On the broad surface of the Lujiang River, dozens of large ships with thousands of materials came slowly towards the direction of Changning County in Yun State.
On these large ships, the flag of "Daxia Southwest Transfer Department Yamen" was hung, revealing the identity of the fleet.
On the main ship in the center of the fleet, Zhong Zizuo stood on the deck, looking at the night sky above him with a heavy expression.
Ju Meng held the sword in his arms, walked to his side, and said in a muffled voice:
"what's on your mind?"
Zhong Zizuo was so frightened by the sudden voice of Ju Meng that he almost jumped up. When he saw it was Ju Meng, he couldn't help but rolled his eyes and said angrily:
"Can you make a little noise when you walk?"
Ju Meng turned to look at Zhong Zizuo, with a calm expression, as if he didn't care, and then repeated:
"What were you thinking about just now?"
Zhong Zi was stunned for a moment and then said casually:
"Nothing, just in a daze..."
Seeing this, Ju Meng interrupted unceremoniously:
"When you were delivering supplies and docked in Jiangyang County before, you saw the local people dying and being injured numerous times due to the plague due to lack of supplies and rice. So are you soft-hearted now?"
Zhong Zizuo smiled and was about to say some witty words to lighten the atmosphere.
But when he saw Ju Meng's extremely serious look and the sharp sword energy hidden in his body, his expression suddenly froze.
The atmosphere between the two suddenly solidified.
Ju Meng tightened the long sword in his hand, stared at Zhong Zizuo, and said coldly:
"We have worked together for some time, and we have developed a friendship with each other. Don't blame me for not reminding you first. You are the envoy of my Shangyu Standby Department, and the orders you take are from my Majesty the Emperor of Dayun. You sympathize with the people.
It’s okay to feel pity for the suffering you have suffered. But if you have other thoughts and have different intentions, don’t blame me for using family methods to clean up the family!"
Zhong Zizuo is from the Xia Kingdom. He fell into the hands of Xiao Cheng and couldn't stand the torture. He confessed a lot of things. Xiao Cheng partly forced and partly induced him to join the stick stick department and serve the Yun Kingdom.
.
For such a person, the reason why Ju Meng is by his side is to always be on guard to prevent him from playing "abandoning the dark and turning to the bright" again one day!
Facing Ju Meng's cold and stern eyes, Zhong Zi's heart pounded, and he smiled and tried to defend himself.
But every time the words came to his lips and he noticed the murderous intent in Ju Meng's eyes, he could only swallow them alive.
After all, if you talk nonsense at this time, you may be suspected of having ulterior motives and be "cleaned up" by Ju Meng!
Zhong Zizuo lowered his head helplessly, sighed softly, and said in a slightly low voice:
"The transfer office has received news before that the grain and grass shipped by the imperial court... of the Xia Kingdom were blocked on the road due to the riots caused by the refugees. I don't know how long it will take before they can be delivered. I am originally from the Xia Kingdom, and I saw that the people were suffering from lack of supplies.
But being moved by compassion is not a big mistake that violates family law..."
Hearing this, Ju Meng looked at Zhong Zizuo, then nodded and said:
"Just a reminder first, don't think too much!"
How can you not think too much?
The grain and grass supplies transported by the Xia Kingdom's court were blocked, and the six southwest county treasuries no longer had to rely on them. Now the only place where large amounts of supplies and supplies can be obtained is from the Yun Kingdom.
But even such a channel was destroyed by the intelligence that Zhong Zizuo had previously sent to Zhongqing City!
No matter how heartless and ungrateful Zhong Zizuo was on weekdays, whenever he thought of the countless people in Xia who had lost the chance to live because of him, he could not help but feel a twinge of guilt and regret.
Seeing that Zhong Zizuo was not without a bottom line, Ju Meng had a slight change in his view of him. The look in his eyes softened a little, his tone softened, and he comforted:
"The people are indeed innocent. I will get the people from Shang Yu's backup department to help you so that Xia's grain and grass can be delivered as soon as possible!"
Zhong Zizuo forced a smile and did not reply.
But at this moment, Ju Meng suddenly looked steadily into the distance, frowning slightly.
"There's someone else!"
Zhong Zizuo was stunned when he heard this, and immediately turned his head to follow his line of sight, and saw countless torches lined up in a long queue on the riverside pier not far away, lying quietly on the riverside.
Through the moonlight and firelight, you can still vaguely see countless vehicles full of supplies parked there, as if they have been waiting for a long time.
When the two saw this scene, they were stunned for a moment and looked at each other subconsciously.
Logically speaking, Zhongqing City had already received the information, so it should have been a waste of time and then go back to report to King Qi.
Why does it look different now than expected?
Zhong Zizuo's eyes lit up, and he looked at Ju Meng aside and asked:
"What's going on? Should we go or not?"
Ju Meng frowned slightly and said:
"I don't know. Your Majesty should have received my secret message. Why..."
Having said this, he looked at Zhong Zizuo on the side again, noticed the joy in his eyes, paused on his lips, paused for a while, and then said:
"Since everything has been sent here, of course I have to take it back! Otherwise, King Qi will know about it and he will be suspicious."
Hearing this, Zhong Zizhao was immediately happy and shouted:
"Okay, dock quickly!"
After giving the order, the fleet immediately sailed towards the temporary dock.
Before the boat could stop, Zhong Zizuo couldn't wait to take a small boat to the shore.
But when Ju Meng, who was following him, saw the leader of the caravan, he couldn't help but be stunned.
Zhong Zizuo was also a little confused at this time. Because the young man standing in front of him, with a shrewd look in his eyes from time to time, was not the shopkeeper Ge Zhu who had handed over to him several times before.
It was dark at this time, and Shen Wansan did not notice Ju Meng behind Zhong Zizuo. However, after seeing the leader Zhong Zizuo, he immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands towards him and said:
"Shen Wansan of Shen's Trading Company has met Mr. Zhong, the transshipment envoy!"
Zhong Zizuo didn't react, subconsciously raised his hand in return, and then couldn't help but ask:
"It's Boss Shen... I wonder why Shopkeeper Ge didn't come today?"
Hearing this, Shen Wansan chuckled lightly and said:
"Shopkeeper Ge is a little busy right now. I'm afraid he won't be able to come here in the future. From now on, I will be the one to contact you about the handover of the business!"
Well, I was a bit busy, being tortured and interrogated by Dongchang fanzi.
All the details of this secret deal with Xia Guo were also revealed by Ge Zhu before after being tortured.
Zhong Zizuo looked at Shen Wansan in front of him and felt something was wrong.
At this moment, Ju Meng coughed lightly, immediately attracting their attention.
Ju Meng previously worked as an errand in Zhongqing City and often accompanied Xiao Cheng. Others may have never seen him, but Shen Wansan, who had been met several times by Xiao Cheng, had met Ju Meng several times.
When he saw Ju Meng's face, Shen Wansan was stunned for a moment, then pretended not to care, immediately looked away, and said:
"Master Zhong, I now have nearly a million stones and grains in my hands. I wonder if His Highness King Qi can swallow them?"
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, he immediately patted his chest and said:
"No need to worry! As much as there is, my Highness can eat it!"
When Shen Wansan heard this, his eyes flashed and he laughed:
"The quantity is large, so the price needs to be 20% more expensive..."
"No problem!" Zhong Zizuo promised without hesitation.
In his opinion, this information has been sent to Zhongqing City, and he doesn't know how many times this secret deal can be done.
Therefore, he agreed to Shen Wansan's price increase without hesitation and had no intention of discussing it with Prince Qi.
Upon hearing Zhong Zizuo's words, Shen Wansan immediately clapped his hands and said with a smile:
"It's settled... It's just that there are a few ships like Master Zhong. I'm afraid it will take some time!"
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, he didn't take it seriously and just said casually:
"The Transshipment Department is responsible for the operation of the southwest water veins. Mobilizing ships is not just a matter of words? It's just that the movement is too big, but it can't be concealed. I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain to His Majesty the Emperor Yun of your country."
When Shen Wansan heard this, he shook his head slightly and said with a smile:
"Master Zhong, you don't have to worry about this!"
When Zhong Zizuo heard this, he was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously looked at Ju Meng beside him, showing a puzzled look.
No, from what I hear, the emperor has collected money and is managed by these people?
Ju Meng looked around and winked at his stick guards who were disguised as officers from the transportation department.
A group of guards now understood and quietly stood around the three people, blocking outsiders' sight.
At this moment, Ju Meng had a cold face, pointed at Zhong Zizuo, and said in a deep voice:
"Dayun Shangyu is in charge of the secret affairs of the Xia Kingdom, Lord Zhong Zhuo Zhong."
Zhong Zizuo's eyes widened suddenly, and he looked at Ju Meng in shock and anger. Just as he was about to blurt out his words of denial, he saw Shen Wansan standing on the side with a look of surprise on his face.
"you!"
Zhong Zizuo first looked at Ju Meng, then turned to look at Shen Wansan, and stammered:
"You, you are also from the Yun Kingdom, ah, no! Are you also from His Majesty?"
Shen Wansan coughed lightly, leaned forward and said in a low voice:
"Shen Wansan, I have met the envoy Zhong Yi!"
Zhong Zizuo looked at him blankly. After a long time, he came back to his senses and said in shock:
"Why? Since Your Majesty knows, why..."
When Shen Wansan heard this, he immediately raised his hands in the direction of Zhongqing City and said sincerely:
"Your Majesty is a benevolent king, and people all over the world regard him as the same, both inside and outside the country. Previously, according to your imperial decree, troops and horses were sent to escort the imperial doctors into the territory of Xia Kingdom to treat the sick people. How could your Majesty have the heart to cut off the people of the southwest? A way out?"
When Zhong Zizuo heard what Shen Wansan said, his face suddenly became extremely complicated.
If he remembered correctly, the war between Yun and Xia had just ended not long ago. Although a peace treaty had been signed before, and Xia had married a princess, the conflicts between the two countries could be seen by those who were interested at a glance.
Don't add insult to injury at this time, but instead help the people of Xia State, and the situation will suddenly open up...
"From now on, as long as King Qi needs food and grass supplies, I, Shen Wansan, will do my best to supply them to help the people in the southwest!" Shen Wansan said with awe and righteousness.
Well, to be honest, this is only part of the reason. But if King Qi didn't have the massive amount of gold and silver confiscated from the southwest general's gate, Xiao Cheng would just give out some supplies as a pretense. , just to gain fame.
Previously, when Jin Tangfeng was doing business with King Qi, the price of materials was already 30% higher. Now Shen Wansan raised another 20%, and a full 50% of the profit was settled in gold and silver.
Such a good and big deal is rare!
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In Jianchang Mansion, a group of forbidden troops rode past.
Seeing that the imperial guards were holding the Yunlong flag, which symbolized imperial power, the city gate county soldiers did not dare to stop them and quickly put them into the city. The imperial guards were in great force and came non-stop to the government office before reining in their horses and stopping.
The Forbidden Army slowly dispersed, revealing the figure of the civil servant who was being protected in the middle.
I saw a young official under thirty years old, with an arrogant look on his face, got off his horse and walked quickly towards the government office.
When the officer at the door saw the person coming, he knew he had a serious background. He quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly and said:
"What is this gentleman doing? Please wait until I inform everyone in the government..."
Before the officer could finish speaking, the young official frowned and then glanced impatiently at the Forbidden Army soldiers standing aside.
When even the imperial guards were ordered to come forward, they pushed the officer away and threw him to the ground, with a fierce look on his face:
"When an imperial envoy is on an errand, anyone who stands in the way will be punished without hesitation!"
Having said that, another officer from the imperial army came forward, kicked open the gate of the government office, and poured in.
The young official snorted coldly, raised his head slightly, walked quickly into the government office, looked around at the shocked guards and officials in the courtyard, and immediately scolded:
"Zhao Yu, the secretary in charge of the execution, is responsible for thoroughly investigating the He Yang case in Jianchang Prefecture under the orders of His Majesty!"
In the lobby of the government office, Hai Rui, who was sorting out the case files, heard the commotion. He immediately put down his work and led everyone to the courtyard, where he saw Zhao Yu holding the imperial edict.
Today, Hai Rui, because of Xiao Cheng's words of defense in the court, has been regarded as a close confidant of His Majesty.
Zhao Yu, who originally had a look of arrogance on his face, saw Hai Rui walking out wearing the imperial censor's official uniform. Even though he recognized him, he did not dare to be too presumptuous. He gave a slight salute to Hai Rui and said in a deep voice:
"Zhao Yu, the official in charge of Xingcao's record, has been ordered by His Majesty to assist Mr. Hai in thoroughly investigating the He Yang case!"
Having said this, Zhao Yu slightly cupped his hands and said loudly:
"Your Majesty has an order that local officials collude with powerful people and frame the people, and the crime cannot be punished. The supervisory censor Hai Ruihai has been given the power to take advantage of it. Once it is verified, there is no need to report it to the officials, and they can be removed from the official position for strict investigation. However, those involved will not be punished. Take it seriously and never take it lightly!”
At this time, the officials and servants in the government office heard this, and their hearts trembled, and they suddenly felt that the world of the government office was about to change!
When Hai Rui heard this, he let out a long sigh of relief, his heart warmed up, he knelt down in the direction of Zhongqing City, leaned over and saluted, and said excitedly:
"Your Majesty is wise and I will live up to your Majesty's trust!"
Hai Rui had no scruples at this time. This imperial decree was an unreserved trust in him. It could be said that the entire Jianchang Mansion was entrusted to him.
Xiao Cheng's trust in Hai Rui is self-evident!
Zhao Yu quickly signaled to the Imperial Guard soldiers around him to step forward and help Hai Rui up. Then he looked at Hai Rui, a stern look flashed in his eyes, and he said coldly:
"I wonder where Lord Hai has investigated? These officials are naughty and will not tell the truth! I, Zhao Yu, think I have some skills in the inquiry, and I am willing to help Lord Hai!"
Hai Rui was slightly stunned, but Zhao Yu was still an imperial envoy, so he couldn't refute it, so he nodded and said:
"In this case, we will trouble Zhao Wenshu..."
When Zhao Yu heard this, he couldn't help but sneer at the corner of his mouth and said:
"Thank you, Master Hai!"
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
Zhao Yu was also summoned by Ceka, but because his character, temperament, and morals are somewhat different from those of Zhang Tang and Zhidu, I planned to write them separately.