In the center of the high platform were sitting several barbarians dressed as businessmen. One of them was Wang Shichong, who had not been seen for a long time. Although Wang Shichong had changed her appearance a little, through the telescope, Wang Yufeng could still recognize her at a glance.
Missing father. There are no photos in this era. Over the years, Wang Shichong's image has changed greatly. In the eyes of Han people, the appearance of Hu people are not much different, and it is difficult to tell them apart. However, Wang Yufeng thinks about her father day and night, just
Recognized him at a glance.
After learning the news about his daughter, Wang Shichong couldn't sleep for several nights. Even without Li Shimin's instigation, he still had to come to Luoyang to see how his daughter was doing. Not only did Li Shimin foresee this, but he had originally
This was Liu Ziqiu's purpose of announcing the news about Wang Yufeng. But Wang Shichong was a tycoon after all, and Li Shimin's words gave him a wake-up call, so he did not come to Luoyang immediately after hearing the news, but made careful preparations.
When he comes to Luoyang, the first thing he needs to do is disguise himself. But he is a Hu after all, and it is very difficult to avoid attracting attention through disguise. So he has to wait until the news about this matter gradually fades away from the outside world.
Set off for Beijing. Of course, as the three talent selection conferences approach, the discussion about this matter in Luoyang City will only become more heated. This is something he has no way to control. But doing so can at least alleviate the pain encountered on the road.
Trouble. And every time around the Spring Festival, a large number of merchants will flock to the Eastern Capital, including many Hu merchants from the Western Regions, Persia and other places. If he chooses to come to Luoyang at this time, it is not easy to attract special attention.
However, just coming to Luoyang is not Wang Shichong's purpose. His ultimate goal is to meet his daughter and learn about her current situation. According to the information currently known, Wang Yufeng is definitely still in the palace, but the palace is heavily guarded and not everyone is there.
Being able to approach casually, Wang Shichong could only find ways to attract the attention of others. Of course, this others included Liu Ziqiu and Wang Yufeng.
After several years of development, Luoyang has become the most prosperous city in the world, with everything to eat, use, and play. In Luoyang, no matter how much money you have, you can spend it. If you want to attract others' attention in such a place,
Especially Liu Ziqiu, who is rich all over the world, must come up with something rare.
Because of his special status as a barbarian, Wang Shichong had deep connections in Persia and had contacts with several important ministers of the Sassanid Dynasty. Of course, these contacts were also made by Wang Shichong under the cover of merchants, and he would not be stupid enough to leak them.
His true identity. When Wang Shichong made friends with them, he used very clever methods. He did business with them seriously, but the price was more reasonable than other businessmen.
As Khosrow II went on war for years, the Sasanian dynasty's treasury became increasingly empty. In order to meet the needs of continuing to wage wars, Khosrow II not only increased domestic taxes, but also encouraged his generals to sell off the spoils plundered in the war.
, and also replenished military supplies. These trophies included grain, cattle, sheep, gold, silver and jewelry, as well as women and slaves. Wang Shichong was not initially interested in selling female slaves, but when he heard from Li Shimin that Liu Ziqiu had hidden his daughter in the palace
After playing around with it for several years, he came up with a bold idea. He paid a high price to buy many female slaves from the generals of the Sasanian Dynasty. However, Wang Shichong had an additional requirement for these female slaves. They must be from noble families. As for
Whether they are ladies or ladies, it doesn't matter.
In the Byzantine Empire, aristocratic women were often well-educated, elegant in manners, and extraordinary in temperament, which were very different from ordinary orchids. The wealthy families in Luoyang liked to raise orchids. These noble women from the Byzantine Empire would definitely be able to
Cause a sensation. Of course, Wang Shichong's purpose is not just to attract the attention of the wealthy families in the city, but to attract the attention of Liu Ziqiu. These Hu Ji have been raped by him for several months. Once they can be introduced into the palace by Liu Ziqiu,
Then he could become his spy in the palace. Although Li Shimin said that the Li family had many spies in the palace, when Wang Shichong looked back, he didn't quite believe Li Shimin's words. And even if the Li family really had spies in the palace, that was
The Li family's spy is not Wang Shichong's.
For tonight's performance, Wang Shichong made careful preparations, and the effect was quite obvious, attracting a large number of audiences. But he never expected that Liu Ziqiu would also appear here with his daughter.
Liu Ziqiu's senses were sharp and he noticed Wang Yufeng's change early on. He smiled and said, "Why, did you see someone from your hometown?"
Wang Yufeng nodded frantically and responded in a low voice: "Well, it seems like she is from my hometown."
Others couldn't tell the difference between Persian barbarians and Byzantine barbarians, but Liu Ziqiu could tell the difference clearly. A faint smile appeared on his face, and he said lightly: "That Hu merchant brought these beauties here.
, he must not be dancing just for the Lantern Festival. If my prediction is correct, he should want to sell these women at a good price. If you like them, I will order someone to buy a few and serve as your playmates."
Wang Yufeng's mind was spinning rapidly and she hurriedly said, "Thank you, sir."
She wished she could rush to the high platform right now and recognize her father, but her reason told her that her father's identity must not be revealed at this moment. But from the bottom of her heart, she was eager to know her father's current situation. Liu Ziqiu said that he would help her buy a few coins.
A Hu Ji, she played right into her hands, so she thanked her without even thinking about it.
Du Ruhui was quite surprised. Who were these old couples? If the orchids on the high platform were for sale, they would obviously be worth a lot of money. He would actually buy them for a maid as a playmate. The maid was just a playmate.
I'm afraid it's not simple, this is a really strange group of people.
Liu Ziqiu already had the answer in his heart. He grabbed Du Ruhui's hand, jumped off the roof, and said, "Master Du, are you interested in participating in the talent selection meeting in one month's time?"
At this time, Wang Yufeng had just been brought to the ground by Hua Yun. When she heard Liu Ziqiu's words, she couldn't help but a hint of resentment flashed in her eyes. Although she was a barbarian woman, she also loved heroes. Du Ruhui was thin and weak and had no hands.
Zhili is obviously not a hero.
Du Ruhui was self-aware and shook his head and said: "After Du returns home, he will concentrate on his studies and prepare for the imperial examination in the summer. It's okay not to join in the excitement."
The talent selection meeting was to select a county horse for Wang Yufeng. As long as he was selected, he would be able to reach the sky in one step. There were countless young talents in Luoyang City who had to break their heads to squeeze in. Du Ruhui actually said casually that he would not join in the fun, which made Wang Yufeng angry.
She felt itchy and her face changed several times. However, today she was able to see her father who had been separated for many years. Although she only saw it from a distance, she finally endured it when she learned that her father was fine and was in a good mood. In fact, even if Du Ruhui attended
The talent selection meeting was of no use. Wang Yufeng had long made up her mind that she would not take a fancy to any young talent.
Liu Ziqiu nodded and said: "In that case, I would like to wish Mr. Du the best!"
Liu Ziqiu was very satisfied with Du Ruhui's answer. If Du Ruhui, like many young talents, wanted to seek a future by becoming a county horse, he would be very disappointed.
Du Ruhui said humbly: "There are many well-educated people in the world, but Du doesn't dare to think about being the number one scholar. To be among the top three is a great comfort for his whole life."
Although this year, county and county examinations were added before the imperial examination, and some candidates were eliminated in advance, the number of candidates taking the final imperial examination was three times more than four years ago. Faced with so many candidates, Du Ruhui dared to set his own goals
Being ranked in the top three shows that he is very conceited about his talent and learning. Wang Yufeng couldn't help but look at him one more time, with a look of disbelief on his face.
But I heard Hua Yun say: "Husband, look quickly, the crowd over there seems to have dispersed."
Sure enough, the crowd gathered around the high platform gradually dispersed, and it seemed that the performance on the high platform was over. Many people were walking and talking, and their words seemed to have something to say. At this time, a guard dressed as a domestic slave came over and handed over his hand.
Said: "Master, that Hu Shang said that at noon three days later, he will hold an auction here to auction the orchids who just performed the dance. At that time, he will also make the identities of these orchids public.
World, the one with the highest price will get it!"
Liu Ziqiu glanced at Wang Yufeng inadvertently and said with a smile: "Okay, let's come back for a walk in three days."
…
The three days were neither long nor short. During these three days, Liu Ziqiu was not idle. Instead, he sent people to fully monitor the residence of this group of Hu merchants. However, during these three days, there were many
Young officials and dignitaries came to see the Hu merchant. Their purpose was obvious. They hoped to do some business with the Hu merchant in private and buy some Hu Ji back. However, they were all rejected without exception. There were even some among these people.
Logically speaking, a high-ranking minister like Zhang Liang could not be so arrogant, but the laws of the Han Dynasty were very strict, and no one dared to bully the weak in Luoyang City, so the Hu businessman was fine.
The news that Zhang Liang failed to enter the house even though he came to visit quickly spread throughout Luoyang City, making it known to everyone. This was exactly the effect Wang Shichong needed, and it further raised the eyebrows of those liars.
Ji's worth. Moreover, according to the speed of spreading, three days is enough time for the news to reach the palace. Wang Shichong does not believe that Liu Ziqiu will not be interested.
Liu Ziqiu came from a later generation and was opposed to the buying and selling of slaves from the bottom of his heart. But in this era, he could only accept this reality. However, Liu Ziqiu never imagined that the Hu merchant would actually use the auction method.
It is definitely a great insult for Hu Ji to become a slave. The current status of these Hu Ji is similar to goods. It is other people's freedom to sell them in any way. Even as the emperor of the Han Dynasty, he cannot interfere at will, because
Free trade is what he advocates. Of course, Liu Ziqiu has other ways to stop this auction.