Liu Yan knelt down and sat aside, sipping tea, and said softly: "Zhang'er, have everything been taken care of?"
A slightly fat man in front of him nodded slightly and said: "Not yet, all the big families are in debt. Although our goods are good, not many people can take them on the market."
"I asked someone to go to Nanyang and sold a lot, and the price was pretty good. Putting aside the cost of traveling, it was still a slight surplus. Overall, it wasn't too much of a loss, but it was a little slower in terms of time."
"kindness."
Liu Yan simply expressed his gratitude and breathed a sigh of relief: "As long as it can be dealt with, it will take longer. It doesn't matter. After all, we will leave Yizhou soon."
"Father."
Liu Zhang frowned slightly, looking slightly sad, and asked tentatively: "Do we really have to leave?"
Liu Yan's kind eyes fell on his son's sad face, the corners of his lips were slightly raised, and a faint smile broke out: "Zhang'er, you have been in Luoyang and Chang'an for so long, how come you can't even understand this?
?”
"I......"
"Zhang'er."
Before Liu Zhang could speak, he was interrupted by Liu Yan.
If Liu Zhang had asked such an imbecile question in the past, he would definitely have scolded him.
After all, Liu Zhang would be his future successor, and Yizhou's future development would have to rely on his own son.
But now, even he himself can't protect Yizhou, so he doesn't expect Liu Zhang to shoulder the heavy responsibility. Therefore, towards Liu Zhang, Liu Yan is less harsh and more kind:
"His Majesty the Emperor will not allow me to stay in Yizhou for a long time. No matter where I am in the future, I will never stay in Yizhou. This is the destination for you and my son."
[To be honest, I have been using Yeguo to read and catch up on books recently. I can switch sources and read aloud with many sounds. www. Android and Apple are available.]
"But don't worry."
Liu Yan sipped his tea and whispered softly: "I have saved a lot of things in Yizhou for so many years, which is enough for our father and son to use for the rest of our lives. If you want to find a job in Luoyang, you can get the money now."
buy house."
"What about you, father?"
Liu Zhang frowned and asked urgently.
"I?"
Liu Yandan smiled and shook his head: "I am already old and can't afford to bother. If your Majesty arranges a good place for me, I will live there until my old age."
"If your Majesty gives me an official position like Liu Biao and Liu Yao, then my father will resign and find a quieter place to spend his remaining years."
Liu Zhang hurriedly said: "The boy will accompany his father."
Liu Yan looked up to the sky and laughed, he was very satisfied with his child's filial piety.
but......
Liu Yan finally shook his head and said softly: "Father knows that you are filial, but you are the eldest son in the family. There is no need to stay with father all the time. Your brother is here."
"You, it is best to go to Luoyang and find a job. No matter whether the official position is high or low, even if you are just a dandy, it is best to stay under His Majesty's nose. You will be the talisman of our family."
"ah?"
Liu Zhang naturally knew what his father meant.
When his father became the shepherd of Yizhou, he was also a hostage, accompanying the emperor in Luoyang, so that the emperor could feel at ease with his father and truly delegate power.
Liu Zhang couldn't believe that now that his father was ready to resign, he would still do this. The two were completely different. Why was it so difficult to change his fate?
"Father...Father..."
Liu Zhang was surprised, with a look of disbelief on his face: "At this moment, at that moment, you don't have any power. Is it possible that His Majesty will still doubt you? Is it necessary to do this?"
Liu Yan's expression was calm, with a faint smile: "Of course, what you said makes sense, but I haven't submitted to the imperial court for such a long time, so I am still a little different from Liu Biao and others."
"Father is just doing this just in case. People in positions of authority have always been ruthless and cunning people, without any emotion at all. We have to be careful."
"certainly."
At this point, Liu Yan breathed out and continued: "My father's most important idea is also to let you find a job in Luoyang. You are still young and you should not stay in the mountains and lose your family's official title."
"It would be best if you can achieve something. Even if you can't do it, we won't regret it in the future, and we won't let your child be embarrassed by an incompetent father."
Liu Zhang understood his father's good intentions and nodded slowly: "Father, don't worry, my son knows what to do. Although the court exams are more difficult, my son will still do his best."
"kindness."
Liu Yan nodded and nodded: "In that case, in the recent period, you should seize the time to buy one. Houses in Luoyang will become more and more expensive in the future. Buying one now will be enough for you to live for a lifetime."
"good."
Liu Zhang was deeply moved.
He was very aware of the value of real estate in Luoyang. Just one house might cost half of Liu Yan's income in Yizhou, or even more. This was equivalent to half of the family property that his father gave him.
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the house.
Liu Zhang looked back.
However, he saw his younger brother Liu Dan hurried over and bowed his head: "Father, brother, Liu Ba of Zhongxing Bank wants to see you, saying that he has something important to discuss with my father."
Liu Zhang was shocked and said softly: "Father, Liu Ba is still here."
"kindness."
Liu Yan simply expressed his gratitude, sipped his tea, and immediately stood up: "Ask Liu Ba to wait in the living room. I'll go there after I change my clothes. I'll send someone to prepare the tea first."
Liu Dan leaned forward and held his hands in his hands: "Here."
Immediately.
Bow and leave.
Liu Yan let out a sigh of relief: "Tomorrow is the repayment day. The Yizhou nobles have not made any move until now. They must be planning to default on the debt and not pay back the money. Since we can't hide, we won't hide."
Liu Zhang nodded: "Since my father has decided, my son will fully support his father."
Liu Yantan smiled: "Don't worry, nothing will happen."
Say it.
Liu Yan went straight out of the study, went back to the bedroom, changed into fresh clothes, and then rushed to the living room.
At this moment, Liu Ba was sipping tea leisurely.
In fact, at the beginning, he was still a little worried about the rebellion of the Yizhou gentry.
but......
After the conflict broke out, they still did not dare to come to Zhongxing Bank to cause trouble. This made Liu Ba realize that the Yizhou gentry did not dare to fall out with Nanyang Hanting easily.
Especially in the recent period, Liu Yanming has been keeping things quiet secretly and is unwilling to help the Yizhou nobles. This has made Liu Ba well aware that Liu Yan has the idea of submitting to the imperial court.
If that's the case, then why are you still afraid of eggs?
certainly!
The most important thing is.
He had His Majesty the Emperor backing him, and whether it was Liu Yan or the Yizhou nobles, they were all afraid of His Majesty's strength, so they did not dare to act rashly.
While Liu Ba was enjoying tea alone, a voice came from outside the palace: "Liu Sicheng."
Liu Ba put down the teacup, raised his eyes, and immediately stood up to greet him: "Liu Ba has seen the envoy."
Liu Yan waved his hand and motioned for him to take a seat. He went straight back to the main seat and said with a smile, "I wonder what Liu Sicheng is here for?"
Liu Ba didn't talk nonsense. He bowed his head and said honestly: "It's not a big deal. You should be aware of the current situation. The loans of various noble families in Yizhou will be overdue tomorrow."
"Because the amount is huge, I don't dare to slack off at all. I can only come to you for help, envoy, and mobilize some troops to assist me to complete the sealing of the mortgaged assets."
"Especially farmland..."
At this point, Liu Ba rolled his eyes and took advantage of the opportunity to borrow the Emperor's hand: "The area is too large and relatively fragmented. It is difficult to seal it and requires a lot of manpower."
"If they don't pay back, these assets will have to be re-auctioned for us. The Chancellor has already thought about this. This matter is extremely important."
Chancellor's desk!
This is an institution that represents the emperor's wishes.
Liu Yan naturally knew what the other party meant, and made it clear that he would dedicate the cultivated land to the emperor and turn it into public land, eliminating all the complicated processes in the middle and truly achieving it in one step.
"rest assured."
Liu Yan had already expected that it was Nanyang Hanting, and now he was even more convinced, so he did not dare to disobey. He hurriedly handed over his hands and said: "Tomorrow, I will personally arrange for someone to report to the bank to ensure that Liu Sicheng's affairs will not be delayed."
"only......"
Liu Yan asked tentatively: "How many troops and horses will be needed? Does Liu Sicheng have an estimate?"
Liu Ba nodded: "Of course, according to our internal calculations, I'm afraid we need at least two thousand people."
Liu Yan frowned: "Two thousand people?"
It is clear.
These people not only want to seal up their assets, but more importantly, just in case, to ensure that they will not be counterattacked by the Yizhou nobles and become their dead souls.
"That's right."
Liu Ba nodded affirmatively: "It can't be less than two thousand people, and it may last for a while."
Liu Yan took a deep breath and exhaled slowly: "Okay, in that case, tomorrow morning, General Zhang Ren will lead two thousand elite soldiers and horses to report to Zhongxing Bank, and Liu Sicheng will take command."
Liu Ba bowed and held up his hands: "Since you support our work so much, I, Liu Ba, would like to thank you in advance."
Liu Yan smiled bitterly and waved his hand to interrupt: "They are all doing things for the imperial court. How can I not help you?"
Liu Ba's eyes suddenly brightened and he nodded with interest.
It is clear.
Liu Yan had already seen through his role and understood his true purpose of coming here. Only then could he say "all of them are doing business for the imperial court" and at the same time made his position clear to himself.
Liu Ba bowed his hand and said, "I will definitely report to the imperial court the merits of your assistance."
Liu Yan nodded: "Thank you very much Liu Sicheng."
Liu Ba took a long breath and stood up: "In that case, I will take my leave. Tomorrow morning, I, Liu Ba, and other envoys will have news about Zhongxing Bank."
Liu Yan also stood up, waved his hand to make a petition, and personally sent him out of the living room: "Liu Sicheng, don't worry, I, Liu Yan, always keep my word. General Zhang will be there early tomorrow morning."
Liu Ba cupped his hands and said, "That's very good."
After sending Liu Ba out of the mansion and watching his leaving figure, Liu Yan let out a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Liu Zhang came up to him, bowed his head, and tried to ask: "Father, how are you doing?"
Liu Yan did not answer his son's question, but instead ordered: "Send someone to Wu's house quickly and tell Wu Yi not to resist. As long as everyone is fine, everything can be done again."
Liu Zhang realized the seriousness of the problem and nodded quickly: "Don't worry, father, I will send someone right away."
Liu Yan exhaled and sighed with emotion: "Yizhou, the sky has changed!"
*****
Zhang Mansion.
In the study.
A slightly thin man was reading a book calmly.
At this moment, a familiar figure appeared outside the house, it was the housekeeper of Zhang Mansion.
"Master of the house."
The housekeeper looked a little melancholy and timidly said with his hands, "Tomorrow is the repayment day. If we don't pay the money, it is very likely that people from Zhongxing Bank will take over the house and seal up the assets."
"otherwise......"
When the butler was about to say something.
The thin man above put down the book, and his stern eyes fell on the housekeeper: "What else? Do you still want to raise troops to rebel?"
The housekeeper's heart skipped a beat and he hurriedly said: "I definitely don't dare to do this, but some families seem to want to take some action and are already contacting all parties."
"They are them and we are us. How can we generalize?"
The slender man interrupted without hesitation, and glanced at the other person with a sharp gaze like a sword, as if he wanted to cut him into pieces with a thousand knives.
"Young man understands."
Just as the housekeeper was about to leave, the thin man waved his hand and shouted: "Wait a minute."
The butler leaned forward and raised his hands: "What are your orders, Master?"
"Here's the order. If the imperial court sends someone to our home, no one is allowed to resist and must cooperate. If anyone violates this order, don't blame me for being rude. They will be expelled from our home."
"ah?"
The housekeeper was astonished.
When he was about to say something, he was stopped again by the man above him: "What? Don't you understand? Do you need me to repeat it to you?"
The housekeeper shook his head hastily: "No need."
The thin man shouted sternly: "Why don't you go quickly?"
The housekeeper nodded: "Here."
Just as the man left the study, a person came out from behind the screen.
"Yongnian, do you really want to give in?"
Zhang Su threw down a book, walked up to him, frowned and said, "This is a big deal, and it's almost going to cost us all our wealth and lives. Can you bear it?"
"able."
Zhang Song nodded and read the book again: "If you are fine, then let's go. I don't have time to waste my time with you. I have already said some things thoroughly."
"But......"
Zhang Su pressed his hands on the bookcase and widened his eyes: "Even though it may be Nanyang Hanting behind him, his actions have offended the public. As long as we unite, we may not be unable to seek justice."
"Yongnian!"
There was a hint of anger in Zhang Su's voice: "This is an asset passed down from our ancestors. We can't just destroy it in the hands of you and my brothers. I tell you the truth, there is absolutely no way I will give in."
Zhang Song put down the book, raised his head and stared at the other person, and said seriously: "Whatever you love, do it. You are you and I am me. Although we are brothers, it does not mean that I want to be like you."
"Yongnian!"
"Stop it!"
Before Zhang Su could speak, he was interrupted by Zhang Song: "Brother, I have said everything that should be said and what should not be said, and my attitude is very clear. It is impossible to rebel with you."
"ZTE Bank can seize it however they want. They are doing things according to the rules. Since it is a business, I blame you for not being aware of the risks in advance!"
"you you......"
Zhang Su's eyes were as wide as bells, and he said fiercely: "You are so ignorant."
Zhang Song responded without hesitation: "You are the one who is ungrateful, not me!"
"Okay, you're really good!"
Zhang Su was furious and yelled: "The inheritance of our ancestors has been sold by you like this. I wonder how you will meet the ancestors of the Zhang family in a hundred years."
Zhang Song was furious: "How I met is my own business and has nothing to do with you."
Zhang Su scolded: "What a coward."
"Whatever you say."
"..."
Although the Yizhou Zhang family is not the largest gentry, it is still a quite powerful family.
Zhang Su invested a lot in this business and put down almost all his family property. Even his own house was regarded as an asset and mortgaged to Zhongxing Bank.
But as the business collapsed, the golden monkey in his hand was unable to make a move, and ZTE Bank's loan was facing overdue, Zhang Su was almost driven crazy.
He thought of various ways to recover the losses, and even united the nobles to find Liu Yan, but the other party either shied away or Hu Nong, and did not take any substantive action at all.
If he had not been forced to do anything, Zhang Su would never have embarked on the path of rebellion. He wanted to use force to force Zhongxing Bank to protect his own interests.
Although even Zhang Su himself understood that this was just a last resort, it was the only way Zhang Su could think of. He had no choice!
But who would have thought...
Not even his own brothers are prepared to help him, and he even expects Zhongxing Bank to be merciful. This is simply stupid.
After Zhang Su left the mansion, he frowned, got into the carriage, and waved his hand: "Let's go to Wu Mansion."
Zhang Quan was surprised: "Wu Mansion? Which Wu Mansion?"
Zhang Su was angry: "Which Wu Mansion? Which Wu Mansion can there be? It's Wu Yi's Mansion."
"Here."
Zhang Quan responded and drove to Wu Yi's house.
Among the investment in this business, Wu Yi must be the one who suffered the most.
In a sense, he himself is also a victim, and he has experience in leading troops. If he can be recruited to join the group, the success rate will naturally increase a lot.
Although the Yizhou gentry had a falling out with Wu Yi before, now everyone is facing the same problem. Zhang Su doesn't believe that Wu Yi will be like his stupid brother, willing to become a piece of fish on the chopping board and be slaughtered by others.
now.
The Wu family in Shu County.
Wu Yi held the sword in his hand, his eyes full of sharpness.
Beside him, the housekeeper Wu Yun bowed his head and said: "Master, the people in the house are ready. As long as you give the order, we will fight the people of Zhongxing Bank to the end."
"good."
Wu Yi took a deep breath, with a hint of ferocity in his voice: "I really don't believe it anymore. The Yizhou nobles are willing to seal up so many assets and become the assets of Zhongxing Bank."
"Master, don't worry."
Wu Yun came closer and lowered his voice and said: "I have inquired clearly. Zhang Su is uniting with the Yizhou nobles these days, most likely to prepare for tomorrow. We will definitely not fight alone."
"but......"
Speaking of this, Wu Yun tried to remind: "Should we ask the Lord for his opinion?"
Wu Yi exhaled: "If there are special circumstances, my lord will definitely remind me. If he doesn't come, it means there is nothing wrong. You don't have to worry about it. Just prepare with peace of mind."
After so many years of getting along with each other, Wu Yi understood his relationship with Liu Yan so well and Liu Yan's temperament that he dared to make such a bold decision.
"Here."
Wu Yun responded and nodded: "Don't worry, head of the family, everything in the mansion is ready. Although our military power is limited, many people in the mansion have actual combat experience."
"Forget the cowardice of Zhongxing Bank, even a small team from the Yizhou Army may not be their opponent, so don't worry."
Canglang!
Wu Yi drew his sword out of its sheath, and his eyes filled with anger were reflected in the cold blade.
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the hall:
"Report—!"
Wu Yi sheathed the sword and turned to look.
But when he saw his attendants hurriedly entering the palace, he bowed and handed over his hands: "Master, the Prefectural Shepherd's Office has sent someone over."
Wu Yi was surprised: "Oh? Let someone come in quickly."
The attendant nodded: "Here."
Not long after, a man hurried up to the temple and bowed his head.
Before he could speak, he was interrupted by Wu Yi: "But my lord, do you have something to say to me?"
The man nodded: "That's right."
"oh?"
Wu Yi asked anxiously: "What did the lord say?"
The man replied: "My lord told you to hold back. The best thing to do now is to save your life."
Wu Yi frowned: "No more?"
The man nodded: "Yeah, no more."
call-
Wu Yi let out a long sigh and waved his hand to signal the man to leave.
From the side, Wu Yun came up to him: "Master, what do you mean by Yizhou Mu? Do you want us to sit here and wait for death?"
Wu Yi was silent for a long time: "Since my lord said this, he must have grasped some situation, or his original guess was correct, or he has decided to submit to Nanyang Hanting."
"ah?"
Wu Yun was shocked and his eyes were as wide as bells.
You must know that Liu Yan is the biggest backer of the Wu family. If Liu Yan has already defected to Nanyang, then no matter how hard the Yizhou nobles try, it will all be in vain.
"Master of the house."
Wu Yun's throat rolled and he swallowed hard: "If this is really the case, what should we do?"
Wu Yi frowned, pondered for a long time, and finally made up his mind: "I believe that the Lord will not send such a message for no reason. Let's just stand still and obey the order."
"But......"
"Nothing but."
Before Wu Yun could speak, he was directly interrupted by Wu Yi: "It's not like we have never started from scratch. My lord is right. The most important thing now is to save lives, not money!"
Wu Yun was so anxious that he really couldn't bear to hand over such a huge foundation to others: "Damn it, it's all my fault that I was obsessed with it and didn't see through their conspiracy in advance, otherwise it wouldn't have ended like this."
"okay."
Wu Yi had heard too many words like this recently and was already a little impatient: "Even if there is no golden monkey, there will be other means. The target of Nanyang Hanting is the Yizhou gentry, and we will not be able to escape after all."
Hearing what Wu Yi said, Wu Yun felt a little calmer: "The master of the house is wise, don't worry, I will go and pass the order. No one can act rashly without the order of the master of the house."