281-290

Chapter 281 Is this really the Mrs. Lin he knows?

Lin Xuezhu learned how to build secret rooms in the bank from Zhou's shop.

She is someone who never refuses to learn good styles from others just because they are enemies.

For example, this secret room, she felt, was very well designed.

After going down a flight of stairs, there is a heavy iron door on the left and right sides.

Lin Xuezhu used the key to open the iron door on the right, and saw a large room made of bluestone bricks inside.

The walls are not only thick, but also double-layered, with molten iron poured into the middle.

Ordinary thieves will definitely not be able to break through this iron wall and sneak into the secret room to steal things.

Lin Xuezhu asked Yuan Xiu to stand farther away as she was about to show off her magical powers.

I saw her gearing up, and after some operations, rows of wooden shelves appeared in the room.

On each wooden shelf, there are some small wooden boxes neatly placed.

Yuan Xiu walked up and opened a small wooden box and saw that there were all silver ingots neatly placed inside.

He picked up a silver ingot and took a look at it. He found that it was not from the treasury, and he was secretly relieved.

"Why, are you afraid that I will be confused and take out the money from the treasury?" Lin Xuezhu asked with a half-smile.

Yuan Xiu couldn't help but sigh, his wife was really more ghost than ghost.

He didn't say anything, she just said what was in his heart.

"Madam, I..." Yuan Xiu was a little embarrassed.

Lin Xuezhu smiled and said: "Don't worry, husband, these are all moved from the private treasury of those corrupt officials. I checked before and took them out after making sure there were no marks on them."

Yuan Xiu said with a smile: " Madam is very thoughtful."

Lin Xuezhu smiled and said nothing.

It's easy to say that she is thoughtful, but who can understand the pain of going into the space to pack her things every night?

However, after working for so long, isn't it just for today?

The most wonderful punishment in the world is to use your enemy's money to do things for yourself!

If those who framed her husband knew that all their money was used to build the Northern Territory, they wouldn't be able to spit out enough blood, right?

Lin Xuezhu smiled so much that he showed his big white teeth.

She took Yuan Xiu's hand, locked the room, and went to the one on the left.

In ancient times, the left was respected, so she planned to put gold in the room on the left.

After entering the room, she operated in the same way. After filling up the room, she pulled Yuan Xiu out of the secret room.

The yellow and white things are already in place, and the next question is who to trap.

When Lin Xuezhu returned to the carriage, his expression was already very calm.

The couple drove back to Anbei City and went to Wangshencheng to report.

When Wang Shen saw the two men coming back, he said enthusiastically: "Ms. Lin, I just asked someone to pull another cart of fertilizer. Lord Huang asked me to pass a message to you two. Lord Kong will go and sit in the cave in the evening."

Lin Xuezhu My heart was filled with joy.

She had just been thinking about who to set a trap for, but now the lamb to be slaughtered was delivered to her door?

She thanked Wang Shen and pulled Yuan Xiu into the carriage in a hurry.

"Hurry, husband, we have to go back and make preparations."

Yuan Xiu was puzzled and asked, "What are you preparing for?"

Lin Xuezhu said, "Get ready to receive Master Kong!"

Yuan Xiu was even more puzzled.

Although Kong Bo had never visited the cave in person in the past to avoid suspicion, this was his first time.

But his wife is not the kind of person who is so motivated just to curry favor with officials!

However, since it is what his wife wants to do, she must have her reasons.

Yuan Xiu was not one to talk much, so he quickly drove the carriage back to the cave.

As soon as he entered the door, Lin Xuezhu slapped her hands loudly, "Everyone, listen to me, Master Kong is coming soon, let's make this cave a mess. Move quickly, everyone take action!"

The Lin family did not understand for a moment. .

Why don't you keep it clean when guests come to your door?

Seeing that the whole family was stunned, Lin Xuezhu quickly explained, "Uncle Yan, aren't you making tools? Put them out and work hard for me. And uncle and aunt, take out the medicinal materials and spread them all over the kang. Everyone else except Ma When Mammy and Cui'er go to cook, their hands should not be idle. If they can work, they can work, and if they can't work, they can help others."

With this arrangement, the whole family found their roles.

To put it bluntly, it is to create a feeling that everyone is busy when Mr. Kong comes.

I understand, I understand, they are all veteran actors, so this won't be a problem for them.

Mother Ma asked: "Miss Xuezhu, Master Kong is here, do you have to entertain him well?"

"Of course, when guests come to your door, you still have to feed them well. But there is no need to make it as lively as the Chinese New Year. That's it." Lin Xuezhu said.

Mother Ma understood instantly and immediately took Cui'er to prepare.

Lin Xuezhu pulled Yuan Xiu's sleeve and asked, "Husband, when do you think Lord Kong can come?"

Yuan Xiu thought for a while and said, "Maybe after dinner?"

"Ah?" Lin Xuezhu was speechless.

She can understand Kong Bo's mood of not wanting to trouble them.

However, if he doesn't want to cause trouble, why don't they wait?

Invisibly, this delayed their meal time.

Lin Xuezhu's eyes rolled, and he was scheming again...

After dinner, Kong Bo took an entourage and drove the carriage to the cave.

Even far away, he could smell a strong, indescribable stench.

He opened the curtain and asked the attendant: "Didn't Madam Lin let the prisoners build palaces and bury all the filthy things? Why is it still so smelly?"

The attendant was also puzzled. He held the rein in his right hand and the rein in his left hand. Covering your nose, feeling so sad that you can't breathe.

The closer you get to the cave, the more obvious the smell becomes.

Finally, the sharp-eyed follower discovered Lin Xuezhu sitting in a warehouse-like place near the cave.

"Sir, is that Mrs. Lin?" The attendant pointed to the direction of Lin Xuezhu and asked.

Kong Bo stretched his neck and looked out, saying, "It's Mrs. Lin. What is she doing?"

"I don't know." From the perspective of the entourage, only a silhouette of Lin Xuezhu could be seen.

She was hunched over, with her sleeves rolled up. Her body was outside the warehouse, but her hands were reaching into the warehouse, wondering what she was doing.

"Go over and take a look." Kong Bo said.

So the entourage grabbed the horse, found a big stone to tie it up, and accompanied Kong Bo to the warehouse.

The closer I got, the stronger the smell became.

Kong Bo gradually realized something in his heart.

When he got closer and saw clearly, he realized that Lin Xuezhu was holding a ladle, scooped out a ladle of dark soup from a jar, and put it into an empty jar.

Then, he scooped out a ladle of yellow turbid soup from the third jar, mixed it in, and stirred it with the ladle.

The splashed liquid stained her clothes, but she didn't notice it and wiped the sweat on her head with her arm.

"Ms. Lin?" Kong Bo called out cautiously.

Ever since he met Lin Xuezhu, he had always thought that she was a beautiful and clean woman.

Although she was not wearing silk or satin, the coarse cloth still made her look very fresh and refined.

But the man in front of him had an expression that was hard to describe. Is this really the Lady Lin he knew?

Chapter 282 I committed the crime of treason, which is unforgivable.

When Lin Xuezhu heard someone calling her, she stood up very quickly.

Seeing that it was Kong Bo, she called out enthusiastically, "Master Kong." Then she went up to him.

As she got closer, there was a disgusting smell.

Kong Bo and his entourage were extremely convinced that the unpleasant smell came from the soup and water she had just tinkered with.

"Ms. Lin, are you making fertilizer?"

Kong Bo controlled his expression very well out of politeness, making him look serious and approachable.

Lin Xuezhu nodded, seemingly unaware of the unpleasant smell on his body.

He just said with a grimace: "Your Excellency, you have really done a big thing in the north. You have opened so many farmlands. I can't make them all. I can't make them all."

Kong Bo thought of her as a weak female, but he Having to do such heavy work makes me feel guilty.

Just because she was an exiled prisoner, she could only do things in obscurity.

Apart from his insignificant gratitude, who else would know about her contribution to the North?

Kong Bo felt very uncomfortable.

Lin Xuezhu seemed unaware, patted the ashes on her body, and said, "Our whole family is waiting for Mr. Kong, please come here."

After saying that, she led the way.

Kong Bo couldn't bear to look directly at her dirty back. He lowered his head slightly and followed her from a distance without saying a word.

Lin Xuezhu pushed open the cave door, and the sounds of disgust from everyone immediately came from inside.

Wen Xiuqing said: "Daughter, are you going to mess with those things of yours again? Oops, it smells so bad. What will you do when Lord Kong comes later?"

Jiang Qishuang said: "My eldest niece, please change your clothes quickly and wash them with dried flowers. " The face and hands may be able to cover up the smell."

The whole family talked for a long time. Lin Xuezhu turned aside with an embarrassed face and said dryly: "Master Kong is already here."

Then she continued to look awkwardly . He said to Kong Bo: "Master Kong, I often live with fertilizers. I'm used to it. I can't smell the smell on myself. It's really disrespectful to Master Kong."

The guilt in Kong Bo's heart deepened and he said quickly: " Madam Lin, please stop saying that. If I hadn't asked Madam Lin to make fat, Madam Lin wouldn't be doing this rough work. It's really my fault."

When he said this, the Lin family began to panic.

After some courtesy, Kong Bo was let into the cave.

The light in the cave was dim, and he didn't see clearly at first.

When he walked in, he discovered that almost everyone in the Lin family was working.

It's so late and they haven't rested yet?

Kong Bo glanced around, feeling even more guilty.

As a prefect, he only needs to use his mouth every day.

But people like the Lin family have to work hard during the day and make tools in the dark when they come back at night. They work too hard.

Looking at the Kang, it was covered with medicinal materials, but there was no place to sit.

Lin Chengyao observed Kong Bo's face and quickly pulled Jiang Qishuang to pack the medicinal materials.

While tidying up, he explained sheepishly: "The medicinal materials have been stored for a long time. I'm afraid they will get moldy, so I take them out to dry from time to time. I knew that the adults were coming, but I forgot about them in the busy schedule, which made the adults laugh."

"Where is that?" Kong Bo reluctantly said. He smiled and asked, "What are all these medicinal materials used for?"

Lin Chengyao scratched his head in embarrassment and said, "Prepared. Before we were exiled, my wife and I were the only ones who knew some medical skills and medicinal properties. If anyone in the team has a headache or fever, they will come to me to get some medicine. When we get to the north, I see that there are no medicinal materials in the mountains, so I am afraid that what I have in hand will be ruined..."

Lin Chengyao said, Kong Boyue said. I felt a handful of bitter tears welling up in my eyes.

He thought that the Lin family's contribution to the Northern Territory was already great.

Unexpectedly, the Lin family did so much where he couldn't see it!

It's because his horizons are too small.

Lin Chengzhang gave up his seat to Kong Bo.

Mother Ma very quickly brought a table of snacks and said with a smile: "Miss Xuezhu knew that Lord Kong was coming, so she asked the old slave to prepare it early in the morning. Lord Kong, try it quickly, the food will be hot soon."

"I "I've eaten." Kong Bo asked in confusion: "Why haven't you eaten yet?"

Mother Ma explained with a kind face, "Don't you want to eat with Mr. Kong? Everyone just has something to finish. I just have to eat and wait."

As she spoke, Lin Xuezhu came out after changing her clothes.

Cui Er soaked the clothes she had changed into a basin and carried them outside the cave.

The air in the cave finally became a little fresher, and only the aroma of the food was left.

In order to welcome the distinguished guests, the Lin family set up a large table.

The servants didn't serve the food to the table, so they took the food and found another place to eat.

The hosts let Kong Bo take the seat and kept adding food to him.

The hospitality was so great that Kong Bo was so full.

The atmosphere in the Lin family is so good that it feels like home is not enough to describe it.

He felt guilty and grateful at the same time, and his mood was a little high.

After the meal, he took a sip of tea and said: "Mr. Yuan, Madam Lin, I can't repay your family's contribution to the Northern Territory. I can only go to the court, report your achievements truthfully, and beg the emperor for mercy. You just don't have to do hard labor anymore for your crimes."

After hearing these words, the Lin family looked at each other and understood.

No wonder, no wonder their girl asked them to perform this play. Is this the reason for co-writing?

This girl is so clever!

However, just as they were sighing, they heard Lin Xuezhu say categorically, "No."

"Why?" Kong Bo asked.

Lin Xuezhu glanced at Yuan Xiu, his eyes seemed to say: You should explain to him.

Yuan Xiu said calmly: "Master Kong, I committed the crime of treason, which is unforgivable."

Kong Bo was startled, and then seemed to realize something.

He knew about Yuan Xiu's crime of treason. He had read the documents when the prisoners arrived in Anbei City on the first day.

However, at that time, he and Yuan Xiu were not very familiar with each other.

To him, Yuan Xiu was just one of the hundreds of prisoners.

As for later, as he became more and more familiar with Yuan Xiu, he never connected this man with the crime of treason.

After all, the image of Yuan Xiu in his mind was far from that of a treasonous criminal.

It wasn't until today that he could face the fact that Yuan Xiu was a treasonous criminal.

But why?

Why would a general who led the Northern Expedition Army and Border Army repel the barbarian tribes want to rebel?

Kong Bo's gaze swept across everyone in the Lin family starting from Yuan Xiu.

Yuan Xiu was indifferent, but everyone else had their own expressions.

Especially Lu, whose reddish eye circles revealed unwillingness and grievance.

In Kong Bo's mind, the words "The cunning rabbit dies and the running dogs are cooked; the flying birds die and the good bow is hidden."

If we were to add a concluding sentence to this sentence, it would be "high achievements shake the master".

Kong Bo was agitated, and finally understood why Lin Xuezhu did not agree with him to go to the court and ask for pardon for Yuan Xiu's crimes.

Chapter 283 What are you doing here secretly?

Kong Bo had mixed feelings in his heart.

If he hadn't heard Huang Hao say that the Northern Expedition Army achieved victory under such difficult circumstances, perhaps he wouldn't be so sad.

It turns out that no one in the world really feels the same way.

In the palace, when the man sitting on the Dragon Throne was convicting an outstanding general who had protected the North and the whole world, he must not have thought that his Dragon Throne was based on this man's sacrifice. Only by forgetting life and death can you sit still.

This is nothing more than treachery and villainy.

However, these thoughts can only linger in Kong Bo's heart.

After all, he didn't dare to say it out loud.

Lin Xuezhu looked at his expression and felt that the time was almost up.

Then he said: "Master Kong, when it comes to the matter of immunity, I really have a few words to say."

"Ms. Lin, it doesn't matter if you say it." Kong Bo said.

Lin Xuezhu looked calm on her face and spoke calmly, "My husband has committed a serious crime, I am his wife, and the two of us are exiled for life. But our family members are actually implicated, and their exile periods are different. From my understanding, you can regain your freedom after doing enough hard work. Mr. Kong, is my understanding correct?"

Kong Bo was vaguely aware of the profound meaning in Lin Xuezhu's words, but he could not refute it.

There is indeed a difference between exile and banishment. Those with more serious crimes are exiled for life, while those who are convicts are exiled for a limited period.

He had read the Lin family's case files, and only Yuan Xiu and Lin Xuezhu were exiled for life.

Others, closer to these two, were exiled for longer periods of time.

The shortest period is for a few servants, and you can regain your freedom in about two or three years.

Kong Bo nodded and said, "Ms. Lin is right."

Lin Xuezhu smiled and said, "That being the case, can I ask for a favor for my family? Please, Mr. Kong, reduce their guilt as appropriate."

"No! "

No!"

"Don't!"

The Lin family said one after another. Although the words were different, the meaning was the same.

If you want to endure hardship, then endure hardship together; if you want to suffer, then suffer together.

Lin Xuezhu frowned and glanced at the whole family.

Those who opened their mouths to speak were silenced by her eyes.

When Kong Bo saw this situation, he felt even more complicated.

He cleared his throat and said, "Since Mr. Yuan and Mrs. Lin can't get away with it, I can think of a way for the others. So, give me three days to think about it."

"Xie Kong Sir." Lin Xuezhu smiled sincerely.

Others were sad.

After doing it for a long time, his girl did this just to find a way out for them.

If they had known this, they would not have cooperated in this scene.

Wouldn't it be nice to have the whole family together?

Why must we sacrifice the few in order to gain the freedom of the many?

Seeing that the atmosphere suddenly became dull, Kong Bo could understand what the Lin family was thinking.

He felt ashamed that he couldn't do more for them, and felt quite on pins and needles at the moment.

"Everyone, go to bed early. I'll take my leave first."

He stood up and took another look at the cave, which was filled with various tools and was both messy and cozy.

Sighing softly, he turned around and walked out.

"Master Kong, let me see you off." Yuan Xiu also stood up.

Kong Bo did not refuse, and he and Yuan Xiu left the cave one after another.

After walking in silence for a while, Kong Bo suddenly asked: "Master Yuan, I came here today because I wanted to tell you that I plan to find an opportunity to go to the court to ask for a reward from you."

Yuan Xiu Yun Danfeng smiled softly and replied: "Fortunately you didn't."

Kong Bo lowered his head and didn't know what to say for a moment.

Yuan Xiu patted him on the shoulder and said gently: "Master Kong, what my wife and I did was not to escape guilt from the beginning. Master Kong, you have a heart for the country and the people, and we do things for you. Just do things for the North, and you don't need to feel burdened. There are countless injustices in the world, and the only thing Master Kong can do is to ensure peace in the North."

After hearing this, Kong Bo's eyes instantly became wet.

Today, he was shocked.

He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Yuan, I understand what you mean. Don't worry, Mr. Yuan, I will do my best to maintain the stability of the North."

Yuan Xiu smiled slightly and said to Kong Bo. As a gentleman, he turned around and left.

Kong Bo looked at his slow steps until his figure disappeared at the entrance of the cave, then he called his entourage and got on the carriage.

This night was extremely long for him.

He suffered from insomnia.

And this night was not easy for the Lin family.

After seeing Kong Bo off, Wen Xiuqing sat blankly for a while, opened the door and walked out.

Lin Chengzhang saw that she looked wrong and hurriedly chased after her.

Wen Xiuqing walked in front, and Lin Chengzhang followed behind.

The two walked for a long time, and Wen Xiuqing suddenly stopped and shed tears silently.

"Madam..." Lin Chengzhang walked a few steps quickly and supported Wen Xiuqing.

"Husband, our daughter, she is less than twenty years old! Are we going to let her stay here all her life, fighting against the sky and people, forever?" Wen Xiuqing held Lin Chengzhang's arm, crying. Falling down swiftly.

Lin Chengzhang felt very sad, but he couldn't show it in front of his wife.

Like the rest of the Lin family, they were filled with fear and uneasiness when they first embarked on the road to exile.

It was Lin Xuezhu who quickly found their backbone with her wit and cheerfulness.

Only then did they reach the northern border safely.

But now, after learning that they would be separated from Lin Xuezhu, all the emotions that had been hidden in their hearts finally came to the fore.

It's so wronged. I've been so wronged along the way.

Not only myself, but everyone feels wronged!

What did they do wrong? Why bear such hardship and pain?

Wen Xiuqing cried and continued: "Husband, do you know that the last time our daughter saved the girl from the Xie family, it was not the first time she killed someone. She grew up in our hands. Which one?" Parents would want their children to live such a life of fighting and killing! But our girl was forced to become such a person! Husband, I really wish that all these hardships were on me alone, so that she could be safe. Living a happy life, but why is it so difficult? "

Wen Xiuqing is the most gentle person.

Lin Chengzhang had never seen her so out of control.

His eyes turned red for a moment.

As for the questions raised by his wife, he only felt that he had no answers.

Should we say that their daughter should not have married Yuan Xiu in the first place?

If she hadn't married Yuan Xiu, the whole family would not have suffered such an unnecessary disaster.

If there were what-ifs in life, everyone would have no regrets.

What's more, what did Yuan Xiu do wrong?

Who can he talk to about the grievances he feels?

Lin Chengzhang sighed and felt very melancholy.

At this moment, a clear and pleasant voice sounded behind them.

"Mom and Dad, what are you doing here secretly?"

Chapter 284 Who is leaving and who is not?

Hearing Lin Xuezhu's voice, Wen Xiuqing quickly wiped away her tears.

However, when she turned around, Lin Xuezhu still saw her red eyes.

Lin Xuezhu remained calm and just said with a smile: "Mom and dad, when you've finished talking about things, let's go home. Let's discuss anything together instead of worrying about it here."

"Yes, madam, let's go home slowly. " Speak slowly." Lin Chengzhang pulled Wen Xiuqing's arm.

Wen Xiuqing had just vented for a while, but now that her daughter had arrived, her mood calmed down a little.

No matter what, I can't break down in front of my daughter.

My daughter is the one who will be exiled for life, and she must be much sadder than them.

"Let's go." Lin Xuezhu stepped forward and took Wen Xiuqing's arm.

Wen Xiuqing naturally let go of Lin Chengzhang's hand.

This made Lin Chengzhang look at the backs of mother and daughter, feeling even more melancholy.

When the family of three returned to the cave, they saw the whole family silently busy with their work under the dim light.

But there was no smile on everyone's face, and the atmosphere was very dull.

Lin Xuezhu and Yuan Xiu looked at each other and said coquettishly: "Oh, what are you doing? I'm going to ask Mr. Kong for a favor, why aren't you happy yet?"

No one else spoke, only Lin Chengyao said: " Eldest niece, you took us all out, and you and your niece-in-law are the only two left. Do you plan to finish all the hard work we have to do?"

Lin Xuezhu asked, "Otherwise our whole family will be trapped here for the rest of our lives? Do you want to work as a coolie?"

The whole family stopped talking.

The truth is this, but emotionally I can't let it go!

Lin Xuezhu sighed softly and said: "I'm just fighting with Mr. Kong. It's not certain how many people can be fished out in the end. Why are you anxious? Besides, my husband and I are exiled for life, which doesn't mean that we will just sit back and wait for death. First of all, Freed people, you can do more for this family only after you leave this place, why don't you think about this?"

These words successfully made the whole family fall into deep thought.

They admitted that Lin Xuezhu's idea was a good one.

But what can these people do after they get out?

How can we do more for this family?

Seeing that everyone was still silent, Lin Xuezhu had no choice but to say: "It doesn't matter that our whole family is trapped here. Where is Xiao Xuan'er? He is only five years old and can only do odd jobs now. But what happens when he becomes an adult? Will he have to work as a coolie like us now?"

One sentence made everyone's heart ache.

Yes, it doesn't matter if they work as coolies, but Lin Yuxuan is only five years old!

Jiang Qishuang's arms around her son tightened, and her eyes were a little red.

Lin Chengyao also lowered his head.

Seeing this, Lin Xuezhu softened his expression and said: "Don't worry about it yet, let's wait and see how Master Kong makes his decision. No matter which one of you is fished out, it is impossible for you to live a leisurely life. The coolies here are working for nothing. You have to make money for me when you go out. "

Pfft! "

Wen Xiuqing couldn't help but laugh.

When she smiled, the atmosphere in the whole family relaxed a little.

Lin Chengzhang held Wen Xiuqing's hand, leaned into her ear and said, "Madam, now we are not holding our daughter in our hands, but our daughter is taking care of us."

"Yes!" Wen Xiuqing pursed her lips. I didn't know whether to be happy or sad for a moment.

But in the end, it is much better for their daughter to become a strong person than to remain a weak one.

Looking at this general direction, she still felt somewhat comforted in her heart.

"Let's all sleep. We'll see in three days." After Lin Xuezhu finished speaking, he climbed to the second floor.

The whole family understands that there is no point worrying now. The person who really holds their lives is the prefect Kong Bo.

Let's put this matter aside for now.

In the next three days, on the surface, nothing changed in the Lin family.

However, they have to do more work every day.

It was as if he was afraid that he was leaving and wanted to give more tasks to those who stayed behind.

Lin Xuezhu looked at everyone like this and wanted to say that it was unnecessary.

His family invented tools that improved the overall efficiency of work, and invisibly overfulfilled the task.

If it weren't for this, she would be embarrassed to speak to Kong Bo.

However, as long as your family is happy, you can do whatever you like.

On the third day, Kong Bo did not visit the cave, but sent Huang Hao over.

Huang Hao brought a message, saying that the Lin family could exchange credit for the freedom of six people.

As for the selection of these six people, except for Yuan Xiu and Lin Xuezhu, they can decide on their own.

Six people, this was beyond Lin Xuezhu's expectations.

She originally thought that being able to fish out three or four people would be the limit.

It seemed that the play she performed in front of Kong Bo was very effective.

Lin Xuezhu quickly drafted a candidate in his mind.

Just as she was about to speak, she saw the whole family looking relieved.

She felt puzzled, so she asked: "What's wrong with you?"

"There are only six places, so it shouldn't be our turn. Thinking that we can stay and take care of Miss Xuezhu, I feel comfortable." Mother Ma said.

Lin Xuezhu looked at the others, "You think so too?"

The others nodded.

Yes, yes, we will definitely give up our quota.

Lin Xuezhu: This is not up to you.

So, she said seriously: "This is what I think, Xiao Xuan'er must go out, aunt will follow, but uncle must stay."

After hearing this, Jiang Qishuang had no special expression on her face, but Lin Chengyao was stunned. .

Does the eldest niece want the couple to separate?

Lin Xuezhu continued: "A new Xingsheng Bank has opened in Feiyun City. The owner behind the scenes is looking for a shopkeeper. I plan to ask my father to go out to do this, so my mother will follow. The other two candidates, I am planning to choose Hu Ertong. With Hu Santong."

Her arrangement was too unexpected.

Especially Hu Ertong and Hu Santong. Their master hasn't left yet. How can they leave first?

Lin Xuezhu finished what she wanted to say, glanced around the crowd and said, "If you have any questions, just ask."

Just as Lin Chengyao was about to speak, Jiang Qishuang grabbed her sleeve.

Lin Chengyao was puzzled, but Jiang Qishuang shook her head at him.

At this time, I heard Lin Chengzhang ask: "Daughter, just to be the shopkeeper of a bank, you let me go first? Your aunt and aunt are weak, so it is better to let them go first. Your mother and I can stay together as long as you want. I'll accompany you."

"Miss Xuezhu, my third brother and I will stay here, let the masters go first," Hu Ertong said.

After hearing what they said, Lin Xuezhu slowly said, "Zhou Shenyi and his family have opened a store in the north."

After hearing this, no one in the family except Yuan Xiu reacted.

What does the Zhou family's store have to do with their family?

Could it be that the Zhou family decides who will leave and who will not?

Chapter 285 The eldest niece is one step ahead in everything.

Seeing everyone's doubts, Lin Xuezhu explained calmly: "When my husband and I went to Anbei City and Feiyun City before, we saw the Zhou family's shops. And the Zhou family is in the northern border. There is only one shop in each city, what do you think they sell?"

The whole family is still puzzled.

The topic seemed to be getting off track. It was obviously about who of the family members would leave first, so why did it get involved with the Zhou family?

"Grain." Lin Xuezhu threw out two words, paused and then said: "The Zhou family sells grain."

Hearing this, Lin Chengzhang somewhat understood.

But others are still in the dark.

Lin Xuezhu continued: "Since last winter, the food and salary sent by the imperial court to the northern border has not been received. What we eat now is the military salary saved by the Northern Army. For a long time in the future, the most lacking thing in the northern border is It will be food. Although the Zhou family's store has been opened, they are only stocking up and refusing to sell the food. What do you think it is for

? Cheng Zhang said solemnly.

Lin Xuezhu nodded, "Yes, this is what the Zhou family has in mind. They are the shrewdest businessmen, only pursuing personal gain and regardless of morality. But if they are allowed to succeed, the Northern Territory will be in chaos, and not only Master Kong's hard work will be in vain, but also We can no longer live a stable life. Therefore, we must make arrangements in advance to break the Zhou family's situation."

The whole family understood what she said.

But if you understand, you understand. What does this have to do with the candidate who leaves?

Lin Xuezhu said calmly: "My husband found an old friend and opened a bank in Feiyun City. He has brought one million taels of gold and silver each. Once this money enters the northern border, it will bring a certain amount of circulation. Sex can also stabilize the situation in Feiyun City, but it is not convenient for this friend to show up, so we can only find a suitable person to serve as the shopkeeper."

With this, the whole family can understand.

In this family, Lin Chengzhang is the only one who has the ability to work as a shopkeeper in a bank.

Lin Xuezhu added: "This friend also opened a grain store in Feiyun City, right next to the Zhou family's grain store. There is currently no signboard. As long as the Zhou family takes action, this grain store can be opened immediately. To deal with this, the Zhou family was caught off guard. Therefore, I plan to let my aunt be the shopkeeper of the grain store."

Even Jiang Qishuang was shocked when she said this.

She originally thought that she was asked to leave first because she was Lin Yuxuan's mother.

Unexpectedly, Lin Xuezhu directly asked her to take charge of a store, which was also a very important grain store!

What did the eldest niece think?

Lin Xuezhu didn't wait for her to ask questions and took the lead in explaining: "Among all of us, only my aunt's family owns a pharmacy. She has been exposed to it since she was a child and knows how to do business. It's just that it's not convenient for a woman to show up in public, so I let her go I took Hu Ertong and Hu Santong out, one to help my aunt and the other to assist my father."

After she explained this, everyone understood.

It turned out that the candidates she gave seemed random at first glance, but in fact they were carefully considered based on needs.

It sounds very reasonable and irrefutable.

Lin Xuezhu looked at everyone's sudden realization and took out two sets of keys from his body.

One string was handed to Lin Chengzhang, and the other string was handed to Jiang Qishuang.

Said: "These are the keys to your respective shops, keep them."

Lin Chengzhang and Jiang Qishuang: Even the keys were given to them. This has been planned for a long time!

"Eldest niece, when did you do so many things?" Jiang Qishuang asked in disbelief.

Lin Xuezhu was obviously with everyone every day. He only went to the city occasionally to do shopping, and he came back soon.

How can you do so much in such a short time?

Lin Xuezhu smiled slightly, hiding his merit and fame, "Of course it's not me, the person doing the work is my husband!"

Yuan Xiu: It's so sudden, how did the blame fall on me?

Seeing everyone's eyes turning to him, Yuan Xiu said helplessly: "Oh, I did have some friends before."

He obediently carried the big pot on his back, but it was the madam who dumped him!

Everyone: It's understandable, after all, he used to be a prince.

Lin Xuezhu looked around at everyone and asked, "Do you have any objections?"

No one answered.

Lin Xuezhu clapped her hands and said happily: "Then let's adjourn the meeting!"

The whole family obeyed and dispersed, each doing their own thing.

Lin Chengyao pulled Jiang Qishuang and whispered, "Madam, you and Xuan'er will go to Feiyun City in the future. It will be difficult for me to meet you. I...I can't bear to leave you."

Jiang Qishuang smiled and patted his shoulder, Said: "It doesn't matter, if you miss us, let your eldest niece take you into the city."

Lin Chengyao lowered his head, and after a long while, he muttered: "I don't know what my eldest niece thinks, you and Xuan'er are gone. "What are you leaving me here for? Can't I help you if you go to the grain store? Why would you rather let the Hu brothers go than let me go?"

He and his wife have never been separated since they got married.

He was suddenly told to stay by himself, which made his heart feel uncomfortable.

Jiang Qishuang rolled her eyes at him and asked: "You went to Feiyun City, there are so many people left at home, who can you go to if you have a headache?"

This sentence made Lin Chengyao's heart skip a beat.

Yes, he was only worried about being separated from his wife and children. He didn't consider that once he left, there would be no doctor in the family.

"So, if Madam didn't let me speak just now, that means she has already considered this matter?" Lin Chengyao asked.

Jiang Qishuang nodded, "Xuan'er and I went to Feiyun City. We don't have to worry about food and clothing. If you have a headache or fever, you can find a medical center. If there is a problem, you can also ask Mr. Kong for help. In comparison, this The situation on the other side is even more difficult. My eldest niece must have kept you because of her sister-in-law's health, so no one can watch her. "

Speaking of Lin Jiayuan, Lin Chengyao felt ashamed.

No wonder he still questioned his eldest niece, but in the end, even the wife could think of the problem, but he couldn't think of it.

Fortunately, before he could speak, he was interrupted by his wife.

Otherwise, let others hear it and think that Lin Chengyao is such a narrow-minded person!

Seeing that he hadn't spoken for a long time, Jiang Qishuang patted his shoulder and comforted him: "My niece-in-law is a person with great ambitions. My eldest niece has a delicate mind. She is one step ahead in everything and is considerate. If you don't understand some things, just listen to your eldest niece." Just make arrangements. Your medical skills will be of great help to your eldest niece, so you can rest assured to help her. We, mother and son, are going out to have a good time, so you don't have to worry about it."

As soon as he said this, Lin Chengyao felt much better . .

Yes, compared to other people who have to stay here and suffer, they have an advantage.

If he also left, wouldn't it be unfair to others?

Lin Chengyao really blamed himself, but when he thought that his wife and children were about to leave, he felt really sad.

I struggled with it all night, and the next day, the carriage came to pick me up.

Chapter 286 An Beicheng Exiled Prisoner Yi

Ba Wangshen was very efficient in doing things. When he saw that the Lin family had chosen six people, he immediately removed them from the criminal record.

At the same time, he also gave Lin Chengzhang a token, allowing them to come back at any time.

Wen Xiuqing kept holding Lin Xuezhu's hand and was reluctant to let go.

She is a woman who understands the general situation and knows that her daughter is doing this not only for the sake of the whole family, but also to deal with the crisis in the north.

She also knew that with the abilities of her daughter and uncle, there would be no danger no matter where they went.

But as a mother, she really couldn't give up.

I thought that I could escape from the crime and live an ordinary life.

But her daughter had to stay and suffer, which made her feel very sad.

"Mom, after arriving in Feiyun City, you have to help dad as a consultant when something happens. If you encounter something you can't decide, send the Hu brothers back to deliver a message to us. Take care, run the bank well, and wait for me." Finally. Lin Xuezhu said these few words with great solemnity.

Wen Xiuqing felt slightly comforted after hearing this.

Yes, just because they left first does not mean that others will have no chance to leave.

Her daughter is so powerful, she will definitely find a way to save everyone.

She wants to prepare a home for her daughter.

"Daughter, if you are short of anything, tell me, and I will prepare everything for you." Wen Xiuqing said.

Lin Xuezhu nodded and told a few people, "If you don't have anything important to do, try not to come back. There are too many people and it's easy to cause unnecessary trouble. As the captain of ten, I have the opportunity to go to the city every month. I will go when the time comes." Look at you."

Wen Xiuqing and Lin Chengzhang felt somewhat comforted by the thought of seeing their daughter once a month.

Without further ado, a few people took some belongings, got in the car and left.

In Feiyun City, arrangements have been made by Yuan Xiu's people.

The back halls of the two shops are the shopkeepers' residences, which are fully stocked with all daily necessities.

It's truly a turnkey move-in.

Lin Yuxuan's child had just woken up and was still rubbing his eyes in Jiang Qishuang's arms.

Seeing herself getting on the carriage, she asked curiously: "Mom, where are we going?"

Jiang Qishuang replied: "We are going to Feiyun City, and we will live in Feiyun City from now on."

The little guy blinked and understood. a while.

Suddenly he ran to the side of the car and opened the curtains.

She looked outside and asked, "Aren't they going? Not even my cousin?"

"My cousin can't go." Jiang Qishuang said somewhat helplessly.

The little guy immediately stopped doing it. He kicked off his little fat legs and was about to get off the car.

"If my cousin doesn't go, I won't go either."

Fortunately, Lin Chengzhang was quick and got him back.

The little guy's tears were falling down and he shouted at the top of his lungs in the carriage: "Cousin, help me, cousin..."

Lin Xuezhu heard the voice and quickly opened the car curtain.

The little guy immediately threw himself into Lin Xuezhu's arms, hugged her neck and cried, "Why can't my cousin go? Why are we only allowed to go?"

Lin Xuezhu patted the little guy's back comfortingly, feeling a little sad.

She has died once, and she is more open-minded about life, separation, and death than most people.

However, she couldn't help but feel moved when faced with such sincere emotions from such a young child.

"Xiao Xuan'er, don't cry. It's not that my cousin won't go, she just has to go later." Lin Xuezhu comforted her.

Lin Yuxuan raised his head from her arms and asked dubiously: "When will my cousin go?" Lin Xuezhu thought for a while and said, "When Xiaoxuan'er has memorized the Four Books and Five Classics by heart, then my cousin can go." Let Lin Yuxuan

.

Xuan left first, partly because he was young, and partly because he wanted to go to school.

Regarding studying in school, Lin Xuezhu's point of view is that knowledge does not necessarily change one's destiny, but one must understand the truth and correct the three views in the process of learning knowledge.

Therefore, regardless of whether Xiao Xuan'er will pursue an official career in the future, studying now is very necessary.

It is not too early to enter school at the age of five.

However, Lin Yuxuan didn't know how long it would take for his cousin to memorize the Four Books and Five Classics backwards and forwards.

He only thought that as long as he did it, his cousin would be able to come to Feiyun City to reunite with them.

Therefore, the little guy wiped his tears and nodded seriously, "I'll start carrying it when I get to Feiyun City."

"Then Xiao Xuan'er needs to hurry up." Lin Xuezhu smiled and put him back into the carriage, pulling him Get on the car curtain.

Lin Yuxuan sat back in Jiang Qishuang's arms and said to Lin Chengzhang: "Uncle, can you teach me to recite the Four Books and the Five Classics?"

"Of course, but Xiaoxuan'er still has to go to a school to study." Lin Chengzhang smiled.

Lin Yuxuan thought for a while, nodded and said, "I'll go."

The carriage slowly started, taking six people from the Lin family on the way to Feiyun City.

The others watched them leave until the carriage disappeared from sight.

"Okay, everyone, cheer up. We have to think about how to contribute to the construction site again. When we have enough credit, we can send out another batch." Lin Xuezhu said cheerfully.

As soon as she finished speaking, there was a sound of sobbing beside her.

Lin Xuezhu turned around and saw Mrs. Lu wiping her tears.

"Aunt, what's wrong with you?" Lin Xuezhu was puzzled.

Mrs. Lu turned her head and said after a while: "You sent us all away, and only you and Xiu'er are left. Do you want to die here for the rest of your life?"

"What kind of death is this!" Lin Xuezhu stepped forward and hugged Lu She put her shoulder on her shoulder and said with a smile: "My husband and I will not die if anyone dies. Even if we are prisoners, we are the best among prisoners. What are auntie worried about?" Mrs.

Lu was amused by her and laughed. He couldn't help but slap her angrily.

Lin Xuezhu smiled brightly, held Lu's arm with one arm and Lin Jiayuan with the other, and walked towards the cave.

"Let me tell you, others have to serve their sentence before they can leave. Our family has made meritorious service and can leave before the expiration date. As a result, you are not only unhappy, but also crying. I can't understand it. If you really don't want to leave, I Can you find a way to tell Mr. Kong to extend your sentence?"

"You kid!" Ms. Lu laughed angrily at her.

Lin Jiayuan also laughed and couldn't help but tap Lin Xuezhu's forehead.

As her eldest niece, she really doesn't give others a chance to feel sad.

She couldn't even express her feelings of farewell, she had to make people laugh.

"Hurry up and pack up. Let's get to work right away."

Seeing that everyone in the other caves was getting ready to set off, Lin Xuezhu also urged her family to hurry up.

Working is the best way to distract yourself.

She decided that if her family members were still thinking about things, she would arrange more work for them so that they would have no time to think.

To make contributions early and leave early is her future work idea.

The whole family gathered their spirits and set off to the construction site.

As soon as I arrived at the construction site, I saw a dozen people gathered together, seemingly discussing something.

Lin Xuezhu saw that he was not a prisoner on their first floor, so he didn't take it seriously.

Just as he was about to go to his work station, he heard someone say: "Hey, isn't this the Lin family? They are one of the tyrants among the exiled prisoners in Anbeicheng!"

Chapter 287 What Mrs. Lin said was right.

Lin Xuezhu stopped and took a closer look at the person who spoke.

I don't know him, he's probably new here.

Lin Xuezhu didn't intend to pay attention to her.

There are three fewer men in the family, and two of them are still strong, Hu Ertong and Hu Santong.

Someone probably felt that her family had become easy to bully and wanted to take advantage of them.

For such a short-sighted person, winning doesn't show how powerful she is, so she doesn't bother to care.

Lin Xuezhu took her family members with her and started today's work.

After only a cup of tea, she felt something was wrong.

There were very few people on the construction site. Except for the prisoners who were familiar to her from the first and second batch of arrivals, there were almost no other unfamiliar faces.

"What's going on?" Lin Xuezhu asked Wei Hong'er who was standing aside.

Wei Hong'er is a sociable person who easily gets along with others and is relatively well-informed.

She said: "When we set off, I saw that there were many people in other caves who didn't come out. I don't know what happened."

"Yes." Lin Xuezhu knew what was going on and continued working calmly.

After a while, the centurions came over. Each found the centurion under their jurisdiction and began to check the number of people.

In Lin Xuezhu's team, Wen Xiuqing and Jiang Qishuang left, leaving only eight people left.

After an inventory, it was discovered that nearly one-third of the prisoners were missing from the construction site.

There are also some prisoners who came but did not work.

Several centurions reported the situation to their superiors, and after a while, Wang Shen arrived.

"What's going on?" Wang Shen looked solemn.

Nothing like this has ever happened on this construction site.

Perhaps it was because these prisoners had suffered a lot during their exile, so when they arrived at Anbei City, most of them were quite obedient.

Therefore, the officers and soldiers did not treat the prisoners too harshly.

Two centurions stepped forward and reported the situation.

Those prisoners who were absent from work were under the jurisdiction of these two centurions.

While they were talking, a dozen prisoners were brought over.

Lin Xuezhu took a quick look and saw that they were the gossips she met in the morning.

She frowned and probably guessed the reason.

"Why don't you work?" Wang Shen asked.

The leader slapped his neck and said firmly: "We are not convinced by the unfairness of being an official."

"What's the injustice?" Wang Shen was displeased.

The man said: "Why can the Lin family be exempted from crime, but we have to work here endlessly?"

Wang Shen heard this and glanced at Lin Xuezhu subconsciously.

Lin Xuezhu acted as if nothing had happened, and the work at hand did not stop.

Wang Shen said loudly: "The Lin family is credited with inventing the tools. This was specially approved by the prefect. What do you think?"

The man was dissatisfied and said: "Who invented the tools by the Lin family? It couldn't be the five-year-old boy, right? The prefect What's the relationship with the Lin family? Why did Tudu give preferential treatment to the Lin family?"

After she finished speaking, another person continued: "Before, that girl from the Lin family was killing people on the construction site, and you officials actually indulged her. You said there was nothing wrong with her? , Who believes it?"

Wang Shen was laughed at by them.

Said: "The Lin family was the first batch of prisoners to arrive in the north. They used their spare time to make tools and worked early in the morning and worked late at night, which is why you have the ease you have now. Also, the Lin family led other prisoners to open up wasteland, cultivate land and build greenhouses, which is why we have The food you are eating now. Why, you have to lift the table after eating and curse after drinking milk? "

Wang Shen is telling the truth. The prisoners who were exiled with the Lin family and the second batch of arrivals were also punished by the Lin family. The prisoners who were instructed were all aware of this.

Therefore, as soon as he finished speaking, someone echoed: "That's true. Even the cave we live in was transformed into what it is now with the guidance of the Lin family. If it weren't for the Lin family, we might freeze to death." Here

it is." "In the past, when we didn't have tools, we would get up before dawn and finish work until almost midnight. Now that we have tools, we can finish the work in half a day. If you are busy with your own affairs, won't the days get better and better?"

Hearing someone say this, the leader of the dozen people snorted: "The Lin family is kind to you, but they haven't done that much to us. Our cave has not been renovated, so how can we survive? You are willing to curry favor with them, as you wish. However, when the whole family is exonerated and you idiots are left to continue to work here, who will you curry favor with? ?"

As soon as these words came out, people were outraged.

"Who are you calling a stupid dog?" A woman with a hot temper gave up.

"I'm talking about you, you are a stupid dog. You are a stupid dog who helped count money after being sold!" said the leader.

"I'm going to show you who the dog is today!" said the hot-tempered woman, rolling up her sleeves and getting ready to fight.

When the officers and soldiers saw that they were going to fight each other, they quickly pulled the two men away from each other.

Wang Shen only felt a pain in his head.

He was a serious member of the Northern Army, and he had lived a life of strict military discipline.

When encountering someone who disobeys orders and is bent on stirring up trouble, all he can think of is military law.

"Come here, drag this person down for me. I'll give you twenty sticks."

He waved his hand, and two officers and soldiers immediately came up and dragged the troublemaking woman down.

After a while, the woman's shrill screams were heard in the distance.

"Others, keep working!" Wang Shen shouted.

The dozen or so people seemed to have not heard anything, with expressions of despair on their faces, standing like wooden stakes.

Wang Shen was a little embarrassed.

He has already used the rod to punish them, but these people are still not convinced?

Is it possible that he was required to beat up these dozen people one by one, and then drag out those who did not come to work to be tortured one by one?

Not to mention whether we can fight or not, even if we fight, one-third of the people working on the construction site will be missing, which will affect the progress.

Wang Shen looked calm on the face, but panicked in his heart.

This will make the matter bigger and cause trouble to Mr. Huang or even Mr. Kong, and he will definitely be blamed.

Just when Wang Shen didn't know what to do, Lin Xuezhu chuckled.

She said: "Everyone, you are right. My Lin family has indeed done nothing for you, and you are not responsible for accepting the favor of my Lin family. So from today on, you are not allowed to eat the food grown by people organized by our Lin family. My Lin family Don't use the tools invented. Oh, by the way, you don't even want to do the work, so of course you can't use those tools."

After her reminder, Wang Shen suddenly became enlightened.

By the way, if these people don't work, they won't eat.

Since the law does not punish everyone and cannot be punished one by one with a cane, it is always okay to deny food.

Some people are just mean and just need a few hungry meals.

Wang Shen nodded and said: "Ms. Lin is right. Since you don't appreciate the kindness, you shouldn't take advantage of the Lin family. From today on, people who don't work can't receive the food grown by the Lin family. In addition, since you don't work, , so don't wander around. Centurion, take these people back and keep them under good supervision. Don't allow them to cause trouble outside the cave!"

Chapter 288:

Wang Shen's order was given to teach the boss behind Longsheng Grain Store how to be a good person. Regardless of whether the dozen or so people were willing or not, they were all taken back to the cave by the officers and soldiers.

The "outstanding bird" who was punished with the cane was also dragged away with wounds on his buttocks.

Lin Xuezhu saw Wang Shen looking at him gratefully, nodded slightly in greeting, and then went back to work.

The prisoners who were absent from work lasted only one night.

Early the next morning, I heard that the officers and soldiers still did not intend to give them food, so some people clamored to go to the construction site to work.

For those who were willing to work, the officers and soldiers happily released them from the cave and gave them a steamed bun.

Everyone has a herd mentality. Once someone gives in, the rest will fall into place.

Most people went to work, but a few were more determined, and the officers and soldiers did not interfere much.

However, even those who were willing to work were not allowed to use tools by the officers and soldiers.

They not only have to complete today's workload, but also make up for what they missed yesterday.

If it can't be finished in one day, it will take two days, if it can't be finished in two days, it will take three days...

No tools are allowed to be used before the repair is completed.

Therefore, these prisoners are faced with two choices.

The first choice is to complete it as soon as possible.

That means they will have to stay up at least a few late nights, and each day will be more exhausting than the day before.

The second option is to replenish a little bit every day.

That means that they will have a longer period of time without the use of tools and can only rely purely on manpower.

It seems like you have a choice, but in fact, no matter what you choose, it is torture for yourself.

This move is too damaging, but very useful.

The few people who had managed to persist for another day without going to work suddenly panicked when they heard about this incident.

It's already very hard to make up for one day's work missed, and they missed one more day than others. Wouldn't it mean that they would have to make up for it until the end of time?

So, on the third day, no one dared not to go to work.

If the "first-timer" hadn't had his butt smashed, she would have been tempted to drag the broken body to work.

Commander Wang Shen, who was instructed by Lin Xuezhu to subdue the prisoners with one move, also expressed that he had learned from it.

As Mrs. Lin said, some things do not necessarily have to be solved with violence, and soft nails are more torturous.

Moreover, those who cannot use tools to work really experience what it means to live like a year.

What could have been done in half a day using tools, they worked all day long from dawn to dusk.

Not to mention it takes a long time and puts a heavy load on the body.

Some people couldn't stand it and went to the officers and soldiers to complain and wanted to restore their right to use tools.

When encountering such a person, the officers and soldiers would dismiss him with just a few words.

"Those of you who come later have tools to use when you come here. You have never understood the hard work of your predecessors, so you can open your mouth and not accept others' kindness. When will you know how to be grateful, when will you resume using tools."

Those prisoners Almost cried.

They understand, they understand everything.

The people who invented tools are truly amazing, shouldn't they be grateful?

After hearing this, the officer and soldier said calmly: "If you really know how to be grateful, you should make up for the mistakes you made when you were ignorant. Otherwise, you will just say thank you in words, but there will be no acknowledgment of your mistakes in action. This is what you are saying. Understand? "

Ms. Lin has said that it doesn't matter if you treat others leniently, but if you want to punish, you must follow through.

If you are soft-hearted for a moment and spare them this time, not only will they not be grateful, but they will also take advantage of you.

In the end, every one of the prisoners who made trouble gritted his teeth and lived a day of waking up early and working late at night, and was physically and mentally exhausted.

From then on, no prisoners dared to cause trouble on the construction site.

At the beginning of spring, the northern border really ran out of food.

The remaining food and pay for the Northern Conquest Army were finally exhausted.

However, the food distribution promised by the court has still not arrived.

Kong Bo handed over his coupons one after another, but they all came to nothing.

On the one hand, there is a shortage of grain, and on the other hand, the designated cultivated land requires a large amount of grain seeds.

However, the official bank of the government office was devastated by the former eunuch, leaving a huge mess behind.

Kong Bo was exhausted. He had only been in office for less than a month, but he had gained countless white hairs on his temples.

The news coming from below was simply that the people believed that the imperial court had abandoned the northern border, and that the imperial court was leaving them to fend for themselves in the territory that the Northern Army had finally regained.

At the same time, Zhou Ji Grain Store officially opened for business, selling grain at a price three times higher than the market price.

On the first day, people didn't buy it and just looked on.

The next day, people began to buy grain at high prices.

At the same time, there was news that the national treasury was in deficit and food and salary could not be paid.

On the third day, the threshold of Zhou Ji's grain store was almost squeezed through.

Anyone who has money at home is eager to exchange all their money for food.

Some people even have the idea of ​​hoarding grain at a high price and then selling it at a higher price.

Although Kong Bo quickly sent his men to look for grain merchants in cities outside the northern border.

But without exception, all the people sent out returned without success.

It is said that all the grain in the cities near the northern border was purchased by Zhou Ji, and they harvested as much as they could.

Just when Kong Bo was in a state of despair, on the fourth day, the shop next door to Zhou Ji Liang Shop opened for business.

The Longsheng Grain Store sells grain at market prices, and it's enough to make people feel good about themselves.

As soon as the Longsheng Grain Shop opened, it was immediately crowded with people buying grain.

People who used to pay high prices to buy grain at Zhouji stopped doing it, and they all accused the shopkeeper of making shady money.

Someone even came to make trouble and almost smashed Zhou Ji's sign.

The shopkeeper of Zhouji Grain Store gritted his teeth with hatred. If Longsheng Grain Store hadn't been right next door to him, he would have wanted to burn this enemy who had ruined his good deeds.

The young man couldn't see it and said to Yikuijin: "Shopkeeper, why don't we also sell at a lower price? Otherwise, when summer comes, we will have so many grains that we will have worms."

Kuokujin pondered for a moment, shook his head and said: " This is not a question of whether to lower the price or not. I want to see how long this Longsheng Grain Store can survive!"

He purchased all the grain from the nearby city. No matter where the Longsheng Grain Store's grain came from, once it is sold, Once it is empty, it will certainly not be possible to replenish the inventory.

If they want to purchase goods from further away, the cost will inevitably increase and they will not be able to maintain the current price.

I estimate that with the inventory of Longsheng Grain Store, there will be no grain to sell in three days at most.

When the time comes, Zhou Ji Grain Store will completely overwhelm Longsheng Grain Store with a steady supply of grain.

Teach the boss behind the scenes of Longsheng Food Store how to behave!

On the fifth and sixth days, the door of Longsheng Grain Store was still bustling with people and there was an endless stream of buyers.

On the seventh day, people from other cities in the north who heard the news came to Longsheng Grain Shop in Feiyun City to buy grain.

At the same time, news came from Zhou Ji's grain stores deployed in other cities that no one was buying Zhou Ji's grain, and people who were short of food ran to Feiyun City.

His teeth itch with hatred after a mouthful of gold, just waiting to see the food stock in Longsheng Grain Store run out.

However, to his disappointment, Longsheng's food supply seemed to be endless.

Seeing that the stores were all sold out, they were full again the next morning.

Chapter 289 Is the situation in the north serious?

After many days, Kong Bo once again visited the cave where the prisoners in Anbei City lived.

At this time, Lin Xuezhu and Yuan Xiu were in the open farmland.

Lin Xuezhu dictated, and Yuan Xiu translated her words into whistles to convey the message to his people.

When Kong Bo came over, he just thought that the two couples were having fun as a couple, and he was a little embarrassed to disturb them.

If Lin Xuezhu hadn't seen him with sharp eyes, he would have found a place to hide for a while.

"Master Kong." Lin Xuezhu greeted with a smile.

Yuan Xiu also looked over.

Kong Bo was quite embarrassed to greet the two of them and exchanged a few words.

Lin Xuezhu said deliberately: "Master Kong, we haven't seen each other for a long time, why is your hair so gray?"

Kong Bo smiled bitterly and said: "The situation in the north is severe. I have trouble sleeping and eating these days. I probably look a little haggard. I hope Madam Lin will forgive me."

Lin Xuezhu asked with wide eyes, "Is the situation in the north serious?"

Kong Bo thought she was joking, and his expression became even more bitter.

Explained: "The government has no grain in stock, and the common people can't buy grain, which almost causes trouble. Seeing that the spring planting is coming, I am scraping here and there, but I don't even have the money to buy grain. I asked the prefects in all the cities, and they all said After being plundered by the former governor, there is not much public money left. Without food, the northern border will be in chaos!"

Seeing his distressed look, Lin Xuezhu and Yuan Xiu looked at each other and understood.

The time has come.

Lin Xuezhu said: "Public silver is not enough, Master Kong, have you thought about private banking?"

Kong Bo looked gloomy and said: "I have invested all my wealth in it, but my meager salary is only a drop in the bucket. If the prefects of each city are allowed to If they all donate money, it's a bit overwhelming."

If it weren't for the serious topic, Lin Xuezhu would almost be amused by him.

However, Kong Bo was too honest as he donated all his salary for the sake of the people.

Lin Xuezhu said: "Master Kong, what I mean is to borrow money. Isn't there a prosperous bank in Feiyun City? You can use the government's reputation to borrow money. When the autumn harvest comes, you can sell the grain and use it as a loan." The money is paid."

Kong Bo frowned.

He knew that Xingsheng Bank was opened and approved after he took office.

However, no one has ever done this before when the government borrows money from banks.

"Ms. Lin, is the risk too high? If it doesn't happen..." Kong Bo hesitated.

"Master Kong, you can't have both. If you do big things, you have to take risks." Lin Xuezhu said expressionlessly.

Kong Bo was silent for a moment, and then he nodded as if he had made up his mind: "I understand, Mrs. Lin, thank you for pointing me to this road."

Lin Xuezhu said: "As for the food supply in the north, Mr. Kong Don't worry. I've inquired, and the Longsheng Grain Store has enough grain. Master Kong just needs to let him go. And I heard that people from other cities will also come to Feiyun City to buy grain. I'm afraid there will be inconvenience."

When Kong Bo heard what she said, he knew that she had another idea, and quickly asked: "What does Mrs. Lin mean?"

Lin Xuezhu continued: "Zhou Ji took advantage of the situation and sold grain at high prices. He was an unscrupulous and profiteer. Why don't Master Kong cooperate with us? If the people in other cities are running around, why don't we use Feiyun City as the center to regularly send Longsheng's grain to various places and let the government sell it on behalf of the government? "

"What do you think of the government sales?" Once he accepted the idea of ​​the government borrowing from banks, Kong Bo had no difficulty in accepting the cooperation between the government and grain shops.

Lin Xuezhu nodded, "The government sells on behalf of the whole Northern Territory, and the price is unified, and no one is allowed to seek personal gain. In this way, the price of food in the Northern Territory can be stabilized, and the people's hearts can be at peace."

Kong Bo thought for a moment and knew what she said It makes perfect sense.

Nowadays, most people are hoarding food out of panic.

There are also a few people who want to imitate Zhou Ji Grain Shop and take advantage of the opportunity to make high profits.

If there is a stable source of food and the price is controllable, people will not need to panic, and there will be no market for speculators.

As long as the people are given sufficient confidence, the food shortage in the northern border will be passed smoothly.

When the harvest comes in autumn, the northern border will no longer be afraid of running out of food.

Kong Bo was so excited that if Lin Xuezhu hadn't been a woman, he would have given her a big hug.

"Thank you, Mrs. Lin, for your advice. Having you in the North is a blessing to the North."

Kong Bo bowed seriously, and a thousand words were said here.

Yuan Xiu knew that he was doing things safely, but he couldn't help but remind him: "Master Kong, the government must be very careful when it comes to getting involved in this matter. Otherwise, once the government loses the support of the people, it will be difficult to get it back."

Kong Bo Knowing the stakes involved, he solemnly said: "Don't worry, Mr. Yuan, I will send people to closely inspect to ensure the food supply of every city, and strictly prohibit any officials from profiting from it. As long as the people want it, the northern border will definitely get better and better." "

Yuan Xiu smiled and nodded.

Lin Xuezhu said, "Master Kong, I have one more thing to ask of you."

"Ms. Lin, it's okay to say it." Kong Bo said.

Lin Xuezhu pondered for a moment and then said: "During this period, I would like to ask Mr. Kong to allow my husband and I to enter and exit Feiyun City at any time."

Kong Bo thought for a moment and understood what she meant.

He promised fully: "In that case, I will have someone send a token to you two later. With this token, not only Feiyun City, but also other cities, you two can come and go freely."

"Thank you, Mr. Kong. Yuan Xiu and Lin Xuezhu said together.

Kong Bo had a plan in mind and didn't want to waste too much time, so he hurried back to the prefect's mansion.

In the afternoon of the same day, he sent people to deliver letters to the prefects of each city, asking them to rush to the prefecture as soon as possible to discuss important matters.

The prefects in various cities are having a very hard time these days when they are short of food.

When the prefect called, they all rushed to ask for food.

Therefore, everyone rushed to Feiyun City at full speed.

Kong Bo's proposal was unanimously approved by the prefects of each city.

Not to mention the common people, they themselves are not willing to spend three times the price to buy food!

Kong Bo also asked the prefects of each city to sign contracts.

One shows that the decision was unanimously agreed upon.

The second commitment is not to profit from it in any form, otherwise, you will be severely punished.

The third one puts many details on paper so that everyone has a charter.

The prefects of each city had no objections to this contract.

After all, if the whole northern territory is in chaos because of lack of food, none of them will be able to survive alone.

After the discussion, Kong Bo sent the prefects of each city back, and the prefect's mansion did not even entertain him a meal.

The prefects of each city knew that the new governor was different from the previous governor in that he was a practical person, so they did not dare to neglect him. They quickly returned to their cities and prepared to go according to the regulations in the contract.

The prefects acted quickly and posted the drafted new decree at the city gate the next day.

There was no way, Mr. Kong was too efficient. The new decrees had already been drafted, and all they had to do was copy them.

Chapter 290 It was clear that he was going to kill him for

a small sum of money. He moved a bench and sat in front of the store, hoping every day that the stock of grain in the Longsheng Grain Store next door would be exhausted.

He looked like a middle-aged unemployed man who stayed at home and went out to bask in the sun.

If he hadn't opened his mouth, full of big gold teeth shining in the sun, others would have thought he was a street kid.

It's a pity that the business of Longsheng Grain Store is still booming after he has been waiting for it for many days.

Not only is it prosperous, but it also receives many big guests every day.

A tall man welcomed people into the back hall, and he didn't know what he said. When the guests came out, they all looked satisfied.

Yi Yijin knows that to do business, you must first establish personal connections.

He also found someone to contact the Northern Governor, but unfortunately they didn't give him face.

Not to mention eating with him, I don't even want to see him.

Yi Yijin has never been treated like this in his business career.

This made him wonder, is Zhou Ji not famous enough?

Why is it that when Zhou Ji opens a store in other places, local officials welcome him with smiles, but when he comes to the north, he doesn't give him any face at all?

At this moment, Yi Yijin received contact from other city branches and learned about the new decree issued by the government.

He was so angry that he jumped up from the bench with his teeth bared.

"You're a Longsheng grain store, you're actually playing tricks on me. Don't you know the name of Zhongyuan Gold? I'll show you today, what does it mean to be as high as the devil and as high as the road!

" The little eyes rolled, and the plan came to mind.

Taking small steps, he returned to the back hall of Zhou Ji's grain store and hired a waiter.

"It's from the shopkeeper." Seeing that the waiter finally came to life, he was also very happy in his heart.

He is a man who works for others, and if he has no work, his job will be in jeopardy.

The little golden eyes narrowed, revealing the big gold teeth, and he said: "Send someone to send a message to other semicolonies. We will collect as much grain as Longsheng Grain Store has."

He didn't believe it anymore, Longsheng is really capable. Continuously replenishing goods?

Don't you want to sell it at a low price? Then he will buy it at a low price!

Anyway, he has the Zhou family on his back and has endless money to support him.

After he collects all the food in Longsheng, he will not have the final say on the price of food in the north!

Huh, Xiao Longsheng, I don't know the heights of the world, but I still want to fight with him!

When the young man heard that the shopkeeper finally had a solution, he was so happy that he immediately sent people to send messages to various cities.

A day later, news came back.

He was very proud of the gold. When he opened the letter, his expression changed.

Good guy, he jumped up from the bench again.

The letterhead stated that Longsheng Grain Store restricted purchases and did not accept bulk sales.

They are trying to find more people to line up to buy, and are currently recruiting people. Please ask shopkeeper Jin to allocate more labor costs to them.

But given the current situation, even if we recruit people, we can't buy out Longsheng's food supply.

Because they couldn't stop other people from buying food...

They gritted their teeth with hatred for a mouthful of gold.

These people are all pigs who ran down some mountain. They can think of such bullshit tricks as recruiting people to queue up to buy food!

A mouthful of blood rushed to the top of Jin's head.

He walked around the house in circles for a long time like a donkey working a mill.

Finally, he stopped while biting his back molars.

"Reducing the price, whatever Longsheng sells, we will also sell it for. Notice, lower the price!"

Yijin's heart was bleeding.

Longsheng doesn't follow martial ethics, and the cost is obviously higher, so why sell it at a low price?

He was forced to give up his huge profits and become an ordinary grain merchant!

He stayed up all night, and the next day, he sat at the door with dark circles under his eyes, waiting for the guests to come.

But he waited in vain for a whole day, and no one came to the door.

Not to mention coming to his door, it is considered polite not to spit twice when passing by his door.

Yi Yijin looked at his own price tag and then at Longsheng's price tag, feeling a little doubtful about life.

Why do those stupid civilians would rather queue up at the entrance of Longsheng than come to Zhouji to buy?

The same price, Zhou Ji doesn't have to queue up!

A mouthful of gold stayed alone for another two days, but still didn't sell a grain of rice.

The feedback from the semicolons in each city also came back, and they were in the same situation.

Even if the price is the same as Longsheng's, no one will buy it.

After hearing the news, his golden face was as yellow as his teeth.

He was so angry that his liver was going to explode!

The boy was so frightened that he didn't dare to say anything. After a long while, he asked: "Shopkeeper, what should we do next?"

"What should we do? I'll do it to you!" He dropped a high-grade purple clay teapot with a mouthful of gold.

The little boy was peeing, wondering if there was still a shortage of people in Longsheng next door.

A mouthful of gold is being wasted in the house again.

After a while, he made a difficult decision.

"Reduce the price, continue to reduce the price, reduce it by 10%." Yiyijin said through gritted teeth.

At the same time, he was comforting himself that in business, the most important thing was to keep the market and customers.

Who doesn't lose money when they first start a business?

They all start from losing money and making money.

As long as you can retain customers, immediate losses are temporary, and long-term benefits are more important.

This time the little guy learned his lesson and didn't dare to talk much, so he quickly went to find someone to deliver the message.

A mouthful of gold continued to grind in the room, and after another while, he suddenly stopped and patted his head.

How could he forget that there must be something fishy in this supply of goods in Longsheng? He had to find someone to investigate!

Thinking of this, he tremblingly took out a pen and paper, wrote a long letter, and had it delivered.

If you have difficulty finding an organization, it doesn't matter if Zhou Ji can't cover the sky with one hand in the northern border. Once you leave the northern border, Zhou Ji's territory is everywhere.

After waiting for two days, he did not receive a reply from the organization. Instead, he received bad news from other cities.

Although the 10% reduction in food prices attracted some customers, it was only sporadic traffic.

There are even people who, after going home and having a meal, take the food back to the store to return it, saying that Zhou Ji's food is not as fresh and delicious as Longsheng's.

One mouthful of gold almost vomited blood.

Although he knew very well that Zhou Ji's food was indeed mixed with good and bad, but so what?

The northern border is almost starved of food, and you are still picky, thinking that you are the fate of the prince and princess?

He still doesn't believe it. Are there no poor people in the north?

How can a poor person remain unmoved when he sees Zhou Ji's price being 10% lower?

Humph, sooner or later and later in the evening.

Unfortunately, after waiting for several days, the business of his grain store still did not improve.

After asking someone carefully, I found out that Longsheng Grain Store had some sort of buy-ten-get-one-free campaign.

Just buy ten stones of food and get one stone as a gift for the last time.

All in all, it's almost the same price as his 10% price reduction.

Ordinary people are not stupid. The price is similar, why not buy something with better quality?

This time, the golden face turned green.

He finally understood that Longsheng was not serious about doing business. He was clearly trying to kill him!