It was noon when Jiang Feng and Fang Jinlu returned to the vicinity of Zhenwu City. The Fang family had a mansion outside the city, and the two separated here. Fang Jinlu did not make a promise as to how much time it would take to uncover the secrets of the formation.
Dian Jiangfeng could understand. After all, the scene had been severely damaged. With only a few materials for arranging the formation and some measurement data, he was able to restore a large formation with remote transmission function. Even if he didn't understand the formation, he knew
This matter is extremely difficult.
It has to be said that Fang Jinlu is considered a first-rate talent to have the courage to crack it. Unexpectedly, under the dirty surface of being obsessed with money, this guy actually has a shining point.
People say gold is never pure, but this is just a bit of gold in the sand.
Carefully entering Zhenwu City and reintegrating into the surging crowd, Jiang Feng first returned to the gym to rest for a while, destroying all his robes to avoid being contaminated by the dust in the spiritual land, and to be detected by interested people, and then returned to Zheng Keyi and others'
We entertained ourselves for a while in our temporary residence, until the sun turned, and then we rushed straight to the Chu Mansion.
It was very lively outside the Chu Mansion. Various guests kept coming. The head of the Chu family, Chu Yilin, was welcoming guests outside the manor. Jiang Feng glanced over from a distance and felt the aura of the monks coming and going.
At most, the prefectural level is slightly less, but there are still several people in a moment. From this point of view, although the Chu family has declined a bit compared to Chu Anlan at the time, it still has a considerable status.
Jiang Feng also followed the crowd, nodded slightly to Chu Yilin, the head of the Chu family, and followed the guidance of the steward Huang Dong into the Chu Mansion. As a close friend who had visited Chu Yiming many times, he naturally did not need to be polite. In the courtyard of the Chu Mansion
There were people gathering and chatting everywhere. Jiang Feng also saw a few familiar faces, such as the Yu family’s siblings, as well as Yu Chengke, Yu Chengrui, and Yu Chengtong. They were all members of the Yu family who were active in the Zhenwucheng area. Jiang Feng used to
After saying hello, Yu Chengrui didn't say anything. He just invited Jiang Feng to come over on another day. It must be for the business of the Xinyuan County trade route. The other party is probably still considering this matter. Otherwise, he might be able to meet him by the way.
Got it figured out.
Many people from the Xiao family also came. Jiang Feng saw Xiao Mingbao, Xiao Mingzhen, and even Xiao Mingshan and Han Li dressed in costumes. He must have taken advantage of this occasion to accumulate connections for Han Li. Jiang Feng also went over to say hello.
He and Han Li had met several times, but Jiang Feng had not shown his true face at that time, so this could be considered the first official meeting between the two.
After chatting for a moment, Jiang Feng felt the majestic earth-level aura of the other party. He knew that this was the power of the eighth-grade golden elixir. He had already heard Xiao Mingzhen talk about this and told Xiao Mingzhen that he was a "pure and unquestionable" first-grade golden elixir.
In contrast, Xiao Mingzhen just smiled, obviously not taking this matter to heart.
"Isn't it just a little small?"
Jiang Feng still remembered what Yi Hanxiao said. This crazy girl only dared to say such nonsense when she was alone. She always pretended to be a lady. For example, now, even if she and Xiao Mingshan dislike each other, in this situation
, each one’s face is as sweet as orchid.
Among the guests of the Xiao family, those with high status are mainly Xiao Buyan, Xiao Buyu, and Xiao Mingzhen's grandfather Xiao Daoyan. Although he is not the head of the Xiao family, because of his prominent position in the Li Sect, he is also the leader of the Xiao family.
One of the people with status. Xiao Buyu is naturally recognized by Jiang Feng, but he has never seen him again since their quick farewell in Hanshan. Xiao Buyu is his first acquaintance, and he has a first-level cultivation level at the prefecture level. Compared with Xiao Buyu, he looks better.
He looked handsome, but after Xiao Mingzhen's introduction, his attitude was lukewarm. However, he seemed to be more familiar with Xiao Mingshan and others. He left a few words and then went to find another friend.
Xiao Mingzhen gave Jiang Feng a "you know" look and slipped away first. Jiang Feng knew that she must have many friends who needed to meet here, so he wandered alone in the courtyard. Although he was Chu Yiming's best friend,
As today's protagonist, he naturally has no way of coming over to accompany him. Fortunately, Jiang Feng still has a few acquaintances in this courtyard, including several people he met at the Chu family's small banquet. Finally, Jiang Feng also caught a glimpse of An Si Nian.
, at this time, he was accompanying several people who seemed to be dignitaries, chatting and laughing happily.
Jiang Feng didn't want to disturb him, but turned around and saw Bai Ruoxi.
"you again!"
"Why can't it be me? My brother is getting married, of course I have to come. What, are you here to dowry?" Knowing the noble status of the other party, but also knowing that she is just a junior, Jiang Feng was bored and had the idea of fighting against her.
.
"You..." Bai Ruoxi was about to spit out the curse word, but several monks walked towards her, including people she knew well. She could only hold back and said hello with a warm lady-like smile. Jiang Feng refused to acknowledge him.
, deliberately getting very close to Bai Ruoxi, pretending to be familiar friends, saying hello and introducing themselves together.
, and kept asking, "Ruoxi, who is this?" Bai Ruoxi was embarrassed for a moment, so he could only help introduce a few people with a smile, including a handsome young man who misunderstood Bai Ruoxi, and looked at Jiang Feng a few more times.
There seems to be a hidden meaning in his eyes.
"Damn it! You bastard!" As soon as the people who walked by in succession dispersed, Bai Ruoxi suddenly showed a look of disgust and hatred, "How dare you take advantage of me!"
"There's someone here again!" Jiang Feng ignored her and pretended to look behind her. Bai Ruoxi was startled and quickly restrained her anger and prepared to deal with it. When she turned around, she saw only a few servants running by. She felt angry and when she turned around,
Jiang Feng has disappeared.
Fight with me? I don’t know who wants face more? I don’t know that I don’t know many people here? Jiang Feng hummed a tune in his heart, secretly realizing that the aura that was about to explode not far away dispersed and gathered, gathered and dispersed again,
I smiled in my heart, not taking this little bitch who deliberately disparaged me to heart.
The sun is setting, and tonight's night seems to be a little late. There are lanterns and colorful decorations everywhere in the Chu Mansion. The monks do not have to rush early to get married like the common people do, but they like to have night banquets, especially guests related to the Chu family.
There were many dignitaries from Zhenwu City, and it was even more inconvenient to gather together during the day. Therefore, it was not until this moment that Jiang Feng saw today's principals, Chu Yiming and Shangguan Xiuqi.
It seems a bit fuller than what I've seen before.
Maybe it was because of his clothes that Jiang Feng turned his head and easily changed his previous view.
Jiang Feng's seat was relatively close to the front, so he could naturally see clearly the bride under the phoenix crown and bright red makeup. Most of the monks sitting at the table with him were confidants of the Chu family, and he knew most of them, which reduced a lot of embarrassment.
This is Chu Yiming's arrangement. Compared with the last time, Jiang Feng's cultivation level has been upgraded to the prefecture level. He is considered to be the person with the highest cultivation level at this table, but he also has the position of the leader.
The process was very cliché. It was Jiang Feng's first time to participate in a monk's wedding, especially on such a high-status occasion, a marriage between wealthy families. It looked really troublesome. Jiang Feng couldn't help but thought to himself, and one by one came up to give congratulations.
But Chu Yiming and Shangguan Xiuqi had to smile and thank each other one by one. Jiang Feng felt that he was the simple one. Marrying Su Jin was just a matter of signing a pledge and blowing out the red candle.
However, although I was complaining in my heart, I was actually a little envious. Being able to have such a grand occasion can be considered a kind of success. Compared with furthering the avenue, there is no need to give in. The joy of life is probably like this. Behind the crowd, Jiang Feng also caught a glimpse
Several monks wearing the robes of the foreign sect met, and they also had more expectations in their hearts for the effects that this marriage of the Chu family could bring.
Why does my "father-in-law" only want to exploit me? Jiang Feng immediately thought of Su Liqing, but having said that, he was also scheming against him, maybe for each other.
…………
Jincheng Sect, Tianyou City, Alliance Leader's Mansion.
The atmosphere in the banquet hall was not harmonious, but it was not tense either. Su Li Qing just spent a lot of time explaining his "Dajin City Alliance" plan to Leng Tingtao and Zuo Zichan. Naturally, he would not tell the whole story.
He is the only advocate of the overall plan, but he partially obscures the opinions of the Qing Yu Sect. Only in this way can this matter be carried out more smoothly.
Leng Tingtao and Zuo Zichan were not invited by Su Liqing, but they took the initiative to find Su Liqing. Among them, the leader was Leng Tingtao. Several chambers of commerce in the country jointly hoped that Leng Tingtao could delay the collection of commercial taxes.
Because the entry of Lingcong Chamber of Commerce has affected their business, their expected income next year will be reduced a lot.
This is obviously a forced marriage. The ink on the Lingcong Chamber of Commerce's agreement is still wet, so how can it have such a big impact? However, for Leng Tingtao, who is in a bad situation, it is really a big deal.
To attack, you must know that he has just greatly increased the salary of the monks in the sect to be in line with the Jincheng party under Su Liqing's rule, but the accumulation of the two is different, and he has no way to catch a bunch of corrupt officials like Su Liqing.
"Scapegoat", confiscating their family property to subsidize the sharp drop in the sect's income. You must know that many monk families with such a strong foundation have "supported the founding of the sect". They took action when the sect was first established, only to
It will chill everyone.
Even Zuo Zichan's situation was much better than his. However, after communicating with Zuo Zichan, he found that the other party still encountered the same problem. He originally suspected that this was Su Liqing's conspiracy, but when he came, he found that
Su Liqing is also dealing with the same thorny problem.
Could it be that I wrongly blamed Su Liqing? Leng Tingtao couldn't help but wonder. He sent a message to ask Zuo Zichan, but the other party didn't say anything, which made him even more unsure.
"The conditions of the Lingcong Chamber of Commerce were negotiated by the three of you and me. This situation was unexpected." Su Liqing looked sad, "All the chambers of commerce came to complain.
Bitterness, this is still closely related to us, and those who are not closely can be dismissed with a few soft words, but these people who are making trouble now should really find a way to appease them."
"Otherwise, who will do anything for us? The small agricultural taxes and exorbitant donations we expect from the common people will not be able to guarantee the success of the sect, let alone the success of the sect. So, we still have to find someone else.
This is the fundamental reason why I support the idea of expanding the Jincheng Alliance."
"Once Qing Yu Sect and Biyun Sect join in, the entire market will expand. It will be a good opportunity for all chambers of commerce. Although the competition is equally fierce, the opportunity is given to them. It is their own problem if they cannot seize it. Add
Once the five sects are united, they can set up a unified card to collect business taxes, reducing investment. With the convenience of the port and the integration of various trade routes, the flow of materials will also increase, thereby offsetting the impact of the reduction in tax rates.
It is foreseeable that the negative impact will be that our income will increase, and there will be greater benefits for these chambers of commerce. If expectations improve, the problem will be solved."
"This is an ideal state." Zuo Zichan poured cold water at the right time, "But I, Huanglongmen, agree with both hands. However, there is one thing. Can the payment of the Qing Yu Sect's spiritual land fees be postponed? For me personally,
There is no need for this at the moment.”
"This is difficult." Su Liqing spread his hands, "This point is not negotiable. The Qing Yu Sect is in a worse situation than us, so they came up with this sinister idea tied to the port. I think this quantity, everyone
Gritting your teeth, you can still get it, right? However, we can also go to Zhuqiao City together and have a frank talk. I also called Zheng Jiasheng to meet the leader of the alliance. Speaking of which, after the alliance was formed, there was also a pseudo-tian in the alliance.
Wouldn't it be a good thing for the outside world to have a senior monk in charge?"
"That's very good." Zuo Zichan was still the first to express his opinion. He looked sideways at Leng Tingtao, who had a sad look on his face. He didn't say a word until the other party also raised his head and said, "Okay, can I trouble you, Master Su, to arrange it?"
Time."
Su Liqing served tea to see off the guests, Leng Tingtao and Zuo Zichan left the house one after another. They flew away from Tianyou City one after the other. Seeing that Leng Tingtao's eyes were still dim and melancholy, Zuo Zichan frowned, "
Master Leng, why are you so melancholy? Isn't the matter still undecided?"
"I always feel that Su Liqing is cheating."
"It doesn't matter whether there is fraud or not. The key is not to suffer losses. Su Liqing is right. Forming an alliance is beneficial to everyone. At least it looks like a big sect, and it also controls the southbound trade routes of various sects in the North. There must be considerable benefits.
"It's a good idea." Zuo Zichan said, "But obviously, Su Liqing is not interested in this, but is more interested in the position of 'alliance leader'. We just need to make this alliance less likely to become a monologue."
"how do I say this?"
"I don't know how Su Liqing persuaded Zheng Jiasheng. It must have cost a lot of money. If the five sects are in alliance and one family has one vote on major matters, even though you and I can always be consistent, but if the Qing Yu Sect also stands with Su Liqing,
On the other hand, you and I will suffer a loss."
"But you and I can't influence the Qing Yu Sect. Su Li Qing met Wan Yu Ting alone. You and I overlooked this before. I don't know if they secretly reached any conditions."
"It's very simple. Since we are an alliance, we just need to bring in another ally. We just need his guarantee that he will always stand by our side."
"You mean?" Leng Tingtao seemed to understand.
"I'm going to send someone to talk this time," Zuo Zichan said, "Didn't you just meet him? There must be some consensus between you, so there is no need to elaborate again."
"This..." Leng Tingtao suddenly felt that his previous trip to Tuqiao Town seemed a bit too high-profile, "That's fine, but it is unknown whether he is interested in this matter."
"You and I will act separately. You can go back and find a way to meet the messenger of the 'Nine Old Men' Liu Tingjian. Maybe he has other ideas. I have been busy for a long time without you, and it goes against the will of God."
…………
Li Zong, Zhenwu City, Chu Mansion.
Jiang Feng finally waited until the red tape ceremony was over and the banquet officially started. He was waiting for this opportunity, and he took advantage of the chaos of the scene and wandered towards the side entrance of the Chu Mansion after picking up a few good spiritual fruits.
There was no specific time agreed upon with Xiao Mingzhen, so he decided to leave first and wait for her outside. As a dazzling pearl here, Xiao Mingzhen was obviously much more eye-catching than him and would attract others' attention. If she was allowed to stay for a long time,
Wait, maybe something bad will happen.
"Master Jiang is in such a hurry, where are you going?" A familiar voice sounded. Jiang Feng couldn't help but stand on end. He quickly turned sideways and greeted the visitor with a smile. Why did she come tonight?