Zhou Li'an and Xue Nu came to the guest room in the courtyard. Looking out from the hollow window paper, they saw two figures, one tall and one short.
Perhaps when he heard a noise in the house, he heard the voice of the great elder: "...Young Master?"
Squeak, the door opens.
"You're all up? How was your rest?"
"There was nothing unusual last night, right?"
In order to get a good night's sleep, Zhou Li'an could not stay stranded, so he could just go camping in the wilderness...
The human heart is much dirtier than animal desires.
Of course, judging from yesterday's contact, the soldier is a smart man and should not be able to kill the goose to obtain the eggs.
Even if you want to take action, you still have to figure out what "Mr. Zhou" is up to.
If any overseas Chinese chief is offended, the Shi family will be the first to throw him out to calm his anger.
The great elder shook his head: "No, the 'shopkeeper' came here once before going to bed last night and asked us to use a crossbar to block the door."
"I said there won't be any big trouble in this outer garrison town, but I'm just afraid of petty theft."
Zhou Li'an glanced at Kucumo again and saw that his eyes were darkened: "You didn't sleep all night?"
"Master, I fell asleep."
The snow girl and the great elder were both amused. He obviously stayed up all night to protect the great elder: "This is a lie. From now on, the young master will answer whatever he asks!"
"I see."
The group of people left the courtyard and came to the front hall of the inn.
They saw that breakfast was properly arranged on the two tables, and several soldiers from yesterday had already eaten at the nearby tables. Only the leader of the soldiers was still waiting.
"Young Master Zhou is awake? Come on, come on, I'll send someone to the fish market to buy seafood for porridge early in the morning..."
He stepped forward and led Zhou Li'an to sit down, and then started serving porridge for the four of them.
The hot red shrimps and crabs are fragrant.
No condiments are needed, it’s just the true taste of the ingredients.
Kukumo and the great elder were all stunned by the table full of food.
Zhou Li'an smiled: "You guys use your chopsticks."
Then he turned his head and looked at Ah Hui: "Brother Ah Hui, this morning..."
Ah Hui said: "I happen to have to go back to Palembang to report on my work, so I thought it would be better to go with Mr. Zhou and introduce the local customs to you."
Zhou Li'an came closer, but went straight to the point: "I'm not hiding anything, the purpose of this trip is to meet the Shi family. If brother Ah Hui has a connection, he must help."
Ah Hui took a deep breath: "Master Zhou, do you understand what I said last night?"
"Yeah." Zhou Li'an nodded, and saw the snow girl brought a peeled egg, so he took half a mouthful, chewed it slowly, and then added: "If I can meet the rightful owner, I can satisfy the rightful owner.
.”
"It's just a few hurdles for this meeting that need to be cleared by Brother Ah Hui. Even if they pave the way with gold and silver, it's not a bad idea."
Ah Hui was originally worried that the young master would go around in circles this week, and if he didn't test it to the last step, he wouldn't give away his money.
Now when he heard "gold and silver pave the way", his heart beat wildly.
Take another look at the half-covered maid.
A pair of slender white hands peeled the eggs and took out the red shrimps from the porridge water. Even all the shrimp threads were removed, and then they were put into Mr. Zhou's mouth...
With this kind of temperament in every gesture, I am afraid that only the maids in the Shi family's house can compare with her.
The young master is definitely a big shot this week.
Ah Hui did not dare to let his eyes linger on Xue Nu, and showed a certain humility in his words: "Since Mr. Zhou is a cheerful person, I will go to see my godfather when I arrive in Palembang."
"Godfather?"
Ah Hui said embarrassedly: "The Vice Admiral of the Zhen Navy is the Lord Liang I mentioned yesterday."
After a full meal, the group set off.
A group of soldiers has no chariots and horses, and relies entirely on foot power.
In particular, the preciousness of horses can be seen, which also highlights the extraordinaryness of "Zhou Gongzi" and his group.
This carriage is the ticket to enter the upper class circle of power.
Just like today, if I drive a Pagani and park in front of a members-only club, I won't pay the membership fee, which is hundreds of thousands a year. I just want to experience it, but the manager still has to smile and accompany me, providing perfect service all the way.
Starting from Waishu Town, you can reach Palembang in one day.
As we walked and stopped along the way, there were soldiers clearing the way, which saved us a lot of trouble.
Ah Hui also introduced the situation in more detail: "Although Mr. Liang is the deputy general, he is the unequivocal leader of the navy."
"The general's military talisman is nominally in the hands of the young master, but in fact it is controlled by Mrs. Shi."
Snow Girl suddenly asked: "Why is it in the hands of Mrs. Shi and not in the hands of Shi Jinqing?"
"Ouch, Miss Si Nuo doesn't dare to call you by your name, especially after entering the city, there are ears and eyes everywhere."
"The elite soldiers and generals under your lord's command have long been assigned to the Xuanwei Division. At least 3,000 of the 5,000 Ming garrison troops are die-hard loyalists to your lord."
"The main function of the Xuanwei Department is to deter, but the actual city defense miscellaneous tax revenue must be handled by the town navy."
"After all, Mr. Xuanwei is an official of the Ming Dynasty. It's not easy to be the king and hegemony on the surface."
"So Mr. Zhou, Miss Si Nuo..."
"Let me say it up front, even if we do meet the Shi family, it is impossible to be the Xuan Comfort Envoy."
"The mistress is in charge of the business affairs of the Shi family, and the second sister Shi is responsible for some."
Zhou Li'an was very interested when he heard the new character appeared: "Who is this Second Sister Shi?"
"She is the second young lady of the Shi family, born to a concubine. The Shi family also has a son who died young, but that was all many years ago."
"So, the second sister Shi was the eldest sister Shi, and she recruited the son-in-law of the Song family, another wealthy family in Palembang, as her son-in-law;"
"When the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty entrusted the post of Xuan comfort envoy, it was the Shi family who sent these two sons-in-law to the Ming Dynasty to receive the imperial edict."
"Oh, I understand..."
Walk until dusk.
The outline of the big city finally appeared.
Palembang was built on a wide river at the mouth of the sea in a surrounding situation.
Many fortresses were set up on the periphery, followed by stone walls, and beyond the stone walls was the inner city.
At the very core, there is another "castle" standing, all made of bluestone. You can vaguely see the artillery set up on the top of the city, where the Palembang Xuanwei Division is located.
Before sunset, the group was able to enter the city.
There was a group of soldiers escorting him, and there was no trouble when he entered the city gate.
"How can this place be so prosperous?"
"It's almost night, why are there still traders and people on the streets?"
Ah Hui said with a smile: "Palembang is under the protection of the Xuanwei Department. No one dares to invade, so there is no curfew to defend it."
"The night comes, the more lively it becomes. After a hard day's work, only then do you have time to enjoy yourself."
The snow girl was not the only one surprised.
Kumo boasts that he has seen the world, and the big city of Tepanix and the city in the lake are far inferior to this place.
He observed how people traded, which was all done with copper coins and broken silver.
It's not as complicated as bartering.
Seeing that his eyes were blurred, the great elder stabbed him and said in Valley dialect: "This is false."
Kukumo suddenly woke up, silently speaking, silently reciting the words "Balance".
The inn where we stayed was found by Ah Hui, and it was of a higher standard than Waishu Town.
When you climb up to the three-story building and open the window, you can overlook the night view of the city and the fishing boats in the harbor.
Xue Nu had never experienced such a prosperous night market, and her voice was a bit pleading: "Master, can you take Si Nuo to that night market?"
Zhou Li'an also had this intention, turned around and said: "You two can stay, and besides..."
With a wave of his hand, he created a wooden box.
After opening it, it was filled with gold, silver and jewelry.
"Let him ask for the things in this box. You tell him..." Zhou Li'an gave instructions, and when the great elder learned about it, he and Xue Nu turned around and went out.
When I first arrived at the corridor, I saw that Ah Hui was still giving instructions to the innkeeper.
The appearance of the two people also attracted his attention: "Master Zhou is going out?"
“Go to the night market for a casual walk and try some snacks.”
"Then I'll ask my brother to follow me, so as not to bump into Master Zhou and Miss Si Nuo again without opening my eyes."
Zhou Li'an shook his head: "No need, if a group of people follow you, it will appear too public and may cause trouble."
Ah Hui heard the same thing.
Young Master Zhou is gentle and gentle this time, and he is not like the domineering person who shows his teeth and claws. He is the one who does great things.
He then introduced several famous streets.
Zhou Li'an and Xue Nu went downstairs.
Ah Hui finished giving instructions to the shopkeeper and was about to leave.
But at this moment.
The door to the upper room opened again, and the old servant of Mr. Zhou could be heard calling: "My lord, please stay and enter the room to talk."
Ah Hui was confused for half a second, then strode over.
As soon as I entered the house, I saw a large wooden box placed in the hall.
His eyes were dull again...
Mr. Zhou and his carriage had no luggage. Where did this box come from?
What's even more terrifying is...
He accompanied him all the way upstairs, and there was no process of carrying the suitcase; and he had chosen this inn himself.
Is it possible that Young Master Zhou had checked himself thoroughly and had his luggage brought to this inn in advance?
Just when he was stunned, the great elder had already opened the box...
Under the illumination of candlelight and lamp oil, the things in the box seemed to bloom with brilliance, reflecting the face.
Gold and silver jewelry!!
A box full of gold and silver jewelry!!
"You...Mo, Mr. Mo, who are you?" Ah Hui immediately changed his name to the great elder, his voice trembling.
The First Elder smiled lightly: "Young Master said, Mr. Ah Hui is clearing the way for us, how can we ask you to advance the property?"
"You can ask for the things in this box, and you will be rewarded with generous gifts when the things are done."
Gudu.
Ah Hui swallowed hard and his mind went blank.
After a long time, he came back to his senses and looked at the expressions of the old and young slaves again.
The old servant smiled and remained calm.
The servant's face was expressionless and he didn't even look at the box;
And this expression is not deliberately avoiding it, but it is not taken seriously at all...
Yes, they are the personal followers of Mr. Zhou, and they must have seen many big scenes.
Perhaps to them, these gold and silver treasures are nothing at all!!
Ah Hui only felt his mouth was dry.
His first reaction was that he had made a fortune and asked his godfather to help him. Why would he need such a big box?
Picking up two pieces at random is enough to show your sincerity.
Then don’t the rest belong to you?
However.
This dangerous idea was extinguished just as soon as it was born.
If you want to be rich, you must also have the strength to protect it. If the news leaks out, the wealth will bring you death.
At this moment, his whole body was cold and all his greed and desire had dissipated.
There is only one thing on his mind now...
It is best to resolve this matter smoothly and completely, otherwise no matter the Shi family, Mr. Liang or Mr. Zhou, he will not be able to afford to offend.
This money cannot be earned by oneself.
"Mr. Mo, please tell Mr. Zhou that I will go to my godfather's house tonight to clear things up. No matter what, I will have an answer before noon tomorrow."
He no longer looked down upon the old servant, and showed the same respectful attitude towards Zhou Li'an.
When he meets Mr. Zhou again in the future, he must at least show the humility of meeting the Xuan Weishi...
Although he has never really paid a visit to the Xuanwei Envoy in his life, he has put Mr. Zhou on the same status as the Xuanwei Envoy.
"I will only take five items and swear that I will give them to my godfather and I will not take a single thing."
"Please tell me, Mr. Mo."
He bent down and groped in the box, carefully.
Finally, I took two exotic candlesticks, a strange animal sculpture, and two strange gemstones.
"Mr. Mo...and that little brother, please say goodbye."
He wrapped the things in the cloth and bowed to say goodbye.
Wait until Ah Hui leaves.
The door closed, and Kukumo frowned and said: "Mr. Mo, why has his attitude towards us changed again, and he still wants to swear..."
"Did he guess my lord's identity?"
The great elder shook his head: "How could you guess the identity of my lord? The door to the new world has not yet been opened, and the name of Balance cannot be spread here!"
"If it's Tiaoyu and the others who spread the holy name of Balance, then this Ah Hui has already talked about this strange thing, that a true god has come to the world."
Cook said: "Then what did he mean?"
"I don't know, but I just need to tell my Lord the truth."
…
In the city that never sleeps, there are crowds of people everywhere.
We were rubbing shoulders and sweating profusely.
Zhou Li'an didn't like this feeling. Although Xue Nu was excited, she also developed the habit of being clean.
"Master, let's go to Pearl Square. Ah Hui said it's a higher-grade place with fewer pedestrians."
The two searched in the direction and soon came to a main street.
There are large shops and businesses on both sides, and the lights are bright everywhere. Although there are noisy sales and a lot of people, the most distinctive point is...
There are more Chinese faces on the street. Even the indigenous people dress like Chinese and speak fluent Chinese.
"It's okay, let's just hang out here."
Zhou Li'an started, and Snow Girl walked side by side, their steps bouncing like a jumping bird.
Both of them are dressed in costumes that are customized from real life.
Although Zhou Li'an has short hair, in hot Southeast Asia, short hair and bald heads are not uncommon.
It's not that eye-catching.
Visiting more than a dozen shops along the way, Zhou Li'an saw something novel. Zhou Li'an took out some broken silver he had prepared in advance and bought a lot of jewelry, which made Snow Girl particularly happy.
When we get to the middle of the street, the points of interest are not so strong.
The neighborhood is prosperous and prosperous, but there are too few varieties.
He said that if he wanted to buy clothes, he would first need enough cloth, then measure the size, and have it sewn by a master craftsman. It would take a few days before he could pick it up.
"Are you tired of shopping?"
"It's almost done, Master... Young Master, let's find a place to eat! Although the porridge in Waishu Town is not as good as your creation, it is also exceptionally fresh and sweet."
Continuing forward, you will see a luxurious restaurant. There is a courtyard first inside the door, and then there are tall buildings behind it. You can see the guests dining in the pavilion.
Walking up the stairs, the boy looked around first and then smiled: "Are you two having a meal or listening to music?"
"What do you say when you listen to music? How do you say when you eat?"
The waiter glanced at Xue Nu: "You can listen to music with a girl, and eat in the lobby. The tea prices on the first, second, and third floors are different."
The snow girl senses something and is about to act...
Girl to accompany you?
Are they worthy of serving my Lord?
But Zhou Li'an took the lead and took out two golden beans: "You can look at the arrangements for dinner."
The boy weighed it up, and a smile that was neither salty nor bland instantly overflowed. He bowed, led the two of them to take steps, and shouted at the top of his voice——
"The two distinguished guests of Wanghai Pavilion, 'blessed in the East China Sea'!!"
When they arrived on the third floor, the two of them were led to a seat facing east, because the outlet to the sea faced east. Sitting here could take in all the night lights of the fishing port and have an unrivaled view.
"Is this called blessing into the East China Sea? It's so dark that you can't actually see anything! It's better to come during the day."
Zhou Li'an nodded with a smile and looked around.
The guests are all of high quality and speak the obscure and difficult-to-understand Daming dialect.
However, when the language pack is loaded, these overseas Chinese dialects are also classified into Southeast Asia.
"I heard that the Ming fleet has found fairy mountains overseas and may want to obtain the elixir of immortality for His Majesty the Ming Emperor!!"
"Is that nonsense? There are barbarians overseas. Where did our Eastern gods come from? What's more, they believe in Allah, not gods and Buddhas."
"But why have I never heard of such a thing? I heard that gods descended to earth and even robbed several imperial envoys."
"Real or false? Is there any news about the Shi family?"
Zheng He's fleet first arrived, and equilibrium came.
More than 20,000 officials and citizens of the Ming Dynasty witnessed it with their own eyes, not to mention the sacrificial celebrations that followed.
Zheng He must have issued a gag order, but how could it be possible for more than 20,000 civilians to completely block the information?
Zhou Li'an was listening when he was interrupted by the roar of footsteps upstairs. Countless guests in the private seats on the third floor couldn't help but look up.
"What's going on upstairs? It's disturbing grandpa's enjoyment of listening to music!"
It’s not yet time for the boy to go upstairs to investigate.
However, I saw several people running down the stairs, followed by more than a dozen figures chasing after them, clearly looking like they were chasing and escaping.
The snow girl was about to ask what was going on...
I heard the neighbor at the table exclaim: "Shh, keep your voice down, those in front are all the Shi family's personal guards!"
"What do you mean? Someone dares to touch the Shi family?"
"Wait a minute...the pursuer is Zhenhai Military Academy!!"
"My family is fighting my own family? Is there internal strife?"