"Not only have there been a lot more taxes in the past few months, but meat, wine, brocade... are all much more expensive, and some spices have also increased by more than three or four levels."
"Sister Zinu, if we continue like this, we will hardly have much surplus every month."
Lanling City, Zilanxuan!
In a quiet corner on the second floor, a handsome woman wearing a light red dress was sitting on her knees behind a large desk.
On the desk, there are many large and thick books displayed, and there are many blank papers beside them, so pen and ink are naturally indispensable.
His left hand followed the data recorded in the book, and his right hand held an abacus made of gold and silver. He kept saying something in his mouth and typing with his right hand.
The abacus came from Xianyang. It is said that the abacus was improved by the general of Wuzhen County. It also comes with formulas, so it is not difficult to learn.
The operation is very fast, and the sound of the abacus is very clear. After calculating one page, the data is recorded on the blank paper beside it for future use.
Zilanxuan's accounts need to be greatly sorted out every once in a while. Of course, there are also small tidying ups in normal times.
Scanning the data on the paper, the woman in red could not help twitching her thin eyebrows, she was very dissatisfied with the calculated results.
Because... Zilanxuan's earnings simply did not meet expectations.
Not even half of what was expected.
Next, they would have to re-build all the secrets and caravans in Zilanxuan, which would require financial investment, making it even more difficult.
As he finished speaking, he glanced at the woman in purple standing in the quiet room facing the window.
"This result... you should have expected it."
"The laws of the Qin State have been issued one after another, and there is still a lot of suppression on merchants. In the land of Zhuxia, there are many barren acres that need to be cultivated."
"Heavy taxation is also expected."
The woman in purple smiled lightly.
In the past few months, Honglian has been responsible for a lot of Zilanxuan's purchases. She should have been aware of this result.
Perhaps, the difference between the results calculated at this moment and the expectation is not small.
Especially some wines, meats, spices, expensive things, bulk items...the transactions are even more taxed, and you have to pay taxes when entering the market.
Goods traveling across the country must also pay taxes. Even if the ratio is only increased a little, all the links added up are already a lot.
And many of those things are needed by Zilanxuan.
Even the prices of the drinks provided by Zilanxuan have increased. The business... will eventually be affected to some extent, and this impact... will continue.
"Didn't Qin State say in Xianyang that the four peoples of the country are all important, but now... they are no longer important?"
"In addition to the Lanling County Lord's annual food estate, Zilanxuan has to pay an extra amount. Why?"
"..."
The woman in red continues to use abacus to calculate the next page.
Before Qin unified the Xia, Zilanxuan's life was quite good. The surplus at that time was more than twice what it is now.
Sometimes it's even higher.
Now...there are less and less.
Although there was a lot of surplus, it was relatively less than...those who left were undoubtedly taken away by others. They had worked so hard to do business, but it was better for them to take away so much at once.
It was taken away so easily!
Compared with other cities, because Lanling City is the food and fiefdom of the Lanling County Lord, many large households have to pay more every year.
When I was a princess, I didn't have much income. A county head... received tens of thousands of gold from Lanling City every year.
"This is also part of the Dharma!"
"Zhu Xia Jian...it is not only Zilanxuan who is harmed by the harvest, but the merchants from Linzi are even more harmed, and this is even more true for the big merchants in the Qin State."
"People such as Ba Shiqing and Wu Shiluo take the initiative to donate at least 100,000 gold to Xianyang every year. Over the years, they have donated no less than millions of gold."
"It is the Tianshui Chamber of Commerce in Tianshui City established by the Marquis of Wuzhen. It donates no less than five hundred thousand gold every year, and there is hardly any surplus left."
"..."
"What is left of Zilanxuan has not been injured. Over the years, it has accumulated a lot of wealth, which is enough for use."
"Now some people are eager for Zilanxuan's misfortune. It involves taxation. As long as it is in compliance with the law, there is no need to pay attention to it."
Zinu played with a white jade pendant in her hand and looked at Lanling City in the distance through the large wooden window. Lanling City was becoming more and more bustling.
According to what he said back then, a normal country would definitely have heavy taxes on the income of merchants. Otherwise, the people would seek profits, and the fields would be barren and benevolence and courtesy would not exist.
If the fields are barren, what is the food for?
Without benevolence and propriety, there will be chaos and hidden dangers!
Heavy taxes were levied not only in Lanling City, but also in all the big cities in Xia, such as the wealthy city over Linzi. It is said that many merchants have been killed.
The reason is simple.
Fake transactions, want to pay less!
After being found out, there was no room for mercy and he was killed directly. His head was hung in the shopping mall, which was also a warning.
"well."
"Sister Zi Nu, how about we move Zi Lan Xuan to Jiangnan?"
"For the development of Jiangnan counties, the tax revenue there will not change significantly in the next few years and should be better."
"However..., it is not necessarily good. There are not many people with a lot of wealth in Jiangnan. Caravans can travel in Jiangnan!"
Zi Nu's right hand kept moving on the abacus, and she calculated another page. The result was still a little unsatisfactory.
Since Lanling City has heavy taxes, moving to Jiangnan is an option.
The words came out, but they felt inappropriate. After all, there are many merchants here in Lanling City, and Zilanxuan is doing their business.
In the land south of the Yangtze River, there are probably only a handful of cities like Lanling City.
"The counties south of the Yangtze River have many specialties, and caravans are feasible."
Zi Nu agreed with Hong Lian's suggestion. Zi Lan Xuan moved to the south of the Yangtze River, which was neither appropriate nor necessary.
"Forget it."
"We'll figure it out later."
"Sister Zinu, how long will it take for Zhuang to recover?"
The more I calculated, the angrier I became. Although it was not a loss, I still felt that my money had been stolen. No one would be in a good mood.
He brushed the abacus with a palm and returned it to its place. He then stood up from the case and walked beside Sister Zi.
Zhuang... is still recovering from his injuries.
"It will take another month or two!"
"Only before we can return to our original state!"
"Yesterday, Zhuang Suoyuan had a new understanding of the supreme inheritance of Guigu, maybe it will take longer."
"In a month or two, it is estimated... that the farm's affairs will be over."
Zhuang's injury was very serious. If there was no wolf god to help him, it would probably take longer. It's just... Cang Chu's methods were too cruel.
Fortunately, Zilanxuan still has the wolf god around, so there won't be any intrusion from the blind Xiaoxiao.
farmhouse?
I also have too much time to take care of myself.
"Is the farm business coming to an end?"
"So fast!"
"But... I can't see it ending. In a month or two... it will be the New Year of Qin."
"Is it possible that Fusu is ready?"
Hong Lian also knew many things about the farmhouse. The sixth hall of the farmhouse was still there, and hundreds of thousands of disciples were still there. How could the farmhouse issues be resolved so quickly?
I have serious doubts about this.
"Whether he is ready or not, he will solve it. The farm matter has been delayed for a long time."
"In the past month, the battle between Shennong Hall and the other four halls has been fierce, and many farm disciples have died. I guess... that's what I thought."
Things in the farmhouse may seem a bit messy, but in fact, they have been undercurrent for a long time, but they have not been brought to the surface.
"Master of the Zhu Family Hall!"
"Liu Tang..., Fusu wants to reap the benefits?"
"But wasn't it said some time ago that Mr. Fusu and the Zhu Family Hall Master have joined forces?"
Among the six farm halls, Shennong Hall and Zilanxuan have the best relationship. If the six halls compete, I naturally hope that Shennong Hall will win, and I hope that the master of the Zhu family will win.
Can control the whole farm.
Many days ago, news came that Mr. Fusu was in contact with the master of the Zhu family hall, and he even discussed it with Sister Zinu.
With the help of Mr. Fusu, the Zhu Family Hall Master has a great chance.
Now...something is different.
"We just need to wait for the final results to come out now."
Zi Nu didn't say much. She didn't know much about some things. The farm's affairs...Zi Lanxuan and Liusha couldn't get involved.
I really can't intervene.
"Sister Zinu, what if...the master of the Zhu family?"
Honglian said suddenly.
"It's not that it's impossible. When it comes to that moment, there won't be much that can be saved."
The situation changes rapidly, and everything is completely different from before.
It's hard to see through.
Mr. Fu Su... definitely hopes to solve the problem of farmers and stabilize Surabaya in the most stable way. To achieve this, the help of important people from the farmers is indispensable.
The master of the Zhu family?
Or, Fusu has another collaborator, and the number of disciples in the sixth hall of the farm is not low.
Tian Hu?
This person will not cooperate with Fusu because of his temperament.
Gonggongtang Tianzhong and Kuikuitang Tianmi are not important enough in the farm family, and they do not have the qualifications.
Anyone else?
Tian Yan from Lieshan Hall?
she?
After Tian Meng's death, although this person did not have the name of the leader of Lieshan Hall, he was actually the leader of the hall, and the power of his subordinates was comparable to that of Shennong Hall.
Coupled with other things, it is enough to show that this person's voice and status in the farm family, and in terms of intelligence, Tian Hu is no match for Tian Yan.
Could it be her!
Because judging from the situation in front of the farmer, she is the most likely person. Of course, it may also be someone else.
For example, the hidden object in the snare.
No matter who it is, his true face will definitely be revealed next!
Honglian didn't say much. Although she had an excellent relationship with the Zhu Family Hall Master,... Zilanxuan and Quicksand were more important.
"Han Cheng is still in the city?"
Let’s wait and see what happens at the farm level.
Just wait and see.
Zi Nu withdrew her gaze from a distance and looked at the white jade pendant she was playing with in her hand. Mysterious skills were running and she was nourished by her inner strength.
This is the gift I prepared for a sister in Zilanxuan who found her husband, wanted to go out and have a good life, and... was also pregnant.
I hope that she will be free from disasters and diseases in the future, and that she will be harmonious and harmonious. This jade pendant left to the child in her belly will also make her stronger.
"Waiting for Zifang to return."
"It should be just these few days."
"I hope sister Hongrui will have a good life in the future."
Cheng'er is still in the city, and they live in a house not far from Zilanxuan. They seldom come in and out, and they can avoid some troubles.
There is movement among the Confucian disciples in Surabaya and they are returning.
Sister Hongrui.
He is two years older than me, so he is already quite young with all his beauty.
A few months ago, I met a sweetheart. He was the manager of a small caravan. He was not outstanding in all aspects, but he was compatible with Sister Hongrui.
Sister Hongrui was the number one in Zilanxuan back then.
After all, age is not forgiving.
Previously, some sisters in Zilanxuan found their lovers and left, but... most of them did not live a good life. However, it is not appropriate to continue to stay in Zilanxuan.
"If you make a choice, you have to bear it yourself."
Zi Nu said with a smile.
Hong Rui still has some tricks up her sleeve, otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to become the number one in those years. In the end, most of the Zilanxuan women who went out were ordinary.
When they entered Zilanxuan, they did so voluntarily.
go out!
It’s also voluntary!
That's the choice!
I thought that with the stability of Zhuxia, the number of women voluntarily entering Zilanxuan would decrease and Zilanxuan would slowly disappear, but... it was not the case.
******
"You guys are really fast."
"Are you ready to go to that forbidden place?"
Xianyang, the residence of the Marquis of Wuzhen County.
With the orderly operation of the mansion, the mansion that had been idle for many months returned to life and vitality. Zhou Qing was not in a hurry to return to Nanchang.
There...no big deal there.
Sitting leisurely in the side hall, playing the guqin casually, Zhou Qing felt that he had some attainments in the guqin, and it was not difficult.
Mainly...it was the request of Nong Yu and Xue'er. They re-perfected some of the remaining scores from the third generation and turned them into a brand new score.
The key point is that different personal temperaments lead to different finished products of complete music scores. In one volume of music scores, Nongyu left three music scores, and Xueer also left two.
If you want to make your own decision, just keep the last two scores and throw away the rest because they have flaws.
This task...is somewhat challenging.
Obeying the rhythm of the sounds of heaven and earth, playing the sound of the music score, and integrating the heaven and earth, each has its own merits. Zhou Qing felt that it would be enough to continue to perfect the music scores one by one.
It would be a shame to throw it away.
Even if some music scores have major flaws, if they are revised and revised, won’t the flaws be reduced, won’t they be smaller, and won’t they be perfect?
Watching Yun Shu introduce Dongjun to him, Zhou Qing pointed to the seat in front of him, and Yu Dongjun also knew the purpose of his visit.
"His Majesty the First Emperor's orders have been prepared."
"You can set off to the south today. The five-colored phoenix... essence and blood will be used to refine the blood elixir, which will be useful to His Majesty the First Emperor."
"The blood pill can strengthen the physical body of His Majesty the First Emperor and enrich his vitality."
The yin and yang of the great sun are harmonious and harmonious. In recent days, after a life practice, my breath has changed and my strength has improved.
Elegant and graceful, with unmistakable posture and grace, the unique charm of the Yin Yang family is permeated, with access to Haotian, astrological signs, and instinctive nobility.
He came forward and took a seat, watching the prince playing the piano with his hands and saying his intention.
The prince said that before he and his entourage set off, he should come to the mansion to practice the yin and yang ceremony, and the ethereal music was like a rhythm.
"Blood Pill?"
"I don't think the effectiveness of the Blood Pill will exceed that of the Sky Breaking Pill I refined."
"The Sky Breaking Pill I refined...the original medicinal power has been removed and turned into an ordinary pill."
"Could it be that the Yin Yang family wants to collect the essence and blood of the four spirits of heaven and earth?"
Of course, Your Majesty will not be interested in those idle books, especially when he knows so many strange things, not to mention... it also involves the four spirits of heaven and earth.
Such a secret, I read a lot of books, even in the Xianyang Palace Keeper's Room, and the same goes for the Central Academy.
I haven't seen any such record either.
“Don’t the princes want to restore ‘Fengming Qishan’?”
"The Yin Yang family does need some of the essence and blood of the four spirits of heaven and earth. This matter was not done by me. It has some connection with Yun Zhongjun. He has been in the Nine Palaces of the Divine City for many years, and it is difficult to improve his strength."
"I hope I can gain one or two benefits by refining the blood pill."
Concubine Dongjun Yan did not shy away from this topic.
Some things... I can also deduce, plus my own inquiries, it turns out that someone is indeed interested in the blood of the Four Spirits.
Yun Zhongjun, who returned from Mirage, also took the initiative to reveal his purpose.
As for whether there are others, I don’t know!
In fact, the princes do not need to be too compassionate towards the four spirits of heaven and earth. Compassion towards the four spirits of heaven and earth means injustice to other strange beasts.
All things in heaven have a general status and have their own responsibilities. Without the protection of the ancient covenant of stars, the four spirits of heaven and earth may have been killed in three generations.
When the sages of various schools of thought emerge in large numbers, they will all be killed.
It is a natural treasure that cannot be taken away if one has the ability to do so. It is not something a wise person would do, not to mention... this trip is only to take the essence and blood, not to kill.
All races of alien beasts will die out sooner or later, this is inevitable!
Because they do not have enough ability to protect themselves, just like the peerless beauty in Zhu Xiajian who has no power to protect herself, her fate is already doomed.