After resting, they will go to fight the pirates."
"In that case, let's invite Assistant Minister Li to a banquet here. This is also the largest restaurant in the area."
The owner agreed and said, "Well, if we can invite Assistant Minister Li to our restaurant, all the food will be free. It's worth it even if I have to give up all my money."
"We can jointly invite Assistant Minister Li. He will definitely come."
"Yes, half of us are businessmen from the Tang Dynasty. It's reasonable to invite the officials of the Tang Dynasty."
"It's better to recommend a respected old man to invite him in person. Assistant Minister Li can't refuse the old man's invitation."
"Yes, the owner of the noodle restaurant is seventy years old. Let him take a few people in their sixties with him. Assistant Minister Li can't refuse them."
The merchants discussed among themselves.
"Okay, let's do it this way. Let the old man go and invite them. We'll contact more businessmen and come together. If the shop owner has any insufficient ingredients, feel free to tell us. We'll help together. We must make this meal a success."
"Well, it's settled. Let's split up and start preparing! Tomorrow morning, we'll invite Assistant Minister Li. "
The businessmen discussed.
Soon, nearly a hundred people in the restaurant scattered to prepare. Under the cover of the night, the fake businessmen quietly returned to the Tang Dynasty army camp and reported the situation to Ang Lee.
"Assistant Minister Li, everything is going well. These businessmen have decided to invite you to the largest restaurant in the area tomorrow morning."
The soldier said.
"Very good. You've done a good job. I'm very satisfied. However, it's not over yet. I still need to rely on you at the banquet tomorrow. You know what to say."
Ang Lee asked with satisfaction.
"Assistant Minister Li, don't worry. At the banquet tomorrow, we'll firmly control the topic of the banquet and make all the businessmen present side with the Tang Dynasty."
The soldier said.
"That's not enough. You must boldly expose the cruelty of the pirates and the inaction of the Western Tianzhu Imperial Court."
Ang Lee added.
"Yes, Assistant Minister Li. I understand."
Ang Lee thought for a moment and continued to add, "It's not enough to just invite me. How can the local Western Tianzhu Imperial Court officials not be present? I heard that the people sent by the King of Western Tianzhu will arrive tomorrow morning. Invite them together! Just a few more pairs of chopsticks. "
"Yes, I understand."
The soldier nodded and turned around to prepare.
After the soldier left, Ang Lee lay down comfortably and said to himself, "As long as these businessmen open their mouths to accuse the Western Tianzhu Imperial Court tomorrow, let's see what these big-headed officials will say."
"Alang seems to be in a good mood today!"
It was very late. Yun'er had actually come over to ask Li An to rest. Seeing the smile on Li An's face, she casually said.
"There's a good show to watch tomorrow. Of course, I'm in a good mood. I like to see other people's unlucky faces the most."
Ang Lee said proudly.
At the thought of the Western Tianzhu Imperial Court's officials being questioned and speechless by the businessmen, Ang Lee felt very interesting. He was not gloating, but these guys did fail in their duties.
"Alang is so naughty. It's time to rest."
Yun 'er smiled.
Ang Lee smiled and said, "Yun 'er, you're going to be unlucky tonight, because Alang is in a very good mood."
"Alang, let me go, okay?"
Yun 'er pretended to shiver, which looked even more charming.
Ang Lee chuckled, leaned forward, and said domineeringly, "Let you go? In your dreams. Hurry up and wash up. Go."
"Oh …"
Yun 'er pursed her lips and went to wash up.
When Ang Lee was in a good mood, he always needed to vent his body and make himself more excited. If he was in a bad mood, he needed to vent even more to adjust his bad mood. In short, no matter if he was in a good mood or not, he had to vent it appropriately. This was very beneficial to his physical and mental health.
Yun 'er and the beauty took turns to serve him. It could be considered easy. Anyway, they had only seen tired cows and had never seen plowed fields.
That night, when Ang Lee was hugging Yun 'er and doing indescribable things, a group of people from the Western Tianzhu Imperial Court arrived at the port. There were a lot of people, a total of two thousand people. Most of them were quietly stationed outside the city. Only a few dozen people entered the city overnight.
The chief official of the Western Tianzhu Port, who was in a dream, was woken up by the housekeeper upon the arrival of this group of people. He immediately dressed to receive them, appearing to be quite attentive.
"King, why did you come personally? Didn't you say that you would send a subordinate over?"
The chief official of the port asked respectfully.
The King of Western Tianzhu said, "More than 10,000 elite troops of the Tang dynasty are stationed in the port of Western Tianzhu. How can I not come to have a look? What's going on? Have you figured it out? "
There was a strong sense of reproach in his words.
"Your Majesty, although we are not completely sure why the troops of the Tang dynasty are staying here, we seem to be sure that they don't seem to be malicious."
The chief official of the port replied.
"Oh, why do you think so? Is there any basis?"
The King continued to ask.
"There's not much basis. It's just a feeling. The troops of the Tang dynasty were very well-behaved after entering the port except for shelling our arrow towers when we refused to let them enter the port. The leader, Assistant Minister Li, was actually grinding soy milk on the beach. He looked very leisurely, as if he was really passing by."
The chief official of the port replied.
"So it's like this. This is too strange."
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