Chapter Seventy-Seven: Consultation and Conspiracy (4)
Wu Sijing immediately stopped, stretched his neck, tugged on his clothes a few times, and turned around with a smile.
"I wonder if Mr. Cai has anything else to say?"
People around him also stopped and turned to look, watching Cai Xianqing's every move with suspicious eyes.
"It's nothing. It's just that we have gone through a lot of hard work to build the factory. It's not easy for you and me. Fortunately, it was successfully resolved. I would like to treat you to a few drinks to celebrate." Cai Xianqing's tone was very relaxed.
"In that case, why not invite the four merchants to have a drink together? By the way, the magistrate has also done a lot of work." After saying this, Wu Sixing laughed dryly.
"Of course we have to invite you all. At that time, we had to find a bigger restaurant to get together, but it is different from today's banquet. You single-handedly facilitated this negotiation. Now that this matter has been concluded, the place where I will beg you in the future is
If it's less, why not take advantage of this season to return this favor to you and repay the bishop for your great kindness." Cai Xianqing said methodically.
"this……"
"You don't have to refuse anymore," Ye Yongjia also agreed, "Cai Shilang is right. We are gathering to drink this wine just to thank you. Don't misunderstand me. If you continue to be indebted, I will feel sorry for you.
I’ll also feel uneasy.”
Faced with the pleading of the two ministers of war, how could Wu Sijing dare to leave and disgrace them? He had no choice but to agree with a wry smile.
Seeing that he was relieved, Cai Xianqing immediately called the county magistrate and said: "County magistrate, didn't you drink today? Take out a small jar of the good wine you have hidden and send it to the guest room!"
The group of people arrived in the guest room, immediately closed the doors and windows, and listened to the silence around them. Then they each filled their glasses with wine and swallowed some snacks.
"Bishop Wu, can you call them all over? Your relationship with those merchants should be good, right?" Cai Xianqing asked while lowering his head to pour the wine.
Wu Sijing was extremely vigilant as soon as he entered the house, and did not dare to show any slightest hesitation. He only hesitated for a moment, and then hurriedly answered: "To be honest, I have lived on the seaside for a long time, and it is only because of the power of language that I have a little acquaintance with these people.
But they are all wealthy people, how can they think highly of me, a humble bishop? After all, they are just deliberately using me to serve as a messenger."
"According to what you said, sir, you didn't actually interfere with their opinions?" Cai Xianqing looked straight at him with sharp eyes.
Wu Sijing stared at the table tightly, deliberately hiding his expression: "Of course, how dare you interfere..."
"Then I find it quite strange," Cai Xianqing put down the bowl in his hand, "Bishop Wu is so willing to be used by them? And he deliberately gets involved. It's really hard to understand. When it comes to use, most of the time there is a word for each other."
Wu Sijing was shivering all over, and his face was getting paler. He was afraid that if he continued to speak, everything would be revealed, so he simply turned his fear into anger: "Cai Shilang, if you doubt me, just tell me! Anyway, I am just a preacher.
, I don’t have the power to restrain a chicken, and I don’t have overwhelming power. If the government wants to arrest me, it’s just a matter of a word!”
Ye Yongjia immediately understood his intention and smiled with Cai Xianqing.
"Laughing, what are you laughing at?" His tongue couldn't move.
"Laughing at Bishop Wu's overthinking," it was Ye Yongjia's turn to speak this time, "Shilang Cai just wanted to understand the situation in Beitang, especially the business style of those merchants. He is used to being straightforward and has no intention of making insinuations. I'm sorry.
Don’t be surprised.”
Cai Xianqing quickly made several deep bows before Wu Sijing calmed down a lot and sat back down again.
While Cai Xianqing was pouring wine to apologize, he looked directly at Ye Yongjia, and then fell into silence. The latter understood clearly that in order to continue the conversation, he, who had been keeping calm, could make Wu Sijing relax part of his vigilance.
"Bishop Wu, let me tell you something casual. Ye heard from locals in Beitang that the industry in the county is very strong, with more than ten shops opened since last year. Is this true?"
"Yes, there are many businessmen gathered here in Ninghe, and I often come here to buy some utensils." Wu Sijing talked to him more casually, but he kept looking at Cai Xianqing, fearing that something earth-shattering would suddenly come out of his mouth.
"Ye has a concern. Although the merchants built their factory in Beitang, it is still within the territory of Ninghe. The raw materials must be delivered to the firearms factory first. If the local merchants are out of stock, it is really difficult to find them. Even if there is a place to buy them,
The price will not be cheap either. If such a prosperous business in the city collapses and damages the local tax collection, the court will inevitably hold me accountable." Ye Yongjia frowned and looked at Wu Sixing helplessly.
Wu Sijing suffered the previous losses and did not dare to respond rashly. He thought carefully: "If I say that I can't help, if the store is still prosperous in the future, I will definitely suspect that there is collusion among them. If we investigate closely, it will definitely lead to trouble."
For myself, if I can help, how can I, a missionary, be capable? They will still doubt me...'
"What is Mr. Wu thinking? Is there room for change in this matter?" Ye Yongjia asked impatiently.
Wu Sijing was still undecided, but he finally made up his mind under his pressure: "The minister is in trouble, how can I stand by and watch? I think I am a smart man. I will walk around the city a few times in the next two days and ask those who
Businessmen will definitely find a way!"
"Ye is so incompetent that he once again asked you, a lonely old man. I feel really ashamed."
"Nothing, nothing!" Wu Sixing smacked his lips and waved his hands.
"Bishop Wu, the problem is that we need to buy materials to build a factory in a few days. What if some shops urgently need it?" Cai Xianqing seized the opportunity and continued to ask.
"Why don't we ask the court to allocate masonry and wood from the Ministry of Industry, so that we don't have to occupy local raw materials." As the saying goes, under the temptation of the two people from the Ministry of War, Wu Sijing naturally said the original plan.
plan.
Ye Yongjia suddenly showed joy, but in the blink of an eye, his expression calmed down and he said to Bishop Wu: "This is indeed a good strategy! You can ask the merchants to see if they agree?"
"Shipping it from the Ministry of Industry saves time and effort. What else is not allowed? You can just report it."
"So, thank you for your hard work, Bishop Wu." Cai Xianqing rushed in front of Ye Yongjia and slowly took out a banknote from his arms, "This is a reward for you, a banknote worth fifty taels, you see this thing
Did you pass it? You can redeem it at the bank account. This small gift is not respectful."
Wu Sijing was still frightened before, but when he saw this bank note, his eyes were shining. He nodded and took it: "Thank you two adults for your generous report. If you have anything in the future, please feel free to mention it..."